Routeing and Consultation Document

Transcription

1 Proposed 132kV Overhead Line Connection from Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to Glenglass Routeing and Consultation Document

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3 PREFACE This Routeing and Consultation Document has been prepared on behalf of SP Transmission plc and relates to the proposal for a 132kV overhead line connection from Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to a connection point close to Glenglass substation. This proposal is referred as the Proposed Development. This Routeing and Consultation Document presents the methodology and findings of the routeing study which has been undertaken to inform consultation on the Proposed Development. This Routeing and Consultation Document is available to download for free from the Sandy Knowe Wind Farm Connection Project page on the SP Energy Networks website at the link below... (this is the generic link to the Community Consultation page and the project will appear in a drop down box.) Hard copies of the Routeing Consultation Document are available to purchase upon request from: Land and Planning, ScottishPower Energy Networks, Ochil House, 10 Technology Avenue, Hamilton International Technology Park, Blantyre, G72 0HT This Routeing Consultation Document is also available for viewing at: Sanquhar Library, 106 High Street, Sanquhar, DG4 6DZ Kirkconnel Library, Greystone Avenue, Sanquhar, DG4 6RA Dumfries &Galloway Planning Dept, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DD Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 1

4 Organisations contacted formally by SP Energy Networks (see Appendix 2) and local communities have been asked to respond by the 28 th of July Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 2

5 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION Purpose The Need for the Project National Planning Framework Scottish Power Transmission s Statutory Duties Stakeholder Engagement The Proposed Development and Consenting Process Structure of the report Project Team APPROACH TO OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTEING Introduction Routeing Objective for the Project Routeing Principles Routeing Methodology PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Proposed Grid Connection Design and Construction of a 132V Wood Pole Line IDENTIFICATION OF STUDY AREA AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND TECHNICAL ROUTEING CONSTRAINTS Identification of the Study Area Description of the Study Area Planning Policy Context Identification and Mapping of Areas of Environmental Designation and Sensitive Areas Environmental Baseline Review Technical Constraints Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 3

6 5. ROUTE OPTIONS Identification of Route Options Description of Route Options APPRAISAL OF ROUTE OPTIONS Environmental Designations and Sensitive Areas Length of the Route Options Landscape Character and Visual Amenity Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Conservation Ornithology Agriculture and Land Use Forestry Geology and Soils Hydrology and Water Resources Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Traffic and Transportation Social and Economic Technical Review IDENTIFICATION OF PREFERRED ROUTE OPTION ZTV of Route Option 2A NEXT STEPS Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 4

7 Figure 1-1: Location Plan Figures Figure 2-1 Routeing Methodology Figure 4-1: Study Area and Buffer Area Figure 4-2: Environmental Designations and Sensitive Areas Figure 4-3: Landscape Character Types Figure 4-4: Other Routeing Constraints Figure 5-1: Route Options Figure 5-2: Route Options (Detail) Figure 5-3: Route Options and Areas of Highest Environmental Value Figure 5-4: Route Options and Environmental Designations and Sensitive Areas Environmental Value Figure 5-5: Route Options. Technical Constrains Figure 6-1: Route Options and Landscape Character Types Figure 7-1: Preferred Route Option Figure 7-2: ZTV of Preferred Route Option Tables Table 4-1 Areas of Highest Environmental Value Table 4-2 Soil Associations Table 4-3 Water Framework Directive, summary of surface waterbodies in the Study Area Table 4-4 Groundwater vulnerability classifications and their interpretation Table 4-5 Water Framework Directory, summary of ground waterbodies in the Study Area Table 4-6 Private Water Supplies and Discharges within the Study Area Table 6-1 Approximate Length of Route Options Table 6-2 Route option 2A Route option 1 agriculture/land use issues Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 5

8 Table 6-3 Route option 2A agriculture/land use issues Table 6-4 Route option 2B agriculture/land use issues Table 6-5 Route option 3A agriculture/land use issues Table 6-6 Route option 3B agriculture/land use issues Table 6-7 Route Options Summary - Hydrology and Water Resources Conditions Appendices APPENDIX 1: The Holford Rules and NGC and SHETL clarification notes APPENDIX 2: List of Consultees Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 6

