Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary

Transcription

1 Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary Preface This document forms the non-technical summary (NTS) of the to the Environmental Statement (ES) that accompanies an application made by Clyde Windfarm (Scotland) Ltd for consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the construction and generation of electricity from the Clyde Extension Wind Farm (herein referred to as the Development ), and deemed planning permission for the same development under Section 57(2), of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended by The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006). The comprises three volumes: Volume I: Text; Volume II: Figures; and Volume III: Technical Appendices. Additional documentation that will be submitted includes: Revised Planning Statement; Revised Non-Technical Summary. The (Text, Figures and Technical Appendices) and associated documents will be available for viewing during normal business hours at the following locations: South Lanarkshire Council Enterprise Resources Planning & Building Standards Service HQ Montrose House 154 Montrose House Hamilton ML3 6LB South Lanarkshire Council Enterprise Resources Planning & Building Standards Service South Vennel Lanark ML11 7TJ Moffat Town Hall Customer Service Centre High Street Moffat Dumfries and Galloway DG10 9HF Scottish Borders Council Contact Centre High Street Peebles EH45 8AF Biggar Library Market Road Biggar South Lanarkshire ML12 6FX Scottish Borders Council Council Headquarters Newton St Boswells Melrose TD6 0SA The will also be available for purchase, at 100 for paper copies and 10 for an electronic version on CD, from: Clyde Windfarm (Scotland) Ltd c/o SSE Renewables Developments (UK) Ltd 1 Waterloo Street 5 th Floor Glasgow G2 6AY Paper copies of the NTS are available free of charge. October 2011 Page i

2 Non-Technical Summary Clyde Extension Wind Farm The Application and ES will be advertised in the following newspapers: Moffat News; Peebleshire News; Hamilton Advertiser; Lanark Today; Carluke Gazette; and Edinburgh Gazette. Page 14-ii August 2012

3 Clyde Extension Wind Farm 1 Introduction Non-Technical Summary In October 2011 the Clyde Extension Wind Farm section 36 application was submitted to the Scottish Government for consideration. This application included an Environmental Statement (ES) as required under the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations Through the process of consultation, which has taken place as part of the section 36 application, the design of the original submitted layout has been amended to address landscape and visual concerns that were raised by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Scottish Borders Council (SBC). As such, the Applicant, Clyde Windfarm (Scotland) Ltd c/o SSE Renewables Developments (UK) Ltd (SSER) is submitting an to the ES which outlines the amendments to the design and provides a reassessment of the potential for significant effects to occur as a result of the amended layout. The amended Development will comprise 54 wind turbines and associated infrastructure with a total potential installed capacity of up to 162 MegaWatts (MW). The design changes between the original and amended Development can be summarised as follows: Three turbines have been deleted from the scheme (T19E, T30E & T57E); Nine turbines have been re-located (T14E, T18E, T24E, T25E, T31E, T32E, T43E, T44E, and T45E); Ten turbines are reduced in height from maximum tip height of 142m to 125.5m (T17E, T26E, T29E, T31E, T32E, T43E, T44E, T45E, T51E and T52E). The access track has been modified to accommodate the new design and overall the length of new track required reduced by approximately 1.2km; Deletion of one borrow pit (BP1); One permanent meteorological mast (PMM2) re-located; and Minor modification to the cable route in vicinity of Clyde North Sub-station to reflect Clyde Wind Farm (as built) track and substation. This has reduced the cable track length by approximately 2.1km. The, in conjunction with the original ES, provides information on the identification and assessment of the potential significant environmental effects of the amended Development and has been undertaken in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations The is intended to be read in conjunction with the original ES. The ES has been consulted on widely and this is structured to ensure that those who have previously commented on the application can easily identify whether there are changes to the proposal on which further comment is required. The aim has been to clearly and concisely outline the design changes and the implication of these within the context of the original ES. Only new information relevant to the amended design is presented and where information remains unchanged from that submitted in October 2011, reference is made to the relevant chapter and section of the original ES. 2 EIA Process and Methodology This has been prepared in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (the EIA Regulations) and includes the required information. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process aimed to ensure that permissions for developments with potentially significant effects on August 2012 Page 14-1

