Harryburn Wind Farm - innogy...Harryburn Wind farm 1 405.06521.00001 Soil and Peat Management Plan April 2017 1.0 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY SLR Consulting (SLR) was commissioned by Innogy

Harryburn Wind Farm

Technical Appendix 11.2

Peat Management Plan

Innogy Renewables UK Ltd

SLR Ref: 405.06521.00001 Version No: Final

April 2017

Harryburn Wind farm 405.06521.00001 Soil and Peat Management Plan April 2017

CONTENTS 1.0 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY ...................................................................................... 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 2 3.0 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Guidance ............................................................................................................. 4 4.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON PEAT FROM CONSTRUCTION SITE ACTIVITIES ......... 5

4.1 Wind Turbines .................................................................................................... 5 4.2 Crane Hardstanding ........................................................................................... 5 4.3 Construction Compounds ................................................................................. 5 4.4 Borrow Pits ......................................................................................................... 5 4.5 Access Tracks .................................................................................................... 5 4.6 Cable Trenching ................................................................................................. 6

5.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION DURING CONSTRUCTION ............................................... 7 5.1 Wind Turbine Foundations ................................................................................ 7 5.2 Crane Hardstanding’s and Temporary Compounds ....................................... 7 5.3 Access Tracks .................................................................................................... 7 5.4 Floating Access Tracks ..................................................................................... 8 5.5 Excavated Access Tracks ............................................................................... 10 5.6 Peat Excavation, Storage and Transport ....................................................... 11 5.7 Restoration ....................................................................................................... 13

6.0 SITE BASED PEAT EXCAVATION AND REUSE ASSESSMENT ............................. 14 7.0 PEAT EXCAVATION CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................. 20 8.0 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................. 23 9.0 CLOSURE .................................................................................................................... 24

TABLES Table 6-1: Excavation Materials Management Plan ......................................................... 16 Table 7-2: Excavated Materials – Assessment of Suitability .......................................... 21

FIGURES Figure 1 Site Locality Figure 2 Drift Geology (showing extent of peat)

APPENDIX Appendix A Excavated Materials Spreadsheet

Harryburn Wind farm 1 405.06521.00001 Soil and Peat Management Plan April 2017

1.0 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

SLR Consulting Ltd (SLR) was commissioned by Innogy Renewables UK Limited (Innogy) to undertake a Peat Management Plan (PMP) for inclusion as a Technical Appendix to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development of the proposed Harryburn Wind Farm (the ‘proposed development’).

The proposed development would be located approximately 2.5km east of the village of Leadhills, in the administrative boundary of South Lanarkshire Council. The proposed development (as described in Chapter 3 Description of the Development, of the ES) would consist of wind turbine generators (referred to as ‘turbines’) and associated infrastructure.

This Stage 1 Peat Management Plan (PMP) has been prepared by SLR Consulting Ltd and its purpose is to ensure that there has been systematic consideration of peat and peaty soils management and a quantitative assessment throughout the development process.

This Peat Management Plan (PMP) has been prepared by SLR Consulting Ltd and its purpose is to ensure that there has been systematic consideration of peat management and a quantitative assessment throughout the construction process. This plan includes all materials to be excavated as part of the construction process, including peaty soils and peat.

Detailed peat depth probing and peat characterisation has been undertaken across the site (as outlined in Technical Appendix 11.1 of the ES (Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment)). This was used to inform the design of the development in order to avoid areas of deeper peat or areas of peat instability.

Using site specific peat depth probing data, the potential volume of peat and soils that might be excavated as a consequence of constructing the development has been estimated. Excavated peat associated with development on peat is not classed as a waste provided it is suitable (from an engineering as well as environmental perspective) for a required and predetermined use as part of construction works and reinstatement on site1, (SR, SEPA, January 2012).

It has been shown using best practice guidelines that as a result of the site design, the volume of peat and soils that would be excavated is low and can be readily reused on site as part of the site construction and restoration. As a result, no surplus peat would be generated.

This document provides initial volume estimates for peat excavation and reuse and outlines recommendations for the handling and storage of peat during construction and restoration of the site, in line with current best practice guidelines.

1 Guidance on the Assessment of Peat Volumes, Reuse of Excavated Peat and the Minimisation of Waste (Scottish Renewables, SEPA, January 2012).


2.0 INTRODUCTION

This Peat Management Plan (PMP) considers the excavation of peat and soil across the site as a result of construction of the proposed development. It considers the potential for minimising excavation and disturbance in order to reduce any unnecessary surplus of peaty soils and peat.

The best management option to minimise potential surplus peat is to prevent its excavation. Therefore, the original design of the development has aimed to minimise peat excavation where possible. Discussion of design considerations to avoid deeper areas of peat is included in Chapter 13: Hydrology and Hydrogeology and Chapter 11: Geology, Technical Appendix 11.1: Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment and Chapter 2: Project Design of the ES.

SEPA has provided a waste hierarchy of management approaches through which the effectiveness of the approach to peat management is optimised at development sites as summarised below (SEPA 20102, SEPA 20123):

• prevention: avoiding generating excess peat during construction (e.g. by avoiding peat areas or by using construction methods that do not require excavation such as floating tracks);

• re-use: use peat produced on site in restoration of hardstandings or landscaping, provided that its use is fully justified and suitable;

• recycling/recovery/treatment: modify peat produced on site for use as fuel, or as a compost/soil conditioner, or dewater peat to improve its mechanical properties in support of re-use;

• storage: temporarily store peat on-site (for example, during short periods in the construction phase) and then re-use.

The guidance identifies three main stages in the development process and describes what data should be gathered and assessed at each to inform a site-specific PMP:

• Stage 1: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); • Stage 2: Post-consent / pre-construction; and • Stage 3: Construction.

This PMP has been prepared in accordance with the principles in the guidance for Stage 1 and 2 and proposes that prevention and re-use are the most appropriate means of managing peat excavated during construction at this site, Stage 3.

