Environment
This page explains how we would assess the environmental impacts of our proposals and plan to work through any adverse impacts.
Environmental Impact Assessment process
The proposed extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead will be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2006. The EIA process ensures that the likely significant environmental effects of the proposal and potential mitigation measures are properly and clearly set out in an Environmental Statement (ES). The EIA should include all significant impacts, both positive and negative. The ES is submitted as part of the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application to be considered in the decision-making process. More information about the TWAO process can be found here.
Arial view of development area across river
An EIA Scoping Opinion, which will set out the topics and assessment methods that are proposed to be included within the EIA, will be sought from the Secretary of State for Transport prior to the submission of the TWAO application. In advance of this, we have started collecting environmental baseline data, including seasonal ecological surveys, to determine what comprises the current environment.
To support the TWAO application and the ES, we will also produce a Transport Assessment, Flood Risk Assessment, Sustainability Statement, and an Equalities Impact Assessment.
We will engage with key environmental stakeholders such as the Environment Agency, Natural England, Historic England, the Port of London Authority, the Marine Management Organisation and the Local Planning Authorities. This engagement will ensure that due consideration is given to the likely significant environmental effects of the project and to appropriate mitigation measures. We would also like your feedback through this consultation on how our proposals might impact your local environment.
Environmental opportunities and impacts
The potential environmental impacts and opportunities of both construction and operation of the new extension on a variety of environmental areas has been and will continue to be considered throughout the design process. This has included looking at impacts on ecology, noise, air quality, communities, archaeology, built heritage, contaminated land, townscape and visual impact, water resources and flood risk.
The potential environmental impacts associated with our preferred option may include:
- Potential impacts on ecology and existing habitats in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, e.g. the Twin Tumps Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)
- Potential impacts on local residents and communities
- Potential impacts on the river associated with construction
- Potential impacts from contamination due to the former uses of the areas
The proposals as a whole would support environmental benefits by providing an alternative to private car use, promoting the use of public transport and encouraging modal shift, contributing towards congestion reduction and air quality improvements.
Arial view across Thamesmead to Beckton
We also recognise that there is also opportunity for environmental enhancements in developing the proposals, for instance green infrastructure and biodiversity net gain and Climate Change adaptation measures.
The EIA will identify the likely significant effects due to the proposals and allow us to develop appropriate mitigation measures. As we develop our proposals further we will work with the local community and other stakeholders to fully understand these impacts and develop any mitigation strategies.
Sustainability
We are committed to promoting sustainability in the development of any of our proposals. We are developing sustainable principles, measures and targets which will be carried forward throughout the development of these proposals. Whilst we are still developing our proposals specific measures and targets, we are looking at core TfL sustainability themes such as:
Economic
- Enable safe, reliable, comfortable and affordable access to goods, jobs, education
- Improve productivity and supports wealth generation, promoting regeneration
Environmental
- Climate Change - reduce CO2 emissions and improve asset and service resilience
- Enhance London's built and natural environment
- Improve air quality and reduce noise
Social
- Safety and security - reduce accidents or criminal acts on public transport and road network and anticipate and prepare for terrorist attacks and improve community safety
- Equality and Diversity - ensure equal and fair treatment of all people and access to opportunities (housing, jobs); supporting existing and new communities and tackling deprivation
- Enable access to health and leisure facilities, improve passenger comfort and improve passenger and staff fitness
A sustainability assessment will be prepared and submitted with the TWAO application. This document will include several key performance indicators against which the scheme will be reviewed and monitored at key stages of the project lifecycle.
Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Net Gain
We have a legal obligation to conserve green infrastructure and biodiversity and promote and consider green infrastructure and biodiversity in our new infrastructure projects. We are committed to achieving 10 per cent Biodiversity Net gain for our new infrastructure projects. This will help us to comply with the actions set out in our Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity plan.
Arial view of ThamesmeadGreen infrastructure is the network of green and blue features of natural and built environments and the connections between them that provide benefits for people and nature. Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area, from ecosystems to species to genes.
Green features include parks, woodlands, trees, allotments, community growing spaces, churchyards and cemeteries, hedges, verges, gardens and vegetated sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), such as raingardens, swales and green roofs.
Blue features include rivers, streams, ditches, wetlands, canals, and ponds linear features, such as rivers and trackside vegetation, provide connections through and between areas of green infrastructure.
We have completed a number of ecology surveys in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead to inform the development of our Biodiversity Net Gain strategy and Implementation & Monitoring plan. Further details will be provided at a future consultation.
Arial view of Beckton Riverside siteCarbon
We are committed to taking further steps to address our carbon emissions including in the delivery phase of projects and programmes, to meet TfL, Mayoral, national and international requirements. Research, Governmental publications, examples from industry and examples from within TfL have also shown that reducing whole life Carbon reduces whole life costs, demonstrating the benefits an overt focus on Carbon can have.
We are currently undertaking Carbon assessments to help us understand the whole life carbon impacts of our proposals and associated costs. This work includes producing a Carbon Resource Plan, DfT Carbon Management Plan and using TfL’s Carbon Model tool to help identify “hotspots” for further design work to reduce the project’s overall impact on Carbon.
Next steps
We will continue to collect environmental baseline data on all different topic areas. We will continue to engage with stakeholders and the local community as the scheme develops so that any impacts are fully understood, and that appropriate mitigation is developed. Feedback from this consultation will help inform the environmental impact assessment process.
