GPL00-ASP-642-Y-TAE-0076 01--Integrated ESIA … · 2.2 Construction and Pre-commissioning 11 ... 2.2.2.1 Hydrotest Concept 17

Integrated ESIA GreeceAnnex 8.8 - Appropriate Assessment for GR1130006

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Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ASP-642-Y-TAE-0076Rev.: 01 Document Title:

Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 8.8 - Appropriate Assessment for GR1130006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 5

1.1 Purpose of this report 5

1.2 Legislative and other frameworks for the conduction of SpEA within Natura 2000 sites 5

1.3 Precedents, Stage One - Screening 7

2 PROJECT ACTIVITIES LIKELY TO GIVE RISE TO IMPACTS TO NATURA 2000 SITES 10

2.1 General Considerations 10 2.1.1 Project Overview 10

2.2 Construction and Pre-commissioning 11 2.2.1 Construction Methods 11 2.2.1.1 Marking and Clearance of Working Strip 11 2.2.1.2 Topsoil Stripping 12 2.2.1.3 Grading 13 2.2.1.4 Trenching 13 2.2.1.5 Blasting 14 2.2.1.6 Backfill 15 2.2.1.7 Watercourse Crossings 15 2.2.1.8 Clean Up and Restoration 16 2.2.2 Pressure Testing during Construction (Hydrotesting) 17 2.2.2.1 Hydrotest Concept 17 2.2.2.2 Water Abstraction Sources 18 2.2.2.3 Discharge / Disposal Options 18

2.3 Operation and Maintenance 19

2.4 Decommissioning 20

2.5 Safety and Non-Routine Events 20

3 METHODOLOGY ASSESSMENT 22

3.1 Introduction 22

3.2 Evaluation of Significance 23 3.2.1 Habitats 25 3.2.1.1 Vulnerability/Sensitivity criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems 25 3.2.1.2 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems 26 3.2.2 Species 27 3.2.2.1 Species sensitivity/vulnerability criteria 27 3.2.2.2 Magnitude Criteria for Species 28

4 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT OF NATURA 2000 POTAMOS FILIOURIS (SAC GR1130006) 29

4.1 Introduction 29

4.2 Baseline Data Collection 30


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4.3 Description of the project elements that are likely to give rise to effect on the Natura 2000 site (SAC GR1130006, Potamos Filiouris) 32

4.3.1 Relation of the SPA with the construction of TAP 32 4.3.2 Other projects and plans which could have a significant impact on the SPA 33

4.4 Baseline Description of NATURA 2000 Site GR1130006 Potamos Filiouris 33

4.4.1 General Description 33 4.4.2 Designation and Conservation Objectives 34 4.4.3 Qualifying Features: Habitats of the SAC GR1130006 37 4.4.3.1 Habitat type 92A0 “Salix alba and Populus alba galleries” 38 4.4.3.2 Habitat type 3280 “Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with Paspalo-

Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba” 38 4.4.3.3 Greek habitat type 72A0 “Reed thickets” 39 4.4.4 Qualifying Features: Species of the NATURA 2000 site – SAC GR1130006 39 4.4.5 Vulnerability of the protected site 45

4.5 Assessment of Impacts on Annex I Habitats due to Project Activities 45 4.5.1 Identification of potential Impacts 45 4.5.2 Impact assessment 46 4.5.2.1 Habitat loss 46 4.5.2.2 Habitat Fragmentation 47

4.6 Assessment of Impacts on Annex II Species due to Project Activities 47 4.6.1 Identification of Potential Impacts 47 4.6.2 Impact Assessment 48 4.6.2.1 Habitat loss / degradation 48 4.6.2.2 Habitat Fragmentation 48 4.6.2.3 Disturbance (Light, Noise and Human Presence) 49 4.6.2.4 Loss of Individuals 49

4.7 Cumulative impact 51

4.8 Mitigation measures 51 4.8.1 Habitat Loss / Degradation & Habitat Fragmentation 51 4.8.2 Disturbance 52 4.8.3 Loss of individuals 53

4.9 Assessment of Residual Impacts 54

4.10 Alternative (Including zero alternatives) 55 4.10.1 Comparison of Alternatives 56 4.10.1.1 Habitat Loss and Fragmentation 56 4.10.1.2 Loss of Individuals 56 4.10.2 Zero Alternative 56

4.11 Compensatory measures 57

4.12 Conclusions 57 4.12.1 Habitats 57 4.12.2 Species 57


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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-1 Screening Process for Protected Areas likely to be affected by the Project 9 Table 2-1 Water Requirements for Hydrotesting 18 Table 3-1 Evaluation of vulnerability/sensitivity of habitats 25 Table 3-2 Evaluation of vulnerability/sensitivity of species 27 Table 4-1 Habitat Cover – Annex I Habitat types 37 Table 4-2 Qualifying features: species listed on Annex II of Council directive

92/43/EEC in SAC GR1130006 41 Table 4-3 Potential impacts due to project activities 45 Table 4-4 Habitats Affected by Project Components 46 Table 4-5 Potential impacts on Annex II species due to project activities 47 Table 4-6 Residual impacts associated with project activities 54

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1 AA Stages 6 Figure 1-2 Natura 2000 sites potentially affected by the project 8 Figure 2-1 TAP’s route 10 Figure 2-2 Standard Working Strip 11 Figure 2-3 Reduced Working Strip 12 Figure 2-4 Indicative Cross Section of the Pipeline and Trench 14 Figure 2-5 Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) 16 Figure 3-1 Impact significance evaluation 24 Figure 4-1 Wider setting for SAC GR1130006 Potamos Filiouris (Blue Area) 29 Figure 4-2 Crossing of Filiouris River by HDD 33 Figure 4-3 Location of Annex 1 Habitats in the vicinity of the Project (River Filiouris

Crossing) 40

LIST OF BOXES

Box 3-1 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems 26 Box 3-2 Magnitude Criteria for Species 28 Box 4-1 Conservation objectives for SAC GR1130006 36


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of this report

The present Appropriate Assessment (AA) has been prepared on the basis of the conclusions

presented in the Appropriate Assessment Screening Process Report (Annex 8.6) and forms an

integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment report.

This report aims to provide a detailed ecological description of the GR 1130006 SAC Natura

2000 - Potamos Filiouris (Filiouris River) site expected to be traversed by the TAP project, and to

assess the potential effects of the project in terms of the maintenance of the ecological integrity

of the site.

The AA was carried out based on the potential project’s affections on the site’s conservation

objectives and qualifying interests and includes the definition of appropriate mitigation measures

so as to ascertain that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of the SAC.

As a reference, the report also includes the output of the screening exercise (Section 1.3). For

further details please refer to the Appropriate Assessment Screening Process Report (Annex 8.6)

(i.e. screening phase process, EU legal framework and procedures).

1.2 Legislative and other frameworks for the conduction of SpEA within Natura 2000 sites

Natura 2000 network aims to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and

threatened species and habitats. It is comprised of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under

the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC).

EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) sets out various procedures and obligations in relation to

nature conservation management in the Natura 2000 sites, their habitats and species. Amongst

them there is a series of procedural and substantive safeguards, that must be applied to plans

and projects that are likely to have a significant effect on these sites. These provisions of the

Habitats Directive have been incorporated into the national legislation through the Law


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3937/2011 and Law 4014/2011, which set the obligation to conduct a Special Ecological

Assessment (SpEA) as an integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment report when a

project that may cause significant environmental effects is planned within a site of the European

ecological network of Natura 2000.

In the lack of National Guidance documents for the specifications of the SpEA this AA has been

mainly based on the provisions indicated in the Assessment of plans and projects significantly

affecting Natura 2000 sites; Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of

the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

Based on the principles provided in the above-mentioned EU guidance, it has become generally

accepted that the assessment requirements of Article 6 establish a stage-by-stage approach.

These stages are summarized diagrammatically below, and an outline of the steps and

procedures involved in completing each stage follows:

Figure 1-1 AA Stages

Stage One: Screening — the process which identifies the likely impacts upon a Natura 2000 site

of a project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and considers

whether these impacts are likely to be significant;

Stage Two: Appropriate Assessment — the consideration of impacts on the integrity of the

Natura 2000 sites of the project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or

plans, with respect to the site’s structure, function and its conservation objectives. Additionally,

where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts;

Stage Three: Assessment of alternative solutions — the process which examines alternative

ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity

of the Natura 2000 site;

Stage 4 IROPI

Stage 3 Alternative Solutions

Stage 2 AA

Stage 1 Screening for

AA


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Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ASP-642-Y-TAE-0076Rev.: 01 Document Title: Integrated ESIA Greece

Annex 8.8 - Appropriate Assessment for GR1130006

Stage Four: Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain

— an assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of imperative

reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed

(it is important to note that this guidance does not deal with the assessment of imperative

reasons of overriding public interest).

Each stage in the assessment process precedes and provides a basis for other steps. The

results at each stage must be documented and recorded carefully to provide for traceability and

transparency of the decisions made, as they determine the decisions that ultimately made in

relation to approval or refusal of a plan or project.

This decision-making process of Article 6 is underpinned by the precautionary principle as well as

promoting the hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation and compensatory measures to be addressed

during the appropriate assessment process:

Avoidance: initially, a project should aim to avoid any negative impacts on Natura 2000 sites by identifying potential impacts early in project planning and afterwards by selecting the most appropriate solution in terms of avoiding such environmental impacts.

Mitigation: mitigation measures should be applied during the AA process to the point where no adverse impacts on the site remain.

Compensatory measures: as a worst-case scenario, a plan may have to undergo an assessment of alternative solutions. Under this stage of the assessment, compensatory measures are required for any remaining adverse effects, but they are permitted only if there are no alternative solutions and the plan is required for imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

1.3 Precedents, Stage One - Screening

Nine (9) Natura 2000 sites have been identified in the broader area of the proposed Project in

Greece that have the potential to be affected by Project activities, either because they are

crossed or because they are in the vicinity of the pipeline route or Project installations - see

Figure 1-2.


