Clach Liath Wind Farm

Transcription

1 ES Non Technical Summary volume 4 Clach Liath Wind Farm For further information, please contact: RSK Environment Ltd: 65 Sussex Street, Glasgow G41 1DX, UK Tel: +44 (0) Contact: Joe Somerville clachliath@rsk.co.uk Clach_covers_A4.indd 3 APRIL /3/12 13:21:52

2 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY Background to the Proposed Development Coriolis Energy LLP (Coriolis) is seeking planning permission on behalf of Falck Renewables Wind Limited (Falck) for a proposal to construct and operate a new wind farm development within Swordale Moor in Easter Ross, Highland (Clach Liath Wind Farm). Falck is part of the substantial Italian company Gruppo Falck SPA who have a long history of involvement in the energy sector. Their Highland wind farms include Millenium, Kilbrauer and Ben Aketil. Since 2002, Falck has become one of the leading independent renewable energy businesses in Europe and is one of the largest owner-occupiers of wind farms in the UK. Coriolis is a specialist independent wind farm development company operating throughout the UK. Coriolis works in partnership with Falck to assist in project development and planning. The site for the Clach Liath Wind Farm is located approximately 6km north of Dingwall and 3km south of Loch Glass. Figure 1: Site Location Plan The proposed development comprises: 17 turbines capable of generating approx. 42.5MW of electricity; a substation/site office/control building; and two permanent anemometer masts to collect weather data. Site access would initially be via an existing track associated with Novar Wind Farm, with several new tracks formed within Swordale Moor to allow access during construction and future maintenance events. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 1

3 Consents and Authorisations Coriolis has submitted a planning application, on behalf of Falck, for the proposed development to the Highland Council, to seek consent for the proposed development under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act In accordance with statutory processes detailed in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken to identify the likely significant effects the proposed development on the receiving environment. The planning application for the proposed development comprises an area totalling 412 hectares in size, within which the infrastructure associated with the proposals forms a relatively small component. Should planning consent be granted, Falck will be responsible for the construction and operation of the proposed development. Environmental Impact Assessment The EIA for the proposed development has been undertaken by RSK Environment Limited, on behalf of Coriolis and Falck. An Environmental Statement has been prepared that accompanies the planning application and reports the findings and outcomes of the EIA process. This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) outlines the principal environmental impacts reported in the Environmental Statement, and summarises mitigation measures proposed to address adverse impacts. Consultation Consultation has formed an important part of both the EIA and the ongoing design-development of the Clach Liath Wind Farm. Extensive consultation has been undertaken with agencies, and organisations by way of correspondence, meetings and exhibitions. This served to obtain environmental data and information on the site and its immediate surroundings and to provide interested parties with an opportunity to influence both the scope of the EIA and the design of the proposed development. Public consultation was undertaken, through two maildrops to the local community and through public exhibitions held in Culbokie, Dingwall and Evanton in July and August Alternatives Part of the design-development and EIA process has been the consideration of alternatives for the location, design form, and operational aspects of the proposed development. Coriolis has an ongoing search programme for sites with potential suitability for wind energy development. Site search criteria include a range of environmental, commercial, technical and policy considerations such as meteorological conditions, connectivity to the electricity network, and overall accessibility. Following identification of the site, the development process commenced with an initial review of sitespecific constraints and opportunities such as geography, settlement pattern, planning policy objectives, and the location of areas designated for the protection of ecological, landscape or heritage interest. From this review, Coriolis established that Swordale Moor offered significant potential to accommodate the operational requirements of a wind farm development. A preliminary development layout comprising 18 wind turbines was subsequently developed, based on available information relating to the local topography, prevailing wind speeds and direction, and the relationship to environmental sensitivities. Potential environmental constraints and issues arising from the EIA and consultation resulted in a reduction in the number of wind turbines within the proposed development to 17. Further modifications and refinements were made to the locations of individual turbines, access tracks, construction compounds, and the positions of ancillary infrastructure in pursuit of a final layout for the proposed development. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 2

