Contents. 1 Purpose of this report 3. 2 The development proposals 5. 3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 9. Background 3.

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2 2 Contents 1 Purpose of this report 3 Background 3 The Applicants 4 The Agents 4 2 The development proposals 5 The Development Site 5 The Proposed Development 5 Consultation 8 3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 9 Renewable Energy Policy 9 Carbon Balance 9 Landscape and Visual 9 Historic Environment 11 Ecology 11 Ornithology 12 Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology 13 Noise 13 Traffic and Transport 14 Shadow Flicker 14 Socio-Economics 15 Infrastructure, Telecommunications and Aviation Gos339a_nts.indd pattn Jan16 Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & Fallago Rig Wind Farm Extension of Time Volume 1 Non-Technical Summary

3 1 Purpose of this report 3 This document is a Non-Technical Summary that has been produced for the purpose of conveying the key findings of the Environmental Statement (Volumes 2-4) of the Section 36 application submissions in a clear and concise format to allow interested parties to understand the different elements of the Proposed Development and its anticipated environmental effects. The Environmental Impact Assessment carried out relates to two applications submitted pursuant to the Electricity Act These are: ffto vary the operational time limits for the operational Fallago Rig Wind Farm under Section 36C of the Electricity Act 1989 (identified as Fallago Rig 1); and ffto extend the generating capacity of Fallago Rig electricity generating station through the construction of 12 turbines and their associated infrastructure under section 36 of the Electricity Act It is also proposed to seek a Direction from the Scottish Ministers under Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 that planning permission be deemed to be granted for the proposed additional 12 turbines and their associated infrastructure (identified as Fallago Rig 2). Together these two applications comprise the Proposed Development. Further details of each application together with the details of the Proposed Development are set out next. Background Interest in renewable energy production (such as that produced by a wind farm) has arisen in response to growing concern about the rise in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, and the changes in the global climate that this is causing. The burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and reducing their use and increasing the proportion of power generated from renewable energy sources is seen as a vital part of reducing these emissions, notwithstanding that increasing energy efficiency also has a vital role to play in this process. In order to meet international obligations, the UK government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to reduce the level of future climate change. It is expected by the UK Government that a significant proportion of the power generation capacity required to replace fossil fuel generation will come in the short term from onshore wind generation. As the UK has one of the windiest climates in Europe, it has great potential to generate electricity from wind power, and if consented, the Proposed Development would contribute further towards renewable generation capacity. A United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Paris in November and December The conference negotiated the Paris agreement which represents an agreement by the 195 participating countries to reduce their carbon emissions as part of the method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The members agreed to reduce their carbon output as soon as possible and to do their best to keep global warming, to an increase of below 2 C. This Non-Technical Summary has been prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure UK Ltd (Amec Foster Wheeler) on behalf of Fallago Rig Wind Farm Limited in terms of the Fallago Rig 1 application and on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables in terms of the Fallago Rig 2 application. Fallago Rig Wind Farm December 2015

4 4 Fallago Rig Wind Farm The Applicants EDF Energy Renewables is a renewable energy company, jointly owned by EDF Energy plc and EDF Energies Nouvelles. EDF Energy Renewables is the main vehicle for developing, constructing and operating wind farm projects within the UK on behalf of EDF Energies Nouvelles and EDF Energy, and has a combined UK renewable portfolio of 764MW comprising projects that are either operational (598MW) including Fallago Rig 1, in construction (78MW) or consented (274MW) at December 2015 plus a large portfolio of projects in development. EDF Energy is one of the largest energy companies in the UK, supplying around 6 million residential and business accounts with electricity and/or gas and producing around one-fifth (20%) of the nation s electricity. Fallago Rig Wind Farm Limited, which owns Fallago Rig Wind Farm, is owned 20% by EDF Energy Renewables Limited and 80% by funds managed by Hermes Infrastructure, which includes a discretionary infrastructure managed account programme for the BT Pension Scheme. EDF Energy Renewables managed the construction of Fallago Rig and continues to manage the site, providing operations, maintenance services and asset management. The Agents The Environmental Impact Assessment has been managed by Amec Foster Wheeler who also coordinated production of the Environmental Statement. Amec Foster Wheeler is one of the UK s leading environmental and engineering consultancies and are Registered Environmental Impact Assessors under an accreditation scheme run by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment: the principal professional body for Environmental Impact Assessment in the UK. Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & Fallago Rig Wind Farm Extension of Time Volume 1 Non-Technical Summary