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Figure 1-2 Natura 2000 sites potentially affected by the project

Source: NCC (2013)

A screening exercise was conducted for these sites1 and it was concluded that there is potential

for the Project to have significant effects on the qualifying values or integrity of the Natura 2000

site of Potamos Filiouris (SAC; GR1130006) – refer to Table 1-1. Therefore a Stage 2

Appropriate Assessment has been conducted as detailed in Section 4 of this report. The need for

the AA was based on the direct crossing of the pipeline centreline to the site for a length of

approx. 0.5 km (from KP 77.3 to 77.7).

1 Further detail of the screening process is provided in Annex 8.6 - Appropriate Assessment Screening Report


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Table 1-1 Screening Process for Protected Areas likely to be affected by the Project

Site name /EU code: Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (GR1130006): Potamos Filiouris

Pipeline KP: 77.3-77.7

Natura 2000 description: The site is situated in the East Macedonia – Thrace and covers an area of 2,058.44 hectares along the flat section of Filiouris River from east section of Rhodopi Mountains. It is characterized by the presence of well-preserved riparian forests and the associated wildlife.

Individual components of the project likely to give rise to impacts on the Natura 2000 site: Pipeline route crosses the Natura 2000 site, at pipeline KP77.35 close to Lofario settlement. Construction activities such as the clearance of the construction zone, trenching, pipe installation and reinstatement are expected to impact the protected area.

Likely impacts/likely changes to the site: Construction activities will give rise to loss of habitat, fragmentation and disturbance. Some of the impacts of this phase are temporary and limited to the working strip of the pipeline. In the operation phase permanent loss of habitat in the 8 m pipeline protection strip safety zone is anticipated. For the Hydrotesting procedure water will be abstracted and discharged to the river body of Filiouris and therefore potential impacts are expected from the implementation of this procedure on the site and its features.

Screening result: The site will be affected by the project. An Appropriate Assessment is required.

Source: Exergia (2012)


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2 PROJECT ACTIVITIES LIKELY TO GIVE RISE TO IMPACTS TO NATURA 2000 SITES

2.1 General Considerations

The section below provides a brief description of project activities that are likely to give rise to

impacts on flora, fauna, and their respective habitats. The briefly described project activities are

presented in more detail in Section 4 of the ESIA study and in Annex 8.6 - Appropriate

Assessment Screening Process Report.

2.1.1 Project Overview

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a planned natural gas pipeline in the Southern Gas Corridor,

which will carry gas from reserves in the Caspian region to South and Central Europe. The

pipeline will connect the existing gas network; starting from Greece, it will traverse Albania and

Adriatic Sea and will terminate in southern Italy. The Greek part of TAP will be consisted of a

pipeline with a total length of ~543 km. The pipeline will be made of welded steel pipe sections

with an average of 18 m in length and a diameter of 48 inches (1.2 m) and will be coated outside

in order to be protected from corrosion with a 3-layer polyethylene. Internal epoxy coating will be

applied, to reduce friction of the gas flow. It will be buried underground within a trench for its

entire length and protected against corrosion by a cathodic protection system. The project

consists of associated components such as 22 Block Valve Stations (BVS), 2 Compressor

stations, 8 construction camps, and 17 logistics pipe yards.

Figure 2-1 TAP’s route

Source: TAP (2012)


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2.2 Construction and Pre-commissioning

The following activities could have a potentially damaging effect on the Natura 2000 sites.

2.2.1 Construction Methods

2.2.1.1 Marking and Clearance of Working Strip

The working strip, i.e. the required area for pipeline construction, must provide space for pipeline

fabrication (pipe stringing and welding, protective coating and quality testing of the fabricated

pipeline section, lowering into the trench), and for simultaneous vehicle movements, both to

happen in a safe manner. In general, the working strip requires a width of approximately 38 m

(Figure 2-2), but in areas where there are construction constraints (e.g. environmental or land

use constraints) and in general where limited space is available, the working strip may be

reduced from 38 m to 28 m) (Figure 2-3).

Figure 2-2 Standard Working Strip

Source: CPL00-ENT-100-F-DFT-0011_02


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Figure 2-3 Reduced Working Strip

Source: CPL00-ENT-100-F-DFT-0011_02

The working strip will be delineated and its preparation will involve clearing and grading activities.

The clearing will include removal of all structures, trees, bushes, boulders etc., as well as the

removal of tree stumps and roots from the trench so as to prevent any interference with the

trenching machine during its operation. Α description of the required grading activities is

presented below in 2.2.1.3.

2.2.1.2 Topsoil Stripping

Within the working strip topsoil will be carefully removed by excavators with flat 2 m/3 m wide

buckets. The fertile top soil (typically 0.3-0.5 m thick) will be stripped off over a width

approximately 22-24 m. The top soil is temporarily stored on one end of the working strip. The

non-fertile “sub-soil” obtained from the pipeline trench excavation will be stored on the opposite

side of the working strip. Fertile top soil will be re-deposited on top of the non-fertile soil for

reinstatement to assure adequate crop- or vegetation growth.


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2.2.1.3 Grading

As described above the working strip must provide sufficient working space for pipeline

fabrication and for simultaneous vehicle movements. Therefore the delineated strip will be graded

by specified equipment such as bulldozers and graders to the required width and so as to

simulate in a way to unpaved roads. However, grading will be less refined than that needed for a

road as construction equipment can negotiate steeper and more uneven terrain than passenger

vehicles. All grading activities will be carefully performed so as to facilitate any rehabilitation and

restoration measures that possibly will be applied after the completion of the construction of the

project.

2.2.1.4 Trenching

The pipeline will be buried underground within a trench for its entire length and protected against

corrosion by a cathodic protection system. The required trenching works will be mainly

undertaken by excavators and jack-hammers. The width of the trench will be determined by the

available depth, so as to prevent any instability incidents. In any case the excavated width will

enable easy installation of the pipe and protection of its external coating. For safety reasons and

in order to minimize impacts to existing land uses (e.g. agricultural) the buried pipeline will have a

soil cover of 1m minimum, however bigger depth will be required when crossing existing

infrastructures (1.2- 1.5 m). A typical cross section of the buried pipeline in the trench is imprinted

in Figure 2-4:


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Figure 2-4 Indicative Cross Section of the Pipeline and Trench

Source: ENT (2012)

It is possible that dewatering of the trench may be required in some sections along the pipeline’s

route, if the ground carries a significant amount of water. In any case prior to the discharge of

water to streams, rivers or irrigation ditches any relevant activities will be licensed and agreed

with authorities.

2.2.1.5 Blasting

In hard terrains, where conventional trenching methods are not effective, blasting will be required.

In such cases, the controlled use of explosives to break down and remove rocks and therefore

excavate the trench is performed. Blasting mats are usually placed on top of the explosions to

absorb the energy released and reduce dust and noise generated.

Blasting is not expected to be used during the crossing of the Natura 2000 site GR1130006.


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2.2.1.6 Backfill

Backfill will normally be placed over the pipeline immediately after the pipe section has been

lowered into the trench and surveyed. The backfilled material will be compacted in layers.

Bulldozers will be used to push stockpiled materials removed from the ditch back into the ditch to

cover the pipe. In areas that contain large quantities of rock, selected fill material may be added

to put the first layer of cover over the pipe, or special padding machines may be brought in to

sieve the rock from the backfill before the latter is used for backfill. Extreme care will be taken

with the initial fill to avoid damage to the coating during backfill. After the initial layer of screened

material is placed on the pipe, the remaining soil and rock mixture will be returned to the open

ditch to complete the backfill.

2.2.1.7 Watercourse Crossings

The pipeline route within the SAC crosses Filiouris River at KP 77.3 – 77.7. Watercourse

crossings will generally be undertaken using open-cut methods. Open-cut methods require an

open trench through the watercourse. The trench is shaped according to the stability of the soil

and is as deep as required to provide the minimum cover for the pipeline after the pipe is

installed. The surface (river or stream bed) is then reinstated to its original condition after the

trench is backfilled. A principal drawback of the open-cut technique is that in aquatic systems,

open-cut trenching can generate a pulse of suspended sediment which can reach values that are

higher than background concentrations. The flumed and the dam and pump methods are usually

less intrusive with regard to high sediment concentrations. Special care should be taken when

performing excavation works as these watercourses enrich the Vistonida Lake catchment area

with annual inflow.

However, a trenchless crossing method will be used to cross the Filiouris River –i.e. Horizontal

Directional Drilling (HDD) as illustrated in Figure 2-5.

HDD is an alternative technology used for inserting pipelines under sensitive areas or

infrastructure. This method begins with boring a small diameter, horizontal hole (pilot hole) under

the crossing obstacle (e.g. a river) with a continuous string of steel drill rod. When the bore head

and rod emerge on the opposite side of the crossing, a special cutter, called a back reamer, is

attached and pulled back through the pilot hole. The reamer bores out the pilot hole so that the


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pipe can be pulled through. The pipe is usually pulled through from the side of the crossing

opposite the drill rig. Typically HDD provides a stable and virtually maintenance-free crossing

method with minimal to no disturbance of the stream or river bed.

Figure 2-5 Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD)

Source: TAP (2011)

2.2.1.8 Clean Up and Restoration

After completion of backfill of a given length of the pipeline, the restoration operation will begin.

The removed top soil will be placed back on the working strip. The original contours of the land

will be restored as closely as possible. As part of the restoration process, all equipment access

crossings will be removed as well. The banks of rivers will be stabilized where necessary, and

restored, and progressive rehabilitation will take place with the aim to return the area to its pre-

disturbed condition.


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Any damages including those to drainage or irrigation system will be reinstated in agreement with

the owner; same applies to damages on public roads or agricultural tracks. Agricultural activities

such as ploughing and grazing can continue after construction within the 8 m pipeline protection

strip (PPS), however, no planting of trees will be allowed over the pipeline. The pipeline will also

be marked so that it can be inspected from the ground and air.

