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Sandy Knowe Wind Farm Environmental Statement – Non-Technical Summary Sandy Knowe Wind Farm Ltd December 2012
Sandy Knowe Wind Farm Environmental Statement – Non-Technical Summary
Sandy Knowe Wind Farm Ltd
December 2012
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM i NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Contents
Figures ii
1 Background 1
2 Purpose of the Environmental Statement (ES) 1
3 Availability of the ES 1
4 Representations to the Application 2
5 Site Location and Description 2
6 Site Selection/Design 3
7 Description of the Development 3
8 Consultation 6
9 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 7
10 Landscape and Visual 8
11 Ecology and Nature Conservation 9
12 Ornithology 10
13 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology 11
14 Cultural Heritage 12
15 Noise and Vibration 12
16 Transport and Traffic 13
17 Socio-Economic, Tourism, Recreation and Land Use 14
18 Shadow Flicker 15
19 Aviation, Radar and Telecommunications 15
20 Summary 16
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SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 1 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1 Background
1.1 This document is a Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement which
accompanies an application by Sandy Knowe Wind Farm Ltd (the Applicant), a fully owned
subsidiary of Burcote Wind Ltd, for consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for
the construction and operation of a 30 turbine wind farm (the Proposed Development) at
Sandy Knowe, near Kirkconnel, Dumfries and Galloway.
2 Purpose of the Environmental Statement (ES)
2.1 WSP carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Proposed
Development in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment)
(Scotland) Regulations 2000 as amended (the EIA Regulations). EIA is the systematic
process of identifying, predicting and evaluating the environmental effects of a
development.
2.2 The EIA process is reported in the ES, which describes the methods used to assess the
environmental effects predicted to result from the construction, operation and
decommissioning of a development. Where appropriate, it also sets out mitigation
measures designed to prevent, reduce and, if possible, offset significant adverse
environmental effects. An assessment of residual effects, those expected to remain
following implementation of mitigation measures, is also presented.
3 Availability of the ES
3.1 Copies of the ES are available from:
Burcote Wind Limited
15 Pitreavie Court,
Queensferry Road,
Dunfermline,
Fife
KY11 8UU
3.2 Electronic copies of the ES can also be accessed at www.sandyknowewindfarm.com or
obtained by emailing: [email protected]
3.3 The Non-Technical Summary is available free of charge, a hard copy of the ES Volumes 1
and 2 for £150.00 and a hard copy of the ES Volume 3 (Appendices) for £50.00. In
addition, all documents are available (as a PDF for screen viewing only) as a DVD for
£10.00.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 2 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
3.4 Copies of the ES will also be available for viewing during opening hours at the following locations:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Planning and Environmental Services Kirkbank House English Street Dumfries DG1 2HS Sanquhar Library 106 High Street Sanquhar DG4 6DZ Kirkconnel Library Greystone Avenue Kelloholm Sanquhar GD4 6RA
4 Representations to the Application
4.1 Any representations to the application should be made directly to the case officer at the Energy Consents and Deployment Unit as follows:
Energy Consents and Deployment Unit Scottish Government 4th Floor 5 Atlantic Quay 150 Broomielaw Glasgow G2 8LU
Email: [email protected]
5 Site Location and Description
5.1 The site is located approximately 1.5 km south-west of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm, Dumfries and Galloway. It comprises of the upland areas of White Hill, White Knowe, Sandy Knowe and Libry Moor. The elevation of the site ranges from 240 m to 440 m above ordnance datum. The site occupies an area of 386 hectares (ha). The central grid reference for the site is NS 701 106. The site location and site boundary are shown on Figure 1.
5.2 The site comprises mainly grazed upland, with a section of coniferous woodland plantation at Libry Moor on the eastern side of the site. The Polneul Burn, part of which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its exposed geology, runs across the site from south to north. No buildings or structures are located within the site boundary.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 3 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
6 Site Selection/Design
6.1 The location of the Proposed Development was selected as part of a nationwide search for
potential wind farm sites by the Applicant.
6.2 The Applicant considered over 120 potential sites throughout the UK to establish the most
appropriate sites for a wind farm development. Of the initial sites investigated, the
Applicant decided to carry forward approximately 20 sites to more detailed feasibility
assessments, of which the Proposed Development at Sandy Knowe was one.