9 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Purpose This document has been prepared by IBERDROLA Engineering and Construction (IEC) on behalf of Scottish Power Transmission plc (SPT) to inform consultation on the routeing process and identification of the preferred route for the Proposed 132kV Overhead Line Connection from Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to a connection point close to Glenglass, hereafter referred to as the Proposed Development. This document explains the background to the Proposed Development, provides a description of the proposed grid connection and outlines the methodology adopted for the routeing. The purpose of this document is also to present the findings of the environmental baseline and evaluation of the route options, culminating in a description of the preferred route for the connection. This document provides an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the preferred route and any other related issues which can inform the next stages of the Proposed Development The Need for the Project The Scottish Government s target for renewable electricity generation is for renewables to generate the equivalent of 100% of gross annual consumption by Onshore wind power generation is one means to assist the Scottish Government achieve its 2020 target, and has assisted in achieving the renewable energy targets that Scotland has realised to date. The recently consented Sandy Knowe Wind Farm is located in the north of Dumfries and Galloway, close to the boundary with East Ayrshire Council. The location of the wind farm is shown in Figure 1-1 below. This wind farm will require connection to the existing transmission network ( the grid ) to enable this renewable energy to be transmitted to electricity customers. SPT is proposing to construct a new 132 kv single circuit wood pole line from Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to a connection point close to the consented and under construction Glenglass substation southwest of Kirkconnel in Dumfries and Galloway. The connection will take the form of a terminal sealing end pole teeing into the existing overhead line at Glenglass substation. The connection will fulfil the need to connect the Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to the existing transmission network National Planning Framework Scotland's third National Planning Framework (NPF3), which was laid before the Scottish Parliament in June 2014, sets out a long term vision for the development of Scotland. NPF3 is Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 7

10 the spatial expression of the Scottish Government's Economic Strategy - with a focus on supporting sustainable economic growth and the transition to a low carbon economy. NPF3 sets out plans for infrastructure investment for the next 20 to 30 years and identifies 14 national developments as priorities. The fourth development priority of NPF3 defines the need for high voltage electricity transmission developments to support the delivery of an enhanced high voltage electricity transmission grid which is vital in meeting national targets for electricity generation, statutory climate change targets, and security of energy supplies. The classes of development considered to be national development and that fulfil this need are defined in NPF3: paragraph (2) (a) of Annex A s fourth development priority statement: 2 Description of Classes of Development: Development consisting of: a. new and/or upgraded onshore electricity transmission cabling of or in excess of 132 kilovolts, and supporting pylons. It is not clear from the definition above if wind farm connections are excluded from the development considered as National Development. Therefore, the Proposed Development could be considered as National Development for the NPF3. Nevertheless, the aim of the Proposed Development is assisting in achieving Scotland s renewable energy targets by connecting the Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to the existing transmission network. This will be undertaken via onshore electricity transmission cabling of 132 kilovolts, as defined above, which could be considered a National Development in NPF Scottish Power Transmission s Statutory Duties The Electricity Act 1989 provided for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry in the UK and established a licensing regime and a regulator for the industry. SPT has a statutory obligation to carry out the duties outlined within the Electricity Act. As the licence holder, SPT is required under Section 9(2) of the Electricity Act 1989 to develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission and to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity. In carrying out this proposed development, SPT is complying with its statutory requirements. In addition, all transmission licence holders are required under Paragraph 3 to Schedule 9 and Section 38 of the 1989 Electricity Act to take account of the following factors in formulating proposals for the installation of overhead transmission lines: (a) to have regard to the desirability of preserving natural beauty, of conserving flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest and of protecting sites, buildings and objects of architectural, historic or archaeological interest; and, Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 8

11 (b) to do what he reasonably can to mitigate any effects which the proposals would have on the natural beauty of the countryside or any such flora, fauna, features, sites, buildings or objects Stakeholder Engagement SPT is committed to ongoing consultation with interested stakeholders, including statutory and non-statutory consultees and the local community. Whilst there is no statutory requirement to consult during the routeing process, SPT considers it good practice to introduce formal consultation at this stage The Proposed Development and Consenting Process In 2015, ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN), agents for SPT, commissioned IEC to provide environmental services in relation to the Proposed Development. The project comprises three main stages: Stage One: Routeing and Consultation Document Stage Two: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Stage Three: The application for consent Stage One: Routeing and Consultation Document Stage One comprises a strategic review of environmental, technical and economic considerations and the application of established routeing principles to identify the preferred route for the grid connection. Responses to the consultation on the preferred route will be evaluated and the proposed route confirmed for progression to the next stage of Environmental Impact Assessment Stage Two: Environmental Impact Assessment In Stage Two an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed route and any associated infrastructure will be undertaken. The Proposed Development is classed as Schedule 2 development in accordance with the Regulation 2(l) specifically 2(d) of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (herein after referred as EIA Regulations): an electric line installed above ground with a voltage of 132 kilovolts or more, the installation of which (or the keeping installed of which) will require a Section 37 consent but which is not Schedule 1 development. For Schedule 2 developments, a judgement is required as to the likelihood of significant environmental impacts, depending on the nature, size and location of the proposal. Due to the nature and scale of the Proposed Development, and given that at this stage it cannot be confirmed whether the development will have significant effects on the environment, SPT has Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 9