2.2.2 Pressure Testing during Construction (Hydrotesting)

2.2.2.1 Hydrotest Concept

Hydrotesting (or hydrostatic testing) is the most common method for testing the integrity of the

pipeline and checking for any potential leaks (e.g. from cracked pipe work) prior to

commissioning. The test involves placing water inside the pipeline at a certain pressure to check

that the pipeline is not damaged and will not leak during operation.

The first step in hydrotesting is the pipeline cleaning. This is carried out with a pipeline inspection

gauge or ’pig’, which is a tool that is sent down a pipeline and propelled by the pressure of the

product in the pipeline itself e.g. the water used for hydrotesting or air used for pipe cleaning.

There are three main activities that will be performed by pigs before and after hydrotesting:

1. Cleaning of the inside of the pipeline which is performed with a brush-type directional pig

driven along the pipeline by air before the hydrotest.

2. Gauge checking of the pipeline using a pig with a gauge plate attached. This pig is sent the

whole length of the pipeline to check for dents, imperfections and damages. The relevant

defect is then located and the damaged pipe section is repaired before the hydrotest.

3. Drying of the pipeline using foam-type swabbing pigs after the hydrotest.

The pipeline is then filled with water, which is pressurised. The hydrotesting will be carried out in

sections up to 20 km in length. Hydrotesting activities are expected to require a total of 5 to 6

months and will be finished before commissioning activities.

The water used needs to be free of contaminants, relatively neutral (i.e. pH between 5 and 8),

and no additives, corrosion inhibitors or chemicals are used. Pressurization is then carried out

with a high pressure pump.


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After the pipeline has been filled and pressurised, and all the necessary parameters measured,

the pipeline will be dewatered and dried.

2.2.2.2 Water Abstraction Sources

Surface water sources with larger amounts of water flow have been considered for water

abstraction and discharge.

Table 2-1 shows the potential water sources identified along the TAP route and the volumes

required for hydrotesting for each main section. The timing for the hydrostatic testing activities will

consider the seasonal changes of river flows and the reduced flows during the summer months.

Table 2-1 Water Requirements for Hydrotesting

Water Source Discharge Point Approx. Volume Required (m3)

Evros River (KP 0) Evros River (KP 0) 51,880

Filiouris River (KP 77.4) Filiouris River (KP 77.4) 40,200

Xiropotamos (aka Kompsatos) (KP 113.0) Xiropotamos (aka Kompsatos) (KP 113.0) 33,820

Xantis (Kosynthos) (KP 136.0) Xantis (Kosynthos) (KP 136.0) 31,170

Nestos (KP 153.6) Nestos (KP 153.6) 25,230

Aggitis I (KP 223.7) Angitis I (KP 223.7) 55,620

Strimonas (KP 290.3) Strimonas (KP 290.3) 62,230

Parthenorema (KP 382.3) Axios (KP 376) 28,970

Parthenorema (KP 382.3) and Potamos (KP 419.9)

Potamos (KP 419.9) and Ammorycheias (KP 469.3)

55,070

Potamos (KP 419.9) Ammorycheias (KP 469.3) 52,870

Ammorycheias (KP 469.3) Ammorycheias (KP 469.3) 33,040

Aliakmonas (KP 524.6) Aliakmonas (KP 524.6) 43,200

Source: ENT( 2012) The contractor for the hydrotesting will obtain written approvals from the local authorities and the

landowner(s) where the source of water is located prior to the extraction of hydrotest water.

River Filiouris has been selected as a water source point. Further details of the proposed

hydrotest activities are given in Section 4 of the ESIA.

2.2.2.3 Discharge / Disposal Options


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Following successful testing, the used water will be discharged back into a receiving water body

after having passed a sedimentation pool, through which the water will flow very slowly. These

pools will be sized to provide a retention time of 5 minutes, which is considered enough time for

allowing the solid particles cleaned out of the pipe to settle and remain in the bottom of the pond.

The discharge rate after finalisation of hydro tests will follow the same rules as applicable for

abstraction. Hence the same water bodies will be taken into consideration for discharge.

Environmental effects are expected to be minimal or negligible when discharge rates are under

10% of the receiving river flow. Discharged water will be free of any chemicals.

The contractor for hydro testing will obtain written approvals from the local authorities and the

landowner(s) where the hydro test water will be discharged, water will not be returned to any

watercourse without permission of the appropriate local authorities.

River Filiouris has been selected as a discharge point. Further details of the proposed hydrotest

activities are given in Section 4 of the ESIA.

2.3 Operation and Maintenance

As the pipeline is buried to its full length, no interference with the environment and therefore no

impacts are anticipated during normal operation and therefore, no impacts are expected.

The TAP system will be monitored and maintained to ensure that the system, as designed,

constructed and tested remains "fit for purpose" throughout the design life as well as minimizing

environmental and human risk from non-routine events (refer to Section 2.5). In general, pipeline

surveillance, function checks and condition monitoring will be used to anticipate system problems

and allow them to be rectified in a timely manner.

Pipeline inspection and maintenance activities during operation will generally include the

following tasks:

pipeline monitoring;

route surveillance (possibly with road vehicles and helicopters);

special crossing inspections;


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monitoring of population and third-party activities in close proximity to the pipeline

cathodic protection system monitoring;

inventory monitoring surveys;

functional operational checks and verification of plant and equipment; and

routine maintenance of plant and equipment at pre-defined intervals.

Intelligent pigging (i.e. using a pipeline inspection gauge) of the pipeline will be undertaken on a

regular basis to confirm the geometry of the pipeline, to check and monitor wall thickness and in

addition, following suspected damage or a seismic event.

2.4 Decommissioning

The nominal lifetime of the pipeline is 50 years. It cannot be foreseen today which

decommissioning approaches will be taken at the time of decommissioning, but TAP is

committed that this will be state-of-the-art at the time when it occurs. Any decommissioning

activities will be subject to permitting requirements applicable at that time and subject to

consultation with affected owners and stakeholders of affected properties and structures. A

Pipeline Abandonment Plan covering all relevant items will be prepared before any

decommissioning works. Impacts would obviously depend on the decommissioning approach and

available dismantling techniques at that time. International present practice2 (with actually not

many precedence for decommissioning of pipelines being available until now), is to leave a

pipeline in the ground (abandonment-in-place), and secure it against structural collapse which

would cause ground subsidence by filling it with sand. In that case impacts on the environment,

land use and infrastructures would be minimal. If the pipeline would be taken out, e.g. to recover

the pipe steel, impacts would be similar to construction stage. For crossings of infrastructures

and watercourses however, it appears likely that the respective pipe section would simply remain

in place and only the structural status would be secured.

2.5 Safety and Non-Routine Events

2References: http://www.neb.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rsftyndthnvrnmnt/sfty/rfrncmtrl/pplnbndnmnttchnclnvrnmntl-eng.html;http://www.ukooaenvironmentallegislation.co.uk/contents/topic_files/offshore/decommissioning_pipelines.htm


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A preliminary risk assessment of the pipeline route3 was performed with the aim of verifying the

pipeline safety. The preliminary assessment determined that the route was feasible with respect

to safety of the pipeline and the surrounding population. In a few more densely populated

sections a potential for route optimisation was identified in order to further increase distances

from settlements. Furthermore, the most populated sections identified are relatively short,

enabling efficient technical risk mitigation to be applied where needed or required. Environmental

issues were significantly considered and a precautionary approach was followed so as to

minimize any potential environmental risks during the operation of the project.

3ILF (2011) Preliminary Risk Assessment Greece. Doc. Ref. GPL00-ILF-100-S-TRS-0001 Rev.: 0C, Date 17-08-2011 (It is noted that the assessment refers to the route from Thessaloniki to the Greek – Albanian border).


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3 METHODOLOGY ASSESSMENT

3.1 Introduction

The appropriate assessment was carried out so as to assess the potential effects of the project

and its associated components in terms of the ecological integrity and the qualifying features of

each Natura 2000 site crossed by TAP and with regards to its conservation objectives. Following,

all necessary mitigation measures are proposed in order to ascertain that the project will not

adversely affect the integrity of the sites. According to this approach, the AA aims to analyse and

evaluate the estimated impacts with qualitative and quantitative data on:

the habitat types of Annex I of the Habitats Directive and the Joint Ministerial Decision

14849/853/Ε103/4.4.2008 (G.G. B’ 645), particularly as to the representativeness of their

relative surface area and conservation status,

species of flora and fauna listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive and the Joint Ministerial

Decision 14849/853/Ε103/4.4.2008 (G.G. B’ 645), especially in the size and density of

populations, their state of preservation and isolation,

the bird species listed in Annex I of the Bird Directive and Joint Ministerial Decision

37338/1807/Ε.103 (G.G. Β΄ 1495), and all migratory birds of all species with significant

presence in Natura 2000, particularly as to the size and density of their populations, their state

of preservation and isolation

qualitative and quantitative information about whether the integrity of the areas can be

ensured.

The assessment aims to address different types of impacts including:

positive and adverse (negative) impacts;

impacts arising permanently as a consequence of development of the site (e.g. loss of

existing habitats or land uses), temporarily during the construction period (e.g. noise from

earthmoving), and over the long term during the operation of the facility (e.g. impacts on air

quality caused by emissions);

primary impacts and secondary effects arising as the consequences of sequences of cause

and effect in the environment;


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impacts arising directly from the project or indirectly as a consequence of other changes

stimulated by the project

Impacts are assessed by comparing the baseline conditions (i.e. the situation before the

realization of the project) with the conditions that will prevail if the project is constructed and

operated. There are therefore four key stages in the assessment:

Identifying the baseline conditions without the project and the sensitivity and importance of

the receptors and resources at risk.

Predicting the magnitude of impact on these receptors and resources, including the nature,

scale, extent and duration of change, and in the case of non-routine impacts, their

probability or frequency of occurrence.

Evaluating the significance of impacts so that decision-makers understand the weight that

should be given to them in reaching decisions about the Project.

