Client

Description

Wales and West Utilities

Wales and West Utilities have identified the need to replace their existing gas pipeline from Pwllheli City Gate PRI to Blaenau Ffestiniog PRI, Gwynedd, North Wales. RSK Environment Ltd has been commissioned by our clients Multi-tech Contracts Limited to undertake an Environmental Review for the proposal made by WWU.

The Pwllheli City Gate PRI to Blaenau Ffestiniog PRI pipeline will be a buried steel pipeline, typically laid a minimum of 1.2m below ground level. It will be approximately 38km long (including any spur pipelines used to connect into the existing gas distribution system), with nominal outside diameters of 150mm and 100mm and a maximum design operating pressure not exceeding 24bar g.

To date, RSK Environment has assisted with the route selection of the pipeline, conducted desk-based and site assessments and produced a Scoping Report.

Wales and West Utilities

RSK was commissioned to undertake the environmental assessments for the A497 Pipeline Diversions. This involved all consultations, site ecological surveys, liaison, reporting and obtaining all relevant consents in advance of the works, in addition to site environmental audits throughout construction.

Wales and West Utilities

RSK was commissioned to undertake the environmental assessments for the Mid Wales Rationalisation Project, which involved two pipeline diversions. This involved all consultations, site ecological surveys, liaison, reporting and obtaining all relevant consents in advance of the works, in addition to site environmental audits throughout construction.

Wales and West Utilities

RSK provided environmental support throughout the construction phase of the 9km pipeline, including gaining consents, audits and inspections.

Wales and West Utilities

RSK Environment was asked to prepare a pre-tender Environmental Management Plan for a pipeline diversion on the River Dovey. The pipeline diversion was required as a result of erosion of the riverbank exposing the existing pipe. The total length of replacement pipeline was approximately 1000m long and had a design operating pressure of 6.9 bar g.
RSK Environment undertook detailed surveys and consultations to identify potential environmental issues and subsequent mitigation requirements. Consents were also sought from the Environment Agency for works affecting watercourses.

Wales and West Utilities

A pre-tender Environmental Management Plan was prepared for Wales and West Utilities for a short pipeline diversion including a drilled section beneath the River Severn. The total length of replacement pipeline was be approximately 850m long and had a design operating pressure of up to 70 bar g.

RSK Environment also prepared an Environmental Review for the diversion, which was required due to the dynamic geomorphological natural processes of the river that in due course, would expose the existing pipeline.

Wales and West Utilities

RSK Environment undertook and initial environmental appraisal and produced a Key Issues report outlining the results of a desk-based study and site visit for the replacement of an existing gas Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) at Menai Bridge, Anglesey

Wales and West Utilities

RSK Environment prepared a pre-tender Environmental Management Plan and Key Issues report for the proposed modifications to an existing gas Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) at Llangefni, Anglesey. The Key Issues report was complied from information obtained by means of a desk-based study, consultations with both statutory and non-statutory consultees and a site visit to identify any other constraints not made evident by the desktop study and to aid interpretation of the published data.

Wales and West Utilities

Wales and West Utilities identified the need to construct a new PRS adjacent to an existing facility at Maelor near Marchwiel, North Wales to meet future increased gas demands. The proposal involved the erection of the new PRS and reconnection of existing pipeline infrastructure.

RSK Environment was commissioned by Wales and West Utilities to conduct an initial environmental appraisal, comprise of a desk-based study and a Phase 1 Habitat Survey for the proposal. The project also involved mitigation proposals and safeguarding for Great Crested Newts.

Severn Power Limited and Wales and West Utilities Limited

RSK has project managed two environmental statements (ESs) drafted for submission under the Public Gas Transporter Pipe-line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999. The 12km pipeline was divided into two sections:

• Henllys to Rhinderin – 6km (300mm) pipeline for Wales and West Utilities; and
• Marshfield to Uskmouth – 6km (450mm) pipeline for Severn Power Limited.

These sections will eventually supply the Severn Power Station with natural gas. The project involved extensive consultation. The Marshfield to Uskmouth section in particular has required extensive environmental input as its route is entirely within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with the final 1km being within an area covered by Natura 2000 designations.