This report details the methodologies required to assess all potential surplus materials and presents preliminary estimates of the expected volume of excavated materials and required reuse volumes for reinstatement and restoration purposes.

In particular, this report considers the construction of access tracks, site compound, turbine foundations and all other associated infrastructure which result in the excavation of peat and sub-soils potentially resulting in surplus materials.

2 SEPA Regulatory Position Statement – Developments on Peat (SEPA, February 2010). 3 Guidance on the Assessment of Peat Volumes, Reuse of Excavated Peat and the Minimisation of Waste (SR, SEPA, January 2012).


Many of the issues typically associated with peat on a wind farm site have been accommodated by modifying the development layout to avoid potentially difficult or sensitive areas. Areas that have been avoided include: • areas of deep peat, requiring potentially large volumes of excavation; • areas of moderate to steep slopes (where site infrastructure might increase the

chance of peat instability); and • areas of sensitive ecological and hydrological habitat.

This report estimates the extent of materials which would be generated during the construction phase and identifies potential areas where peat could be reused through the following: • the avoidance of creating surplus materials, and • the reuse of materials on site.

The assessment is based on the description of the proposed development provided in Chapter 3: Project Description of the ES.


3.0 METHODOLOGY

To determine the extent of excavated material across the site as a result of the development, the following have been considered: • the amount of excavated materials arising from construction activities on site;

and • the extent of excavated materials derived from any excavations, which if not

stored correctly (on a temporary basis), or used appropriately in restoration, is at risk of releasing CO2 emissions.

This PMP assesses the volumes of excavated material sourced from the site, to calculate site specific volumes based on factors including: • excavations around turbines – what materials would be re-used and how; • length of access tracks – would peat be removed and where it would be used in

landscaping/reinstatement in an appropriate fashion; • other infrastructure - can materials from site be used during reinstatement

works.

An assessment of the peat balance has been undertaken to determine the materials available on site for use in reinstatement.

3.1 Guidance There are a number of guidance documents appropriate to the activities planned on site which have been used to guide this assessment. These have included a number of documents including Scottish Guidance documents which demonstrate best practice, as follows:

• Guidance on the assessment of peat volumes, reuse of excavated peat and the

minimisation of waste (SR, SEPA, January 2012); • Guidance on Developments on Peatland - Site Surveys Guidance on

conducting site surveys on peatland. (SNH 2014); • SEPA Regulatory Position Statement – Developments on Peat (SEPA,

February 2010); • Good practice during wind farm construction (SR, SNH, SEPA, FCS; October

2010); • Floating roads on peat (SNH, FCS; August 2010); • Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessments: Best Practice Guide for

Proposed Electricity Generation Developments Scottish Government. 2007 • Constructed tracks in the Scottish Uplands (SNH, March 2005); • Calculating carbon savings from wind farms on Scottish peat lands, a new

approach (Nayak et al., 2008, 2011); and • The Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011.


4.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON PEAT FROM CONSTRUCTION SITE ACTIVITIES

The following section outlines the impacts anticipated relating to peat at the proposed development site, summarising the key issues for the main wind farm infrastructure anticipated at the Harryburn Site.

4.1 Wind Turbines

Wind turbine foundations in peatlands normally require full and permanent excavation of peat to competent strata, with temporary excavation of peat from a wider diameter to enable safe access to the base of the excavation.

The resulting peat generated could be considered as a permanent loss, unless satisfactory re-use could be achieved within the development site. The peat would be used to reinstate track shoulders, around crane hardstandings and turbine bases.

4.2 Crane Hardstanding

In order to assemble the wind turbine and enable servicing during operation, crane pads are constructed adjacent to each wind turbine. These must be sufficient to take the weight of both the crane and turbine components, and therefore excavation to underlying competent strata is required. Without adequate drainage controls, permanent excavation may disrupt natural hydrological pathways, appropriate drainage control will be implemented as part of the construction process.

Crane pads remain in place for the life of the wind farm to enable routine inspection and maintenance. Peat generated from these excavations would be considered a permanent loss, unless satisfactory re-use could be achieved within the development site.

4.3 Construction Compounds

A temporary compound would be provided during the construction phase to enable storage of construction materials, turbine components and fuel, siting of welfare facilities and site offices. Because of their temporary nature, peat excavated for compounds would normally be stored and reinstated, and therefore re-use is required.

4.4 Borrow Pits

No borrow pits to be required on site.

4.5 Access Tracks

Access tracks are required to enable passage of construction and servicing traffic around the wind farm site. Over peatlands, the choice of access track design reflects the peat depths along the route, with shallow peat / organic soils <1m deep excavated to competent strata (cut and fill tracks), and deeper peats overlain by floating tracks (with no excavation). There is only one short section of road to T7 with deeper peat along track which would be constructed as ‘floating road’.


Access tracks are permanent infrastructure, peat excavated for cut and fill would be considered a permanent loss, unless the peat can be re-used elsewhere on site, such as along track verges.

No excavations are undertaken for floating tracks, and therefore there is no associated peat excavation.

In excavated tracks, the surface vegetation (i.e. habitat) would be lost unless stored and reinstated elsewhere, we would re-use excavated turves, soil and peat on verges and shoulders of track shoulders and hardstandings for landscaping and restoration purposes.

Access tracks have the potential to disrupt natural hydrological drainage pathways, appropriate drainage would be designed to mitigate this and this would be detailed in the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP).

4.6 Cable Trenching

Electrical cabling would be buried or ducted adjacent to the access track network (cable trenching), either into existing peat (requires excavation, laying and backfilling) or wherever possible ducts are laid within reinstated material at the sides of floated tracks (no excavation of in-situ peat required). Where excavation is required, peat generated from cable trenching is normally replaced at its point of origin, and therefore is not considered a volume loss and re-use is a certainty.


