Falkland Islands GovernmentPublic Works Department

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON SITE SELECTION FOR THE NEW POWER STATION

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 The purpose of this consultation

FIG is seeking the views of the public in relation to the shortlisted sites for the new power station. This consultation paper sets out the proposed locations for the two sites; details the key considerations specific to each location; and asks for your response and comments in relation to the questions posed.

Ramboll UK Limited were commissioned by FIG to undertake a high level screening assessment for each of the proposed sites. Copies of those screening reports are available for viewing in the FIG Planning & Building Services Department, and are also available for download from the PWD website at www.fig.gov.fk/pwd. Please note that the site locations in these screening reports are indicative only and do not illustrate the final location of the power station.

The consultation period will run from Monday 4th February to Sunday 24th February.

This public consultation is one of several site consideration processes being undertaken by FIG. Separate technical and cost evaluations are also being conducted and the results of this consultation, in conjunction with those assessments, will be taken into account by FIG when making the final site selection decision.

1.2 Background

The existing power station within Stanley and comprises eight diesel engines which are between 30 to 50 years old. These engines range in power output from 320KW to 1,500KW and provide a combined total of up to approximately 6.6MW. This output is supplemented by the Sand Bay Wind Farm, which has a combined total output of up to 2MW. However, wind power generation is intermittent in accordance with local weather conditions, with too little or too much wind preventing operation of the turbines at times.

The existing power station is nearing the end of its serviceable life due to ongoing engine service requirements and occasional engine failure - all eight engines do not run simultaneously for the majority of the time and this poses serious problems in terms of providing a consistent and reliable power source. Added to this is the need to develop additional capacity to meet the growing demand for power in Stanley.

In addition to the difficulties posed by the aging engines, the current building and other infrastructure is not satisfactory. It is a thin skinned metal clad building (including 1982 shrapnel damage), with no proper controlled ventilation or noise control, and the engine flues have no modern emission control equipment installed.

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On this basis, FIG has committed to developing a new power station to replace the existing facility. The new station will be a modern, well designed facility with sufficient capacity to provide for Stanley’s current needs, as well as being able to expand in the future, if necessary.

Modern building standards; proper controlled ventilation systems; noise control to current UK standards; and state-of-the-art flue gas emissions controls will all feature in the final design. This means that wherever the new power station is located, it will be quieter and less polluting than the old power station.

FIG is also looking at how renewable energy options can be increased in the future, however it will remain necessary to develop a full diesel generator system in order to provide a reliable power source to meet current and future demand.

FIG previously carried out extensive consultation on the Development Plan and National Infrastructure Plan in 2014 and 2015. A key part of that process was updating the broad allocations for development within Stanley and inviting discussion around what development in each of those zones might look like. Following that consultation, an indicative location for a new power station was included on the updated Stanley Town Map, along the eastern edge of allocation E6 and the west edge of allocation E9 (see Stanley Development Map). However, as development was not envisaged in the short-term at the time, the exact location and size of the power station site was indicative only, and dependent on further clarification.

The current consultation is to solicit comments on two potential sites – south-east Stanley and Sand Bay.

It is important to note that the new power station will be designed according to the same guidelines irrespective of where it will be built – the location of the site will not affect the design or operational standards of the power station. However the impact of the build and how it is perceived may differ depending on the site location.

1.3 How to respond

This document and copies of the screening reports are available online at www.fig.gov.fk/pwd Electronic responses submitted via email are preferred; however, paper responses can also be submitted to the Project Manager at the contact details below.

A public presentation and discussion on the proposed sites will be held in the Courts Building on the 18th February at 5.00pm. Consultation documents will also be available at the presentation and you are encouraged to use this opportunity to have your say on where the power station will be located.

For more information or if you have any queries in relation to this consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact:

Cecil AlexanderProject ManagerFIG Public Works DepartmentPhone: 27193Email: ProjectManager@pwd.gov.fk

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2. REVIEW OF SHORTLISTED SITES

2.1 OVERVIEW

A review of each of the two shortlisted locations is provided here, along with an overview of how the new power station would be situated within each site.