12 elected to submit an Environmental Statement (ES) with the application for consent. In accordance with Regulation 3(2) EIA Regulations, this intention to submit an Environmental Statement confirms the development as an EIA development. The EIA process will seek to prevent, reduce and, where possible, offset likely significant impacts on the environment through an iterative design process. This will culminate in the production of an ES which will present the likely impacts of the Proposed Development and identify any mitigation required to address any potential significant impacts. To ensure that the ES covers all the relevant issues and that the concerns of the external stakeholders are taken into account in the design process and assessment, a Scoping Report will be prepared to identify and review potential significant effects of the Proposed Route on the environment. The Scoping Report will be submitted to Scottish Ministers to seek an opinion under Schedule 7 of the Electricity Works (EIA) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 as to the proposed scope of information to be provided in the ES Stage Three: The Application for Consent Following completion of the ES, an application for consent to install, and keep installed, a 132kV line will be sought from Scottish Ministers under Section 37 of the Electricity Act In conjunction with the Section 37 application, an application for deemed planning permission for the line will also be submitted under Section 57 (2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended. The ES will accompany these applications Structure of the report This Routeing and Consultation Document is structured as follows: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Approach to Overhead Transmission Line Routeing Chapter 3: Proposed Development Chapter 4: Identification of Study Area And Environmental And Technical Routeing Constraints Chapter 5: Route Options Chapter 6: Appraisal of Route Options Chapter 7: Identification of Preferred Route Option Chapter 8: Next Steps Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 10

13 This report is supported by a number of figures which are included within the text Project Team This report has been prepared for SPT by IEC and with specialist input from: Wardell Armstrong on Landscape Character and Visual Amenity, Geology, Soils, Hydrology and Water Resources. IEC on Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Conservation and Ornithology SAC Consulting on Land Use and Agriculture. MBEC on Habitats. Eamonn Wall & Co. on Forestry. Headland Archaeology on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Transport Planning Ltd on Traffic, transportation and access. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 11

14 2. APPROACH TO OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTEING 2.1. Introduction SPEN continually reviews its position on overhead lines and remains of the view that economic, technical and environmental factors, which require to be balanced as a result of statutory duties and license obligations, continue to support an overhead line approach in most cases. It is therefore SPEN s view that, an overhead line approach is taken when planning and designing new or reinforced transmission lines. However, SPEN accepts that there are specific circumstances in which undergrounding may be considered. SPEN has published a summary document outlining the approach taken to routeing transmission infrastructure (Approach to Routeing and Environmental Impact Assessment, SPEN 2015). This document is available at The approach to routeing is informed by the following: 2.2. SPEN and IEC experience of routeing overhead lines. Relevant national and local planning policy and guidance. Consultation with relevant stakeholders Routeing Objective for the Project In order to fully comply with SPT s statutory duties and commitment to the environment, the objective of the project is: To identify a technically feasible and economically viable route for a 132kV single circuit wood pole overhead line connection from Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to Glenglass substation that meets the technical requirements of the electricity network and causes, on balance, the least disturbance to the environment and the people who live, work and recreate within it Routeing Principles The approach for identifying the preferred route for the Sandy Knowe connection is informed by the following principles: Established practice and guidelines Environmental, Technical and Economic considerations. These principles are discussed below. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 12

15 Established practice and guidelines The Holford Rules It is generally accepted across the electricity industry that the guidelines developed by the late Lord Holford in 1959 for routeing overhead transmission lines, The Holford Rules, and the later revisions by NGC (National Grid Company) in 1992 and SHETL (Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited) in 2003 should continue to be employed as the basis for routeing high voltage overhead transmission lines. The Holford Rules were initially put in place to serve as guidelines for the design and installation of high voltage steel tower lines (i.e. 275kV and 400kV), however there are many similarities in the case of a 132kV wood pole line. Therefore the Holford Rules have been used to guide the routeing of the proposed Sandy Knowe connection. The Holford Rules together with NGC and SHETL clarification notes are presented in full within Appendix 1. The Holford Rules are outlined below. Rule 1: Avoid altogether, if possible, the major areas of high amenity value (often interpreted now as environmental value) to reflect wider intrinsic value, by so planning the general route of the line in the first place, even if the total mileage is somewhat increased in consequence. In Scotland relevant national or international designations for major areas of highest amenity value include the following, identified from Scottish Planning Policies and National Policy Guidelines 1 : Special Areas of Conservation (NPPG 14) Special Protection Areas (NPPG 14) Ramsar Sites (NPPG 14) National Scenic Areas (NPPG 14) National Parks (NPPG 14) National Nature Reserves (NPPG 14) Protected Coastal Zone Designations (NPPG 13) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (NPPG 14) Scheduled Monuments (NPPG 5) 1 Appendix B of Approach to Routeing and Environmental Impact Assessment, SPEN 2015 Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 13