6.3 In November 2010 WSP undertook a feasibility assessment for wind generation at the
Sandy Knowe site which identified potential for a viable wind energy project at the site.
6.4 The design of the wind farm has evolved in response to the detailed assessment work that
have been undertaken, with consideration given to feedback from the public, consultation
with statutory regulators, the landscape, visual and environmental effects, terrain, current
land use and any health and safety issues. The process of design iteration is explained
fully in Chapter 2 of the ES.
6.5 The proposed locations of the 30 wind turbines, together with the layout of access tracks,
substation, borrow pit and construction compounds are shown on Figure 2. In order to
provide flexibility when the detailed design of the Proposed Development is undertaken
and to allow for uncertain ground conditions, the turbine and access track locations may be
further altered through micro-siting by up to 50 m.
7 Description of the Development
7.1 This section provides an overview description of the Proposed Development and how it will
be constructed. Further details are provided in Chapter 2 of the ES.
The Proposed Development
7.2 The Proposed Development will comprise 30 wind turbines of up to 80 m hub height and
up to 45 m blade length, resulting in a maximum height from ground to blade tip, when
vertical, of up to 125 m.
7.3 The power rating of each turbine will be up to 3 MW. The maximum total power output of
the Proposed Development will therefore be up to 90 MW.
7.4 Based on recorded wind speed data, the annual indicative total power output for the site is
expected to be 201,300 megawatt hours (MWh), indicating that the Proposed
Development would generate enough electricity to power over 41,700 average Scottish
households, and displace 2,822,911 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its proposed 25-year
lifetime (refer to Chapter 2 of the ES for details). The electricity produced at this site will be
exported to the national grid.
7.5 It is proposed that construction, operational maintenance and decommissioning vehicles
will access the site by the Heads of the Valley Road from the A76. The recommended
route for Heavy Goods Vehicles and exceptional load vehicles is via the M74/M6, A75,
A76, C125N (local road connecting the A76 to the Heads of the Valley Road) and the
Heads of the Valley Road.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 4 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
7.6 The Applicant will ensure that construction and delivery vehicles, including those bringing
in turbine components, will be routed as agreed with Dumfries and Galloway Council and
Transport Scotland, in order to minimise disruption and disturbance to local residents.
7.7 The access tracks within the site boundary will be approximately 5 m wide, with some
extra width provided on bends, gradients, junctions, and turning and passing places.
Approximately 10 km of new internal site access tracks will be constructed.
7.8 A number of watercourses within the site, both natural and artificial, will be crossed by the
proposed access tracks. Artificial drains will be bridged by concrete pipe culvert crossings,
and natural streams will be bridged by ‘bottomless’ arch culverts which clear the
watercourse and banks. For the larger crossing of the Polneul Burn, a single span bridge is
proposed.
7.9 Two secure, temporary construction and material storage compounds will be required
during the construction period. The primary compound will be located at the site entrance,
adjacent to the Heads of the Valley Road, to reduce traffic volumes within the site. The
secondary compound will be located in the south-western corner of the site to allow control
of construction operations west of Polneul Burn and at the adjacent sub-station (refer to
Figure 2).
7.10 To enable the
construction of the
turbines, a crane
hardstanding area at each
turbine location will be
required to accommodate
assembly cranes. This will
comprise a crushed stone
hardstanding area
measuring approximately
38 m by 50 m.
7.11 The primary source of
construction stone for
access tracks and crane
hardstandings is likely to
be waste rock from the nearby surface coal mine at Glenmuckloch. However it is also likely
that a borrow pit be required onsite. It is proposed to create the borrow pit to the south of
the site, with approximate dimensions of 100 m by 250 m. Approximately 500 m of
temporary construction track will be created to access the borrow pit (refer to Figure 2).
7.12 The electrical power produced by the individual turbines will be fed to an on-site substation
via underground cables. The cables will be laid in trenches, typically up to a maximum of
0.5 m deep and 1 m wide. The substation building will measure approximately 45 m by
35 m and will accommodate all equipment necessary for automatic remote control and
monitoring of the Proposed Development.