5 2 The development proposals 5 The Development Site The Development Site lies in the Lammermuir Hills. It is centred at national grid reference NT The Development Site comprises a remote upland area between Seenes Law and Meikle Law on gently undulating moorland dominated by heather. The Dye Water and its associated tributaries run across the Development Site. A 400 kv pylon line and its associated track crosses the Development Site. The main land uses are renewable energy production (i.e. the existing Fallago Rig wind farm), sheep grazing and grouse shooting. An access track lies on the northern side of the Dye Water, leading to an unclassified public road, which joins the road that leads from Longformacus to the B6355 road. The northern Site boundary is also the boundary between Scottish Borders Council and East Lothian Council. The Development Site is approximately 3.8 km to the north west of Byrecleugh, 7.5 km to the south east of Westruther, and 7.9 km to the north west of Gifford. The wider geographical context is shown on Figure 1.1 and the Development Site boundary is shown on Figure 1.2. The Proposed Development The Proposed Development comprises the following main elements: fffallago Rig 1: An extension of time to the operation of Fallago Rig wind farm to be concurrent with the timescales for Fallago Rig 2 (i.e. 25 years from the commissioning of Fallago Rig 2; and fffallago Rig 2: 12 new wind turbines to a maximum tip height of 126.5m together with the following associated elements; ffaccess tracks connecting infrastructure elements; ffhard standing areas e.g. crane pads; ff2 Borrow pits; ff2 Water crossings comprising a bridge (or span arch culvert) and a culvert; ff2 Temporary working areas (e.g. a construction compound and an ancillary compound); and fftransformer and control building extension (and substation) and electrical cabling between this and the new turbines. Figure 4.1 sets out the site layout for the Proposed Development. Fallago Rig Wind Farm December 2015

6 6 Figure 1.1 Geographical context (not to scale) Develoment site boundary Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & Fallago Rig Wind Farm Extension of Time Volume 1 Non-Technical Summary

7 7 Key Figure 1.2 Development Site (not to scale) N 0 km 1.2 Scale A3 Client Develoment site boundary Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & of the Controller of Her Fallago Rig Wind Farm Majesty s Stationery Office. Extension of Time Crown Copyright Environmental Statement Figure 1.2 Development Site Location Figure 4.1 Proposed Development (not to scale) Based upon Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright November 2015 Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright December Gos213a.wor dog

