Harelaw Renewable Energy Park Environmental Statement€¦ · Gamesa Energy UK (GEUK) is applying to the Scottish Government for consent to develop the Harelaw Renewable Energy Park

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Harelaw Renewable Energy Park Environmental Statement Non Technical Summary

Final January 2009 www.erm.com

Gamesa Energy UK

Harelaw Renewable Energy Park Environmental Statement- Non-Technical Summary

January 2009

Reference 0092025

Prepared by: Helen Blackley

Project Manager for Gamesa Energy UK: Osian Morgan

For and on behalf of Environmental Resources Management Approved by: Simon Hewitt ______________

Signed: __________________ Position: Partner ________________________ Date: January 2009 ______________________

This report has been prepared by Environmental Resources Management the trading name of Environmental Resources Management Limited, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GAMESA ENERGY UK

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Gamesa Energy UK (GEUK) is applying to the Scottish Government for consent to develop the Harelaw Renewable Energy Park (Harelaw REP), to be constructed to the south of Neilston, on the border of East Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire. Scotland has a wealth of renewable energy resources and the Scottish Government is committed to maximising the role of renewables in electricity generation. GEUK is committed to developing Renewable Energy Parks (REPs) of various sizes throughout the UK, in line with the Scottish Government’s target for renewable energy (1). The proposed site stretches from south of Neilston in the north down to and including Glenouther Moor approximately 6 km further south, and from Black Loch in the east to Gabrochill in the west (see Figure 1). The Harelaw REP is illustrated in Figure 2 showing the site boundary and location of the key components. The layout and individual siting of turbines has been considered as part of the design process to reduce ecological, landscape and visual effects. Harelaw REP will consist of the following: • 40 wind turbines; • a substation building; • a photovoltaic (PV) installation comprising approximately 40 solar PV

panels on the roof of the substation; • two permanent meteorological masts to provide ongoing measurement of

the wind speed at the site over the lifetime of the project; • access tracks; and • temporary works. The Harelaw REP will have a lifespan of approximately 25 years, after which time the site will be decommissioned or a further application submitted to renew the consent. The area is rural in character, with hilly terrain including Cairn Hill. The proposed site includes Harelaw Dam, with several other lochs and reservoirs very near to the boundary. There are also many watercourses within the site, which drain into the River Clyde and River Irvine. The majority of the land within the site is rough grassland and used as pasture for livestock. There is

(1) The Scottish Government’s target is for 18% of Scotland’s energy requirements to come from renewable sources by 2010 and 40% by 2020. Securing a Renewable Future: Scotland's Renewable Energy, Scottish Executive, 2003


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one area of the site, Glenouther Moor, which is mainly coniferous plantation. There are no sizable settlements within the proposed Harelaw REP. There are, however, a number of individual dwellings and several settlement clusters. The total area of land which will be permanently occupied by structures and hard surfaces within the site boundary will be approximately 22 ha and an additional land take of approximately 11 ha will be temporarily occupied and restored after construction. In addition, approximately 389 ha of coniferous plantation will be felled and restored over time to its natural bog state. Each turbine will have a maximum capacity of 3MW, an overall height (to blade tips) of up to 118 m and a hub height of up to 78 m. Blade length will accordingly be up to 40 m, i.e. a rotor of up to 80 m diameter. The turbines will be a semi-matt pale grey and of typical modern design, incorporating tubular towers and three blades attached to a nacelle, housing the generator, gearbox and other operating equipment. Figure 3 shows the design of the candidate turbine, which has a capacity of 2MW.

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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT To obtain consent to construct the project, GEUK is making an application under the Electricity Act 1989 to the Scottish Government. As part of the planning application process, GEUK is required to provide an Environmental Statement (ES) setting out the environmental effects of the scheme. The ES provides information on the impacts, positive or negative, that the scheme is expected to have on the environment so that this can be taken into account by the Scottish Government and the statutory consultees in making a decision on whether to grant consent and, if so, under what conditions. This document is a non-technical summary (NTS) of the ES. The purpose of an NTS is to provide an overview, in non-technical language, of the main findings of the ES. SCOPING AND CONSULTATION

GEUK have sought and obtained a scoping opinion from the Scottish Government for the purposes of providing environmental information. It has been accepted that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required, and no screening opinion was thought to be necessary. An environmental Scoping Report setting out the proposed scope and methodology for the EIA was issued to a range of stakeholders with a potential interest in the project. The purpose of this consultation was to ensure that the views of statutory bodies and interested parties were identified early, in order that they could then be taken into account in the ES and in developing the outline design of the project. Consultation with statutory bodies and other interested parties is an important part of assessing the environmental impacts of a proposed development. GEUK have adopted this principle and undertaken a programme of consultation during the development of the proposals. Public exhibitions were held between October 2nd and 4th 2006 in Neilston, Uplawmoor and Stewarton. Approximately 420 people attended across the three days. From the questionnaires returned approximately 74% of respondents were supportive of the Harelaw REP. NEED FOR THE SCHEME