Investigating options for mitigation of significant adverse impacts and agreeing measures to

be incorporated into the Project proposals with the proponent

3.2 Evaluation of Significance

The significance of an impact will depend on its predicted magnitude (based on its scale, extent

and duration), and on the value or importance of the affected receptors or resources. The

evaluation of the significance of the impact can be illustrated with Figure 3-1 below.


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Figure 3-1 Impact significance evaluation

Source: ERM (2012)

At the same time, the significance of effects should be determined in relation to the specific

features and environmental conditions of the protected site concerned by the project, taking into

account of the site’s conservation objectives.

In general, significance indicators might include:

impact on Annex I habitat type (including loss or reduction in size - percentage relative to the

overall area of the habitat in the Natura site; impairment of function);

fragmentation of habitat type or population (depending upon the duration or permanence);

disturbance (noise, light etc. - distance, duration);

effect on species populations (direct or indirect damage to size, breeding patterns etc.);

changes in water quality.

Magnitude of Impact

Va

lue

/Se

nsiti

vity

of

Res

our

ce/R

ece

pto

r

Small Medium Large

Hig

hM

ediu

m

Lo

w

Not Significant

Minor

Moderate

Major


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3.2.1 Habitats

The significance of potential impacts to habitats has been evaluated taking into account the

following factors:

the magnitude of both positive and negative effects, as determined by intensity, frequency

and by the effect extent in space and time;

the vulnerability/sensitivity of the habitat or species (receptor) to the change caused by the

development;

its ability to recover, considering both fragility and resilience;

the value, in nature conservation and ecological terms, of affected receptors including

species, populations, communities, habitats and ecosystems.

3.2.1.1 Vulnerability/Sensitivity criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems

Table 3-1 below presents the criteria used to evaluate vulnerability/sensitivity of habitats along

the route.

Table 3-1 Evaluation of vulnerability/sensitivity of habitats Vulnerability/sensitivity Low Medium High Criteria Habitat types according to 92/43/EEC

Widespread habitats in Greece

Rare4 habitats in Greece, not including those considered as a priority type according to 92/43/EEE

Rare habitats in Greece and / or a priority type according to 92/43/EEC

Conservation Status/Human impact

in the vicinity of urban centres or industrial areas

Lowland sites where grazing or agricultural activities may take place

Forest (or other habitat) sections that are not logged or are under a specialised management scheme or are not readily accessible by paved roads

Source: ERM (2012)

4As defined in literature or standardized data bases


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3.2.1.2 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems

Magnitude of impact is a combination of several factors, including:

the spatial extent over which the impact is experienced;

the duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;

the degree to which habitat fragmentation occurs;

whether it is total loss to Project footprint or temporary occupation that can be remedied;

for other physical changes (e.g. to the hydrological cycle), the extent of the change; and

the size of the footprint in the context of the wider area of habitat that exists.

For accidental events such as an explosion, the likelihood of the event actually happening is part

of the magnitude.

Box 3-1 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems Large Magnitude Impact: the Project (either on its own or together with other projects) may adversely

affect the integrity of a habitat, by substantially changing in the long term its ecological features, structures

and functions, across all or most of its area, that enable it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or

population levels of species that makes it important.

Medium Magnitude Impact: the habitat’s integrity will not be adversely affected in the long term, but the

effect is likely to be significant in the short or medium term to some, if not all, of its ecological features,

structures and functions. The habitat may be able to recover, through natural regeneration and restoration,

to its state at the time of the baseline study.

Small Magnitude Impact: neither of the above applies, but some minor impacts of limited extent, or to

some elements of the habitat, are predicted but the habitat will readily recover through natural

regeneration.

Source: ERM (2012)


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3.2.2 Species

The significance of potential impacts to fauna has been evaluated taking into account the

following factors:

the magnitude of both positive and negative effects, as determined by intensity, frequency

and by the effect extent in space and time;

the vulnerability/sensitivity of the species (receptor) to the change caused by the

development;

its ability to recover, considering both fragility and resilience;

the value, in nature conservation and ecological terms, of affected receptors including

species, populations, communities, habitats and ecosystems.

3.2.2.1 Species sensitivity/vulnerability criteria

Table 3-2 below presents the criteria used to evaluate vulnerability/sensitivity of species along

the route.

Table 3-2 Evaluation of vulnerability/sensitivity of species Importance Low Medium High Criteria

Protection status

Not protected or listed. Introduced or alien species.

Listed as Vulnerable (VU), Conservation Dependant (CD), Near Threatened (NT) or Least Concern (LC) on Global IUCN Red List.

Nationally Protected Species Annex III species listed on the

Bern Convention Listed as VU, NT, LC, in the Red

Data Book of Greece Species either listed as Data

Deficient (DD), or Not Evaluated NE) at a Global or National level for which Conservation is likely to be required.

Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) or Endangered (EN) on either the global IUCN red list or on the Greek Red List;

Decreasing number of species listed as VU or lower in the Greek Red Data Book.

Listed as Rare, Threatened or Endangered by IUCN.

Annex II species listed on the Bern Convention

Annex II,IV species listed on the EU Habitats Directive

Annex I listed species of the Birds Directive

Conservation Status

Common / abundant

A species common globally but rare in Greece

Rare or population in decline. At the limits of its range. Species subject to an active

management programme. Groups that have been or are

under active scientific study.

Protected as above Locally endemic or locally distinct

subpopulations.

Source: ERM (2012)


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3.2.2.2 Magnitude Criteria for Species

The magnitude of impact is a combination of several factors, including:

the spatial extent over which the impact is experienced;

the extent to which habitat relied upon by the species is impacted (as evaluated under

‘Habitats’ above);

the population or proportion thereof affected;

the duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;

the magnitude of the aspect (noise, light, number of vehicle movements);

the size of the footprint in the context of the wider range over which a species lives;

the scale of change induced e.g. to water quality; and

the extent to which a new physical or chemical feature is introduced to the environment,

e.g. the size of a structure or the toxicity of a chemical.

Criteria that have been used to assess the magnitude of ecological impacts (based on Duinker

and Beanlands, 1986) are presented in below:

Box 3-2 Magnitude Criteria for Species A Large Magnitude Impact affects an entire population or species in sufficient magnitude to cause a decline in abundance and /or change in distribution beyond which natural recruitment (reproduction, immigration from unaffected areas) will not return that population or species, or any population or species dependent upon it, to its former level within several generations*. A large magnitude impact to a species may also adversely affect the integrity of a site, habitat or ecosystem. A large magnitude secondary impact may also affect a subsistence or commercial resource use (e.g. fisheries) to the degree that the well-being of the user is affected over a long term. A Medium Magnitude Impact affects a portion of a population and may bring about a change in abundance and / or distribution over one or more generations*, but does not threaten the integrity of that population or any population dependent on it. A medium magnitude impact may also affect the ecological functioning of a site, habitat or ecosystem but without adversely affecting its overall integrity. The size of the consequence is also important. A medium magnitude impact multiplied over a wide area will be regarded as large. A short term effect upon the well-being of resource users may also constitute a secondary medium impact. A Small Magnitude Impact affects a specific group of localised individuals within a population over a short time period (one generation* or less), but does not affect other trophic levels or the population itself. *These are generations of the animal/plant species under consideration not human generations.

Source: ERM (2012)


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4 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT OF NATURA 2000 POTAMOS FILIOURIS (SAC GR1130006)

4.1 Introduction

This section presents the Appropriate Assessment of the Natura 2000 site GR 1130006

“Potamos Filiouris” which has been designated as a SAC - Special Area of Conservation under

the EU Habitats Directive. GR 1130006 has been considered through the screening process

(refer to Table 1-1 Screening Process in Section 1.3) as a site to be potentially affected by the

proposed project activities, given that it is crossed by the proposed pipeline route. Figure 4-1

imprints the area covered by the designated site as well as its location.

Figure 4-1 Wider setting for SAC GR1130006 Potamos Filiouris (Blue Area)

Source: EXERGIA (2012)

The EU Habitats Directive contains lists of habitats (Annex I) and species (Annex II) for which

Special Areas of Conservation must be established by Member States. These are referred to as

“Qualifying Interests”. This section focuses on the qualifying interests of the site, particular

sensitivities and the conservation objectives. The information to support this description has been

sourced from the following:


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Natura 2000 Standard Data Form;

The Greek Habitat Project Natura 2000, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment,

Commission of European Communities (1996);

Legakis, A. & Maragou, P. (eds) 2009. The Greek Red Data Book of threatened fauna.

Hellenic Zoological Society, Athens, pp.528;

Data collected during the October 2012 and May 2013 field survey;

Literature data.

4.2 Baseline Data Collection

A field survey was conducted aiming to provide baseline data for the ESIA on flora, fauna,

vegetation as well as other ecological parameters that may be affected and/or should be

monitored during the construction and operation phases of the project. The ecological field

survey in 2012 (beginning of August, mid-September and October) and 2013 (April and May)

involved twenty-three (23) scientists who overall spent approximately one hundred and thirty

seven (137) man-days in the field covering the whole distance of the TAP pipeline from the Greek

– Turkish border to Thessaloniki area, collecting field data on terrestrial and freshwater ecology.

Extensive literature researches before and after the field survey provided important data on the

biogeographical and ecological features of the area. The field survey focused only on certain

elements of the flora, vegetation and fauna of low attitude Thrace. These elements, either taxa or

communities:

are of strong conservation interest at a European or even international level or are rarities

in Greece;

are considered likely to be impacted during the construction or in some cases the operation

of the pipeline;

provide reliable means to monitor certain environmental aspects of the Project;

have no taxonomic or biogeographic ambiguities; and

are feasible to observe and record taking into account the Project needs and constrains.


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More specifically:

The flora and vegetation survey focused on recording the most common populations of flora

species of conservation interest within the 500m zone in a statistically robust way, i.e. without

over-representing some areas and ignoring other. With regards to habitats, the approach was to

map the natural habitat units within the 500 m zone, including the European Habitat types (as

defined in the Directive 92/43/EEC).