4 Non-Technical Summary Clyde Extension Wind Farm the environment are granted only after assessment of the likely significant environmental effects has been undertaken. The has been prepared following a systematic approach to EIA and project design. Since submission of the section 36 application and the original ES, the further key elements are: Consultation on the application and ES; Revision of project design with input from EIA team; Further consultation on amended Development; Environmental Assessments of amended Development; Preparation of the ; and Submission of the including publicity. Extensive discussion was held with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Scottish Borders Council (SBC) regarding the original application layout and the concerns that were raised. Through this process of engagement, it has been identified that both SNH and SBC had concerns regarding the effects that the proposed Clyde Extension Wind Farm would have on the surrounding landscape, particularly from key viewpoints within the Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area and along the A701, respectively. Following extensive discussions with both organisations, the Applicant has carried out iterations of the wind farm design to address specific landscape and visual concerns that these organisations have raised and ultimately arrive at a design that addresses their points of objection to the section 36 application. 3 Renewable Energy Policy Context and Alternative Technologies Chapter 3 of the original ES outlines the relevant renewable energy policy context at the time of writing for the application submission in October There have been minor additions to the policy baseline since that time, with publication of two renewables related policy documents that are of relevance to the amended Development. These are: Scottish Government Economic Policy (2011); and The Draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement 2012, Scotland A Low Carbon Society. SSE s renewable energy strategy to meet its Renewable Obligation remains diverse and a wide range of alternative technologies has been considered. In all, SSE now has 3,020MW of renewable energy capacity (onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro and dedicated biomass) in operation, under construction or with consent for development in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The Company has also invested in emerging renewable energy technology and now has interests in companies developing and promoting tidal energy devices and solar energy. The Development therefore forms part of a broader renewable energy strategy being implemented by SSE in response to UK and Scottish Government policy on renewable energy and climate change. 4 Design Evolution The specific drivers for the amended design have been the concerns raised by SNH and SBC regarding the effects that the Clyde Extension Wind Farm, as submitted, would have on the Page 14-2 August 2012

5 Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary surrounding landscape, particularly from key viewpoints within the Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area and along the A701, respectively. Following extensive discussions with both organisations, there have been a number of iterations of the wind farm design to address the specific landscape and visual concerns that these organisations raised and ultimately arrive at a design that addresses their points of objection to the section 36 application as originally submitted. This has been an iterative process of design driven by the landscape and visual concerns but with input from the project team regarding other technical or environmental constraints and requirements. The outcome of the process is that the changes to the layout substantially address SNH s concerns in respect of the landscape and visual effects of the development. In particular, the layout changes have reduced the magnitude of effect in views from important, sensitive, receptors within the Upper Tweed National Scenic Area, which is of particular concern to SNH. The changes to the layout within and adjacent to the Scottish Borders Council boundary, including the deletion of two turbines, have lowered the magnitude of effect in a number of viewpoints along the A701 route and helped to reduce the prominence of the development along the skyline. All other environmental considerations have been continuously reviewed during the ongoing redesign process with attention paid to potential effects on other receptors and the design objective outlined in the original ES Chapter 4: Design Evolution. It is believed that this design maintains the balance of technical, resource and environmental factors without creating the potential for new environmental effects of significance. 5 Description of Development The operational Development would comprise: 54 wind turbines: 44 wind turbines of up to 142m (to tip) height; and 10 wind turbines of up to 125.5m (to tip) height; Crane hardstandings for each turbine; Site entrances and access tracks from the public road. Clyde Wind Farm (as built) access junctions A and B will be utilised to minimise the requirement for new access junctions; in addition an existing forestry access junction and track will be upgraded for useoff the A701; On-site access tracks between turbines, including passing bays and four new watercourse crossings; Three permanent meteorological masts nominal height 90m; On-site power collection system including turbine transformers, underground cables, electrical control building and satellite office/welfare building; Permanent signage; and Permission to extend the operational consent period of the Clyde north substation and Clyde south substation infrastructure (as built). The core development area is reduced in size from the original Development and covers approximately 2,713 ha, approximately 48ha less than the core development area in the original Development. The estimated permanent land-take for amended Development infrastructure is approximately 37ha (1.5ha less than for the original Development). August 2012 Page 14-3