British Gas plc

Stapleford Tawney to Horndon pipeline: RSK secured planning consent for a section of transmission pipeline for which permitted development rights had been withdrawn by an Article 4 Direction.

RSK developed the methodology, in conjunction with ADAS UK, to lift, store and replant 50,000 daffodil bulbs from the historic parkland at Warley Place.

RSK organised the public meeting and was responsible for ongoing liaison with members of the public and the Essex Wildlife Trust. RSK provided environmental supervision during pipeline construction.

Fleetwood Power

St Michael’s-on-Wyre to Fleetwood pipeline: RSK produced an environmental statement (ES) and a non-technical summary for this 12km pipeline in Lancashire.

RSK has compiled detailed method statements, approved by key consultees including English Nature and English Heritage, that have been used as the basis for further detailed ecological and archaeological surveys.

Grain LNG

Liquid natural gas (LNG) importation terminal: RSK produced an ES and undertook all associated surveys to support an LNG importation terminal, which includes a new jetty, onshore pipelines and plant. The ES included management of the production of an appropriate assessment under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994.

Laing O’Rourke (for National Grid UK (formerly Transco))

Chalgrove to East Ilsley pipeline: RSK conducted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a 25km, 900mm-diameter pipeline. RSK worked closely with the Laing engineering team to develop a suitable methodology and appropriate impact mitigation measures.

RSK secured the consent for construction from the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), formerly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Gas Transporter Pipe-line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.

McConnell Dowell

Reinforcement at Newbury: An RSK member of staff was appointed as the full-time environmental officer for McConnell Dowell during the construction of the pipeline and during preparation of environmental plans and procedures, site auditing, environmental risk assessment of method statements, and during the on-site control of environmental operations.

National Grid plc

Milford Haven to Aberdulais, South Wales pipeline: RSK assisted Nacap Land and Marine/National Grid with the construction of the 120km pipeline.

Upon completion of the EIA, RSK assisted with all ecological and archaeological site mitigation measures including obtaining protected species consents for badgers, bats, and dormice, for example, and complying with all BERR conditions. Such compliance has included RSK being the negotiator/facilitator between the relevant statutory bodies and the contractors at site.

National Power plc

Staythorpe Power Station supply: RSK undertook a feasibility study and pipeline route selection for the pipeline from the national transmission system to the power station.

PLE, Guardian Industries

Ecological assessment at Goole: A Phase 1 habitat survey and preliminary protected species survey was carried out by RSK as part of the ecological assessment for a pipeline that crossed arable and semi-natural habitats.

PowerGen plc

Deeside to Connahs Quay pipeline: RSK managed the environmental assessment and the production of an ES for this 27km, 36-inch (diameter) pipeline through the Dee Estuary, which is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), a special protection area (SPA) and a Ramsar site.

Seabank Power / British Gas plc

Pucklechurch to Seabank pipeline: RSK undertook an environmental assessment from the initial feasibility stage to submission of the application for the pipeline construction authorisation. RSK managed production of the ES, the non-technical summary, the exhibition panels and the farmers’ brochure.

RSK led consultations with statutory and non-statutory organisations and made presentations to parish councils. RSK prepared the environmental input to the tender documentation; the evaluation of tenders, and contract documentation.

RSK provided environmental support to Seabank Power during the detailed design and construction phase, including liaison with external authorities and monitoring of the contractor’s performance. RSK developed the hedgerow restoration plan.

National Grid UK

Aberdeen to Lochside pipeline: An RSK member of staff has been appointed as the environmental advisor to the client (National Grid Transco plc) for the design and construction of the pipeline including site auditing and a review of the contractor’s environmental deliverables.

National Grid UK

Pre-feasibility screening studies: RSK screened 400 National Grid (formerly Transco) pipelines to identify those that require environmental determination under the Gas Transporter Pipe-line Works (EIA) Regulations 1999.

National Grid UK

Farningham to High Halden pipeline: RSK provided environmental services during the feasibility, conceptual design and construction of this 60km, 1,200mm-diameter pipeline in Kent.