The large mammals survey focused on two (2) species of high conservation interest in Greece:

the wolf (Canis lupus) and the jackal (Canis aureus). Literature and field data were combined to

provide a realistic overview of the species’ expected range in the vicinity of TAP Project.

Empirical information on the presence of a third species that is the otter (Lutra lutra) at the river

crossing points has been collected during the river ecology survey but the species’ home range

vary enormously and remains little known in Thrace as well as the rest of northern Greece.

The river ecology / hydrobiology group worked on all major crossings of TAP pipeline with

rivers and streams of constant flow. In line with the requirements of the Water Framework

Directive, they measured several physico-chemical parameters and provided quantitative

information to calculate several indices of ecological water quality referring to riparian vegetation,

freshwater fish, macroinvertebrates and diatoms. They have acquired important information on

the freshwater fish community at the river crossing points which are indeed of high conservation

interest as at least eight of the reported species are Balkan endemics.

The bird survey gave emphasis on species mentioned in Government Gazette 1495/B/2010

especially within the NATURA 2000 sites and wildlife refuges crossed by the pipeline. The study

focused on wintering or resident populations and quantitative data would be collected according

to the encounter rate of species of interest. Relatively rare habitats such as remnants of riparian

forest that could host populations of species of conservation interest were also surveyed.

The reptiles – amphibian survey aimed at estimating reptile and amphibian species presence

and abundance along the pipeline route and right of way. The herpetofauna of the study area

includes 37 species: 8 anurans and 2 urodelan amphibians, 2 tortoises, 2 terrapins, 10 lizards

and 13 snakes. Emphasis was given to the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC Annex II species the

Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca), the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo

hermanni), the Leopard snake (Zamenis situlus), the Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) the


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European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis), the former Triturus species, the fire-bellied toad

(Bombina bombina), and the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata).

The small mammal survey focused on recording in a systematic way the potential distribution of

European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) colonies within the 500 m zone: the species

had already entered hibernation during the sampling season and active colonies would be

unlikely to record. The survey led to empirical information on other taxa as well (Microtus sp.,

Talpa sp., Rattus sp.), however these animals bear many taxonomic difficulties in assessing them

during field work. On the other hand, European ground squirrel is a mammal of high conservation

interest, notorious for being strongly affected by land use changes and a species in need of

special mitigation measures when performing underground constructions within its habitat.

4.3 Description of the project elements that are likely to give rise to effect on the Natura 2000 site (SAC GR1130006, Potamos Filiouris)

4.3.1 Relation of the SPA with the construction of TAP

The pipeline route will cross the site from east to west for the crossing of the Filiouris River at

KP 77.3, northeast of Lofari village. The total length of the crossing is around 500 m, from

KP 77.3 to KP 77.8 (0.014 km2 of surface considering the 38 m wide working strip).

As mentioned in Section 2, the selected crossing method for the Filiouris River, provided that the

geotechnical conditions allow, is the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). The application of this

trenchless method involves the least possible impacts to the terrestrial habitats, the river beds

and the river itself from pipeline construction. The pipeline will go underground from the rig site

located on agricultural land outside the borders of the protected area and will emerge again at the

receiving side southeast of the river bed, outside of the protected area.

No area within the protected area will thus be directly impacted from construction activities.


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Figure 4-2 Crossing of Filiouris River by HDD

Source: ENT (2013)

4.3.2 Other projects and plans which could have a significant impact on the SPA

No other plans or projects are known for the area of SAC Potamos Filiouris.

4.4 Baseline Description of NATURA 2000 Site GR1130006 Potamos Filiouris

4.4.1 General Description

The SAC GR1130006 Potamos Filiouris is located in the south of the Rhodopi Regional Entity

and covers an area of 2,058.44 ha. The northern part of the site is a steep-sided valley, with rock

Rig Side Pipe Side

Basecase route Access Road HDD crossing


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faces that descends from Demir Tsal hills. It consists of oak forest and pastures. Relics of

riparian forest exist along the river as well as scattered inside the different agricultural

cultivations. Filiouris is a medium sized river with a lot of tributaries flowing into the river body.

In its southern plain part the site gets linear and consists of the river body that flows within

agricultural land. There, the river was banked up with dykes on both sides and the rapidly

extending agricultural exploitation through land reclamation schemes has caused the loss of

large areas of former natural habitats in the wetland. Thus, most of the freshwater marshes and

reedbeds were drained along the river and riparian forests were cut. The destruction of wetland

habitats with the richness and diversity described, have also had a very serious impact on the

raptor fauna and fish of the bordering mountainous areas. Fertilizers and waste have altered the

water quality towards eutrophication and affected the ecological character of the river that is

susceptible to nutrient pollution from agricultural sources. There are also roads, bridges as well

as railway tracks inside the site.

Within the site the project follows the existing DESFA natural gas pipeline and crosses a small

part of the south part of the Natura 2000 area, Filiouris River for around 500 m.

4.4.2 Designation and Conservation Objectives

The conservation objectives for a SAC are determined under the Habitats Directive and intend to

ensure that the relevant Annex I habitats and Annex II species present on a site are maintained

in a favourable condition.

Article 6(3) of the EU Habitat’s Directive states: “Any plan or project not directly connected with or

necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either

individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate

assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's Conservation Objectives………”.

Article 1 states that for the purpose of the Directive "Conservation means a series of measures

required to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the populations of species of wild fauna

and flora at a favourable status…". As stated in Article 2 the overall aim of the Habitats Directive

is to contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of

wild fauna and flora. The measures taken under the Directive are with a view to ensuring that the


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species and habitat types covered achieve ‘favourable conservation status’ and that their long-

term survival is secured across their entire natural range within the EU.

Therefore, in its most general sense a conservation objective is the specification of the overall

target for the species and/or habitat types for which a site is designated in order for it to

contribute to maintaining or reaching favourable conservation status of the habitat types and

species concerned, at the national, the biogeographical or the European level.

Conservation status for natural habitat types is defined in Article 1 (e) as 'the sum of the

influences acting on a natural habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term natural

distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species'. The

conservation status is taken as favourable when:

Its natural range and the areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing;

The specific structure and function which are necessary for its long-term maintenance are

present and are likely to continue to exist in the foreseeable future; and

The conservation status of typical species that live in these habitat types is favourable as well.

Conservation status for species is defined in Article 1(i) as the sum of influences acting on the

species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of its populations…

It is taken as favourable when:

Populations are maintaining themselves over the long term and are no longer showing signs

of continuing decline;

Their natural range is not being reduced;

There is and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations

on a long-term basis.

The conservation objectives for any Natura 2000 site must be determined at a member state

level. However they have not been established yet by the National competent authorities, for all

the protected areas. As there is no reference range, and for the purposes of this assessment, the

conservation objectives provided are based on a working assumption that the current condition is

favourable for most qualifying features.


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At this point it is important to notice in the attempt to identify the conservation objectives of the

Natura 2000 sites all the criteria defined to L.3937/2011 regarding biodiversity conservation and

the maintenance of species and habitat types in a favourable condition were assessed. These

are for species and habitats:

a. ecological requirements

b. conservation status at national and European level

c. threats of degradation, destruction and disturbance

d. National and European significance for the conservation of biodiversity

e. overall coherence of the network «Natura 2000»

General Conservation Objectives are outlined in the JMD 33318/3025/11-12-1998

(HGG 1289/Β/28-12-98) (harmonization of Directive 92/43/EC to Greek Legislation) and JMD

294283/23-12-1997 (HGG 68/Β/4-2-98) (harmonization of Directive 79/409/EC to Greek

Legislation).

Following all the above directions a designation of the conservation objectives for SAC

“GR 1130006” Potamos Filiouris” is given below.

Box 4-1 Conservation objectives for SAC GR1130006 Objective 1: To maintain the Annex I habitat types for which the SAC has been selected at favourable conservation

status: Mediterranean temporary ponds, Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba; Riparian mixed forests of Quercus robur, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor, Fraxinus excelsior or Fraxinus angustifolia, along the great rivers (Ulmenion minoris); Salix alba and Populus alba galleries; Platanus orientalis and Liquidambar orientalis woods (Platanion orientalis); and Southern riparian galleries and thickets (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae)

Objective 2: To maintain the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected at favourable conservation status:

Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Fire-bellied bombina (Bombina bombina), Four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata), European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis), Balkan terrapin (Mauremys caspica), Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca), Hermann’s tortoise (Eurotestudo hermanni), Southern crested newt (Triturus karelinii), Vistonis samaja (Chalkaburnus chalcoides), and Rodeus sericeus amarus.

Objective 3: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site. Source: Compiled by Exergia (2012) (adopted by GR1130006 SDF)


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4.4.3 Qualifying Features: Habitats of the SAC GR1130006

Running water covers 21.25% of the Natura 2000 site. Inland water areas crossed by the pipeline

are restricted, holding ca. 0.1% of the Natura 2000 site and limited to the River Filiouris itself.

Although the pipeline crosses many tributaries solely one is characterized by permanent water

flow. The larger part of the Natura 2000 site is covered by agricultural arable land covering more

than 35% of the site and open fallow land (20.23%) while forested area covers 21.27% of the

designated area.

In the Natura 2000 site riparian vegetation develops along the river and its tributaries mostly in

loose, restricted and poor stands, while in many cases it is reduced to reed thickets and single

scattered individuals of riparian species, such as white willow (Salix alba), oriental plane

(Platanus orientalis) or Narrow-leafed ash (Fraxinus angustifolia).

Annex I habitat types coverage inside Filiouris River Natura 2000 site are presented In Table 4-1.