7.13 The grid connection will be subject to a separate consent application under Section 37 of
the Electricity Act 1989. The likely route of connection will be from the on-site substation to
the existing 132 kV network via the substation at Black Hill.
7.14 Up to two permanent onsite meteorological monitoring masts will be required to monitor
wind speeds for the operational life of the Proposed Development. It is expected that the
masts will be of a height no greater than 80 m (the hub height of the proposed turbines).
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 5 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
7.15 In order to reduce air turbulence that could potentially increase fatigue to the wind turbine
blades, the 80 ha of New Libry Moor plantation woodland at the east of the site will be
felled. Woodland outside the site boundary will not be affected. In order to compensate for
the loss of this low ecological value plantation, 30 ha of higher ecological value mixed
woodland and scrub will be planted across the site. Also high priority habitats on the site,
such as blanket bog, will be managed to enhance their ecological value.
Construction
7.16 The estimated on-site construction period for the Proposed Development (not including
felling prior to construction) will take around 22-26 months and includes a programme to
reinstate all temporary working areas. Normal construction hours will be between 07:00
and 19:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 18:00 at weekends. These times have been
chosen to prevent disturbance to local residents outside of these times.
7.17 The construction programme will consist of the following principal operations, listed
sequentially wherever possible. The Proposed Development will be phased so that certain
activities will take place concurrently:
felling of plantation woodland at New Libry Moor;
construction of the primary temporary site compound and establishment of a storage
area for the Proposed Development components and temporary site facilities;
construction of access tracks, including construction of watercourse crossings, and
excavation of cable trenches;
construction of wind turbine foundations and crane pad hardstanding areas;
cable laying;
construction of substation;
erection of wind turbines;
connection of on-site electrical power and signal cables;
commissioning of the site equipment;
site reinstatement and restoration; and
compensatory woodland/scrub.
7.18 Prior to commencement of construction activities, a pollution prevention strategy will be
agreed with SEPA to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to protect
watercourses and the surrounding environment.
Operation and Maintenance
7.19 During operation, only site maintenance vehicles and local utility company vehicles will
normally be required on the site. Daily visits to the control building by maintenance
personnel in four wheel drive or conventional passenger vehicles will occur following the
commissioning phase.
7.20 In the unlikely event that a major turbine component requires replacement, vehicles will
use the new access tracks and crane pads.
Decommissioning
7.21 The operational lifespan of the Proposed Development would be approximately 25 years,
after which it would be appropriately decommissioned. It is expected that decommissioning
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 6 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
would take approximately 12 months. The environmental effects of decommissioning are
considered to be the same as during construction but over a much shorter time period.
7.22 During the decommissioning phase, vehicles would access the site by the same routes
used for delivery and construction.
8 Consultation
8.1 Consultation remains a critical component of the EIA process. In order to inform the EIA,
there has been on-going consultation with statutory consultees, engagement through the
formal EIA scoping process and subsequent discussions, correspondence and meetings
as required.
Public Consultation
8.2 The Applicant has carried out an extensive consultation with the communities close to the
Proposed Development site. A Pre-Application Consultation Report has been produced by
the Applicant, which provides full details of the public consultation process undertaken.
8.3 The public consultation for the Proposed Development has used a variety of different
methods during the engagement process, including:
a postal survey of residents living within 5 km of the site in February 2012;
two rounds of public exhibitions, in March 2012 and September 2012;
face-to-face meetings and postal/email correspondence with key stakeholders
including local Community Councils;
the establishment of a dedicated project website containing news, technical reports,
exhibition materials etc.;
the convening of a Community Liaison Group to act as a conduit to convey information
between the Applicant and key community representatives;
posters, leaflets and newsletters distributed in the local area to update the community
about the proposal and advertise events; and
public notices and press releases in the local media to keep the community informed.
8.4 A project website, www.sandyknowewindfarm.com was set up and regularly updated with
new information including maps and plans of the site, photomontages of the proposal,
progress on technical studies, information about events and minutes from the Community
Liaison Group. The Applicant has additionally engaged with the nearest site neighbours
from the outset and has had a number of private meetings with them in order to
understand their particular concerns and address them where possible.