5.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION DURING CONSTRUCTION

There are a number of ways in which detailed design and construction activities can be specified to minimise impacts on peatlands. The detailed construction environmental mitigation is outlined in the draft CEMP; the following section outlines briefly the likely mitigation based on the reuse of peat specific to key elements of the wind farm development (Figure 1).

5.1 Wind Turbine Foundations

Wind turbine foundations represent permanent excavation and the primary mitigation measure is to locate the wind turbines to avoid the areas of deepest peat, thereby reducing excavated volumes.

Based on peat probing, the turbine locations for the proposed development are located on peaty soils/peat with an average peat depth of 0.36m, ranging from 0.08m to 1.0m. Technically the majority of the material underlying proposed turbines and crane hardstanding is not classified as peat (<0.5m) with only four turbines are located in peat in excess of 0.5m deep Of these turbines T3, T1, T6 and T7, located on peat >0.5m and have been subject of minor micrositing, to avoid deeper peat. The remaining the turbines are located on relatively thin peaty soils and thin peat which would be reused around the turbines and crane hardstanding areas.

5.2 Crane Hardstanding’s and Temporary Compounds

In relation to crane hardstanding, guidance is to avoid their full reinstatement post-construction, given the likelihood of re-use for maintenance activities associated with the wind turbines.

In relation to temporary compounds, the following good practice guidance4 applies: • peat stripped from compound and hard standing areas would require

particularly careful storage due to its volume, and the relatively long residence times for stored peat; Stripped turves are generally used for final restoration, however where turves are insufficient or vegetation regeneration requires reseeding and temporary fencing may be considered around compound areas undergoing restoration in order to prevent grazing. The peat would be used around the edge of the crane hardstanding and turbine bases, it would not cover crane pad as this is an engineered fill and would not be suitable for peat reinstatement; and

• the choice of seed mix if required for reseeding should be appropriate to the ecological and hydrological conditions of the restored compound location and surrounding habitats.

5.3 Access Tracks

In comparison to infrastructure specific to wind turbines, there is considerably more guidance available to support access track design in peatlands. Guidance5 is

4 Environmental Good Practice on Site C650, CIRIA, 2005;


generally focused on floating tracks and excavated tracks, and is summarised in the following text.

5.4 Floating Access Tracks

Over deeper peat (typically >1.0m), floating tracks are used to remove the requirement for peat excavation and limit disruption of hydrological pathways. The success of construction requires careful planning to take account of the unique characteristics of peat soils. Specific guidance6 is available on design, the duration and timing of construction, the sequence of construction and the re-use of peat on the shoulders of the floating access track.

5.4.1 Design of Floating Access Tracks

The following issues would be considered during detailed design of floating access tracks: • adopting conservative values for peat geotechnical properties during detailed

design (post-consent); • applying a maximum depth rule whereby an individual layer of geogrid and

aggregate should not normally exceed 450mm without another layer of geogrid being added;

• on gently sloping ground and where the access track runs transverse to the prevailing slope, accommodating natural hydrological pathways such as flushes and peat pipes through installation of a permanent conduit within or underneath the track and allowing for as much diffuse discharge (while minimising disturbance to existing peatland) on the downslope as possible;

• ensuring transitions between floating tracks and excavated tracks (or other forms of track not subject to long term settlement) are staged in order to minimise likelihood of track failure at the boundary between construction types;

• scheduling access track construction to accommodate for, and reduce, peat settlement characteristics; and

• Re-use of existing roads (with upgrading if required), where possible.

5.4.2 Duration and Timing of Construction of Floating Access Tracks

The critical factor in successful construction of floating access tracks is the timescale of construction, and the following good practice guidance is provided: • the settlement characteristics of peat; should be accommodated by appropriate

scheduling of access track construction, as follows:

5 Good Practice during Windfarm Construction, Version 3, a joint publication by Scottish Renewables, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Forestry Commission Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland, 2015. 6 Floating roads on peat (SNH, FCS; August 2010).


○ prior to construction works, the setting out the centreline of the proposed access track to identify any ground instability concerns or particularly wet zones;

○ identifying ‘stop’ rules, i.e. weather dependent criteria for cessation of access track construction based on local meteorological data;

○ maximising the interval between material deliveries over newly constructed access tracks that are still observed to be within the primary consolidation phase;

5.4.3 Sequence of Construction

The sequence of construction of floating tracks is normally stipulated in guidance provided by the supplier of the geotextile or geogrid layer, and suppliers are often involved in the detailed access track design. Good practice in relation to the sequence of access track construction is as follows:

• retaining rather than stripping the vegetation layer (i.e. the acrotelm, providing

tensile strength), and laying the first geotextile/geogrid directly on the peat surface;

• adding the first rock layer; • adding the second geotextile/geogrid, and add overlying graded rockfill as a

running surface; • heavy plant and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) using the access tracks during

the construction period should be trafficked slowly in the centre of the track to minimise dynamic loading from cornering, breaking and accelerating;

• ensuring wheel loads should remain at least 0.5m from the edge of the geogrid; and

• ‘toolbox’ talks and subsequent feedback to construction and maintenance workers and drivers to emphasise the importance of the implementing the above measures.

5.4.4 Use of Peat as Trackside Shoulders

A key opportunity to re-use peat is to employ it in landscaping of constructed access tracks. Wedge-shaped reinstatement at the margins of a floating access track (which is elevated above the peat surface) is referred to as shoulders, and good practice guidance is as follows:

• re-using peat excavated as shoulders adjacent to the floating track; • peat shoulders should taper from just below the track sides (thereby preventing

over high shoulders from causing ponding on the track surface) to join the surrounding peat surface, keeping as natural a profile as possible to tie in with existing slope profiles; and

• limiting the width of peat shoulders to avoid unnecessary smothering of intact vegetation adjacent to the floating track.


