ESIA Baseline and Impact Assessment Methodology - Trans Adriatic ...

Page 1 of 104
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
Ser.
No.
Ordering Unit: Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG
Owner:
Environmental Resources Management
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6
ESIA Baseline and Impact Assessment
Methodology
Rev. Purpose of Issue Remark/Description Orig. Date
00 Issued for Implementation BEL 2012-03-13
CONTRACTOR
Originator Checked Approved
COMPANY
Name/Signature
Bertolè,
Lorenzo
Strøm,
Øyvind
Falkeid,
Svein Erik Accepted on Accepted on
Date 2012-03-13 2012-03-13 2012-03-13 2012-03-09 2012-03-09
Org. / Dept. ERM STATOIL STATOIL
Document Status Preliminary Checked Approved
Accepted
(Commercial)
Accepted
(Technical)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 2 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 BASELINE AND IMPACT ASSESMENT METHODOLOGY 3
1.1 Baseline methodology 3
1.1.1 Introduction 3
1.1.2 Offshore and Nearshore Physical Environment 4
1.1.3 Offshore and Nearshore Biological Environment 5
1.1.4 Offshore Social and Cultural Environment 8
1.1.5 Onshore Physical Environment 8
1.1.6 Onshore Biological Environment 26
1.1.7 Onshore Social Environment 30
1.1.8 Onshore Cultural Heritage 38
1.2 Impact Assessment Methodology 40
1.2.1 Introduction 40
1.2.2 Physical Environment 42
1.2.3 Biological Environment 82
1.2.4 Social Environment 94
1.2.5 Cultural Heritage 99
Appendix 1
Air Modelling Set Up and Data
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0001 – Section 1 Introduction
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0002 – Section 2 Project Justification
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0003 – Section 3 Legal Framework
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0004 – Section 4 Project Description
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0005 – Section 5 ESIA Approach and Methodology
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0006 – Section 6 Environmental, Social and Cultural Baseline
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0007 – Section 7 Stakeholder Engagement and Project Response
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0008 – Section 8 Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation Measures
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0009 – Section 9 Environmental & Social Management and Monitoring
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0010 – Annex 1 Scoping Advice from MoE
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0011 – Annex 2 Labour, Health and Safety Legislation in Italy
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0012 – Annex 3 Main Legislation on Energy and Gas Sector
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0013 – Annex 4 Soil Management Plan
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0014 – Annex 5 Baseline Data and Maps
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015 – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact Assessment Methodology
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0016 – Annex 7 Landscape Impact Assessment
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0017 – Annex 8 Appropriate Assessment on Natura 2000 Sites
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0018 – Annex 9 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0019 – Annex 10 References, Acronyms and Abbreviations

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 3 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1 BASELINE AND IMPACT ASSESMENT METHODOLOGY
1.1 Baseline methodology
1.1.1 Introduction
A wide range of methodologies was employed in providing the TAP environmental and social
baseline through Italy.
This annex will provide a summary of all methodologies utilised for each of the environmental,
social and cultural disciplines, as well as criteria from which the current quality and importance of
features can evaluated. As the methods for particular analysis (for example, water samples) can
be particularly technical, Annex 5 Baseline Data and Maps should be read in conjunction with this
Annex for further details. Furthermore, mapping showing sample points and the study area is
also provided in Annex 5 to which reference should also be made throughout.
In the following Sections the baseline methodology for the following components is presented:
• Offshore Physical Environment ( see Section 1.1.2);
• Offshore Biological Environment (Section 1.1.3);
• Offshore Social and Cultural Environment (Section 1.1.4);
• Onshore Physical Environment (Section 1.1.5);
• Onshore Biological Environment (Section 1.1.6):
• Onshore Social Environment (Section 1.1.7);
• Onshore Cultural Heritage (Section 1.1.8).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 4 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.2 Offshore and Nearshore Physical Environment
1.1.2.1 Oceanography
The oceanographic data is based upon a range of long term data sets including region wide
circulation models, baroclinic current modelling, temperature, current speed and direction
modelling from the literature. Further data is derived from long term data sets for the wave and
tide regimes, providing important height and direction information.
1.1.2.2 Climate and Air Quality
The climate and air quality data is derived from offshore wind stations providing average wind
speed and direction data. Specific air quality information is not available for the offshore
environment, therefore general conclusions based upon the nature of offshore emissions and the
onshore coastal datasets are drawn. Concentration levels for key atmospheric pollutants are
provided as background from literature sources including:
• Instituto Superiore di Sanita
• Floccia M., Gisotto, G. & Sanna M (1985, 2003) Dizionario dell inquinamento: cause, effetti,
rimedi e normative.
1.1.2.3 Seabed Geology and Morphology
The seabed geology and morphology data is provided from a combination of literature sources
and survey data from the 2011 environmental and geophysical survey. The following sources
provide the baseline data;
• 2011 sediment analysis conducted as part of the 2011 environmental survey presented in
Section 6.2 of the ESIA and in Annex 5;
• Desk based review presented in Section 6.2 of the ESIA;
1.1.2.4 Water Quality
Water quality is described in line with the Water Framework Directive. With this objective the
physico-chemico and bacteriological qualities were assessed through a combination of field
survey as laid out in Section 6.3 of the ESIA and through analysis of long term data sets available
for bathing water quality and the TRIX index (trophic index of marine and coastal water).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 5 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.2.5 Summary of Activities Performed in the Field
The following activities were performed in the field with regard to the Offshore Physical
Environment:
• Confirmation and identification of the sediment type through sampling and laboratory
analysis.
• Identification of water and sediment physico-chemical properties through field sampling and
laboratory analysis.
• Morphological analysis conducted through a preliminary assessment using Side Scan Sonar
(SSS) followed by the use of multi-beam echo sounding to provide precise geo-morphological
data.
1.1.2.6 Key Methodological Elements
The key methodologies utilised for the offshore physical environmental assessment are laid out in
Section 6.2 of the ESIA and in Annex 5 and include:
• Sediment sampling for analyses of physico-chemical parameters;
• Seawater sampling for analyses of physico-chemical parameters;
• Seawater profiling.
1.1.3 Offshore and Nearshore Biological Environment
The methodology for baseline data collection for the biological environment involved 2 key
elements 1) desk based literature review and gap analysis; 2) baseline field surveys undertaken
in the nearshore landfall area of the pipeline and wider area of influence.
It is important to evaluate the importance locally, nationally and internationally of those species
and habitats recorded both in the literature and in the field surveys. The first phase of this was an
analysis of protected sites within the area of influence and wider region and protected species
and habitats that occur within the area.
1.1.3.1 Designated Sites and Sensitive Habitats
Desk based surveys and initial site visits revealed the presence of protected areas of European
Community importance in the region and a number of protected habitats and species.
Of immediate relevance for the pipeline route was the presence of the Le Cesine SCI which has
a number of conservation features of interest of which the seagrass Posidonia oceanica is an
important marine habitat. other species include migratory fish and cetaceans, the majority of

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 6 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
which will not interact with the pipeline itself but will have a short term localised impact during the
construction phase.
To map the extent of potential habitats comprised by sensitive or protected species a video
survey of the near shore seabed north-west of San Foca harbour was conducted. The survey
was in the vicinity of the proposed route for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) corridor, and
conducted between the 3 rd and the 5 th of November 2011.
1.1.3.2 Nutrients and Plankton
The nutrients and plankton communities in the study area play a fundamental ecological role.
Data for the plankton baseline was acquired through a review of available literature and the
collection of field samples and subsequent analysis to ascertain the levels of dissolved oxygen
and chlorophyll-a.
Most of the desk based review information is provided from the data collected in October 2000
and May 2001, within the framework of the Interreg II project (CoNISMa, 2002). The study
focussed on specific planktonic groups, namely copepods, ostracods and coccolithophorids.
1.1.3.3 Marine Benthos
The marine benthos in the region supports a wide range of fisheries and habitats, some of which
are considered sensitive and protected. A desk based review provided an initial baseline data of
the communities present in the offshore biological environment and concentrated on European
projects such as the INTERREG (Italy – Greece) Project which lead to the production of a
detailed biocenotic map. The following biocenoses were highlighted within the Salentino area:
• Coralligenous biocenosis;
• Biocenosis of well sorted fine sands;
• Biocenosis of coastal terrigenous mud;
• Biocenosis of encrusting Corallinaceae (maerl);
• Biocenosis of Posidonia oceanica meadows;
• Biocenoses of infralittoral algae comprising overgrazed facies with encrusting algae and sea
urchin and photophilic algae on hard bottom.
A review of the data relating to the deeper offshore region highlighted the presence of deepwater
corals in the wider Adriatic Sea, the literature, focussed primarily on the findings of the Friewald
et al 2009 paper summarizing the R/V Meteor cruise exploring several deep water coral sites
including the Santa Maria di Leuca Reef and the Bari and Gondola Reefs.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 7 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.3.4 Fish and Crustacea
A desk based review was initially conducted to ascertain the presence of rare and endangered
species in the wider area using the IUCN red list as the primary source of information. Further to
these key sources were reviewed to provide a thorough baseline of species of commercial
importance.
Sources of information for the commercial species and the communities within which they exist
included Adriatic specific regional data from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and
national fisheries surveys conducted at an Italian level.
1.1.3.5 Marine mammals and reptiles
The baseline for the mammals and reptiles using the wider area concentrated purely on a
thorough review of the literature including IUCN red list and sightings and stranding data for both
cetaceans and reptiles derived from International sources such as the FAO and regional
monitoring programmes for the Mediterranean.
1.1.3.6 Seabirds
Desk based review on available information about the costal nesting and wintering areas,
migration paths, etc, from thorough review of the literature (local and internationals sources, such
BirdLife International).
1.1.3.7 Key Methodological Elements
The key methodologies utilised for the offshore physical environmental assessment are laid out in
Section 6.2 and Annex 5 and include:
• Sediment sampling for characterisation of the benthic community;
• Video analysis for characterisation and extent mapping of sensitive habitats.
1.1.3.8 Summary of Activities Performed in the Field
In addition to the desk based review a thorough field survey was conducted within the area of
influence of the pipeline within the shallow water (

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 8 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.4 Offshore Social and Cultural Environment
Please refer to the Section 1.1.7 and Section 1.1.8.
1.1.5 Onshore Physical Environment
In order to define the baseline situation of the Onshore Physical Environment the following
components were assessed:
• Climate (Section 1.1.5.1);
• Air Quality (Section 1.1.5.2);
• Acoustic Environment (Section 1.1.5.3);
• Freshwater Resources – Surface and Groundwater (Section 1.1.5.4);
• Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality (Section 1.1.5.5);
• Landscape and Visual Amenity (Section 1.1.5.6).
This set of components allows understanding the baseline situation of the Onshore Physical
Environment, in line with common ESIA practice according to Italian and International Standards.
1.1.5.1 Climate
The climate characterising the Project area was identified by means of desktop analysis (climate
characterization is significant only when a historical set of data is available). On the basis of the
data available, climate conditions were identified for the entire Province of Lecce although the
project will affect only a portion of the whole Province.
A qualitative climate description was based on publications developed by the National Institute of
Atmospheric Science and Climate and the Environmental Department of the Province of Lecce
(ISAC-CNR & Provincia di Lecce 2007). Quantitative data on local climate conditions were taken
from long-term meteorological data observed by the Italian Air Force Climate monitoring station
of Lecce – Galatina, and taken from the Italian Air Force Climate Atlas 1971÷2000.
The following Table 1-1 below provides a brief description of the Lecce-Galatina Station, whereas
the following Figure 1-1 shows its location with respect to the project area.
The Lecce-Galatina station is located 20-25 km west of from pipeline route, and can therefore be
considered representative of its climate. Statistic over the reference period 1971-2000 were taken
from the Lecce-Galatina station for the following meteorological variables:
• mean temperature;
• precipitation;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 9 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• in relative humidity ;
• wind roses;
• percentage of wind calms.
Table 1-1
Characteristics of the National Air Force station of Lecce-Galatina used for
climate data
Meteorological station Lat (degree) Lon (degree) Altitude (m)
Lecce galatina 40° 17’ 18°17’ 53
Source: Italian Air Force Climate Atlas 1971-2000
Figure 1-1
data
Location of the Natianal Air Force station of Lecce-Galatina used for climate
Source: ERM (November 2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 10 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.5.2 Air Quality
The ambient air quality baseline was carried out by means of the following activities:
• desktop analysis using available data;
• field survey in the project area.
Desktop analysis aimed to provide general information on the concentration of main pollutants
over the province of Lecce whilst the field survey aimed providing a close up picture, on the
actual over the project area, in particular over a 2-km wide corridor centred on the pipeline,
including the PRT site.
Given that Project components (PRT included) will not produce significant atmospheric emissions
(under normal conditions, only one week of emissions from the heaters can be assumed), the air
quality field survey aimed to characterise only the air pollution level at receptors over the Project
area and focused on monitoring NO2, given is ubiquity and prominence as air pollutant.
Desktop Analysis
On the basis of the data available, air quality conditions were identified for the entire Province of
Lecce although the project will affect only a portion of the whole Province.
The desktop analysis objective was to gather data on the atmospheric concentration level of
major macro pollutant and was based on the following publicly available data and sources:
• The most recent regional State of the Environment Report published by ARPA Puglia (2009)
which provides air quality data at a provincial level.
• The Air Quality Monthly Reports for the year 2010, available from the ARPA Puglia website,
which provide monthly data for each regional air quality monitoring station. Analysis has been
limited to the stations of the regional air quality monitoring network located in the proximity of
the project area and thus representative of its air quality conditions.
The following Figure 1-2 shows the stations of the regional air quality monitoring network
covering the province of Lecce, highlighting the stations of Galatina and Maglie.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 11 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Figure 1-2
ARPA Puglia air quality monitoring station in the province of Lecce
Source: http://www.arpa.puglia.it/
Field survey
The air quality field survey was carried out along a 2-km wide corridor centred on the pipeline,
including the PRT site and aimed at providing a close up picture of air quality conditions over the
study area. The atmospheric survey focused on monitoring NO2, given is ubiquity and
prominence as air pollutant. The monitoring equipment used consists of diffusion tubes, with an
exposure period of 1 week.
Given the extension of the project area, six (6) suitable locations for diffusion tubes were
selected. Locations were selected, after adequate site inspections and consultations with local
authorities, on the basis of their proximity to sensitive receptor and to avoid local punctual
emissions which could compromise the measurement of the NO2 background concentration.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 12 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.5.2.1 Evaluation Criteria
In order to define the air quality conditions, the background levels monitored were compared with
in force normative threshold concentrations for air pollutants. These limits are set at an
international and national level in order to guarantee clean air conditions and avoid harmful
effects on flora fauna and human receptors deriving from short-term and long-term exposure to
polluted air.
At the international level, air quality standards are defined by the Environmental Health and
Safety Guidelines: General EHS Guidelines: Environmental Air Emissions and Ambient Air
Quality; the latter refers to Air Quality Guidelines published by World Health Organization (WHO).
At the European level Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe
establishes a common framework for air quality, defining air quality standard.
At a national level the Legislative Decree 155/2010 harmonises the Italian Environmental Law
with the European Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality, setting air quality limits for main
atmospheric pollutants.
Reference to the aforementioned air quality standards is made in ESIA Section 6.5.1.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 13 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.5.3 Acoustic Environment
Given the lack of available data a noise baseline investigation was conducted to characterise
existing ambient noise levels. Additional scope of the field activities was to identify potential
noise-sensitive receptors within the project area.
As noise levels can vary over a given time period, various descriptors were used. The noise
descriptor used in this report is the equivalent sound level (Leq). Definitions of technical noise
terms used in this section are summarised in Table 1-2 below.
Table 1-2
Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term
Decibel, dB
A-Weighted Sound Pressure
Level, dBA
Equivalent Noise Level, Leq
Ambient Noise Level
Definitions
A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm10 of the
ratio of the pressure of the sound wave to a reference pressure (which is 20
micropascals or 20 micronewtons per square metre).
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the
A-weighted filter network. The A-weighted filter de-emphasises the very low and
very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency
response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. All
sound levels in this report are A-weighted.
The average (on a sound energy basis) A-weighted noise level during the
measurement period.
The noise generated by all sources in a specific area, in order to define the existing
level of environmental noise at a given location.
Source: California Department of Transportation (1998)
The following sections describe the Methodology used perform the survey.
1.1.5.3.1 Noise Survey Methodology
In order to perform the noise survey a desktop cartographic analysis was deemed necessary,
aimed at identifying sensitive receptors.
On-site verification was then performed in order to confirm sensitive noise receptors adjacent to
the proposed pipeline route and the landfall where selected. These may potentially be affected
especially by the pipeline construction works.
Noise receptors in proximity of the PRT were also identified, given the potential impact near this
area during the operation phase.
As a result a total of 9 Noise locations along the pipeline route in Italy were used in order to
determine the background acoustic environment. Table 1-3 and Figure 1-3 the noise monitoring
sites are reported.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 14 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-3
Noise Monitoring Sites
ID
Receptors
X coordinate
UTM 34 N [m]
Y coordinate
UTM 34 N [m]
Minimum
distance from
the route [m]
NOI 1 Archeological sites of Acquarica in Vernole 272692.6 4464958.6 900
NOI 2 "Madonna del Buon Consiglio" Chapel in Vernole 272771.1 4465415.2 750
NOI 3 Residential building "Villa Elena" - Locality San Basilio 277795.2 4465410.1 190
NOI 4 Residential building in Melendugno (bicycle path) 277060.4 4465603.2 20
NOI 5 Masseria in Punta Cassano 277569.7 4465999.6 290
NOI 6 Masseria “Dragone” (currently uninhabited) 273574.4 4465912.8 450
NOI 7 B&B - Masseria “La luna dei Messapi” 272767.6 4464623.3 950
NOI 8 Storage Building in Vernole 272498.5 4465460.5 1000
NOI 9 Residence Punta Cassano 277749.8 4465716.6 90
Source: ERM Field Survey (October-November 2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 15 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Figure 1-3
Noise Monitoring Sites. Map Localization
Source: ERM Field Survey (October-November 2011)
Noise levels in proximity of each source or receptor were monitored through the use of a sound
meter level Type 1, in compliance with EN 60651/94 and 60804/94 regulations as stated by DM
16/03/98.
The sound level meter was calibrated prior to use with a portable certified acoustical calibrator
and the calibration was checked and verified after each period of use.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 16 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Figure 1-4
Sound Levels Meter
Source: Internet Sites http://www.larsondavis.com/; http://www.bksv.com/
The noise measurements allowed determination of the Equivalent Noise Pressure Level (LeqA)
corresponding to a receptor in a specific reference time. The LeqA is defined as:
T
⎛ 1 p
Leq(
A)
= 10log ⎜
10
∫
⎝ T
0
p
where: p is the instantaneous noise pressure level corresponding to the receptor;
p0 is the reference noise pressure level;
T is the integration period.
Noise measurements were performed according to DM 16/03/1998 and the following
prescriptions:
• absence of precipitations (rain, snow, etc.);
• wind speed < 5 m/sec;
• microphone with anti-wind foam cap;
• microphone orientated vertically (random incidence) in order to record sources coming from
all directions;
2
2
0
⎞
dt ⎟
⎠