Each site is assessed in terms of 14 key factors, namely:

1. Noise emissions 2. Exhaust gas emissions3. Connectivity with the HV electrical infrastructure4. Utilisation of power station waste heat energy5. Availability and delivery of fuel oil 6. Firefighting water supplies7. Staff accessibility to site8. Impact on common land9. Ecological impacts10. Landscape and visual impacts11. Emergency response12. Material Deliveries13. Connectivity to Mains Drainage System14. Operations

Details of each of these elements in relation to the specific site are provided and any proposed mitigating actions are included where relevant. The locations of the two shortlisted sites are shown on Figure 1 below. These are:

- Option 1 - Stanley; and- Option 2 - Sand Bay

Figure 1: Identified Locations

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2.2 OPTION 1 - STANLEY

An indicative location for the power station is shown on Figure 2 below. The proposed location is immediately south of Stanley bypass, opposite Stanley Growers and approximately 400m away from the closest residential housing. The proposed site location is outside of the Stanley Common National Nature Reserve boundary, although the site shares its Southern boundary with the common land (as indicated in Fig. 2).

It is anticipated that approximately 2 hectares (20,000m2) of land will be required to accommodate the proposed development. For context, this is slightly larger than the existing power station site which covers an area of approximately 1.75 hectares. Development of the power station will necessitate the creation of a new junction and access road off Stanley bypass. It is anticipated that the new access point would connect onto the existing stone track that leads to the rifle range to the south and Rookery Bay to the east.

Figure 2: Stanley (East) Site

In the indicative site location above, the generator building and flue stack will be positioned on the south side of the building complex so that they are partially screened from the view from the Airport Road. An earth bund is proposed on the northern boundary to provide additional screening and noise suppression.

The stack would be visible from the adjacent Airport Road to a height of approximately 25m which, for context, is approximately twice the height of Stanley Town Hall. However, this is subject to development of detailed design and is only used as a guide.

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2.3 KEY FACTORS IDENTIFIED IN RELATION TO THE STANLEY SITE

Factor Details Proposed Mitigation

1. Noise emissions from the power station

Control of noise is considered to be an important factor if this site is selected, as it is relatively close to residential properties. There is an inevitable background noise associated with power generation equipment which will be expected to run 24 hours of every day. The prevailing wind will however carry noise away from nearby populated areas.

Appropriate site layout orientation.Incorporation of screening bund.Inclusion of soundproofing (design of which to be based on noise survey).

2. Exhaust gas emissions The closeness of this site to residences and workplaces will require care to monitor and treat dispersal of emissions from the site in line with international standards. The prevailing wind will however carry emissions away from nearby populated areas.

Appropriate stack location.Stack height calculation to determine minimum height.Emissions treatment and monitoring to international standards.

3. Connectivity with the High Voltage electrical infrastructure

The East Stanley site is around 3.6 km from the existing power station in West Stanley. A pair of cables using diverse routes will be required to connect these two locations, running along the boundary with Stanley Common.

Installation of cables running the 3.6km from the East Stanley site to the existing power station in Stanley.

4. Utilisation of power station waste heat energy

It is considered that development of a heat capture system to deliver waste heat to buildings could be viable in the future, but this is not planned in the short-term.

None at this time.

5. Availability and delivery of fuel oil It is considered viable to install a new connecting fuel delivery line to the new power station from the fuel storage facility at FIPASS. This would eliminate the need for transport of fuel via road, thus mitigating against increased road traffic and risk of accidents.

Installation of fuel delivery line from FIPASS storage facility to the site.

6. Firefighting water supplies The Stanley site has access to mains water supplies to fight fires. Water storage may still be required in order to assure the minimum operating requirement for the site, without unduly affecting other users.

None at this time.

7. Staff accessibility to site The Stanley site is within close proximity of the centre of population, and will be convenient in terms of staff access.

None at this time.

8. Impact on Common land The site is aligned with the Stanley Common boundary. Developments Installation of underground

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Factor Details Proposed Mitigation

along the south of the Stanley by-pass will require new interconnecting cables to be routed across Common land.

interconnecting cables from site to existing power station to be routed across common land.