8 8 Public exhibition Consultation Consultation is a vital aspect of the EIA process, both to agree what work should be carried out (referred to as the scope of work culminating in the scoping opinion received from Scottish Ministers in March 2015) and to understand public perception of a development in order to help in the design process. Consultation (including consultation with the public) was undertaken throughout the development of the design of Fallago Rig 2. Statutory Consultation Consultation with the three statutory consultees was undertaken through the formal scoping process, and responses were received from Scottish Borders Council; Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA); and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Other Consultation Consultation was also undertaken with: ffeast Lothian Council; ffgifford Community Council; Lammermuirs Community Council; Lauderdale Community Council; Gordon and Westruther Community Council; ffdefence Infrastructure Organisation (MoD); National Air Traffic Service (NATS); Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)*; Glasgow Airport; Prestwick Airport; Edinburgh Airport; ffhealth and Safety Executive; ffriver Tweed Commission*,Tweed Foundation*, Architecture and Design Scotland*; ffscottish Water, Microwave link operators (BT, Joint Radio Company; OFCOM), Scottish Gas Networks, Scottish Power Energy Networks and National Grid. * Responses not received through the scoping exercise. EDF ER also undertook public consultation both as part of the Pre-Application Consultation process required by the Scottish Government, and through other mechanisms such as the two rounds of public exhibitions which were held in January 2015 at Lauder Village Hall and at Gifford Village Hall; and a second exhibition in April 2015 at Lauder Village Hall and Westruther Village Hall. In addition to this EDF Energy Renewables also met with the Community Councils to discuss the proposals in detail. Public exhibition ffforestry Commission Scotland* and Forestry Commission Dumfries and Galloway*; fftransport Scotland, Scotways, John Muir Trust*; Mountaineering Council of Scotland*, Scottish Canoe Association*, British Horse Society (BHS); ffhistoric Scotland, Garden History Society in Scotland; Visit Scotland*; ffmarine Scotland, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Scottish Wildlife Trust*; Association of Salmon Fishery board*; ffcrown Estate*; Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & Fallago Rig Wind Farm Extension of Time Volume 1 Non-Technical Summary

9 9 3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) An Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out for the Proposed Development. The potential significant effects identified during the scoping exercise were subject to detailed assessment, using methodologies appropriate to the different environmental topics that need to be considered as part of an EIA. These methodologies were based on recognised good practice. Summaries of the environmental topics and the assessment findings are set out below. Renewable Energy Policy The European Commision s Renewable Energy Progress Report (16 June 2015) highlights that the UK is a Member State that needs to assess whether its policies are sufficient and effective in meeting renewable energy objectives, as the UK is anticipated to fall short of its legally binding 2020 target. Paragraph 17 of the Electricity Generation Policy Statement states that the Scottish Government estimates that its target of generating the equivalent of 100% of gross annual electricity consumption of renewable energy by 2010 will require around 14-16GW of installed capacity to be deployed. Figures released from the Scottish Government show that as of March 2015, Scotland had 7.4 GW of installed renewable electricity generation capacity, with an additional 8.9 GW of capacity either under construction or consented. However there is no certainty that all or most of the consented schemes will move forward to construction, it therefore remains that there is a real and significant shortfall against the Scottish 2020 renewable electricity generation target. Furthermore the UK is continuing to fall short of its targets since Carbon Balance It is predicted that the carbon loss in developing Fallago Rig 2 would be paid back between 0.5 years and 1.9 years. The calculation of carbon balance and payback has been based on the expected values where site specific data is available and worst case assumptions where it is not. Taking into account that the turbines would not operate at full capacity 1 all of the time, the amount of electricity produced by Fallago Rig 1 has been estimated to be in the order of 330,750MWh 2 per year which would be equivalent to the approximate domestic needs of approximately 80,337 3 domestic homes in the UK. For Fallago Rig 2 it has been estimated to be in the order of 95,090MWh 4 per year, which will be equivalent to the approximate domestic needs of approximately 23, 108 domestic homes in the UK. It is widely accepted that electricity produced from wind energy has a positive benefit with regard to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Between 35,867 and 45,224 tonnes of carbon dioxide may be saved each year as a result of the generation of electricity by Fallago Rig 2 rather than by conventional power stations using a range of fuel sources. Over its lifetime, Fallago Rig 2 may save between 896,675 and 1,130,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions 5. In addition to the CO2 emissions saved as a result of Fallago Rig 2, Fallago Rig 1 has the potential to save between 124,756 and 157,302 tonnes of CO2 emissions each additional year it operates, which could result in further savings of approximately 623,780 and 786,510 tonnes of CO2 emissions. 6 Landscape and Visual The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment and cumulative assessment conforms to the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition (GLVIA) and has been undertaken by chartered landscape architects. The Development Site is located within the Dissected Plateau Moorland: Lammermuir Plateau landscape character area (LCA) within Scottish Borders, this LCA is contiguous with the East and Central Lammermuir Plateau LCA in East Lothian. Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement has assessed the potential landscape and visual effects likely to result from the Proposed Development. In this regard the assessment has consistently assessed the level and nature of the effects in terms of the following components: fffallago Rig 1 Confirmation of the existing level of effect resulting from the existing Fallago Rig 1 Wind Farm (as previously assessed through the consenting process) and assessment of the effects resulting from the proposed time extension for Fallago Rig 1 to coincide with the 25 years operational period of Fallago Rig 2; 1 The net capacity factor of a wind farm is the ratio of its actual energy output (after energy losses within the wind farm have been accounted for) over a defined period of time (typically a year) to its energy output, had it operated at maximum power output continuously, over the same period of time. It should be noted that the expected capacity factor for the Proposed Development is subject to confirmation following the completion of wind monitoring on-site; however it is considered reasonable to use the figure of 26.22% as this is the long term average load factor figure for the UK published by Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Energy Trends Section 6: Renewables (ET6.1 Renewable Electricity Capacity and Generation, September Capacity factor for UK 26.22%. data/file/437811/et6_1.xls last accessed [19/10/2015] 2 Using a 26.22% capacity factor, figures are derived as follows: 144 MW (48 3 MW turbine) 8,760 hours/year (capacity factor) = MWh. 3 This is calculated using the most recent statistics from the DECC showing that annual local (Scottish Borders) average domestic household consumption is 4,041 kwh. 4 Using a 26.22% capacity factor, figures are derived as follows: 41.4 MW ( MW turbine) 8,760 hours/year (capacity factor) = 95,090 MWh. 5 Based on a grid mix scenario of 430g CO2 per kwh generated by UK energy mix. 6 Based on a grid mix scenario of 430g CO2 per kwh generated by UK energy mix. December 2015