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 17 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• microphone positioned at a proper height (assumed receptors’ height), in this case 1.5 meters
above ground level.
1.1.5.3.2 Evaluation Criteria
In order to characterize the Acoustic Environment of the area the background noise levels
monitored during the field survey were compared with in force legislation (national and
international) on noise pollution.
Considering that the acoustic zoning in the area has not yet been approved, noise limits are
established by DPCM 01/03/91 (as stated in Law 447/95). They are reported in Table 1-4.
Table 1-4
National Noise Limits in Absence of the Acoustic Zoning Plan
Zone
Absolute Noise Limits
Leq dB(A)
Differential Noise Limits (2)
Leq dB(A)
Day
Night
Day
Night
(06:00-22:00)
(22:00-06:00)
(06:00-22:00)
(22:00-06:00)
All national territory 70 60 5 3
Zone A
(D.M. 1444/68) (1) 65 55 5 3
Zone B
(D.M. 1444/68) (1) 60 50 5 3
Industrial areas 70 70 - -
Notes:
(1) Zones as for DM 2 April 1968, article 2
• Zone A: residential areas with historic, artistic and environmental value;
• Zone B: residential areas, totally or partially developed, different from Zone A.
(2) Defined as the increase of noise above background level due to project’s activity. It is calculated at the receptor as
the difference between cumulative noise level (background+project contribution) and background
level (residual noise).
Source: DPCM 01/03/91
In order to allow a full comprehensive baseline noise evaluation, monitored levels were also
compared to the Noise Level Standards identified by the IFC (please refer to the following Table
1-5).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 18 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-5 IFC World Bank Group Noise Level Standards
IFC World Bank Group
Period
Residential, institutional and
Industrial and commercial
educational
Day-time (07:00 -22:00) 70 dBA 55 dBA
Night-time (22:00 - 07:00) 70 dBA 45 dBA
Source: IFC 2007
1.1.5.4 Freshwater Resources – Surface and Groundwater
Baseline characterization of the Freshwater Resources was performed by analysing the following
components:
• Surface Waters;
• Hydro-Morphology
• Water Quality;
• Groundwater
1.1.5.4.1 Surface Waters
Surface waters analysis was performed applying the following methodology:
• Desktop analysis of the available data;
• Detailed survey in the project area.
The desktop analysis was aimed at characterising the Hydro-Morphology of the area, providing a
description of standard channel morphology (such as width, flow type, conditions on shore zones
and substrate types) for the main rivers. These data were derived from the SIT Regione Puglia
database.
The field survey was aimed at assessing local water quality in the area of the proposed project. In
order to achieve this scope, relevant Italian Guidelines (Manuale per le indagini ambientali nei siti
contaminati, APAT) were applied.
The direct method technique was used. Physical, chemical andbacteriological quality indicators
were analysed by means of visual analysis and standard sampling of running water with
appropriate equipment. With the direct method, the sample taker fills a vial or bottle directly from
the water body, with the sample taker facing upstream.
The following measurements must be performed before sampling (in order not to compromise the
quality of the sampling);
• pH;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 19 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• dissolved oxygen;
• redox potential;
• conductivity.
Samples were sent under the appropriate chain-of-custody procedures to a qualified laboratory
(ACCREDIA registered), for the remaining chemical analysis. Water samples conservation was
based on APAT criteria and US-EPA methods (Methods for chemical analysis of water and
wastewater, Ohio-USA, 1983). Water samples for BOD, nutrients and bacterial contamination
were stored in refrigerators at a temperature of 4° C and were analysed within 48 hours from
sampling. The remaining samples were stored under the same conditions and were analysed in
accordance with the APAT CNR IRSA methodology.
1.1.5.4.2 Groundwater
The methodology applied for groundwater sampling followed the Italian guidelines (Manuale per
le indagini ambientali nei siti contaminati, APAT), for such activities.
In order to characterise the multilevel aquifer (semi-confined and shallow aquifer), all existing
wells within 500 m of the route within the scope were monitored. The scope of this selection
included also identifying wells located upstream of the study area in the groundwater flow in order
to characterize the upstream quality conditions and identify possible monitoring points.
Sampling operations at each of the wells was performed as per the following procedure:
• Measurement of the depth to groundwater in each well by means of a dip meter. Depth was
measured from the top of the well. The dip meter was decontaminated after measurements at
each well to avoid any possibility of cross-contamination;
• Sampling in dynamic conditions following the purging of the well. Purging operations
continued until pH, temperature, conductivity, redox potential and dissolved oxygen were
stabilized. All the wells were purged by the pump already present in the well. For the wells not
equipped with a pump, purging was performed with a submersible pump (Grundfos MP1 ø2”,
specific equipment for groundwater sampling);
• At the end of purging operations, prior to sample collection, the flow was reduced to a rate of
about 1 litre per minute;
• During purging, groundwater was pumped through a flow-cell suitable for continuous
measurements of groundwater parameters by a specific multiparametric probe (temperature,
pH, dissolved oxygen, redox potential and conductivity), in order to evaluate parameter
stabilization to confirm that appropriate conditions had been established for groundwater
sample collection. Samples were collected directly from a pipe connected with the pump

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 20 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
outlet, packed in appropriate containers (provided by the lab) and sent under chain of custody
procedures to the Certified Laboratory (Theolab);
• In addition to the standard groundwater samples, a quality control (QC) sample was also
collected. Water samples conservation was based on APAT criteria and US-EPA methods
(Methods for chemical analysis of water and wastewater, Ohio-USA, 1983).
• Water samples for BOD, nutrients and bacterial contamination were stored in ice boxes at 4°
C and were analysed within 48 hours of water sampling.
Evaluation Criteria
In order to assess the quality of freshwater resources the parameters analysed through the
sampling campaign were compared against Italian environmental quality standards for surface
and groundwater and also against the European Water Directive, Directive 2008/105/EC and the
European Directive (2000/60/EC) as further detailed:
• Annex 1, Environmental quality standards for priority substances and certain other pollutants,
Directive 2008/105/EC.
• Tables 1/A and 1/B, Annex 1, Part III of D.Lgs. 152/2006 and amendments (Ministerial
Decree 260/2010);
• Water Directive (2000/60 EC), which provides a strategic framework for Community action on
the subject, constitutes a major advance in European environmental policy, given that it
regulates the concepts of “ecological status” regarding water-body quality in terms of local
responsibilities and of the “planning, management and governance of water on the watershed
level”.
• Legislative Decree 152/2006 transposes the European directives into Italian.
Furthermore groundwater parameters were judged using the so called “Dutch Standards”. Dutch
Standards are environmental pollutant reference values (i.e., concentrations in environmental
medium) used in environmental remediation, investigation and cleanup. Water intervention
values were drawn up separately in the Soil Quality Regulations (Dutch Government Gazette 20
December 2007, no. 247) and in the Circular on the remediation of water bottoms 2008 (Dutch
Government Gazette 2007, no. 245). These values are widely accepted in Europe as a
benchmark.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 21 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.5.5 Geology, Geomorphology and Soil
1.1.5.5.1 Geology and Geomorphology
The characterization of the geology and geomorphology of the area was performed mainly by
mean of desktop analysis using following sources of information:
• Geological map of Italy, scale of 1:100.000 used to obtain data on the tectonics and the
stratigraphy of the study area,
• CPTI04 Parametric Catalogue of Italian Earthquake used to obtain data on the earthquake
(271 a.C – 2002 d.C)in Italy;
• Geohazards Map of Italy (INGV Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia);
• Previous geological studies on the Salento, carried out by university of Pisa, Lecce and Bari:
used to obtain data on the stratigraphy, geological and hydrogeological schema;
The desktop analysis was integrated by mean of site visits in the project area and through
consultation with local inhabitants during the site visits.
1.1.5.5.2 Soil Quality and Land Use
The soil of the study area was surveyed by visual assessment of soils including sampling of
upper layers of soil. The aim of the campaign was:
• Provide comprehensive Land Use and Soil Quality baseline data of the pipeline route;
• Evaluate potentially contaminated soils along the pipeline route;
The campaigns were performed by following ERM internal procedures which follow and integrate
the provisions on Environmental Characterization set by Legislative Decree No. 152/06 and it
subsequent amendments.
Samples were collected at regular intervals along the routes and in relation to potential future
location of the PRT. The samples were collected and placed directly into laboratory-supplied
sample containers (glass jars), and were sealed, labelled, and placed inside a cooler with ice
packs for shipment. Samples were shipped, under the proper chain of custody, to a certified
Laboratory (Theolab).
The following parameters were analyzed in each soil sample in accordance with Italian guidelines
for the soil quality (Manuale per le indagini ambientali nei siti contaminati, APAT):
• Residue at 105° C as total;
• Fraction sieved 2 mm dry basis at 105°;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 22 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• Heavy metals;
• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs);
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
1.1.5.5.3 Evaluation Criteria
The analytical determinations were performed on the fine fraction of each sample following the
relevant Italian and international standards listed below:
• threshold contamination concentrations as set by Table 1-A, Annex 5, Part IV, Title 5 of
D.Lgs, 152/2006, for residential use of the area;
• “Dutch Intervention Values or New Dutch List” widely accepted in Europe as a benchmark for
soil pollution and remediation (Annex A of the 2009 Soil Remediation Circular: “Target
Values, Soil Remediation Intervention Values and Indicative Levels for Serious
Contamination“).
Laboratory Certificates, Theolab S.p.A. laboratory quality certificates as well as a description of
analytical methods used are included in Annex 5.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 23 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.5.6 Landscape and Visual Amenity
The characterization of the proposed TAP on landscape and visual amenity will be undertaken in
accordance with accepted methodologies derived from best practice guidelines.
In the absence of published guidelines on landscape and visual impact assessment in Italy (the
only legislative reference is D.P.C.M. 12 December 2005, which specifies the purposes,
standards and contents of the landscape report), the assessment was conducted with reference
to the “Guidelines for Landscape Assessment of the projects”, approved by the Lombardia
Region with D.G.R. n. 7/II045 dated 8 November 2002.
Key steps for the baseline are the following:
• identification of Study Area;
• definition of Study Area sensitivity.
These steps were completed through a detailed desktop analysis and direct site visit.
The desktop studies aimed to define the landscape macro area within the Study Area, whilst the
site visits aimed to confirm this assessment in detail and the landscape characterization.
1.1.5.6.1 Study Area
The Study Area for the landscape and visual baseline and impact assessment is usually defined
as the geographic area from which the project could possible be visible. The geographic area
where proposed structures are expected to be visible will be subject to impacts.
For the purpose of the TAP landscape and visual assessment, a Study Area was established for
the principal elements of the scheme based on their size and scale. These are likely to include
the following:
Pipeline works
The pipeline is to be installed using as cut and cover construction techniques. Full reinstatement
of land cover and vegetation will be undertaken following burial of the pipeline. Implications of this
on landscape and visual amenity will be confined to construction phase and the scale of the
works is such that the likely significant direct effects will be confined to a 500 m corridor centred
on the centreline of works. The baseline landscape character and visual amenity was established
for a 2 km corridor (1 km on either side) of the current pipeline base case, to ensure that direct
and indirect potential impacts are captured.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 24 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Pressure Reduction Terminal
As these structures are of some scale and height, a larger Study Area is proposed, which will
cover a geographic area from which the PRT could possibly be visible. Thus, a Study Area is
established comprising of the area within 3 km from the PRT boundary
1.1.5.6.2 Evaluation Criteria (Study Area Sensitivity)
The landscape of the Study Area was analysed as both a desk based exercise and field survey in
order to define the character of the local landscape that may be affected by the project.
The landscape sensitivity was defined in relation to the specific type of change envisaged and
depends on landscape character and how vulnerable this is to change. Landscapes which are
highly sensitive are at risk of having their key characteristics fundamentally altered, leading to a
different landscape character. Sensitivity is assessed by considering the physical characteristics
and the perceptual characteristics of landscapes in light of particular forms of development.
The landscape sensitivity is evaluated based on the following components:
• Morphologic and Structural component - the landscape sensitivity assessment is carried
out elaborating and aggregating intrinsic and specific values of the following basic landscape
patterns: morphology, natural features and level of protection;
• Visual component – takes into account the landscape perception of panoramic values and
significant views of the landscape. The characterising elements of this component are the
scenic viewpoints identified, known and used by tourists or locals as privileged observation
point for panoramic observation reasons, the landscape peculiarity and the anthropic
detractors;
• Symbolic component - refers to the landscape’s symbolic value, as perceived by local
communities. The characterizing elements of this component are the land use and the
historical and cultural values.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 25 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-6
Landscape Sensitivity Assessment – Synthesis of the Considered Elements
Components Landscape features Evaluation criteria
Morphological and structural
Visual
Symbolic
Morphology
Natural features
Protection
Scenic viewpoints
Landscape peculiarity
Anthropic detractors
Land use
Historical and cultural values
Visible peculiar landform elements
Visible landscape system of natural interest (presence
of ecological network or significant natural areas)
Level and number of protected landscape and cultural
elements
Visibility of a wide landscape area/inclusion in scenic
views
Rarity of landscape elements and notoriety for artistic,
historical or literary reasons (tourist attraction)
Elements which degrade landscape value since they
are incongruous
Sign of human presence in the territory
Presence of visible settlement elements of historical
interest and visible signs of the cultural elements of
the landscape
In order to define the landscape state, a value (score) was assigned to each landscape feature;
the sum of these scores defines the overall landscape value of the considered area.
The following classification was applied for the assessment of landscape sensitivity:
• 1 = Very low landscape sensitivity;
• 2 = Low landscape sensitivity;
• 3 = Medium landscape sensitivity;
• 4 = High landscape sensitivity;
• 5 = Very high landscape sensitivity.
The descriptions of levels of sensitivity was assessed on the landscape’s own merits using
professional judgement and experience, and there is no defined boundary between levels of
impacts.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 26 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.6 Onshore Biological Environment
1.1.6.1 Terrestrial Ecology
Methodology for baseline data collection for terrestrial ecology involved 2 key elements:
• desktop based literature review, including examination of GIS datasets;
• additional baseline field surveys undertaken in the Study Area, which includes the range of 2-
km corridor (1 km on either side of the pipeline alignment).
However, to help in producing the baseline data it was important to evaluate the importance
locally, nationally and internationally of those habitats and species recorded within the study
area. Thus, the Evaluation Criteria section below was used to outline this procedure.
1.1.6.1.1 Desktop Study
Three levels of investigation were defined for terrestrial ecology:
• Level 1 (Site Area): This is the highest level of detail found in close correspondence to the
works planned;
• Level 2 (Study Area): This is the intermediate level of detail, which includes the range of 2-km
corridor (1 km on either side of the pipeline alignment);
• Level 3 (Regional Area): This is the minimum level of detail, which includes the province of
Lecce. Instead, for some taxonomic or ecological groups of species, we focused on the
Apulia region.
A bibliographic review of existing information (scientific literature, technical reports, web sources,
etc.) was undertaken to collect data on habitats, flora and fauna. The data were classified
according to regional level (data collected in the Regional Area) and local level (data collected in
the Study Area and, where available, in the Site Area). The data was also related to the following
areas:
• Rete Natura 2000 (SCI and SPA);
• Nationally Protected Areas;
• Regionally Protected Areas;
• other locally important areas for biodiversity conservation.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 27 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
In addition to this study, a Cartographic GIS-based study was carried out to records habitats. This
exercise involved the use of satellite imagery within the Study Area (“National geoportal” at
http://www.pcn.minambiente.it/GN/) to provide mapping layers of vegetation types and land uses
as well as to identify European habitats, where possible. This exercise was also undertaken to
prepare field surveys by highlighting areas with greater potential for nature conservation interest
and where further survey should be undertaken according to the bibliographic data.
1.1.6.1.2 Field Survey
All the proposed work sites (pipeline, work camps, etc.) were inspected through the use of maps
loaded on a GPS, thus the presence of various plants and the signs of animal species were
located precisely. In addition, photographs to document the status of habitats and signs of the
presence of species were taken in the entire Study Area.
The components analyzed during the field survey were the following:
• Habitats and Flora;
• Fauna.
Habitats and Flora
The survey for habitats and flora survey was undertaken by a survey team. It was conducted to
describe the existing habitat types and to identify floral species of interest from an international
and national perspective. The main tasks included:
• Ground truthing of the habitat cartography (from satellite imagery and bibliographic data);
• Provide details of locally important areas for biodiversity conservation;
• Provide a description and distribution of main vegetation types and habitats in the Study
Area;
• Identification and distribution of flora species of interest, indicating endemic, rare, endangered
and threatened plants. For instance, endangered/protected species at the national level and
endangered/protected species at the international level (e.g. Habitats Directive); and
• Provide details of any local impact on plant species and communities.
Field surveys were conducted in early October 2011. Therefore the level of the study was
negatively affected by the vegetative status of plants. For that reason, data collected in field
surveys should not be considered complete.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 28 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Flora
Where features such as (1) endangered /protected or endemic/important flora species, (2)
woodlands and their relative communities degraded, (3) wetlands, (4) coastland communities, (5)
etc., will be included, to the extent feasible, such data will be based on the areas visited during
the field surveys, existing desktop data and for Study Area according to the following:
• Species of interest will include endemics and mainly Apulian endemics (reported from
Medagli et al., 2007);
• The flora nomenclature will be Flora of Italy (Pignatti, 1982). and the threat level for species
will be based mainly on the “Atlas of endangered species in Italy” (Scoppola & Spampinato,
2005); and
• This analysis will be qualitative and no species abundance will be provided.
Habitats
In general, vegetation surveys focused on plant communities of conservation interest (e.g.
wetlands) and the European Habitats classification. Habitats were classed using the
Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitat (European Commission DG Environment, 2007)
and the Italian Interpretation Manual (http://vnr.unipg.it/habitat/index.jsp).
Where appropriate, the condition of the vegetation will be assessed according to the degree to
which it resembles relatively natural, undisturbed vegetation using the following criteria:
• Species composition (species richness, degree of naturalness, level of weed invasion); and
• Vegetation structure (representation of each of the original layers of vegetation).
Fauna
The fauna field survey was undertaken by a survey team. Fauna surveys were undertaken to
record (i) species richness of the study area, (ii) status and distribution of observed or potentially
present animal species, (iii) habitat requirements and preferences of selected species of special
conservation interest, and (iv) legal protection of the animal species by national legislation and
regulations.
The fauna field surveys are designed to verify and complement existing scientific literature (i.e.
potential for species presence, direct and indirect observations). Therefore the field activities are
considered qualitative analyses (i.e. no quantitative data, such as population dynamics or

