BLARY HILL WIND FARM Non-Technical Summary 2014

Transcription

1 BLARY HILL WIND FARM 2014

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3 CONTENTS Preface... 2 Introduction... 4 Introducing RES... 7 Site Location... 8 Development Context...12 Environmental Sensitivity...14 Site Construction & Decommissioning...19 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)...23 Summary

4 PREFACE An Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared in support of a planning application by RES UK & Ireland Limited (RES). The application seeks planning permission from Argyll and Bute Council to construct a wind farm comprising 14 wind turbines and associated elements at Blary Hill in Argyll and Bute. The application has been prepared in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended). The ES contains the information from the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development and it comprises three volumes: Volume I: Main Report, containing assessment chapters and figures; Volume II: Landscape and Visual Assessment Figures; and Volume III: Technical Appendices. This (NTS) sets out the key messages and findings of the ES Associated documentation that has also been submitted with the planning application and ES includes: Planning Statement; Design and Access Statement; and Pre-application Consultation Report. 2

5 Further information is also available on the project website ( and hard copies of the ES and other documentation can be viewed at the following locations: Argyll and Bute Council Planning Services 1A Manse Brae Lochgilphead PA31 8RD Glenbarr Post Office Glenbarr, Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6UT Copies can also be purchased at a cost of 250 for a paper copy of all documents (ES Volume 3 on CD) or 25 for an electronic version of all documents on CD, from: RES UK & Ireland Ltd 3rd Floor STV Pacific Quay Glasgow G51 1PQ Paper copies of this NTS are available free of charge. 3

6 INTRODUCTION Overview This (NTS) provides an overview of the Environmental Statement (ES). It summarises the key elements and findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out by RES to assess the construction and operation of the proposed Blary Hill Wind Farm. RES is proposing a 14-turbine project at Blary Hill Wind Farm. The turbines will have a maximum height of up to 110m to the highest point of the blade tip. The proposal includes a network of site tracks, permanent wind monitoring mast and temporary wind monitoring masts, electrical connection works, a control building and substation, and associated temporary construction infrastructure. 4

7 Gruig Wind Farm, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, height to tip 100m Hill of Towie Wind Farm, Moray, height to tip 100m 5

8 Beaufort Court Turbine, at RES Headquarters, height to tip 50m RES low-carbon headquarters in Hertfordshire 6

9 INTRODUCING RES About the Developer RES is one of the world s leading independent renewable energy developers with operations across Europe, North America and Asia- Pacific. RES, a British company, has been at the forefront of wind energy development since the 1970s and has developed and/or built over 100 wind farms (or more than 8 Gigawatts (GW) of wind capacity) worldwide. In the UK alone RES currently has more than 1,000 Megawatts (MW) of onshore wind energy constructed, under construction or consented. In Scotland RES has developed and/or built eleven wind farms with a total generation capacity of nearly 215 MW, including Kelburn in North Ayrshire. In 2013, RES completed construction of Meikle Carewe Wind Farm in Aberdeenshire. Power for Good RES is active in a range of renewable energy technologies, including large-scale solar and biomass and the delivery of on-site renewable heat and power technologies. RES offers strategic advice to the public and private sectors for renewable energy and sustainable buildings. 7

10 From its Glasgow office RES has been developing, constructing and operating wind farms in Scotland since RES has a growing team of over 117 staff in Scotland working across a range of disciplines. SITE LOCATION Site Selection RES uses a sophisticated software system using an objective scoring system to find sites that are favourable for wind farm development. Once a site is located, detailed feasibility assessments are undertaken to identify what scale of development is appropriate. The proposed Blary Hill Wind Farm is located approximately 4 km east of the village of Glenbarr and 16.8km to the north of Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula. The site comprises mainly commercial forestry and small areas of broadleaved woodland. Several watercourses cross the site and a standing waterbody, Loch Arnicle, borders the site to the south. Barr Glen road is situated to the north and connects to the A83 west of the site. Beinn an Tuirc and Beinn an Tuirc Extension windfarms are situated 2.4 km south and east of the site, respectively. The wider area is characterised by forest plantations, farmland and coastal areas. 8

