Local communities, landscapes and the environment

• Temporary adverse effects related to dust and exhaust emissions impacting residential properties, schools, hospitals, ecological designated sites and other sensitive locations within 200m of the roads affected by the project.

• Beneficial effects on air quality in the Dartford Air Quality Management Area, around the approach to the Dartford Crossing.
• Adverse effects on air quality experienced in other areas, although these are unlikely to cause air quality to exceed UK Air Quality Strategy objectives. The project is also unlikely to affect compliance with the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive.

• We are continuing to assess the impact of the project on air quality, both during and after construction.
• We have identified potential measures to control and minimise construction dust such as maintaining all dust control equipment in good condition, using waste water for dust suppression, and cover seed or fence stockpiles.

• To understand the full effect of the project, including any likely improvements to air quality.
• To reduce any adverse effects of construction.

• Temporary adverse noise impacts from activities such as using construction machinery, tunnelling activities, temporary road closures and diversions, and site deliveries.
• Temporary adverse vibration effects from piling activities and the tunnel boring machines.

• Permanent adverse effects experienced as short-term and long-term perceptible changes in road traffic noise levels.
• Permanent localised adverse effects associated with the tunnel ventilation system.

• We are continuing to assess the impact on noise levels and vibration, both during and after construction.
• We will use best practice during construction to make sure we minimise any noise impacts, such as the careful location of our sites.
• We will identify additional measures to control and reduce noise levels during construction where appropriate, such as using noise barriers. We will identify locations where measures such as noise barriers and low noise surfacing can reduce traffic noise levels once the new road is open.
• We will identify appropriate measures to control noise from the tunnel ventilation system, using intelligent design and modern technology.

• To understand the full effect of the project on noise and vibration.
• Where possible to reduce adverse noise and vibration during construction.
• To mitigate potential increases in levels of traffic noise caused by the project at sensitive locations such as residential properties, hospitals, care homes and schools.
• To ensure the road and tunnel are operated and maintained in a considerate manner for communities.

• Permanent adverse effects to buried archaeological, Palaeolithic and palaeoenvironmental remains, and geological deposits owing to physical damage, removal, compaction, or changes to groundwater levels. The Orsett Crop Mark Complex scheduled monument will mostly be removed.
• Permanent adverse effects through the demolition of two listed buildings and activities within a registered park and garden.
• Temporary adverse effects on the setting of heritage assets, including conservation areas, listed buildings and registered parks and gardens owing to the removal of vegetation screens, introducing new structures and movement of construction vehicles.

• Permanent adverse effects on heritage assets as a result of the new road, other structures and vehicles.

• We are continuing our assessment work to develop a comprehensive picture of the archaeology and cultural heritage of the area by carrying out surveys and investigations before construction starts.
• We have collected detailed records of any unknown archaeological remains that are uncovered during construction.
• We have identified how we will limit the likely effects on the setting of heritage assets such as screening vegetation and careful earthworks design.
• Where appropriate, bridges will be designed to take into account local landscape character and features.

• To avoid or reduce any impacts, where possible, on conservation areas, listed buildings, monuments, archaeological remains, and registered parks and gardens.
• To deal sensitively with unknown archaeological remains that may be uncovered during construction.

We recognise the importance of the landscape, not just in terms of its scenery or backdrop, but because it links culture with nature, and past with present.

The Lower Thames Crossing will pass through a variety of landscapes including the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, green belt land, four National Character Areas and through or near to 23 local authority local character areas.

• Temporary adverse impact on landscape character and tranquillity along the entire route, but most notably in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, along the A2 corridor, Tilbury Marshes and Orsett Fen.
• Temporary adverse visual effects for residential properties, visitors to heritage assets, and users of public rights of way, paths, the national cycle route network and other recreational land.

• Permanent adverse effects on landscape character, tranquillity and visual impact owing to the presence of the new road and resulting traffic.

• We have lowered the road where possible to avoid the visual impacts for local communities.
• We have worked into our plans design elements such as mounds, hills, trees and shrubs to help screen the road and vehicles from nearby properties and footpaths.
• We are considering upgraded bridge structures (green and architectural) to blend into the existing landscape.
• We are proposing using tunnel entrances and service buildings that reflect the local landscape/townscape and character of the area.
• We will plan the location and layout of construction sites, access routes and associated night-time lighting to minimise impacts on nearby properties and footpaths.