Table 4-1 Habitat Cover – Annex I Habitat types Annex I Habitat Code

Habitats Directive Annex I Habitat Types

Habitat surface within the construction area (38 m wide) in (m2)

Total Coverage % in Natura 2000

3170 Mediterranean temporary ponds Not crossed5 0.00 3280 Constantly flowing Mediterranean

rivers with Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba

485 20.23

91F0 Riparian mixed forests of Quercus robur, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor, Fraxinus excelsior or Fraxinus angustifolia, along the great rivers (Ulmenion minoris)

Not crossed 0.37

92A0 Salix alba and Populus alba galleries 1,567 14.69 92C0 Platanus orientalis and Liquidambar

orientalis woods (Platanion orientalis)

Not crossed 6.70

92D0 Southern riparian galleries and thickets (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae)

Not crossed 0.10

Note: *Not considering the use of HDD technique. If HDD is considered no Annex I habitat is crossed Source: Compiled by NCC (2013)

According to Habitat Types Mapping obtained from the Environmental Information Network

(Ministry of Environment) and based on information gathered during the field surveys, the

proposed pipeline route crosses Habitat 3280 (constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with

5 For the mapping of Annex I Habitat types see http://short.oikoskopio.gr/12h, accessed February 2013.


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Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba) and 92A0 (Salix

alba and Populus alba galleries).

However the adoption of the HDD crossing technique will avoid any activity on these habitats,

and thus no Annex I habitat surface will be affected.

4.4.3.1 Habitat type 92A0 “Salix alba and Populus alba galleries”

This habitat refers to the most common riparian forests of the Mediterranean and Central

Eurasian region, which have a scattered occurrence in Greece. They are dominated by White

willows (Salix alba) and White poplars (Populus alba), develop close to the riverbed and are

seasonally covered by water. Well-developed Salix alba and Populus alba galleries occur in

ca. KP 77 at the Filiouris River (and its tributary, outside the Natura 2000 site at ca. KP 82).

Riparian species occurring in these galleries are White willows (Salix alba), Black poplars

(Populus nigra), White poplars, Narrow-leafed Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), common alder (Alnus

glutinosa), Salix amplexicaulis, Oriental plane trees (Platanus orientalis), Common dogwood

(Cornus sanguineaI, Chaste trees (Vitex agnus-castus) etc.

Outside the Natura 2000 site but near the Filiouris tributary crossing at ca. KP 74-75, stands with

very large individuals of Narrow-leafed Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) together with Black poplars

(Populus nigra) were observed among cultivated fields. These stands are possibly remnants of a

former more extensive riparian forest in the area. Salix alba and Populus alba riparian galleries

developed along streams but are often reduced due to human activity to single scattered

individuals growing near stream banks.

4.4.3.2 Habitat type 3280 “Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba”

This is a habitat typical of rivers in the Mediterranean region which continue to flow all year.

Vegetation includes nitrophilous annual and perennial grass and sedge formations of the alluvial

banks of great Mediterranean rivers, with Paspalum paspalodes, Paspalum vaginatum, Agrostis

semiverticillata, Cyperus fuscus, and hanging curtains of willows (Salix sp.) and white poplars

(Populus alba).


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4.4.3.3 Greek habitat type 72A0 “Reed thickets”

Not an Annex I habitat type but a widespread habitat type in Greece and the most common

riparian habitat type along the route developing in temporary streams, standing or slow flowing

waters dominated by common reeds (Phragmites australis) and Typha sp

4.4.4 Qualifying Features: Species of the NATURA 2000 site – SAC GR1130006

Table 4-2 below presents “qualifying features/species” for the SAC site. More specifically,

presents Annex II species of the Habitats directive 92/43/EEC that are reportedly present at the

site.

In the Filiouris River SAC, and specifically in the lowland area where the working strip is also

placed, there are also reports of non-Annex II but still highly sensitive species such as the plant

Satureja pilosa subsp. Origanita, an endemic subspecies of the Evros and Rhodopi prefectures,

locally common at roadsides at the Filiouris crossing. Other such species include amphibians and

reptiles included in the Annex II of the Bern Convention and the Annex IV of the Habitats

Directive such as the Common tree-frog (Hyla arborea), the Green lizards (Lacerta sp.) and the

Common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), species found in abundance during the field survey.


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Figure 4-3 Location of Annex 1 Habitats in the vicinity of the Project (River Filiouris Crossing)



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Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP GPL00-ASP-642-Y-TAE-0076 Rev.: 01 Document Title:


Table 4-2 Qualifying features: species listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC in SAC GR1130006

CODE NAME Conservation

Status

Recorded in the area during the field study

POPULATION

Habitat and territory Status within Greece Expected Status within the Natura

2000 site Resident Migratory

Breed Winter Stage

1355 Eurasian otter

(Lutra lutra)

Greek Red Data Book: EN

IUCN: LC

Yes 1-20i Otters in Greece live in a wide range of aquatic habitats, in fresh waters, rivers, streams, canals, lakes, marshes and deltas. Home ranges vary enormously.

Widespread throughout much of the mainland and are also found on some islands. They are more frequent in the northeast.

Footprints and scats of otter within the Natura 2000 site.

Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus)

Greek Red Data Book: VU

IUCN: VU

Ground squirrels are dependent on short-grass open habitats and prefer meadows and fairly open clearings.

Occurs only in the northern part of Greece and includes 3 clearly defined and probably isolated sub-populations, located in western Macedonia, in central Macedonia and in Thrace. In Thrace, there are populations in region of Alexandroupoli, in Evros delta and in isolated areas of north/north-eastern Evros Prefecture

Potential colony between Lofario and Aetolofos, (KP 75 – 76) outside the Natura 2000 site. In meadows with Paliurus spp.

1188 Fire bellied bombina (Bombina bombina)

Greek Red Data Book: EN

IUCN: LC

No P Should occur in shallow stagnant ponds and channels with clear water and in elevations up to 250m. Occasionally inhabits semi-flowing waters

Occurs in a small part of the vicinity of Evros river, where it exhibits a fragmented distribution.

Unknown but probably not present.


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Status


POPULATION



Breed Winter Stage

1171 Southern crested newt (Trituris karelinii)

Greek Red Data Book: NT

IUCN: LC

No P In Greece distributed in Central Macedonia (East of Axios river) and Thrace.

Wide variety of terrestrial habitats as well as permanent and temporary stagnant water bodies.

Unknown

1279 Four-lined snake

(Elaphe quatuorlineata)

Greek Red Data Book: LC

IUCN: NT

No All types of Mediterranean habitats. Probably most common up to 600m altitude

Since 2001 the subspecies of the four-lined snake expanding east of Strimonas River has been elevated to species status as Elaphe sauromates.

Not found.

1220 European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)

Greek Red Data Book: NT

IUCN: NT

Yes P Water bodies like lakes, small rivers and big ponds in low and middle elevations. Prefers still or slow moving waters including artificial structures. Does not tolerate habitats that temporarily dry up.

Throughout mainland Greece, including the Peloponnese and the islands of Euboia, Thasos, Samothraki, Samos, Kos and Lesbos. Not in Crete.

Present

1222 Balkan terrapin

(Mauremys rivulata)


IUCN: NE

Yes P Found in a variety of habitats as high as 800 m asl. Water bodies like lakes, small rivers and big ponds in low and middle elevations. Prefers stagnant or slow flowing freshwater and can tolerate disturbed habitats,

Throughout mainland Greece and in islands large enough so as to have appropriate wetlands.

Present.


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Status


POPULATION



Breed Winter Stage

1219 Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)


IUCN: VU

Yes P In a variety of habitats including open woodland and light forests, non-irrigated fields, meadows, stabilised sand dunes and dry coastal heaths. In the project area mainly in non-intensively cultivated areas, open areas near natural hedgerows.

In Greece is found in Thrace and Macedonia as well as on the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean.

Observed and in good frequency

1217 Hermann’s tortoise

(Testudo hermanni)

Greek Red Data Book: VU

IUCN: NT

Yes P Habitat similar to T. graeca but may be found in areas with denser vegetation. Non-intensively cultivated areas, open areas near natural hedgerows

Fairly widespread in Greece, especially in lowland regions away from settlements.

Not observed but considered as present in low frequency.

1134 Mourmouritsa

(Rhodeus sericeus amarus)


IUCN: LC

Yes C Most abundant in still or slow-flowing water with dense aquatic vegetation and sand-silt bottom as lowland ponds, canals, slow-flowing rivers, backwaters and oxbows, where mussels are present.

Common


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Status


POPULATION



Breed Winter Stage

1141 Vistonis Shemaja (Alburnus vistonicus)

Species referred in the Annex II as Chalcaburnus chalcoides)

Greek Red Data Book: CR

IUCN: CR

Collected and positively identified in the Filiouris River for the first time.

R A strongly migratory fish, usually moving upstream to spawn in pebble-gravel-cobble substrates in rivers with moderate flow; fish move downstream often in lowland reaches or lake-like bodies outside the spawning period. Lives in the lacustrine part, being unable to cross high salinity. It spawns in the tributaries flowing into the lake,

Endemic species of Lake Vistonis system. The discovery of the population in the mid-section of the Filiouris is of significant conservation value.

Unknown

NOTES: IUCN: Endangered (EN): Population decline of >50%, a restricted range or low population size and so faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Vulnerable (VU): Population decline of >30%, a limited range or small population size, so the population faces a high risk of extinction in the wild. Near Threatened (NT): A species which does not qualify for either of the three categories above, but which is close to doing so, or is likely to do so in the near future. Species which do not fulfil these criteria are considered of Least Concern (LC), though some for which information is relatively limited are highlighted as Data Deficient (DD). An additional category of Extinct is reserved for those for which there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. Resident: to be found throughout the year on the site Breeding: uses the site to nest and raise young Staging: site used on migration or for moulting outside the breeding grounds Wintering: uses the site during the winter P: Present R: Rare C: Common

Numbers under “Population” column indicate the estimated number of individuals of a given species.

Compiled by EXERGIA (2013) (adopted by SDF of GR1130006)


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4.4.5 Vulnerability of the protected site

The main threats to the qualifying species of the SAC include:

Abandonment of traditional agricultural practices and land use, including abandonment of

extensive agriculture;

Extension-intensification of agriculture;

Illegal hunting-nest destruction;

Pollution due to agriculture activities;

Backfilling of rivers and destruction of river banks and riparian habitats.

