Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton is proposing to undertake two major projects to ensure that the Port of Southampton remains competitive and successful as a major port into the future.
The first of these projects is a capital dredge to improve the navigational accessibility to the Port of Southampton by undertaking deepening and widening of the main approach channel. The proposal, which is referred to as the Southampton Approach Channel Dredge (SACD), involves:
- Alterations to the navigation channel at various locations through Southampton Water, as well as additional dredge locations within the Solent; and
- Lowering / replacement of the pipelines across Southampton Water in the vicinity of Fawley.
The second proposal to strengthen and deepen part of the existing quay in the Western Docks fronting SCT to enable the Port to accommodate the current generation of large container vessels at their loaded draught. This proposal will involve:
- Deepening the berthing pockets of Berths 201 and 202 (the very first container berths in the Port) from present depths of between 10.2 and 12.2m below Chart Datum to 16m below Chart Datum;
- The reconstruction or the quay wall between 3 and 5m seaward of the existing alignment to enable the deeper berth pocket;
- Disposal or alternative uses of the dredge arisings.
Both proposals will need to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Scoping Studies to identify the issues that will need to be addressed in detail within such an assessment have been prepared. The reports also set out the approach to be used in the EIA and identify, where possible at this stage, the studies that will be undertaken to address the relevant issues of concern.
Click here for the Scoping Study for the Southampton Approach Channel Dredge
Click here for the Scoping Study for the Deepening of Berths 201 and 202
[Please be aware that these are large documents and may take a while to download. By right clicking your mouse you can download the pdf to your computer. You will need Adobe Acrobat to read this document.]
The Scoping Study documents have been submitted to Defra’s Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) and will be used to inform the formal Scoping Opinion to satisfy the requirements of the European EIA Directive, as implemented under the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007.
Scoping Study Approach
The Scoping Studies have been supported by available information to describe the existing (baseline) conditions of the dredge area and its environs. They draw upon scientific understanding based on experience of similar projects, as well as our specific knowledge of Southampton Water from previous assessments and monitoring programmes. They have also been informed by the results of an initial Environmental Scoping Workshop held by ABP on 18th January 2007.
The reports include the following details to inform the proposed EIA:
- A description of the proposed schemes and an indication of possible alternatives;
- An outline of the issues that are considered to be relevant to the schemes and which will be considered further in the EIA;
- Details of those issues that are not considered to be relevant given the scope, characteristics and potential impacts of the dredge; and
- A tabulated overview of the further work that will need to be undertaken, including the issues raised by the consultees, which will be addressed within the EIA.
Interested parties, including non-statutory groups, will be consulted during the early stages of the assessment process and the need for discussion forums to discuss specific issues will be addressed.
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