11 Blary Hill Wind Farm Location Plan 9

12 Project Design Evolution The project design is the product of an iterative process ensuring that the proposal not only optimises the potential of the site but also minimises the potential impacts on the environment. Initial designs used a much larger area but this was reduced in light of the potential impact of a more extensive layout on the local environment and community. At the scoping stage a layout of 18 turbines with a tip height of 126.5m was suggested but following feedback the final layout of 14 turbines with a tip height of 110m was identified as more appropriate. In any design process there are inevitable compromises and pay-offs needed. One of these is the need to ensure a smooth flow of wind through the windfarm and as such it will be necessary to remove a large part of the commercial forestry plantation. Taller turbines could have reduced the amount of woodland removal required but that could also then have generated more significant landscape and visual impacts. A blade tip height of 110m is considered the most appropriate taking into account the many different design parameters that exist. 10

13 Kelburn Wind Farm, North Ayrshire, height to tip 100m Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, Aberdeenshire, height to tip 70m 11

14 DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY The importance of renewable energy is underlined by support shown in energy and climate change policy at international, national and local levels. The proposed Blary Hill Wind Farm will be considered by Argyll and Bute Council and the key land use planning policies that they will consider in determining the application includes: The Argyll and Bute Structure Plan 2002; The Argyll and Bute Local Plan 2009; and The proposed Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan In addition, the Council will consider a number of other documents, policies and guidance that will include the Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Capacity Study, the Scottish Government s Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Notes and also national policy statements and advice on renewable energy. 12

15 Kelburn Wind Farm, Ayrshire, height to tip 100m 13

16 ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY There are no ecological designations within the planning application boundary but there are 7 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) between 2km and 10km from the site, one of which (Kintyre Goose Lochs) is also designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. A second SPA and Ramsar site (Kintyre Goose Roosts) is also located within 10km of the site. There are 2 key habitat zones present, the main part of the site is commercial woodlands (predominated by Sitka Spruce) that also contains smaller areas of wet modified bog and marshy grassland as well as small isolated areas of other habitats including blanket bog, wet heath, semi-improved grassland, dense gorse scrub, semi-natural wet woodland and reedbed. The habitats present on land either side of the Barr Glen road includes marshy grassland, improved grassland, semi-improved grassland, arable land, hedgerow and semi-natural broadleaf woodland. The site and land around it contains a number of features of cultural heritage interest. There is one Scheduled Monument situated within the northern part of the site; this is Blary Hill Dun (Scheduled Monument number 3077). A further 14 Scheduled Monuments are located within 5km of the proposed wind turbines, of which 5 (plus Blary Hill Dun) are potentially visible from the site. 14

17 In addition, there are a further 34 non-designated archaeological features situated within the area. Five of these are believed to be the remnants of sheiling huts which are seasonal dwellings used during the summer months when livestock was moved up to higher grounds. The Barr Water runs along the north side of the main part of the site and flows west towards the coast. The various smaller watercourses that cross the main site feed into this. The technical assessments that have been conducted to determine the site s suitability for wind turbines include detailed analysis of noise, shadow flicker and residential amenity which is within the ES. 15