6 Non-Technical Summary Clyde Extension Wind Farm During the construction phase, further land on-site will be required and restored mainly for construction compounds, lay-down areas and borrow pits. There is no change to the site access arrangements for the revised Development. These remain as described in Section of Chapter 3 of the original ES. As proposed in the original Development it is intended that two Clyde Wind Farm site access junctions and tracks are utilised for the amended Development. These include routes directly from the M74 from the south and west, via the A702 Clyde Access A (Access 1 on Figure 1.2) and via the B7076 Clyde Access B (Access 2 on Figure 1.2). Since the submission of the original ES these tracks have now been constructed. The total length of new access tracks required within the core development area would be approximately 32.3km. This equates to approximately 1.2km less than in the original Development. The construction methods for site access tracks will not differ from those originally proposed and outlined in Section of Chapter 5 of the original ES and remains current. Apart from the deletion of BP1 from the amended layout the information on borrow pits including location, available volume and restoration remain as described in the Section of Chapter 5 of the original ES. It is anticipated that the majority of stone will be sourced from on-site borrow pits in order to minimise haulage distances. As outlined in the original ES, It is planned to connect the Development into the Clyde North Substation (CNS) and possibly also the Clyde South Substation (CSS) at NGR and , respectively, and integrate the Development in the consented Clyde Wind Farm making use of existing grid connection infrastructure. No external extension works are proposed as part of this application to the CNS and CSS buildings or compounds however the Section 36 application for the Development seeks to extend the operational life of the CNS and CSS infrastructure to coincide with the operational consent period of the Development. Cabling will be underground and will follow infrastructure such as on-site access tracks where possible. As a result of the amended Development there will be a reduction in the area of felling and replanting by approximately 115ha. A draft Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) has been provided as Technical Appendix 5.4 in the original ES. This will be refined, developed and streamlined as the project proceeds in consultation with relevant statutory consultees and would be monitored by the relevant site project manager for compliance. 6 Planning The amended Development, due to the electricity generation capacity exceeding 50 MW, is to be considered under the terms of Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and Section 57 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act In considering the application under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 the Scottish Ministers must also fulfil the requirements of Paragraph 3 of Schedule 9 to that Act. If Section 36 consent is granted the Scottish Ministers may also direct that planning permission for the Development is deemed to be granted. Since the submission of the original ES, the South Lanarkshire Development Plan has changed. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan has replaced the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan 2000 (as amended). It was approved on 13 th Page 14-4 August 2012

7 Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary June The Scottish Borders Development Plan remains as reported within the original ES. In terms of other material considerations, the following policy related material considerations have emerged since the original ES was prepared: Ministerial letter from Derek McKay MP and Fergus Ewing MP dated 19th June 2012 regarding spatial strategies; The South Lanarkshire Council Local Development Plan Main Issues Report; The Scottish Borders Council Local Development Plan Main Issues Report; and Good Practice Wind Good Practice Guide. 7 Landscape and Visual Assessment The Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA) (Chapter A7 in the ES) has been prepared by Optimised Environments Limited (OPEN). The chapter should be read in conjunction with the original ES which it updates rather than replaces. Assessment within the LVIA in the original ES that is not updated by the remains valid. The LVA aims to identify significant effects that would arise as a result of the amended Development. The assessment considers the effect on the landscape resource (both directly and on how the landscape is perceived) and the effect on visual amenity. Cumulative effects, arising from the effect of the Development in conjunction with other wind farms, are not considered in the ES as they were scoped out of the reassessment. This is because the baseline wind farms had not changed materially from that assessed in the original ES and no significant changes to the original assessment were likely to arise. Accordingly, the cumulative assessment undertaken in the original ES (section onwards) remains current for the amended Development. The main changes to landscape character resulting from the amended Development would arise in the Southern Uplands: Lowther Hills and Southern Upland and the Southern Upland with Scattered Forest: Broadlaw Group landscape units as the wind farm would be physically located with these landscape units. Both units have similar characteristics and the baseline conditions of the landscape have and are being further changed by wind farms, most notably the operational Clyde Wind Farm, which is currently nearing completion. This wind farm, which lies immediately adjacent to the amended Development contributes strongly to the baseline landscape character. The level of effect of the amended Development on these landscape units is assessed as not significant, because they would continue to be defined principally by their baseline characteristics, which include wind farms. Although the landscape is essentially remote the underlying upland character has been substantially altered by commercial forestry, and wind turbines are becoming a prevailing influence, forming a Southern Upland, Windfarm landscape sub type adjacent to the amended Development. It is considered that the amended Development would not constitute a material change from the baseline conditions and that while it would extend the influence of turbines within the landscape, the effect on landscape character is assessed as being not significant. Similarly, it is considered that there would be no significant effects on the landscape character of designated landscapes within the study area, which include the Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area (NSA), the Upper Clyde and Tinto Special Landscape Areas (SLA); the Tweedsmuir Hills Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) or its replacement Special August 2012 Page 14-5