Demand for energy in Scotland, and the UK as a whole, has never been greater, yet it is now widely accepted that the non-renewable energy sources (i.e. coal, oil and gas), which are currently used to produce the majority of electricity in the UK, are finite in quantity and that their continued extraction


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and combustion is unsustainable and in part responsible for global climate change through ‘greenhouse emissions’ (1). Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, parties agreed to stabilise their greenhouse emissions at 1990 levels by the year 2000. Under the Kyoto Protocol of that same convention, the UK government committed to reducing greenhouse emissions by 12.5% against 1990 levels by 2008-2012 and to increase the proportion of electricity supplied from renewable energy (2) to 10% by 2010. Scotland has a wealth of renewable energy resources and the Scottish Government has therefore committed to achieving 18% of the country’s energy requirements from renewable sources by 2010. In March 2003, the Scottish Government set itself a further target of achieving 40% of the country’s energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. The proposed Harelaw REP will produce electricity from a renewable energy source that will in turn reduce or avoid the use of fossil fuels through the displacement of electricity generated from other sources. Current British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) figures indicate that the proposed Harelaw REP will generate renewable equivalent to the electricity requirements of up to 40,213 homes per year (based on 4,700 kw/h per home per year and the 2MW candidate turbine). CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHEME

The main construction period is likely to last approximately 18 months, dependent on weather, from commencement of site investigation, survey and design work, through to the installation and commissioning of the turbines and ending with reinstatement of temporary work areas.

During the construction period there will be three types of temporary construction storage/laydown compounds. These will comprise: • Infrastructure contract compound (90m x 110m) - this will be located to the

north west of turbine 19 and close to the access point and will control access onto the site for deliveries. The compound will allow for car parking and huts.

• Turbine contract compound (90m x 85m) - this will be located adjacent to

the main Infrastructure Compound. • Three satellite compounds (included in the size of the borrow pits of

approximately 3 ha each) – these will be located next to the three borrow pits

(1) ‘Greenhouse emissions’ is a term that has been adopted in recent years to describe the emission of polluting gases that are thought to be partly responsible for the increase in the global greenhouse effect resulting in climate change. (2) Renewable energy is defined as energy derived from harnessing the wind, sun, descending water, tidal movements and biomass.


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The main construction site office and substation compound will be located between Black Loch and Corsehouse Reservoir and will comprise: • temporary cabins to be used for the site offices, the monitoring of

incoming vehicles and welfare facilities for site staff including toilets; • parking for construction staff, visitors and construction vehicles; • secure storage for tools and small parts; • a receiving area for incoming vehicles; and • security fencing around the compound. All compounds will be marked out and fenced to prevent damage to adjacent habitats. This will be removed and the ground reinstated at the end of the construction period. Tracks will be constructed first and vehicles will be restricted as far as possible from using any other routes whilst on site. Erection of the wind turbines will follow, using two large mobile cranes. GEUK will require the main contractor responsible for construction of the Harelaw REP to prepare and implement a Construction Method Statement (CMS). This will identify the significant environmental risks during construction and set out methods and procedures for managing these risks and for monitoring and auditing during construction. A Restoration Statement for progressive restoration of the site during and after completion of construction will be prepared as part of the CMS. The contractor will be required to keep the CMS under review and update it as necessary during the course of the construction period. Environmental supervision and monitoring will be carried out throughout construction and restoration by a Clerk of Works appointed by GEUK. Up to 67 people will be employed during the construction of the scheme. Employment will be the responsibility of the contractor, but it is possible that the workforce will include some people from the local area. The site can be accessed from the north or the south using the existing trunk road network. Construction traffic will travel along the M77 and A77, before turning onto an unclassified road to enter the site. Where possible, existing tracks on the site will be used.


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ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

Introduction

The impacts of constructing and operating the scheme have been assessed in consultation with statutory bodies and in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation and guidance. The environmental topics that have been assessed as part of the EIA include: • land use and land take; • geology, hydrology and hydrogeology; • peat; • landscape and visual impacts; • ecology; • ornithology; • archaeology and cultural heritage; • noise; • air quality impacts; • transport and traffic; • socio-economic impact; and • other operational impacts. The assessments have been undertaken by appropriately qualified specialists in each of these disciplines.