18 Glencardoch Farm Proposed Abnormal Loads Turning Area 16

19 Proposed Blary Hill Wind Farm Infrastructure Layout 17

20 Callagheen Wind Farm, Co. Fermanagh, height to tip 83m Wadlow Wind Farm, Cambridgeshire, height to tip 120m 18

21 SITE CONSTRUCTION & DECOMMISSIONING Typical Construction Sequence Construction of the proposed wind farm it expected to last between 12 to 18 months. During this time a range of tasks will be undertaken on site. When construction starts at a wind farm the site entrance will be prepared to ensure safe access, the Bar Glen road will also be subject to major upgrades and temporary widening to allow for access to the site. Site tracks will then be prepared either by creation of new tracks or upgrading existing ones on the site. During this period there will be a temporary construction compound housing the site office. In preparation for the arrival of the turbines the concrete foundations will be prepared and the electrical infrastructure such as cables and sub-station buildings installed. The wind turbines will be delivered in parts on specially designed heavy goods vehicles and assembled on site using a crane. Once the turbines are installed a rigorous period of testing and commissioning commences. It is proposed that normal construction hours will be restricted to Monday to Saturday from 7.00am to 7.00pm. However, working hours will be agreed with Argyll and Bute Council prior to the commencement of works and these will also be refined as necessary to take account of identified environmental and community interests and (with prior agreement) critical operational requirements. 19

22 Construction Quality Assurance The proposed wind farm will be constructed by an experienced construction contractor with a proven track record working on similar projects in accordance with international and UK standards in respect of quality, health, safety and environmental conservation. The appointed construction contractor will be obliged to adopt the environmental working practices as approved by Argyll and Bute Council. Decommissioning The expected operational life of the wind farm is 25 years from the date of commissioning. At the end of this period turbines could be refurbished, removed, or replaced. Refurbishment or replacement would require relevant new permissions. Decommissioning a wind farm entails the removal of the turbine components, transformers, the sub-station and associated buildings. Some access tracks could however be left on site to preserve the benefit of improved site access for the landowner and wider community. Concrete foundations are not normally removed in decommissioning. The exposed portion of the concrete plinth would be removed and the entire foundation would be covered over with soil and reseeded appropriately. Impacts from construction and decommissioning are temporary and appropriate mitigation can be employed to avoid permanent impacts. 20

23 Black Hill Wind Farm, Scottish Borders, height to tip 78m Black Hill Wind Farm, Scottish Borders, height to tip 78m 21

24 The EIA Process 22

25 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) Assessing the project s environmental impacts enables stakeholders to understand the potential environmental effects of a project. The EIA identifies and assesses the potential impacts associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm. By understanding the site s sensitivity and combining this with the magnitude of effect from the project, taking account of any potential mitigation, the likely residual effect can be assessed. The assessment is recorded in the Environmental Statement (ES). For each potential development impact, the worst case is considered. This ensures that the environmental scenarios likely to cause the greatest environmental impact are taken into account for the project. The assessment covers: Ecology & Ornithology; Landscape and Visual; Cultural Heritage and Archaeology; Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology; Noise; Forestry; Electromagnetic Interference, Aviation and Shadow Flicker; Access, Traffic and Transport; and Socio-Economics. 23

26 Landscape & Visual The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) considered a 35km radius study area and involved a desk study, field survey and computer modelling. Following baseline assessment of the current landscape sensitivity and an iterative design and assess site evolution the residual effect of the development was assessed in accordance with current guidelines by a professional Landscape Architect. The LVIA also considered the possible cumulative effect arising from the proposed development in conjunction with other proposed and approved and constructed wind farms in the local area. LVIA Findings Landscape Effects During construction of the proposed development, there would be some unavoidable significant effects on the landscape of the site that would occur from the construction process, including felling within the existing coniferous plantation. These effects are however limited to the site itself and would cease after the construction period. Once operational the assessment concludes that while a few significant effects will occur, given the nature of the proposal, these would be restricted to locations within a relatively limited geographical area and would avoid the majority of sensitive locations including designated landscapes, Search Areas for Wild Land and Designed Landscapes, settlements and key transportation and recreational routes. 24

27 Visual Effects There would be some significant visual impacts arising within Barr Glen but, as with landscape effects, these are largely restricted to the Glen itself and it has been concluded that the design of the development has taken advantage of the inherent screening that exists and as a consequence would achieve considerable protection of key receptors. The development would also take advantage of its proximity to the Beinn an Tuirc wind farms, thereby avoiding views to and of landscape areas that are currently devoid of wind farm development. This approach is considered crucial to ensure that the capacity of the landscape is not exceeded. View east from Glenbarr to Blary Hill Wind farm Please refer to ES Volume 2 (Viewpoint 10) Photomontage is included for illustrative purposes only 25

