Attachment 1 Summary of Huntsman Site Biodiversity Action

Attachment 1 Summary of Huntsman Site Biodiversity Action Plans
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Greatham, UK
The Greatham site, near Hartlepool in the UK, covers 89 ha. of which nearly 70 ha is mainly
wetlands or undeveloped grassland. The areas of wetlands are an important part of the Teesmouth
and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area (SPA) and are also listed under the Ramsar Convention.
The habitats include areas of saltmarsh, both brackish and freshwater pools, reedmarsh and
drainage ditches together with grassland and some scrub areas.
Key mammal species include breeding Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) and Water Vole (Arvicola
Terrestris). In 2009, Otters (Lutra lutra) were observed on the site for the first time.
To date 222 bird species have been identified at the Greatham site. In 1994, 2002 and 2004
Greatham was the group winner for the highest number of bird species recorded in a single year in
the British Trust for Ornithology s industrial site bird challenge. The site holds several important
breeding species including Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus
schoenobaenus), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) and occasionally Avocet
(Recurvirostra avosetta).
Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)
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The Greatham site team has worked closely with local conservation groups, whose observations
have contributed considerably to our understanding of the habitat richness of this very special site.
Key Conservation Measures
Management of the reedbeds for specialist birds.
Profiling drainage ditches to enhance and create habitats for Water Voles.
Provision of paths and a boardwalk to allow school groups and the public (by prior
permission) to access the wildlife areas.
Provide facilities for the Industry and Wildlife Conservation Association (INCA) to carryout
the long-term study of Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) .
Provision of an observation hide overlooking the Seal Sands SSSI / National Nature Reserve
Installation of an artificial Otter holt.
Provision of Barn Owl nesting boxes (successful breeding in 2009).
Creation of calcareous grassland for specialist plants e.g. orchids and butterflies e.g. Dingy
Skipper (Erynnis tages), Grayling (Hipparchia semele).
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Calais, France
This Huntsman Pigments Site is located on the English Channel coast close to the ferry terminal at
Calais. The natural habitat of this region is mainly sand dunes with associated Sea Buckthorn
(Hippophae rhamnoides) scrub and this habitat has been conserved on parts of the Huntsman site.
Recent biodiversity surveys on the Calais site have recorded over 200 species of plants which include
a number characteristic of coastal dunes such as Yellow-horned poppy (Glaucium flavum), Field
eryngo (Eryngium campestre) and Wild asparagus Asparagus prostratus, the latter species being of
conservation concern.
Invertebrates have not been studied in detail but a number of prominent insects have been
recorded. These include the commoner species of butterflies such as Speckled Wood (Pararge
aegeria), Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) and Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta). These, together
with the attractive day-flying moths such as Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae) and Cream-spot Tiger (Arctia
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villica) are amongst the most noticeable insects at Calais. Other species however, do occur, the
Mullein Moth
(Shargacucullia verbasci ) feeds on the abundant mullein plants
and the red and back Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris asparagi) is associated with the Wild Asparagus.
The large Roesel s Bush Cricket ( Metrioptera roeseli) is present in the damper habitats in the
undeveloped parts of the site and the dry sandy areas support the handsome tiger beetle Cicindela
hybrida.
At least 40 species of birds have been recorded including three species of larks, Skylark , (Alauda
arvensis), Woodlark (Lullula arborea) and Crested Lark (Galerida cristata). Many birds are associated
with the dense sea buckthorn thickets and the planted woodland habitats of poplars. Characteristic
woodland species such as Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Great Tit
(Parus major) and Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus ) regularly nest here and less commonly Turtle Dove
(Streptopelia turtur), Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) and Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) are
also found.
Even the production areas of the site provide nesting places for interesting birds,
mainly White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) and Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros).
Cream-spot Tiger (Arctia villica)
Key Conservation Measures
Preliminary biodiversity surveys have been carried out and this work is continuing with a view of
developing an overall Biodiversity Action Plan for the site.