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 29 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
densities, will be derived from the field studies). In addition field work focused on areas of interest
selected by means of bibliographic data and the habitat map from the desk study.
Specific species features or locations such as nests and breeding sites, burrows, etc were
provided based on available information and field survey findings (i.e. no specific extensive
surveys along the route are proposed).
The main aim of the surveys was to compose the fauna species list and habitat preference with
regard to environments being crossed by the route and to outline the primary sensitive faunal
habitats. Before the field activities were carried out a survey plan was prepared to identify the
route and corridor of interest and the sections to be surveyed. The survey considered all
environments being crossed by the route: (e.g. mixed agricultural matrix, forest areas, pastures,
coastal wetlands, grasslands, etc). The survey prioritised those areas where
endangered/protected species need to be groundtruthed to confirm/validate desktop data. The
selection of the survey areas took into account the entire project footprint. (It will not be limited to
the pipeline route crossings but also take into account new/upgraded roads, compressor station,
etc). Field activities included direct observation, tracks and signs survey (investigation on the
presence of animal tracks, droppings and other signs), local knowledge, killed/hunted individuals.
The result of the survey consisted of:
• fauna species list and habitat preference in regard to environments being crossed by the
route;
• characterisation of fauna and habitats at survey locations;
• location of sites of interest along the route (based on availability) such as : breeding areas,
mammal burrows, small wetlands ponds, etc.
The survey and study report were completed in a not favourable period (early October 2011), in
particular for the sampling of the nesting birds, but also for amphibians and other groups.
Therefore data collected in field surveys should not be considered complete.
1.1.6.2 Protected and Designated Areas
Within the project area, a review of existing information through a desktop analysis was
undertaken, and information on current and potential protected area sites was compiled.
This included all the protected area plus the Natura 2000 sites. Additional data was also gathered
on current and proposed protected areas within the national context.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 30 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
A buffer area of 5 km from the site area was considered. Only sites whose distance is no greater
than this limit were considered in the assessment study (the detailed description of the sites is
reported in Annex 7 “Appropriate Assessment on Natura 2000 Sites”.
1.1.7 Onshore Social Environment
1.1.7.1 Objectives of Social Baseline Data Collection
The socio-economic baseline was prepared in order to fulfil the following objectives:
• Understand the socio-economic context of the study area including the social, historical,
political and economic conditions;
• Provide data that informs the impact assessment in order to predict and explain potential
impacts of the project as well as establish mitigation measures; and
• Understand the expectations and concerns of potentially affected communities with regard to
the project (however, this objective was limited in its extent due to the exclusion of
stakeholder engagement with the wider community from the field work effort).
To meet these objectives, a variety of primary and secondary, qualitative and quantitative data
collection methods were used and broadly divided into 2 key components: pre-fieldwork activities
and primary social survey. Further detail on these components is provided in Box 1–1.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 31 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Box 1–1
Methods of Data Collection
1. Pre-fieldwork activities
• Desktop Study which included a mapping exercise to confirm settlements within the study area and
sites of ‘social’ interest to be visited which may be impacted by the project, such as buildings,
agricultural land, local water supply points, transmission lines etc. A baseline gap analysis was also
conducted using data collected from the previous phases of the project (route selection and scoping)
and other secondary sources to identify primary data needs.
• Field planning and development of field tools designed to gather information required for the study.
• Workshop to brief local and international consultants on field activities.
2. Survey activities
• Focus group discussions to gain information from specific groups otherwise difficult to access and to
have targeted discussions on issues of concern with regard to the project.
• Key informant interviews to gain detailed information that is otherwise difficult to obtain, such as local
development plans, tourism development plans, and statistics; and to have targeted discussions on
issues of concern with regard to the project.
• Field observations to verify sites of interest identified during the pre-fieldwork mapping exercise.
Field data collection activities took place during October 3-14, 2011.
The ESIA fieldwork was designed to use the existing knowledge to assess relevant issues in
greater detail and to address gaps in the existing secondary data. The methods employed to
collect primary data were tailored to suit the needs of the project area. Thus, fieldwork included
focus groups, key informant interviews, and field observation, instead of the Household survey.
1.1.7.1.1 Pre-Fieldwork Activities
These activities included:
• Desktop Study;
• GIS Mapping Exercise;
• Baseline Gap Analysis;
• Field Planning and Field Tools;
• Workshops.
The above activities are described in the following paragraphs.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 32 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Desktop Study
The desktop study was the initial step in field planning and baseline development. Work during
the ESIA phase included a re-examination of relevant data collected for the route appraisal
exercise performed in the ESIA Scoping process. The desktop study was used to define
information gaps at regional and local levels which must be bridged in order to further understand
the key issues identified during the ESIA Scoping Stage. The study was comprised of 2
elements: a mapping exercise and a baseline gap analysis, as described below.
GIS Mapping Exercise
The Study Area includes parts of the municipalities of Melendugno and Vernole and the Torre
Specchia Ruggeri settlement (Melendugno).
Prior to field work activities, a GIS mapping exercise was conducted to identify key features and
sensitivities within the study area. The social study area for primary data collection was
delineated as a 2-km corridor study area along the pipeline route (1 km on either side of the
pipeline centre line) and around permanent and temporary facilities. Major settlements or other
significant features that are within a 3-km corridor (1.5 km on either side of the pipeline centre
line) have also been considered. Additional work was carried out within a 500-m corridor along
the pipeline route (250 m on either side of the centre line). This is considered to be the corridor in
which the main direct impact may occur (main area of impact); therefore, it was studied in greater
detail.
Areas of ‘social’ interest and sensitivity which may be impacted by the project such as schools,
water sources, transmission lines, agricultural land, buildings etc. were also identified during the
mapping exercise so that they could be visited where possible during primary data gathering.
Baseline Gap Analysis
A baseline gap analysis was prepared using data gathered during previous scoping phase of the
project. The key information gaps identified were a result of:
• information that was previously unavailable or inconsistent;
• new issues reported during the scoping disclosure process;
• updated project planning in terms of the location of project related infrastructure (PRT,
worksites);
• economic activities, especially at the landfall site and offshore (e.g. fisheries); and
• impacts to existing features such as rivers, road crossings, bike paths and irrigation channels.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 33 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
This exercise fed into further review of available secondary information sources and the
development of the field plan (identification of stakeholders and key informants to be met with
and focus groups to be held) and design of field tools to gather the information as described in
the following paragraph (field planning and field tools).
Further secondary data was gathered where available from both national and international
sources. These sources included national and international non-government organisations,
academic texts, government ministries and departments, in particular the Italian National
Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA),
EUROSTAT, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), European Food
Security Authority (EFSA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour
Organization (ILO), United Nation data (UNdata), United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics
Database (UN Comtrade), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), International Monetary
Fund (IMF), Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), and reports
from international organisations such as the World Bank and European Bank of Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD). References to applicable documents are made throughout the
baseline.
Field Planning and Field Tools
Based on the information collected from the desk study, primary data collection needs were
identified within the study area. The following field planning activities were carried out in
preparation for the consultation and surveys:
• Preparation of a list of stakeholders to be consulted including key informants and types of
focus groups;
• Development of field tools to capture the relevant information required for the ESIA.
The field tools were designed to enable teams to record information clearly and concisely whilst
in the field. The tools used are outlined in Table 1-7 below.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 34 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-7
Field Tools
Name of Tool
Description
Waypoint and Photo
logbook
Focus Group Records
Key Informant Interview
Records
• Excel spreadsheet recording waypoints and photos for ground truthing within 500m
corridor.
• Records field observations such as visits to proposed campsites and storage yards
and existing infrastructure.
• Present a photo of each site, name of site, location, description of surroundings, key
receptors and significance to the project.
• Word documents recording who was met, what was discussed; qualitative baseline
data gathered and any key issues/points for discussion.
• Word documents recording who was met, what was discussed; qualitative baseline
data gathered and any key issues/points for discussion.
Source: ERM (2011)
Workshops
Workshops were held on September 29 and October 3, 2011 with ERM Team Leaders, local
consultants and TAP representatives (September 29). Topics included:
• Health and safety
• TAP Code of Conduct training
• Project description
• GPS training
• Discussion of the tools
• Field schedule
Training was delivered to local consultants in preparation for Key interviews and Focus group
sessions. This training covered background and objectives of the designed tools, detail on the
methodology and action steps, and concluded with detailed review and roll play on conducting
the interviews.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 35 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.1.7.1.2 Survey Activities
Survey activities included:
• Focus Group Discussions;
• Key Informant Interviews;
• Field Observations and Groundtruthing.
The above activities methodology is described in detail in the following paragraphs.
Focus Group Discussions
Box 1–2
Focus Group: Definition
A focus group is a form of group interview in which: there are several participants (including the facilitator),
there is an emphasis on questioning regarding a particular defined topic and on interaction within the group
and the joint construction of meaning. Interaction within groups is an area of interest and is more focused
than a group interview.
Source: Bryman, .A. (2008) Social Research Methods (3rd Edition). Oxford University Press.
In total, 2 focus groups were held in the study area, one with women, and one with fishermen.
These focus groups were held to better understand potential impacts to:
• Groups that may be significantly impacted or represent an impacted group, in order to
understand information with regard to the group in more detail and to explore diversity. These
groups included fishermen.
• Groups that may be vulnerable to project impacts and therefore potentially more susceptible
to negative impacts or have a limited ability to take advantage of positive impacts. Such
groups included women.
The focus groups began by informing the group about the Project and purpose of the ESIA study.
Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions on topics specifically related to the
group of individuals. All information collected was recorded in note form, then written up in the
focus group records.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 36 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Key Informant Interviews
Box 1–3
Key Informant Interviews: Definition
Key informants are select individuals who have knowledge of a specific subject or are informed members
of the community. They include government representatives, lawyers, local leaders, religious leaders,
school teachers, healthcare professionals, NGOs etc. The purpose of these interviews is to obtain
qualitative data and / or quantitative data that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
Key informant interviews were conducted in each municipality (Melendugno, and Vernole).
A total of 45 key informant interviews were held. Contact with key informants was initiated by a
team of social experts some of which local. Table 1-8 summarises types of stakeholders
interviewed and the information discussed with each stakeholder category.
Table 1-8
List of Key Informants
Key Informant
Number of
Interviews
Purpose
Local authority,
municipalities
4
Discuss planned and ongoing expansions of communities near the planned
pipeline route;
Discuss the importance of the cycling path that is located within the
corridor;
Discuss the presence of vulnerable groups, ethnicities, religions, etc. ;
Discuss employment and economic growth in the area;
Collect information on livelihood and local economy with specific reference
to the 2-km corridor;
Discuss any project-related impacts;
Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.
Agriculture 4
Discuss water use systems and issues;
Discuss crop type and production, seasonality, techniques, animal-farming,
sheep-farming , etc.;
Discuss the importance of agriculture and farming activities for livelihood;
Discuss agricultural and farming practices in the area, type of land rights,
agricultural methods, disputes and development plans and projects;
Discuss any project-related impacts on local businesses;
Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.
Health care workers or
authorities
4
Discuss the main health care issues faced by the local community;
Discuss access and availability of health care;
Discuss health care provision;
Discuss potential project impacts relating to health.
Tourism operators 7
Discuss tourism activities in the area, seasonality, profile of visitors/users,
nationality, age, place and duration of stay, size of group, reason for
selecting the place etc.;
Discuss potential project impacts on local businesses,
Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 37 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Key Informant
Number of
Interviews
Purpose
Skills, labour and
employment
Research
representative
(Salento University)
Fishermen
representatives, and
organizations
1
2
7
Discuss current skill types and levels in surrounding communities;
Discuss economic immigrants;
Discuss access to training opportunities;
Discuss relevant employment standards;
Discuss future labour and employment projects.
Discuss any project-related impacts;
Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.
Discuss recreational use of rivers in the project area;
Collect information about fleet and fisheries organisations, fishing methods,
areas, seasons, capture revenues, illegal fishing etc.;
Discuss any project-related impacts to local businesses;
Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.
Elderly 11
Women 6
Discuss issues facing elderly population in the project area;
Discuss access, availability and quality of health care;
Discuss any project-related impacts;
Discuss potential mitigation measures.
Discuss access to training and employment opportunities;
Discuss gender issue;
Discuss access, availability and quality of health care;
Discuss current issues;
Discuss how the project may impact women and children;
Discuss appropriate mitigation measures
Discuss any other issues.
Source: ERM (2011)
Information collected during interviews was recorded using Key informant interview forms.
Field Observations and Ground Truthing
Box 1–4
Field Observations and Ground Truthing: Definition
Field observations involve visiting sites of interest which may be impacted by the project. Observations
also include assessing the environment in which those affected by the project live in terms of infrastructure,
quality of life etc.
Information was gathered on existing sites of interest within the 500-m corridor, including where
the pipeline crosses roads, irrigation systems and near developed areas. Additionally, the Social
team visited the sites of the proposed project infrastructure such as PRT, campsites and storage
yards to understand these sites’ interactions with people living in the area and how local land
users may be impacted by the project.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 38 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Field observation confirmed the desktop satellite mapping analysis conducted, particularly in
close proximity to the centre line as well in the 500-m pipeline corridor. Any sensitive spots that
may require rerouting analysis or areas that require the application of special mitigation
measures were identified. In addition, the social team observed the trends and speed of growing
settlements, and any areas of future planned activity.
GPS way points were taken at each site in order to ground truth key receptors to be mapped on
the GIS for inclusion in the ESIA. The field team also completed a way point and photo log to
record the site name, location, description of surroundings, key receptors and significance to the
project.
1.1.8 Onshore Cultural Heritage
The cultural heritage team indentified cultural heritage sites within a 100 m corridor centred on
the base case route as a means of determining cultural heritage constraints for the Project. This
corridor provided a relevant and manageable study unit with opportunities to recognize both
constraints and constraint-free areas on either side of the centreline. Baseline data collection
took place in two phases:
• desk study;
• fieldwork.
It should be noted that the definitive cultural and scientific value of sites is the prerogative of the
Ministry of Culture and other local stakeholders.
1.1.8.1 Desk Review
Desk based research was carried out to identify both cultural heritage sites within and near the
base case corridor, as well as to ascertain the treatment of cultural heritage under Italian national
legislation. The desk study involved the collection and analysis of relevant data from government
agencies, databases, archaeological and historical literature, historic and topographic maps as
well as consultation with experts and other knowledgeable individuals in Italy. The archaeological
sites were collected in the form of catalogue entries containing short descriptions of the remains
included under the heading “archaeological evidence.” The catalogue entries contain information
on the place-names of known sites; the topographical extent of sites; the types of archaeological
evidence (i.e. area with pottery shards, settlement, burial mounds, etc.), the chronology and
possible function of the sites, and their current preservation status of the sites. All sites within the

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 39 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
area which are already currently protected by an archaeological or architectural constraint are
included in this catalogue.
1.1.8.2 Field Survey Methodology
Field work consisted of vehicle-assisted pedestrian survey along the base case route.
No intrusive methods were used but some artefacts were collected from the surface as a part of
the surveys. The field investigation involved field confirmation of known sites and selective
pedestrian reconnaissance to identify additional sites. The degree of visibility of archaeological
data on the ground were evaluated and graphically defined. Cataloguing archaeological evidence
on the ground was conducted by preparing computerized "Topographic Units" charts (catalogue
charts to describe surface archaeological contexts - UT).
The archaeological evidences were positioned and georeferenced through GPS.
The archaeological finds (ceramic materials, metals, etc.) were photographed, catalogued by
class and chronology and left on site. The quantitative evaluation of the presence of clay
fragments on the ground was then defined based of the density of ceramic fragments per square
meter in order to classify the different concentrations as scattered (> 5 frr. /10 sq m) or marked by
low (1 - 5 frr. /sqm), medium (5-10 frr. /sqm) or high (< 10 frr. /sqm) density of materials.
1.1.8.3 Inventory Summary
Based on the methodologies described above, an inventory summary of the terrestrial sites was
developed, describing the significant findings identified through the aforementioned methodology.
This inventory was used as a basis for the impact assessment.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 40 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2 Impact Assessment Methodology
1.2.1 Introduction
This Section presents the assessment methodology and impact significance criteria used for the
main topics to be assessed in the ESIA:
• Physical Environment (Section 1.2.2)
• Air Quality (Section 1.2.2.1);
• Noise (Section 1.2.2.2);
• Water Resources – Freshwater Surface and Groundwater, Marine Waters (Section 1.2.2.3);
• Geology, Geomorphology, Soil Quality and Seabed (Section 1.2.2.4);
• Landscape and Visual Amenity (Section 1.2.2.5);
• Biological Environment (Section 1.2.3)
• Flora and Vegetation (Sections 1.2.3.1);
• Fauna and Habitats (Sections 1.2.3.2);
• Protected Areas (Sections 1.2.3.3);
• Social Environment (Section 1.2.4);
• Cultural Heritage (Section 1.2.5).
Additional topics may also become important in the course of the assessment. Where this occurs,
respective topic-specific criteria will be presented in the main body of the ESIA.
The assessment methodology for each of the topics was developed in line with the philosophy
presented and described in “SECTION 5 - ESIA Approach and Methodology” and in particular in
Figure 5-3 Evaluation of Significance, where the Significance is assessed based on the following:
• Impact magnitude (and Stakeholder concerns) on a scale from Small to Large;
• Value/Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor on a scale from Low to High;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 41 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Therefore, in order to properly address this assessment, each methodology is presented (where
applicable) as follows:
• General Conditions;
• Background Quality (see also Section 5.1 Baseline methodology);
• Potential Impact;
• Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor;
• Impact magnitude;
• Assessment of Impact (ranking).
A summary of the significance criteria is given in Table 1-9 below.
Table 1-9
Overall significance criteria for the EIA
Low Magnitude Impact Medium Magnitude Impact High Magnitude Impact
Low value / sensitivity, Minor Minor Moderate
Medium value / sensitivity, Minor Moderate Major
High value / sensitivity, Moderate Moderate (1) Major
Impact Significance
No impact or insignificant
Minor
Significance
Impacts are indistinguishable from the background / natural level of environmental and
social / socioeconomic change.
Impacts of low magnitude, within standards, and /or associated with low or moderate
value / sensitivity resources / receptors, or impacts of moderate magnitude affecting low
value / sensitivity resources / receptors.
Broad category within standards, but impact of a low magnitude affecting high value /
Moderate
Significance
sensitive resources / receptors, or moderate magnitude affecting moderate value /
sensitivity resources / receptors, or of high magnitude affecting moderate sensitivity
resources / receptors.
Exceeds acceptable limits and standards, is of high magnitude affecting high or
Major Significance
moderate value / sensitivity resources / receptors or of moderate magnitude affecting
high value / sensitivity resources / receptors.
(1)Note: The impact may, however, be major where the spatial or temporal scale of the impact is significant.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 42 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2 Physical Environment
In this section the Impact Assessment Methodology will be presented for the following
components:
• Air Quality,
• Noise,
• Water Resources (Surface and Groundwater, Marine Waters),
• Geology, Geomorphology, Soil Quality and Seabed
• Landscape and Visual Amenity.
1.2.2.1 Air Quality
1.2.2.1.1 General Considerations
The impacts of the TAP Project phases on air quality were assessed in accordance with
internationally accepted methodologies and based on national and international air quality
standards and guidelines.
All the emission sources connected to the project construction and operation phases were
identified, and where possible internationally recognised EPA emission factors and modelling
systems were used to qualitatively and quantitatively define the Project’s contribution to local air
quality. This contribution was compared against National guidelines in force and International air
quality standards such as World Bank/ IFC, World Health Organisation (WHO) and National
guidelines. The background condition was also considered in order to assess cumulative
impacts.
The impact magnitude was evaluated according to the comparison with air quality standards,
spatial coverage of the impact and distance from receptors.
This section aims to set the main criteria used for the assessment of the Project impact on air
quality, focusing separately on the construction and operation phases.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 43 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.1.2 Background Air Quality
Knowledge of background air quality conditions for the project area is useful to assess the
Project’s impact on air quality and estimate cumulative impacts produced by the Project over the
background air quality level.
1.2.2.1.3 Potential Impacts
Air emissions will result from a number of sources during construction and operation.
Project Construction
During Project construction, potential impacts on local air quality are related to the following
activities:
• Temporary dust emissions from earth movements, excavation, vehicles movement,
stockpiles, unpaved surfaces, etc. along the working strip, access roads, yards and camps.
• Temporary emissions of flue gases to the atmosphere from vehicles during the construction
of the onshore part of the Project (i.e. excavators, bulldozers, side booms, trucks, cars.) and
from marine vessels during the construction of the offshore part of the Project;
• Temporary emissions of flue gases to the atmosphere from engine driven machinery.
Main air pollutants produced will be nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), particulate matter (PM10) and carbon
monoxide (CO). These pollutants are of concern in terms of human health and vegetation
receptors. Receptors consist mainly of the residential population of nearby settlements and
workers, fauna and flora species, cultural and historic values, water quality, etc.
Project Operation
During the operation phase the Pipeline Receiving Terminal will not produce any relevant
emissions, as the only emissions into the atmosphere will be related to the temporary activity of
the heaters envisaged by the project, whose impact to the local air quality will be negligible.
Moreover, during the operation phase, general pipeline operation maintenance will produce minor
emissions, the atmospheric impacts of which will be negligible. Methodology presented
underneath will not therefore take into consideration the Operation Phase.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 44 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.1.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
In line with best practices regarding the assessment of impacts on air quality, these impacts must
be performed on the most sensitive receptor (humans). As a consequence the value of the
receptor is always considered high.
1.2.2.1.5 Impact magnitude
The magnitude of the impacts induced by the Project on local air quality will be determined by
comparing the air emissions it is expected to generate (during both construction and operation
phases) against normative guidelines. The background concentration will be taken into account in
order to estimate cumulative impacts.
The methodology used is presented in the following sections:
• Assessment of air emissions during construction and operation;
• Comparison with air quality Standards;
1.2.2.1.6 Assessment of air emissions during construction
The main emissions sources during construction site preparation consist of:
• Vehicle exhaust (during the construction of the onshore part of the Project) and marine
vessels exhaust (the construction of the offshore part of the Project);
• Dust generating activities;
• Engine driven machinery.
The following section presents the impact assessment criteria for the impacts produced by the
above mentioned pollution sources on local air quality during the project onshore construction
phase.
Vehicle and vessel exhaust
The key concern regarding vehicle exhaust emissions sources is human health, due to exposure
to NO 2 , PM 10 and CO. It should be noted that SO 2 will not be produced as sulphur free fuels will
be used.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 45 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
The impacts produced by vehicular emissions were qualitatively and quantitatively identified
through a modelling study. The latter will estimate the maximum ground level concentration of
pollutants produced by vehicular traffic at the closest receptor, and will be carried out by means
of the CALINE model. The CALINE is a line source Gaussian plume dispersion model developed
by the state of California, Department of Transportation. The model predicts air pollutant impacts
near roadways based on user defined proposed roadway geometry, worst-case meteorological
parameters, anticipated traffic volumes, pollutant emission factors and receptor positions.
Once the ground level pollutant concentration caused by vehicular traffic was identified, it was
compared against air quality standards. Background concentration will be taken into account in
the impact assessment.
With regards to Marine vessels emissions, the impact on local air quality produced by the project
induced ship transport emissions has been qualitatively assessed by mean of an estimation of
vessels emissions followed by a comparison with the regional emission inventory and with
international and national guidelines on atmospheric emissions. The calculation of ship transport
emissions was based on the Methodology for Estimate Air Pollutant Emissions from Transport
(MEET). The latter has been developed by the UK Transport Research Laboratory, under the
Transport RTD programme of the 4th Framework programme, funded by the European
Commission.
Dust generating activities
The estimate of dust production and related impacts was performed using a EPA emission
factors and atmospheric dispersion modeling tools.
A quantitative assessment of dust production has been performed using the EPA AP-42
methodology on Aggregate Handling and storage Piles. Following this methodology, dust
emissions from the construction phase, including dust emissions due to wind and vehicles’ transit
resuspension, have been calculated on the base of the following inputs:
• construction site area dimensions;
• quantity of soil being moved;
• number of working days.
• average wind speed.
• number of vehicle/day and average distance covered by the single vehicle.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 46 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
The identified value of emitted dust has subsequently been used as input for a dust dispersion
modeling study, carried out with the EPA modeling system CALMET-CALPUFF (presented in the
following part of this Section). The dispersion study simulated the dust ground level concentration
at receptors, enabling the assessment of the construction phase impacts on local air quality due
to dust emissions.
Engine driven machinery
The Project envisages the activity of engine driven machinery and power generators in order to
supply energy for the offshore and onshore construction activities. In particular a high number of
engine driven compressors will be needed for the hydro-testing phase, and their activity is likely
to have an impact on local air quality, which was assessed by means of a dedicated air
dispersion modelling study. The emissions produced by the engine driven machinery and
generators envisaged by other phases of the Project are negligible when compared with the
contribution of the compressors needed for offshore hydro-testing (Labelled ht-compressors
hereafter) and were therefore not considered.
The atmospheric dispersion of emissions produced by dust generating activities (as explained
before) and engine driven machinery was modelled through two dedicated modelling studies. Air
quality simulations were performed using the CALMET– CALPUFF modelling system (version
5.8) 1 , adopted and recommended by US-EPA. The chosen modelling system is non-steady-state
meteorological and air quality modelling system representing a puff modelling for assessing
impacts of the long-range transport of certain air pollutants.
The modelling system consists of three main components, including a set of pre-processing and
post-processing programs (which are further detailed in Box 1–5). The meteorological preprocessor
CALMET produces the three-dimensional fields for the main meteorological variables
(temperature, wind speed and direction) over the simulation domain. The CALPUFF processor is
a non-steady-state Lagrangian Gaussian puff model containing modules for complex terrain
effects, overwater transport, coastal interaction effects, building downwash, wet and dry removal,
and simple chemical transformation. 2 The post-processor CALPOST statistically analyzes
CALPUFF output data and produces datasets suitable for further analysis.
The model system requires the following input data:
• meteorological variables’ surface data and height profile, to build a three-dimensional wind
field (with CALMET); and
1 http://www.epa.gov/ttn/scram/dispersion_prefrec.htm#calpuff
2 A User’s Guide for the CALPUFF Dispersion Model (Version 5), Scire, Strimaitis, Yamartino 2000