8 Non-Technical Summary Clyde Extension Wind Farm Landscape Area (SLA). There would be no significant effects on any historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL) either. The scope of the assessment was agreed through consultation with SNH, SBC and South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) as recorded in section 7.2 of Chapter A7 of the ES. In particular, the following supporting visualisations were agreed as being relevant to the re-assessment: Updated photomontages for viewpoints 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12,20, 24 and 25; Updated wirelines for all viewpoints. The assessment of effects on views indicates that the Development would have relatively few significant effects on views and visual receptors. During the re-assessment by OPEN an additional representative viewpoint was identified in Biggar, which has also been included within the assessment and illustrations. In summary, eight viewpoints (including the new viewpoint in Biggar) were considered to be significantly affected during the operation of the amended Development. Six of these lie within a 5km radius of the outermost turbine, and of these, four are to the east of the site along the A701. These six viewpoints would gain views of the amended Development turbines at closer proximity than those of the consented Clyde Wind Farm, which would also be visible but less prominent. The viewpoint at Grains beside Camps Reservoir lies closest to the amended Development with turbines prominent in views. Culter Fell overlooks the amended Development site, and while the operational Clyde Wind Farm turbines will be clearly visible from this location, the new turbines would be more visually prominent in front of them. One of the two remaining viewpoints considered to be significantly affected is situated at the summit of Trahenna Hill to the north-east of the Development at a distance of approximately 15.3km, and would be significantly affected due to the increase in the visual prominence of wind turbines on the skyline in views to the south-west. The final significant effect would occur in Rowhead Terrace, Biggar (Viewpoint 26) where the elevated aspect of the viewpoint affords long range views towards parts of the amended Development,at a distance of 11.55km. For the majority of the remaining 18 representative viewpoints the operational Clyde Wind Farm will be a prevailing element in views so the nature of the views would not change significantly and the amended Development would appear as a logical extension of the existing wind farm. To the west of the amended Development, the extent of effects on views is very limited as the amended Development would generally be seen behind the operational Clyde Wind Farm. This ensures that the influence of the operational wind farm is prevalent, and the amended Development would have a limited additional effect when seen at distance and behind the operational Clyde Wind Farm turbines, and no significant effects are predicted. The assessment of the effects of the amended Development on views from route corridors and settlements has found that new turbines would be prominent features in a sequence of views from approximately 13km of the A701 scenic route to the north of Moffat. The operational Clyde Wind Farm will also be visible from many of the same sections of the route, with intermittent screening provided by forestry along the route corridor, however, the effect of the amended Development on this route would be significant due to the scenic nature of available view. The amended Development has been assessed as having no significant effects upon the route corridors of the M74/A74(M), A702, A721, Southern Upland Way and National Cycle Route 74. The amended Development is also considered Page 14-6 August 2012