Ecological statements are prepared for all major site developments in order to identify key
habitats and species and implement appropriate conservation measures.
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Sea buckthorn thicket, a protected habitat under EC Legislation, have been conserved and reinstated when impacted by site developments.
Trees and shrubs have been planted around the site boundaries and these provide habitat for a
diversity of wildlife.
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Huelva , Spain
The Huntsman Pigments Site is situated near Huelva in Andalusia, Southern Spain, about 5 km north
of the city of Huelva. The whole of the walled Site covers a total area of about 112 acres, of which
about 50 acres is undeveloped. This undeveloped land is in the western part of the site and although
in the past some of this area has been used for solid waste disposal the tipping has not been
particularly extensive and has now ceased.
A number of wildlife habitats have been identified in the undeveloped area :
Thorn scrub dominated habitat to the north.
Predominantly Halimium thickets dominating the south section of the site.
Eucalyptus plantations, these effectively separates the thorn bush habitat from the Halimium
thickets.
Grassland, partially wet in winter.
A mosaic of bare areas of sand and gravelly soils throughout the whole area.
Ecologically the thorn scrub is the most interesting area of the site and consists of typical shrubs of
the Mediterranean region such as small-flowered gorse (Ulex parviflorus), thorny broom
(Calycotome infesta), Genista sp. and various Cistus species. Some stone pines (Pinus pinea) are also
found in this area especially along the west boundary wall. In the southern thorn-scrub habitat there
has been some natural re-generation of the pines and immature trees are growing in several places.
In the less densely vegetated areas there are aromatic herbs such as French lavender (Lavandula
stoechas) and wild thyme (Thymus sp.) together with dwarf fan palm (Chamaerops humilis),
Europe's only native palm. All of these are typical species of the characteristic Mediterranean plant
community known as garrigue.
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Insects recorded from the site include butterflies such as Bath White (Pontia daplidice), Painted Lady
(Cynthia cardui), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), Clouded yellow (Colias crocea), Long-tailed Blue
(Lampides boeticus), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus).
Although there are no permanent wetlands on the site a number of dragonfly species have been
recorded. The large Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) and the Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis
erythraea) are quite common and Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombei) and Black-tailed
Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) have also been recorded.
Other insects occurring on the site
include the European Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) and the distinctive Nemoptera bipennis, a
relative of the ant-lions.
More than 36 species of birds have been recorded. A number of these are typical birds of southern
Europe such as Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator), Hoopoe (Upupa epops) and Black-eared
Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) but in spring and autumn numbers of migrants occur on the site
moving to and from their breeding grounds in northern Europe. At such times the Huntsman
property can support populations of Spotted Flycatchers (Muscicapa striata), Pied Flycatchers
(Ficedula hypoleuca), Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) and various warblers.
Booted Eagle
(Hieraaetus pennatus) is a frequent visitor and Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) and Red-necked
Nightjar (Caprimulus ruficollis) possibly breed on the site from time to time. White Stork (Ciconia
ciconia) however, has nested on the property since 1999 using platforms especially provided for
them by Huntsman Pigments.
White Storks nesting on the Huelva Site
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Key Conservation Measure
Protection of Mediterranean scrub habitats of Cistus, Halimium and stone pines. Areas
immediately surrounding the Huntsman site are dominated by industry and intensive strawberry
cultivation so the oasis of natural vegetation on the company property is of local conservation
interest.
Construction and maintenance of White Stork nesting platforms.
Ensuring that the site does not adversely affect nearby conservation areas such as the Paraje
Natural Estero Domingo Rubio, an important wetland habitat.
Provision of an observation hide on a near by wetland to allow the public to view birds such as
Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio porphyrio), Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutes) and the globally
endangered White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala).
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Scarlino, Italy
The Huntsman Pigments Scarlino Site is situated on the west coast of Italy to the south of the town
of Follonica in the Grosseto region of Tuscany. The total site covers about 40 ha. and includes wild
areas some natural, or at least semi-natural, and others created as part of the site s landscaping
programme.