16 Listed Buildings (Category A and B) (NPPG 18) Conservation Areas (NPPG 18) World Heritage Sites (NPPG 18) Historic Gardens and Designated Landscapes (NPPG 18). Rule 2: Avoid smaller areas of high amenity value, or scientific interest by deviation: provided that this can be done without using too many angle towers, i.e. the structures that are used when lines change direction. According to this Rule 2, small areas of highest amenity value not included in Rule 1 as a result of their spatial extent should be identified, along with other areas of regional or local high amenity value identified from development plans 2. Examples of the other designations identified in development plans of local planning authorities which include areas of high amenity value 3 are: Areas of Great Landscape Value / Special Landscape Areas Regional Scenic Areas Regional Parks Country Parks Local Natural Reserves Listed Buildings (Category C onwards) The nature of the landscape in these areas is such that some parts may also be sensitive to intrusion by high voltage overhead transmission lines but it is likely that less weight would be given to these areas than, for instance, to National Scenic Areas and National Parks. Rules 1 and 2 provide the main guidance for the initial routeing of overhead lines, after which Rules 3-7 (below) are taken into account when finding a route for an overhead line. Rule 3 Other things being equal, choose the most direct line, with no sharp changes of direction and thus with few angle towers. 2 Note on Rule 2, of Approach to Routeing and Environmental Impact Assessment, SPEN Appendix B of Approach to Routeing and Environmental Impact Assessment, SPEN 2015 Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 14

17 Rule 4 Choose tree and hill backgrounds in preference to sky backgrounds, wherever possible; and when the line has to cross a ridge, secure this opaque background as long as possible and cross obliquely when a dip in the ridge provides an opportunity. Where it does not, cross directly, preferably between belts of trees. Rule 5 Prefer moderately open valleys with woods where the apparent height of towers will be reduced, and views of the line will be broken by trees. Rule 6 In country which is flat and sparsely planted, keep the high voltage lines as far as possible independent of smaller lines, converging routes, distribution poles and other masts, wires and cables, so as to avoid a concatenation or wirescape. Rule 7 Approach urban areas through industrial zones, where they exist; and when pleasant residential and recreational land intervenes between the approach line and the substation, go carefully into the comparative costs of undergrounding, for lines other than those of the highest voltage. The performance of the Route Options will be assessed these Rules and will follow the hierarchical approach that is applied to the routeing of overhead lines. Forestry Commission Guidelines Guidelines have also been produced by the Forestry Commission for the routeing of overhead lines through forest areas. In summary, these guidelines state that overhead lines should be routed to follow open space and to run alongside, not through, woodland. Where there is no alternative route; an overhead line through a forested area should: avoid areas of landscape sensitivity; avoid the line of sight of important views; be kept in valleys and depressions; not divide a hill into two similar parts where it crosses over a summit; cross skyline or ridges where they drop to a low point; follow alignments diagonal to tile contour as far as possible; and be inflected upwards in hollows and downwards on ridges. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 15

18 These guidelines set out very similar requirements to those of the Holford Rules Environmental, Technical and Economic Considerations Environmental Considerations Statutory duties imposed by Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 require licence holders to seek to preserve features of natural and cultural heritage interest and to mitigate, where possible, any effects which their development may have on such features. The construction and operation of an overhead transmission line will have potential effects on people and the environment, including: Landscape character; Ecology; Hydrology, hydrogeology and water resources; Geology and soil; Cultural heritage including archaeology; Land uses including mineral operations, agriculture and forestry; Residential amenity; and Recreation. Some effects can be avoided or limited through careful routeing. Other effects are best mitigated through local deviations of the route, the refining of pole locations and/or specific construction practices. These will be reviewed as part of the EIA process. Technical Considerations The technical considerations which also influence routeing include: Minimising the length of the power line. Avoidance of sharp angles of deviation. Minimising the position of the poles on steep slopes (avoidance of slopes >15 which can impact on the actual construction of the wood pole line) Avoidance of areas higher than 350m AOD. Experience of the difficulties of maintaining lines in exposed areas of Wales has led SPT to define two altitude 4 limits for wood pole lines. This guidance indicates that routes for wood pole 132kV overhead lines should preferably be no higher than 350m AOD. 4 Altitude being effectively an index of climate severity and exposure Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 16

19 Avoidance of unfavourable areas from a geotechnical point of view (i.e. areas of deep peat should be avoided). Maintain safety clearances and consider maintenance requirements. These safety clearances are legally binding and access is required for the maintenance of the lines. Economic Considerations In compliance with Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989, the Routeing Objective requires the proposed solution to be economically viable. This is interpreted by SPT as meaning that as far as is reasonably possible, and other things being equal, the line should be as direct as possible and the route should avoid areas where technical difficulty or compensatory requirements would render the scheme unviable on economic grounds Routeing Methodology The routeing methodology for the Proposed Development comprises a number of sequential steps, with the findings of each step informing the next step, building up an ever increasing level of understanding to inform the routeing process. The routeing methodology stems from the Routeing Objective. The steps in the methodology then follow a linear process consisting of: 1. Identification of Study Area and Environmental and Technical Routeing Constraints. 2. Identification of alternative route options based on applying clear routeing principles. 3. The appraisal of route options. 4. The selection of a preferred route. The methodology also incorporates consultation feedback loops, again fed back into the routeing strategy, to ensure the views of stakeholders are incorporated. For simplicity the steps of the routeing methodology are presented in Figure 2-1 below. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 17