9 Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary to have no significant effects on Tweedsmuir and Crawford, which are the two closest villages. The amended Development would be located immediately adjacent to the considerably larger operational Clyde Wind Farm and it would be largely viewed in combination with the existing turbines, giving cumulative visual effects for the majority of viewpoints. In consequence there are only relatively small parts of the study area from which views of the Development would be available without the operational Clyde Wind Farm turbines also being visible. Based on the findings of the landscape and visual assessment, it is considered that while the amended Development would increase the influence of turbines within the Southern Uplands and Southern Uplands with Scattered Forest landscape types, would have significant local effects on views within 5km to the east and north of the Development, from a hilltop 15km to the north-east, from an elevated part of Biggar at 11.55km and from the A701 corridor during construction and operation, the landscape has the capacity to accommodate development of the scale proposed. The operational effects would be long term (for the life of the wind farm) but reversible, such that following decommissioning these effects would not exist. 8 Ornithology The possible key ornithological effects relating to the Development are its potential to adversely affect the conservation status of bird populations (particularly those given the highest levels of statutory protection through inclusion in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and/or Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)) through landtake, disturbance, displacement, collisions with the turbines and/or barrier effects. Some or all of these effects may occur as a result of construction activities, operation of the wind farm and decommissioning activities. The baseline-gathering process involved a combination of desk studies and field surveys, carried out in , with some additional targeted surveys in to provide additional information to this. Surveys ensured that all months were covered, and included at least two breeding seasons for all species (3 for raptors and black grouse), as well as the intervening adjacent winter and spring/autumn migratory periods. The key bird species found breeding within the study area were moorland-breeding raptors (hen harrier and merlin), osprey, waders (in particular golden plover and curlew) and black grouse. Most activity was recorded during summer months before birds migrated from the site, although some passerine and raptor species make use of forestry habitats, and are present all year round. The site is crossed regularly by pink-footed goose on migration between roost and staging sites. Other key species recorded (e.g. peregrine, goshawk, skylark) were not considered likely to be subject to any significant effects due to scarcity on-site or relatively small numbers compared to regional populations. The scope of species considered in the assessment was therefore unchanged in the, despite the changes in layout. Direct habitat loss through wind farm construction was considered to be not significant for birds, as construction usually only involves small losses of land associated with turbine bases, access tracks and other infrastructure. An exception to this was where the felling of a tree used for nest-building activities by a young non-breeding osprey pair in 2010 would have resulted in the loss of a potential future breeding pair. All trees used by ospreys for August 2012 Page 14-7

10 Non-Technical Summary Clyde Extension Wind Farm nesting purposes will therefore be excluded from felling as part of the mitigation measures outlined in the ornithology chapter. Further protection will be provided via the creation of artificial alternative nest sites beyond the influence of the Development, as outlined in the HMP. Disturbance caused by construction operations may directly displace birds from breeding sites and/or foraging areas. In addition, the active nests of nearly all bird species are protected against destruction by the law and it is necessary to take measures to ensure compliance with the appropriate legislation. It was considered in the original ES that, based on a literature review of disturbance distances for each species, it was possible that one pair each of hen harrier and merlin, plus one lekking black grouse may be disturbed in the short-term by unmitigated construction activity. Changes to turbine layout mean that still one hen harrier pair may be affected, but it is possible that up to two merlin pairs may now be affected due to the proximity of infrastructure. In addition, 2011 black grouse surveys have shown that between 1 and 3 black grouse may be present within the potential construction disturbance area. Although it is likely that birds would be able to continue unaffected as the topography of chosen nest/lekking areas shield the birds from visual and noise disturbance, a variety of mitigation measures may be required in order to avoid adverse effects. Depending on the exact location of future nesting sites, a small number of golden plover and curlew breeding pairs may be disturbed during construction, although these would be insignificant in the context of the Natural Heritage Zone populations. Potentially significant disturbance effects on protected species will also be minimised by employing best practice measures during construction, as outlined in the original ES (e.g. timing and location of construction activities to avoid breeding birds, cordoning off specified construction areas prior to the breeding season to discourage nesting) and by enhancing habitat for all species elsewhere via a Habitat Management Plan (HMP). In areas where work is unavoidable during the breeding season, visual deterrent devices may be placed within a restricted area well in advance so that birds are deterred from nesting within that locality. Although a non-breeding osprey pair was recorded within potential construction disturbance distances, any nearby forest felling activity of any breeding nest will take place outside of the breeding season and risks will be minimised. Displacement due to an operational wind farm effectively leads to exclusion from areas of suitable habitat, which in turn, can lead to reduced breeding success and individual survival or abandonment of the territory. In the original ES, there were no predicted significant displacement effects on hen harrier or merlin due to the species apparent abilities of tolerating wind farms, and the availability of alternative nesting habitat away from recognised displacement distances. With further information made available, this conclusion has been upheld in the. For osprey and black grouse, the distances to the nearest turbines, and shielding topography are sufficient to avoid disturbance-displacement effects. A reduction of the breeding population of up to seven pairs of golden plover and twelve pairs of curlew may occur within the core development area in the long-term (worst-case scenario), but this is not considered significant in terms of the overall regional populations, despite recent declines in numbers. Collision risk modelling was run for the key species potentially at risk: pink-footed goose, hen harrier, merlin, peregrine, osprey, golden plover, curlew and snipe. The collision risk Page 14-8 August 2012