4 Existing Environment The Site is positioned approximately 5km southwest of the Novar Wind Farm principally comprises open moorland primarily used for sporting activity. To the northwest of the Site lies Ben Wvyis, and to the south of the Site is River Sgitheach. Strath Glass and Evanton are located east of the site, and the Allt nan Caorach stream forms the site s northern boundary. A coniferous plantation, established between 1964 and 1985, forms the eastern boundary through which the site would be accessed via an un-surfaced track. Notable peaks within the Site include the eastern flank of Meall na Speireig (620m) and Cnoc nan Each (467m). The Proposed Development The proposed development comprises 17 turbines, each with a maximum 126.5m height to blade tip and up to 80m to hub height - the point at which the blades attach to the structure. The proposed turbines are of modern design with tubular towers and three blades attached to the main body (the nacelle), containing a generator, gearbox and other operating equipment. The operational lifetime of the turbines is proposed to be 25 years. Figure 2: Proposed Layout of the Development Construction would last around 12 months, and it is anticipated that works would start in 2013 and finish in An experienced contractor would be appointed who would be required to employ best practice in respect of quality, health, safety and environmental conservation. The types of plant anticipated to be used during the construction phase would include HGVs, mobile cranes; compaction plant and earth moving equipment. A temporary construction compound and lay down area would be formed within a flat cleared area within the plantation woodland east of the site. Small temporary laydown and construction areas along the proposed access track to the Site would initially be required for the purposes of track widening and construction. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 3

5 Existing access tracks would be used and upgraded where possible, with new sections of track formed to provide a means of access between individual turbines. An area of hard ground would be formed next to each individual turbine location in order to provide a suitable working platform for cranes to assemble the turbines from. Stone for the turbine foundations and access tracks would be excavated from two borrow pits located within the site, which will provide approximately 70,000 cubic metres of stone each. The turbine components would be delivered to site and stored at the temporary construction compound. The bottom turbine tower sections would firstly be bolted onto the foundations, followed by the upper turbine tower sections which would be lifted into place with a crane. The nacelle would then be fitted into place at the top section of the turbine tower. The turbine blades would be fitted to a rotor hub attached to the nacelle. Once construction works are nearly complete, the substation/site office/control building would be erected across part of the compound area. Two 80m high masts would also be erected within the site to collect local weather data. Crane platforms would be left in place after installation for use as parking by visiting staff and other maintenance vehicles during the operational phase, and would also be used at the end of the operational lifetime to dismantle the turbines. The two borrow pits would be restored with a top layer of soil or peat. The construction of the turbines, access tracks and use of borrow pits would affect areas of peat at the site. This valuable resource would initially be excavated and temporarily stored on-site during construction, and then used to reinstate the site once works have been completed. Best practice construction methods would also be employed on site, such as the use of floating roads to cross deep areas of peat to minimise potential damage. Some areas of woodland would need to be cleared to allow access; it is proposed to plant new areas of woodland at the site to compensate for this loss, the locations of which would be agreed with the landowner. A separate planning application would be made to obtain consent for the installation of a cable connection between the proposed development and the local electricity distribution network. Planning Policy National policy guidance and local development plans relevant to the form, location and nature of the proposed development were identified and reviewed to establish overall compliance with planning policy objectives. National policy identifies a requirement to encourage the use of renewable technologies to tackle the issue of climate change. Local policy acknowledges a need to promote onshore wind energy projects to help to meet renewable energy targets, recognising that the Highlands have a generous wind resource but also contain an abundance of natural resources and high quality landscapes which require safeguarding from inappropriate development. The existing Structure Plan and the Ross and Cromarty East Local Plan are soon to be replaced by the Highland Wide Local Development Plan and the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan. Both of these documents will be supported by a number of Supplementary Guidance documents, including one specific to onshore wind energy developments (Interim Onshore Wind Draft Supplementary Guidance ). This provides detailed guidance on where future large-scale wind farms could potentially be located and the Site is located within a broad area of search. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 4