9. Ecological impacts The site location is currently identified on the town plan for industrial development.Site is currently a greenfield and will be impacted by development.The site is typical of those found in the wider area, comprising lowland dwarf shrub heath, grassland, bare ground and several small, shallow freshwater pools which have formed within areas of eroded peat.The screening report established the site is not identified as an important plant area, nor located in close proximity to any known important bird areas. No protected or rare animal species were noted at the time of the report, and the habitat is not considered highly suitable for such species.

An environmental screening report has been done did not identify any ecological impacts for this area.Sensitive drainage design.

10. Landscape and visual impacts The new station building will be visible from the Stanley Airport Road. Appropriate site layout arrangementSite reprofiling (change in levels).Screening e.g. earth bund.Sensitive use of lighting.Careful design through selection of materials and use of colours.

11. Emergency response The Stanley site is within the boundary of the town, and would therefore be covered by the two fire tenders allocated for this service.

None at this time.

12. Material deliveries The site is close to Stanley port facilities, and has good quality road connections.

None at this time.

13. Connectivity to mains drainage system

The station can be connected into the existing drainage and sewerage facilities along the Stanley by-pass. There may be a requirement for pumped forwarding facilities in order to reach the existing infrastructure.

None at this time.

14. Operations All workshops and warehouses will be centrally situated with easy access to and from all.

None at this time.

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2.4 OPTION 2 – SAND BAY

An indicative location plan for the proposed power station is shown in Figure 3 below. The proposed location is immediately east of the existing Sand Bay Wind Farm, on the eastern boundary of the access road to the abattoir, with Stanley situated approximately 9km to the east. Pony’s Pass quarry and the abattoir are present to the north and south of the proposed site location respectively. The proposed location is not on common land.

It is anticipated that approximately 2 hectares (20,000m2) of land will be required to accommodate the proposed development. For context, this is slightly larger than the existing power station site which covers an area of approximately 1.75 hectares. Development of the power station will necessitate the creation of a new access road off of the current gravel road leading to the Abattoir, but will utilise the existing junction on the Stanley - MPA road.

Figure 3: Sand Bay Site

In the indicative location above, the generator building and flue stacks will be positioned on the south side of the building complex so that they are partially screened from the view from Mount Pleasant Road. An earth bund is also proposed on the northern boundary to provide additional screening and noise suppression.

The existing cables associated with the Sand Bay Wind Farm would not be capable of transmitting power to Stanley and, therefore, additional cables would need to be installed. At this stage it is assumed that any new cables would be underground (as the cables from the wind farm already are) and there would be a need for excavation of trenches, though these would then be backfilled and the land reinstated.

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While consideration has been given to the construction of a pipeline to supply fuel to the proposed power station it is assumed at this stage that fuel would be transferred from Stanley to the site by road tanker.

The stack would be visible from the adjacent bypass to a height of approximately 25m which, for context, is approximately twice the height of Stanley Town Hall. However, this is subject to development of detailed design and is only used as a guide within this assessment. The height will also be the same for both sites.

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2.5KEY FACTORS IDENTIFIED FOR THE SAND BAY SITE

Factor Details Proposed Mitigation

1. Noise emissions from the power station

There is limited concern regarding noise derived from the power generation plant in this area as there is little occupancy apart from other industrial plant such as the wind energy converters, Pony’s Pass quarry and the Abattoir.

Appropriate site layout orientation.Incorporation of screening bund.Inclusion of soundproofing (design of which to be based on noise survey).

2. Exhaust gas emissions Apart from the over-arching requirement to align with current industry good practice, it is understood that there are no sensitive receptors in the vicinity of this site.

Appropriate stack location.Stack height calculation to determine minimum height.Emissions treatment and monitoring to international standards.

3. Connectivity with the High Voltage electrical infrastructure

Sand Bay is around 8.6 km from the existing power station in Stanley. In order to deliver power to the existing distribution system in a reliable manner it will be necessary to install two cables using diverse routes from Sand Bay to Stanley, possibly running at 22 kV. It is anticipated that these cables will be installed on either side of the Stanley to MPA road.

Installation of cables running the 8.6km from the Sand Bay site to the existing power station in Stanley.