Land Use and Land Take

The amount of land used for the development has been kept to a minimum. 0.8% of the site (11.4 hectares) will be used during construction and 1.6% of the area (22.2 hectares) will be affected for the operating lifetime of the REP. The land is currently a mix of improved pasture, open moorland and coniferous plantation. Construction and operation of the REP is not anticipated to have a significant impact on land use. Over 380 hectares of coniferous plantation at Glenouther Moor will be felled during the development. Over time, this will be restored to a bog habitat. This is likely to have a significant beneficial impact on nature conservation and landscape interests in the long term. A long-term positive significant impact from the felling of the plantation during construction is predicted. Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology

A hydrological assessment was carried out to determine the potential effects of the proposed Harelaw REP on the flow regimes and water quality of the burns draining the site. Both direct effects on site drainage and indirect effects on the water quality of the burns and water use in the vicinity of the site were considered.


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The assessment has demonstrated that the primary residual impacts are those related to water quality during the construction phase (including felling of Glenouther Moor) and a suite of mitigation measures will be implemented to mitigate these effects. The clear felling of Glenouther Moor, will have a moderate significant temporary impact upon the water quality of Swinzie Burn. However, the removal of the plantation and restoration of the site will re-establish bog habitat and return the hydrology of Swinzie Burn to a regime closer to that occurring naturally over a peat covered catchment in the long term and therefore will have a long term beneficial impact upon hydrology and water. Following mitigation, no significant, long term impacts on hydrology or geology are predicted. Peat A peat stability assessment has been carried out, which considered the potential impacts of the proposed REP on peat. This has been taken into account in developing the plans for design, construction, operation and decommissioning of the site. The assessment has concluded that although large areas of the site are covered in peat, the shallow topographic gradients in most areas mean there is generally a negligible to low risk of instability. The design and layout of the turbines and access roads avoids areas of peat considered to be at medium and high risk. The position of the turbines has also been selected to minimise the need for burn crossings. During construction, best practice procedures will be adopted within the Construction Method Statement. Following mitigation, no significant residual impacts on peat are predicted. Landscape and Visual

A landscape and visual impact assessment was carried out to determine the impacts of Harelaw REP on landscape character and resources, and visual amenity. The following key steps were followed in this assessment: • theoretical zones of visual influence (ZVI) were created to show the area

over which the REP could theoretically be seen and the area was visited to establish broad levels of actual visibility;

• landscapes in the area of influence were characterised taking into account

previous studies and work in the field and the impact on each part was assessed; and


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• viewpoints across the ZVI were selected as being representative of views of the REP and impact on these was assessed.

The assessment was assisted by the production of wirelines and photomontages to illustrate the views of the REP from various locations. Impacts were classified in terms of the weight which professional judgement suggests they should be given in decision making on the project, with major impacts being identified as factors which should carry substantial weight, reducing through moderate, to minor impacts which, although they constitute noticeable changes in the landscape and views, are considered to warrant little if any weight. This assessment showed that although there will be a major impact on the immediate landscape within which the site is located the impact on the wider regional landscape will be minor to moderate. The development will be visible over a wide area, more to the west than the east. Thirty one viewpoints were selected as representative of different locations and groups of people potentially affected. Eight viewpoints (seven of which are within 7km of the site) will experience major impacts on views and a further 10, moderate impacts and three, minor impacts. At the remaining 10 viewpoints visual impacts will not be significant. The greatest impacts will be experienced from residential properties within and immediately around the site and along roads through and adjacent to the site. Impacts on designated areas are generally minor or not significant, given their distance from Harelaw REP. The exceptions are at the eastern edge of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and Rowallan Castle Designed Landscape which are predicted to experience up to moderate impacts. Impacts on the setting of historic sites are addressed in the cultural heritage assessment. Harelaw REP will also make a contribution to the cumulative impact of wind energy development in the area although this is likely to be small in comparison to some other projects, in particular the consented wind farm at Whitelee. Harelaw is close to the larger Whitelee development and will often be seen with Whitelee in either the background or foreground. The construction and decommissioning of Harelaw REP will also have a significant landscape and visual impact, reducing to minor and eventually no significant impact during restoration of the site. During construction and decommissioning, there will be short term landscape and visual impacts of up to major significance from plant and activities on the site over the duration of the works. During operation the scheme is assessed as having a major impact on the local landscapes immediately around the site, with the exception of the forested area of Glenouther Moor and the small upland area in the far north of the site, where moderate impacts are projected. In a wider regional context the impact is judged to be of minor to moderate significance. Of 31 representative viewpoints in the area, a