Public Exhibitions
8.5 Two separate rounds of exhibitions were held in Kelloholm (Hillview Leisure Centre); New
Cumnock (New Cumnock Community Centre) and Sanquhar (Sanquhar Community
Centre) on consecutive days on 14th-16th March 2012, and 26th-28th September 2012.
On both occasions, the events were open for long periods, including into the evening to
allow working people to attend.
8.6 Both sets of events featured an exhibition of display boards giving details about the
proposal, including photomontages of the Proposed Development, as well as information
about the Applicant, the stages of the consent application process and the proposed
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 7 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
community benefit fund. The events also featured an advanced 3D computer model
showing the site and how it would appear from any location in the area.
Feedback
8.7 Feedback gathered at the exhibitions and via the Community Liaison Forum helped shape
the proposals for the community benefit fund model and priorities. The Proposed
Development was also altered partly as a result of the community feedback received, by
moving turbine 1, the closest turbine to the A76 and residential properties, approximately
340 m southwards in order to distance it from these receptors.
8.8 The level of feedback on the Proposed Development has been very high, with an average
of 74 % of respondents across the two sets of public exhibitions being in favour of the
Proposed Development, compared to an average of 9 % opposed and the remainder
undecided.
9 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
9.1 The EIA considers the effects of the Proposed Development during construction, operation
and decommissioning on the following topics:
landscape and visual (effects to the character of the landscape and views from agreed
locations);
ecology (the effects to protected habitats, flora and fauna, excluding birds);
ornithology (the effects to birds and protected bird habitats);
hydrology, hydrogeology and geology (the effects to surface water, ground water,
rocks and soils);
cultural heritage (effects to the integrity and setting of historic sites) ;
noise and vibration (effects to local properties from noise and vibration caused by the
Proposed Development);
traffic and transport (effects from traffic travelling to, and from, the Proposed
Development);
socio-economics, tourism, recreation and land use (effects to the local and national
economy, local tourism businesses, recreation facilities, and the change in use of the
land at the site of the Proposed Development);
shadow flicker (effects caused by the passing of the turbine blades in front of the sun);
and
aviation, radar and telecommunications (effects to civil and military aviation facilities
and air space and telecommunications facilities).
9.2 Chapter 3 of the ES describes the EIA process in more detail.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 8 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
9.3 For each topic the existing conditions (the baseline) was identified and the effects of the
Proposed Development on these conditions assessed (the potential effects). Potential
effects are assessed on a scale of negligible, minor, moderate and major, with effects of
moderate or major deemed to be significant. Mitigation measures have then been
proposed to minimise adverse effects where required. Following this an assessment was
undertaken of the effects of the Proposed Development on the existing conditions taking
into consideration the proposed mitigation (the residual effects).
9.4 In addition to the above, the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development in
conjunction with other developments, including wind farms, was assessed.
9.5 A summary of the baseline conditions, the proposed mitigation, the resulting residual
effects and the cumulative effects for each topic is provided below. Full details of the EIA
for each of the topics are provided in Chapters 5-14 of the ES.
10 Landscape and Visual
10.1 The full assessment of landscape and visual effects is provided in Chapter 5 of the ES.
10.2 The landscape and visual assessment covers a study area of 35 kilometres (km) from the
site boundary, which, with reference to SNH best practice guidance, is considered to be
the maximum radius within which a significant effect is likely to occur.
10.3 The landscape and visual assessment has assessed the effects that the Proposed
Development will have on the landscape and visual resource in accordance with Scottish
Natural Heritage guidance. While the principal effects result from the turbines, other
aspects of the wind farm such as turbine access tracks may also have some effect, but this
will generally be more limited.
10.4 The assessment of landscape and visual effects is informed by visibility mapping and a
series of 17 viewpoints. A variety of landscape character types, receptors and distances
have been represented within viewpoints, the locations of which have been agreed with
Scottish Natural Heritage.
10.5 The assessment has found that the proposed wind farm will have localised significant
effects on landscape character and views in the vicinity of the site. The following significant
effects have been identified as a result of the Proposed Development:
- seven of the 90 assessed Landscape Character sub-units are predicted to experience
significant effects;
Anticipated view from
the A76 at Cairn Bridge
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 9 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
- eleven of the assessed viewpoints are predicted to experience locally significant
adverse effects, many of which are remote upland where expansive views are afforded;
and
- localised significant effects to short sections of the A76 and Southern Upland Way
within close proximity to the site.