20 Figure 2-1 Routeing Methodology The approach to routeing is also informed by the following: SPEN and IEC experience of routeing overhead lines Relevant national and local planning policy and guidance Consultation with relevant stakeholders. More detailed information in relation to each of the steps within the methodology is provided in Chapters 4 to 7. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 18

21 3. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1. Proposed Grid Connection To enable connection of the consented Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to the electricity network, a new 132kV overhead line is required. This line will run from the substation of the consented Sandy Knowe Wind Farm to a connection point close to the consented and under construction Glenglass substation southwest of Kirkconnel in Dumfries and Galloway. The connection will take the form of a terminal sealing end pole teeing into the existing overhead line at Glenglass substation. Glenglass substation is part of the South West Scotland (SWS) Renewables Connection Project Design and Construction of a 132V Wood Pole Line The required grid connection comprises a wood pole transmission line of Energy Networks Association TS specification which will carry a single, 3-phase circuit operating at a voltage of 132kV. A wooden pole design has been chosen as it is considered to be the best design for the technical engineering constraints of the area, primarily associated with altitude and ground conditions. The usual span length of single wood pole structures is 120m, although provision can be made for an increased distance of 150m. At higher altitude where more extreme weather is prevalent (above 350m AOD) the span length can be reduced to between 90m and 100m to take account of greater ice and wind loading factors. In this case double H poles would be used. Wood poles will have nominal lengths ranging from 8.5m to 24m. These will be installed at a minimum excavation depth of 2m. Taking this excavation depth into account, together with topography and span lengths, it is anticipated that the wood poles would be between 14m and 16m above ground. There may occasionally be a need to use steel towers on wood pole lines, for example when crossing a water course with steep banks that would make the construction process for wood poles difficult. As a result details of the construction of steel towers are also provided below. Construction of the overhead line route typically follows a standard sequence of events: Wood Pole Construction Prepare Access Typically this will be via vehicular access to the pole sites for foundation excavation and installation, although feasibility of access can vary dependent on ground conditions. Access can be improved by installation of wooden matting or even crushed stone roads during construction. A tracked excavator and low ground pressure vehicles such as tractors, Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 19

22 argocats or quad bikes will be used to deliver, assemble and erect each of the wood pole structures Foundations and Pole Erection Foundations are to be excavated into the ground to dimensions of approximately 2-3m deep and 3m wide using a mechanical excavator. The pole will be hoisted and held into place by the excavator. Once in position, the previously excavated material will have been sorted into its various layers and then utilised as backfill to close the excavation and secure the pole. Where appropriate, concrete may also be used within the foundations. Conductor Stringing Conductors can be fitted once a number of sections of poles are erected in place along the route. If roads and railways are to be crossed by the route, then a scaffold tunnel will be built through which vehicles and trains can pass whilst conductor stringing takes place. Similarly, any other live power lines in the path of the route are to be either switched off, deviated or protected using live line scaffolds. Reinstatement of Pole Sites and Removal of Temporary Accesses Following construction, all materials, equipment, waste and temporary accesses will be removed from site. Arrangements will be made to reinstate the construction areas to their original form as far as is reasonably practicable. In some instances, it is anticipated that areas may even be improved, post construction, following any implementation and replanting recommendations arising from the ecology, landscape character and visual amenity assessments. Steel Tower Construction Excavation and Construction of Steel Tower Foundations The foundation type and design for each tower will be determined following detailed soil investigations at each tower location. The majority of foundations for the towers are likely to be of the concrete pyramid type. However, depending on particular geological conditions, there may be a requirement to use mini-piled auger or rock foundations. These generally require less ground disturbance but require a greater volume of concrete in the ground. Excavations will be undertaken for each individual leg of the tower. The dimensions of the excavation will vary dependent on the type of tower to be constructed. A typical excavation for line towers will be 16m 2 by 4m deep for suspension towers and 25m 2 by 5m deep for tension towers. The excavated material will be stocked in appropriate layers and used for back-filling purposes. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 20

