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Chapter 8: Gathering Baseline Data

This flow chart sets out the key topics covered by this Tool Kit. The chapter you are now reading is highlighted.

Contents

Part 1 - Introduction to baseline information

Part 2 - Legislative requirements

• The relevant statutory provisions

Part 3 - Data collation

• Data types
• Relevant data sources
• Issues in data collection

Part 4 - Information held by the Consultation Authorities

• Historic Scotland
• The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( SEPA)
• Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH)

Part 5 - Data sources - Scotland

Part 6 - Further guidance sources

Part 1 - Introduction to baseline information

8.1.1 Baseline environmental information is important for the main stages of the SEA process, as follows:

• Screening: at the screening stage the characteristics of affected areas are a factor in determining whether significant environmental effects are likely. The Responsible Authority will therefore require an understanding of the existing environment, in order to make this determination.
• Scoping: the scoping stage considers the characteristics of the existing environment when deciding whether environmental components need to be included in the assessment.
• Environmental Report: at this stage it is the environmental baseline against which the potential impacts of the PPS are assessed.
• Monitoring: the monitoring of significant environmental effects after adoption of the PPS is based on the assessment reported in the Environmental Report.

8.1.2 Baseline information should therefore be considered early on in the SEA process. Establishing a baseline will help the Responsible Authority to provide the Consultation Authorities with sufficient information to allow them to offer views and opinions at the screening, scoping and Environmental Report stages.

8.1.3 Responsible Authorities should consider what baseline environmental information is required for the SEA before embarking on an extensive data collection exercise. The baseline information collected should be appropriate for the subject and proportionate to the scale of the plan, programme or strategy ( PPS) being assessed.

Part 2 - Legislative requirements

The relevant statutory provisions

8.2.1 Sections 14(1) and (2) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 ('the Act') require a Responsible Authority to assess the likely significant effects of a PPS on the environment and to provide the results in an Environmental Report. The information to be provided in Environmental Reports is set out in Section 14(3) and Schedule 3 of the Act, and includes the current environmental characteristics of the area and any existing environmental problems.

8.2.2 Section 14(3) recognises that there is a limit to the information in Schedule 3 that can reasonably be collated. This also applies to the collection of baseline environmental information.

Part 3 - Data collation

Data types

8.3.1 Schedule 3 identifies the environmental issues which have to be assessed. These include (but are not limited to):

• biodiversity, flora and fauna;
• population;
• human health;
• soil;
• water;
• air and climatic factors;
• material assets;
• cultural heritage;
• landscape; and
• the inter-relationships between these.

Baseline information for the twelve categories will therefore be required, in order to gain an understanding of the affected environment and carry out the assessment.

8.3.2 Given the range of issues covered in Schedule 3, data are likely to be both quantitative and qualitative. Either or both will be appropriate. Most baseline information will relate to a geographical area or sector, rather than being specific to the particular PPS on which SEA is being carried out. It could therefore be used to support assessments of a range of PPS prepared by one or more Responsible Authorities. Potential uses and opportunities for information sharing and collaboration should be kept in mind when information is initially collected.

Relevant data sources

8.3.3 A list of known data sources is available at the end of this chapter.

8.3.4 A suggested first step is for Responsible Authorities to consider what data they already have and what more they will require. For example, data may be readily available from state of the environment reports and previous environmental assessments of other PPS. Many Responsible Authorities also collect environmental data as part of the planning process or for monitoring purposes.

8.3.5 The Consultation Authorities are able to provide certain environmental data (see Part 4 of this chapter). Local Authorities often hold environmental information pertaining to the local area, on such issues as air quality, noise complaints, biodiversity, landscape and the historic environment. Other consultees, comprising both government and non-governmental organisations and community groups, may also be able to assist. See Part 4 and Part 5, data held by Consultation Authorities and data sources listings respectively.

Issues in data collection

8.3.6 Where particular baseline information is unavailable or unsatisfactory, Responsible Authorities may have to consider how they can improve this situation for future assessment. Information gathered and collated as a result of monitoring during the implementation of a PPS has the potential to be a valuable source of baseline information in the future. The need for good, reliable information will be an important consideration when deciding what and how to monitor the implementation of the PPS.

8.3.7 An SEA containing relevant information may already have been carried out on another PPS. If the information in a previous SEA remains fully up-to-date and is relevant to the current SEA, then it can be used in the assessment of the current PPS. It is vital, however, to be sure that the information in the earlier assessment is up-to-date and covers all the relevant environmental issues. Any differences must be addressed.

8.3.8 Avoiding duplication of data collection is a core principle of an efficient SEA process but Responsible Authorities will want to be sure they are offering consultees the clearest possible environmental information in every case.