6 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation The proposed development and associated mitigation measures have been designed to minimise adverse environmental effects. Nonetheless the EIA has identified that some impacts would arise from the proposals, the most significant of which are summarised below. Physical Environment Surveys confirmed that ground conditions at the site comprise peat underlain with glacial till and sand and gravel deposits. The site is positioned between two main watercourses - the Allt nan Caorach and Abhainn Sgitheach - which flow into the Cromarty Firth some 5km to the east. Figure 3: The Allt nan Caorach The assessment highlighted that the construction phase could potentially result in damage to peat resources, and cause contamination of watercourses and groundwater resources. The proposed development has accordingly been designed to avoid the deepest areas of peat (and areas sensitive to peat slide) and to minimise the potential impacts on soil resources. A number of new culverts and bridge crossings are proposed to enable access across the site, and to minimise impacts on river flows, flooding and natural habitats. Additional mitigation in the form of site-specific pollution and drainage control measures will also be employed to protect hydrological and geological interests. The assessment recorded that no significant impacts on assets associated with the physical environment would occur during the operational phase. Ecology The site lies in proximity to designated areas including: Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve, Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest; and the Allt nan Caorach Site of Special Scientific Interest. The western edge of the Site is close to the boundary of Ben Wyvis SAC and SSSI, designated for its blanket bog, heath and upland plant species. The central section of Ben Wyvis NNR is designated as a SPA for a nationally important population of breeding dotterel and lies further northwest from the Site (approximately 1.2km). Furthermore, the northern boundary of the Site is close to the Allt nan Caorach, where an SSSI has been designated for its streamside woodland and sub-alpine dry heath. The proposed access route to the Site crosses the Allt nan Caorach SSSI close to an existing ford. Detailed species and habitat surveys were accordingly undertaken as part of an ecological assessment to determine existing biodiversity value and interest at the site and wider locality. These Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 5

7 confirmed that habitats are those expected in an area dominated by deep peat with acidic mineral soils. Blanket bog is the most commonly occurring habitat, with unimproved grassland, scattered bracken and semi-natural woodland less widespread and more commonly associated with the Allt nan Caorach river corridor. Surveys also confirmed that the proposed site access route is dominated by coniferous and young plantation woodland. Evidence of otter and water vole was found along the Allt na h-eiridh burn within the Site. Limited evidence of bats, pine marten and badger were also recorded outwith the open moorland of the site, and walkover evidence also returned evidence of adder, common lizard and toad. Figure 4: Water Vole The layout of the proposed turbines and access tracks has been designed such that it avoids the most sensitive areas of habitat where possible, and construction works would be programmed to avoid seasonal constraints where possible. The assessment identified that construction of the proposed development would result in the permanent loss of 27.7ha of habitat comprising blanket bog and young plantation woodland, some of which has been identified as suitable for protected species (most notably Water Vole). The crossing of the designated Allt nan Caorach would require removal of a small amount of woodland and scrub vegetation. Ecological mitigation for impacts on the designated SSSI at Allt nan Caorach would be provided in the form of re-establishment of gorge woodland, planting to improve the woodland structure, and implementation of deer control measures. A programme of ecological works would also be implemented to restore habitats temporarily affected by construction works. Subject to the implementation of mitigation, the assessment concluded that no significant effects would arise on designated sites of nature conservation interest, valuable habitats or protected species. Ornithology The assessment of ornithological interests was informed by a series of consultations, desk studies and extensive site surveys (undertaken over bird breeding and migration periods) to initially establish the nature conservation value of the study area and bird species present. The Ben Wyvis Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area and are located adjacent to and 1.5km northwest of the site respectively. The site lies some 6.5km north of the Cromarty Firth Special Protection Area, and a proposed Special Protection Area at Novar lies approximately 3.5km east of the site. Collectively these sites are of very high conservation value, and are designated on the basis of their inherent ornithological interest. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 6