10 10 fffallago Rig 2 Assessment of the additional effects resulting from the physical extension of Fallago Rig 1 by the proposed Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm; ffthe Proposed Development Combined assessment of effects resulting from Fallago Rig 1 and the proposed Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm extension; ffthe assessment has considered the design iteration and construction of Fallago Rig 2 and the operation and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development and has included re-assessment of the residual effects; ffthe assessment has also considered the cumulative effects resulting from the Proposed Development in combination with other existing and consented wind farms, and wind farms at the planning application stage. The Design Strategy for the proposed Fallago Rig 2 extension has been to appear visually consistent with the existing Fallago Rig 1 Wind Farm so that the Proposed Development (Fallago Rig 1 + 2) would appear as one wind farm ; well related to the existing landscape character and capacity identified in the Wind Energy Consultancy, Landscape Capacity and Cumulative Impact, Final Report, Ironside Farrar, July 2013, produced for Scottish Borders Council. Similarly the proposed time extension for the Fallago Rig 1 Wind Farm would allow the Proposed Development to be decommissioned in one simple, unified phase. In terms of landscape effects there would be little appreciable change to the existing landscape character of the Lammermuir Plateau LCA as a result of the Proposed Development with the effects of the Fallago Rig 2 extension overlapping with the effects of the existing Fallago Rig 1 Wind Farm and its proposed operational time extension. Beyond the Lammermuir Plateau LCA there would be no significant effects on landscape character within 10km or on designated landscapes including the Lammermuir Hills Special Landscape Areas (SLA) and the adjacent Area Great Landscape Value (AGLV) in East Lothian. In terms of visual effects there would be no significant visual effects on the views from settlements, individual residential properties or recreational / tourist destinations. There would, however, be a significant effect on the views from 2 local roads, part of the Southern Upland Way, 2 Core Paths and 4 other paths / PRoWs within the Lammermuirs which are also significantly affected by the existing Fallago Rig 1 Wind Farm and its proposed operational time extension. The addition of the proposed Fallago Rig 2 extension would also lead to a new significant effect on the views from a small section of the existing wind farm access track (also a promoted path on the Scottish Borders core paths plan) adjacent to the Dye water near Kersons Cleugh. In terms of cumulative effects the Proposed Development would maintain the current pattern and distribution of wind farm development within the Lammermuir Hills. In overall terms the addition of the proposed Fallago Rig 2 turbine extension would not lead to a further significant detrimental effect because of the high degree of design integration that has been achieved with the existing Fallago Rig 1 Wind Farm, such that the Proposed Development may be viewed as the one wind farm in the landscape. Cairn at Twinlaw Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & Fallago Rig Wind Farm Extension of Time Volume 1 Non-Technical Summary