5.5 Excavated Access Tracks

Excavated tracks require complete excavation of peat to a competent substrate. Excavated tracks are generally undertaken where peat depths are less than 1m. This peat would require storage ahead of re-use elsewhere on site. Good practice guidance relates mainly to drainage in association with excavated tracks: • trackside ditches should capture surface water (within the acrotelm) before it

reaches the road; • interceptor drains should be shallow and flat bottomed (and preferably entirely

within the acrotelm to limit drawdown of the water table); • any stripped peat turves should be placed back in the invert and sides of the

ditch to assist regeneration; and • culverts and cross drains would be installed under excavated tracks to maintain

subsurface drainage pathways (such as natural soil pipes or flushes). Discharge from constructed drainage should allow for as much diffuse dispersion of clean (silt free) water as possible while minimising disturbance to existing peatland as far as possible. Silt mitigation measures would be incorporated into all constructed drainage as per the requirements of the draft CEMP.

Although excavation is normally undertaken in peat of < 1.0m, there is a possibility of minor slippage from the cut face of the peat mass. Accordingly: • free faces should be inspected for evidence of instability (cracking, bulging,

excessive discharge of water or sudden cessation in discharge); and • where significant depths of peat are to be stored adjacent to an excavation,

stability analysis should be conducted to determine Factor of Safety (FoS) and an acceptable FoS adopted for loaded areas.

Cable Trenches

Cable trenches either require peat excavation specifically for this purpose alongside excavated tracks, or they can be constructed within landscaping of shoulders adjacent to floating tracks. Guidance is as follows: • utilise peat shoulders for cable lays where possible to minimise peat

excavations specifically for this purpose, in this case, peat shoulders should be 1.0m to 1.5m thick;

• where cable trenching is constructed adjacent to a floating road, ensure the trench is backfilled to prevent void filling by material migration;

• minimise time between excavation of the cable trench and peat reinstatement, preferably avoiding excavation until the electrical contractor has cables on-site ready for installation; and

• avoid incorporating substrate materials in the excavation, to minimise contamination of the peat to be reinstated. Replace excavated materials sequentially.


• An alternative technique which is being considered for some areas is cable ploughing this would also minimise disturbance and a requirement to re-use peat.

• These techniques would also apply to open areas away from the infrastructure, however it would be anticipated that most of the cables will be at ot close to the proposed layout.

5.6 Peat Excavation, Storage and Transport

As peat is to be re-used or reinstated on the site with the intention that its supported habitat continues to be viable, the following good practice apply:

5.6.1 Excavation

Excavated peat should be excavated as turves, including the acrotelm (surface vegetation) and a layer of adjoining catotelm (more humified peat) typically up to 500mm thick in total, or as blocks of catotelm; the acrotelm should not be separated from its underlying peat (see Figure 5.1). • the turves should be as large as possible to minimise desiccation during

storage; • contamination of excavated peat with substrate materials should be avoided;

and • consider timing of excavation activities to avoid very wet weather and multiple

handling to minimise the likelihood of excavated peat losing structural integrity.

If possible, intact full depth acrotelm layers from the top surface of the peat deposit should be extracted. This technique will maintain connectivity between the surface vegetation and the partially decomposed upper layers of the catotelm.

Figure 5.1 Schematic Section of peat acrotelmic/catotelmic relationship.

5.6.2 Storage

Any peat generated as part of the construction process should be stored appropriately and follow the key principles listed as follows: • peat turves should be stored in a wet condition or irrigated in order to prevent

desiccation (once dried, peat will not rewet);


• stockpiling of peat should be in large volumes to minimise exposure to wind and sun (and desiccation), but with due consideration for slope stability;

• excavated peat and topsoils should be stored to a maximum of 1m thickness; • stores of non-turf (catotelm) peat should be bladed off to reduce the surface

area and desiccation of the stored peat; and • monitor areas of steep peat and peat storage areas during periods of very wet

weather, or during snowmelt, to identify early signs of peat instability.

5.6.3 Temporary Storage

Initial excavation volumes for construction of turbine and crane hardstanding foundations would range between 150m3 and 2000m3. Based on the volume of peaty soils/peat encountered at site, volumes ranging from as little as ~100m3 to ~600m3 of peat would require excavation from the turbine bases. As an example, for the average volume (~300m3), this would require a temporary storage area near to the construction works of approximately 20m x 15m to a height of 1.0m. Where peat cannot be transferred immediately to an appropriate restoration area, short term storage would be required. In this case, the following good practice applies: • peat should be stored around the turbine perimeter at sufficient distance from

the cut face to prevent overburden induced failure, • local gullies, diffuse drainage lines (or very wet ground) and locally steep slopes

should be avoided for peat storage; • stored upper turves (incorporating vegetation) should be organised and

identified according to NVC community (assisted by the Environmental Clerk of Works, ECoW) for reinstatement adjacent to like communities in the intact surrounding peat blanket;

• drying of stored peat should be avoided by irrigation (although this is unlikely to be significant for peat materials stored less than 2 months).

For crane pads, borrow pits and compounds (with longer term storage requirements), the following good practice applies:

• peat generated from crane pad locations should be transported directly to its allocated restoration location, to minimise the volume being stockpiled with the possibility of drying out;

• stores of catotelmic peat should be bladed off to reduce their surface area and minimise desiccation;

• where transport cannot be undertaken immediately, stored peat should be irrigated to limit drying and stored on a geotextile mat to promote stability;

• monitoring of large areas of peat storage during wet weather or snowmelt should be undertaken to identify any early signs of peat instability.

5.6.4 Transport

Good construction management is essential to ensure timeous movement of peat and soils on site. As such:


• movement of turves should be kept to a minimum once excavated, and therefore it is preferable to transport peat planned for translocation and reinstatement to its destination at the time of excavation; and

• if HGVs that are used for transporting non-peat material are also to be used for peat materials, measures should be taken to minimise cross-contamination of peat soils with other materials.

