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9 Proposed SEA Monitoring Framework
9.1 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to set out 'the measures that are to be taken to monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the plan or programme', as required by 18(3)(f) of the SEA Act. The plan which is the subject of this SEA is the Scottish Government's proposal to introduce NAPs which will create a new framework to reduce noise levels where necessary, and to preserve environmental noise quality where it is good.
Monitoring must be seen in the context of the plan which is being proposed and logically, monitoring must be linked to the various stages in the implementation of the plan. Detailed information on the implementation of the plan is currently not available and at this stage an outline framework for monitoring is proposed for consultation purposes. More detailed monitoring frameworks would be devised during the drafting of the technical guidance as described below.
No noise monitoring will be carried out to inform the strategic noise maps or the NAPs. These are based purely on computer models.
9.2 Purpose of Monitoring
Monitoring is an ongoing process which is undertaken throughout the lifetime of the plan. The information gathered through monitoring will assist the Scottish Government in identifying and mitigating the environmental effects of implementing the plan. If adverse effects are identified, these can be addressed by altering the way in which the plan is implemented.
The uncertainties associated with the high level, strategic assessment make monitoring all the more important. Monitoring allows for periodic checks to confirm the accuracy of the assumptions on which the original assessment was based and to ensure that the proposed intervention measures remain relevant and are being effectively implemented. Monitoring is therefore closely linked to the proposed mitigation measures set out in the previous chapter.
9.3 Monitoring Phases and Activities
Two main phases are proposed for monitoring, each of which need to be considered separately.
Phase 1 is the process of defining, agreeing and setting up the policy and management framework. This includes the drafting of the technical guidance and other relevant policy documents and the creation of management mechanisms for monitoring this progress. Monitoring lasts until all aspects of this process have been delivered. Phase 2 is the implementation stage.
Phase 1 is concerned with the wording of documents, organisational arrangements etc. Phase 2 is concerned with monitoring the changing environmental conditions that can be attributed to the NAPs.
For Phase 1 the key activities necessary to develop the detailed monitoring framework would be as follows:
- Establish a programme for monitoring based on the main stages of the implementation of the plan.
- The main elements that would need to be monitored include, but are not limited to:
- The drafting of the text of the Technical Guidance
- Implementation of the Technical Guidance:
- Providing a framework for the detailed assessment of CNMAs and CQAs
- Assessing environmental impacts across the SEA objectives
- Preparing and implementing a framework to ensure that environmental impacts are managed and mitigated where practical
- Undertake monitoring at each of the main phases including the following tasks:
- Confirm that the proposed environmental measures set out in the draft NAPs and mitigation measures set out in Chapter 8 of the Environmental Report are (where they remain relevant) incorporated into the Technical Guidance or other delivery mechanisms.
- Where amendments are made to the proposals for the delivery of the NAPs and management framework, undertake an environmental assessment of the amendments. This can be done by reviewing the original assessment as more information becomes available in order to confirm the results of the assessment.
- Identify the need for other specific mitigation measures to prevent, reduce or offset adverse impacts or to create more positive outcomes.
- Reporting: a brief monitoring report would be prepared at each key stage of the plan's implementation.
- Consultation: the monitoring report would be made available to the Consultation Authorities ( SNH, SEPA and Historic Scotland) in order that they may comment on the findings and make further recommendations.
- Monitoring would be undertaken by (or on behalf of) the Scottish Government.
- Programme and end point - monitoring of Phase 1 would continue to the point where all aspects of the NAPs and management framework have been delivered and are in operation.
For Phase 2 it would be necessary to review environmental conditions and identifying where changes to environmental conditions can be attributed to the implementation of the NAPs. Given the lack of information at this time it is proposed that a detailed monitoring framework is devised following adoption of the plan and set out in the post adoption SEA Statement. It will be necessary to:
- Develop a programme for monitoring for all aspects of the plan.
- Agree a method for monitoring, possibly using indicators. Indicators and contributory objectives will provide a means of informing the Scottish Government on the effects of the new NAPs and management framework.
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