RSK’s scope of works included an environmental assessment; ecological, archaeological, soil and borehole surveys; production of the ES; production of the enviro-geotechnical and photo-geomorphological reports; evaluation of environmental aspects of the main works’ tenders; consultations; securing environmental and planning consents; advising on environmental and planning legislation; provision of environmental services during construction, and the management of ecological mitigation measures (primarily for great crested newts and dormice).

National Grid UK

Horndean to Newalls Lane pipeline: RSK provided environmental services during the feasibility and conceptual design of this 15km, 400mm-diameter pipeline near Chichester. The RSK scope of works was similar to that of the Farningham to High Halden pipeline above.

National Grid UK

Broadway and Moretonhampstead pipelines: RSK managed the environmental assessment of these two pipelines through particularly sensitive areas (the Cotswolds and Dartmoor National Park).

National Grid UK

Witney Spur pipeline: RSK undertook the environmental assessment and management during the construction of this 10km pipeline in Oxfordshire. RSK completed weekly site inspections and monthly environmental audits, and was responsible for securing all environmental consents.

National Grid UK

Canford link pipeline: RSK undertook the environmental assessment of this pipeline, which included a combination of street works and heathland sections.

RSK developed the methodology in consultation with local nature conservation organisations. In addition, RSK managed the ecological surveys and the exclusion of herpetofauna from the working areas as well as managing the specialist contractor for heathland turfing.

National Grid UK

Peters Green to South Mimms pipeline: RSK undertook the environmental assessment of this 26km, 1,200mm-diameter pipeline in Hertfordshire. RSK was responsible for: ecological and archaeological surveys, securing environmental consents, public liaison, and environmental management during construction.

RSK developed the construction methodology for an ecological sensitive section across Colney Heath. We are currently managing the post-construction monitoring of this section together with archaeological analysis and archiving.

BP

Baku – Tbilisi – Erzirum South Caucasus gas pipeline: Members of RSK staff provided extensive support to the three sections of these pipelines in Azerbaijan, and were the environmental managers for one of the construction contractors at the construction contact centres (CCCs).

National Grid UK

Burghfield power station supply pipeline: RSK managed the environmental review for this 9km, 200mm-diameter pipeline to a proposed combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station, south of Reading.

Bord Gáis Ēireann (BGE)

Environmental and archaeological inspectors for the BGE gas interconnector: After RSK completed the ES for the BGE gas interconnector pipeline, we were retained to produce plans for the reinstatement of the route through ecologically and archaeologically sensitive areas.

RSK staff worked on site for two years during construction, supervising archaeological and environmental aspects of the work.

National Grid UK

EIA feasibility studies for pipelines: RSK has carried out over 100 environmental feasibility studies for National Grid UK (formerly Transco) pipelines.

Shell E&P Ireland Ltd (SHEPIL)

Corrib natural gas development: RSK provided the lead project managers for the detailed environmental assessment associated with the development proposals to bring natural gas from the Corrib Field, off north west Mayo, onshore and to subsequently connect the gas supply to the existing BGE ring main near Galway.

The project included full offshore and onshore environmental assessments, two rounds of public exhibitions and the production of two environmental impact statements to cover onshore and offshore aspects of the project.

PSG International

Trans-Caspian: RSK undertook a pipeline routeing feasibility study for a proposed pipeline across the Caspian from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan.

We utilised our local, in-depth knowledge, and supplemented this with studies commissioned from local academicians, to determine the optimum pipeline route in the context of the environmental and geo-hazard characteristics and concerns in the region.

Seabank Power/ British Gas plc

Engineering projects: RSK compiled an ES and has undertaken construction environmental management.

National Grid UK

Littlemore to Chickerell pipeline: RSK managed an environmental review of this 7km, 200mm-diameter pipeline to a proposed CCGT power station near Weymouth.

British Gas plc

Stapleford Tawney to Horndon pipeline: RSK secured planning consent for a section of transmission pipeline for which permitted development rights had been withdrawn by an Article 4 Direction.