The wild habitats on the Scarlino Site form a network of important wildlife habitats across the site,
these include :
Wetlands, which can be sub-divided into, reedbeds, mainly of Phragmites australis, open water of
various depths, seasonal rain flooded areas and effluent lagoons.
Grassland of varying sward, length and diversities of associated herbaceous plants.
Scrub areas of small shrubs and associated herbs.
Tree and shrub areas.
Open areas with sparse or no vegetation cover.
The Phragmites reedbeds and associated open water areas are the most important wildlife habitats
on the sites both in terms of biodiversity and conservation importance of the species present. These
wetland habitats on the site are continuous with the Padule di Scarlino conservation area.
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Key species of waterbirds present, and probably nesting, include Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus
himantopus), Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Purple Heron
(Ardea purpurea). The reedbeds also hold large numbers of breeding Great Reed Warblers
(Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
and
less commonly
Moustached
Warblers (Acrocephalus
melanopogon). Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) and occasionally Montagu s Harriers (Circus
pygargus) are also present on the marsh. As well as supporting a diversity of birdlife the wetlands at
Scarlino also hold Otter (Lutra lutra), an uncommon mammal in Italy, and are frequently used as
wallows by Wild Boar (Sus scrofa).
A diversity of dragonfly species are common over the wetlands and these provide the main prey
items of up to 50 pairs of nesting Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster). The birds nest in holes in banks of
waste gypsum which have been carefully profiled to create optimum breeding sites for the birds. At
least 26 species of butterflies have been recorded in the shrub, tree and grassland habitats at
Scarlino. These include insects such as European Swallowtail (Papillio machaon), Cleopatra
(Gonepteryx Cleopatra) and Lang s Short-tailed Blue (Lepotes pirithous). These same habitats are
also used by reptiles; Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis sicula) is common and Green Lizard (Lacerta
viridis) is also found although less frequently.
European Swallowtail - Scarlino
Key Conservation Measure
Protection of wetland habitats.
Creation of freshwater pools.
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Construction of Bee-eater nesting banks from waste gypsum.
Planting of indigenous trees and shrubs.
5.
Teluk Kalung, Malaysia
The site is located in the State of Terengganu on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia . The
development of the industrial site started during the 1980s on land that was originally swamp-forest
habitat. The standard land reclamation technique of flooding the forest with seawater to kill the
trees followed by in filling was used (EIA). This preliminary reclamation was carried out prior to
Huntsman acquiring the site.
A steel works and the Huntsman Pigments plant occupy part of this reclaimed land. In addition to
the titanium dioxide production area the company also manages another section of land extending
from the public road eastwards to the South China Sea coast. The site s aqueous effluent pipeline
runs through this eastern section and discharges into the sea at Tiger Bay.
The following habitats are present :
Wetlands
Typha and Scirpus marsh
open water
muddy margins
drainage ditches
flooded bush
Terrestrial
tree and shrub areas
bare and sparsely vegetated areas
scrub areas
Highly modified
cut grassland
ornamental gardens
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The wetlands are important habitats for resident and migrant waterbirds. Seven heron species
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus), Chinese Pond Heron
(Ardeola bacchus), Pacific Reef Heron (Egretta sacra), Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax
nyticorax), Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis ) and Cinnamon Bittern (I. cinnamomeus ) have been
recorded from the site together with waders such as Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) and
Rufous-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis). Five species of kingfishers have also been recorded.
Dragonflies are very numerous around the settling lagoons on the main works site. Most of these
insects have yet to be specifically identified although Cropcuthemis servilla and Ischnura
senegalensis are known to be present together with Lestes spp., Ictinogomphus spp. Orthetrum spp.
and Neurothemis spp. Butterflies are common both on the main site and especially in the forest
areas near the coast. Butterflies identified in this forest area include Striped Blue Crow (Euploea
mulciber), Blue Glassy Tiger (Radena vulgaris) and Great Egg-fly (Hypolimnas bolina).