11 11 Historic Environment An assessment of direct effects on heritage assets as well as effects on the setting of off-site heritage assets and the wider historic environment has been undertaken. A review of the Environmental Statement for Fallago Rig 1 (2005) and the Supplementary Environmental Information (2006) was undertaken. Following a staged approach to scoping as set out by Historic Environment Scotland, assets with a potential to be subject to significant indirect effects were identified and are considered in detail in this assessment. This scope was agreed with consultees. Assets assessed in detail included Hume Castle; Dirrington Great Law; Dunside Hill; Farmstead WNW of Byreclough; Whitestone Cairn; Mutiny Stones; Farmstead and cultivation marks SSW of Byrecleugh; Stone Circle at Kingside Hill; Nine Stone Rig, Borrowston Rig; Fort 500m NE of Longcroft; and Dabshead Hill Fort. In addition, change in the settings of two nondesignated heritage assets: the Titling Cairn and Twinlaw Cairns, were assessed. Whitestone Cairn was assessed in the 2005 ES Chapter as having a significant adverse effect as a result of Fallago Rig 1. The extension of time for Fallago Rig 1, and construction of Fallago Rig 2 would not increase the magnitude of change, nor increase the existing level of effect. A small number of non-designated heritage assets were identified within the Development Site boundary, including the route of the Herring Road, a number of cup and ring marked rocks, and the remains of agricultural features such as shielings and enclosures. There is a low potential that previously unrecorded archaeological features and peat deposits may be affected by the construction of Fallago Rig 2, but the application of appropriate mitigation measures would mean that any adverse residual effects would not be significant. Ecology At its closest point, the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is located some 1km downstream of the infrastructure of Fallago Rig 2 (via the Dye Water). Subject to a range of mitigation measures that would be implemented during the construction of Fallago Rig 2 and during the operation and maintenance of Fallago Rig 1 and Fallago Rig 2, no significant residual effects are likely on the interest features of the River Tweed SAC. The Lammer Law Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located immediately adjacent to the north western boundary of the Development Site and Wester Black Burn Local Biodiversity Site is located within the Development Site boundary. Byrecleuch Burn Local Biodiversity Site and Stott Cleuch Local Biodiversity Site are both located alongside the existing access track of Fallago Rig 1. There is no pathway for potential adverse effects on the ecological interest features of these nature conservation sites. Habitat enhancement through moorland re-wetting has taken place in three discreet locations within and adjacent to Fallago Rig 1. Three proposed turbines and their associated infrastructure would be located in some of the habitat enhancement areas. The scope of the ecological assessment was determined through a review of existing biological data relating to the Development Site and the surrounding area, together with consultations with relevant nature conservation organisations. Based on the outcome of the desk study and the consultation exercise, ecological surveys were undertaken. These included; detailed vegetation surveys to identify plant communities of higher nature conservation value Otter and/or those that may be sustained by groundwater; detailed protected species surveys for otter, water vole and bats; a fisheries habitat survey; and electrofishing surveys. The potential for effects on badgers, reptiles and great crested newt was scoped out following a combination of consultation, desk studies and field surveys. Otter The Proposed Development would not result in any significant effects on any plant communities of high nature conservation value. Abundant signs of otter were recorded along the banks of the Dye Water. There are no features in the Development Site that are suitable for bat roosting. Bat activity recorded on site was generally low and predominantly concentrated along the Dye Water and its tributaries. Electrofishing results show that salmon fry abundance and distribution within the Dye Water varies from year to year in accordance with water levels in the previous spawning season. The electrofishing results also show that juvenile trout are widespread and abundant within the Dye Water, which is reported to be of significant importance to the juvenile trout production within the downstream River Whiteadder. The habitats sampled were not suitable for lamprey, as the larvae of these species require silt and mud. Mountain hares, brown hares and reptiles are likely to be present within the Development Site. Mitigation measures would be implemented during construction of Fallago Rig 2 that would minimise the risk of adverse effects on protected species and the water courses. No evidence of badgers or water voles was found on the Development Site and its overall suitability for these species is considered to be low. No amphibians are likely to be present due to the lack of suitable habitat and evidence from previous surveys. December 2015

