14.03.16
HS2 opens new consultations on environmental and equalities assessment
HS2 Ltd has opened two new consultations on its assessment of the environmental and equalities impact of the proposed railway line.
The consultations are open until 13 May and seek the views of statutory and expert bodies on the scope, methodology and overall approach of HS2’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA).
The EIA is being undertaken to identify the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed scheme and appropriate measures to limit such effects.
It will accompany the deposit of the hybrid HS2 Bill to Parliament, which will authorise the construction, operation and maintenance of the Phase 2a section of HS2, planned to run between the West Midlands and Crewe.
Last month, the Woodland Trust accused HS2 of multiple errors in its assessment of its impact on 63 ancient woodlands.
The EQIA report will be prepared in parallel to inform the development of the Phase 2a proposals and identify any particular equalities groups that may be disproportionately affected and action that may be necessary to limit such effects should they arise.
At the weekend, HS2 said it is mitigating against potential safety risks after the Daily Telegraph reported that its trains risk derailing at top speeds.
(Image c. HS2 Ltd)