5.6.5 Handling

A detailed storage and handling plan for peat and soils would form part of the detailed CEMP. These parameters have been determined in light of recent detailed ground investigation with the micro-siting areas for each element of infrastructure.

5.7 Restoration • carefully evaluate potential restoration sites, such as borrow pits for their

suitability, and agree that these sites are appropriate with the ECoW, landowners and relevant consultees;

• undertake restoration and revegetation work as soon as possible; • where required, consider exclusion of livestock from areas of the site

undergoing restoration, to minimise impacts on revegetation; and • as far as reasonably practicable, restoration should be carried out concurrently

with construction rather than at its conclusion.


6.0 SITE BASED PEAT EXCAVATION AND REUSE ASSESSMENT

The PMP has been undertaken to support the appliciation for the proposed development, to ensure there is an understanding of the extent of peat on the site, the total amount of peat that might be excavated, and that the re-use of the excavated materials is certain and minimised where possible.

The development layout comprises 17 No. wind turbines and associated crane hardstandings, a single access point for construction traffic to the east of the site, on-site access tracks of cut construction, with a small section of floating road, one temporary construction compound and one permanent operations building, cabling and one permanent meteorological mast.

6.1.1 Peat Probing Background

A series of peat probing exercises were undertaken in 2016 by experienced geotechnical and hydrogeological engineers, which fed into the iterative design process of the development. The Phase 1 Peat Probing Site Survey was undertaken in March/April 2016 by experienced geotechnical engineers, following the reconnaissance visit in March 2016. During this visit a total of 1021 probes were undertaken across the likely development portion of the site on an approximate 100 m x 100m grid (in line with Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Guidance), a further 482 probes were undertaken as part of the Phase 2 Peat Probing Site Survey (August 2016). The main survey areas of the Phase 1 Peat Survey were located primarily around Harryburn Brae, Peat Hill and Dun Moss where the proposed turbines and infrastructure are located. The areas subject to probing extend over the developable section of the site, extending to the site boundary, or to the limits of soil cover. A combination of exposed shallow bedrock, steep slopes defined the extent of the site survey at this stage. The 100 m x 100 m grid undertaken allowed the site design iterations to be modified and accommodated within the surveyed areas. The Phase 2 Peat Probing Survey visit in August 2016 was undertaken to further assess the potential extent of peat, to address potential areas of concern and to determine extent of peat at proposed infrastructure locations, with particular reference to establishing the extent of superficial cover at turbines and associated infrastructure including compounds, substation and along tracks7. During this visit a total of 482 probes were undertaken across the site at approximately 50m spacing along the proposed access routes and around all the infrastructure, turbines and crane hardstanding on an approximate 50 m x 50 m grid (in line with SEPA Guidance). The initial reconnaissance visit identified areas or localised ‘pockets’ of peat which warranted further attention or avoidance and were further investigated as part of the

7 Appendix 9.1: Peat Slide Hazard Risk Assessment, Figures 5 and 6.


Phase 1 survey . The majority of the site was found to have a thin (<0.5 m) peaty soil cover over glacial till.

The overall conclusion regarding peat stability is that there is a negligible to low risk of peat instability over most of the site. The conclusions are detailed in Technical Appendix 11.1, Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment.

The site is generally covered in peaty soils and peat, therefore deeper peat areas (generally greater than 1m (and in most instances >0.5m)) have been avoided where possible. No evidence of significant peat instability was noted on the site, primarily as it is generally on flat lying to gentle slopes, with thin fibrous peaty soil. A number of locally deep areas of peat have been identified and where possible avoided by infrastructure. The layout has been carefully designed to minimise excavating or disturbing localised areas of peat, where possible, and where this cannot be avoided, mitigated by design to limit peat excavation, including avoiding haggy areas of peat and floating roads in areas of deep peat.

6.1.2 Excavated Peat Volume Estimates

Based on the development details, a total volume of excavated peat, sub-soil and topsoil has been calculated (see Table 6.1). It also includes an estimate of the extent of acrotelmic peat (fibrous) vs catotelmic peat (amorphous) which would be excavated. Reuse estimates are discussed in Section 7 (Table 7.1).

The figures used in the following table, are derived from the excavated materials worksheet included as Appendix A.

Soil and Peat Management Plan 16 405.06521.00001 Harryburn Wind farm April 2017

Table 6-1: Excavation Materials Management Plan

Method Volume of Excavated

material m3

How much of this can be

reused on site %

Opportunity for Avoidance or

minimisation of Excavated material

Re-use Requirements

Hierarchy Adherence

Limitations and Constraints

Excavated Access Tracks Total length of the access tracks would be 16km and would consist of the following: • 12.9km of new

access tracks (excavated) of which 3270m is along peat or peaty soils

• 2.8km of existing access tracks (widened and upgraded);

• 300m of floating road to T8

Of the total 16km, ~15.7km would be excavated access tracks and these would be located on peaty soil (<0.38m) and thin peat between 0.35 and 0.6m. Average peat thickness along excavated access track is 0.38m. The access track would be a minimum of 5 wide, with 0.5m verges. This volume includes ~78% of soils and peaty soils, which are very

8341 m3

New Track (3270m x 0.38m

x 5m) 6213 m3

Upgrade Existing Track (2800m x 0.38m

x 5m) 2128 m3

100% The access track route has been subject to a number of design iterations to avoid peat and steep slopes. Where possible track width would be minimised. The peat along the proposed excavated access tracks on the site is very fibrous and does not exhibit thick catotelmic peat. Visually the peat is coarse fibrous peat which is fairly dry and reasonably well drained. There are some areas of thick peat on the route of the site access tracks to T8; this would utilise floated access tracks to minimise disturbance of the peat.