12 12 No significant effects are predicted on any animal species of high nature conservation value or any legally protected animal species. No significant cumulative effects on ecological receptors are predicted to occur. The loss of habitat as a result of the three turbines in the enhancement area would be compensated by a land management and habitat enhancement area located close but outside of the development site boundary. Ornithology A programme of bird surveys was undertaken between autumn 2012 and summer 2015, covering two full breeding and three full winter seasons across the Development Site. Flight activity over the survey area was recorded during vantage-point watches, with species/group specific breeding season surveys being undertaken for waders, raptors and black grouse; all surveys followed the relevant SNH survey guidance. Supplementary bird data was provided by the local raptor group and the RSPB. Historical baseline data was also obtained from the Environmental Statement and Supplementary Environmental Information for Fallago Rig 1. Bird monitoring data from 2012 (during construction) and 2013 (post-construction) from surveys undertaken by Open Space was also taken into account. The baseline studies confirmed the presence of a single Schedule 1 breeding raptor species in close proximity to the Development Site, this being a single merlin nest located approximately 500m from the nearest Fallago Rig 2 turbine location. Moorland breeding waders included moderate numbers of golden plover and curlew, with lower numbers of oystercatcher, lapwing and common sandpiper in the valley bottom. Habitat enhancement through moorland re-wetting has taken place in three discreet locations within and adjacent to the existing wind farm, one of the objectives of which was to enhance the habitat resource for golden plover. Black grouse were not recorded during the survey programme and contextual information indicates that they are effectively absent from the local area. Any additional impacts to those described in the ES for Fallago Rig 1 are limited to those resulting from the extension of the operating period of Fallago Rig 1. However, monitoring data from Fallago Rig 1 indicates that impacts from the operation of the wind farm have been relatively minor; indeed the breeding wader numbers appear to have increased since the surveys undertaken as part of the EIA for Fallago Rig 1 were carried out. The main potential impact resulting from Fallago Rig 2 relates to potential displacement of breeding waders, however research and existing monitoring data from Fallago Rig 1 indicate that this would be minor and would also be addressed in part through proposed off site moorland rewetting works. Flight activity within the Development Site was relatively low throughout the survey period. Collision risk assessment has been undertaken for golden plover, the species most frequently recorded, and this modelling predicts an annual collision rate of 0.01 birds, which is negligible in the context of the background mortality rate for the breeding population within the Natural Heritage Zone. Golden Plover Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & Fallago Rig Wind Farm Extension of Time Volume 1 Non-Technical Summary