28 View north-west from Sgreaden Hill to Blary Hill Wind farm Please refer to ES Volume 2 (Viewpoint 06) Photomontage is included for illustrative purposes only 26

29 View south-east from Barr Glen to Blary Hill Wind farm Please refer to ES Volume 2 (Viewpoint 15) Photomontage is included for illustrative purposes only 27

30 Overall LVIA Conclusions Any on-shore wind farm in the UK will result in some significant effects, including effects outwith the site itself. Whilst some significant effects on the fabric of the landscape are anticipated these relate to the construction phase and are predominantly due to the proposed forest felling. However, such felling is, none-the-less considered to be consistent with the existing character of the peninsula. Moreover, some beneficial effects are anticipated as a result of the conversion of the site to open ground, which will be managed to allow the regeneration of moorland habitats. The combination of the landform and land cover of the Kintyre peninsula and the low lying position at the base of steeply graded escarpments of the majority of receptor locations, including roads and settlement, has a fundamental bearing on the project and this combines to screen the development from the majority of receptor locations close to the site It is the professional view of the landscape architect that the development is compatible with the landscape, and that the levels of impact identified are relatively modest such that these are neither unusual or nor excessive for this type of development in this location. Fundamentally, wind farms already form part of the views in this area and the proposals would not introduce a wholly new feature to those views. 28

31 Ecology & Ornithology Ecology Findings A number of valued ecological receptors have been identified in the area, including blanket bog, wet heath, bats, otter, Atlantic salmon, brown trout and reptiles. Through careful siting of the development and associated infrastructure, it has been possible to avoid any significant effects on any of these. Images are included for illustrative purposes only 29

32 Ornithological Findings There are a number of known bird species of interest in and around the site including Greenland white fronted goose, black grouse and raptors. Turbines were both deleted and moved within the site to reduce and remove effects on specific bird species. Minor negative but not significant residual effects remain for forest breeding birds, black grouse and curlew during construction. However, these effects are short-term and longer-term enhancement for black grouse and curlew is proposed which includes appropriate habitat management of an area of ground to the south of Loch Arnicle. Enhancement is also proposed for red-throated diver with provision of floating nest rafts on Loch Arnicle. Image included for illustrative purposes only 30

33 Images are included for illustrative purposes only 31

34 Cultural Heritage & Archaeology There is evidence of settlement of Barr Glen from the Neolithic period onwards with numerous features of interest identified by the survey work undertaken. These features include sheiling huts, prehistoric cup marked rocks, farmsteads and hut circles as well as a series of Duns (fortified farmsteads or residences dating from the Iron Age). Despite the fairly extensive distribution of noted cultural heritage features, no significant direct effects upon any designated heritage asset will arise from construction of the proposed wind farm. Although there is moderate potential for unknown (buried) archaeological remains to survive under the development footprint, mitigation is proposed in the form of an appropriate programme of archaeological work, leading to preservation by record. Image included for illustrative purposes only 32

35 Geology, Hydrology & Hydrogeology The potential effects on the surface waters, groundwater, peat, designated sites and private water supplies that have been considered are: Pollution incidents; Erosion and sedimentation; Changes to water resources i.e. private water supplies; Modification of surface water and groundwater flows; Modification of natural drainage patterns; Impediments to flow and flood risk; Peat instability; and Compaction of soils. Following the identification and assessment of the key features, a range of mitigation and best practice measures has been incorporated into the design, including the addition of extensive buffer areas around hydrological features. During construction and operation a site specific environmental management plan, as well as detailed design of infrastructure and associated mitigation, will be implemented to protect the groundwater and surface water resources from pollution and minimise changes to the hydrological environment to avoid adverse effects arising. 33

