High Speed Rail

West Midlands to Crewe

Environmental Minimum Requirements

Environmental Memorandum

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Two Snowhill
Two Snowhill
Snow Hill Queensway
Snow Hill Queensway
Birmingham B4 6GA
Birmingham B4 6GA
08081 434 434
08081 434 434
[email protected]
www.hs2.org.uk
[email protected] February 2021 www.hs2.org.uk
High Speed Rail
West Midlands to Crewe
Environmental Minimum Requirements

Environmental Memorandum

February 2021 www.hs2.org.uk

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has been tasked by the Department for
Transport (DfT) with managing the delivery of a new national high speed
rail network. It is a non-departmental public body wholly owned by the DfT.

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited,

Two Snowhill
Snow Hill Queensway
Birmingham B4 6GA

Telephone: 08081 434 434

General email enquiries: [email protected]

Website: www.hs2.org.uk

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has actively considered the needs of blind
and partially sighted people in accessing this document. The text will
be made available in full on the HS2 website. The text may be freely
downloaded and translated by individuals or organisations for conversion
into other accessible formats. If you have other needs in this regard please
contact High Speed Two (HS2) Limited.

© High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2021, except where otherwise stated.

Copyright in the typographical arrangement rests with High Speed Two

(HS2) Limited.

This information is licensed under the Open Government Licence

v3.0. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/
open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information
Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail:
[email protected]. Where we have identified any third-
party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from
the copyright holders concerned.

Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre.

Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

Contents

1 Introduction 1
1.1 General introduction 1
1.2 Scope of the Memorandum 1
1.3 Purpose and understanding 2
2 Aims 3
3 Mechanisms 4
3.1 National Environmental Forum 4
3.2 Engagement 4
3.3 Interrelationship between National Environmental Forum and Planning Forum 4
3.4 Code of Construction Practice 5
3.5 Environmental management system - overview 5
3.6 Control of environmental effects 6
3.7 Interpretation 6
4 Principles 7
4.1 Introduction 7
4.2 Sustainability 7
4.3 Use of land 7
4.4 Integrated environmental approach 7
4.5 Site reinstatement 8
4.6 Landscape and visual 8
4.7 Public open space 10
4.8 Nature conservation 11
4.9 Geological features 12
4.10 Water resources and flood risk 12
4.11 Agricultural and forestry land 13
4.12 Excavated material 14
4.13 Waste management 14
4.14 Climate change 15
5 Key environmentally sensitive worksites 16

i
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

1 Introduction
1.1 General introduction
1.1.1 This Memorandum relates to the environmental aspects of the design and
construction of Phase 2a of HS2. It builds upon discussions which have taken place
between HS2 Ltd and representatives of the National Environmental Forum
comprising the Agencies (Historic England, Environment Agency and Natural
England) and representatives from relevant Government departments, including the
Forestry Commission. These parties intend to continue to have clear and open
discussion during the ongoing design and construction phases of Phase 2a of HS2.
1.1.2 The terms of this Memorandum have also been discussed with the local authorities
along the route.

1.2 Scope of the Memorandum

1.2.1 This Memorandum is concerned with the impacts of Phase 2a of HS2 on the following:
• nature conservation;
• terrestrial and aquatic ecology;
• water resources and flood risk;
• geological features;
• recreation and amenity impacts;
• landscape and visual;
• public open space;
• soils;
• agricultural and forestry land; and
• excavated material.
1.2.2 It is intended that the Environmental Memorandum is entirely consistent with the
High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act and does not duplicate provisions
therein (for example, Protective Provisions in Schedule 32). Should there be any
perceived conflict between this Memorandum and the Act, the Act will take
precedence.
1.2.3 It is not intended that this Memorandum duplicate other components of the
Environmental Minimum Requirements (EMRs).
1.2.4 The other components of the EMRs are described in paragraph 3.1.1 of the EMR
General Principles document. These include requirements on the nominated
undertaker to comply with the Planning Memorandum, the Heritage Memorandum
and Undertakings and Assurances concerning the project specified in the register of
undertakings and assurances, and to adopt and implement the Code of Construction
Practice (CoCP).