RSK developed the methodology, in conjunction with ADAS UK, to lift store and replant 50,000 daffodil bulbs from this historic parkland at Warley Place. RSK organised the public meeting and was responsible for ongoing liaison with members of the public and the Essex Wildlife Trust. During the construction stage, RSK provided environmental supervision.

Daniels

Haverfordwest to Wolfsdale pipeline: RSK was appointed to provide ecological advice at several locations along this sensitive pipeline in West Wales.

Elf and Elgin/ Franklin

Export pipeline landfall: RSK was commissioned to undertake all environmental aspects of the assessment of the landfall of a pipeline at Bacton.

There were two key concerns associated with the assessment: the geographic position of the site (it falls within an SSSI), and tourism (the period of construction overlapped with the tourist season when visitors were expected to use the beach; potential disruption at the beach was expected).

These two concerns were addressed and the application was approved in 1997.

British Gas plc

North Morecambe pipeline: A member of RSK staff worked with the client and construction contractors to develop an appropriate and sensitive methodology for the offshore landfall of a 36-inch (diameter) gas pipeline, 3-inch (diameter) methanol pipeline and a communications cable, and for their installation across Walney Channel (which forms part of the Morecambe Bay SSSI/SPA/Ramsar site).

Our staff member conducted extensive liaison with the regulatory authorities and was responsibility for ensuring compliance with consent conditions and other legislative requirements. In addition, she designed and managed a five-year ecological survey of inter-tidal invertebrates, plants and birds in order to evaluate and record the temporary impacts of pipe-laying and the rates of species recovery.

RSK conducted the site audits and developed and managed a reinstatement programme for the mudflats, salt marsh, rocky shore, Zostera, maritime shingle ridge and cliff grassland.

British Gas plc

Gilwern to Hafod-Yr-Ynys Pipeline: RSK compiled a detailed level two environmental report, and detailed ecological and archaeological surveys, culminating in the production of an environmental impact statement for this pipeline that was to cross extensive areas of upland moorland.

The sensitive nature of the series of habitats to be crossed was evident in the designations along this route: SSSI, SAC, world heritage sites and national park status.

RSK conducted continuous and open consultations with all statutory and non-statutory consultees. RSK’s commitment to detailed surveys and ongoing monitoring was key to this sensitive project.

British Gas plc

Pontyates to Bancyfelin pipeline: RSK undertook a detailed assessment of the 19.5km pipeline. Environmental Determination from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) (formerly DTI) under the Public Gas Transporter (PGT) EIA Regulations.

RSK’s consultations and our commitment to a non-open cut crossing through the River Towy SSSI led to the successful environmental management of the project.

British Gas plc

Talley to Llansawel, and Cwm Ifor to Manordeilo pipeline: RSK compiled detailed, level-two environmental reports for two pipelines (6.5km and 3.3km respectively). RSK conducted close consultations with key interested parties, and commissioned ecological and archaeological surveys.

RSK obtained drainage consents for all watercourses. An RSK staff member was responsible for environmental site management and consultations with interested parties. In addition, she produced method statements during the construction of the pipelines.

British Gas plc

Caersws to Talerddig and Machynlleth pipeline: RSK compiled an environmental review of this 25km pipeline phased over two stages.

RSK had consultations with key interested parties, and commissioned badger, otter, water vole, and hedgerow surveys. RSK also undertook a phase-one verification.

British Gas plc

North Morecambe pipeline: RSK worked with construction contractors to develop an appropriate and sensitive methodology for the offshore landfall of a 36-inch gas pipeline; a three-inch methanol pipeline and a communications’ cable, and for their installation across Walney Channel, which forms part of the Morecambe Bay SSSI/SPA/Ramsar site.

RSK led the liaison between English Nature and the planning authority. RSK secured planning consent for the pipeline deviation, and ensured compliance with consent conditions and other legislative requirements.

RSK designed and managed a five-year ecological survey of intertidal invertebrates, plants and birds in order to evaluate and record the temporary impacts of pipe-laying and the rates of species recovery.