8 Surveys recorded a range of high value bird species to be present within the study area, including: Red-throated Diver; Whooper Swan; Pink-footed Goose; Greylag Goose; Osprey; Red Kite; Golden Eagle; Hen Harrier; Goshawk; Peregrine Falcon; Merlin; Black Grouse; Golden Plover; Dotterel; Greenshank; Short-eared Owl; Crested Tit; Scottish Crossbill; and Capercaillie. A range of lower value species were also recorded, including Skylark and Red Grouse, which were identified as breeding within the site. The moorland habitats on the site itself were found to be of relatively low importance for breeding birds. The design and layout of the proposed development has given due regard to the avoidance of sensitive habitats and designations of value in order to reduce potential ornithological impacts. Following confirmation of Capercaillie presence, the alignment of the main access road and substation location were carefully selected to minimise potential impacts on this protected species. The assessment concluded there would be no direct impacts on species associated with designated sites as a consequence of development, and that woodland habitats affected by the proposals comprise commercial conifer species that are a common feature in the locality and throughout Easter Ross. The assessment recorded little potential for operational disturbance on most identified species. Collision risk modelling recorded risks of limited significance on Greylag Goose and Golden Plover species; however the predictions for Red Kite identified a potentially significant issue warranting the development of appropriate mitigation to reduce the magnitude of risk. This would take the form of removal of deer carcasses from the site and immediate surroundings to reduce scavenging and therefore the risk of collision mortality. The implementation of a suite of habitat enhancement measures - including the replanting and management of Scot s Pine, retention of windblown areas, and selective felling and thinning of woodland - will result in a degree of benefit on Capercaillie and other species including Black Grouse. No significant cumulative impacts in relation to Red Kite collision risk with the proposed development and other wind farms were found to be likely in the assessment. Landscape and Visual Impact Figure 5: Computer generated view of the proposed development from the Black Isle An assessment of the existing landscape and visual context of a study area extending to 35km beyond the site was undertaken to establish the implications that construction and operation of the proposed development would have on established landscape features and visual amenity. The assessment identified that the study area comprises a number of distinctive landscape character areas, within which sensitivities have been protected by way of designations in the form of National Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 7

9 Scenic Areas, Special Landscape Areas, Wild Land, and Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. A number of representative viewpoints were identified and assessed from various locations within the study area, supported by computer generated photography and modelling of the proposed development to accurately determine visual impact. The EIA process has resulted in a number of design and layout modifications to the proposed turbines and access tracks which sought to improve landscape integration and reduce visual intrusion across the study area. The assessment concluded there would be no significant impacts on landscape character a result of development progression, save for impacts of local significance on one area of distinct character within which the proposals would be located. Significant impacts were also indentified in relation to one special quality of the Ben Wyvis Special Landscape Area in relation to the outlook towards this designation from the Black Isle. Of the 19 representative viewpoints assessed, the proposed development would result in significant impacts from seven viewpoints, specifically: Viewpoint 1 - Glenglass Old Dance Hall; Viewpoint 2 - Near Milton Lodge; Viewpoint 3 - Heights of Docharty; Viewpoint 5 - Ben Wyvis; Viewpoint 6 Knockfarrel; Viewpoint 7 - Cnoc Fyrish; and Viewpoint 8 B9169 near Culbokie. These views all relate to residential dwellings or recreational viewpoints within 8km of the site. Consideration was given in the assessment to potential cumulative impacts of the proposed development in combination with other existing and proposed wind energy developments in the local area. The cumulative assessment concluded that the proposed development would be well positioned between the operational Novar and Fairburn wind farms, with clear separation between it and these developments. There would be no significant issues in relation to a proposed single turbine scheme at Foulis Farm located south of the site. No significant impacts were identified in relation to sequential views of the proposed development (and other wind energy schemes) from major transport routes along the A9 from Tomatin to Inverness and beyond to Tain, the A862 Inverness to Ardullie Lodge (A9), and the A96 Inverness Nairn. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage In respect of the archaeological and built environment, the assessment identified the Balnacrae Chambered Cairn as the closest Scheduled Monument to the site, located approximately 1km to the southeast. Figure 6: Balnacrae chambered cairn The nearest designated Conservation Area to the site is Dingwall, located some 6.2km to the southeast. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 8