23 Once the excavations are formed, the tower legs will be fixed in accordance with foundation design before fixing the pyramid formwork around the stub (the point where the steelwork connects to the foundation). The concrete will then be poured into the foundation. A minimum of 24 hours will be allowed for the concrete to partially set, the formwork will be removed and the excavation back-filled using the original excavated material. Assembly and Erection of Towers Steelwork will be delivered to the site. The tower assembly will either be undertaken by setting up a derrick crane and building the tower in steel sections or by assembling the tower in part at ground level and lifting the sections up by crane to complete the assembly. Stringing of Conductors and Commissioning of the Line Stringing of the towers will only commence after a sufficient number of towers have been completely erected. Temporary pulling points will be established at angle towers. These may coincide with temporary tower working areas and will generally be 30m x 20m in area. At each pulling area, a winch will be set up at one end of the stringing area. A tensioner will be set up at the other end of the section. Pilot wires will be placed in blocks hanging from the insulators and connected to both the winch and the tensioner. Using the winch, the conductor will then be drawn through the section, with the tensioner providing a constant tension. This allows the conductor to be pulled above the ground minimising damage to the conductor and the ground below. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 21

24 4. IDENTIFICATION OF STUDY AREA AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND TECHNICAL ROUTEING CONSTRAINTS 4.1. Identification of the Study Area The aim of the identification of the Study Area is to create an area within which it would be feasible to construct the proposed overhead line between the Sandy Knowe substation to the north and Glenglass substation to the south. The Study Area is constrained to the north of the Sandy Knowe substation and to the south of Glenglass substation. The Study Area is also constrained by upland terrain to the west, and proximity to the town of Sanquhar to the east. The identification of the Study Area was developed taking into account the above constraints and was informed by topography, residential settlements, existing infrastructure and a preliminary check of the key environmental constraints (presence of international, European or nationally designated areas). The Study Area is presented in Figure 4-1 and described within the text below. In addition, a wider 5 km buffer area from the Study Area has been defined for the purpose of the identification of potential indirect effects on designated areas and designated landscapes. This wider buffer area is presented in Figure 4-1 below Description of the Study Area The Study Area is located within Dumfries and Galloway, within a relatively rural upland location, characterised by hilly, changeable terrain and altitude of between 300m and 550m AOD. A number of hills are located between Sandy Knowe substation and Glenglass substation including Mynwhirr Hill, Corserig Hill, Mid Hill, Bank Hill, Black Hill and Well Hill. Two main watercourses are present within the Study Area: Kello Water which dissects the route between Sandy Knowe substation and Glenglass substation, and Euchan Water which flows parallel to the southern end of the minor road, immediately south of Glenglass substation. There are a large number of burns and ditches within the Study Area, flowing as tributaries into these two watercourses. They originate from the various hill summits throughout the area and flow down towards the lower ground prior to their confluences with Kello or Euchan Water. The Study Area comprises a number of coniferous forestry plantations, which occupy a large footprint within the Study Area boundary. A small percentage of these areas in between Sandy Knowe substation and Glenglass substation have already been felled as part of the separate South West Scotland Renewables Connection Project. Human activity has also influenced the northern extents of the Study Area, with evidence of historical coal mining activities concentrated around the valley of the River Nith. The Study Area is located within an upland, rural setting with few residential properties in the vicinity. The closest settlements to the Study Area include Kirkconnel and Kelloholm (cumulative Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 22

25 population 2,172) located 4.6km to the north east of the proposed Sandy Knowe substation, Sanquhar (population 2,021) located 6.3km to the north east of Glenglass substation and New Cumnock (population 2,860) located 6.7km to the north west of the proposed Sandy Knowe substation. The distribution of settlements in the area reflects the presence of the River Nith, with towns located on the shallower slopes closer to the river Planning Policy Context The Study Area of the Proposed Development will be located in Dumfries and Galloway. The Development Plans set out the vision of the regions for the upcoming years. The Dumfries and Galloway Local Development Plan (LDP) was adopted in September The Dumfries and Galloway Local Development Plan 2 is at consultation stage and is expected to be in place by September The Dumfries and Galloway LDP is intended to reflect the Scottish Government s vision of sustainable economic growth. It also notes the Scottish Government s ambitious renewable energy targets and recognises that new renewable technologies are now coming to the fore in Dumfries and Galloway. This will place further pressure on existing electricity infrastructure Identification and Mapping of Areas of Environmental Designation and Sensitive Areas In accordance with the methodology and following the routeing principles, the next phase of the process, following identification of a Study Area, is the identification of areas of the highest environmental value, in order that the route options can seek to avoid these. This approach is integral to the guidance contained within the Holford Rules. The hierarchical structure of the Holford Rules places levels of importance on how areas of the highest environmental value are to be considered when routeing an overhead line. Rule 1 states avoidance where possible of Major areas of highest amenity value ; Rule 2 recommends avoiding small areas of highest amenity value not included in Rule 1. All areas considered to be of highest environmental value regardless of their spatial extent were identified and mapped within the Study Area and the surrounding 5km buffer area to take into account potential for both direct and indirect effects. This is presented in Table 4-1 and Figure 4-2 below, reflecting both Rule 1 and Rule 2 of the The Holford Rules. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 23