• To mitigate potential impacts on views and landscape character features, both during and after construction.
• To maximise the opportunities to integrate the route with the landscape.

• Temporary adverse effects relating to habitat loss cause by site clearance and land take, noise, lighting, movements of construction vehicles, water or air pollution, contamination of soils, and tunnelling.
• Temporary adverse effects on the functioning of the Special Protection Areas and Ramsar site owing to changes in the water regime.

• Permanent adverse effects on biodiversity on land from noise and visual disturbance from traffic and street lighting, pollution from surface water run-off and accidental spillages, changes in air quality and fragmentation of foraging habitat and key flight lines for species.

• We are carrying out ecological surveys to fully understand where important flora and fauna are – and how they might be affected by the project.
• We will relocate protected species, where necessary, to other sites before we start construction in that area.
• We are continuing to work with relevant environmental and conservation organisations, and local authorities, to create new habitats as needed.
• We have incorporated infrastructure, such as fencing and planting, to connect habitats either side of the route and to guide animals under, over and away from the road where possible.

• To avoid or reduce the impact of the project on important habitats and protected species such as great crested newts, bats, water voles, reptiles, badgers and birds.

The Thames Estuary is a significant biodiversity asset, and there are several designated ecological sites with marine components that could be affected by the project.

The estuary has areas of intertidal mudflat, sandflats and saltmarsh that provide key foraging, breeding and nursery habitat for invertebrates and numerous species of fish. These, in turn, support important bird and mammal populations, including seals and porpoises.

• Potential temporary adverse effects relating to the loss of habitat supporting designated sites such as the Thames Estuary and Marshes SPA and Ramsar site during construction, operation and demolition of a potential jetty.
• Temporary adverse effects from dredging to the way water moves and changes the environment around it, potentially leading to the loss of habitat or disturbance of species.
• Temporary adverse effects on water quality, which would then have an effect on migratory and resident fish species.
• Temporary adverse effects relating to underwater noise, which would have an effect on marine mammals and fish.
• Temporary adverse effects relating to lighting, which would have an effect on marine mammals and fish.

• No likely significant effects are anticipated.

• We have moved the southern entrance of the tunnel approximately 600 metres south, which reduces the impact on the adjacent Ramsar site.
• We will continue to carry out marine ecological surveys to fully understand the presence and distribution of habitats and species, as we may need to build a temporary jetty in the Thames Estuary for the delivery or removal of construction material when we begin work on the tunnel.
• We are using the huge amount of existing data to help us determine the potential effects of our work. We will minimise these impacts as much as possible.
• Noise and vibration limits will be set to minimise impacts on marine mammals and fish.

• To minimise the impact of the project on the mudflat habitat at the proposed location of the jetty, which houses many species. The area is also a migratory route for important fish species such as the European eel.

• Adverse effects associated with the pollution and degradation of watercourses and groundwater owing to spillages, handling and storage of materials and waste or mobilisation of sediments.
• Resultant adverse effects on ecologically designated sites including the Thames Estuary and Marshes Ramsar site and the South Thames Estuary and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest.
• Adverse effects on wells and boreholes such as the permitted drinking water supply at Linford and unlicensed or private sources of water supply.
• Adverse effects owing to an increased demand for water, which would lower river or groundwater levels.
• Adverse effects associated with the temporary loss of flood plain storage in the Thames Estuary tidal flood plain and the Mardyke river flood plain.

• Permanent adverse changes in groundwater levels, flow and pollution.
• Permanent adverse effects on water quality in water bodies that receive runoff from the new road.
• Adverse effects on flood risk owing to works within the flood plain and new watercourse crossings.

• We have designed appropriate drainage systems along the road to store and control run-off.
• We will incorporate good practice pollution prevention measures in line with relevant legal requirements to reduce the risk of water pollution during construction.
• We are proposing to increase the floodplain in some areas to compensate for the lost floodplain as a result of the project.

• To prevent negative impact on water quality during construction.
• To prevent the project causing any increased flood risk.
• To help slow the flow of surface water from the road to .the surrounding environment, and prevent silt pollutants flowing into nearby water channels, such as brooks, rivers and streams.