10.6 The assessment concluded that effects on remaining landscape receptors, viewpoint
receptors, including cumulative effects, will not be significant within the wider landscape
and visual context, indicating that the wind farm will have limited and localised landscape
and visual effects.
10.7 A cumulative landscape and visual assessment was also undertaken and significant
cumulative effects are considered to be restricted to the following landscape character
areas that lie adjacent to the site when considering operational, consented and proposed
developments;
- landscape character areas that lie adjacent to the site when considering operational,
consented and proposed developments;
- localised viewpoints close to the development site when considering operational,
consented and proposed developments; and
- short stretches of the A76 and Southern Upland Way where they lie close to the
Proposed Development with remaining sections of these routes remaining unaffected.
10.8 The assessment of effects on the landscape and visual resource has demonstrated that
the Proposed Development will have localised significant effects on landscape character
and views from locations in the close vicinity. While these effects are assessed to be
significant, resulting in alteration to the localised landscape and visual resource, the
proposed development is considered to be acceptable in the broader context.
11 Ecology and Nature Conservation
11.1 The full assessment of effects on ecology and nature conservation is provided in Chapter 6
of the ES.
11.2 The ecology assessment covers the site of the Proposed Development and up to 1.5 km
from the site (dependent on animal or habitat surveyed).
11.3 The site is mainly covered by commercial coniferous plantation, dry modified bog and
marshy grassland with smaller areas of semi-natural habitats represented by unimproved
Anticipated view from Blackcraig Hill
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 10 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Long-eared owl
acid grassland and blanket bog. Specialised surveys indicated that four species of bat, as
well as badger, otter, amphibians and reptiles are currently utilising the site. In addition fish
surveys indicated that the burns within, and adjacent to the Proposed Development,
support carry salmon, trout, European eel and stone loach populations.
11.4 The potential effects of the Proposed Development will be mitigated through the
application of best practice guidance together with specific measures such as the creation
and enhancement of habitats through replacement and additional planting and grazing
management. An Ecological Clerk of Works will oversee the implementation of
recommended mitigation and a Habitat Management Plan will set out habitat management
and enhancement proposals for the Proposed Development site.
11.5 A significant beneficial residual effect is predicted due to the habitat and water
management of the mire and bog and the planting of 30 ha of mixed woodland/scrub. All
other effects will be reduced to negligible with the application of appropriate mitigation with
the exception of minor adverse effects to otter and freshwater fish, and minor/negligible
adverse effects to bats, due to habitat fragmentation and disturbance during construction.
11.6 Taking into consideration other wind farm developments the Proposed Development is not
expected to result in cumulative ecology effects greater than those predicted for the
Proposed Development alone.
11.7 There is considered to be a significant cumulative effect as a result of habitat loss at a
local level of the Proposed Development in combination with the proposed Rigg OCCS
and Rigg North Surface Coal Mines, which reduces to non-significant at an Authority Area
level. No cumulative effects to protected species are anticipated.
12 Ornithology
12.1 The full assessment of effects on ornithology (bird life) is provided in Chapter 7 of the ES.
12.2 The ornithology study area varies dependent on the bird survey undertaken, however all
surveys were carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and best practice
guidelines.
12.3 The following birds were recorded
on site:
Wildfowl – four species during
the non-breeding season, none
during the breeding season.
Gull – two species during both
the breeding and non-breeding
seasons, and a third during the
winter surveys.
Raptors and owls – four species
of scarce raptors and owls and three
species of common raptor during the breeding season, although none were recorded
breeding.
Black grouse – one lek was identified next to the Polneul Burn.
Woodland bird – 23 species of woodland bird were recorded.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 11 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Polneul Burn Polneul Burn
Wader – eight species of waders were recorded.
Other moorland birds – species of conservation concern recorded during breeding
surveys included the red-listed skylark, grasshopper warbler, linnet and fieldfare and
the amber listed reed bunting, meadow pipit, wheatear and whinchat
12.4 An Environmental Clerk of Works will oversee the implementation of mitigation measures
including the application of best practice guidance and the avoidance of site clearance
during the bird breeding season and the black grouse lekking (territorial displaying)
season. Should nests be discovered then they will be clearly demarcated and buffer zones
established around nesting sites to prevent damage to the nests and disturbance of adults
caring for young. If all mitigation measures are implemented then negligible effects on
birds are anticipated due to the Proposed Development.