10 Records indicate there are ten Listed Buildings within 5km of the site, and a further nine Category A Listed Buildings located within 15km. There are also six Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes within 15km of the site, and fifty-four non-scheduled heritage assets within 2km of the Site. As a consequence of detailed design and layout modifications, the vast majority of archaeological sites and features would not be directly affected by the proposed development. Four known site of low/negligible importance would be subject to direct impacts of no greater than moderate significance through development progression; for these sites a comprehensive mitigation strategy of archaeological monitoring is proposed. In relation to indirect impacts built heritage features, the assessment identified low levels of impact on the contextual setting of three assets: Balnacrae Chambered Cairn; Heights of Brae Chambered Cairn, and Fairburn Historic Garden and Designed Landscape. The assessment concluded that such impacts would be temporary and reversible upon decommissioning of the proposed development, and that no significant cumulative impacts would arise. Archaeological monitoring in the form of a watching brief would be undertaken to record any archaeological deposits or artefacts encountered during the construction phase. Noise In relation to noise impacts, site surveys were undertaken at a number of locations within and immediately surrounding the site to establish the existing noise climate. The potential impact of noise from the operational Development has been assessed using the methodology set out in ETSU R-97 (as required by the Scottish Government). Noise receptors to be considered in the assessment were agreed with THC. Figure 7: Monitoring location at Eileanach Lodge (2.7km from the nearest turbine) The assessment of worst-case noise levels against established guidance and standards concluded that construction noise would be generated by the operation of plant and machinery, but would be in keeping with typical daytime noise levels experienced by residents of nearby dwellings. The modelling and assessment of operational noise associated with the movement of the turbine blades concluded that noise levels would be below defined limits at all assessed locations. No significant impacts were recorded in relation to cumulative noise impacts associated with the proposed development and the existing Novar Wind Farm. Best practice site management techniques would be employed to control noise levels and minimise disturbance throughout the construction period, including the imposition of working hour restrictions and regular maintenance of plant and equipment. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 9

11 Traffic and Transport Consultation with the Highland Council identified an appropriate route for traffic to use during construction of the proposed development, this being a route previously used during the construction of the Novar Wind Farm. This route was accordingly taken into account in the assessment of potential traffic and transport impacts associated with construction and operation of the proposed development. The assessment also took consideration of site access via the existing Novar Wind Farm access track and then along a new and upgraded section of forest track. Figure 8: Existing Novar Wind Farm Extension Access Track The assessment determined that construction vehicles would only use the local road network for a relatively short distance between the A9 trunk road and the Novar Wind Farm access track (this route ensures that this traffic avoids travelling through the village of Evanton), and for a short distance along the Glen Glass Road. Temporary impacts would be associated with increased vehicles on the network which may generate conflicts with pedestrians and result in journey delays. Post construction of the proposed development, there would be a very limited number of vehicle movements associated with future maintenance events and periodic inspections. A number of traffic management measures would be employed during construction to reduce disruption and delays on the local network. These would take the form of regulated timings for the delivery of plant and equipment to/from the site to avoid conflicts with peak periods, regular consultation with local residents throughout the works, and adherence to traffic safety procedures. Climate Change In establishing the net impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the overall impact of the proposed development on climate change, a Carbon Balance Assessment across the entire development life-cycle identified that construction works would result in net GHG emissions (due to activities such as the manufacture of the wind turbine and the loss of organic carbon from excavated peat at the site). The assessment identified that some GHG savings would be realised through the storage and reinstatement of peat at the site. The net impact from the construction and decommissioning of the proposed development would be circa 165,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (tco2e). GHG savings predicted from the operation of the proposed development would be over 64,000 tco2e annually. Over a 25-year operational lifespan, the proposed development would have a payback period of 2.6 years (this being the period before the proposals would begin to deliver GHG savings). The assessment calculated that the total net GHG impact would be positive, and would be in the order million tonnes of CO2e over its lifespan. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 10