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third will experience no significant impact, with the remainder experiencing impacts from minor to major. Ecology

An ecological assessment of the proposed Harelaw REP site has been carried out, including desk-studies, consultation and several surveys. The development area includes parts of one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)(1) and three Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (2). No significant impacts on these designated sites are anticipated. Some areas of habitat will be permanently lost, however these are predominantly of a common habitat type. A large area of coniferous plantation will be returned to bog habitat, in line with a Habitat Management Plan. This will result in positive impacts in the long term. The Habitat Management Plan will also mitigate against impacts on locally rare plant species, foraging corridors for bats and butterflies. The site layout has been designed to avoid significant impacts on otter, badger, bat and water vole populations. Mitigation measures will be employed at Annick Water to avoid significant impacts on lamprey. Some temporary disturbance of fauna is expected during construction, however this will be minimised by mitigation measures and no significant impacts are expected. No significant impacts are expected during operation. Following mitigation measures, no significant residual impacts on ecology are predicted to occur during the construction or operation of the REP. Ornithology An ornithological assessment of the proposed Harelaw REP site has been carried out, including desk studies, consultation and 19 months of field surveys. Ornithological surveys were conducted during 2005 and 2006. Protected bird species including whooper swan, hen harrier, short-eared owl, merlin, peregrine, golden plover and quail were recorded during the surveys in addition to a variety of predominantly common species including Red and Amber List Species of Conservation Concern (3). The only protected species to hold a breeding territory within the REP site was quail. Barn owls, another protected species, bred in the local area surrounding the REP site but were not

(1) 1 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a site notified by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Natural England (NE),

Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and subsequent amendments as of national nature conservation or geological importance.

(2) SINC is a site notified by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Natural England (NE), Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and subsequent amendments as of national nature conservation or geological importance. (3) Gregory, R.D., Wilkinson, N.I., Noble, D,G., Robinson, J.A., Brown, A.F., Hughes, J., Procter, D.A., Gibbons, D.W., Galbraith, C.A. (2002) The population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 95: 410-450


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recorded within the site during any of the surveys so are unlikely to be affected by the proposals. Habitat loss associated with the proposals will include the felling of large areas of Glenouther Moor plantation and small amounts of habitat loss in other areas of the site (all predominantly habitats of low nature conservation value). This habitat loss will result in impacts to birds at a site level, but is not anticipated to have significant impacts on the conservation status of birds at a regional or national level. Some disturbance of breeding and foraging to birds within the site area will take place during construction and to a lesser extent during operation of the wind turbines. However, the site layout has been designed and mitigation measures identified to minimise disturbance, and with these in place there should be no significant impacts on the populations of any species of note. Despite the close proximity of the Whitelee Wind Farm, no cumulative impacts are predicted to occur that would affect bird species of note. Following mitigation measures and the development of a Habitat Management Plan, no significant residual impacts are predicted. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

The impacts of the proposed Harelaw REP on the cultural heritage resources in the area have been assessed. This took into account listed buildings, conservation areas, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and archaeological sites.

The site layout has been designed to avoid sites of cultural heritage interest wherever possible, although this is not feasible in all locations. Where impacts on cultural heritage resources are anticipated or considered possible, mitigation measures such as a watching brief will be employed.

There is potential for direct impact on as yet unknown buried archaeological remains at the southern end of Moyne Moor during construction. A pre-development archaeology strategy for the area will be agreed with West of Scotland Archaeology Service prior to construction, including a watching brief during construction. Any finds will be either preserved in situ or preserved by excavation and recording mitigating any significant impacts that do occur.

There will be indirect but major impacts on the historic landscape setting of three undesignated but nationally important sites. These are two un-named features within the development site on Moyne Moor, the remains of a stone circle and the remains of a burial cairn, and an iron age hill fort site at Black Law 1 km west of Glenouther Moor.


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Following mitigation, no significant direct residual impacts during the construction or operational phase are predicted. However, significant indirect impacts are predicted on the historic landscape setting of three features.

Noise

Noise monitoring was carried out at eight residential locations within and close to the proposed Harelaw REP site. Predictions of worst case noise levels resulting from the operation of the wind turbines were carried out which include the effect of wind direction. Predicted noise levels have been compared with proposed noise limits contained within the recommendations of the Working Group on Noise from Wind Turbines (1). The assessment showed that no significant impacts will result from the operation of the REP during the night. Noise levels at two groups of properties are predicted to exceed daytime noise limits when the wind is in certain directions. An appropriate number of turbines will be shut down under defined wind conditions to avoid this problem. With this mitigation in place, there will be no significant residual impacts from the operation of the REP during the day. There is potential for noise impacts from construction activities and vehicles. However, the assessment has shown that these are not anticipated to be significant. No significant noise impacts during the construction or operational phases are predicted. Air Quality

During the 18 month main construction period, there is the potential for an increase in dust to affect nearby receptors and also for generation of other emissions from construction vehicles and equipment. The latter is of such a small scale that is no significant impacts are expected.