Verge Restoration and visual screening, particularly along access track. Sections of the route may require cut and fill and these slopes would require restoration to minimise visual impact ~18210m3 of excavated peat and peaty soil would be used along access tracks. Further restoration materials may be required to restore cut and fill sections of the track.

Avoidance was first level of screening to avoid areas of thicker peat. Routing has been planned on thinner peat or peaty soils where possible. The layout design has been guided by constraints which highlight ecological, hydrogeological and geomorphological all of which identify the peat areas to avoid. As the southern and eastern portion of the site is almost entirely underlain by peat, access track route selection has also been guided by extensive peat probing to establish areas of shallow peat.

Detailed assessment may identify further lengths of floating access tracks, which would further reduce requirement for excavation.



material m3


reused on site %



Re-use Requirements

Hierarchy Adherence


fibrous and technically a soil rather than peat. The material would all be excavated and as such should be considered as part of overall restoration. All of this fibrous material can be reused and has an inherent strength.

Floating Access Tracks It is anticipated that limited floating tracks would be required. This is only a limited stretch of track to T8

0

Not applicable

No excavated material except where cable trenches are proposed (see below).

Looked at different cut off depths for floating access track. Based on > 1m depth.

Verge restoration must avoid impacting existing unexcavated peat.

Borrow Pits 0

Turbine Foundations 17 No. turbines With average excavation of 28m diameter x 0.36m (average peat thickness at turbines)

~3766m3 100%

Turbine locations have been subject to a number of design iterations to avoid thicker peat and steep slopes. Average thickness of peat at turbine sites is~0.36m

At turbine foundations topsoil would be stripped keeping top 200mm of turf intact. This would be stored adjacent to the base working area and would be limited to 1m height. To reinstate following construction the hardstanding area around the turbine an area of ~ 115 m3 would be required per turbine, hence a total of 3910m3 could be

Avoided areas of thick peat for turbine bases, identified sites on bedrock or close to bedrock to minimise removal of excessive materials.

Detailed ground investigation was undertaken at each turbine, and this did not significantly change the overall assumptions.



material m3


reused on site %



Re-use Requirements

Hierarchy Adherence


reused.

Crane Pads 17 No. crane hard standings With average excavation of 65m x 40m x 0.36m with additional small areas for cranes and blades (3m x 12m)

7105 m3 100% Crane hardstanding locations have been influenced by the turbine design iterations to avoid thicker peat and steep slopes. Average thickness of peat at turbine sites is~0.36m; hence crane hard standings would be similar.

At crane hardstandings topsoil would be stripped keeping top 200mm of turf intact. This would be stored adjacent to the base working area and would be limited to 1m height. To restore the hardstanding area around the perimeter of the crane hardstanding an area of ~230 m3 would be required per turbine, hence a total of 3910m3 could be reused.

See issues for turbine bases. Orientation of crane hardstandings to be designed following recent detailed site investigation (SI), to avoid constraints and minimise requirement for peat excavation.

Detailed ground investigation was undertaken at each turbine, and this did not significantly change the overall assumptions.

Cable Routes Total distance of cabling ~16.0km 16,000m of cables would be located on Peaty Soils and peat over Glacial Till. Using an average for roads at 0.38m peat depth, however in reality, trench depth is unlikely to exceed 1.0m.

Total Road Length

6070m x 0.38m x 1.0m 2307m3

100% Minimised disturbance to drainage by taking cable route along existing access track and around the turbines adjacent to new access tracks. Much of the cable routes are over shallow peaty soils and Glacial Till where complete re-use of the materials on site is envisaged. In areas where the cable route is on rock, the site may require excavation of rock or laying cable in upfilled sections to minimise

Suitable excavated materials would be reused to backfill trenches 2307 m3

Re-use and backfill excavated materials.

A site investigation was undertaken which did not change the assumptions.



material m3


reused on site %



Re-use Requirements

Hierarchy Adherence


excavation of rock.

Temporary Construction Compound 1 No. 50m x 80m the majority of the compound would be located on Glacial Till with a thin average peat thickness of 0.1.m.

50m x 80m x 0.68m

2720 m3

100%

The construction compounds would largely be located on Glacial Till alongside the existing access track.

Materials would be re-used on site to restore working areas and for appropriate landscaping. 2720 m3

Avoided siting temporary compounds on thick peat areas where possible.

None

Met Mast 1 30m x 30m x 0.4m (x2) 360 m3

100% The met mast would largely be located on Glacial Till alongside the existing access track.


Avoided siting met mast on thick peat areas where possible

None

Electrical compound 1 No 50m x 80m

50m x 80m x 0.1m

400 m3

100% The construction compounds would largely be located on Glacial Till alongside the existing access track.



None

Electrical Substation 1 No 80m x 50m

80m x 50m x 0.1m

400 m3

100% The substation compounds would largely be located on Glacial Till alongside the existing access track.



None

Total Excavated ~24,999 m3 100% ~31882 m3

Based on the values indicated there is a balance of materials with no surplus peat anticipated to be generated on site.


7.0 PEAT EXCAVATION CONSIDERATIONS

This section of the PMP includes the method for dealing with peat which could potentially be classified as waste (only if the above volumes estimate significant quantities of catotelmic peat, which cannot be re-used).

Table 7.1: Excavated Materials – Reuse Estimate, outlines where the materials likely to be generated on site fall within the Waste Licensing Regulations.

It has been concluded that all of the materials to be excavated on site would fall within the non-waste classification as much of the top soil and peaty soils would be re-used on site. The peat ranges from fibrous peat to amorphous peat and is classified based on the von Post classification as ranging from an H3 to H9 peat ranging from very slightly decomposed to strongly decomposed. By modification of the track, and micrositing turbines the majority of the peaty soils/peat encountered is fibrous to pseudo fibrous peat (H3 to H6 peat) and the thicker amorphous peat has been avoided8.

.