A number of larger mammals are also present, Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is regular especially in the
coastal forest areas as are Long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis). The most charismatic animal
recorded at Teluk Kalung however, is Tiger (Panthera tigris). The presence of Tiger was suspected
during the construction of the production site. This has now been confirmed and currently the site is
used as a corridor for Tigers moving to and from jungle areas to the north and south of the property.
It is probable these are young animals searching for new territories.
Tiger
night time flash photograph
Key Conservation Measure
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Wetlands have been constructed on the site to act as storm water lagoons and to provide
habitats for waterbirds.
The rainforest habitat adjacent to the coast has been retained as a wildlife habitat for birds such
as White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), a species which probably breeds on the site,
for a diversity of butterflies and as a corridor for Tigers moving up and down the coast .
Indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted on the site to increase habitats for wildlife.
6.
Umbogintwini, South Africa
The Huntsman Pigments Site occupies part of a large industrial park operated by AECI Ltd. The site is
located on the Natal Coast of South Africa about 15 km south of Durban.
A number of habitats occur on the site and include wetlands, scrub and woodlands, short-cut
grassland, formally planted landscaped areas and industrial structures and buildings. The industrial
complex covers about 519 ha. of which 50% is currently undeveloped. These wild areas are
important wildlife habitats and two sites in particular, the Umbogavango wetlands and Mamba
Valley woodlands, have been designated by Huntsman and AECI as conservation reserves.
The woodland and scrub vegetation contains a mixture of indigenous and exotic species. African
species such as Acacias, white pear (Apodytes dimidiata) and wild figs (Fiscus) are abundant in some
parts of the site, but in the past exotics such as lantana (Lantana camara), blue gum (Eucalytus
globules) and Barbabos gooseberry (Pereskia aculacta) have been introduced into a number of
areas.
Situated on the southern part of the industrial complex, Umbogavango is a series of interconnected
man-made wetlands that collect storm-water run off from the whole of the complex .The slow flow
of water through the pools and marshes ensures that water quality is considerably improved before
it is discharged into the Amazimtoti River.
Around these wetland habitats are remnant areas of Natal coastal forest and scrubland where 135
tree species have been recorded. There are also areas of planted exotic trees such as eucalyptus
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that are gradually being replaced by indigenous species. The whole 36 ha. Umbogavango area is
designated as a private nature reserve, and was formerly opened by the President of the Wildlife
Society of Southern Africa in 1989 and was recognised by the Natal Parks Board in 1991 as a Site of
Conservation Significance.
At least 182 species of birds have been recorded. The wetlands in particular holding a wide variety
of waterbirds including African Spoonbill (Platalea alba), Sacred Ibises (Threskionis aethiopicus) and
Hadeda Ibises (Bostrychia hagedash)
together with wading birds such as Black-winged Stilt
(Himantopus hiamantopus), Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) and Blacksmith Plover (Vanellus
armatus). Seven species of kingfisher occur ranging from the tiny African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina
picta) to the large Giant Kingfisher (Ceryle maxima). The woodlands are also rich in bird life with
species such as Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethgera abingoni), Natal Robin (Cossypha
natalensis) and Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina). In the more open areas various species of bushshrike, bee-eaters and drongos are found whilst overhead there are Crowned Eagles (Stephanoaetus
coronatus) and Long-crested Hawk Eagles (Lophaetus occipitalis)
The reserve supports a considerable diversity of amphibians and reptiles that include six species of
frogs and nine species of snake including the Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) which is
found mainly in the aptly named Mamba Valley area of the site. Lizards are also well represented
and include such species as the large Water Monitor (Varanus nilocticus).
The mammals recorded at Umbogavango include three species of mongoose, Slender (), Water
(Atilax palundinosus) and Banded Mongoose(Mungos mungo) the latter being quite common and
often observed along the sites roadside verges. Other mammals include Cape Clawless Otter (Anoyx
capensis) and Vervet Monkey (Cercopithecus pygerythrus) and Blue Duiker (Philamtomla
montocola).