11 Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary assessment in the original ES demonstrated that there will be no significant effects on any of the species modelled. Collision risk modelling was rerun for the to reflect changes in turbine numbers, placement and specifications, with two turbine types now employed. Again no significant effects were predicted, with a decrease in mortality rates for pink-footed goose, osprey, merlin, peregrine, curlew and snipe, but a slight, but insignificant increase for hen harrier. The revised assessment in the of the likely effects of the Development during the construction, operation and decommissioning stages concluded that, provided best practice is followed to avoid disturbance to breeding birds, plus species specific mitigation measures to minimise displacement effects are implemented, there will be no significant effects on any species, either alone or in-combination with other projects in the area, and their conservation status will be maintained. There are also no predicted effects on any designated sites. These conclusions are unchanged from the original ES. 9 Ecology The assessment of the potential ecological effects of the amended Development has been carried out in accordance with Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) (2006) 1 Guidelines. This was based on data from a series of ecological surveys, consultations and desk based literature reviews that followed recognised ecological guidelines. The information was used to generate a picture of the ecological baseline and assess the effects of the proposed development on the ecological interests of the area. Following submission of the original ES, feedback from consultees has highlighted a number of areas where clarifications and further information would be helpful. The opportunity has been taken in the addendum to present additional detail and clarification of underlying assumptions in relation to the assessment of habitat loss and the scale of habitat restoration proposed in the Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The ecological assessment presented in the original ES identified a potential significant effect on blanket mire habitat. No other significant effects on ecological receptors were identified. Mitigation is proposed within an HMP to compensate for effects on blanket mire habitats. The habitat management plan has been revised to ensure that sufficient mitigation is provided to fully compensate for the loss of all good quality bog habitats. It has also been revised to take into account feedback from consultees. Clarification is provided on the size of the habitat management area, and proposals to attempt restoration of afforested areas have been removed. The amended Development results in less infrastructure within the catchment of the River Tweed Special Area for Conservation (SAC). SNH have advised that the mitigation measures described in the ES would be sufficient to avoid any adverse effect on the integrity of this receptor. With the reduced scale of development in the catchment, greater confidence can now be attached to this conclusion in relation to the amended Development. The amended Development results in some increases in habitat loss for blanket mire. As with the original ES, significant adverse effects continue to be predicted for blanket mire. Mitigation is proposed through a HMP which robustly compensates for loss of all good 1 IEEM (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (version 7 July 2006) August 2012 Page 14-9

12 Non-Technical Summary Clyde Extension Wind Farm quality blanket bog habitats. Residual adverse effects on this receptor are thus limited to losses of poor quality bog habitats and these residual losses are not significant. No significant effects are predicted in relation to protected species as a result of the amended Development, this supports the findings of the original ES. The HMP also provides for enhancement of heath and other habitats. This has been updated to reflect feedback from SNH. Overall, no additional significant residual effects on ecological receptors have been identified as a result of the amended Development. 10 Traffic and Transportation The road network in the study area features several strategic A-class roads and the M74/A74(M), which leads ultimately between the Scotland/England border to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Between these there is a network of local roads linking communities and settlements. The proposed site is easily accessed using a well developed road network, without the need to use local roads. This has updated the assessment of the potential roads and traffic effects of the amended Development following changes to the design. Particularly relevant to determining is the reduction in the number of turbines from 57 to 54 and the reduction in tree felling associated with the Development from 245ha to ha and subsequent reduction in vehicle movements. 11 Hydrology and Hydrogeology The effects of the Development have been assessed with regard to the water environment (surface water, groundwater and soil) within the development site and its surroundings. The effects of all activities associated with the amended Development including forestry operations have been assessed. The baseline information for the site remains as outlined within the original ES. In the original ES it was concluded that no significant residual effects are predicted on hydrological and hydrogeological features provided best practice and the recommended site specific mitigation procedures (described in Chapter 11, Section 11.8 of the original ES) are implemented and maintained. There are no changes to the original ES findings as a result of the amended Development layout. The amended development includes a reduction in felling areas, turbine numbers and internal track lengths, which will lessen hydrological and hydrogeological impacts from the original assessment. Following consultation with SEPA, Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTEs) have been identified as a potential sensitive receptor. Additional survey work was carried out to clarify habitat mapping and assess identified areas of GWDTE. A response was submitted to SEPA concluding that there was no to minor impacts on the GWDTE from the turbines and tracks with the exception of a direct potential GWDTE habitat loss due to some track. All the predicted impacts were defined as temporary i.e. during the construction period only. SEPA have subsequently confirmed that adhering to a prepared SEMP will minimise these impacts; that the affected habitats are not especially rare; that precise location of hard-standings will be micromanaged; and that there will be Page August 2012