1
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

1.3 Purpose and understanding

1.3.1 The Environmental Memorandum provides a framework for the nominated
undertaker and representatives of the National Environment Forum to work together
to ensure that the design and construction of Phase 2a of HS2 is carried out with due
regard for environmental considerations, including the historic environment.
1.3.2 Until such time as a nominated undertaker is appointed, the Department for
Transport will fulfil the nominated undertaker’s role.
1.3.3 The parties to this Memorandum have therefore reached an understanding as to:
• the aims to control and limit the environmental effects of constructing Phase
2a of HS2;
• the mechanisms for ensuring consultation and liaison between the parties,
monitoring of the impacts of the construction of Phase 2a of HS2, monitoring
of the post construction performance of mitigation and compliance with
(amongst other things) the environmental provisions in the High Speed Rail
(West Midlands – Crewe) Act as outlined in the HS2 Information Paper E1:
Control of Environmental Impacts; and
• the principles to be followed to achieve the aims during the ongoing design
and construction of Phase 2a of HS2.
1.3.4 The nominated undertaker and the Forum members will agree to take all reasonable
steps to achieve the aims of this Memorandum, through subscribing to the
mechanisms and principles set out below.

2
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

2 Aims
2.1.1 The nominated undertaker and the representatives of the National Environmental
Forum agree to the following environmental aims for the design and construction
stage of Phase 2a of HS2:
• to design and construct Phase 2a of HS2 such that significant environmental
effects are eliminated, reduced or controlled where reasonably practicable;
• to prevent environmental risks and avoid or control the extent of
environmental damage by developing mitigation measures to an appropriate
standard and monitoring and enforcing them effectively;
• to address sustainability principles in on-going design development, taking
opportunities for environmental enhancement and compensation where
practicable and reasonable; and
• in doing so, recognise that the nominated undertaker will take a responsible
approach to balancing the achievement of environmental principles set out in
Section 4 with the overall objectives of Phase 2a of HS2.
2.1.2 The mechanisms for achieving these aims are set out in Section 3.

3
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

3 Mechanisms
3.1 National Environmental Forum
3.1.1 A National Environmental Forum will continue to meet throughout the design and
construction period and up to one year post-commissioning, unless agreed by the
Forum that further meetings are no longer required. The Forum will provide a
framework for early and effective consultation with the member agencies and will
keep them appraised of progress and issues. It will assist in the execution of this
Memorandum, including advising on:
• the strategic approach for avoidance or mitigation of adverse effects on those
matters identified in 1.2.1; and
• the strategic programme for monitoring the environmental effects of the
Project, and periodic review of results.
3.1.2 The terms of reference and the function of the National Environment Forum will be
reviewed as appropriate as the project develops.

3.2 Engagement
3.2.1 The Protective Provisions to the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act (as set
out in Schedule 32) contain specific timescales for the nominated undertaker and the
Environment Agency to respond to plans and method statements (or the approval of
the Environment Agency is deemed to have been given). It is understood that such
timescales are necessary to the timely delivery of the Phase 2a of HS2.
3.2.2 However, notwithstanding these statutory timescales, the nominated undertaker and
the Agencies will undertake early consultation on environmental issues, as far as
reasonably practicable, to ensure that the best practicable environmental solution is
achieved.
3.2.3 The nominated undertaker will take the primary role in circulating available
information of relevance to the Agencies in performing their regulatory and advisory
duties. So far as permitted to do so by law, the Agencies will provide the nominated
undertaker with all relevant information they possess.
3.2.4 The nominated undertaker and the Agencies will each identify named individuals who
will be the ‘single point of contact’ between the parties. The nominated undertaker
will inform the Agencies of the person in control of the works.
3.2.5 The nominated undertaker and the Agencies will ensure that constructive dialogue
continues throughout the various stages of Phase 2a of HS2 through agreed
consultation and liaison mechanisms as set out in this Memorandum.

3.3 Interrelationship between National Environmental Forum

and Planning Forum
3.3.1 For qualifying authorities, the Planning Memorandum sets out the principles to be
taken into account as material considerations in the determination of requests for the
approval of details. However, the nominated undertaker will involve relevant Agencies

4
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

on applications to planning authorities and circulate information of relevance to the

Agencies at the same time as submitting for planning approval.
3.3.2 As far as reasonably practicable, the nominated undertaker will co-ordinate
submission of Agency permits or licences and planning applications.