Other threats are hunting activities and land reclamation works.

4.5 Assessment of Impacts on Annex I Habitats due to Project Activities

4.5.1 Identification of potential Impacts

The described activities in Section 2 may potentially give rise to the following (Table 4-3) types of

impacts on Annex I Habitats.

Table 4-3 Potential impacts due to project activities

Receptor Project phase Activity Impact

Annex I habitats in the corridor

Construction

Clearance of HDD working sites

Machinery operation

Reinstatement

Due to HDD crossing, no direct impacts to the Natura 2000 area will be experienced.

Small scale indirect habitat disturbance may be experienced due to machinery operation and works at the edge of the Natura site for the construction of the HDD crossing.

Operation and maintenance

No activities foreseen. As the crossing is implemented by HDD, no regular clearance ofthe pipeline protection strip (PPS) is required

No impacts foreseen

Decommissioning No activities foreseen No impacts foreseen

Safety and Non-routine events

Repair activities in case of leak or damage by third party activities

Impacts similar to construction activities

Source: ERM (2012)


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4.5.2 Impact assessment

4.5.2.1 Habitat loss

During construction activities habitat loss will be limited to the agricultural areas on the edge of

the Natura 2000 site on the two parts of the river, where the rig and pipe receiving sites of the

HDD will be placed.

Table 4-4 Habitats Affected by Project Components

Pipeline route section (KP)

Habitats crossed by route Affected area (m2) Type of impact

Lowlands of Evros (77.5 -77.6)

Riparian forest of Salix and Populus alba (habitat 92A0)

No affected area due to trenchless crossing method

No impact

Lowlands of Evros (77.5)

Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba (Habitat 3280)

No affected area due to trenchless crossing method

No impact

Lowlands of Evros (77.3 - 77.5, 77.6-77.8)

Agricultural land No affected area due to trenchless crossing method

No impact


During construction activities the vegetation within the working strip inside the Natura 2000 area

will not be affected due to the trenchless techniques being applied at the Filiouris River crossing.

Small scale indirect habitat disturbance may be experienced as the HDD construction will require

machinery operating at the edge (outside) of the Natura 2000 site but such disturbance will be

short term and reversible. Therefore, it is considered that there will be no impact on Annex I

Habitat types from pipeline construction.

In any case, the riparian stands of Salix and Populus alba, are of medium sensitivity but

assessed as extremely degraded since the total score of the Riparian Forest Quality Index (QBR)

was 256.

In the crossing of Filiouris River there are neither other pipeline facilities nor installations nor

additional access roads to be created as the working strip will be used as such. Magnitude of is

considered minor and thus the impact is not significant.

6 field survey data -Hydrobiology baseline study (October 2012).


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During operation, there will be no impact in the protected area.

4.5.2.2 Habitat Fragmentation

The clearance and fencing of the working strip during the construction phase will result in habitat

fragmentation in the agricultural areas crossed by the pipeline and the HDD rigs outside the

protected area, but will have a short duration (estimated to be approximately 2 months). The

anticipated impact is therefore considered not significant.

During operation, any agricultural areas will be restored and no additional impacts are

anticipated.

4.6 Assessment of Impacts on Annex II Species due to Project Activities

4.6.1 Identification of Potential Impacts

The described activities in Section 2 may potentially give rise to the following types of impacts

(Table 4-5) to Annex II Species.

Table 4-5 Potential impacts on Annex II species due to project activities

Receptor Project phase Activity Impact

Species listed in Annex II in the Habitats Directive

Construction

Clearance of HDD working sites Machinery operation Reinstatement Hydrotesting

Temporary fragmentation. Temporary loss of foraging habitat. Temporary disturbance Loss of individuals

Operation and maintenance

No activities foreseen. As the crossing is implemented by HDD, no regular clearance ofthe pipeline protection strip (PPS) is required

No impacts foreseen

Decommissioning No activities foreseen No impacts foreseen.

Safety and Non-routine events

Repairs in case of leak or damage by third party activities

Impacts similar to construction activities.



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4.6.2 Impact Assessment

4.6.2.1 Habitat loss / degradation

Due to proposed trenchless technique to be used, the vegetation within the working strip will not

be affected and no habitat loss is anticipated in the riparian forest habitat which provide

potentially suitable habitat for mammals like the otter (Lutra lutra).

European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is potentially vulnerable to construction

activities, as it forms colonies which are underground. There were no records or indications of

European ground squirrel colonies in the protected site and thanks to the use of the HDD

technique its habitat within the site will not be affected.

Due to proposed trenchless technique to be used no impacts are anticipated in reptiles’ or

amphibians’ habitats within the site.

Temporary habitat loss will be limited to agricultural areas on both sides of the Filiouris River,

outside of the protected area, due to the HDD construction-related works. The area will be

reinstated after construction, therefore habitat loss is considered to be temporary and short term.

No other pipeline facilities, installations or additional access roads will be required at the Filiouris

River.

Over all, as far as it concerns mammals, amphibians and reptiles species listed on Annex II of the

Council Directive 92/43/EEC and regarding those which can be supported by suitable habitats

within the study zone, it is expected that there will be not significant impacts towards their natural

range and population, as their habitats after the construction can be restored to their previous

condition, i.e. sufficiently large to maintain the populations on a long-term basis.

During operation, there will be no impact in the protected area.

4.6.2.2 Habitat Fragmentation

The clearance and fencing of the working strip during the construction phase will result in habitat

fragmentation in the agricultural areas crossed by the pipeline and the HDD rigs outside the

protected area. This could potentially affect localised and vulnerable species. Reptiles,


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amphibians, small mammals and birds during the breeding period are more susceptible to habitat

fragmentation. However, as no activities will be performed on the river basin and on the Natura

2000 site and it will not be subject to fragmentation and due to the temporary duration of the

activities located outside the Natura 2000 site, the impact is considered as not significant.

During operation, due to the fact that the protected area will not be affected at all and the

absence of physical barriers (trenches) along the pipeline, the impact is considered not

significant.

4.6.2.3 Disturbance (Light, Noise and Human Presence)

Operation of machinery, heavy equipment and supporting vehicles, and the presence of people

during construction are a source of noise, light and visual impact, even though such activities will

take place at the edge and outside the protected area. Mammals like the otter (Lutra lutra) are

expected to move away from the source of disturbance. However, disturbance from construction

activities is more likely to affect the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) if,

eventually, a colony is located in the vicinity of construction area.

In summary, overall, due to the limited exposure of species to disturbance factors (2 months

construction), it is expected that any disturbance will be short term, localized and minor.

No disturbance is expected during the operation phase.

4.6.2.4 Loss of Individuals

Increased vehicular traffic is expected to potentially cause punctual losses of tortoises and

snakes due to collisions. Tortoises do not exhibit territorial behaviour but still show fidelity to their

hibernation sites and therefore might not be dissuaded by construction activities. It is possible

that tortoise mortality will also increase 1-2 years after construction due to increased visibility of

young and vulnerable individuals to predators in the worked areas just outside the protected

area. This however is not expected to be a relevant case in this specific section of the pipeline

area as in addition to be located outside the protected area, the majority of the arable lands


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crossed are active and therefore no relevant changes in visibility due to construction are

expected. Impact is expected to be minor.

Regarding ichthyofauna, Filouris is a rich site (6 species collected7). Fish populations were at

rather high densities and exhibiting a natural-looking spread of size-classes and community

characteristics. Shoreline habitats were dominated by Rhodeus meridionalis and Cobitis

vardarensis, otherwise the site is rich in Squalius and Gobio with large numbers of Barbus in the

riffle sections primarily. This is complemented by good populations of the Alburnus vistonicus, a

species that had never been collected before and positively identified in the Filiouris River.

Alburnus vistonicus is considered as in Critical Danger in the recent Red Data Book of

Threatened Animals in Greece so the discovery of the population in the mid-section of the

Filiouris is of significant conservation value.

Due to the implementation of trenchless crossing technique, no disturbance or loss of individuals

is expected in fish populations of the Filiouris River as there will be no construction activities

within the river channel. However, the river Filiouris, according to the planning of the project, the

river is considered as an abstraction and discharge point for water to be used in the hydrotesting

of the pipeline – refer to Section 2.2.2). The abstraction of water for hydrotesting can lead to

entrainment of small fish eggs and macroinvertebrates. Fish eggs could be affected through

desiccation if water levels drop however it is unlikely that they are affected by pumping itself as in

most cases freshwater fish eggs remain attached on the river substrate throughout development.

Juvenile fish could however be susceptible to entrainment during water abstraction. As standard

practice, the hydrotesting project concept foresees the use of appropriate mesh (hole diameter ~

3mm) to avoid fish entrainment. Therefore any impacts are considered minor

Environmental effects are expected to be minimal or negligible when discharge rates are under

10% of the receiving river flow. In consideration of the relatively perennial flow rate of the Filiouris

River, sensitivity of the watercourse is considered to be low. The temporary nature of the

hydrotest activities associated with the watercourse, the fact that the water will have been passed

through a sedimentation pool prior to discharge (see Section 2.2.2.1), as well as being

discharged at a controlled rate, magnitude of impact is considered to be small. Therefore any

impacts are considered not significant

7 it is stressed out that collection of fish species was performed during the field surveys by means of electrofishing and no loss of individuals was incurred. For details please refer to Annex 8.5.7 – Hydrobiology.


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4.7 Cumulative impact

The area is already influenced by anthropogenic change: two settlements are located relatively

close to the proposed crossing point of the Filiouris River and other in the wider area; the site lies

between the Egnatia Highway and the national road Komotini-Alexandroupoli; and several

secondary roads run close to the river, mainly used by farmers cultivating the land on both sides

of the river. However, as described in Section 4.3.2, no other planned projects or investments are

known to be proposed within the Natura 2000 site and therefore no cumulative impacts are

expected during TAP construction period. The Project will use existing infrastructure and no other

Project construction facilities (pipe yards, camps etc) will be located in the area.