13 Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary consultation with an ecologist during construction. There is no change in the effects on GWDTE for the amended Development. The site is located in the headwaters of both the River Clyde and the River Tweed SAC/SSSI. Whilst amendments to the Development were targeted at addressing objection concerns on landscape and visual matters raised by SNH and Scottish Borders Council, these have resulted in a reduction of infrastructure and forestry felling/replanting within the catchments draining to the River Tweed SAC and SSSI. Therefore the amended Development has significantly reduced the potential risk to the designated area through removal or relocation of wind farm infrastructure. With the implementation of standard erosion control techniques, sediment control structures and other best practice measures as described in the draft SEMP and the site specific mitigation measures described within Chapter 11: Hydrology and Hydrogeology of the original ES, the effects of the development on the water environment including GWDTEs during forestry operations, construction and operation are concluded to be negligible to minor/moderate. 12 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology This chapter provides an updated assessment of the cultural heritage and archaeology effects of the Development following changes to the design. This assessment has considered the potential effects of the Development upon cultural heritage assets, defined here as relict features predating the First Edition Ordnance Survey map, selected later features of historic interest, such as wartime and industrial features, and all designated assets such as listed buildings and scheduled monuments. Potential effects upon the physical fabric and setting of assets have been considered. Baseline conditions remain as outlined in Chapter 12 in the original ES. A further baseline survey, was undertaken for the revised locations of turbines T18E, T24E, T31E and T32E, together with their associated tracks. No further assets were identified during the course of the additional baseline survey. The amended layout does not give rise to any significant changes to the assessment of the Development on the four assets which were identified for detailed assessment of setting issues in the original ES: Great Hill Cairn (A26), Windgate Bastle House (A41), Camps Knowe Wood fort (A45) and Normangill Henge (A51). The residual effects on the setting of Great Hill Cairn (A26), Windgate Bastle House (A41) and Normangill Henge (A51) remain as effects of negligible significance (Table A12.3). For Camps Knowe Wood fort (A45: Figure 12.10), the tip of Turbine T32E would no longer be visible as a result of the amended Development, whilst the repositioning of T31E roughly 225m to the NW (and thus slightly nearer Camps Knowe Wood fort) is offset by the 15m reduction in hub height. There is no significant difference in the wireline views with regard to the perceived height of the single turbine (Turbine T31E) which would be located on the summit of Scott s Dod (cf. original ES and Figure 12.10). It is considered therefore that the magnitude of the effect remains negligible. Given the high sensitivity of the fort to effects upon setting, it is concluded therefore that this would constitute an adverse effect of minor significance to its setting. August 2012 Page 14-11