3.4 Code of Construction Practice

3.4.1 The CoCP sets out specific details and working practices that apply to site preparation
(including site investigation and remediation, where appropriate), demolition,
material delivery, management of excavated materials including surplus excavated
material, waste removal and all related engineering and construction activities.
Subject to any specific requirements arising under protective provisions, these will be
the arrangements by which the nominated undertaker and its contractors will be
required to work.
3.4.2 The CoCP will be supported by Local Environmental Management Plans (LEMPs)
which will include a number of specific measures by topic, relevant to each relevant
local authority area.

3.5 Environmental management system - overview

3.5.1 The nominated undertaker is required to develop and maintain its environmental
management system (EMS) in accordance with BS EN ISO 14001. The EMS provides
the processes by which environmental management, both within the nominated
undertaker’s organisation and in relation to its operations, is undertaken to ensure the
relevant findings of the Environmental Statement are addressed through the
construction phase. The EMS will set out:
• the procedures to be implemented to plan and monitor compliance with
environmental legislation;
• the key environmental aspects of the work and how they will be managed;
• staff competence and awareness requirements and how these are achieved
and maintained;
• record keeping arrangements, including reporting to the Sponsor;
• the procedures to be implemented to monitor compliance with the
environmental provisions in the Act; and
• monitoring compliance and the effectiveness of the measures included within
the CoCP, the nominated undertaker’s environmental policy and with all the
Environmental Minimum Requirements other than non-environmental aspects
of undertakings and assurances.
3.5.2 The nominated undertaker will require each of its lead contractors to have an EMS
certified to BS EN ISO14001. Their EMS will include roles and responsibilities, together
with appropriate control measures and monitoring systems to be employed during
planning and constructing the works for all relevant topic areas covered by the HS2
Phase 2a Environmental Statement. Where the lead contractor is a joint venture, the
EMS will be certified to cover the activities of the joint venture.

5
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

3.5.3 Environmental criteria appropriate to the scale and nature of the nominated
undertaker’s construction requirements will be used at tender stage to ensure that
environmental considerations are taken account of in the awarding of contracts.

3.6 Control of environmental effects

3.6.1 It is the intention of the Secretary of State to carry out Phase 2a of HS2 so that its
environmental effects are no greater than as assessed in the HS2 Phase 2a
Environmental Statement. The mechanisms established to control this objective are
explained in the HS2 Information Paper E1: Control of Environmental Impacts.

3.7 Interpretation
3.7.1 Without prejudice to the exercise of their statutory functions, the nominated
undertaker and the Agencies are committed to trying to resolve any differences of
opinion as to the interpretation of the Environmental Memorandum through
discussion.

6
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

4 Principles
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 The principles by which future environmental decisions on Phase 2a of HS2 will be
taken include the following:

4.2 Sustainability
4.2.1 To monitor the commitments made within the Sustainability and Environmental
Policies we will be assessing the design and construction of the maintenance facility to
be constructed as part of the Proposed Scheme with BREEAM (Building Research
Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) New Construction Non Domestic
criteria. BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has
become the de facto measure used to describe environmental performance of
buildings. HS2 Ltd has set a target that all its Stations, Depots and other railway
buildings to be constructed for the HS2 project will achieve a minimum of an Excellent
rating in this standard.
4.2.2 To ensure that our infrastructure is designed and constructed to a similar high
standard, HS2 Ltd plans to use a recognised environmental rating system to assess
the infrastructure works – Enabling Works, Main Works Civils and Rail Systems.
4.2.3 Through the EMS the nominated undertaker will develop, and keep under regular
review, environmental objectives which address this sustainability agenda.
4.2.4 Achievement of these objectives during ongoing design and construction stages will
be monitored and periodically reported to the National Environmental Forum.

4.3 Use of land

4.3.1 As the design is developed, the nominated undertaker through its contractors and so
far as is reasonably practicable will seek to reduce land taken from habitats, sites of
nature conservation or geological importance, public open space and best and most
versatile agricultural land. This includes seeking to reduce impacts on protected
species.
4.3.2 The principles of the ‘mitigation hierarchy’ are consistent with the National Planning
Policy Framework, and guidance on Environmental Impact Assessment will be
followed throughout design development. For more information on the mitigation
hierarchy, see Information Paper E2: Ecology.