26 Designated / Sensitive Area Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Special Protection Area (SPA) Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Geology Conservation Review (GCR) Site Name of the Site Upper Nithsdale Woods Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Polhote and Polneul Burns Within Study area No No No Proximity /Location Approx. 8.8km to the north-east of the Glenglass substation. Approx. 6.6km to the north east of the Sandy Knowe substation Approx. 500m north of the Sandy Knowe substation. SSSI Fountainhead No Approx. 2.6km west of the Sandy Knowe substation. SSSI Muirkirk Uplands No Approx. 6.5km north west of Sandy Knowe substation. SSSI and GCR Lagrae Burn No Approx. 4.6km north-east of the Sandy Knowe substation. SSSI North Lowther Uplands No Approx. 6.3km north-east of Sandy Knowe substation. GRC Hare Hill (The Knipe) No Approx. 3km to the east of the Sandy Knowe substation. Scheduled Monument (SM) Kemps Castle, fort No The SM Kemps Castle, fort 320m SW of Euchan Bridge is located approx. 5.6km to the west of Glenglass substation. Listed Buildings No A group of various Listed Buildings (Category A and B) to the east of the buffer area. The closest are located at approx. 4.km from the Sandy Knowe and Glenglass substations. Conservation Areas No Table 4-1 Areas of Highest Environmental Value The closest is located in Sanquhar at approx. 6.7km to the north-west of Glenglass substation. In addition to the areas of Highest Environmental Value, the following designations and sensitive areas have been mapped to further inform the routeing: Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) are the sites of a comprehensive global network of important sites for the conservation of bird populations. IBAs are determined by an internationally agreed set of criteria. Some are wholly or partially recognised under international or national designations. The North Lowther Hills IBA is located 4.5km to the north of Sandy Knowe substation. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 24

27 Core Paths. Core Paths have also been mapped to inform the landscape amenity assessment and the visual effect perceived by core path users in accordance with the guidance within the Holford Rules on Line Routeing and People. There are several core paths in the Study Area and there is a core path crossing through the area in-between the two substations (Kirkconnel to Mynwhirr). The Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) is a provisional guide to the location of Ancient and Long-established Woodland in Scotland. This type of woodland has important biodiversity and cultural values by virtue of its antiquity. Although there is no legislation specifically protecting ancient woodland, Scottish Planning Policy identifies it as an important and irreplaceable national resource that should be protected and enhanced, as should other native and long established woodlands with high nature conservation value. AWI areas are located approximately 2.5km to the north east and 3.1km north west of Sandy Knowe substation and approximately 2km east of Glenglass substation. Inventory of Woodland in Scotland. There are large areas of planted conifers between the two substations. These areas have been mapped to aid compliance with the Forestry Commission Guidelines. Listed Buildings Category C. The closest C listed building is located approximately 4km to the north west of Sandy Knowe substation. Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 25

28 4.5. Environmental Baseline Review Landscape Character and Visual Amenity Landform The landform of the Study Area and its buffer consists of a mix of upland and lowland landscapes enclosing the upper dale of the River Nith, which runs from west to east through the northern part of the 5km buffer area. The Nith valley descends from c. 200m in the west to c. 130m in the east, at Sanquhar. Upland areas stretch across the southern half of the buffer area, reaching a high point of 700m AOD at Blackcraig Hill, to the east of Glen Afton. The hills to the south of the Nith valley rise to between 550m and 575m within the Study Area, forming a series of rounded summits cut through by numerous smaller watercourses and their tributaries, generally flowing from south to north, towards the River Nith. The Kello Water is the main watercourse flowing within these hills, running from the south-west and separating Blackcraig Hill from Greystone Hill, heading north-north-east before turning to the east, south of Mynwhirr Hill (south of the Sandy Knowe site) and Corserig Hill, and then running north-east through Kelloholm to join the River Nith. The Euchan Water also runs from south-west to north-east through the southern half of the Study Area; the Glenglass substation lies on the northern valley side of this watercourse. The Kello Water runs within a steeply sloping valley as it passes to the south of Mynwhirr Hill and Corserig Hill, before the river reaches the shallower sloping ground above the Nith valley floor, and selection of a suitable crossing point for the Proposed Development will be an important part of the routeing process Landcover and Land Use The landcover within the Study Area and its buffer is directly related to the topography and elevation of the landform, with the more upland areas containing areas of commercial forestry and moorland grassland vegetation, and the lowland areas, closer to the Nith valley, providing better opportunities for agriculture (grazing and occasional arable/cropping). In the north-west of the buffer area is an area of former opencast coal mining, which is a feature of this general area. Wind energy is also a feature of the buffer area, with existing wind farms at Hare Hill in East Ayrshire (where an extension has also been approved and is under construction) and High Cairn (straddling the boundary between East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway), in the west of the area, and consented schemes at Whiteside Hill, south of Glenglass substation and Blackhill (Sanquhar) located to the north-west of Glenglass substation. The Sandy Knowe wind farm itself Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 26