8 Technical Appendix - Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment 9.1


Table 7-2: Excavated Materials – Assessment of Suitability

Excavated Material Indicative Volume on Site by % of total excavated

soils9

Is there a suitable use

for Material10

Is the Material required for Use on Site

Material Classified as

a Waste

Re-use Potential

Re-use on site

Mineral Soil

10 Yes Yes Not classified as a waste

Yes Would be reused in reinstatement of access track verges, cut and fill verges, road verges, side slopes and check drains. Peripheral embankments of turbine bases, crane hardstandings and restoration of borrow pits

Turf (Surface layer of vegetation and fibrous matt)

55 Yes Yes Not classified as a waste

Yes

Acrotelmic Peat and catotelmic peat with H3 to H5 classification (very slightly decomposed to slightly decomposed semi-fibrous with low moisture content) Likely to have suitable structural integrity for reuse on site (fibrous material retains integral structure and can stand unsupported when stockpiled >1m)

30 Yes Yes5 Not classified as a waste

Yes Would be reused in reinstatement of access track verges, cut and fill verges, road verges, side slopes and check drains. Peripheral embankments of turbine bases, crane hardstandings and restoration of borrow pits Method statements to identify how peat is excavated, stored and used would be detailed and agreed through the detailed CEMP.

Catotelmic Peat with H6 to H9 classification (very decomposed to strongly decomposed amorphous peat with high moisture content) (amorphous material unable to stand unsupported when stockpiled >1m)

5 Very limited around site development due to avoidance by design

Potentially Potentially Such uses for this type of material are limited, although there may be justification for use to maintain water logged conditions and prevent desiccation of restored area and in some habitat management works such as, gully or ditch blocking where saturated peat is required to mimic mire type habitats and encourage

Potentially if not required as part of justifiable restoration or habitat management works

No? If peat does not require treatment prior to re-use it can be used on site providing adequate justification and method statements are provided and approved by SE. If it is unsuitable for use without treatment then it may be regarded as a waste. However every attempt to avoid this type of peat has been incorporated into the design.

9 Based on a total excavated volume for the site of 24,999 m3. 10 Is there a suitable use for the material without need for treatment and without risk to the environment or human health


Excavated Material Indicative Volume on Site by % of total excavated

soils9

Is there a suitable use

for Material10

Is the Material required for Use on Site

Material Classified as

a Waste

Re-use Potential

Re-use on site

establishment of sphagnum.


8.0 CONCLUSION

The figures shown in the tables suggest that the volumes of peat excavated on site would be re-used without creating surplus materials which would require to be classified as waste. The PMP would be included as part of the CEMP which would been updated with information obtained from the detailed ground investigations prior to construction commencing.

The majority of the excavated peat is therefore entirely re-useable as it is predominantly fibrous to pseudo fibrous and easily re-used on site.


9.0 CLOSURE

This report has been prepared by SLR Consulting Limited with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, and taking account of the manpower and resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. Information reported herein is based on the interpretation of data collected and has been accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid.

The writer; Colin Duncan (BSc (Hons), MSc FGS) is a Geologist with over 30 years experience in geological consulting for the minerals, mining, planning, and energy sectors.

This report is for the exclusive use of Innogy Renewables UK Ltd; no warranties or guarantees are expressed or should be inferred by any third parties. This report may not be relied upon by other parties without written consent from SLR.

SLR disclaims any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the agreed scope of the work.


FIGURES

Figure 1 Site Locality

Figure 2 Drift Geology (showing extent of peat)

T3

T2

T1

T4

T5

T6

T7

T17

T16

T8

T9

T15

T14

T13

T12

T11

T10

290000 29500061

5000

6200

00

SITE BOUNDARY

PROPOSED TURBINELOCATIONS

PROPOSED PERMANENT METMAST LOCATION

PROPOSED ACCESS

PROPOSED CRANEHARDSTANDING

PROPOSED SUBSTATIONCOMPOUND

PROPOSED CONSTRUCTIONCOMPOUND

DateScale1:30,000

4/5 LOCHSIDE VIEWEDINBURGH PARK

EDINBURGHEH12 9DH

T: +44 (0)131 335 6830www.slrconsulting.com

HARRYBURN WIND FARM

TECHNICAL APPENDIX 11.2

© This drawing and its content are the copyright of SLR Consulting Ltd and may not be reproduced or amended except by prior written permission. SLR Consulting Ltd accepts no liability for any amendments made by other persons.

0227

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ite L

ocal

ity

FIGURE 1APRIL 2017

SITE LOCALITY

© Crown copyright [and database rights] (2017) 0100031673. Expires 06/04/2017.

LEGEND

0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2

Kilometres

T3

T2

T1

T4

T5

T6

T7

T17

T16

T8

T9

T15T14

T13

T12

T11

T10

290000 29500061

5000

6200

00

LEGEND

SITE BOUNDARY

PROPOSED TURBINELOCATIONS

PROPOSED PERMANENT METMAST LOCATION

PROPOSED ACCESS TRACK

PROPOSED CRANEHARDSTANDING

PROPOSED SUBSTATIONCOMPOUND

PROPOSED CONSTRUCTIONCOMPOUND

SUPERFICIAL GEOLOGY

ALLUVIUM

PEAT

RIVER TERRACE DEPOSITS

HUMMOCKY GLACIALDEPOSITS

TILL

BEDROCK AT OR NEARSURFACE

DateScale1:40,000

4/5 LOCHSIDE VIEWEDINBURGH PARK

EDINBURGHEH12 9DH

T: +44 (0)131 335 6830www.slrconsulting.com

HARRYBURN WIND FARM

TECHNICAL APPENDIX 11.2

© This drawing and its content are the copyright of SLR Consulting Ltd and may not be reproduced or amended except by prior written permission. SLR Consulting Ltd accepts no liability for any amendments made by other persons.