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 47 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• source characteristics and emission data, to simulate the atmospheric dispersion of
pollutants(with CALPUFF).
Post-processed CALPUFF outputs consist of matrices containing concentration values.
Receptors in the simulation domain can be discrete or gridded. The values calculated at each
receptor could be related to one or more sources.
The results can be processed by any GIS software, creating iso-concentration maps.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 48 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Box 1–5
Features of the Modelling System Components
CALMET is a diagnostic meteorological pre-processor able to reproduce three-dimensional fields
of temperature, wind speed and direction along with two-dimensional fields of other parameters
representative of atmospheric turbulence. CALMET is able to simulate wind fields in complex
orography domains characterized by different types of land use. The final wind field is obtained
through consecutive steps, starting from an initial wind field often derived from geostrophic wind.
The wind field is linked to the orography, since the model interpolates the monitoring station
values and applies specific algorithms to simulate the interaction between ground and flow lines.
The module contains a micro-meteorological module determining thermal and mechanical
structures (turbulence) of lower atmospheric layers.
CALPUFF is a hybrid dispersion model (commonly defined ‘puff model’). It is a multi-layer and
non-steady-state model. It simulates transport, dispersion, transformation and deposition of
pollutants, in meteorological conditions varying in space and time. CALPUFF uses the
meteorological fields produced by CALMET, but for simple simulations an external steady wind
field, with constant values of wind speed and direction over the simulation domain, can be used
as input. The module contains different algorithms to simulate different processes, such as:
• buildings downwash and stack-tip downwash;
• wind vertical shear;
• dry and wet deposition;
• atmospheric chemical transformations;
• complex orography and seaboard. 1
Besides, CALPUFF allows the selection of the source geometry (point, linear or areal), improving
in this way the accuracy of the emission input. Point sources simulate emissions coming from a
small area while areal sources describe a diffuse emission coming from a wider area; emissions
from linear sources are distributed along a main direction (i.e. roads).
CALPOST processes CALPUFF outputs producing an outputs’ format suitable for further
analysis. In particular, enables the calculation of statistical parameters to compare against in
force air quality standards (percentile of hourly concentrations, annual average concentrations,
etc.).
CALPOST outputs consist of matrices of concentration values calculated at points called
receptors. Receptor can be defined by mean of a regular grid or discrete.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 49 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.1.7 Conservative Approach to Study
The study will follow a conservative approach characterised by the following main aspects:
Simulated NO x will be considered as NO 2 ; however, in reality only a part of NO x converts to NO 2
depending on different factors (e.g. solar radiation, temperature, hydrocarbon atmospheric
concentration). Hence, NO 2 simulated concentrations will be overestimated.
The model does not account for dry and wet deposition or photochemical reactions of the
pollutants which in reality takes place and would reduce the concentrations of NO x and CO in the
atmosphere. Thus results overestimate the likely actual contribution of the sources. The
approach is again on the safe side of assumptions and gives a conservative picture, maximising
pollutants’ modelled concentration values over the simulation domain.
Comparison with Air Quality Standards
Air quality can be assessed by comparing observed, estimated or simulated pollutant
concentrations against normative threshold concentration values. The latter are set at
international and national levels in order to guarantee the best air quality standards and avoid
harmful effects on flora, fauna and human receptors deriving from short-term and long-term
exposure to polluted air.
The importance of impacts induced by the project on local air quality conditions will be evaluated
through the comparison of expected pollutant level with normative air quality standards in force.
At the international level, air quality standards are defined by the Environmental Health and
Safety Guidelines, General EHS Guidelines: Environmental Air Emissions and Ambient Air
Quality. The latter refers to Air Quality Guidelines published by WHO (World Health
Organization).
At the European level Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe
establishes a common framework for air quality, defining air quality standards.
At a national level Legislative Decree 155/2010 harmonises Italian Environmental Law with
European Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality, setting air quality limits for NO X , SO 2 ,
PM 10 , PM 2.5 , Benzene, Pb, O 3 and CO.
Table 1-10, Table 1-11, Table 1-12, and Table 1-13, below, summarise the normative
concentration value limits at international, European and national levels for the macro pollutants
emitted by the Project, NO 2 , NO X , PM and CO.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 50 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-10
IFC, EU and National NO2 air quality standards
Averaging Period
Value
[µg/m³ ]
One hour 200 guideline 200
IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010
Value
Value
Type
Type
Type
[µg/m³ ]
[µg/m³ ]
Not to be
exceeded more
than 18 times
per calendar
year
200
Not to be exceeded
more than 18 times
per calendar year
Three consecutive
hours
400 Alert threshold 400 Alert threshold
Calendar year (1) 40 guideline 40 40
Notes:
(1)Calendar year: arithmetic mean of minimum 183 and maximum of 365 measurements per year, from 24 hours
each (covering 50 to 100 per cent of the year)
Source: ERM (2011)
Table 1-11
IFC, EU and National NO x air quality standards
Averaging Period
IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010
Value
Value
Value
Type
Type
Type
[µg/m³ ]
[µg/m³ ]
[µg/m³ ]
Calendar year (2) 30 (1) 30 (1)
Notes:
(1) Protection of Vegetation and natural Ecosystem
(2)Calendar year: arithmetic mean of minimum 183 and maximum of 365 measurements per year, from 24 hours
each (covering 50 to 100 per cent of the year)
Source: ERM (2011)
Table 1-12
Averaging
Period
24-hours (2)
IFC, EU and National PM air quality standards
Value
[µg/m³ ]
150
100
75
IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010
Value
Value
Type (1)
Type
Type
[µg/m³ ]
[µg/m³ ]
interim
target 1
interim
target 2
interim
target 3
50
Not to be exceeded
more than 35 times
per calendar year
50
Not to be exceeded
more than 35 times per
calendar year
50 guideline
Calendar year (3)
70
50
30
interim
target 1
interim
target 2
interim
target 3
40 40
20 guideline

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 51 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Averaging
Period
Value
[µg/m³ ]
IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010
Value
Value
Type (1)
Type
Type
[µg/m³ ]
[µg/m³ ]
Notes:
(1) Interim targets are provided in recognition of the need for a staged approach to achieving the recommended
guidelines.
(2)Calendar year: arithmetic mean of minimum 183 and maximum of 365 measurements per year, from 24 hours
each (covering 50 to 100 per cent of the year)
(3)24 hour/8 hour values should not be exceeded during 98% of the year. However, in the remaining 2% they may
exceed these values (a total 7 days/year , but not two successive days)
Source: ERM (2011)
Table 1-13
IFC, EU and National CO air quality standards
Notes:
Averaging
Period
Value
[µg/m³ ]
IFC EU Directive 2008/50
Type
Value
[µg/m³ ]
8-hours (1) 10
Type
8-hours daily
maximum
Italian Decree D.Lgs
155/2010
Value
Type
[µg/m³ ]
8-hours daily
10
maximum
(1) 24 hour/8 hour values should not be exceeded during 98% of the year. However, in the remaining 2% they may
exceed these values (a total 7 days/year , but not two successive days)
Source: ERM (2011)
Pollutant ground level concentrations generated by the atmospheric emissions produced during
the construction phase (vehicles’ exhaust, dust, hydrotesting exhaust), and simulated through
dedicate modeling studies were compared against International, European and national air
quality standards in force for the modelled macro- pollutants.
The magnitude of potential air quality impacts of the project associated with predicted short-term
(1 hour, 8 hour and 24 hour) and long-term (annual) ground level concentrations (GLCs,
hereafter) were assessed by reference to the International assessment criteria. The magnitude
criteria for short-term and long-term impacts are presented in the following Tables.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 52 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-14
Criteria for Assessing the Magnitude of Short-term Impacts on Air Quality
Not Significant
Predicted short-term
incremental GLCs are < =
25% of the assessment
criterion
Significant – Small Impact Significant – Medium
Impact
Predicted short-term
incremental GLCs > 25%
but < = 50% of the
assessment criterion
Predicted short-term
incremental GLCs > 50%
but < = 75% of the
assessment criterion
Significant – Large Impact
1. Predicted short-term
incremental GLCs > 75% of
the assessment criterion
OR
2. When added to existing
baseline concentrations, the
total concentration exceeds
the assessment criterion
Table 1-15
Criteria for Assessing the Magnitude Long-term Impacts on Air Quality
Not Significant
Predicted long-term
incremental GLCs are < =
1% of the assessment
criterion
Significant – Small Impact Significant – Medium
Impact
1. Predicted long-term 1. Predicted long-term
incremental GLCs > 1% but incremental GLCs > 25%
< = 25% of the assessment but < = 50% of the
criterion
assessment criterion
OR
2. When added to existing
baseline concentration, the
total concentration is < 50%
of the assessment criterion
OR
2. When added to existing
baseline concentration, the
total concentration is > 50%
but < 100 % of the
assessment criterion
Significant – Large Impact
1. Predicted long-term
incremental GLCs > 50%of
the assessment Criterion
OR
2. When added to existing
baseline concentration, the
total concentration exceeds
the assessment criterion
As a general rule, project emissions should not contribute significantly to the attainment of
relevant air quality guidelines or standards. The IFC General EHS Guidelines for Air Emissions
and Ambient Air Quality suggests that only 25% of the applicable air quality standards pollutants
should be emitted to allow additional, future sustainable development in the same “airshed”.
As a result, 25% of the criterion was used as the threshold below which short-term impacts are
defined as being not significant. For short-term releases, differences in spatial and temporal
variations usually mean that the incremental GLCs, rather than the background air concentration,
would dominate at the point of greatest impact over one hour.
Small, medium and large impact are categorized as follow:
• A Small Impact generally requires no mitigation.
• A Medium Impact should be looked into, as some additional mitigation measures may be
necessary.
• A Large Impact is considered unacceptable, assuming that current mitigation measures are
insufficient; further mitigation measures would be required to decrease the level of impact.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 53 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.1.8 Assessment of the Significance of Impact
As presented in Section 5.2.5.4 the air quality impact assessment assumes the most sensitive
receptor by default. As a consequence, applying the philosophy presented in Figure 5-3 of
Section 5 - ESIA Approach and Methodology, the criteria presented in the previous Section
5.2.5.1.5 already represent the Significance of the impact as summarized in the following Table.
Table 1-16
Evaluation of the Significance of Impacts on local Air Quality
Magnitude of Impacts
Not significant Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
High Not Significant Minor Moderate Major
Source: ERM (2011)
It should be noted that in the case of the component “Air,” Table 1-16 is slightly different from
what presented in Table 1-9, due to the introduction of an additional level of magnitude (“not
significant”).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 54 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.2 Noise
1.2.2.2.1 General Considerations
The noise impact due to the TAP Project was assessed in accordance with national regulationsas
well as relevant and recognised international Standards (e.g. World Bank/IFC and World
Health Organisation).
The Project contribution to local noise quality was estimated through qualitative (in terms of
offshore environment) and quantitative analysis, identifying all the potential noise sources
involved during the project construction and operation phases. The magnitude of noise impact
was evaluated and compared with international noise quality standards in force (IFC, WHO and
European legislation) and national limits.
This section aims to set the main criteria used for the assessment of the Project impact on noise
quality, focusing on the construction and operation phases.
Background Acoustic Environment Quality
The knowledge of background noise quality conditions over the project area is necessary to
assess the Project’s impact on noise quality.
Information on background noise levels is useful to estimate cumulative impacts (impacts
produced by the Project plus the background level); furthermore, background noise levels might
highlight existing criticalities over the study area not directly related to the Project.
In order to evaluate noise quality conditions over the Project area, a total of 9 noise monitoring
sites were identified, corresponding to the PRT and at sensitive receptors along the pipeline route
(for further detail please refer to Section 5.1.5.2). Offshore noise background conditions were not
measured but estimated to be background.
The baseline and background noise conditions, estimated during a noise survey at sensitive
receptors identified along the route, were considered in order to assess cumulative impacts.
1.2.2.2.2 Potential Impacts
Potential impacts will arise from a number of different sources during the construction and
operation phases. During Project construction, potential impacts are related to the following
activities:
Realisation of onshore pipe yards, work sites and the PRT. The potential impacts on noise quality
are related to the activities of machinery and vehicles, such as generators, excavators, loaders,
side-booms, trucks, pumps and compressors;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 55 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Vessel movements and marine construction activities;
Hydrotesting activities. The potential impacts are related to the use of several motorized
compressors.
During project operation, noise emissions are likely to be confined to the PRT and gas transport
through the marine pipeline.
1.2.2.2.3 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
Noise quality in the project area can be assessed by comparing observed, estimated or simulated
noise levels against limits established by international standards, set in order to avoid harmful
effects on human receptors and fauna deriving from short-term and long-term exposures to high
noise levels. The importance of the impacts induced by the project on local noise quality
conditions will be evaluated through the comparison of expected noise levels with normative
noise limits in force. As a consequence of the absence of a zoning plan for the Municipalities of
Vernole and Melendugno, the estimated noise levels were compared with the noise limits defined
by DPCM 01/03/91.
Table 1-17
Noise Limits in Absence of the Acoustic Zoning Plan
Zone
Absolute Noise Limits- Leq dB(A)
Day
Night
(06:00-22:00) (22:00-06:00)
Differential Noise Limits-Leq dB(A)
Day
Night
(06:00-22:00) (22:00-06:00)
All national territory 70 60 5 3
Zone A (D.M. 1444/68) (*) 65 55 5 3
Zone B (D.M. 1444/68) (*) 60 50 5 3
Industrial areas 70 70 - -
Notes: Zones as for DM 2 April 1968, article 2
• Zone A: residential areas with historic, artistic and environmental value;
• Zone B: residential areas, totally or partially developed, different from Zone A.
Source: DPCM 01/03/91
Considering the agricultural nature of the site, the territories of Melendugno and Vernole
potentially affected by the project belong to Zone 1 “All national territory” characterised by the
following noise limits:

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 56 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• 70 dB(A) for daytime;
• 60 dB(A) for night time.
Furthermore, International Standards (IFC, 2007) set two levels of sensitivity for the area where
the project could be implemented:
• Industrial and commercial;
• Residential, Institutional and educational.
IFC indicates that different noise levels should be considered during daytime and night time
hours, as presented in the following Table.
Table 1-18
Noise Level Standards
IFC World Bank Group
Period
Residential, institutional and
Industrial and commercial
educational
Day-time (07:00 -22:00) 70 dBA 55 dBA
Night-time (22:00 - 07:00) 70 dBA 45 dBA
Source: IFC 2007
The standards for impact on marine fauna are 180 dB 1 uPascal (USA National Marine Fisheries
Service & Southall 2007). This is the standard used in the international scientific and technical
community and is derived from the work of Southall et al (2007) of the Marine Mammal Criteria
Group, within the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This group set out criteria for
damage and behavioural reactions of marine mammals to noise. The mentioned level has been
included in the mentioned US NMFS guidance. The Fisheries Hydro Acoustic Working Group
(FHWG) of the same service has included the same level for fishes by default.
1.2.2.2.4 Impact magnitude
Noise levels will be predicted at nearest receptor locations according to internationally recognised
methods and standards (ISO 9613-2: 1996 2 ). The background noise levels will be taken into
account in order to consider a reliable scenario, and particular attention will be given to sensitive
receptors.
The methodology used is presented in the following sections:
• Assessment of noise impact during the construction phase;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 57 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• Assessment of noise impact during the operation phase;
• Comparison with noise quality standard.
Assessment of noise during the construction phase
The assessment of noise during the construction phase was performed taking into consideration
the following activities:
• Construction Activities;
• Hydrotesting;
• Details are given in the following paragraphs.
Construction Activities
During project construction of onshore pipe yards, work sites, and the PRT, the potential impacts
to noise quality are related to the activities of machinery and vehicles, such as generators,
excavators, loaders, side-booms, trucks, pumps and compressors. Construction noise is
generally characterised by a variable and short-term duration.
Based on the sound power levels of the identified noise sources (both fixed and mobile), the
noise levels at the monitored receptors were estimated through a semi-spherical omni-directional
free field propagation model. All the equipment was assumed to operate at the same time and be
localized in the barycentre of the area.
The onshore sound pressure levels at different distances from the receptors were calculated
applying the following Formula 1–1:
L P = L W – 20 log r – 8
Where:
• L P is the sound pressure level, in dB, at distance r;
• L W is the source sound power level, in dB;
• r is the distance between source and reception point, in meters.
Vessel noise levels at source was derived from existing literature and databases. Then a
qualitative impact assessment has been performed based on internationally accepted standard
practices for noise attenuation across marine waters and comparison with generally accepted
standards.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 58 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Hydrotesting
To estimate the impact due to the hydrotest, a quantitative noise assessment was performed, by
using a noise propagation model. Considering all the potential noise sources involved in this
specific project phase, the main impacts to noise quality will be produced by compressors,
generators and dryers. All the equipment was assumed to operate continuously for 24 hours.
Based on the sound power levels of the identified noise sources, the noise levels at the
monitored receptors and in the environment were estimated through the noise propagation model
SoundPlan 7.0. In this noise model, sources are simulated as surfaces, lines or points.
The resulting acoustic field depends on the topography and absorptions and reflections
characteristics of all existent obstacles between the source and the receptor, and all sound
attenuation due to atmospheric conditions, ground effect, screens effect, etc. is taken into
account.
Assessment of noise during the operation phase
To estimate the impact from the Operation Phase, a quantitative onshore noise assessment was
performed, considering all the potential noise sources involved in this specific project phase.
During project operation, noise emissions are likely to be confined to the PRT. A minor
contribution derives from vehicular traffic associated with general pipeline operational
maintenance. All the equipment was assumed to operate continuously for 24 hours.
Based on the sound power levels of the identified noise sources, the noise levels at the
monitored receptors and in the environment were estimated through the noise propagation model
SoundPlan 7.0. In this noise model, sources are simulated as surfaces, lines or points. The
resulting acoustic field depends on the topography and absorption and reflection characteristics
of all existent obstacles between the source and the receptor, and all sound attenuation due to
atmospheric conditions, ground effect, screens effect, etc. is taken into account.
Box 1–6 Features of the Noise Modelling System Components. SoundPlan 7.0
Mathematic Model
SoundPlan 7.0 is one of the most recognised noise prediction tool, used extensively in road, railway and
industry noise modeling.
The industrial model is comprehensive and allows:
• modelling of sound power sources in third of octave;
• modelling of noise sources as point, line or area sources;
• 2D and 3D directivity of sources;
• 3D topography;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 59 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• noise sources ranking;
• use of various noise model standards (ISO, Concawe, Nordic, etc.);
• screening and meteorological effects.
This software applies the “ray tracing” method. Sources are simulated as surfaces, lines or points: each
source propagates sound waves. The resulting acoustic field depends on the absorptions and reflections
characteristics of all existent obstacles between the source and the receptor.
Every ray carries a part of the acoustic energy of the sound source. The energy decreases along the way,
as a result of the absorption of surfaces, geometrical divergence and atmospheric absorption.
The absorption of sound energy by air is related to the dispersion of energy caused by the collisions of air
molecules among them. Every collision scatters one small part of the energy and causes more impacts.
In the area of interest, the acoustic field will be the result of the acoustic energies sum of “n” rays which
reach the receiver. The levels in the entire area are indicated by iso-phones with equivalent steps, at a
conventional height (1.5 meters a.g.l.).
The mathematical model uses international standards for sound attenuation in the environment . In this
study ISO 9613 Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors – Part 2: General Method
of Calculation has been applied. This standard has many equations regulating the propagation and it
allows to calculate noise levels in the study area with a defined accuracy.
The aim of such methodology is to determine the equivalent continuous A- weighted sound pressure level,
as described in ISO 1996/1-2-3, under meteorological conditions favourable to sound propagation from
sources of known power emission. As all the receivers are considered to be downwind from the source, the
propagation takes place under the worst wind conditions, as specified in ISO 1996/2 (part 5, 4, 3).
Method of Calculation
The medium level of sound pressure to the receiver in the propagation direction (downwind conditions) is
calculated for every source with:
L P = L W – A
The factor A is the attenuation that the sound energy endures during the propagation and it is composed of
the following contributors:
A = A div + A atm + A ground + A refl + A screen + A misc
where:
• Adiv = attenuation due to geometrical divergence;
• Aatm = attenuation due to atmospheric absorption;
• Aground = attenuation due to the ground effect;
• Arefl = attenuation due to reflections from obstacles;
• Ascreen = attenuation due to screen effects;
• Amisc = attenuation due to other effects.
The factor A can be applied singularly to every contributor or, in a second moment, to the sum calculated
for every octave band. The continuous equivalent sound level is the result of the sum of the single pressure
levels, obtained for each source in each frequency, if requested.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 60 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
The resulting sound power level in the direction of propagation depends upon the power level in free field
conditions and upon a term that specifies the directivity (D). D quantifies the variation of the radiation
towards more directions of one directional source in comparison to the same non-directional one:
L P = L W + D
For a non-directional point source the contribution of D is 0 dB. The correction of D comes out from the
index of directivity of the source, adding a K index that considers the emission in a defined solid angle.
For a source with spherical propagation in a free space K=0dB; when the source is near to a reflecting
surface that is not the ground, K=3dB; when the source is in front of two perpendicular reflecting surfaces,
one of which is the ground, K = 3 dB; if none of them is the ground, K=6dB; with sources in front of three
perpendicular surfaces, one of which is the ground, K=6dB; with sources in front of three reflecting
surfaces and none of them is the ground, K=9dB.
Geometric Divergence Attenuation
The attenuation for geometric divergence can be evaluated theoretically as:
A div = 20 log (d/d0) + 11
where:
• d is the distance between the source and the receiver, calculated in meters;
• d0 is the reference distance, 1 m.
Atmospheric Attenuation
The absorption of the air is defined as:
A atm = a*d/1000
where:
• d is the distance of propagation, expressed in meters;
• a is the coefficient of atmospheric attenuation, in dB/km.
The coefficient of atmospheric attenuation depends mainly on sound frequency, environmental
temperature, relative air humidity and atmospheric pressure.
Ground Effect Attenuation
The attenuation due to the ground effect comes from the interference between the sound reflected from the
ground and the sound with direct propagation from the source to the receiver.
For this methodology of calculation, the surface of the land between the source and the receiver must be
flat, horizontal or with one constant slope. Alternatively, a breaking line must be drawn in the model.
There are three main regions of propagation: one for the source, one for the receiver and an intermediate
one. Each of these zones can be described with a factor related to the characteristic detailed lists of
reflection.
The methodology for the calculation of land attenuations can make use of one more simplified formula,
which considers the distance d receiver-source and the medium height from the ground of the propagation
way (h m ):
A ground = 4.8 - (2 h m /d) (17 + (300/d))
Reflection Effect Attenuation