Dust can potentially affect people, properties or important ecological sites when they are located less than 200m from construction sites. Measures will be employed during construction to limit the amount of dust generated at the REP, such as covering containers of dusty materials. The impact of dust emitted during construction will be insignificant, as a result of a combination of the mitigation measures employed and the distance of sensitive receptors from sources of dust. There will be no significant emissions to air during operation.

No significant impacts during the construction or operational phases are predicted.

(1) ETSU-R-97. The assessment and rating of noise from wind farms. ETSU for the Department of Trade and Industry, 1996.


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Traffic and Transport

The impact of increased traffic flows to the site on other road users and local residents has been assessed. This will occur mainly during the construction phase, and at its peak 25 extra vehicle movements per hour have been predicted for heavy goods vehicles. Some deliveries of abnormal loads will also be required; the timing of these deliveries will be agreed with the relevant authorities to minimise impacts on other road users. No significant impacts during the construction or operational phases are predicted. Socio-Economic Impact

The project is a multi-million pound capital scheme. It is anticipated that approximately 67 construction workers and managerial staff will be employed at the site over the 18 month construction period. In addition to those employed directly, there will be jobs arising as a result of the purchase of goods and services for construction and induced jobs arising from the additional spending of those who have secured direct and indirect jobs. Overall the gross temporary employment generated in the economy is estimated to be 70 jobs over the 18 month construction period. Some of this impact is likely to occur in the local area but the extent of this will depend on the employment and procurement policies of the contractor who has yet to be selected. There will be negligible socio-economic impacts during construction. Annual expenditure associated with operation of the Harelaw REP will be incurred in maintenance costs, rent, rates and use of system charges. Landowners within the boundaries of the Harelaw REP will experience positive economic impacts associated with payment for use of their land. It is estimated that the operation will require the equivalent of approximately two full time employees, providing a negligible impact for the local economy. Negligible socio-economic impacts are predicted during the construction and operational phases. Other Operational Impacts

Electromagnetic Interference

Operating wind turbines can cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) through affecting signals such as TV, radio and mobile phone transmitters, microwave links, radar and aircraft navigation beacons. Operators of these services including nearby aviation operators have been consulted, and the site has been designed so that no turbines are close enough to any microwave or broadcasting link to cause significant impacts. If


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problems do arise once the REP is operational suitable remedial measures will be put into place. No significant impacts are predicted during either the construction or the operational phases.

Shadow Flicker

Shadow flicker is a flickering or strobing effect that moving shadows of rotating blades can cause when perceived by humans in certain circumstances. This effect can be a nuisance but the frequencies involved mean it is rare for this to cause significant effects. Assessment has shown that there is potential for shadow flicker to affect some properties in the area and a mitigation strategy involving turbine management has been proposed. As a result no significant impacts are anticipated. No significant impacts are predicted from shadow flicker during either the construction or the operational phases.

Ice Throw

In exceptional circumstances, the movement of turbine blades in icy weather can cause pieces of ice to be thrown from the turbine. Suitable mitigation measures will be put in place. No significant impacts are predicted during either the construction or the operational phases.


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AVAILABILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Copies of the full ES describing the GEUK proposals in more detail and presenting the detailed analysis of their environmental implications can be purchased from GEUK (1). An electronic version is also available on CD. The ES can be viewed by the public during normal office hours at the Scottish Government Library at Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh, EH11 3XD. It is also available for viewing by the public during normal opening hours at the following locations: • East Ayrshire Council, Planning and Economic Development Division, 6

Croft Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1JB; • Planning and Development, East Renfrewshire Council, Eastwood Park,

Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock G46 6UG; • Mearns Community Library, MacKinley Place, Newton Mearns, East

Renfrewshire, G77 6EZ; and • Neilston Community Library, Main Street, Neilston, East Renfrewshire,

G78 3NN.

(1) Gamesa Energy UK, Gamesa Energy UK, Rowan House, Hazell Drive, Newport, S. Wales, NP10 8FY

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Harelaw Renewable Energy Park Environmental Statement€¦ · Gamesa Energy UK (GEUK) is applying to the Scottish Government for consent to develop the Harelaw Renewable Energy Park