0227

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11.3

.0 S

uper

ficia

l Geo

logy

FIGURE 2APRIL 2017

SUPERFICIAL GEOLOGY

© Crown copyright [and database rights] (2017) 0100031673. Expires 06/04/2017.

1. SUPERFICIAL GEOLOGY DATA OBTAINEDVIA BGS WMS. BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY©NERC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

NOTES

0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2

Kilometres


Appendix A Excavated Materials Worksheet

Excavated Materials Soils and Peat Harryburn Wind Farm 170117 405 6525 00001

Length Width Average Depth No

Total Volume Excavated m3 Length Width

Average depth No

Total Volume Reused m3 Average peat depth along roads is 0.38m

Excavated Tracks (New) 9630 5 0.00 0.00 12900.00 3.00 0.00 2 0.00 Assume 3m wide shoulder. road height 1.0mExcavated Tracks (New on peat or peaty soil) 3270 5 0.38 6213.00 3270.00 3.00 0.50 2 9810.00 Assume 3m wide shoulder. road height 1.0mExcavated Tracks (Existing to be upgraded (T11 to T17)) 2800 2 0.38 2128.00 2800.00 3.00 0.50 2 8400.00Floating Tracks 300 7 0.00 300.00 3.00 0.50 2 900.00 Assume 3m wide shoulder, road height 1.0m

Turbine Foundations 28 28 0.36 17 3766.49 84.00 2.00 1.00 17 2856.00

Crane Pads 45 25 0.36 17 6885.00 115.00 2.00 1.00 17 3910.00

Crane pads -blades 12 3 0.36 17 220.32 12.00 3.00 0.36 17 220.32Cable Routes 6070 1 0.38 2306.60 6070.00 1.00 0.38 2306.60

Temp Construction Compound 50 80 0.68 2720.00 50.00 80.00 0.68 2720.00 Full reinstatementOperations Building 50 80 0.10 400.00 50.00 80.00 0.10 400.00 Use for landscaping bunds and screeningMet mast 30 30 0.40 360.00 30.00 30.00 0.40 360.00 Use for landscaping bunds and screeningTOTAL EXCAVATED VOLUME 24999.41 31882.92TOTAL REUSED VOLUME 31882.92NET BALANCE -6883.51ACTUAL PEAT EXCAVATED Based on 22.3% peat present 11249.74

Average peat depth along roads is 0.38m

Harryburn Wind Farm - Excavated Materials Worksheet

ReusedExcavated

Assumes widening existing roads to allow for construction

Based on square base. Average peat depth at turbines 0.36m Assumes 2m3 per linear metre around baseAverage peat depth at turbines 0.36m Assumes 2m3 per linear metre around baseFully reinstated

ABERDEEN 214 Union Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TL, UK T: +44 (0)1224 517405 AYLESBURY 7 Wornal Park, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 9PH, UK T: +44 (0)1844 337380 BELFAST Suite 1 Potters Quay, 5 Ravenhill Road, Belfast BT6 8DN, UK, Northern Ireland T: +44 (0)28 9073 2493 BRADFORD-ON-AVON Treenwood House, Rowden Lane, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2AU, UK T: +44 (0)1225 309400 BRISTOL Langford Lodge, 109 Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3EU, UK T: +44 (0)117 9064280 CAMBRIDGE 8 Stow Court, Stow-cum-Quy, Cambridge CB25 9AS, UK T: + 44 (0)1223 813805 CARDIFF Fulmar House, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5PB, UK T: +44 (0)29 20491010 CHELMSFORD Unit 77, Waterhouse Business Centre, 2 Cromar Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2QE, UK T: +44 (0)1245 392170

DUBLIN 7 Dundrum Business Park, Windy Arbour, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Ireland T: + 353 (0)1 2964667 EDINBURGH 4/5 Lochside View, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh EH12 9DH, UK T: +44 (0)131 3356830 EXETER 69 Polsloe Road, Exeter EX1 2NF, UK T: + 44 (0)1392 490152 GLASGOW 4 Woodside Place, Charing Cross, Glasgow G3 7QF, UK T: +44 (0)141 3535037 GRENOBLE BuroClub, 157/155 Cours Berriat, 38028 Grenoble Cedex 1, France T: +33 (0)4 76 70 93 41 GUILDFORD 65 Woodbridge Road, Guildford Surrey GU1 4RD, UK T: +44 (0)1483 889 800 LEEDS Suite 1, Jason House, Kerry Hill, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4JR, UK T: +44 (0)113 2580650 LONDON 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0HW, UK T: +44 (0)203 691 5810 MAIDSTONE 19 Hollingworth Court, Turkey Mill, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5PP, UK T: +44 (0)1622 609242

MANCHESTER 8th Floor, Quay West, MediaCityUK, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1HH, UK T: +44 (0)161 872 7564 NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Sailors Bethel, Horatio Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 2PE, UK T: +44 (0)191 2611966 NOTTINGHAM Aspect House, Aspect Business Park, Bennerley Road, Nottingham NG6 8WR, UK T: +44 (0)115 9647280 SHEFFIELD Unit 2 Newton Business Centre, Thorncliffe Park Estate, Newton Chambers Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 2PW, UK T: +44 (0)114 2455153 SHREWSBURY 2nd Floor, Hermes House, Oxon Business Park, Shrewsbury SY3 5HJ, UK T: +44 (0)1743 239250 STAFFORD 8 Parker Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Beaconside, Stafford ST18 0WP, UK T: +44 (0)1785 241755 STIRLING No. 68 Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen, Stirling FK8 2DZ, UK T: +44 (0)1786 239900 WORCESTER Suite 5, Brindley Court, Gresley Road, Shire Business Park, Worcester WR4 9FD, UK T: +44 (0)1905 751310

Documents

Harryburn Wind Farm - innogy...Harryburn Wind farm 1 405.06521.00001 Soil and Peat Management Plan April 2017 1.0 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY SLR Consulting (SLR) was commissioned by Innogy