36 Noise In the UK the potential impacts of noise from wind farms is assessed using The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms guidance, referred to as ETSU-R-97. It provides a robust basis for assessing the noise impact of a wind farm and has been applied at the vast majority of wind farms currently operating in the UK. The predicted noise levels are within derived appropriate noise limits at all considered wind speeds. The proposed wind farm complies with the relevant guidance on wind farm noise and the impact on the amenity of all nearby properties would be regarded as acceptable. A cumulative operational noise assessment was also completed for the potential impact of Blary Hill Wind Farm alongside the proposed Creggan and Auchadaduie Wind Farms. The predicted noise levels are within appropriate noise limits at all considered wind speeds and occupied properties, and therefore cumulatively ETSU-R-97 is not exceeded. 34

37 Hill of Towie Wind Farm, Moray, height to tip 100m Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, Aberdeenshire, height to tip 70m 35

38 Forestry Where wind farms are proposed within areas of commercial forestry this can represent a large change to the land use. The proposed Blary Hill Wind Farm site is predominantly commercial forest plantation. Much of the coniferous trees in the eastern half of the site will be clear felled prior to the construction. Coniferous trees in the western part of the site will be felled during the operational period for the wind farm (when they reach about 10m in height) but replanted thereafter. Such felling is in keeping with national policy where an area of compensatory planting, equivalent to the net reduction in woodland cover on site, is then also planted up. A compensatory planting scheme will be brought forward and agreed with Forestry Commission Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council prior to works commencing at Blary Hill. Any felling will seek to extract as much merchantable crop as possible (including timber and biomass) to minimise the volume of forest residues left on site. All such works would be undertaken in line with the UK Forest Standards. All existing broadleaves on the site will be retained and these will continue to provide habitat for various fauna species present in the area. The former forest ground will be managed throughout the lifetime of the windfarm to ensure it remains open ground. 36

39 Dun Law Wind Farm, Scottish Borders, height to tip 100m 37

40 Electromagnetic Interference, Aviation and Shadow Flicker Electromagnetic Interference Any structure can result in the potential disruption of electromagnetic signals, either where it casts a shadow or gives rise to a signal reflection. Wind turbines can potentially interfere with communication systems that use electromagnetic waves (e.g. television, radio or microwave links). Following consultation it was confirmed there will be no effect on microwave or radio links as no links pass through the site. Aviation Wind turbines can potentially interfere with aviation operations either by physically affecting the safeguarding of an aerodrome through proximity of the turbines, or through interference with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) radars that direct aeroplanes and helicopters in flight. Following consultation it was confirmed there will be no effect on aviation interests with the MOD seeking specific mitigation in the form infrared lighting on the wind turbines (which will only be visible to pilots wearing night vision goggles) and Campbeltown Airport suggesting obstacle lights should be fitted to turbines. 38

41 Shadow Flicker In sunny conditions, any shadow cast by a wind turbine would mirror the movement of the rotor. When the sun is high, any shadows would be confined to the area of the wind farm, but when the sun sinks to a lower position shadows could be cast further afield and potentially over adjacent properties. A detailed shadow flicker analysis is provided within the ES. It is concluded that the Proposed Development would meet the recommended guidance and not impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties. Image included for illustrative purposes only 39

42 Access, Traffic and Transport The majority of the traffic generated by the wind farm proposal would be limited to vehicle movements during the construction and decommissioning phases. During the operation of the wind farm, traffic would be minimal as much of the operation of the wind farm would be automatic and monitored remotely. Construction traffic falls into three broad categories namely Abnormal Indivisible Loads, Heavy Goods Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles. Many turbines are currently imported into the UK although components are also manufactured within the UK including at the Wind Towers facility at Campbeltown. The delivery port has been identified as Campbeltown and any imported components would then be offloaded at Campbeltown docks and, under agreed timings, taken up the A83 to the site. At present, the delivery route would take the abnormal loads past the Barr Glen road entrance and turned at Glencardoch Farm entrance before coming south to Glenbarr and along the Barr Glen road to the site entrance. Although the assessment concluded that there will be no significant effects, it is important that the local residents and people visiting the area are informed of potential traffic issues that may delay or otherwise affect their journey. Typically, the slower turbine delivery vehicles would have the largest effect on other road users. The following key good practice measures are proposed: Deliveries shall be timed carefully to avoid peak times and school drop off and pick up times with advance information provided to residents; and 40