4.4 Integrated environmental approach

4.4.1 An integrated environmental approach will be adopted as the design is developed,
taking account of environmental principles within this document, land use, and other
environmental issues as set out in other parts of the EMRs, as appropriate.
4.4.2 Section 5 identifies the priorities for key environmentally sensitive worksites. Whilst
all environmental issues will be considered at these and other sites, the nominated
undertaker and the Agencies acknowledge the necessity of striking a balance between
environmental interests and the needs of the project as it is built.

7
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

4.4.3 Opportunities for environmental enhancement will be identified and implemented

where related to the impacts of the project and where they are considered reasonable
and practicable.

4.5 Site reinstatement

4.5.1 The High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act requires that, upon completion of
construction works, where temporary possession of sites has been undertaken, they
shall be returned to a condition in accordance with a scheme to be agreed with both
the owners of the land and the relevant planning authority. In a case where the site
has been permanently acquired, it must, after use has finished, be restored in
accordance with the scheme agreed with the relevant planning authority.
4.5.2 In addition, the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act also requires that, upon
completion of the principal permanent works, the sites of those works will be subject
to a ‘Bringing Into Use’ request from the planning authority in order to ensure that
appropriate mitigation has been incorporated into the scheme.
4.5.3 Site reinstatement shall follow the requirements set out in the CoCP. For specific
worksites, as set out in Section 5, where loss of vegetation, trees or ecological habitat
is a concern, the nominated undertaker will be required to address these features as
part of the LEMPs in accordance with the practices required under the CoCP.

4.6 Landscape and visual

4.6.1 The nominated undertaker will be committed to high quality design that is sensitive to
the landscape character of the local area, including the historic environment, to avoid
and minimise effects as much as reasonably practicable.
4.6.2 The nominated undertaker will design the landscape and external spaces in line with
the principles and promoter’s requirements as set out in HS2 Information Paper D1:
Design. In particular, DfT and the nominated undertaker will seek to ensure that:
• the design of all landscape and external spaces will be safe, efficient, and meet
the requirements of whole-life operation and maintenance alongside initial
buildability;
• the design of all landscape and external spaces will contribute to the
government’s pursuit of sustainable development, as set out in the National
Planning Policy Framework, which involves seeking positive improvements in
the quality of the built, natural and historic environment, as well as in people’s
quality of life;
• the design cohesion of all landscape and external spaces will be achieved
through a strong aesthetic ethos and a recognisable architectural language;
• the design of all landscape and external spaces will be developed through
engagement to seek people’s views and ideas on the aesthetic design of the
visible buildings and permanent structures;
• the design of all landscape and external spaces will consider the passenger
experience;

8
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

• the design of all landscape and external spaces will limit adverse
environmental and visual impacts during design construction and operation;
and
• where possible, the landscape design will identify additional potential
regeneration opportunities within area planning frameworks.
4.6.3 Landscape design should be appropriate to the local landscape, historic and ecological
character along the route. Existing trees and vegetation on temporary worksites
which are lost as a result of construction, will be replaced with appropriate species.
4.6.4 Preference will be given to native species typical of the area, except for ornamental or
specimen planting areas, while giving consideration to climate change. All new trees
and vegetation will be resilient to disease.
4.6.5 All planting will be done in line with the Green Infrastructure (GI) concept, a form of
environmental best practice and policy that has been used to inform HS2 Ltd's
approach to developing Phase 2a of HS2. Where the GI approach is applied to the
Phase 2a line of route, this will also be referred to as a 'green' or 'environmental
corridor’, of which landscape planting will form a major part. The environmental or
green corridor is integral to HS2’s aim of leaving a positive route legacy. For further
detail, see HS2 Information Paper E28: Green Infrastructure and the Green Corridor.
4.6.6 In order that landscape planting is as effective as reasonably practicable on
commissioning of Phase 2a of HS2, the nominated undertaker will put in place
planting and other screening measures in advance of or during construction (with the
landowner’s permission), where this is reasonably practicable and where there is no
conflict with the construction programme or other construction requirements.
4.6.7 Where early visual screening is a key consideration, species to provide rapid growth
will be provided. Species will be selected to complement the local landscape, historic
and ecological character where there is no overriding conflict with operational
requirements, and will be supported by the planting of slower-growing species. Where
appropriate, the nominated undertaker will draw up and implement a programme for
the thinning or removal of early-growth species.
4.6.8 The nominated undertaker will put in place measures at an early date to ensure that
sufficient stock of appropriate maturity and provenance is available.
4.6.9 Sites referred to in Section 5 will be the subject of the LEMPs with priority given to
landscape considerations where indicated. The nominated undertaker will maintain or
make provision to maintain and monitor the new or managed planting, for a period as
agreed with NEF Members in line with the principles set out in HS2 Information Paper
E20: Maintenance of Landscaped Areas.
4.6.10 The nominated undertaker shall maintain to an appropriate horticultural standard
landscaped areas to ensure that the project’s essential planting scheme successfully
establishes and develops to achieve its mitigation objective, and maintain for an
appropriate period of time in-line with principles set out in HS2 Information Paper
E20: Maintenance of Landscaped Areas.
4.6.11 Where agreement can be reached after an initial period of maintenance, the
nominated undertaker will seek to return the majority of land to previous landowners