29 has also recently (March 2016) been consented. Figure 4-4 shows the locations of the existing operational, consented and in planning wind farms within the Study Area and its immediate surroundings. Settlements and the main communications routes are centred within the Nith Valley, with the towns of Kirkconnel and the adjacent Kelloholm located in the north of the buffer area and Sanquhar on the eastern edge of the 5km buffer area, close to the village of Crawick. Individual dwellings and groups of properties lie adjacent to the A76, which runs to the north of the River Nith in the east of the buffer area, crossing to the south of the river west of Kirkconnel, continuing westwards to New Cumnock. Various minor roads, many of which are single lane with passing places, provide connections to the outlying farms and properties. The railway line linking Carlisle, Dumfries and Kilmarnock also runs within the Nith valley, with a station at Kirkconnel. There are various forest tracks and other paths that are also designated as core paths by the relevant local authorities; these are shown on Figure 4-2. One long distance route, the Southern Upland Way, runs from south-west to north-east through the south-eastern part of the 5km buffer area. The access track for the Sanquhar wind farm has been installed across the north-eastern slopes of Black Hill and extends onto Hog Hill, before crossing onto Mid Hill and connecting with the forest track in the area north of the Poltallan Burn. As noted above, commercial forestry plantations are a feature of the upland area, but there are also some linear strips of broadleaved woodland, mainly located alongside watercourses within the more lowland parts of the study and buffer areas. There are also occasional areas of mixed woodland, such as at Glenmaddie Wood, adjacent to Blackaddie Road (the access to the Glenglass substation). An electricity wood pole overhead line runs from north to south to connect to the property at Hillend, passing to the west of Mynwhirr Hill. The steel lattice tower overhead line forming part of the SWS Connection project will run west and south-west from Glenglass substation, mainly routed through areas of forestry within the Study Area Landscape designations There are no national landscape designations (National Scenic Area, National Park) applicable to either the Study Area, or its buffer. Within East Ayrshire, an assessment of sensitive landscape areas 5 was carried out in 2015, in line with the requirements of SPP in relation to the designation of areas for their local landscape value. The assessment reviewed the previously designated Sensitive Landscape Area, which includes land on the boundary between East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, within the 5 East Ayrshire Local Development Plan Background Paper: Sensitive Landscape Areas (March 2015) Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 27

30 buffer area for the Proposed Development (See Figure 4-2). These areas have remained within the Sensitive Landscape Area following the most recent review. It is relevant to note the comment within the review that the designation does not preclude development it requires development proposals to fully consider the qualities that make the landscape valuable and to seek sites and design solutions that respect these qualities and minimise adverse impacts. Regardless of any absence of formal designations, the European Landscape Convention recognises that all landscapes are valued, including those at the local level and this is reinforced within GLVIA3 6 which notes (para. 2.3) that this includes the landscapes where people live, work and spend their leisure time, and that may (for instance) form the backdrop to, or outlook from settlements. Therefore, the hills enclosing the Nith valley will have landscape value, at the local level, in accordance with the European Landscape Convention Landscape Character Published regional studies The regional characterisation of the landscape within Dumfries and Galloway was carried out as part of a national review by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and was completed by Land Use Consultants in The landscape character assessment for Ayrshire, which forms the western part of the wider buffer area, was also undertaken in 1998 by Land Use Consultants. The 5km buffer area is separated into different landscape character types (LCTs), as shown on Figure 4-3. Within Dumfries and Galloway, these are: Southern Uplands with Forest and Southern Uplands, enclosing the Upper River Valleys (Dales) and Upland Glens to the south. Within East Ayrshire, the LCTs are (from south to north): Upland Glen, Southern Uplands, Upland River Valley and Plateau Moorland with forestry. These lie within the regional area of the Southern Uplands. The majority of the area between Sandy Knowe and Glenglass lies within the Upland Hills, Southern Uplands and Southern Uplands with Forest LCTs. A small area to the east of the Sandy Knowe wind farm site lies within the Upper Dale (Valley) LCT. The key characteristics, key landscape issues and strategies and guidelines of these LCTs are: Southern Uplands (Dumfries and Galloway LCA) Key characteristics of this LCT are quoted as: large, smooth dome/conical shaped hills, predominantly grass covered; open and exposed character except within incised valleys; distinctive dark brown/purple colour of heather on some of the higher areas; 6 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment, 2013 Printed in black and white and only if necessary. 28