|
Summary of environmental impacts
Quad biking is still a relatively rare activity
in mSAC areas and therefore its effects on features are likely
to be minimal overall, although impacts are observable where
it takes place, particularly if the activity is undertaken in
estuarine sand dune areas.
The activity can have implications for soil
compaction and can cause damage to vegetation.
Noise disturbance is an issue if the activity
occurs close to seal breeding and pupping sites or areas which
support over wintering waterfowl.
Accidental spillage of oil and petrol may require
consideration at site level, particularly in areas with a relatively
high participation in this activity.
|
Issue
|
mSAC Features
|
|
|
Sand dunes
|
Saltmarsh
|
Mud and sand flats not covered by sea water at low tide
|
Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water at
all times
|
large shallow inlets and bays
|
Reefs
|
Lagoons
|
Submerged or partly submerged sea caves
|
Grey seal
|
Common seal
|
Bottlenose dolphin
|
|
Compaction
|
l
|
|
m
|
|
w
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erosion
|
l
|
|
m
|
|
w
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Physical Infrastructure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Litter/waste1
|
w
|
|
w
|
|
w
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant and wildlife disturbance
|
l
|
|
m
|
|
w
*
|
|
|
|
w
|
w
|
|
|
Fire risk
|
w
|
|
m
|
|
m
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Key to impacts
Blank Square - not applicable
m - minimal
w - observable,
likely to be location specific
w * - observable
at certain times, minimal at other times
l - appreciable
Notes
Next Section
|