8.3.9 Sufficient data about the current and likely future state of the environment should be collected to allow the PPS effects to be adequately predicted and evaluated in accordance with Schedule 3, paragraphs 2-3 of the Act.

8.3.10. The following principles can help to manage the collection and presentation of baseline data and a table such as Figure 8.1 may assist.

• The information collected must be relevant and appropriate to the scale of the PPS, and to matters which the PPS will address. There is no requirement to produce complex data.
• The data and information collected should inform and be relevant to the SEA objectives and indicators. Guidance on SEA objectives and indicators is provided in Chapter 10.
• Using a checklist can be a helpful way of considering whether enough information has been collected for each indicator selected:
  • How good or bad is the current situation?
  • What are the trends?
  • Do trends show that it is getting better or worse?
  • How far is the current situation from any established thresholds or targets?
  • Are particularly sensitive or important elements of the receiving environment affected, e.g. people, resources, species/habitats, watercourses? These may include landscapes or areas with a recognised national, Community or international protection status such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
  • How difficult would it be to offset or remedy any damage?
  • Are there problems which are reversible or irreversible, permanent or temporary?
  • Have there been significant cumulative or synergistic effects over time?
  • Are there expected to be such effects in the future?

8.3.11 In theory, collection of baseline information could go on indefinitely. A practical approach is therefore essential. A time limit should be set for information collection. There may be information or data that the Responsible Authority does not have to hand and they must seek to pursue other sources to fill these gaps. Where data are not available, the Act does not require the Responsible Authority to generate them. However, it is good practice to make arrangements to fill these gaps or flag them up with the relevant parties, as this will be useful for future SEA. Where data are unreliable or partial, Responsible Authorities should make this clear in their Environmental Reports.

8.3.12 It is often useful to map information, to show how it varies across the PPS area. Using time data series, it is also possible to show how changes have occurred over time. Geographical Information Systems ( GIS) are particularly useful in this respect. They enable layers of information to be built up, and it is possible to examine how closely one set of information relates to another. In this way, geographical patterns and linkages can begin to be established and explored. Where data cannot be mapped, the use of graphs, diagrams and other visual forms of representation can help to make the data easier to understand.

Figure 8.1 (based on the SEA Practical Guide ( ODPM et al, September 2005) gives an example of how baseline information can be organised and presented.

Part 4 - Information held by the Consultation Authorities

Historic Scotland

8.4.1 Background information on HS and general advice on data is available from the HS website at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk. Information on the historic environment is available from a variety of sources. To comply with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, HS has produced a publication scheme to provide access to information collected, held and used by HS. This publication scheme is a guide to the information which HS routinely makes available either electronically through its website, or via its offices. The publication scheme can be viewed on the HS website ( http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/foi_publication_scheme_feb05.pdf).

8.4.2 Information on the location and details of scheduled ancient monuments and listed buildings (including supporting information) is provided on Pastmap ( http://www.PASTMAP.org.uk), a free, interactive, map-based query system developed jointly by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland ( RCAHMS) and Historic Scotland. Databases providing summary information on scheduled ancient monuments and listed buildings are also available on the Historic Scotland website. The underlying scheduled ancient monument and listed building data displayed on Pastmap is also available, under licence, in GIS format (contact hsgimanager@scotland.gsi.gov.uk).

8.4.3 Information on the location of identified gardens and designed landscapes is provided on Pastmap. Detailed supporting information on gardens and designed landscapes is provided in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes. The Inventory can be consulted at HS offices or is available to purchase from HS and SNH (see below for addresses). The underlying gardens and designed landscape data used on Pastmap is available from Historic Scotland (contact hsgimanager@scotland.gsi.gov.uk). The Inventory is currently being updated; for up-to-date information please contact Historic Scotland's Gardens Inventory Manager Tony Cairns ( tony.cairns@scotland.gsi.gov.uk) or the Landscape Historian Raoul Curtis-Machin ( raoul.curtis-machin@scotland.gsi.gov.uk).

8.4.4 Information on all archaeological/historic sites, buildings and finds recorded in the National Monuments Record of Scotland ( NMRS) is available on the RCAHMS website ( http://www.rcahms.gov.uk). Locational and supporting information is provided on Pastmap.

8.4.5 Information on historic landscapes, in particular historic land-use assessment and NMRS data, can be obtained from the RCAHMS website ( http://www.rcahms.gov.uk). The historic land-use assessment is a GIS-based analysis of past and present land-use, developed jointly by Historic Scotland and RCAHMS. It can be found on the RCAHMS web-site at HLAMAP.