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 61 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
The attenuation by reflection refers to surfaces like facades of buildings, which cause an increase of the
sound pressure level to the receiver.
An important term is the attenuation due to the presence of obstacles (a little deep backs, barrier or
screen).
The barrier must be considered a close and continuous surface without interruptions. Its perpendicular
horizontal dimension to the line source-receiver must be greater than the wavelength to the frequency of
centre band for the considered octave band. According to the standards, the attenuation due to the
shielding effect will be given by “insertion loss”, that is from the difference between the levels of pressure
measured to the receiver in a specific position with and without the barrier.
Mixed Effects Attenuation
The term of mixed attenuation is the result of many effects:
• attenuation due to propagation through leaves;
• attenuation due to the presence of obstacles with large dimensions, for diffraction due to buildings or
plants;
• attenuation due to the propagation through an obstacle, for shield effect or house reflection.
1.2.2.2.5 Comparison with noise quality standards
Construction Phase
At the national level, in the absence of Acoustics Zoning Plan noise limits for the construction
phase are defined by the DPCM 1991 (70 dBA for the daytime, 60 dBA for night time). The
National Legislation provides the possibility to request a temporary exemption for exceeding in
force noise limits set for the construction activities.
The World Bank does not specify noise limits related to the construction phase, though it
recommends practical methods of noise reduction that should be adopted in order to limit the
associated impact. It is common European/UK practice to adopt a daytime criterion of LAeq,
period 70/75 dB outside of dwellings and commercial buildings. Thus, daytime construction
phase significance can be defined by absolute limits qualified by specified hours of working. In
rural areas, where disturbance is lower, 70dB level is appropriate; in urban areas or near to main
roads and other noise sources where construction noise impacts are more significant, a noise
limit equal to 75 dB is used. Construction activities during night time can cause sleep
disturbance, which is considered a major environmental impact, unless over a very brief period.
The WHO recommends a cautious noise level of LAeq equal to 45 dB outside dwellings with
open windows to avoid sleep disturbance. As mentioned the marine fauna exposure level is 180
dB uPascal broadband (Southall, 2008).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 62 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Taking into account the guidelines explained above, the construction noise impact significance
criteria used in this EIA can be summarised as in the table below.
Table 1-19 Construction Noise Impact Assessment Criteria
Period Group Small Medium Large
Day-time Residential and
LAeq, period > 70dB LAeq, period > 70dB(1)
LAeq, period < 70dB
(07:00 -23:00) Industrial
Duration < 4 week
Duration > 4 week
LAeq, period > 55dB LAeq, period > 55dB
Industrial LAeq, period < 55dB
Night-time
Duration < 1 week
Duration > 1 week
(23:00- 07:00) LAeq, period > 45dB LAeq, period > 45dB
Residential LAeq, period < 45dB
Duration < 1 week
Duration > 1 week
1. By virtue of their temporary nature, Major construction noise impacts during daytime will not always be deemed as
unacceptable, but the main focus for mitigation and monitoring actions will be on where they may potentially occur.
2. Night is the period in which most people are asleep
Source: IFC 2007
Operation phase
Operation noise is generally characterised by sources in continuous activity. The noise levels at
the monitored receptors were estimated through a quantitative analysis adopting a noise
propagation model. According to the World Bank guidance and Italian legislation, noise
abatement for an operating facility should achieve either the levels specified in Table 1-17 or a
maximum increase in the ambient noise level of 5dB(A) for daytime and 3dB(A) for night time
hours. (This is generally interpreted as the level measured outside the property in an open field
location). According to IFC standards, a noise level of LAeq equal to 45 dB outside dwellings with
open windows is required to avoid sleep disturbance for night time, or a maximum increase in the
ambient noise level of 3dB(A). Taking the above standards into consideration, the following
impact assessment criteria for Operational Noise were developed.
Table 1-20
Operational Noise Impact Assessment Criteria
Operation phase (assumed
continuous 24 hrs) – noise
levels at receptor
Minor Moderate Major
Leq (one hour) 3 or 5dB(A)
above ambient – impacts to
be mitigated (1)
1. For residential receptors a Leq (one hour) of 70dB(A) for day-time and 60dB(A) for night-time is allowed.
Source: ERM (2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 63 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.2.6 Assessment of Impact (ranking)
As presented in Section 1.2.2.2.3, IFC presents two different groups. As a consequence,
applying the methodology presented in the ESIA Section 5 - ESIA Approach and Methodology,
the criteria presented in the previous sections already represent the ranking of the impact as
summarized in the following Table (the table shows 3 categories as it includes marine fauna).
Table 1-21
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Noise
Magnitude
Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
Industrial and
commercial
Residential,
institutional and
educational
Minor Moderate Major
Minor Moderate Major
Marine Fauna Minor Moderate Major
Source: ERM (2011)
1.2.2.3 Water Resources (Freshwater Surface, Groundwater, Marine)
1.2.2.3.1 General Considerations
The potential impact on freshwater, due to the TAP Project was assessed in accordance with
national regulations- as well as relevant and recognised international Standards (IFC, WHO,
Europe Directive and Dutch Standards).
The Project contribution to water quality was estimated through qualitative and quantitative
analysis, identifying all the potential impacts involved during the project construction, operation
and decommissioning phases.
Impact significance for freshwater resources is derived as a function of the following main factors:
• Sensitivity. Impact sensitivity is the result of the quantitative and qualitative analysis explained
in the baseline. The criteria for calculating it are reported in Section 1.2.2.3.4;
• Magnitude. Impact magnitude results from the following factors: Scale, Duration, and
Intensity. Section 1.2.2.3.5 describes in detail the determination of magnitude. In particular,
the intensity was evaluated and compared with international water quality standards (IFC,
WHO and European legislation) in force and national limits. The magnitude value of the
residual impacts assumes that mitigation measures were applied.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 64 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
The assessment of TAP Project impacts on freshwater resources is based upon site-specific
hydrological and hydro-geological characteristics, along with experience and professional
judgement.
1.2.2.3.2 Background Conditions of Water Resources
Knowledge of background conditions over the project area is necessary to assess the Project’s
impact on freshwater quality and was assessed in line with the specification presented in Section
1.1.5.4.
1.2.2.3.3 Potential Impacts
Two main mechanisms that have the potential to significantly impact the quality of freshwater
resources were identified:
• Degradation in water quality;
• Physical effects.
The above mentioned potential impacts are analysed below.
Degradation of Chemical Water Quality
A number of activities will occur during the different Project phases that may impact the chemical
quality of freshwater sources (surface water and groundwater).
Key activities for surface water will be
River crossings where physical-chemical quality may be affected by increases in suspended
particulate load, nutrient or trace metal release, reanimation of contaminants;
Storage, transport, and any activities which could lead to pollution of the surface water and
groundwater due to accidental spillage of substances such as fuels, oils, lubricants or solvents.
Groundwater can also be affected, not only during the construction and decommissioning phases
(from the presence of a significant amount of machinery, trucks, etc), but also during the
operation phase, due to the presence of fixed installations (particularly at the Pipeline Receiving
Terminal and Block Valve Stations), which sometimes entail the existence of tanks or drums for
storing oils and other chemical compounds. In particular during the construction phase microtunnelling
technology will be used. Marine water quality could be affected by dredging and other

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 65 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
marine water construction which could increase suspended particulate load, nutrient or trace
metal release, reanimation of contaminants and the pollution of by spills such as fuels, oils,
lubricants, or solvents
Physical Effects on Water Source
The proposed pipeline route currently passes only one watercourse along its onshore path.
However, where such surface waters are located within the vicinity of the pipeline corridor, the
water environment is vulnerable to impacts relating to the Project’s construction phase and
associated excavation, diversion or dewatering activities which may, under some circumstances,
have potential local sub-catchment or catchment-level.
1.2.2.3.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
The following set of evaluation criteria (Table 1-22) was created to provide a standardised way to
characterise the importance and sensitivity of the various freshwater features within the study
area. These criteria should be analysed along with criteria set for Terrestrial Ecology applying to
species and habitats associated with surface water.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 66 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-22
Evaluation Criteria for Freshwater Importance and Sensitivity
Measure Low Medium High
The water resource
The water resource
plays little or no role
plays some role in
in maintaining soil
maintaining local soil
quality or is
quality, e.g. through
effectively isolated
periodic spilling onto a
from surrounding
floodplain.
soils.
The extent to which the water resource
plays a supporting role in maintaining soil
characteristics and quality.
The extent to which the water resource
plays an ecosystem role in terms of
supporting flora and fauna. This includes
its role as a migration route or in
supporting a lifecycle stage.
The extent to which the water resource
provides a utilitarian service (drinking
water, washing and other domestic or
industrial uses) to local communities and
businesses, or is important in terms of
national resource protection objectives,
targets
The extent to which the water resource
provides a physical regulating service in
the hydrologic cycle. This includes its
flood plain.
The extent to which the water resource
provides cultural services, e.g. in terms
of recreation and amenity.
Source: ERM (2011)
The water resource,
for whatever reason,
is of low interest with
regard to flora and
fauna.
The water resource
has little or no role in
terms of providing
services for the local
community.
The water resource
plays little or no, or
at most a highly
localised, regulating
role in the hydrologic
cycle.
The water resource
plays little or no role
in terms of such
matters as amenity
or recreational use.
The water resource
supports populations of
flora and fauna.
The water resource has
a local importance in
terms of providing
services, but there is
ample capacity and/or
adequate opportunity
for alternative sources.
The water resource
plays a local regulating
role in the hydrologic
cycle in terms of
storage, flows and flood
alleviation.
The water resource
plays a small or
occasional role in terms
of such matters as
amenity or recreational
use.
The water resource is
critical to the maintenance
of structure and quality of
surrounding soils.
The water resource
supports important (e.g.
protected, high provisioning
importance, large
populations, etc.) of flora
and fauna.
The water resource is wholly
relied upon locally, with no
suitable alternatives, or is
important at a regional or
transboundary level for
providing services.
The water resource plays a
regional regulating role in
the hydrologic cycle in terms
of storage, flows and flood
alleviation, and one which
may have transboundary
(international) influence.
The water resource is
formally recognised as
being important in an
amenity or recreational use
context.
Water quality is an important parameter for identification of resource sensitivity. This was
investigated during the field survey. The parameters were judged in first instance against local,
Italian environmental quality standards for surface waters, according to European directive.
The standards list, Italian and the international standards considered for the water quality limits
are:
• Annex 1, Environmental quality standards for priority substances and certain other pollutants,
Directive 2008/105/EC.
• Tables 1/A and 1/B, Annexes I (for freshwater) and II (for marine waters), Part III of D.Lgs.
152/2006 and amendments (Ministerial Decree 260/2010).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 67 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Box 1–7
European Water Directive and Italian Standards
The Water Directive (2000/60 EC), which provides a strategic framework for Community action on the
subject, constitutes a major advance in European environmental policy, given that it regulates the
concepts of “ecological status”, regarding water-body quality in terms of local responsibilities and of the
“planning, management and governance of water on the watershed level”.
Legislative Decree 152 (environmental measures), approved in Italy in April 2006, transposes the
European directive into Italian.
If the water body has additional receptors; i.e. is a fishery or sensitive habitat, or the surface is
used for domestic water supply, specific Italian/European directive standards should also be
applied in determining significance.
• Directive of Quality of Bathing Water (EC Directive 76/160), providing mandatory and guide
reference values for bathing waters.
• Classification of Quality Status for Nutrients and General Parameters in Rivers, according to
European Environment Agency (1995). According to this classification river quality is
classified as follows:
o Good quality - nutrient-poor water, low levels of organic matter, saturated with O 2 , rich in
invertebrate fauna, suitable spawning ground for salmonid fish.
o Fair quality - moderate nutrient content and organic pollution, good O 2 conditions, rich flora
and fauna, large fish population.
o Poor quality - water with heavy organic pollution, low O 2 concentration, sediment locally
anaerobic, small or absent fish population, occasional blooming of organisms insensitive to
O 2 depletion.
o Bad quality - water with excessive organic pollution, prolonged periods of very low O 2 or
total deoxygenation, anaerobic sediment, severe toxic input, devoid of fish.
• NIVA-1997 (Norwegian environmental research institute that works to monitor and protect
water resources), which provides a classification of the quality status for nutrients and general
parameters in rivers.
• Classification of the Quality Statues for Heavy Metals in Water, Sediment and Fish of the
Norwegian Water Institute (NIVA), which provides a classification of the quality status for
heavy metals in water, sediment and fish.
• Guidelines on River Water Categorization Based on the Quality Indicators of the United
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 68 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
For groundwater, the parameters were judged in first instance against local Italian environmental
quality standards for groundwater, according to European directive (2000/60/EC). The Italian
standards are used as long as aquifers are not used for provision of drinking water (Table 2,
Annex 5, Part IV, Title 5 of D.Lgs. 152/2006 and amendments). If aquifers are used for provision
of drinking water, WHO drinking water standards must be used as the main reference supporting
local standards. Furthermore, to be consistent with the international standards, the Dutch
Standards were used. Indeed, from an international point of view the “Dutch Intervention Values
or New Dutch List” is widely accepted in Europe as a benchmark for soil pollution and
remediation (Annex A of the 2009 Soil Remediation Circular: “Target Values, Soil Remediation
Intervention Values and Indicative Levels for Serious Contamination“).
1.2.2.3.5 Impact magnitude
Magnitude is determined by the combination of:
• scale,
• duration;
• impact intensity ,
In line with Figure 5-3 of Section 5 - ESIA Approach and Methodology, the magnitude can be
classified as low, medium or high.
Scale
The impact scale was defined as:
• Local - refers to those impacts affecting an extension within 5 km of the working strip or the
activity that caused the impact.
• Regional - refers to those impacts affecting an extension between 5 and 50 km of the working
or the activity that caused the impact.
• National - refers to those impacts which affect an extension of more than 50 km of the
working or the activity that caused the impact, but falling within the limits of Italy.
• International - referred to those impacts affecting an area outside the limits of Italy.
Duration
Impact duration was defined as:
• Short - those impacts having an effect during a time less than the Project lifetime

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 69 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• Medium - those impacts having an effect during the lifetime of the Project.
• Long - those impacts having an effect during a time longer than the lifetime of the Project
(considered in the same way as was for short term duration).
Intensity
Impact intensity was defined in relation to the following criteria:
• Low - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater below the respective Dutch Target
Value or 50% of other limit criteria.
• Medium - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater between the corresponding
Dutch Target Value and Dutch Intervention Value, or between 50 and 100% of other limit
criteria.
• High - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater above the respective Dutch
Intervention Value, or above 100% of other limit criteria.
In the absence of quantitative criteria, intensity is defined by the following narrative descriptions:
• Low - impacts from which freshwater resources recover their original conditions within a short
term (about one week or less) once the origin of the impact ceases.
• Medium - impacts from which freshwater resources recover their original conditions within a
medium term (in a period of more than one week and less than one month) once the origin of
the impact ceases.
• High - those impacts from which freshwater resources cannot recover their original conditions
or they are recovered only after a period longer than one month.
For assessing marine water quality intensity, in particular to what refers to sediment suspension
in the water column a mathematical model will be used. The modelling study has been performed
using the MIKEbyDHI software package, developed by DHI – Danish Hydraulic Institute.
Model outcomes are not ready yet. They will be provided to Ministry of Environment during
permitting procedure.
The methodology for sediment dispersion analysis is based on three modules:
• MIKE 3 HD FM for Hydrodinamics;
• MIKE 21 SW for wave analysys;

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 70 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• MIKE 3 MT FM for sediment dispersion.
MIKE 3 HD FM model has been applied in order to study the hydrodynamic field taking into
account the vertical stratification of currents, salinity and temperature. The model has been set
up to obtain at the same time a good representation of the sea bed, a detailed representation of
the vertical stratification of the sea water column with a reasonable computational time. The
model domain covers a coastal stretch of about 30 km centered along the pipeline track, with an
offshore extension of approximately 15 km.
MIKE 21 SW is a state-of-the-art third generation spectral wind-wave model developed by DHI.
The model simulates the growth, decay and transformation of wind-generated waves and swell in
offshore and coastal areas. MIKE 21 SW solves the spectral wave action balance equation
formulated in either Cartesian or spherical co-ordinates. At each element, the wave field is
represented by a discrete two-dimensional wave action density spectrum.
MT is a specific module developed to simulate the suspension and sedimentation of cohesive
and mixed sediments under hydrodynamics forcings and external actions.
The mud transport model includes the following physical phenomena:
• Flocculation due to concentration
• Flocculation due to salinity
• Density effects at high concentrations
• Hindered settling
• Consolidation
• Morphological bed changes
According to the description given of the previous factors, the impact magnitude will be defined
as follows:

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 71 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-23
Significance Criteria for Assessing Impacts on Freshwater Resources
Scale
Local Regional National International
Small Small Small Small Low
Short term
Small Medium Medium Medium Medium
Intensity
Duration
Medium term
Long term
Large Large Large Large High
Small Small Small Small Low
Small Medium Medium Medium Medium
Large Large Large Large High
Small Small Small Small Low
Small Medium Large Large Medium
Large Large Large Large High
Intensity
Intensity
Notes: yellow impact magnitude defined as small; orange impact magnitude defined as medium; red impact magnitude
defined as large.
As shown in the table, low intensity impacts are always described as small magnitude impacts.
High intensity impacts are always described as large magnitude impacts. Medium intensity
impacts may be described as small, medium or large magnitude, according to the scale and/or
duration of the impact:
1.2.2.3.6 Assessment of Impact (ranking)
The above criteria are combined for freshwater affected by Project activities to determine the
significance of the impact, which will depend on the following considerations:
• The degree of sensitivity of the receiving environment.
• The impact magnitude causing changes to the environment.
The value of impact significance obtained is classified as described in Section 5 - ESIA Approach
and Methodology.
Table 1-24
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Freshwater Resources
Magnitude
Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
Low Not significant Minor Moderate
Medium Minor Moderate Major
High Moderate Major Major
Source: ERM (2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 72 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.4 Geology, Geomorphology, Soil and Seabed Quality
1.2.2.4.1 General Considerations
According to the Project description, excavation works will be carried out during the construction
(Micro-tunnel and trench). Pending a detailed geological and geotechnical investigation (foreseen
within 2012) the impacts from Project works on Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality will
mainly affect Soil Quality. The impact of the TAP Project on soil quality was assessed in
accordance with national regulations as well as relevant and recognised international Standards
(IFC, WHO, Europe Directive and Dutch Standards). While the impacts on seabed quality and
morphology was assessed according to its character of support to biological communities and
indirect effects on hydrodynamics, using expert judgement.
The Project contribution to soil quality was estimated through qualitative and quantitative
analysis, identifying all the potential impacts involved during the project construction, operation
and decommissioning phases.
Impact significance for soil quality is derived as a function of the following main factors:
• Sensitivity. Impact sensitivity is the result of the quantitative and qualitative analysis explained
in the baseline. The criteria for calculating it are reported in Section 1.2.2.4.4;
• Magnitude. Impact magnitude results from the factors of Scale, Duration, and Intensity.
Section 1.2.2.4.5 describes in detail the determination of magnitude. In particular, intensity
was evaluated and compared with international standards (IFC, and European legislation) in
force and national limits. The magnitude value of residual impacts assumes that mitigation
measures were applied.
The assessment of the TAP Project impact on soils is based on site-specific soil characteristics,
the analytical results of samples collected along the route during the field survey, and
professional judgement and experience regarding Project activities.
1.2.2.4.2 Background Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality
Knowledge of background conditions over the project area is necessary to assess the Project’s
impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification presented in
ESIA Section 5.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 73 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.4.3 Potential Impacts
The mechanisms that were identified as having the potential to significantly impact the quality of
soils in the Project area are the following:
• Direct physical disturbance and degradation during construction (clearance of the vegetation
layer and excavation);
• Pollution of soils during construction;
• Reanimation of contaminants within the soil and seabed profile (where the route passes near
contaminated land or otherwise polluted soils or sediments).
Physical Disturbance and Degradation during Construction
Site preparation and construction will result in levelling of landscape for the PRT and soil
stripping and excavation in the working strip. This may entail removing or burying entire soil
profiles, excavating bedrock, and covering large areas under soil/rock stockpiles and eventual
sealing of surfaces (soil loss) at the fixed, above-ground installations. In addition, a number of
roads and tracks will be widened, and one will be newly built to access the pipeline strip, connect
the pipe yards and camps, and access above-ground facilities (PRT, block valves). The works
will likely result in zones of soil damage caused by compaction or erosion by construction
vehicles around the hard standing pads, pipelines, access roads, bridges and land drains. There
may also be areas of soil erosion and non-recoverable soil compaction that leads to soil
degradation. Construction activities in the marine environment will result in some degree of
physical alteration of the seabed, by trenching and potentially rock-dumping.
Soil Pollution
Soil may potentially be polluted by accidental spills from vehicles, storage tanks and chemical
stores, pipeline flushing or leaks (with biocide or seawater), dust settling from land levelling,
metalworking and welding residues, process wastes and effluent, runoff from waste rock and soil
stockpiles, and by influx of leachate (e.g. from contaminated sites, landfill) through the surface
and groundwater. These risks are particularly prevalent during the construction phase, but to
some extent they may also occur during maintenance or repair works.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 74 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.2.4.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
The EU Commission recognises soil as a non-renewable resource that performs many vital
functions: food and other biomass production, storage and filtration and transformation of many
substances including water, carbon, and nitrogen. Soil has a role as a habitat and serves as a
platform for human activities, landscape and heritage, and it acts as a provider of raw materials.
These functions are worthy of protection because of their socioeconomic as well as
environmental importance (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/soil/index_en.htm).
The following guidelines are used to assess soil quality, including importance and sensitivity:
• Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning (United States Department
of Agriculture – 2001) 3 .
• The evaluation criteria used assessing the importance and Sensitivity of soil quality is shown
in Table 1-25.
Table 1-25
Evaluation Criteria for Soil Importance and Sensitivity
Criteria / Measure Low Medium High
Soil structure and
sensitivity
Ecosystem function –
Supporting service -
flora
and fauna
Ecosystem function –
regulating service –
water regulation
Source: ERM (2011)
Robust to physical
disturbance and/or
impermeable to
contamination.
The soil constitutes no
particular favourable
substrate for the
development of floral
habitats, invertebrates
and other fauna.
The soil plays little or
no role in the
hydrological cycle or
regulation of water.
Vulnerable to physical
disturbance but able to
reinstate by mitigation
measures within a period of
10 years.
Moderately leachable.
The soil provides a
substrate that has the
physical qualities and
degree of productivity to
support the development of
species of flora and fauna in
some abundance and levels
of diversity.
The soil has some capacity
for water retention and
regulation and plays some
role in the hydrological cycle
in terms of a degree of
water regulation and as a
substrate for channelling
run-off.
Highly vulnerable to physical
disturbance, structurally prone to
compaction or erosion, and taking
years to decades to reinstate. Highly
leachable and amenable to
contamination.
The soil provides a substrate that has
the physical qualities and/or degree of
productivity to support the
development of important (in terms of
nature conservation or concentration of
biomass) or specialist species of flora
and fauna. It must be noted that a
number of protected and Natura 2000
habitats rely on marginal land with
either poor soil substrate or
groundwater influenced soils.
The soil is intrinsically linked to the
hydrological cycle; water is
fundamental to its own structure; and
the soil plays a key ecosystem role in
water regulation.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 75 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
The standards which exist in Italy regarding soil pollution are set by Table 1-A, Annex 5, Part IV,
Title 5 of D.Lgs, 152/2006, for residential use of the area. From an international point of view, the
“Dutch Intervention Values or New Dutch List” is widely accepted in Europe as a benchmark for
soil pollution and remediation (Annex A of the 2009 Soil Remediation Circular: “Target Values,
Soil Remediation Intervention Values and Indicative Levels for Serious Contamination“). Further,
IFC standards refer to a risk-based methodology for a variety of receptors, as in the US EPA
Region 3 Criteria (4) .
Marine sediments are also non-renewable resource that performs vital functions in the marine
ecosytem: support for the marine foodchain, physical habitat for benthic organisms, marine
geochemical sink, provider of raw materials, etc. Criteria used to assess importance and
sensitivity are based on generally accepted practice in the scientific and technical community,
and focused on the seabed as a support for marine biota.
1.2.2.4.5 Impact magnitude
Magnitude is determined by the combination of scale, duration, and intensity of an impact being
classified as being low, medium or high.
Scale
Scale of the impact will be defined as:
• Local - those impacts affecting an extension within 5 km of the Project boundary or the
activity that caused the impact.
• Regional, - those impacts affecting an extension between 5 and 50 km of the Project
boundary or the activity that caused the impact.
• National - those impacts which affect an extension of more than 50 km of the Project
boundary or the activity that caused the impact, but falling within the limits of Italy.
• International, - those impacts affecting an area outside the limits of Italy.
Duration
Duration of the impact will be defined as:
• Short - those impacts having an effect during a time less than the lifetime of the Project.
• Medium -to those impacts having an effect during the lifetime of the Project.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 76 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• Long - those impacts having an effect during a time longer than the lifetime of the Project
(considered in the same way as it was considered for short term duration).
Intensity
Intensity of impact will be defined in relation to the limit criteria considered:
• Low - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater below the respective Dutch Target
Value or 50% of other limit criteria.
• Medium, - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater between the corresponding
Dutch Target Value and Dutch Intervention Value, or between 50 and 100% of other limit
criteria.
• High - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater above the respective Dutch
Intervention Value, or above 100% of other limit criteria.
In the absence of quantitative criteria, intensity is defined by the following narrative descriptions:
According to the description given to each impact for the previous factors, the impact magnitude
will be defined as follows:
Table 1-26
Summary of Impact magnitude
Scale
Local Regional National International
Short term
Small Small Small Small Low
Small
Medium Medium Medium
Medium
Medium Medium Large Large High
Intensity
Duration
Medium term
Long term
Small Small Small
Medium
Low
Small Medium Medium Medium Medium
Medium Medium Large Large High
Medium Medium Large Large Low
Medium Large Large Large Medium
Medium Large Large Large High
Intensity
Intensity
Notes: yellow impact magnitude defined as small; orange impact magnitude defined as medium; red impact magnitude
defined as large.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 77 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
As can be concluded from the table above, low intensity impacts are always described as small
magnitude impacts. High intensity impacts are always described as large magnitude impacts.
Medium intensity impacts will be described as small, medium or large magnitude, according to
the scale and/or duration of the impact.
1.2.2.4.6 Assessment of Impact (ranking)
The above criteria are combined for the soils affected by Project activities to determine the
significance of the impact, which will depend on the following considerations:
• The degree of sensitivity of the receiving environment.
• The magnitude of the impact causing changes to the environment.
The value of impact significance obtained is classified as described in Section 5 - ESIA Approach
and Methodology.
Table 1-27
Quality
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Geology, Geomorphology and Soil
Magnitude
Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
Low Not significant Minor Moderate
Medium Minor Moderate Major
High Moderate Major Major
Source: ERM (2011)
1.2.2.5 Landscape and Visual Amenity
1.2.2.5.1 General Considerations
The assessment of impacts of the proposed TAP on landscape and visual amenity was
undertaken in accordance with accepted methodologies derived from best practice guidelines.
Taking into account the National background and standards the Lombardia Region methodology
was applied, since in Italy (in the absence of published guidelines on landscape and visual
impact assessment - the only legislative reference is the D.P.C.M. 12 December 2005, which

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 78 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
specifies the purposes, standards and contents of the landscape report), the assessment is
usually conducted with reference to the “Guidelines for Landscape Assessment of Projects”,
approved by Lombardia Region with D.G.R. n. 7/II045, dated 8 November 2002. This
methodology is more stringent than the typical international standards (even with respect to the
background concepts of these methodologies) and therefore was selected.
Some principles governing the landscape and visual impact assessment process are presented
below. Impact significance for landscape and visual amenity is generally assessed on the basis
of the following main factors:
• quality and importance of the landscape as a potentially affected resource;
• sensitivity of the landscape towards project activities;
• magnitude of change to the landscape as a result of the proposed project.
The assessment of the TAP project impact on landscape and visual amenity is based upon
professional judgement and experience related to project activities.
1.2.2.5.2 Background Landscape and Visual Amenity
Knowledge of background conditions of the project area is necessary to assess the Project’s
impact on existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification presented in
Section 1.1.5.6
1.2.2.5.3 Potential Impacts
Potential impacts on landscape fall into two broad categories:
• Direct impacts relate to the physical changes that will arise as a result of the project. These
include the loss of landscape elements, such as vegetation and land cover, habitat loss
required to accommodate the project and the physical introduction of new structures into the
receiving landscape.
• Indirect impacts on the landscape relate to changes in landscape character, which will result
from the visibility of new structures associated with the project. Visual impacts will arise from
the pipeline works in the early years of operation, as the landscape is reinstated but not yet
established in terms of vegetation and land cover. Visual impacts will also arise from the

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 79 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
visibility of the proposed permanent structures, such as the Pipeline Receiving Terminal and
the Block Valve Station.
1.2.2.5.4 Impact Magnitude
Impact magnitude is usually defined as the magnitude of change in landscape and visual terms
due to the presence of the project. The magnitude of change affecting landscape or visual
receptors depends on the nature, scale and duration of the particular change that is envisaged in
the landscape, and the overall effect on a particular view. In a given landscape, this will require
consideration of the loss of or change in any of its important characteristics or features, and of
the proportion of the landscape that is affected.
The magnitude of change in scenic views depends on the following parameters:
• scale of development and the distance from the viewpoint,
• angle of view occupied by the development,
• extent of shielding by intervening features,
• degree of obstruction of existing features,
• degree of contrast with the existing view,
• frequency or duration of visibility.
The magnitude of change caused by the proposal as experienced from a given viewpoint location
is illustrated in photomontages.
The criteria used to evaluate the magnitude of change are reported in Table 1-28, below.
Table 1-28
Evaluation Criteria for Impacts of the Project on Landscape
Components
Evaluation criteria
Conservation of or change in the morphological characteristics of the area
Morphology and structural
impacts
Visual impact
Symbolic impact
Use of the same building typologies and cohesion with land use in the surrounding
area
Conservation or change of the historical, cultural and natural relationship
Impacts on panoramic views
Visual obstruction
Landscape elements which have a symbolic value for the local community
Source: ERM (2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 80 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
In order to define the impacts, a value (score) is assigned to each landscape component, and the
sum of these scores defines the impact magnitudes on landscape.
The following classification was applied for the synthetic assessment of the impact magnitude:
• 1 = Very low impact magnitude;
• 2 = Low impact magnitude;
• 3 = Medium impact magnitude;
• 4 = High impact magnitude;
• 5= Very high impact magnitude.
1.2.2.5.5 Assessment of Impacts (Ranking)
The assessment of impact on landscape and visual amenity is based on three stages:
• Classification of the sensitivity of landscape or visual receptors to the project;
• Prediction of the magnitude of change in landscape or view of the site, resulting from the
project, taking into account embedded and committed mitigation; and
• Evaluation of the significance of residual landscape and visual impacts, depending on the
sensitivity of the landscape or viewer to change and on the magnitude of change.
The final impact on landscape, due to the presence of the project, is assessed by crossing the
landscape value of the area, defined as Study Area Sensitivity (see Section 1.1.5.6.2), with the
value of the landscape impacts associated with the project, defined as Impact Magnitude (see
Section 1.2.2.5.4).
The value of impact significance obtained is classified following the philosophy of Table 1-29,
presented below, where impacts on landscape are assessed crossing Study Area Sensitivity with
Project Incidence.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 81 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-29
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Landscape and Visual Amenity
Magnitude
1 – Very low 2 - Low 3 - Medium 4 - High 5 – Very high
1 – Very low 1 2 3 4 5
Sensitivity
2 – Low 2 4 6 8 10
3 – Medium 3 6 9 12 15
4 – High 4 8 12 16 20
5 – Very High 5 10 15 20 25
Notes: Green = Not significant impact; Yellow = Minor impact; Orange = Moderate impact; Red = Major impact.
In the previous Table two values represent important thresholds:
• the threshold of significance, equal to 5;
• the threshold of tolerance, equal to 16.
If the result is less than 5, which corresponds to a level of impact “not significant” or “minor”,
the impact of the project on landscape falls below the threshold of significance; therefore, the
project is considered acceptable.
If the result falls between 5 and 15, which corresponds to a level of impact “moderate” the impact
of the project on landscape is significant but tolerable.
If the result is above 15, which corresponds to a level of impact “major” the impact of the project
on landscape is over the threshold of tolerance. In this case the project should be subject to
further evaluations and it could be rejected if landscape impact is negative.
Professional judgement and experience are applied on a case by case basis in order to identify
broad levels of significance for each receptor. Each case is assessed on its own merits, as
factors unique to each circumstance need to be considered.
Viewpoints selected for the visual impact assessment of the PRT were chosen considering
significant points (i.e. the church) or points more crowded by tourists or locals (i.e. main roads).
Some of these were selected for illustration as a photomontage to evaluate the landscape’s
modifications produced by the realisation of the Project. In interpreting the photomontages, two
important aspects must be considered.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 82 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
There is an element of judgement inherent in the representation of changes shown in a
photomontage. While the data sources are largely factual, or based on the judgement of
independent professionals, the finished image is ultimately what the developer and consultant
believe to be a reasonably accurate visual impression of the completed proposal under similar
conditions.
Each photomontage incorporates the lighting seen in the base photograph. It therefore only truly
represents the appearance of the proposal as it would have appeared at that time on that day.
The perceptibility of the changes and the visual character of elements of the proposal will
undoubtedly be different under different weather or lighting conditions.
1.2.3 Biological Environment
The aim of this section of the Impact Assessment Methodology is to define the criteria identified
for the following components:
• Flora and Vegetation;
• Fauna and Habitats;
• Protected Areas.
1.2.3.1 Flora and Vegetation
1.2.3.1.1 General Considerations
TAP Project impacts on flora and vegetation were assessed according to commonly accepted
methodologies and based on International and National Standards and Plans (i.e. National Red
List).
The magnitude of each impact was evaluated comparing the naturalistic importance of species
and vegetation, spatial distribution and coverage and finally, distance from the source of the
potential impact.
This section will establish the main criteria used to assess the Project impact on flora and
vegetation, focusing separately on the construction, operation and decommissioning phases.
1.2.3.1.2 Background Ecology Quality
Knowledge of background conditions throughout the Project area is necessary to assess the
Project’s impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification
presented in Section 1.1.6.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 83 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.3.1.3 Potential Impacts
Potential impacts on plant species and communities will primarily stem from the temporary and
permanent Project footprints. Further potential impacts in terms of habitat degradation may occur
due to localised alteration of abiotic factors in the ecosystems. Potential impacts to plant species
and communities may also occur as a result of increased accessibility (from road improvements)
as well as the potential introduction of alien species. The significance of these potential impacts
will be assessed according to the conservation value of the plant species or community involved
and the impact magnitudes it is predicted to experience.
1.2.3.1.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
In order to consider the most important plant species of greatest conservation value present
within the Study Area, the following criteria were considered:
• Species included in Annex II of EU Directive 92/43, "Habitat;"
• Species considered at high risk of extinction in Italy (Scoppola & Spampinato, 2005);
• Endemic species of Salento (Medagli et al., 2007).
Species are assigned to a priority group accordingly to the following scheme:
• High Priority Species - Species matching at least two criteria;
• Medium Priority Species - Species included in Annex II of EU Directive 92/43, or species
critically endangered (IUCN Red List category: CR) or endangered (EN) in Italy;
• Low Priority Species - Species not listed under any of the previously designated combinations
of criteria.
Criteria were developed to determine the overall quality and/or importance of different plant
communities (Table 1-30). Plant communities were listed as High, Medium or Low priority based
on criteria 2 to 8 outlined below. The first criterion (Protection Status) was only applied to Palude
di Cassano, since it is a Conservation Priority Area (CPA) with high conservation importance.
The first criterion was accordingly integrated into the map showing the priority distribution in the
Study Area.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 84 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-30
Sensitivity
Criteria to be used in Evaluating Plant Community Importance and
Criteria Low Quality /
Importance
Conservation and Protection Status
Medium Quality /
Importance
High Quality /
Importance
1. Protection Status
The extent to which the plant community is protected:
Protected Areas (PA); Conservation Priority Areas or
Proposed Protected Areas not currently under legal
protection (CPA); and Rest of World (RoW).
• PA: areas especially dedicated to protecting and
maintaining biological diversity and managed
through legal and other effective means e.g.
Habitats Directive (SCI), Bird Directive (SPA),
Regional Protected Areas.
• CPA: areas that are not currently under protected
status but have been identified by governments
and/or the scientific or conservation community
as having a high conservation priority e.g.
Important Plant Areas (IPAs).
• RoW: the remaining areas not specifically
included in PAs or CPAs, which may contain
plant communities of high quality or importance
that are yet to be identified or which are
important at a local level, for example.
Plant Community Structure and Functioning
2. Naturalness
The 'naturalness' of a plant community is related to the
degree of alteration by man in terms of frequency and
intensity in the removal of plant biomass or destructive
events (e.g. fire).
3. Fragility
The fragility and sensitivity of the habitat and its ability to
recover (either naturally or with assistance) from
disturbance, including invasion by alien species, must
be assessed.
4. Representativeness
The extent to which the habitat is considered an
excellent example of important natural or semi-natural
vegetation types in Apulia.
5. Species rarity
The extent to which the habitat contains and is relied
upon by concentrations of “rare” plant species (e.g.
endemics, threatened in Red List, included in the
Annexes of Habitats Directive).
The evaluation for each criterion will provide descriptions
of what would constitute low, medium and high
quality/importance.
For each criterion the habitat quality or importance will be
evaluated based on factual baseline data, scientific
knowledge, professional judgement and stakeholder
perspective. Low, medium or high will be designated for
that criterion and highlighted accordingly based on this
evaluation with additional information and brief rationale
for the decision.
6. Species richness
The number of plant species typically occurring in a
plant community.
7. Maturity
The ‘distance’ from the climatic vegetation, e.g. the
vegetation that would exist at a given location had
human forms of land use never existed.
8. European Habitat
Plant communities listed in Annex I of the Habitats
Directives.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 85 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Criteria Low Quality /
Importance
Medium Quality /
Importance
High Quality /
Importance
The overall habitat evaluation will be based on an
aggregate of the individual ratings for each criterion. This
Overall Evaluation
process will involve an application of professional
judgement in terms of weighting some criteria higher than
others, where appropriate, and will note whether a habitat
is critical or not.
1.2.3.1.5 Impact magnitude
The significance of the potential impacts on flora/vegetation will be assessed according to the
quality or importance of the species/plant communities involved. Determining magnitude is
typically a combination of quantifying the change and applying professional judgment and past
experience:
• The spatial extent over which the impact is experienced;
• The duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;
• The magnitude of the aspect (noise, light, number of vehicle movements).
Box 1–8
Magnitude Criteria for the Impact Assessment of Flora and Vegetation
Impact of Large Magnitude The Project (either on its own or together with other projects) may adversely
affect the integrity of a plant community or population by substantially changing ecological features or
population distribution or recruitment, across all or most of the area in the long term.
Impact of Medium Magnitude The integrity of the plant community or population will not be adversely
affected in the long term, but the effect is likely to be significant to some of their biological features in the
short or medium term. The plant community or population may be able to recover to its condition at the
time prior the Project through natural regeneration and restoration.
Impact of Small Magnitude Neither of the above applies, but some minor impacts of limited extent or to
some biological features are predicted; however, the plant community or population will readily recover to
its condition at the time prior the Project.
1.2.3.1.6 Assessment of Impact (Ranking)
The above criteria are combined to determine the significance of the impact.
The value of impact significance obtained is classified as described in Section 5 - ESIA Approach
and Methodology.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 86 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-31
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Flora and Vegetation
Magnitude
Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
Low Not significant Minor Moderate
Medium Minor Moderate Major
High Moderate Major Major
ERM (2011)
1.2.3.2 Fauna and Habitat
1.2.3.2.1 General Considerations
TAP Project impacts on wildlife and their habitats were evaluated according to commonly
accepted methods and based on international and national standards and plans (e.g. IUCN Red
List Categories, National Red List). The scale of the impact was accordingly assessed to
compare the conservation importance of species and natural habitats, their spatial distribution
and coverage, and finally, the distance from the source of potential impacts. This section will
establish the main criteria used to assess the Project impact on fauna and habitats, focusing
separately on the construction, operation and decommissioning phases.
1.2.3.2.2 Background Ecology Quality
Knowledge of background conditions throughout the Project area is necessary to assess the
Project’s impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification
presented in Section 1.1.6.1.
1.2.3.2.3 Potential Impacts
Potential impacts on fauna species will include various degrees of disturbance as a result of
Project construction and operation, including noise, human movements and the movements of
vehicles and may also suffer direct physical harm. Fauna will also be affected by loss and
fragmentation of habitat upon which they rely or that they use substantially and by the
introduction of barriers to movement. Fauna will also be impacted by changes to their
environment including:
• Noise, light and visual impacts (during construction and, to a lesser degree, operation);