9
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

or other interested parties to ensure the continued objectives of landscaped areas are
maintained into the future.
4.6.12 Where agreement cannot be reached, the land will be retained and maintained by the
nominated undertaker until agreement is put in place with a suitable owner or party.
This could mean that such land will remain under the ownership of the railway.
4.6.13 Where practicable, the nominated undertaker will reduce the long-term maintenance
cost for the railway operator whilst ensuring that the essential mitigation remains in
place and effective.
4.6.14 Tree planting will be designed to minimise risks to the operation of the railway that
may arise from falling leaves, root damage and high winds breaking branches or
felling trees in the vicinity. In practice, this means a 'zone of influence' will be
established along HS2, within which the height of vegetation will be limited.
4.6.15 Where reasonably practicable, structures, fencing, bunding and acoustic screening will
be sensitively designed to be both effective and sympathetic to the local environment.
4.6.16 Where practicable, new planting will not take place where it is likely to cause damage
to significant buried archaeological remains. Where it is not possible to avoid buried
archaeological remains, they will be investigated and recorded in accordance with the
commitments set out in the heritage memorandum.

4.7 Public open space

4.7.1 Public open space includes formal and informal parks and playing fields. The measures
set out in Section 4.5 on Site Restoration above apply to public open space.
4.7.2 Where there would be a temporary but significant effect on a community resulting
from the temporary loss of public open space, mitigation is likely to take one of the
following forms:
• improvements or alterations to the remaining portion of the public open space
(in instances where the public open space is partially occupied and limits
primary use), or community facilities, e.g. reconfiguring pitch layouts or
relocating play areas;
• improvements to other public open spaces or community facilities in the area;
• improving accessibility to other existing public open space or community
facilities; and
• identify land owned by the relevant local authority that could be brought into
use as public open space or community facilities with its agreement.
4.7.3 Where there would be a permanent significant community effect resulting from the
permanent loss of public open space, mitigation is likely to take one of the following
forms:
• improvements or alterations to the remaining portion of the public open space
(in instances where the public open space is partially occupied) or community
facility, e.g. reconfiguring pitch layouts or relocating play areas;

10
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

• provision of compensation open space or community facilities built into the

design of the permanent works within Act limits;
• improvements to other public open spaces or community facilities in the area;
• improving accessibility to other existing public open space or community
facilities; and
• land owned by the relevant local authority to be brought into use as public
open space or community facilities with its agreement.
4.7.4 Where none of these other mitigation measures can provide suitable mitigation the
Secretary of State could potentially acquire land for the mitigation of permanent
significant effects on community facilities.
4.7.5 The nominated undertaker will design public open spaces in line with the principles
and promoter’s requirements as set out in HS2 Information Paper D1: Design.