During operation, no cumulative impacts are anticipated as the pipeline will be completely

underground and no other pipeline facilities (BVSs etc) are located in the area.

4.8 Mitigation measures

In order to minimize, mitigate or completely avoid potential impacts during construction and

operation of the pipeline, mitigation measures should be implemented during different phases of

the project. In this context, it must be mentioned that the key mitigation measure embedded

within the Project design and to be implemented during construction, is the use of HDD as the

crossing technique for the Filiouris River, as it avoids all direct impacts to the riparian habitats

and the watercourse itself.

The following mitigation measures have been categorized but are not applied only for one of

each category.

4.8.1 Habitat Loss / Degradation & Habitat Fragmentation

The following measures are planned to address impacts relevant to habitat loss, degradation or

fragmentation:

Establishment and marking of working strip to ensure impacts are restricted to that area


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Accesses and displacement of machinery to be done by existing roads and the working

strips. No upgrading or construction of new roads within the protected area;

No construction materials will be taken from the surrounding environment unless approved

by the responsible authority;

During excavation activities topsoil will be taken and stored carefully, while watering should

be performed when necessary.

Restoration of sites to their original condition where possible upon completion of

construction. Close collaboration with all statutory stakeholders during the elaboration of a

Reinstatement Study;

Retain original vegetation where possible for reinstatement;

Establish a pre- post construction biodiversity baseline from which all mitigation,

restoration, and loss / degradation can be measured;

Work to retain passage for species as long as possible across the corridor and following

works to reinstate passage to be conducted immediately upon pipe section completion;

Work to be supervised by an on-site Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW);

Every possible effort should be made in order to protect tree thickets and isolated trees

within the farmland and the pasture land where possible. The same applies for mature

trees stands;

No water abstractions will be conducted on any of the water bodies, without appropriate

authorization from the competent public authorities;

No water discharges will be conducted on any of the water bodies, without appropriate

authorization from the competent public authorities;

Habitat compensation measures should be considered where required to replace

permanently lost and damaged habitats. This may include new habitat creation, restoration

of damaged habitats and habitat enhancement; and

Ecological awareness training should be provided to all personnel.

4.8.2 Disturbance

The following measures are planned to address impacts relevant to species disturbance:

Monitoring of impacts on Annex II species;


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Include management actions for threatened/ protected species within the Biodiversity

Management Plan (which includes all BAPs listed in ESMP);

Use of directional lighting;

Best construction site practices should be adopted to minimise the risks of adverse effects

on neighbouring habitats/ species from construction activities (dust, noise, waste disposal

etc.). This will include appropriate toilet and litter collection facilities as inspected by the

ECoW;

Access to the works area will only be permitted to authorised staff and vehicle movements

should be kept to minimum and limited to working areas;

If required, use screens around work area as buffer to visual/light/noise sources; in sites

where species of conservation interest have been verified, at a distance smaller than

500 m.

Night working should be limited and the use of lighting along the corridor minimised,

All important sites (i.e. breeding, feeding, nesting, etc.) for species to be identified by

ECoW and avoided throughout the construction period;

Ecological awareness training should be provided to all personnel.

4.8.3 Loss of individuals

The following measures are planned to address impacts relevant to loss of species individuals:

Works to be supervised by an on-site ECoW;

Restriction on access to riparian areas during and following construction;

Reduce vehicle speed while travelling on all construction roads;

Prior construction organise a quick inspection of the areas to be cleared in order to remove

and manual transfer of observed tortoises to nearby locations. This is expected to reduce

direct mortality;

Fauna species should not be caught or killed during construction;

Establishment for a procedure to avoid, monitor and control invasive species if necessary.


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4.9 Assessment of Residual Impacts

Implementation of the aforementioned mitigation measures will further minimise impact

significance. The subsequent residual impacts are presented in Table 4-6.

Table 4-6 Residual impacts associated with project activities

Impact / Risk Mitigation Commitments to Address the Impact / Risk Significance of Residual Impact / Risk

Construction Phase Habitat Loss / Degradation & Habitat Fragmentation

Establishment and marking of working strip

Accesses and displacement of machinery to be done by existing roads and the working strips. No upgrading or construction of new roads within the protected area.

No construction materials will be taken from the surrounding environment unless approved by the responsible authority;

During excavation activities topsoil will be taken and stored carefully, while watering should be performed when necessary.

Restoration of sites to their original condition where possible upon completion of construction. Close collaboration with all statutory stakeholders during the elaboration of a Reinstatement Study.

Retain original vegetation where possible for reinstatement.

Establish a pre- post construction biodiversity baseline from which all mitigation, restoration, and loss / degradation can be measured;

Work to retain passage for species as long as possible across the corridor and following works to reinstate passage to be conducted immediately upon pipe section completion;

Work to be supervised by an on-site Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW);

Every possible effort should be made in order to protect tree thickets and isolated trees within the farmland and the pasture land where possible. The same applies for mature trees stands

No water abstractions will be conducted on any of the water bodies, without appropriate authorization from the competent public authorities.

No water discharges will be conducted on any of the water bodies, without appropriate authorization from the competent public authorities.

Habitat compensation measures should be considered where required to replace permanently lost and damaged habitats. This may include new habitat creation, restoration of damaged habitats and habitat enhancement; and

Ecological awareness training should be provided to all personnel

Not significant Impacts from habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are temporary, short term and will take place only on agricultural land outside of the protected area.


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Impact / Risk Mitigation Commitments to Address the Impact / Risk Significance of Residual Impact / Risk

Loss of Individuals Works to be supervised by an on-site ECoW;

Restriction on access to riparian areas during and following construction;

Reduce vehicle speed while travelling on all construction roads

Prior construction organise a quick inspection of the areas to be cleared in order to remove and manual transfer of observed tortoises to nearby locations.

Fauna species should not be caught or killed during construction;

Establishment for a procedure to avoid, monitor and control invasive species if necessary;

Minor Impacts relating to loss of individuals are expected to be minimal and considered to be:

Relatively low in occurrence; and

Limited to accidental causes.

Impacts are likely to be limited to localised areas and temporary in nature, and outside of the Natura 2000 site

Species Disturbance and Displacement

Monitoring of impacts on Annex II species;

Include management actions for threatened/ protected species within the Biodiversity Management Plan

Use of directional lighting;

Best construction site practices should be adopted to minimise the risks of adverse effects on neighbouring habitats/ species from construction activities (dust, noise, waste disposal etc.).

Access to the works area will only be permitted to authorised staff and vehicle movements should be kept to minimum and limited to working areas.

If required, use screens around work area as buffer to visual/light/noise sources; in sites where species of conservation interest have been verified, at a distance smaller than 500 m.

Night working should be limited and the use of lighting along the corridor minimised,

All important sites (i.e. breeding, feeding, nesting, etc.) for species to be identified by ECoW and avoided throughout the construction period; Ecological awareness training should be provided to all personnel.

Minor Impacts relating to species disturbance and displacement are expected to be minimal and considered to be:

Relatively of low magnitude;

Of low consequence to species population due to the small area affected

Source: Exergia (2012)

4.10 Alternative (Including zero alternatives)

The SAC of Potamos Filiouris forms a natural barrier that any kind of infrastructure in Thrace

willing to go from east to west needs to traverse.

Assuming that the area has to be crossed, the initial screening of alternative options proves that

the selected pipeline routing was the preferred one for the following reasons:

avoids the National Park and Ramsar site of Ismarida-Vistonida that lies in the south;


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crosses lands with low conservation value (e.g. agricultural land) where impact is

considered to be minimal.

In addition, reference is made to the river crossing technique selected (HDD) which minimises

impacts to the river and riverbeds as completely avoid any direct intervention into the site.

4.10.1 Comparison of Alternatives

4.10.1.1 Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

Open-cut alternative results in a greater impact regarding habitat loss. As the crossing section is

0.5 km in length and the working strip is 38 m, the area affected by construction works would be

19,000 m2 within the site in the case of the open-cut alternative.

In addition, the open-cut alternative would affect the riparian vegetation, including the permanent

loss of them within the 8 m PPS for the operation phase. No European habitat is directly affected

by HDD alternative. The open-cut alternative would also affect directly the aquatic habitats by the

works within the river and lead to habitat fragmentation in the river area potentially affecting

species such as the otter.

4.10.1.2 Loss of Individuals

As the works in the open-cut alternative affects not only to terrestrial habitats but also to the

aquatic one, it has been considered that the potential mortality of protected species (especially

fishes) would be greater for the open-cut-option.

4.10.2 Zero Alternative

The zero alternative is the non-project alternative. This alternative suggests conservation of the

current status of the SAC or its change due to natural factors of the environment (climate change,

etc.).


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4.11 Compensatory measures

No compensatory measures are foreseen

4.12 Conclusions

4.12.1 Habitats

There are no impacts anticipated in rare or Annex I Habitat Types as HDD crossing will not affect

the protected area at all. The agricultural area and open habitat at the edge of the protected area

will be restored to its full extend. As a result, there will be no alteration in the character of the

habitat in the area which is important to qualifying features of the site.

4.12.2 Species

Through Project design and the implementation of mitigation measures no habitat fragmentation

will occur. Any interference with species of conservation interest on the site will be equally

minimised by the appropriate training of workers to avoid the riparian area and by the pre-

construction surveys. Despite potential minor residual impacts on species, these remain at an

individual level. No interference with the balance, distribution and density of key species or any

reduction of species population or population of international conservation interest is expected

due to:

the complete avoidance of any construction within the protected area;

the temporary and short-term nature of the construction activities (that take place at the

outside the protected area);

the non-intrusive nature of the pipeline during operation (i.e. underground);

the mitigation measures to be applied.

Therefore, not significant adverse residual impacts on species are anticipated as a result of the

construction and operation of TAP Project that would definitely not compromise the integrity of

the Natura 2000 site.

Date 06/2013

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