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Green Mamba
Key Conservation Measure
Long-term protection and management of the wetland habitats.
Gradual replacement of exotic flora by indigenous species. This however requires careful
planning since the exotic Blue gum trees (Eucalyptus globulus) are one of the main nesting sites
for Black Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus).
An Environmental Centre has been established for use by schools and by arrangement ,other
interested groups.
Four wildlife observation hides have been constructed overlooking the wetlands.
Informative literature detailing the wildlife of the site has been produced.
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Everberg,
The Everberg site is a large Huntsman Polyurethanes research and administration site, located
around 13km to the east of Brussels. Whilst the site is bordered by a busy motorway (E40) and
residential housing on the north side, the remaining sides are bordered by farm and woodland. The
total site measures 31 ha, of which around half is undeveloped. The undeveloped habitat comprises
mixed woodland with a freshwater pond and some open farmland.
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Surveys of bird and plant species have been completed, together with some more limited
monitoring of insect species. Bird species include breeding Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Four
woodpecker species have been recorded including the scarce Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
(Dendrocopos minor) and Black Woodpecker(Dryocpus martius) species. Nestboxes have been
erected in the woodland, in order to encourage woodland breeding species.
Plant species include spring time carpets of Wood Anemone (Anemone nemerosa) as well as the
scarce plant, Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia). Other important plant species include Teasel (Dipsacus
sp) and a number of orchids.
Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia)
The local conservation agency, Natuur en Bos, has worked closely with the site to develop an
improvement plan. In 1997, an additional 2500 native deciduous trees were planted on a 1.4ha plot
of unused farmland, as part of this plan. Dead trees have been removed and improvements made
to drainage. A large part of the woodland is open to the public, and a network of paths and trails
are maintained annually, to promote the public appreciation of the site.
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Llanelli, UK
The Huntsman Performance Products Llanelli site comprises 61ha, a large part of which is
undeveloped. The site is bordered by the R Loughor estuary and is close to the Carmarthen Bay
Special Conservation Area.
The habitat includes saltmarsh and an intertidal area by the river, ponds and reedbeds (the latter
being used for used for water treatment) as well as areas of grassland and scrub.
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The first biodiversity report was completed in 2005. Key mammal species identified on the site
included breeding Water Vole (Arvicola Terrestris), for which a disturbance-free area has now been
created.
Bird species present on the site include Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), a species which has
established itself in the UK only in the last couple of decades, with the area around Llanelli being an
important breeding area. By way of contrast, Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) is a species declining
nationally and the scrubby area present at the site offer a good breeding habitat for this species.
Many flowering plants have been identified, including the Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza
praetermissa). Some areas have grassland are now being cut late in order to promote wild flower
growth. One problem species on the site is the invasive alien species Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia
japonica). An programme of careful spraying has been established, in attempt to eradicate this
problematic plant.
Little Egret
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Duxford, UK
The Huntsman Advanced Materials Duxford site measures around 45ha, bordering the River Cam in
Cambridgeshire. About half the site remains undeveloped. The habitat includes chalky grassland,
scrub and woodland, together with wet areas adjacent to the on-site effluent treatment plant and
river.
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Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Kingfisher (Alecedo atthis)
One of the main projects on the site has been to work with local bird enthusiasts to establish a
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Constant Effort site for ringing. Since 2007 over 1100 birds have
been trapped and ringed, comprising 36 species. The site holds Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius
dubius), for which breeding has been confirmed, as well as Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Little Egret
(Egretta garzetta) and wintering Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola).
Bats have been observed hunting on the site and a possible collaboration with the Cambridge Bat
Group is under discussion. Common Toad (Bufo bufo) and Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) have also
been reported
The chalky soils of the site provide a good habitat for several orchid species including Bee and
Pyramidal Orchids (Ophrys apifera, Anacamptys pyramidalis).
Further work is planned to
characterise the flora of the site more fully.
19 species of butterfly have been identified, as well as 9 damsel and dragonflies.
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