4. Utilisation of the waste heat from the generators

It is considered that limited development of a heat capture system to deliver waste heat to buildings could be viable in the future, but this is not planned in the short-term.

None at this time.

5. Availability and delivery of fuel oil

There is no current bulk fuel storage facility in the vicinity of Sand Bay. As such, fuel would need to be transported (as is the case with the current power station) to this more distant site. This could cause an increase in traffic and increased associated risk.

None at this time.

6. Firefighting water supplies There is no water infrastructure available suitable to provide support to firefighting at the Sand Bay location. As such, a bulk water store would need to be created at or near the new generating station with sufficient capacity to fight a significant fire and a supply network will have to be put in place.

Sand Bay would require a new water main to be established to feed this site.

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Factor Details Proposed Mitigation

7. Staff accessibility to site The Sand Bay site is further from the centre of population in Stanley, and will therefore require a greater travel distance for those working at the station and within the Electricity & Power Section (which is to be relocated with the station).

For safe access, the last stretch of road once you turn of the MPA road will have to be well maintained and tarred in the future.

8. Effect on Common land The proposed site is not within the Stanley Common designated area, however the interconnecting cables to be routed across common land.

Installation of interconnecting cables from site to existing power station to be routed across Common land

9. Ecological impacts The location is not currently identified for development.Site is currently a greenfield and will be impacted by development.The site is typical of those found in the wider area, comprising lowland dwarf shrub heath, grassland, bare ground and several small, shallow freshwater pools which have formed within areas of eroded peat. The screening report established the site is not identified as an important plant area, nor located in close proximity to any known important bird areas. No protected or rare animal species were noted at the time of the report, and the habitat is not considered highly suitable for such species.

Further assessment to determine full impact of development, but no major impacts identified during environmental screening report.Sensitive drainage design.

10. Landscape and visual impacts The new station building will be visible from the Stanley to MPA road, and also from Mount Harriet. However, the existing Pony’s Pass quarry and the Abattoir are also visible.

Appropriate site layout arrangement.Site reprofiling (change in levels).Screening e.g. earth bund.Sensitive use of lighting.Careful design through selection of materials and use of colours.

11. Emergency response The Fire & Rescue Service advise that they are required to maintain two tenders to be available at all times in Stanley. As they have a fleet of three vehicles, they would only be able to commit one to a fire at the proposed station at Sand Bay.

Modify emergency response plan if Sand Bay selected.Additional equipment will be required.

12. Material deliveries The site is relatively distant from port unloading facilities, but does have good quality roads.

None at this time.

13. Connectivity to mains drainage system

There are no drainage or sewerage facilities at or near this site. Sand Bay would require the development of new facilities.

14. Operations Stores and warehouse will be situated 6km from Stanley where the majority of the network would be located. This will impact on logistics, engineer resources, and response times to repair works.

A second workshop and/or offices could be required in Stanley, should the Sand Bay site be selected.

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2.6 SUMMARY TABLE SHOWING FACTOR COMPARISON OF SAND BAY AND STANLEY SITES

For ease of comparison, this table summarises the information in Tables 2.3 and 2.5 for each of the two sites.

Factor Sand Bay Stanley

1. Noise emissions from the power station

Limited concern regarding noise from the power station for this site, however good design practice will still be adopted. Both sites will be designed to the same level of noise control.

The proximity to residential properties may be of greater concern to residents. Soundproofing will be incorporated in the design, and detailed acoustic assessments carried out. Good design practice to be adopted. Both sites will be design to the same level of noise control.

2. Exhaust gas emissions

There are no sensitive receptors in the immediate vicinity of this site, however, good design practice will still be adopted.Treat and monitor emissions to international standards to which both site will be design to the same level of emission controls.

The proximity to residential properties may be of greater concern to residents. Treat and monitor emissions to international standards to which both site will be design to the same level of emission controls.

3. Connectivity with the HV electrical infrastructure

Will require installation of cables running 8.6km from Sand Bay to the existing power station in Stanley. It is anticipated the cables will be installed on either side of the Stanley to MPA road.

Will require installation of cables running 3.6km from the East Stanley site to the existing power station in Stanley. It is anticipated the cables will be installed along the boundary with Stanley Common, and possibly via Common land along the mobile home park.