14 Non-Technical Summary Clyde Extension Wind Farm 13 Noise It is concluded that the proposed development will have no effects of greater than minor significance on cultural heritage assets. Such effects are not significant in the terms of the EIA Regulations. Noise will be emitted by equipment and vehicles used during construction and decommissioning of the wind farm and by the turbines during operation. The level of noise emitted by the sources and the distance from those sources to the receiver locations are the main factors determining levels of noise at receptor locations. An updated assessment was undertaken of the impact of construction and operational noise from the amended Development on the residents of nearby dwellings. Construction noise has been assessed by a desk based study of a potential construction programme and by assuming the wind farm is constructed using standard and common methods. Noise levels have been calculated for receiver locations closest to the areas of work and compared with guideline and baseline values. Construction noise, by its very nature, tends to be temporary and highly variable and therefore much less likely to cause an adverse impact. Various mitigation methods have been suggested to reduce the impact of construction noise, the most important of these being suggested restrictions of hours of working. The reduced amount of construction activities associated the amended Development has led to a similar conclusion as in the original ES It is concluded that overall impacts relating to noise generated through construction activities will be negligible. De-commissioning is likely to result in less noise impact than during construction of the wind farm. The construction phase has been considered to have a negligible noise impact, therefore de-commissioning will, in the worst case, also have a negligible noise impact. Operational turbines emit noise from the rotating blades as they pass through the air. This noise can sometimes be described as having a regular swish. The amount of noise emitted tends to vary depending on the wind speed. When there is little wind the turbine rotors will turn slowly and produce lower noise levels than during high winds when the turbine reaches its maximum output and maximum rotational speed. Background noise levels at nearby properties will also change with wind speed, increasing in level as wind speeds rise due to wind in trees and around buildings, etc. Noise levels from operation of the turbines for the amended Development have been predicted for those locations around the site most likely to be affected by noise. Known baseline noise levels at a number of these properties were referenced. Noise limits have been derived from data gathered on the existing noise environment following the method stipulated in national planning guidance as set out in the original ES. Predicted operational noise levels have been compared to the limit values to demonstrate that turbines of the type and size which would be installed can operate within the limits so derived. As in the original ES, It is concluded therefore that operational noise levels from the wind farm will be within levels deemed, by national guidance, to be acceptable for wind energy schemes. 14 Other Considerations This chapter has considered the potential for effects from the Development on a range of considerations including aviation, telecommunications, utilities, recreation and tourism, Page August 2012

15 Clyde Extension Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary land-use, socio-economics, shadow flicker, extreme weather, driver distraction and CO 2 emissions. There is no change to the findings of Chapter 14 of the ES and no significant effects are predicted with identified mitigation in place. The Applicant has reached agreement with NATS for a scheme to mitigate the constructed Clyde Wind Farm, which includes the installation of a new primary surveillance radar at Cumbernauld. The intention is to progress similar positive negotiation with NATS to agree mitigation for the amended Development and enable the objection to be removed through a contract or condition discharge. The Applicant remains in dialogue with Defence Estates on its mitigation proposal relative to the Eskdalemuir seismic safeguarding zone and should Defence Estates confirm its agreement it is anticipated that a legal contract will be negotiated with Defence Estates to enable their objection to be removed. This updates the socio-economic effects of the Development. The updated effects include: The construction phase (capital cost) of the proposed development is estimated to be approximately million. This is estimated to support a total of 1,002 job years in Scotland, of which 149 could be in South Lanarkshire and the Scottish Borders. This is higher than the original ES, based on new evidence on the economic impact of the onshore wind sector; The operational phase (operations and maintenance) contracts also offer a potential opportunity for local and Scottish businesses. The annual cost of operations and maintenance is expected to be 9.1 million. This is predicted to support the equivalent of 38 jobs in Scotland, of which 13 could be in South Lanarkshire and the Scottish Borders. This is higher than the original ES, again based on new evidence on the economic impact of the onshore wind sector; There will be a lasting legacy from the Applicant s funding which has a value of 20.3 million over the lifetime of the project for local communities and the wider region; There is no reason to expect a negative impact on tourism, including the A701 corridor. There is limited tourism infrastructure in close proximity to the A701 and, furthermore there is no evidence that wind farms have a negative impact on tourism. The amended Development will have a positive benefit on emission savings as previously assessed. Every year of its 25 year operational life it would displace approximately 178,412 tonnes of CO 2 emissions (based on UK grid supply mix) approximately 2,000 tonnes less than the original Development. Payback time for CO 2 emissions associated with peat is 2.4 years (using the UK grid supply mix CO 2 emission factor). This is 0.4 years less than outlined in the original ES. August 2012 Page 14-13

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