43 In order to minimise risk to pedestrians and road users, abnormal loads shall be adequately escorted and appropriate traffic management and signage used. The local council road department shall be consulted on all transport issues and to make sure that deliveries do not conflict with other scheduled road works. For the same reason Transport Scotland shall also be consulted with reference to trunk roads. Various short and long term improvements are proposed along Barr Glen road, temporary road widening will be required to allow for the large vehicles to pass along the existing narrow road. Following completion of construction, the road would be returned to its current width but additional passing spaces retained and the road surface fully repaired. Image included for illustrative purposes only 41

44 Socio Economics, Tourism & Recreation An assessment has been carried out on potential socio-economic factors associated with the proposed development including impacts on recreation and tourism, amenity value, land use, employment, the economy, public safety and public access during the lifetime of the project. Socio Economics During the construction and decommissioning phases it is considered that positive effects will arise as a result of direct and indirect employment including direct employment of an average of 30 people during the construction phase. Related to this, there is expected to be a positive effect on employment as a result of supply chain benefits for local businesses, sub-contracted work relating to the transportation of labour and materials, and expenditure in general by construction employees within the local economy. To ensure positive benefits for the local area during construction, RES would seek to use local labour, manufacturers and suppliers (including accommodation) where reasonably practicable. In addition, a Local Electricity Discount Scheme of 3,000 per installed megawatt will provide a direct discount on electricity bills for qualifying properties surrounding the Blary Hill site. A further 2,000 per installed megawatt will be made available through a community fund for use by the local community to bring positive benefits for residents. 42

45 Tourism and Recreation Predicted effects for viewpoints of relevance to recreation and/or tourism, either as tourist attractions or potential stopping points along popular recreational walking or driving routes are detailed in Chapter 6 of the ES. Significant landscape and visual effects have assessed as being restricted to within 7km of the site. It is noted that the development could result in some negative effects on visual amenity and landscape character of the adjoining countryside and seascape. However, it is apparent that such effects would be well contained and restricted to locations within a relatively limited geographical area and would avoid the majority of sensitive locations including designated landscapes, Wild Land and Gardens & Designed Landscapes. No ferry routes are anticipated to be subject to significant visual amenity effects. Overall Socio-Economic, Tourism and Recreation Conclusions Overall, the predicted effect of the Blary Hill proposal either individually, or cumulatively with other existing and proposed developments will be minor but will include some positive effects in terms of employment and direct community investment. 43

46 SUMMARY It is predicted that the Blary Hill Wind Farm could generate in the order of 2,200 GWh of renewable energy over the 25 year operational lifetime of the project; that will make a significant contribution to national renewable energy targets and reductions in CO 2 production. The project will create new and support existing jobs in the local economy through direct employment in the construction and (albeit to a lesser extent) during operation of the wind farm as well as further indirect employment through suppliers and service providers. This will be a significant positive within the Kintyre Peninsula. There are some significant adverse impacts highlighted within the Environmental Statement but, with the landscape impacts, these are generally well contained and will not have an extensive effect on the resident or visiting population in the area. Any potential effects on the natural and cultural heritage features that exist in the area have been found to be not significant and care has been taken through the design of the wind farm, and measures to be employed during construction and operation to achieve that. The accompanying Planning Statement and Design & Access Statement provide a more comprehensive analysis of the proposals and findings of the Environmental Statement against all relevant policies within Argyll and Bute s Development Plan as well as other relevant local and national policy considerations. The accompanying Pre Application Consultation Report also details the measures taken to engage with the local community in the formulation of this application and their comments provided to the project team. 44

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48 Contact: RES UK & Ireland Ltd 3rd Floor STV Pacific Quay Glasgow G51 1PQ