4.8 Nature conservation

4.8.1 Where effects on protected species are identified, the appropriate licenses will be
obtained from Natural England prior to any works being undertaken. This includes
species protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and
the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
4.8.2 To ensure that the requirements of the species protection legislation are taken into
account during consideration of the Act, sufficient information will be submitted to
Natural England to enable it to consider whether appropriate measures are in place. In
addition clarity will be sought for the measures and controls on the excavation of the
borrow pit in the water catchment that includes Betley Mere SSSI (part of the Meres
and Mosses Phase 1 Ramsar site), so as to avoid significant impact to the flow or
quality of groundwater and surface water reaching Betley Mere.
4.8.3 The nominated undertaker will prepare Ecology Site Management Plans at detailed
design stage and prior to any works commencing on site. These will specify the
ecological objectives of each ecological habitat creation area, the measures to be
taken to establish and maintain these habitats, the detailed planting requirements
and the monitoring regime for each, in order to measure success. The Ecology Site
Management Plans will also be prepared for each statutory and non-statutory site of
nature conservation importance and ancient woodland affected by construction.
These will include measures to reduce effects. Drafts of these management plans will
be discussed with relevant environmental bodies, including the Forestry Commission
and Natural England.
4.8.4 The principles for habitat creation and translocation are set out in the document ‘West
Midlands to Crewe Ecology Technical Note Ecological Principles of Mitigation’, which
is part of the Environmental Statement.
4.8.5 The nominated undertaker will maintain or make provision to maintain and monitor
any new or managed habitat, for a sufficient period to ensure that the objectives of
the proposals for nature conservation and protection of the historic environment are
achieved. The details for specific locations will be identified by the nominated
undertaker.

11
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

4.8.6 Monitoring of the ecology mitigation and compensation measures is necessary to

measure the extent to which the ecological objectives of the proposals are being met.
The approach to monitoring will vary depending upon which management option is
adopted for a particular area of habitat and will be agreed on a site-specific basis.
Broad generic indications of the likely durations of monitoring, maintenance and
management during the establishment period for those habitats affected by the
project are set out in HS2 Information Paper E2: Ecology.
4.8.7 Subject to any relevant approvals or agreements required for any restoration or
mitigation schemes under Schedule 17 to the Act, land which is used temporarily in
connection with the project will be considered for restoration as part of HS2 Ltd’s
overall approach to seek no net loss to biodiversity.
4.8.8 The Secretary of State will require the nominated undertaker to form an Ecology
Review Group for the specific purpose of reviewing the outputs from the ecology
monitoring programme. The Ecology Review Group will receive reports on an annual
basis and will be asked to make recommendations for remedial measures to the
nominated undertaker where progress against objectives is considered insufficient.
The composition of this group will include Natural England, the Forestry Commission,
local authority representation, appropriate nature conservation NGOs and relevant
specialists as necessary.
4.8.9 Measures will be put in place to ensure that, in cases where the ecological objectives
are not being realised, this can be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

4.9 Geological features

4.9.1 Should a geological deposit or feature of high scientific value be discovered, the
nominated undertaker will carry out appropriate recording and, if reasonably
practicable, protection of such deposits. Where such deposits cannot be protected,
and it is practicable to do so, the material may be removed for study and preservation.
4.9.2 Should unexpected contamination be revealed during the course of the works, a plan
will be put in place by the nominated undertaker to manage this.

4.10 Water resources and flood risk

4.10.1 Where reasonably practicable, material interference with surface and groundwater
bodies and existing hydrological patterns of catchments, including groundwater flows
to aquatic habitats, will be avoided. Consultation shall allow for the Environment
Agency to have reference to their wider environmental and recreational duties. Where
appropriate to their role, consultation with Lead Local Flood Authorities and Internal
Drainage Boards will also be undertaken. Where surface and groundwater bodies or
existing hydrological patterns must be interfered with, so far as is reasonably
practicable:
• such works will be undertaken so as to control adverse effects on ecological
and landscape receptors;
• continuity of surface and groundwater flows and quality will be maintained to
mitigate environmental impacts, by means of watercourse diversions,

12
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), creation of natural banks and features

