This presentation was given as part of the EPA-funded Catchment Science and Management Course focusing on Integrated Catchment Management, held in June 2015. This course was delivered by RPS Consultants. If you have any queries or comments, or wish to use the material in this presentation, please contact catchments@epa.ie It is increasingly being recognised internationally that integrated catchment management (ICM) is a useful organising framework for tackling the ongoing challenge of balancing sustainable use and development of our natural resource, against achieving environmental goals. The basic principles of ICM (Williams, 2012) are to: • Take a holistic and integrated approach to the management of land, biodiversity, water and community resources at the water catchment scale; • Involve communities in planning and managing their landscapes; and • Find a balance between resource use and resource conservation ICM is now well established in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In Europe the ICM approach has been proposed as being required to achieve effective water and catchment management, and is the approach being promoted by DEFRA for the UK, where it is called the “Catchment Based Approach” (CaBA). The principles and methodologies behind ICM sit well within the context of the Water Framework Directive with its aims and objectives for good water quality, sustainable development and public participation in water resource management. In Ireland it is proposed that the ICM approach will underlie the work and philosophy in developing and implementing future River Basin Management Plans.

1. Catchment
ManagementHabitats Directive Assessment

2. Habitats Directive Appropriate Assessment
• What is SEA & AA (Legislative Context)
• What is assessed
• Who carries it out
• How is it carried out
• How do SEA & AA (and EIA) relate

3. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Many definitions but broadly…..
structured, systematic and participative
procedure containing a set of tools to
assist in the integration of environmental
considerations and promote informed
decision-making at plan/programme
level

4. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
SEA Legislation
EU Legislation: Directive 2001/42/EEC aka the SEA Directive
Transposed into Irish Law through:
SI No. 435 of 2004
European Communities (Environmental Assessment of
Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 as
amended in 2011
SI No. 436 of 2004
Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental
Assessment ) Regulations 2004 as amended in 2011

5. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Where does SEA Fit in the Planning Hierarchy?
National Plans/Programmes
National Development Plan, National Spatial Strategy
Regional / County Plans
Regional Waste Management Plans, County
Development Plans, Local Area Plan
Individual Site Specific Projects
Landfill, Road, Bridge, Large Housing Estate, Factory
SEA
SEA
EIA
Strategic Level
Project Level

6. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Why do SEA?
• Integrate environmental issues into decision making and promote sustainability
– concerns early in the process (conception stage)
• Opportunity to integrate other legislation (Habs Directive) and participation of
stakeholders (Aarhus Convention);
• Minimise negative impacts on the environment and promote positive ones; and
• But………not an end in itself, it is to ensure the Plan is as robust as possible in the
context of the wider environment.

7. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA
1. SCREENING – is SEA required?
2. SCOPING – what should be included?
3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – what are the
consequences of implementing the plan?
• Alternatives
• Objectives, Targets and Indicators
• Environmental Report
• Public Consultation
4. SEA STATEMENT – how has SEA influenced the Plan?

8. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA - Screening
Statutory plans and programmes prepared and/or adopted by national, regional or
local authorities and required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions.
All plans and programmes which are prepared for:
• agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water
management, telecommunications and tourism,
• and which set the framework for future development consent of projects listed in
Annexes I and II to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, or
• which are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European
site but, either individually or in combination with other plans, are likely to have a
significant effect on any such site.

9. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA - Scoping
Consultation – 5 statutory consultees + transboundary (where applicable) for
minimum of 4 weeks.
In Ireland designated authorities for SEA are:
• Environmental Protection Agency;
• Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government;
• Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources;
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine; and
• Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

10. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA - Scoping
Should draw on outcome of consultation exercises;
Ensure SEA covers key issues and to the right level of detail;
Define geographic / temporal scope;
Agree scope of the assessment and the environmental objectives
against which to evaluate impact and monitor the impact of
implementing the plan;
Outline alternatives.

11. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA – Environmental Assessment & Report
Typically Report includes:
• Outline of the contents and main aims of the plan
• List of relevant environmental protection objectives
• Baseline description / any existing environmental
problems in the area
• Likely significant environmental effects + proposed
mitigation measures
• Reasons for choosing preferred alternative strategy
• Description of proposed mitigation and monitoring
measures

12. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA – Baseline
Describe current state of the environment; environmental
characteristics; environmental problems.
• Biodiversity/Flora and Fauna
• Population/ Human Health
• Soil
• Water (surface, ground)
• Air Quality and Climatic Factors
• Material Assets
• Landscape
• Cultural Heritage
• Interrelationships
GIS important here [GISEA]
SEA focus is on the
broader environment not
just water.

13. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA – Alternatives
Alternatives are at the heart of SEA. Legal requirement under
the SEA Directive
Art. 5.1: reasonable alternatives taking into account the
objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or
programme, are identified, described and evaluated’
Art. 9.1: a statement is prepared summarising ‘… the reasons
for choosing the plan or programme as adopted, in the light
of the reasonable alternatives dealt with.’
Annex 1h: the Environmental Report includes ‘an outline of
the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with.

14. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA – Alternatives
Alternatives hierarchy:
Is the development necessary? If so……
How should it be delivered? (technical and policy
options)….
Where should it go?
Timing and detail.
Alternatives can be considered at multiple levels in the same
SEA… strategic policy, actions etc.

15. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA – Assessment
Uses a system of OTI
SEA Objectives specify a desired direction of change e.g. improve
water quality;
SEA Targets are more focussed e.g. achieve good status in all water
bodies by 2015; and
SEA Indicators measure progress toward a target e.g. number of
water bodies improving to good status.

16. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA – Statutory Consultation
The draft Plan and Environmental Report go on public display and anyone can
make a submission (minimum 4 weeks);
Also sent directly to statutory consultees and transboundary;
Review of all submissions received. This is not an SEA function – it is for the Plan;
Modifications to draft plan if required;
Screening of any new measures or significant changes for SEA.
If screened out, adoption of final plan.

17. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
Main Steps in SEA – SEA Statement
• How environmental considerations have been integrated into the plan or
programme, or modification to a plan or programme
• How the environmental report, submissions and observations made to the
competent authorities and the public have been taken into account
• The reasons for choosing the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or
programme, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with, and
• The measures decided upon to monitor the significant environmental effects of
implementation of the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or
programme.

18. Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments
RBMP - Proposed 2nd Cycle Timelines
????
Draft SWMI Report July 2015
Final SWMI Report Dec 2015
Article 5 Report Dec 2015
Draft RBMP Dec 2016
Final RBMP Dec 2017
SEA
Screening
SEA Scoping
Identification
of SEA
Alternatives
Environmental
Assessment &
ReportingSEA
Integration

19. Indicative SAC and SPA maps – Natura 2000
423 SACs 154 SPAs
13,500 Km2 570 Km2
59 Annex I Habs
25 Annex II Spp
Annex I Birds
Breeding seabirds
Wintering waterbirds

20. Appropriate Assessment is a key protection mechanism
Article 6(3) Habitats Directive
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. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for
the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 , the competent national
authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it
will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and , if appropriate,
after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

21. European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats)
Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011)
Overarching obligation on all State Agencies to exercise statutory powers to secure
compliance with the regulations (Reg 27)
Ministerial Direction to prohibit and control damaging activities or operations (Regs
28 and 29)
Ministerial referral to ABP or DAFM where EIA or AA required (Regs 31, 32)
PART 4 – Activities, Plans or Projects Affecting European Sites

22. PART 5: APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT
Revision of the provisions on AA under the Habitats Directive
42. Screening for Appropriate Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of implications for
European Sites
43. Considerations of overriding public interest
44. Consent by public authorities
45. Compensatory measures
46. Review of existing plans
47. Assessments relating to the same subject matter
48. Minister’s advice and specific guidance
• Article 6(3) - strict protection of sites
• Article 6(4) - procedure for allowing derogation in certain restricted
circumstances (IROPI)
Not including: Planning & dev under Planning Acts/ EIA Ag activities / PA consented
activities BUT Minister may require a PA to conduct AA for any plan or project

23. Development / Development Plans / LAP / SDZ / Regional Planning
Guidelines / Strategic Infrastructure / LA Development
Competent Authority – Regional Authority / Planning Authority / Bord
Pleanála
Exempted Development – range of Agriculture and Forestry activities
(subject to conditions)
‘shall not be exempted development if an environmental impact assessment
of the development is required’ [2010 Amendment S4(4)(a) ]
Planning and Development Act, 2000
Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010
(PART XAB Appropriate Assessment)