13 13 Dye water Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology The Development Site lies within the river catchment areas of the River Tweed, and includes the Dye Water and its tributaries. The region is underlain primarily by wacke sandstones, siltstone and mudstone of Silurian age, with small Siluro-Devonian dyke intrusions scattered across the Development Site. Both solid and drift geology comprise low productivity aquifers. The assessment includes the above watercourses and aquifers, as well as public, licensed and private water supplies, and peat hydrology. In addition, the ecologically-designated River Tweed Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) were also considered. Construction works associated with Fallago Rig 2 would be close to the sensitive Dye Water. As such, there is a requirement for the application of mitigation measures. The mitigation would be included within the Construction Environmental Management Plan, and specific Construction Method Statements would be produced for the most sensitive construction operations. These measures include the following: ffdesign of watercourse crossings that would not cause unacceptable changes to water quality or flows during construction of Fallago Rig 2; ffsupervision of watercourse crossing placement by an Ecological Clerk of Works; ffsensitive timing of watercourse crossing construction (outwith key poor weather periods); ffa Drainage Management Plan; ffa Pollution Prevention Plan and Pollution Incidence Response Plan; and ffadequate pollution control measures throughout the site, together with a drainage inspection strategy. Noise An assessment considering noise from the construction of Fallago Rig 2, and the operation and decommissioning of the Proposed Development has been undertaken. For each phase of the development, the assessment considers compliance with the appropriate noise limit(s). The assessment shows that the separation distance between the construction areas, access routes and noise sensitive properties is sufficient to ensure that any construction noise from Fallago Rig 2 would not cause undue disturbance, and that construction traffic noise would not be excessive during the worst-case periods. Operational noise was assessed in accordance with ETSU-R-97: The Assessment of Rating of Noise from Windfarms ( ETSU-R-97 Guidance ), (as recommended within web based renewables advice, which is regularly updated by The Scottish Government), and the assessment methodologies advocated within the Institute of Acoustics (IoA) A Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-97 for the Assessment and Rating of Wind Turbine Noise (IoA GPG). The assessment was based on noise emissions from the candidate turbine for Fallago Rig 2 (Vestas V105) and noise limits set at 10dB below the noise limits set in the planning permission ( Condition 25 ), for Fallago Rig 1. Predicted noise levels from Fallago Rig 2 at each of the assessed receptors were found to be at least 5.5dB below the noise limits, which are set at 10dB below those for Fallago Rig 1 Wind Farm. The operational noise assessment was extended to consider potential cumulative noise effects resulting from Fallago Rig 1 and Fallago Rig 2. The cumulative noise assessment demonstrated that when residential receptors are downwind of both wind projects operating concurrently, predicted turbine noise emissions would be more than 7.5dB below the noise limits set out in Condition 25 at each assessed sensitive receptor. This was considered a conservative approach as it is not possible for all receptors to be downwind of all wind farms at any one time. Noise limits for Fallago Rig 1 would remain unchanged and it is considered that the Proposed Development would comply with all relevant standards and guidelines designed to protect residential amenity in respect of noise, namely the associated noise limits. A suitable noise condition would adopt noise limits set at 10dB below those within Condition 25 of the Fallago Rig 1 planning permission, and would apply to noise immissions from the operation of Fallago Rig 2 only. December 2015

14 14 Fallago Rig Wind Farm Traffic and Transport The environmental effects of road traffic generated during the construction of Fallago Rig 2 has been assessed. In addition, a separate abnormal load access study has been submitted in support of the application at the request of Transport Scotland and Scottish Borders Council. The following environmental effects, identified in the 1993 IEMA publication Guidance Note No. 1: Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic (hereafter referred to as the IEMA guidelines) have been considered in this assessment: severance, driver delay, pedestrian delay, pedestrian amenity, fear and intimidation and accidents & safety. It is likely that some materials may be won on site from two borrow pits. However, it is assumed for a worst-case assessment, that all the construction materials (stone aggregate and the materials required for the mixing of concrete) would be sourced from one quarry located approximately 20km south of the Site in Earlston. The route from this quarry to the site has been defined following a route appraisal exercise where the least number of receptors are affected. The route from the quarry to the site is expected to utilise the C78, B6397, A6105, A6089, A697 and B6456. This assessment is also based on the worst-case scenario that all turbine components would be imported into Scotland via the Port of Rosyth and delivered to the site by road. The turbine components would be transported via the following route: A90 Forth Road Bridge M90 M9 M8 A720 A68 A697 B6456. With the incorporation of appropriate mitigation measures included within a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), no significant residual effects are predicted as a result of construction activities. Shadow Flicker Under certain combinations of geographical position, time of day and time of year, the sun may pass behind the rotor of a wind turbine and cast a shadow over neighbouring properties. When the blades rotate, the shadow moves across the ground. Where the shadow is cast through a window or an open door, it may appear to flicker on and off, this is known as shadow flicker. Road to Fallago Rig Experience has shown that shadow flicker has the potential to cause annoyance to occupants of affected properties under certain circumstances. A study has therefore been undertaken to identify whether shadow flicker is likely to occur at residential properties in the vicinity of the Proposed Development. There are no residential properties close enough to any turbine to experience shadow flicker. Fallago Rig 2 Wind Farm & Fallago Rig Wind Farm Extension of Time Volume 1 Non-Technical Summary

