1. Roads
To avoid disruption to major roads, railways, canals or rivers, the Pipeline will be constructed using a trenchless technique, meaning that major roads will not need to be closed.
Trenchless techniques bury the pipeline at a greater depth than open cut methods and allow for installation while the road, railway, canal or river remains open.
2. Noise
The impact of construction noise and vibration will be kept as low as reasonably practicable by undertaking all work in accordance with BS 5228-1:2014 – Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites.
Mitigation measures will include:
- The use of machinery that conforms to the relevant noise emission standards, for example white noise reversing alarms. Additionally, where possible electrically powered plant and machinery will be used.
- Use of acoustic barriers, screens or covers where required. Additionally, acoustic enclosures will be set up around static plant to reduce noise disturbance.
- Works which would have higher noise levels will be scheduled for times that will have the least impact on the local area. Some locations where trenchless crossings are being carried out will require working 24 hours a day, but this will be for short periods.
- There will be 24-hour noise monitoring that will trigger and notify the construction contractor(s) at the centralised compounds and where there is a potential impact outside of core working hours at trenchless crossings.
- If necessary, enhanced mitigation measures will be agreed with the appropriate Local Authorities and communicated accordingly.
3. Dust
Dust emissions will be carefully monitored and managed by the construction contractors onsite.
Additionally, all work will be carried out wherever possible in accordance with best practice codes of conduct such as the Control of Dust from Construction Sites (BRE BTi Feb 2003).
Mitigation measures include:
- Stripping and stockpiling of soil shall be kept to a minimum. Where stockpiling is required, they will be covered, seeded of fences to prevent wind whipping.
- Site layout will be planned to keep machinery and dust-causing activities away from the community.
- Dust suppression measures will also be in place and will include:
- Bowsers to dampen surfaces in dry weather
- Wheel washers to limit dust being tracked off-site by construction vehicles
- Solid screens shall be put up around dusty activity or the site boundary where possible
- If necessary, works will be stopped or postponed if dust levels are too high for example during dry or windy weather
4. Environment
As part of the pre-construction activities, surveys are being conducted to understand the ecological and environmental sensitivities of the site. Ecological surveys will consider badgers, bats, water voles, otters, great crested newts, fish, barn owls.
All surveys and construction works will be overseen by a third-party Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) who will oversee pre-construction surveys and monitor ecological conditions during construction. The ECoW will also monitor the implementation of mitigation measures and ensure all site personnel are working appropriately.