• Permanent adverse effects associated with the loss of geological resources.
• Permanent adverse effects relating to the contamination of soils, ground and surface waters. This has a risk to human health owing to the disturbance of contaminated land during activities such as piling, or spillages of oil or other substances.
• Temporary adverse risk to construction activities from ground instability, areas of soft ground, sink holes or other geohazards.
• Temporary adverse effects relating to the risk of disturbance of unexploded military ammunition.
• Temporary adverse effects relating to the potential migration of ground gases from landfill sites and buildup in confined spaces.

• Permanent adverse effects from the migration of ground gases into service ducts or other structures.
• Permanent adverse effects associated with the sterilisation of minerals within safeguarded areas.

• We are continuing to assess whether we can use minerals from safeguarded and other suitable areas.
• We are carrying out investigations to identify contaminated land and unexploded military ammunition.
• Appropriate working methods and personal protective equipment will be used and good site hygiene adopted to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated materials.
• We will develop a soil management plan.
• We will reduce the risk of contamination and settlement through careful design and monitoring.
• The design and maintenance regime will take into consideration ground gas conditions and be adapted to avoid migration of gases.

• To prevent harm to people and the environment from contaminated land.
• To avoid or reduce loss, damage and contamination of soil, which is a valuable resource.

• Permanent adverse effects relating to the depletion of material resources for the construction of the project.
• Temporary adverse effects on the local waste management infrastructure owing to the disposal or recovery of construction phase wastes.
• Temporary adverse effects relating to road congestion, air quality and noise owing to the transfer of materials and waste.

• No likely significant effects are anticipated.

• We have identified potential measures to keep the use of materials and waste production to a minimum.
• We are exploring options to reuse excavated soil and other resources onsite where possible, and recycle materials such as timber offcuts that cannot be reused in the project.
• We are considering alternative modes of transport, such as river barges, to move materials and waste to and from construction sites.
• Where possible we will procure materials and resources in a sustainable manner to protect the environment.

• To limit the carbon footprint of the project.
• To reduce construction traffic movements, and therefore vehicle emissions.

• Temporary adverse effects owing to land take from businesses or private landowners, including land allocated for development, community open space and sports and leisure spaces.
• Permanent adverse effects owing to the demolition of certain commercial and residential properties within the development boundary.
• Temporary adverse effects owing to changes in access to commercial and residential properties, including disruption to agricultural business operations.
• Temporary adverse effects from diversions to public rights of way, cycle routes and national trails.
• Temporary adverse effects associated with changes to the noise, air quality and visual impacts for people living in or visiting the area.
• Temporary beneficial effects on the local and wider economy through job creation and demand for goods and services.

• Permanent and temporary adverse effects associated with land take.
• Beneficial effects associated with improved access to jobs.

• Where possible, we have provided alternative routes and crossing points for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders when rights of way are affected, such as footbridges or underpasses.
• Where possible, we will restore land that is needed temporarily for construction to its previous use.
• Where possible, we are proposing to maintain uninterrupted access to public and private properties, such as community facilities, homes, businesses and agricultural land.
• We are exploring options where appropriate to provide a number of structures for all users that may bring environmental benefits for communities and biodiversity.

• To avoid or reduce diversions or severance of public rights of way and other routes and enable continued access.
• To mitigate the potential impact of the project on access to, or use of, community facilities, as well as on local homes, businesses, potential developments and agricultural land.

• Permanent adverse effects are likely owing to the project’s contribution towards greenhouse gas emissions and therefore climate change.

• Permanent adverse effects are expected due to the greenhouse gas emissions from road user vehicle emissions.
• Adverse effects may arise owing to the impact climate change may have on some of the project’s structures due to increased rainfall. This could result in: flooding or ground movement; increased stress on bridge joints caused by higher temperatures; flooded drains; collapsed culverts; contaminated water; and the need for road or tunnel closures owing to heavy rain or flooding; or collapsed earth embankments due to heavy rain.

• We have identified measures to reduce the project’s greenhouse gas emissions such as considering the specification of materials with an optimum design life and lower carbon footprint. This could include using recycled materials or materials sourced from nearer to the site to minimise transportation movements.
• We have identified measures to help the project adapt to climate change, for example incorporating climate change allowances within the drainage design and introducing flood bunds around the north tunnel entrance.

• To ensure that the project will be able to adapt to climate change and avoid any further environmental impacts resulting from future climate change.
• To reduce the project’s impact on climate change.