15 15 Socio-Economics The construction effects of Fallago Rig 2 and the operational and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development, whether individually or cumulatively, are not predicted to result in significant effects on tourism or recreational receptors. During construction and decommissioning, public access within the Development Site will be subject to short term temporary restrictions with signage as appropriate, however once operational, the Development Site would offer improved access, through the construction of 6.5km of new access tracks and two new watercourse crossings. It is estimated that the capital cost of constructing Fallago Rig 2 could equate to between 3.9m and 6m 7 locally and between 11.8m and 18.2m 7 across Scotland. During the construction phase, Fallago Rig 2 could directly support up to Full Time Equivalent (FTE) local jobs for Scottish Borders and East Lothian, and up to FTE 7 jobs within Scotland for the duration of the construction phase. During its operational phase, employment related to operations and maintenance for Fallago Rig 2 could directly support up to FTE jobs, of which up to 18 7 FTE jobs would be likely to be within Scottish Borders (two people at the Fallago Rig site) and East Lothian and up to FTE jobs would be likely to be within Scotland. Other employment is also likely to be supported or generated through induced and indirect economic and employment effects throughout all phases of Fallago Rig 2. In addition to the construction and operational benefits, further benefits relating to the proposed community benefit fund would result in significant local level benefit. This fund would amount up to 207,000 per annum and a total community benefit fund of 5,175,000 over the lifetime of Fallago Rig 2. There would also be an extension of the community fund associated with Fallago Rig 1, for the additional operational period associated with the time extension. Infrastructure, Telecommunications and Aviation Consultation has been carried out with organisations that own or operate infrastructure and it has been confirmed that there is no utility infrastructure within the Development Site boundary in terms of gas, water and telecommunications that could be affected by the proposed Fallago Rig 2 development. An overhead power line runs across the Development Site in an east/west direction and Turbines T49, T50 and T60 would be located slightly within this buffer zone. However owing to the height of the turbines and the distance between the turbines and the powerline, together with the existing mitigation installed on the powerlines (dampers) it is predicted that no effects would occur in terms of turbulence. It is predicted that the turbines of Fallago Rig 2 would be visible to the MOD Air Defence Radar at Brizlee Wood. A technical radar mitigation solution is currently in place for the Fallago Rig 1 turbines, and it is anticipated that an extension of this technical solution would mitigate any effects arising from Fallago Rig 2. The MOD has examined the proposed technical solution and subsequently agreed that the proposed mitigation appears suitable; and has therefore suggested wording for a planning condition. An assessment undertaken by National Air Traffic Systems identified that 1 of the 16 radars considered may be affected by Fallago Rig 2. There would be no impacts on the En-route navigation aids or on the En-route communications. The radar identified by NATS as being likely to be impacted is the Kincardine Radar which would be affected in terms of Radar Data Processing asset management, Prestwich Air Traffic Control and Scottish Military Air Traffic Control. EDF ER are investigating these issues with NATS and mitigation would be installed should it be required. 7 Based on information supplied in BIGGAR report 2015 of 12% of total capital cost. Fallago Rig Wind Farm December 2015

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