and, where unavoidable, culverts;
• mitigation for ecological impacts will be provided for and consideration will
also be given to enhancing nature conservation benefits resulting from
drainage works; and
• mitigation for loss of flood storage capacity will be provided by creating
replacement floodplain storage areas, taking climate change allowances into
account.
4.10.2 Paragraph 4.10.1 shall apply equally to ensure compliance with the Water Framework
Directive objectives.
4.10.3 SuDS will be implemented in preference to other forms of drainage, where it is
reasonably practicable to do so, and in accordance with the necessary approvals.
4.10.4 The nominated undertaker will include appropriate measures to ensure the protection
of controlled waters, including both surface water and groundwater bodies from
pollution.
4.10.5 Monitoring will be undertaken in consultation with the Environment Agency and/or
Natural England prior to and during construction, and if required post construction, to
establish baseline conditions for surface water and groundwater and to confirm the
effectiveness of temporary and permanent mitigation measures together with any
remedial works deemed necessary.
4.10.6 Maintenance access will be provided to water-related infrastructure, to enable
inspections and maintenance to be regularly carried out.
4.10.7 The Heritage Memorandum requires a programme of historic environment
investigation, recording and mitigation. Where a watercourse or the banks of a
watercourse are affected by any historic environment works, the nominated
undertaker will consult the Environment Agency and, where relevant, Lead Local
Flood Authorities, Internal Drainage Boards, Natural England and/or the Canal & River
Trust, on the location specific written scheme of investigation.

4.11 Agricultural and forestry land

4.11.1 Former agricultural land not required for the railway or its mitigation will, where
practicable, be restored to agricultural use after completion of HS2 construction.
4.11.2 Topsoil (and subsoil where appropriate) will be stripped from land prior to
construction and stored appropriately. The intention is to reinstate agricultural land to
its former quality, with reference to Defra’s Agricultural Land Classification system,
where reasonably practicable.
4.11.3 It should be noted that whereas soils from woodland areas will also be conserved for
beneficial use within Phase 2a of HS2, the nominated undertaker is not committed to
the reinstatement of all woodland and forestry areas affected by Phase 2a of HS2 in
situ, but other areas will be used for habitat creation and hence the overall area of
woodland and forests will not be reduced.

13
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

4.11.4 In some circumstances, the surface of land to be returned to agriculture will be graded
such that it fits in with the new landforms created by Phase 2a of HS2, prior to being
reinstated to its former condition where practicable. Surface gradients on new
landforms will be limited to ensure that former best and most versatile land is not
downgraded where reasonably practicable.
4.11.5 The nominated undertaker will apply a soil handling method statement (covering soil
stripping, storage and reinstatement), which will be based on a soil resources survey
carried out as part of the environmental assessment. In carrying out soil handling
operations for the conservation of the soil resource, including the translocation of
ancient woodland soils, the nominated undertaker will apply the good practice
guidance and other more general prescriptions set out in the CoCP and the LEMPs,
and as described in HS2 Information Paper E19: Soil Handling for Land Restoration.
4.11.6 To ensure that the objectives of the above works are achieved, the nominated
undertaker will, where appropriate, manage or support the recovery of reinstated
agricultural land during an appropriate aftercare period.

4.12 Excavated material

4.12.1 The nominated undertaker will utilise excavated materials in the construction of
Phase 2a of HS2 where feasible and reasonably practicable, in accordance with the
Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments (CL: AIRE) 1 definition of
Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice.
4.12.2 Where it is not feasible or reasonably practicable to use excavated materials in the
construction the nominated undertaker will minimise the quantity of excavated
materials that are disposed of to landfill. This may include providing surplus materials
for use in other construction projects including environmental improvement projects.
4.12.3 Where the off-site transport of surplus excavated material would result in significant
environmental effects sustainable placement may be used. Where sustainable
placement is to be undertaken this will be permitted in line with the Environmental
Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) 2016 and approval may be required in
accordance with Schedule 17 of the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act.

4.13 Waste management

4.13.1 All waste generated from the design, construction and operation of Phase 2a of HS2
will be managed in accordance with the waste hierarchy as described in the
Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011 2.
4.13.2 The waste hierarchy sets out the preferred approach to the management of waste
from waste prevention, to reuse, recycling, energy recovery and landfill. It supports
the need to achieve efficient use of material resources, minimise the amount of waste
produced (or otherwise increase its value as a resource) and reduce, as far as possible,
the amount of waste that is disposed to landfill, in keeping with the HS2

1
CL:AIRE is the UK’s independent body promoting sustainable remediation of contaminated land and groundwater. CL:AIRE was created with the
backing of the UK government in 1999 as a not-for-profit company to encourage the demonstration and research of practical solutions for the
clean-up of contaminated land, and to provide a sustainable alternative to disposing of waste in landfill sites.
2
Defra (2011), Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011. London, HMSO.

14
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

Environmental Policy. More information is available in Information Paper E17:

Excavated material and waste management.