In addition, RSK developed and managed a reinstatement programme for the mudflats, salt marsh, rocky shore, Zostera, maritime shingle ridge and cliff grassland.

British Gas plc

Pennington to Sellafield pipeline (Duddon Crossing): RSK worked in conjunction with English Nature to develop an appropriate methodology for laying the pipeline through natterjack toad habitat.

Wales and West Utilities

Uskmouth Pipeline North and South (two projects): RSK was commissioned to produce the Environmental Statements for natural gas pipelines in order to supply the new gas-fired power station in Uskmouth. Two individual sections of pipeline are set to link Henllys to Rhwiderin and Marshfield to Uskmouth Power Station.

This project was conducted in conjunction with the Uskmouth Power Station above. This project also included research into underwater acoustic impact on fish, drilling (HDD), augering and microtunelling.

Wales and West Utilities

Maelor Pressure Reduction Station Upgrade: RSK was commissioned by Wales and West Utilities to provide environmental and ecological services for the upgrading of the existing Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) at Maelor, Wrexham. Prior to development RSK were commissioned to provide an environmental assessment of the site adjacent to the existing PRS in addition to an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The environmental assessment highlighted the presence of Great Crested Newts within the area and the need for a European Protected Species (EPS) license prior to construction. RSK provided the method statement for the EPS license and supervised the newt mitigation works which is ongoing. Throughout construction RSK undertook environmental audits.

Bord Gais Eireann*

Gas Interconnector Project: RSK managed the EIA process and compiled the EIS documents in support of the Second Interconnector Project. This included the scope of works for offshore benthic surveys, preparation of Environmental Statement and consultation with all regulatory authorities (Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man). Three separate statements were produced covering the Scottish landfall, the Irish landfall and the subsea sections respectively.

Public exhibitions were held and attended in Scotland, Isle of Man and Ireland. Fisheries liaison meetings were also organised and upheld. The main aim of these being to disseminate information on the proposals in each country.

Fingleton McAdam/BGE

North West Pipeline: A 120km gas pipeline constructed between Carrickfergus and Londonderry in Northern Ireland. RSK undertook the full range of archaeological and ecological services resulting in re-routing to avoid significant sites, in accordance with other environmental and engineering factors. RSK also provide on-site environmental management throughout the construction of the pipeline.

Bord Gáis Éireann

Dunaid to Ballymena Pipeline: RSK was commissioned to undertake a full EIA for the proposed pipeline route. Detailed consultations were held with statutory consultees on both sides of the border.

Bord Gáis Éireann

Second Gas Interconnector Project: RSK managed the EIA process and compiled the EIS documents in support of the Second Interconnector Project. Three separate statements were produced covering the Scottish landfall, the Irish Landfall and the sub-sea sections respectively. Public exhibitions were held in both countries to disseminate information on the proposals.

Bord Gáis Éireann

Gas Interconnector Pipeline projects: RSK worked on two successive interconnector pipelines between Scotland and Ireland. RSK worked with JP Kenny on the offshore section of the project responsible for the environmental impact assessment, landfall, compressor station design and managed the stakeholder engagement and consents (onshore and offshore).

Bord Gáis Éireann

Agbadowey to Ballymoney Pipeline: RSK was commissioned to undertake a full EIA for the proposed pipeline route. Detailed consultations were held with statutory consultees on both sides of the border.

BG plc Transco

Local Gas Treatment Project: RSK provided environmental project management of a major project to change-over the British National Gas Transmission System from odorisation at coastal terminals to odorisation at off-takes from the BGTS. This involved Part B Local Authority Air Pollution Control applications for over 120 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as associated planning consents, land issues and consultations.

Georgian Gas Company (GIC)

Rehabilitation of the N–S and E–W gas pipeline system: RSK provided environmental and social expertise within a multidisciplinary international team working with the Georgian Gas Company (GIC) to assess the issues affecting rehabilitation of the main gas distribution system within Georgia. This was a World Bank-funded project. We advised on key environmental and social issues, ESIA scoping, IFI funding options and environmental management systems development within GIC.