8.4.6 Information on cultural World Heritage Sites is provided on the Historic Scotland website ( http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk).

8.4.7 Wrecks may be protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, scheduled as ancient monuments or identified as NMRS sites. Information on protected wrecks is available, under licence, in GIS format (contact hsgimanager@scotland.gsi.gov.uk).

8.4.8 Local authorities also hold information on the historic environment relevant to their areas. Their archaeological services can provide information on sites included in their Sites and Monuments Records, whilst planning authorities can provide information on conservation areas. Contact details are provided on Pastmap and on the HS website.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( SEPA)

8.4.9 General advice on data sources is available from SEPA's website at www.sepa.org.uk. To comply with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, SEPA has produced a publication scheme to provide access to an extensive range of information collected, held and used by the Agency. This publication scheme is a guide to the information which can be made available either electronically through the website, or via SEPA's office network throughout Scotland. SEPA's publication scheme can be viewed at www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/access/publication_scheme.pdf.

8.4.10 Some of the information held by SEPA which will be available under its publications scheme and which may be useful to Responsible Authorities undertaking SEA is included in the table below.

8.4.11 This information is available on the SEPA website. Other information from the publication scheme is available either on the website or in hard copy. Specific information requests may also be made directly to the local SEPA office - contact details on the SEPA website at www.sepa.org.uk/contact/index.htm.

Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH)

8.4.12 General advice on data availability is available from the SNH website at www.snh.org.uk. A section of the website is dedicated to Strategic Environmental Assessment and provides access to relevant data sets. To comply with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, SNH has produced a publication scheme to provide access to an extensive range of information collected, held and used by SNH. This publication scheme is a guide to the information which SNH routinely makes available either electronically through its website, or via its office network throughout Scotland.

8.4.13 SNH will publish information in accordance with the publication scheme and will monitor and review its operation in the light of public comment and feedback. The scheme is not a list of individual published documents, since this will change as new items are published and obsolete items are withdrawn.

8.4.14 The main types of information on the natural heritage held by SNH and which will be available under the publications scheme include:

• descriptions of the various national and international natural heritage designations;
• maps showing designated sites;
• Site Management Statements describing management objectives for each SSSI(in accordance with the Data Protection Act names of individual owners and occupiers are removed unless permission has been given to release this information);
• site documentation explaining the reasons for designation for all national and international natural heritage designations;
• Gardens and Designed Landscapes;
• species and habitat distribution trends and inventory data (some data may be withheld where there is a possibility that release would result in environmental damage, and this danger outweighs the public benefit in releasing the information. In these cases, summary information will normally be provided);
• natural heritage trend information;
• the status of biodiversity plans, and progress towards meeting biodiversity targets;
• lists of protected species in Scotland;
• details of the SNH licensing systems and examples of the types of licences we authorise;
• geological, geomorphological and land cover information;
• information on landscape character assessments;
• information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Scottish Access Forum;
• information on access and recreational use of the natural heritage;
• information on wild land search areas; and
• information on educational and interpretative projects to raise public awareness of the natural heritage and of SNH's work.

8.4.15 Detailed information is also available on SNH's Grant, Natural Care and Management Agreement programmes.

8.4.16 The information outlined above is available either on the SNH website or in hard copy on request. SNH is working to increase public accessibility to its natural heritage data and information, and to make most of its data holdings available through its website. SNH also contributes data to the National Biodiversity Network ( NBN) which co-ordinates the collection and dissemination of biodiversity information across the UK. Further information from the NBN is available on its website: www.nbn.org.uk. SNH's publication 'Facts & Figures' contains a range of useful facts and statistics about SNH's work and Scotland's natural heritage. The publication contains:

• a complete Scottish listing of all areas designated as: Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, National Nature Reserves, National Scenic Areas and certain other types of natural heritage designation;
• a list of management agreements and leases in force during the year to 31 March 2002;
• performance against customer care standards;
• details of licences issued;
• details of grants awarded;
• details of research contracts let; and
• details of partnership projects funded.

8.4.17 As well as responding to specific requests, SNH publishes an extensive range of information about the Scottish environment in the form of research reports, policy statements, guidance notes, information leaflets and booklets. A catalogue of publications is available from SNH. Responsible Authorities wanting to obtain a copy of the catalogue should contact the Publications Section, Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PH1 3EW, for which a charge may be incurred.

Part 5 - Data sources* - Scotland

Part 6 - Further guidance sources

Note: Inclusion of these alternative SEA reference sources is not in it self an endorsement by the Scottish Executive, of their quality and/or accuracy. It is therefore up to Responsible Authorities to ensure that any information or guidance taken from alternative sources meets with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.

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