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 87 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• Water quality degradation;
• Soil degradation;
• Barrier effects (during construction)
• Habitat fragmentation;
• Direct incidental loss of fauna species during construction (from traffic accidents or other).
Secondary impacts may occur from increased accessibility (from road improvements) resulting in
increased recreational disturbance or removal of habitat.
The significance of these potential impacts will be assessed according to the importance of the
species involved and the impact magnitude it is predicted to experience.
1.2.3.2.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
Species importance is assessed according to accepted criteria, such as rarity and the extent to
which they are under threat. The importance of species to wider ecological communities and the
ecosystem (e.g. predator/prey relationships) is also considered, as is the degree of protection of
species under Italian and international legislation is also taken into account. Table 1-32 presents
some criteria for deciding the importance of individual species. IUCN categorisation at a global
and national level was used as the primary method to identify priority species, where appropriate.
For reference to IUCN status for species see Table 1-33.
IUCN Threat categories are fully adopted by Italian law and are reflected in the national Red Data
Book of animals (Bulgarini et al., 1998).
The distribution and types of protection were taken into account as well as regional lists,
especially with reference to amphibians and reptiles (Blasi et al., 2005; Scillitani et al., 2001),
birds (La Gioia et al., 2010) and mammals (Bux et al., 2001; Bux et al., 2003)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 88 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-32
Species Evaluation Criteria
Importance: Low Medium High
Criteria
Protection
status
Conservation
Status
Genetic
Diversity
Ecosystem
Functioning:
Ecosystem
Services –
supporting
services
Not protected or
listed. Introduced
or alien species.
Common /
abundant
High Genetic
Diversity as
numerous in
number with
highly
interconnected
populations
Not critical to
ecosystem
functions.
No or minimal role
in terms of being
iconic, or
important for
recreational or
other cultural
reasons.
• Listed as Vulnerable (VU),
Conservation Dependant (CD),
Near Threatened (NT) or Least
Concern (LC) on Global IUCN
Red List
• Nationally Protected Species
• Annex III species listed in the
Bern Convention
• Listed as VU, NT, LC, in the Red
Data Book of Italy
• Species either listed as Data
Deficient (DD) or Not Evaluated
NE) at a Global or National level
for which conservation is likely to
be required
• A species common globally but
rare in this part of Italy
• Rare or population in decline.
• Locally endemic or locally distinct
subpopulations.
• At the limits of its range.
• Species subject to an active
management programme.
• Groups that have been or are
under active scientific study.
• A species that has limited
connectivity between populations.
• A species that has only a
moderate or small population
size.
• Species with low fecundity
One of several species playing a role
in ecosystem functions.
Culturally iconic species for local
human populations; species playing
an important role in recreational
activities; species important for local
culture; certain species or groups
considered to have specific value for
the general public simply by virtue of
their existence.
• Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) or
Endangered (EN) on either Global IUCN
list or on National Red List
• Decreasing number of species listed as
VU or lower in the Italian Red Data
Book
• Listed as Rare, Threatened or
Endangered by IUCN
• Annex II species listed in the Bern
Convention
• Annex II,IV species listed on the EU
Habitats Directive
• Annex I listed species of the Birds
Directive
• Protected as above
• Species with limited or no connectivity
between populations.
• Populations are low in number.
• Species has very low fecundity and
produces minimal number of young
which remain dependent for a number
of years.
Critical keystone species (1) or ecosystem
engineer (2) to ecosystem functions.
Culturally iconic species for indigenous,
national and/or international human
populations (e.g. certain birds of prey or
Caretta caretta); species essential to
recreational activities and of national cultural
importance.
Note:
(1) A keystone species is a species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community and
whose impact on the community is greater than would be expected based on its relative abundance or total biomass.
(2) A species that modifies the resource availability for other members of the community by changing the habitat.
Source: ERM (2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 89 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-33
IUCN Red List Categories
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) List of Threatened Species (the IUCN Red List)
is a widely recognised, global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species. It provides
taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that are facing a high risk of global extinction.
Species are categorised as:
*Critically Endangered (CR): A taxon is Critically Endangered when it is considered to be facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild;
*Endangered (EN): A taxon is Endangered when it is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild;
*Vulnerable (VU): A taxon is Vulnerable it is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild;
Near Threatened (NT): A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify
for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying or is likely to qualify for a
threatened category in the near future;
Least Concern (LC): A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for
the higher categories. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category;
Other categories including Conservation Dependent (CD), Data Deficient (DD) and Not Evaluated (NE) are also
referred to, although these categories are not of key importance when evaluating species for this Project.
Note: Sub-categories for CR, EN and VU have not been fully listed in this document and the IUCN Red List Categories
and Criteria (Version 3.1) (IUCN, 2001) should be referred to for further details.
All *ed status (CR, EN, VU) are grouped as Threatened when referring to species (as given for all Species Richness
tables in Chapter 6.7.1).
Source: IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 3.1) (2001)
In some cases both international and national threat status of the species are the same, but in
most cases, the international threat status differs from the national threat status.
Protection of species of wild fauna in Italy is regulated by a number of laws, bylaws and
regulations, some of the most important of which are:
• National Law on the Protection of Wild Fauna and Hunting (no. 157, dated 1992);
• Regional Law (Apulia) on the Protection of Wild Fauna and Hunting (no. 27, dated 1998);
• Ministry of the Environment Decree, 14 March 2011: Fourth updated list of sites of
Community importance for the Mediterranean biogeographical region in Italy, according to
Directive 92/43/EEC;
• Ministry of the Environment, Land and Sea Protection Decree, 19 June 2009: List of Special
Protection Areas (SPAs) classified under Directive 79/409/EEC;
• Decree of the President of the Italian Republic, 8 September 1997, n. 357: Regulation
implementing Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and
flora;
• Ministry of the Environment Decree, 3 September 2002: Guidelines for management of
Natura 2000 sites.
In addition to national legislation, reference was made to the Habitats Directive (for Mammals,
Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates) and Birds Directive (for Bird Species).
Protection under the Habitats Directive is as follows:

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 90 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• Annex II: Species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of
Special Areas of Conservation.
• Annex IV: Species of community interest in need of strict protection.
• Annex V: Species of interest, the taking of which in the wild and exploitation may be subject
to management measures.
Annexes II and IV are key in relation to species protection and in evaluating species in a
European context.
Protection under the Birds Directive is as follows:
• Annex I - birds that are the subject of special conservation measures regarding their habitat in
order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution. As appropriate,
Special Protection Areas shall be established to assist conservation measures.
• Annex IIa - birds that may potentially be hunted under national legislation within the
geographical land and sea area to which the Directive applies.
• Annex IIb - birds that may potentially be hunted under national legislation only within certain
specified Member States.
Annex I is key in relation to species protection and evaluating species importance in a European
context.
In summary, the following categories will apply to species under all the above evaluation criteria
and for the future impact assessment:
• High Priority Species - species listed either Nationally or Internationally under (Critically
Endangered or Endangered) or on Habitats Directive (Annex II and IV) or the Birds Directive
(Annex I);
• Medium Priority Species - species listed as (Vulnerable, Conservation Dependent, Near
Threatened, Least Concern or Data Deficient) or nationally protected, listed under Annex 1, 2
or 3 of the Bern Convention or listed under any national protection;
• Low Priority Species – those species not listed under any of the previously listed criteria.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 91 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.3.2.5 Impact magnitude
Impact magnitude is a combination of several factors, including:
• The area over which the impact is experienced;
• The extent to which habitat relied upon by the species is impacted;
• The population, or proportion thereof, affected;
• The duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;
• The magnitude of the aspect (noise, light, number of vehicle movements);
• The size of the footprint in the context of the wider range over which a species lives;
• The scale of change induced, e.g. to water quality; and
• The extent to which a new physical or chemical feature is introduced to the environment, e.g.
the size of a structure or the toxicity of a chemical.
Determining magnitude is typically a combination of quantifying the change and applying
professional judgement and past experience. Criteria that were used to assess the magnitude of
ecological impacts are presented in Box 1–9 below:

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 92 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Box 1–9
Magnitude Criteria for the Impact Assessment of Fauna and Habitats
A Impact of Large Magnitude affects an entire population or species in sufficient magnitude to cause a
decline in abundance and /or change in distribution beyond which natural recruitment (reproduction,
immigration from unaffected areas) will not return that population or species, or any population or species
dependent upon it, to its former level within several generations*. An Impact of Large Magnitude a species
may also adversely affect the integrity of a site, habitat or ecosystem. A large magnitude secondary impact
may also affect a subsistence or commercial resource use to the degree that the well-being of the user is
affected over a long term.
An Impact of Medium Magnitude affects a portion of a population and may bring about a change in
abundance and / or distribution over one or more generations*, but does not threaten the integrity of that
population or any population dependent on it. An Impact of Medium Magnitude may also affect the
ecological functioning of a site, habitat or ecosystem but without adversely affecting its overall integrity.
The size of the consequence is also important. An impact of medium magnitude multiplied over a wide
area will be regarded as large. A short term effect upon the well being of resource users may also
constitute a secondary medium impact.
An Impact of Small Magnitude affects a specific group of localised individuals within a population over a
short time period (one generation* or less), but does not affect other trophic levels or the population itself.
*These are generations of the animal/plant species under consideration not human generations
1.2.3.2.6 Assessment of Impact (ranking)
The above criteria are combined to determine the significance of the impact.
The value of impact significance obtained is classified as described in Section 5 - ESIA Approach
and Methodology.
Table 1-34
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Fauna and Habitats
Magnitude
Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
Low Not significant Minor Moderate
Medium Minor Moderate Major
High Moderate Major Major
ERM (2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 93 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.3.3 Protected Areas
1.2.3.3.1 General Considerations
Impacts to Protected Areas are almost the same as reported in the discussion on Section 1.2.3.1
and in the Section 1.2.3.2.
1.2.3.3.2 Background Ecology Quality
Knowledge of background conditions throughout the above Protected Areas is necessary to
assess the Project’s impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the
specification presented in Section 1.1.6.2.
1.2.3.3.3 Potential Impacts
Potential impacts are the same as reported in Section 1.2.3.1 and in the Section 1.2.3.2.
1.2.3.3.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
The receptors are placed in Protected Areas in close proximity to the Study Area. The Protected
Areas are four SCI (IT9150032 “Le Cesine”, IT9150022 “Palude dei Tamari” and IT9150004
“Torre dell'Orso”) and one SPA (IT9150014 "Le Cesine"). Resources and receptors are the same
as reported in Section 1.2.3.1 and in Section 1.2.3.2. However, other conservation species and
habitats are considered, as reported in the SCI Management Plan.
1.2.3.3.5 Impact magnitude
No Protected Area is placed in the Study Area; as a result, the impact magnitude is proportionally
smaller than the distance of the Protected Area from the Study Area.
Magnitude levels of impact are the same as reported in the previous Sections 1.2.3.1 and 1.2.3.2.
1.2.3.3.6 Assessment of Impact (Ranking)
The above criteria are combined to determine the significance of the impact.
The value of impact significance obtained is classified as described in Section 5 - ESIA Approach
and Methodology.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 94 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-35
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Protected Areas
Magnitude
Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
Low Not significant Minor Moderate
Medium Minor Moderate Major
High Moderate Major Major
ERM (2011)
1.2.4 Social Environment
1.2.4.1 General Considerations
This Section provides the methodology used to evaluate social and health impacts on people and
communities. It details the key stages in the evaluation, including:
• Determination of the vulnerability of people, households or communities which is a central
characteristic of their sensitivities to socioeconomic change;
• Determination of the impact magnitude;
• Evaluation of the impact significance.
1.2.4.2 Background Social Context
The characteristics of the social context at a national, district, community and settlement level in
the Project area are established by the baseline that was prepared through a combination of
secondary data sources and focused fieldwork. This is presented in Section 1.1.7. The results of
stakeholder engagement are also central to establishing the social context, both in terms of the
importance that stakeholders place on different aspects of the social context and also in
understanding how those directly affected are likely to perceive, be affected by and respond to
changes resulting from the Project.
1.2.4.3 Potential Impact
Potential social impacts may arise from any changes related to the Project that affect what is
referred to as the livelihoods framework of individuals, households, communities or societies.
This is shown in Figure 1-5.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 95 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Figure 1-5
Livelihoods Framework
Impacts on people may be direct, indirect or induced as follows:
• Direct impacts result directly from project activities. An example is land take by the project
removing agricultural land upon which a household depends. Commonly a project has
significant control in terms of avoiding or otherwise mitigating direct impacts.
• Indirect social impacts commonly occur when environmental quality is impacted by project
activities which then cause impacts on people. For example, the health of those with preexisting
respiratory problems may worsen should air quality reduce as a result of dust caused
by construction. Indirect impacts on people are often taken account of in the evaluation
criteria for the direct environmental impact (e.g. air quality, noise, etc.).
• Induced social impacts are those that the project does not directly cause, but are encouraged
or stimulated by the project. A potential example is in-migration by job-seekers into local
communities hoping to gain employment on the project. Typically a project is unable to fully
control induced impacts, although mitigation may be applied to reduce the likelihood and or
scale of the impact.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 96 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Social impacts may also be positive. Positive impacts will include potential employment, skills
development, infrastructure improvements and economic contribution to the economy. It is
important to identify and evaluate positive impacts and also to identify whether the project is able
to take measures to enhance the positive nature of such impacts.
1.2.4.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor/Vulnerability
Vulnerability of people to social impacts is understood as their ability to adapt to
socioeconomic/cultural or bio-physical change. Vulnerable individuals will tend to have an
increased susceptibility to negative impacts or a limited ability to take advantage of positive
impacts. Vulnerability is a pre-existing status that is independent of the Project under
consideration.
Heightened vulnerability may be reflected by an existing low level of access to key
socioeconomic / cultural or environmental resources or a low status in certain socioeconomic /
cultural indicators. Table 1-36 identifies aspects that should be considered for a given project,
recognising that for each social setting the characteristics that underpin vulnerability will be
specific and that these characteristics and the indicators would need to be refined.
Table 1-36
Characteristics that Underpin Vulnerability
Access / Status Aspects to be considered Sensitivity Indicators
Human Receptors’ (individuals, groups, households, communities etc.) access to:
Livelihoods • Diversity of livelihoods
• Legality of livelihood
• Productivity of livelihood
Resources • Water
• Non-Timber Forest Products
• Land
Services and Infrastructure • Health
• Education
• Transport
• Recreation
• Savings and support networks
• Fair Policing and Security
Participation in Political and Civil
Institutions and Decision Making
Community and Social Inclusion
and Cohesion
• Freedom of association
• Freedom from corruption
• Security
• Freedom from inter and intra
community cohesion
• Reliance on one principle livelihood
• Principle livelihoods are relatively
unproductive
• Principle livelihoods are unsustainable,
fragile or illegal.
• Access limited to few resources
• Resource shortages are frequent and
serious
• Resources available are legally
protected and use is illegal
• Minimal access to key services and
infrastructure
• Provision of key services and
infrastructure is poor.
• Minimal ability to participate in
orthodox governance and decision
making systems
• Subject to high levels of corruption
• Restrictions on rights of association,
ability to participate freely in
governance
• Subject to marginalisation and
discrimination.
• Subject to violence and conflict.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 97 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Access / Status Aspects to be considered Sensitivity Indicators
Human Receptors’ (individuals, groups, households, communities, etc.) status:
Health • Health status including
malnutrition, infectious diseases,
disability, etc.
Knowledge, Skills and Education • Levels of knowledge skills and
education
• Ability to participate in orthodox
economic and social systems.
Financial resources • Income generation
• Savings
Independent Cultural Identity • Desire to maintain strong
independent cultural identity.
• Desire to avoid all socio-cultural
change
Labour Rights • Forced labour
• Child labour
• Right to association
• H&S standards
• Minimum wage, etc.
Source: ERM (2011)
• Acute illness
• Chronic illness
• Maternal mortality
• Child mortality.
• Literacy
• School attendance
• Education levels achieved
• Income levels relative to expenditure
• Ability to pay for food, key services,
resources and infrastructure
1.2.4.5 Impact magnitude
The magnitude of a social impact will be defined by estimating:
• The degree of change that will be experienced by affected individuals, households and
societies;
• The extent to which initial impacts which result in further secondary or tertiary changes that
may become unmanageable; and
• The temporal extent of the impact: its duration, frequency, reversibility, etc.
The numbers of people/geographic extent of the change is explained separately, because
although an impact may be severe for only a few households, it still requires a high degree of
attention from decision makers.
Determination of the magnitude of each impact is undertaken using Figure 1-6 as a guide. The
key determinants of the impact magnitude are described and, through a combination of
quantifying the change and applying professional judgement, an impact magnitude is assigned.
Initially the assessment of the impact is evaluated for the “general” population. The evaluation
then takes into account whether any identified vulnerable groups will be impacted differentially.
Where this is the case, the impact on this group is specifically considered.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 98 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Figure 1-6
Evaluating the Magnitude of Social and Health Impacts
Source: ERM (2011)
1.2.4.6 Assessment of Impact (ranking)
In order to assess the significance of the impacts, the impact is reflected within the frame of
reference of the local setting as articulated in stated policy or development objectives and/or the
view of the local population. For example, communities with strong cultural norms may be more
greatly disturbed by effects of a non-local workforce than people living in a cosmopolitan location.
In this way stakeholder views on impacts are explicitly brought into the evaluation, for example by
referencing development policies and plans and/or reporting the results of stakeholder
workshops, including quotes from consultation, etc.
The value of impact significance obtained is classified following the philosophy of Table 5.3 of
Section 5- ESIA Approach and Methodology. However in the case of social impacts, the
significance of the impact is evaluated through consideration of the impact magnitude and the
importance placed on the impact by stakeholders. This can be visualised in Table 1-37.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 99 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-37
Evaluating Significance of Social Impacts
Magnitude of Impact
Stakeholder importance Low Medium High Low Medium High
Low
Medium
High
Significance
to local
stakeholders as
articulated directly
or through local
policies and plans
Not Significant
Minor
Not Significant
Minor
Moderate
Moderate
Source: ERM (2011)
Major
Major
It is common for the public to have a different perception of an impact (either lower or higher)
than what will actually be the case. This is commonly referred to as a perceived impact.
Perceived impacts are captured, but clearly differentiated from impacts as evaluated above.
1.2.5 Cultural Heritage
The phases of archaeological impact assessment, based on information and evidences collected
according to baseline methodology presented in Section 1.1.8, can be identified through the
following phases:
The identification of the risk, as a probability factor, that a project might interfere and generate a
negative impact on the presence of objects and artefacts of archaeological interest;
Assessment of impacts generated by the project.
1.2.5.1 Archaeological Risk Mapping
The description of the archaeological risk is illustrated by thematic cartography of the areas
affected by the Project with a chromatic scale that defines the areas of:
High archaeological risk: archaeological sites that are well documented and will be disturbed by
the Project.
Medium archaeological risk: 1) archaeological evidence that may or may not indicate a site that
will be disturbed by the Project; or 2) archaeological evidence that most likely indicates a site but
with low archaeological importance that will definitely be disturbed by the Project.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 100 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Low archaeological risk: scattered archaeological evidence observed in insignificant discoveries
and identified as being in the Project area; indicative evidence of modern structures with little or
no archaeological potential intercepted by the Project.
No archaeological risk: no trace of archaeological evidence.
1.2.5.2 General Considerations
Significance of impact to cultural heritage is measured as a product of the importance of a
specific cultural heritage site and the impact magnitude on that site. In cases where the impact is
non-physical, the significance will be measured as a product of the importance of the disturbance
of the site to its users, and the duration of the disturbance. Importance of impact, except for
intangible heritage impacts, is judged based on international heritage preservation and academic
standards and must be validated by the appropriate national authorities and by local community
stakeholders. Direct physical impacts are typically irreversible and spatially discrete. Cultural
heritage impacts can also multiply, irrespective of their importance, due to the sensitivity of nonspecialist
stakeholder opinion. Cultural heritage sites are highly vulnerable and sensitive to
construction activities and are often, in the public mind, subject to callous disregard by external
actors, such as large international projects.
Background Cultural Heritage Quality
The quality/importance of cultural heritage in the Project area is established by the baseline
inventory of known heritage sites and by the potential of the area to contain undiscovered sites or
site components that are not readily visible on the surface and thus may be subject to unintended
impact during construction. Table 1-38 lists the types of heritage sites considered, their
characteristics, and aspects of their quality and importance.
Archaeological sites and historic monuments are unique and most often irreplaceable evidence of
a nation or a people’s past achievements and present identity. Archaeological sites are also a
scientific and historical record of past social, technological and cultural developments of a region
or country. Information and artefacts contained in archaeological sites provide a valuable,
materially-based compliment to historic documents and records. Further, in cases where no
specific documentation exists for a site, archaeological evidence provides the only record of the
people or culture that created it. Historic monuments and monumental archaeological sites also
contribute visually to an area’s uniqueness and character, providing benefit to residents and
visitors, and also supporting the economy through tourism. Archaeological sites and monuments
are protected by national laws and the EBRD’s Performance Requirements 5 .