24. AGRICULTURE
S.I. No. 456 of 2011 EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT) (AGRICULTURE) REGULATIONS 2011
Restructuring / intensification of (semi-)natural land / drainage
Exceeds thresholds or likely to impact on environment
‘likely to have a significant effect on a European site’ 9(1)(c)
‘shall be accompanied by a Natura impact statement’ 9(2)(e)(ii)
Many activities covered are NOTIFIABLE ACTIONS in relation to SAC, SPA or NHA and
require permission of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

25. FORESTRY
Forest Service – AA PROCESS REQUIRED:
• applications for consent for afforestation, road construction under the
European Communities (Forest Consent and Assessment) Regulations 2010
• grant approval (any Forest Service grant scheme}
• licenses in relation to aerial fertilisation, various forestry activities
(thinning and felling) under the Forestry Act 1946
Where AA is required in relation to a proposed thinning, felling, replanting or forest
road construction, such development will also require planning permission from the
relevant LA [Section 17(1)(b) of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act
2011]
NOTE: AA Screening is done by FS as part of application evaluation
Specific requirements re Hen Harrier and FPM

26. The AA Process

27. Is the Project/Plan (PP) Necessary for Management of Natura site?
Potential for Significant Effects?
PROJECT EFFECTS SITE ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY
Is AA Necessary
•Description of PP - Nature / Size / Local Site-Area Characteristics / Zoning
•ID Relevant N2000 sites - Qualifying Interests & Conservation Objectives
•Assess Likely Effects – Direct / Indirect / Cumulative - In situ & Ex situ
Habitat Loss / Fragmentation Disturbance Spp Population Density
Water Resource Water Quality
Time Lags Space Crowding Synergistic Secondary

28. If the AA process is
stopping at the screening
stage, the decision is
recorded in the form of a
SCREENING CONCLUSIONS
AND STATEMENT

29. 1. Project Necessary for Management of Natura site
2. No Potential for Significant Effects
(no change to project or findings invalid)
3. Significant Effects Certain, Likely or Uncertain
Effects Certain Regardless of Mitigation
AA NOT REQUIRED
AA REQUIRED
PROJECT REFUSED
Possible Conclusions
If the AA process is stopping at the screening stage, the decision is recorded in the
form of a Screening Conclusion and Statement

30. Competent Authority
Collect and assess relevant Data / Information
Natura Impact Statement (PP Proponent)
Submissions
Stakeholder Consultation
(Statutory Bodies / Agencies / NGOs etc)
AA Conclusion – Summary
- Mitigation Timescale / Monitoring

31. • Natura 2000 Conservation Objectives (e.g. protection, maintenance or
enhancement of the Qualifying Interests)
• Types of Possible Impact - Alone / In Combination with other plans or
projects) per qualifying interest, e.g. direct and indirect effects; short- and
long-term effects; effects of all operations /stages of the project
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE BASED / MODELLING
BEWARE: Project splitting / Phased Projects / Gaps
• Apply the Precautionary Principle if evidence is inconclusive
• Mitigation Measures – Effective / Resource Requirements / Monitoring
Natura Impact Statement
COMPREHENSIVE / OBJECTIVE / ROBUST - REQUEST FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

32. Possible Outcomes
Project will not have Significant Effect on Natura 2000 Site
(provided no other outstanding issues or considerations)
Project with Significant Adverse Effect even with Mitigation
May Proceed
May Not Proceed
Insufficient Information or Evidence -
Adverse Effects Must be Assumed

33. Alternative solutions or options that could enable the PP to proceed without
adverse effects on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site
• Compare/assess all reasonable alternatives (Stage 2 AA)
• Economic criteria, cannot be seen as overruling ecological criteria
Locations or routes Scale or size Demand management
Construction/Operation Methods Scheduling / Seasonality Mitigation
‘Zero-Option’, i.e. Abandonment
• Significant Damage remains – ABANDON or IROPI
• Least Damaging Option selected before progress to Stage 4

34. IMPERATIVE REASONS of OVERRIDING PUBLIC INTEREST (Derogation 6(4)):
Social / Economic
*Human Health / Public Safety (Priority Habitats or Species)
Balance
Long-Term
Statement of IROPI Case
Nature of the potential negative impacts
Why no alternatives (including abandonment)
Detail IROPI and Compensatory Measures
Minister
European Commission

35. Comparison of the salient features of AA, EIA and SEA