Abstract
This guidance has been produced by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to provide advice to developers about the information needed to inform environmental assessments of tidal lagoon developments in Welsh waters. The document provides an overview of the key environmental implications of tidal lagoon development in Wales.
The guidance is not exhaustive and does not replace the need for detailed project-level assessments, because these will be needed to take account of case specific information. It also does not take the place of the dialogue that will be needed with NRW marine licensing or advisory teams and is not a substitute for any formal consultation on the scope of assessments that may be required by legislation.
Some effects can only be addressed by considering project design and location at an early stage. It is recommended that developers engage with NRW at the start of project planning to ensure that significant environmental effects and consenting risks can be understood and minimised early in the project planning and design process.
NRW has published generic guidance on Scoping and Preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment for Marine Development and detailed guidance on more technical matters. Wherever possible this document avoids duplication of that guidance by focusing on additional information that is specifically relevant to the assessment of tidal lagoons. This guidance should therefore be read in conjunction with our generic and technical guidance that is signposted throughout this document.
The guidance is divided into three parts. Part A provides an overview of the general issues relevant to assessments of tidal lagoons. Part B provides information to assist with the assessment of the implications of a project for environmental receptors. Part C provides guidance on the implications of tidal lagoons for other functions and uses of the marine environment that NRW advises on. The three parts of the guidance are complementary and should be read together to ensure a full understanding of assessment requirements.
This guidance is provided by the advisory arm of NRW and is without prejudice to advice NRW may give in response to consultation on an individual development, or decisions NRW may take in the determination of Marine Licences.