12 Socio Economics In relation to the impacts on employment, tourism and the local economy, the assessment of socioeconomic aspects identified that existing uses of the site centre on commercial forestry and deer stalking. Local accommodation for visitors and tourists is available in Evanton and Dingwall, some 5km east and 6km south of the site respectively. The site is located southeast of the munro of Ben Wyvis, a popular hill with walkers and people visiting the nature reserve on the summit plateau. North of the site, Loch Glass and Loch Morie are frequently used for recreational activities such as fishing and accommodate a series of holiday homes near their banks. Within the wider area golf courses, historical and cultural sites and outdoor pursuits such as shooting and cycling are a draw for tourists. The construction phase of the proposed development would generate short term labour demands in the form of construction jobs; the appointed principal contractor would be encouraged to use local labour and materials wherever possible, in order to maximise and retain benefits locally. The assessment has identified that construction would require a temporary halt to deer stalking activities on the site during the works, and that potential exists for localised disruption and disturbance to local walkers and visitors. The assessment has identified that recreational users of the tracks and paths very close to and within the site could experience combined noise and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the development (sometimes in combination with other wind farms in the wider area); however these are not considered to constitute significant impacts. During the operational phase, there would be a small number of full time equivalent jobs created as a result of the proposed development. No significant impacts are predicted on local employment, commercial estate operations or on local visitor attractions/recreational facilities during this phase. Falck intend to pay annual community benefit payments into a community fund during the operational lifespan of the proposed development, the details of which would be formulated and agreed with the Highland Council and other relevant parties. In conjunction with Energy4All, Falck would offer the local community opportunities to invest in the proposed development. EMI, Telecommunications and Aviation An assessment of potential interference on electromagnetic signals associated with communication networks, television reception and the telemetry systems used by utilities providers revealed that the proposed development would not have a significant impact on radio-communications once operational. With regard to aviation, the site is located 68km to the east of RAF Lossiemouth - an operational airfield equipped with surveillance radar for air traffic control with a range of 111km. The assessment concluded that operation of the proposed development would have no effect on their primary surveillance radar. Inverness Airport is located 28km south of the site and handles approximately 28,000 aircraft movements per year. An assessment of the radar line of sight from the airport primary surveillance radar to the blade tip height of each of the proposed turbines concluded that the radar would have line of sight to 15 of the proposed turbines. Discussions with Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd regarding the significance of this have commenced; should this be considered an operational issue, appropriate mitigation will be developed. Although parts of the site are located within military restricted airspace / tactical training areas, the assessment recorded there to be no significant impacts on low flying operations. Shadow Flicker The assessment identified no residential properties are located in the area within which the effect of operational shadow flicker may occur, this being a distance of 930m (or ten rotor diameters) from any of the proposed turbines. The assessment identified that planning consent is in place for a single residential property (to be owned by the Landowner at Clach Liath) that would be built following construction of the proposed development. An assessment of the implications for this property confirmed that the shadow flicker effect would not prove significant post construction of the dwelling. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 11

13 Environmental Management Mitigation of construction related impacts would be addressed through the required adoption and implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). The CEMP would include details of measures to be employed by the appointed contractor to ensure that potential noise, pollution, nuisance and/or disturbance during the construction phase are minimised or avoided. The CEMP would include procedures for providing regular correspondence and updates to local residents and community organisations about the project, and will contain a number of secondary plans that will address specific aspects of the works such as traffic management and habitat restoration. Further Information Copies of the submitted planning application, Environmental Statement and other supporting documentation are available for inspection at public venues as specified by Highland Council. The person who may be contacted for further information on the project is: Joe Somerville RSK Environment Ltd 65 Sussex St Glasgow G41 1DX Tel: clachliath@rsk.co.uk Further copies of the ES may be obtained from the RSK office at the above address. The cost for an electronic copy on DVD (including Non Technical Summary) is 25. A quote for hard copies can be provided on request. A copy of the Non Technical Summary is available free of charge from the above RSK office. Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP NTS - 12