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 101 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Sites with intangible cultural heritage (ICH) value take a variety of forms, including: natural
features such as mountains, trees and rivers; architectural structures such as churches, houses
and neighbourhoods; and simply constructed features such as roadside accident memorials.
What these sites all have in common is that they are important to stakeholders for reasons that
are not necessarily apparent from their physical characteristics. Sites with ICH value are often not
documented and therefore must often be identified from consultation with stakeholders. ICH
serves an integrative and uniting function for stakeholder communities, sometimes through local
religious practice and belief. In most cases, ICH sites are not protected by national law, but they
are highlighted as significant by the EBRD Performance Requirements treatment of cultural
heritage. The importance and sensitivity of ICH sites in the Performance Standards is intended in
part to compensate for their lack of legal recognition in many countries. Stakeholders for
intangible heritage are most often traditional people or local communities.
1.2.5.3 Potential Impacts
Potential impacts could arise from any Project activities which affect the quality, character,
function, or appearance of cultural heritage sites. Three mechanisms that have the potential to
significantly impact cultural heritage sites are:
Direct physical disturbance to sites during construction;
Indirect physical impacts, like vibration and pollution from 1) the movement of heavy vehicles and
equipment during construction or operation or 2) the operation of equipment;
Affecting access to sites by their users during construction or operation.
Direct Physical Impacts
This type of impact could diminish or eliminate the scientific and/or historical value of a site by
disturbing both the physical structures or artefacts and the integrity of spatial and/or stratigraphic
relationships of artefacts, features and/or the landscape of the site. This could be caused by the
inadvertent excavation or grading of the site or by the compression or distortion of the site
caused by drive-over of heavy equipment, especially in soggy or muddy ground conditions.
Artefacts from the disturbed portion of such a site, even if recovered intact, would be of greatly
reduced scientific value. Damage to monuments or sites with ICH value could cause stakeholder
and/or government approval issues. Physical disturbance is most likely to occur as a result of
earth-moving activities during construction.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 102 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Indirect Physical Impacts
Indirect physical impacts, such as vibration and pollution, could diminish the scientific, historical
or aesthetic value of a site by affecting its state of preservation and the quality. These impacts
could be caused by the movement of heavy vehicles and equipment during construction and
operation phases and by the use of heavy equipment. If heavy equipment and vehicle traffic
occur too close to a site, the nearby vibration and pollution from equipment and vehicles could
affect its quality, appearance and preservation. This kind of physical impact may occur during
construction and operation.
Affects on User Access
This type of impact is applicable to sites with intangible heritage value and to monuments and
archaeological sites that receive public visitors. Project construction activities or logistic sites
could potentially block pedestrian or vehicular access to religious, touristic or other heritage sites.
It is possible for this impact to occur during construction and operation.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 103 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Table 1-38
Characteristics of Heritage Sites
Type of
Heritage Site
Archaeological
Site
Historic
Monument
Site with
Intangible
Cultural
Heritage Value
Source: ERM (2011)
Definition/Example
Ruined and/or buried occupation sites,
fortifications, mosques and churches,
prehistoric refuse or storage pits, villages,
etc.
Standing structure with historic aesthetic or
monumental value. Examples are castles,
fortifications, churches and graveyards.
A structure, place or landscape feature with
special often unexpected importance to a
community or larger stakeholder group.
(example: informal or modern place of
worship; location or landscape feature
associated with an important event;
informal accident shrine; informal marked
and unmarked burials and reputed burials
locations).
Quality/Importance
Sites contain scientific, cultural and historic
information which also has public value as the
information base and public validation of national
history with its identity. Value should be formally
recognized and validated by government authorities
Sites contain cultural, artistic, historical and aesthetic
value based on their appearance and contribution to
the look and feel of a particular location. Value
should be recognized formally and validated by
government authorities.
Sites embody the local cultural and historical
traditions contributing to community and local group
identity and cohesion. Value may not be validated or
recognized but, as with archaeological sites and
monuments, is recognized by international academic
and heritage preservation standards.
1.2.5.4 Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor
Criteria were developed to determine the overall quality and/or importance of different Cultural
Heritage sites present in the Project area. The quality/importance of cultural heritage in the
Project area is established as part of the baseline inventory of known heritage sites and by the
potential of the area to contain undiscovered sites or site components that are not readily visible
on the surface and thus may be subject to unintended impact during construction.
Quality/importance, also called sensitivity, of heritage sites will be judged by different criteria for
each of the three types of sites. The criteria are shown in Table 1-39.
Table 1-39
Cultural Heritage Site Quality/Importance Criteria
Archaeological
Site
Historic
Monument
Site with
Intangible
Heritage Value
Source: ERM (2011)
Low Medium High
Limited informational value
and/or cultural significance
based on content and
condition of site.
Limited visual,
commemorative or art
historical interest based on
architectural style or degree
of preservation.
Limited cultural or religious
significance to site users
based on user criteria.
Moderate informational value
and/or cultural significance
based on content and condition
of site.
Moderate visual,
commemorative or art historical
interest based on architectural
style or degree of preservation.
Moderate cultural or religious
significance to site users based
on user criteria.
High informational value and/or
cultural significance based on
content and condition of site.
High visual, commemorative or
art historical interest based
architectural style or degree of
preservation.
High cultural or religious
significance to site users based
on user criteria.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact
Assessment Methodology
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 104 of 104
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2.5.5 Impact magnitude
Magnitude of impacts to cultural heritage is determined in the following ways. For physical
damage to an archaeological site, the magnitude will be determined by the portion of the site that
is disturbed in comparison with the area of the entire site. This will apply to accidental excavation
of all or part of a site, especially with mechanical equipment. Artefacts recovered from a disturbed
site will mitigate the damage only in a minor way since, once a site is disturbed, the artefacts will
lack reliable archaeological context. Restoration of a damaged archaeological site is not possible.
Magnitude of the accidental destruction of a monument will be measured by the structural extent
of the damage. Repair of a damaged historic monument is very challenging and expensive if
possible at all.
Impact to a site with intangible value will be measured by the physical extent and the
permanence of the damage or impact and, if the impact involves blocking of site access, then by
the duration of the blockage.
1.2.5.6 Assessment of Impact (ranking)
The above criteria are combined to determine the significance of the impact.
The value of impact significance obtained is classified as described in Section 5 - ESIA Approach
and Methodology.
Table 1-40
Evaluation of Impact Significance for Ecology - Habitats
Magnitude
Small Medium Large
Sensitivity
Low Not significant Minor Moderate
Medium Minor Moderate Major
High Moderate Major Major
ERM (2011)

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 1 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Appendix 1
Air Modelling Set Up and Data

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 2 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 APPENDIX 1 – AIR MODELLING SET UP AND DATA 3
1.1 Dispersion Modelling Tool 3
1.2 Model domain 6
1.3 Meteorological Data 9

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 3 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1 APPENDIX 1 – AIR MODELLING SET UP AND DATA
Two air dispersion modeling studies have been carried out in order to quantify the ground level
pollutants’ concentration induced by dust emissions during the construction phase and engine
driven machinery emissions during the hydrotesting phase. These studies are labelled as dust
emission dispersion study and hydrotesting dispersion study in the following part of this annex.
This annex describes the modeling set up - dispersion modeling tool, model domain and
meteorological data – for both modeling studies.
1.1 Dispersion Modelling Tool
The above mentioned modeling studies have been carried out with the CALPUFF modeling
system (version 5.8); the latter is adopted and recommended by US-EPA since 06/29/2007
(http://www.epa.gov/scram001/dispersion_prefrec.htm#calpuff).
The chosen modeling system represents the state-of-the–art in Lagrangian puff modeling for
assessing impacts of the long-range transport of certain air pollutants.
The CALPUFF modeling system consists of three main components, including a pre-processor
and post-processor.
• The meteorological pre-processor CALMET produces the three-dimensional fields for the main
meteorological variables, temperature, wind speed and direction, over the simulation domain.
• The processor CALPUFF is a non-steady-state Lagrangian Gaussian puff model containing
modules for complex terrain effects, overwater transport, coastal interaction effects, building
downwash, wet and dry removal, and simple chemical transformation.(1)
• The post-processor CALPOST statistically analyses CALPUFF output data and produces
datasets suitable for further analysis. Post-processed CALPUFF outputs consist of matrices of
concentration values. Receptors in the simulation domain can be discrete or gridded. The
values calculated at each receptor could be referred to one or more sources.
The results can be processed by any GIS software, creating iso-concentration maps as
presented in Section 8 of the ESIA.
The CALPUFF modeling system requires the following input data:
[ 1 ] A User’s Guide for the CALPUFF Dispersion Model (Version 5), Scire, Strimaitis, Yamartino 2000

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 4 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
• meteorological variables’ surface data and height profile, to build the three-dimensional wind
field, with the meteorological pre-processor CALMET;
• source characteristics and emission data, to simulate the pollutants atmospheric dispersion,
with CALPUFF.
The following Figure 1-1 presents o flow chart of the CALPUFF modeling system inputs, while the
Box 1-1 gives a summary of the CALMET CALPUFF and CALPOST characteristics.
Figure 1-1
CALPUFF modeling system INPUTS
Orography
Land Use
Meteorological
hourly surface
and upper air data
CALMET
Meteorology
Atmospheric
Emissions
CALPUFF

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 5 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Box 1-1
CALPOST
Features of the pre-processor CALMET, CALPUFF and post-processor
CALMET is a diagnostic meteorological pre-processor able to reproduce three-dimensional fields of
temperature, wind speed and direction along with two-dimensional fields of other parameters representative
of atmospheric turbulence. CALMET is able to simulate wind fields in complex orography domains
characterized by different types of land use. The final wind field is obtained through consecutive steps,
starting from an initial wind field often derived from geostrophic wind. The wind field is linked to the
orography, since the model interpolates the monitoring station values and applies specific algorithms to
simulate the interaction between ground and flow lines. The module contains a micro-meteorological module
determining thermal and mechanical structures (turbulence) of lower atmospheric layers.
CALPUFF is a hybrid dispersion model (commonly defined ‘puff model’). It is a multi-layer and non-steadystate
model. It simulates transport, dispersion, transformation and deposition of pollutants, in meteorological
conditions varying in space and time. CALPUFF uses the meteorological fields produced by CALMET, but for
simple simulations an external steady wind field, with constant values of wind speed and direction over the
simulation domain, can be used as input. The module contains different algorithms to simulate different
processes, such as:
• buildings downwash and stack-tip downwash;
• wind vertical shear;
• dry and wet deposition;
• atmospheric chemical transformations;
• complex orography and seaboard. 1
Besides, CALPUFF allows the selection of the source geometry (point, linear or areal), improving in this way
the accuracy of the emission input. Point sources simulate emissions coming from a small area while areal
sources describe a diffuse emission coming from a wider area; emissions from linear sources are distributed
along a main direction (i.e. roads).
CALPOST processes CALPUFF outputs producing an outputs’ format suitable for further analysis.
CALPOST output files can be fed into graphic software to create concentration or deposition maps
1 In marine coastal areas, CALPUFF considers breeze phenomena in order to model efficiently the Thermal Internal
Boundary Layer (TIBL) as in case of coastal sources, the TIBL causes a quick fall of pollutants to the ground.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 6 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
1.2 Model domain
The CALMET meteorological domain represents the area in which the CALMET pre-processor
computes all the meteorology variables (i.e. temp. wind directions wind speed, atmospheric
stability) needed to perform the pollutants air dispersion.
The CALMET meteorological simulation domain used in both modeling studies, is a 25 km x 25
km square, centred on the analysed emission sources characterised by a resolution of 500 m.
The wideness of the domain (625 km 2 ) has been set according to the features of the emissive
sources simulated and their capability to spread the plume of pollutant.
The sampling simulation domain represents the matrix of gridded receptors at whose locations
the model CALPUFF calculates the pollutant concentrations. The sampling domains used in the
dust dispersion modeling study is a 20 km x 20 km subsets of the meteorological domain,
whereas the sampling domain used in the hydrotesting dispersion modeling study is a 10 km x 10
km subset of the meteorological domain; both sampling domains have a resolution of 250 m.
The central point of each cell in the sampling domain represents a gridded receptor, whose
elevation depends on the local orography and is given by the Digital Elevation Model of the area.
Therefore, CALMET-CALPUFF system requires an accurate geophysical characterization of the
meteorological domain. In particular the model needs site specific information about:
• Orography;
• Land Use.
For both modeling studied Land Cover data were downloaded from the Corine land Cover
Database (http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/landuse/clc-downloand), whereas the regional
orography was reproduced with the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection
Radiometer (ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER GDEM) provided by The Ministry of
Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan and the United States National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA).
Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3 present both meteorological and sampling domains used for the dust
dispersion and for the hydrotesting modeling studies respectively, highlighting the emission
sources’ locations.

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 7 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Figure 1-2
Dust dispersion modeling study Meteorological and Sampling Domains

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 8 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Figure 1-3
Domains
Hydrotesting Air Dispersion Modelling Study Meteorological and Sampling

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 9 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
The CALMET-CALPUFF models operate in a terrain following vertical coordinate system and the
terrain following vertical coordinates are given by the Cartesian vertical coordinate minus the
terrain height.
The same vertical resolution has been adopted in both modelling studies – dust and hydrotesting
- and consist of 12 terrain following vertical layers, from the ground level up to 4000 m elevation
(located at 20 m, 50 m, 100 m, 200 m, 350 m, 500 m, 750 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 2000 m, 3000 m,
4000 m from the ground level).
The vertical layers resolution (see Figure 1-4) is higher near the surface, (Planetary Boundary
Layer), where the transport and the dispersion of air pollutants take place, in order to investigate
more accurately these dynamics and their interactions with the local orography.
Figure 1-4
Model Vertical Resolution
4500
4000
3500
Ground Elevation [m]
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
The dispersion modelling temporal domain or simulation period is the time period simulated by
the model; in the present study the entire year 2010 (8760 hours) was chosen as temporal
domain for both air dispersion modelling studies.
1.3 Meteorological Data
The meteorological pre-processor CALMET requires hourly surface data and upper air data as
input (Wind speed and direction, Temperature, Atmospheric pressure, Relative humidity, Cloud
cover and ceiling height).

Project Title:
Document Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
ESIA Italy – Annex 6 Appendix 1 Air Modelling Set Up
and Data
Area
Code
Comp.
Code
Page 10 of 10
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.-
Type
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015
Rev: 00
Ser.
No.
Input Meteorological data are usually taken from surface weather stations, if these stations are
sufficiently close to the study area to be considered representative of its meteorological
conditions.
Due to the lack of representative weather stations monitoring meteorological variable over the
above presented meteorological domain, CALMET input data for this study have been taken from
Cosmo Lami meteorological model. The latter is a non-hydrostatic model developed within the
framework of the COSMO Consortium among Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece. Poland and
Romania (COnsortium for Small-scale MOdelling, www.cosmo-model.cscs.ch), and it is
maintained by UGM, ARPA-SMR and ARPA Piemonte.
CALMET also requires upper air data of pressure, temperature, wind speed and wind direction, at
least every 12 hours; these data are necessary to characterize the wind regime and the
atmosphere diffusive parameters (stability class, mixing height, thermal inversion, etc.), and to
produce a three-dimensional simulation. The upper air data, as the surface data, were also taken
from the COSMO- LAMI.
Figure 1-5 shows the wind rose extracted from the CALMET model run performed for both
modelling studies at the at the PRT location.
Figure 1-5
2010 Wind Rose at the PRT site - CALMET
NOTE: according to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) standards, the wind direction plotted in the wind rose is
the wind provenance direction.