4. Utilisation of the waste heat from the generators

Limited potential to use this energy in the future. Potential to use this energy in the future.

5. Availability and delivery of fuel oilNo bulk fuel storage facility at this site. Fuel would have to be transported to the site, causing an increase in road traffic.

A connecting fuel delivery line from FIPASS fuel storage facility to this site could be installed; mitigating an increase in road traffic.

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Factor Sand Bay Stanley

6. Firefighting water suppliesNo water infrastructure available at this site for providing firefighting capacity. A bulk water store would have to be installed.

This site has access to mains water supplies to provide for firefighting capacity. Installation of water storage may still be required to ensure other users are not impacted.

7. Staff accessibility to sitePower station staff and Electricity & Power Section staff will have to travel further to work.

No impact on travel times for staff.

8. Effect on Common landSite is not within Stanley Common. Interconnecting cables to be routed across the common land.

The site is aligned with the Stanley Common boundary. Interconnecting cables to be routed across common land.

9. Ecological impactsSite is a greenfield site and will be impacted by development.

Site is a greenfield site and will be impacted by development.

10.Landscape and visual impactsThe new station building will be visible from the Stanley to MPA road, and from Mount Harriet.

The new station building will be visible from the Stanley Airport Road.

11.Emergency responsePresently, only one Fire & Rescue vehicle can be committed to this site in the event of a fire.

This site would be covered by the two Fire & Rescue vehicles allocated to Stanley.

12.Material deliveriesThe site is relatively distant from port unloading facilities, but does have good quality roads.

The site is close to Stanley port facilities, and has good quality road connections.

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Factor Sand Bay Stanley

13.Connectivity to mains drainage system

There are no drainage or sewerage facilities at or near this site.

This site can be connected to existing facilities along Stanley bypass. There may be a requirement for pumped forwarding facilities in order to reach the existing infrastructure.

14.OperationsDistance of operations facilities from central network will impact on logistics, resources and response times.

All operations facilities will be centrally situated with easy access to and from all.

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3. RESPONSE FORM

This response form is designed to be completed having read the information provided in Section 2 of the consultation paper.

We welcome your feedback on the proposed locations for the power station, including your comments on the proposals for mitigating the site-specific factors.

There is also space for you to provide overall comments, but if you have specific queries in relation to this consultation please contact the Project Manager at the contact details provided at the end of this form.

If you are happy to be contacted in relation to your responses, please provide your contact details here:

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Consultation Question 1On balance, and taking into account the proposed strategies to mitigate the site specific considerations, which of the shortlisted sites is your preferred choice?

Stanley site

Sand Bay site

Consultation Question 2Please provide reasons why the above is your preferred options.

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Consultation Question 3Are there any other considerations not detailed here in sections 2.3 and 2.5, which you think should be taken into account? If yes, please provide further details.

Consultation Question 4Using the list of key considerations detailed in Section 2, or any additional factors you may have identified in question 3 above, what do you feel are the three most important issues for consideration in relation to your preferred site?

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2

3

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Consultation Question 5Please provide any comments you may have in relation to your choices in Question 4.

Consultation Question 6Do you think the mitigations detailed in sections 2.3 and 2.5 are sufficient? If no, what additional steps do you think should be considered?

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Consultation Question 7If you would like to provide any general comments you may have in relation to this consultation, please do so here.

4. NEXT STEPS

Once the results of this consultation have been collated, a site for the new power station will be selected by the Project Board, and referred to Executive Council if necessary, taking into account:

- Results of the public consultation- Technical Evaluation Reports- Cost Evaluation Reports

A planning application for constructing the new power station on the preferred site will then be submitted to the Department of Planning & Building Services, and should planning permission be granted; the design contractors will complete the site-specific designs for the power station.

The project will then be put out to tender and once a contract is signed with the successful tenderer, construction of the power station will begin.

Thank you for your responses and for contributing to this public participation process. The results of this consultation will be made available to the public as soon as possible.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch by contacting:

Cecil AlexanderProject ManagerFIG Public Works DepartmentPhone: 27193 / email: ProjectManager@pwd.gov.fk

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