4.14 Climate change

4.14.1 All work shall be carried out in accordance with principles as set out in the HS2
Information papers E26: Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience and E27: Carbon.
In addition, the nominated undertaker will require each of its lead contractors to
produce carbon management plans and pay due consideration to the impacts of
extreme weather events and related conditions during construction.

15
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

5 Key environmentally sensitive worksites

5.1.1 Table 5.1 identifies key worksites along the Phase 2a route that are particularly
environmentally sensitive in terms of nature conservation, terrestrial and aquatic
ecology, water resources, geomorphology, recreation and amenity, landscape, public
open space and agricultural land. In this context, ‘environmentally sensitive’ does not
refer to all sites where there are significant environmental effects as reported in the
Environmental Statement.
5.1.2 As agreed with NEF members, in relation to the environmental topics identified in
paragraph 5.1.1, the criteria for inclusion in Table 5.1 are as follows:
• in-combination sensitivities;
• sensitivities of particular severity; and
• where multiple consenting processes will apply.
5.1.3 For the purposes of identifying environmentally sensitive worksites, landscape
sensitivity is where the predominant impact is on open space, as the process for
mitigation of townscape and related visual impacts is developed through Schedule 17
of the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act and the Planning Memorandum
as set out in HS2 Information Paper D1: Design (section 3).
5.1.4 The CoCP requires the nominated undertaker to prepare a number of LEMPs setting
out the specific control measures necessary to deliver the requirements it sets out. As
part of the LEMPs, this Memorandum requires the nominated undertaker to prepare
site-specific management plans for the key environmentally sensitive worksites
identified in Table 5.1, focusing on mitigation, compensation and monitoring
requirements and opportunities for enhancement in relation to identified
environmental topics as outlined in 5.1.1. Individual LEMPs will be produced for each
relevant local authority area (i.e. district council, borough or other unitary authority).
5.1.5 Table 5.1 also indicates key statutory consultees who, along with relevant local
authorities, will also be consulted on the LEMP for these key environmentally
sensitive worksites. It is intended that these environmental site-specific management
plans will be submitted for information with relevant planning requests for approval
and, where appropriate, heritage applications, recognising that the grounds for
consideration of Schedule 17 applications are those set out in the Act.
5.1.6 If, during further design, the nominated undertaker is able to completely avoid the use
of a specific environmentally sensitive worksite, then the nominated undertaker will
report to the relevant members of the National Environment Forum and the relevant
local authority that the specific key environmentally sensitive worksite will not feature
in the respective LEMP.

16
Environmental Minimum Requirements: Environmental Memorandum

Table 5.1 Key environmentally sensitive worksites

The LEMPs describe the locally relevant generic measures from the CoCP. As part of the LEMPs the Environmental Memorandum requires the
NU to prepare site specific management plans for 'Key Environmentally Sensitive Worksites' focusing on mitigation, compensation, and
monitoring requirements and opportunities for enhancement in relation to identified environmental topics- nature conservation, terrestrial
Purpose
and aquatic ecology, water resources, geomorphology, recreation and amenity, landscape, public open space and agricultural land.
NEF members along with relevant planning authorities will also be consulted on the LEMP for these key environmentally sensitive worksites
in accordance with the CoCP.

Water resources and

Recreation, amenity

Agricultural land
and public open

aquatic ecology
terrestrial and
conservation,
Reason for inclusion - Key
Area Other controls/processes applicable to all sites

Landscape
environmental sensitivities

flood risk
Nature
space
1) Recreation 1) Ecology Site Management Plans
2) Nature conservation, terrestrial and 2) Schedule 17 controls
3) Design policy
Trent Crossing and * * * * aquatic ecology
4) Protective Provisions
Ingestre 3) Water resources and flood risk
4) Landscape 5) Consenting procedure
6) EMS produced by lead contractors (as defined in
the CoCP)

17
High Speed Rail
West Midlands to Crewe
Environmental Minimum Requirements

General Principles

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Two Snowhill
Two Snowhill
Snow Hill Queensway
Snow Hill Queensway
Birmingham B4 6GA
Birmingham B4 6GA
08081 434 434
08081 434 434
[email protected]
www.hs2.org.uk
[email protected] February 2021 www.hs2.org.uk