12.5 Taking into consideration other wind farm developments the Proposed Development is not
expected to result in cumulative ornithological effects greater than those predicted for the
Proposed Development alone.
12.6 There are considered to be significant short to medium term cumulative effects of the
Proposed Development in combination with the proposed Rigg OCCS and Rigg North
Surface Coal Mines, in particular, for upland bird species such as curlew, skylark, black
grouse and meadow pipit. It should be noted that the significance of these effects will be
most pronounced if the operational periods of the mines and the Proposed Development
overlap. However, in the long-term and with the conclusion of extraction at the above
mining sites, the significance of the above effects is likely to decrease to negligible
significance following restoration and enhancement of habitats.
13 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology
13.1 The full assessment of effects on hydrology (surface water bodies, drainage and flooding),
hydrogeology (groundwater) and geology is provided in Chapter 8 of the ES.
13.2 The Proposed Development is located within the Nith Valley and the local watercourses
form part of the catchment of the River Nith. The River Nith flows from west to east
approximately 1.5 km to the north of the Proposed Development site boundary. The two
principal watercourses within the Proposed Development site boundary are the Polneul
Burn and the Polmeur Burn. The burns, and also the field drains which are present, are
considered to have good water quality. A Scottish Water trunk main runs the length of the
Heads of the Valley Road.
13.3 The rock beneath the
site is typically
sandstone covered by
stiff clay. This in turn is
covered by a typically
thin layer of peat, much
of which is severely
degraded through
agricultural, mining and
forestry practices. The
Polhote and Polneul
Burns are designated as
a geological Site of
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 12 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Special Scientific Interest for their exposed rock formations.
13.4 Mitigation measures will include implementation of best practice, a pollution risk
assessment, minimising site run off, and ensuring that no vehicle washing, concrete
transfer or washout is undertaken close to watercourses. The Applicant will submit a
detailed method statement and risk assessment for work in the vicinity of the Scottish
Water trunk main and protection measures will be agreed with Scottish Water. There will
be moderate beneficial residual effects due to the re-instatement of natural watercourses
on site. With the proposed mitigation measures, there will be no significant adverse effects
on geology, surface water and groundwater. The features of the Site of Special Scientific
Interest will not be significantly affected.
13.5 No significant cumulative residual effects are predicted on water, groundwater or
geological resources.
14 Cultural Heritage
14.1 The full assessment of effects on cultural heritage and archaeology is provided in Chapter
9 of the ES.
14.2 The Proposed Development site and the immediate area contain archaeological features
that predominantly date after the medieval period. Prior to the medieval period,
archaeological features which have been positively dated are relatively rare. During the
medieval and following periods, activity in the area increased and the spread of farmsteads
and agricultural structures (sheep folds, rees and shelters) are reflected in the
archaeological record.
14.3 Mitigation measures will ensure that five historic sheep shelter structures within the site will
be protected by a temporary fence erected 10 m from the sites to prevent accidental
damage by site machinery. An archaeological toolbox talk will be given to all construction
staff and in the event that any historical artefacts are uncovered during construction
activities the Dumfries and Galloway Archaeologist will be contacted.
14.4 With the mitigation implemented it is anticipated that there will be negligible direct effects
(i.e. damage to sites). There will be effects on the setting of three local Non-Statutory
Registered sites (i.e. indirect effects) of up to moderate significance.
14.5 No cumulative direct effects are anticipated. Significant cumulative effects in combination
with the proposed Rigg OCCS and Rigg North Surface Mines are anticipated on the setting
of three local Non-Statutory Registered sites during the operation of the mines. Significant
cumulative effects in combination with other wind farm developments are anticipated on
the setting of one site.
15 Noise and Vibration
15.1 The full assessment of noise and vibration effects is provided in Chapter 10 of the ES.
15.2 The noise and vibration assessment considers the potential noise and vibration effects that
could arise due to the Proposed Development on the closest sensitive receptors in the
vicinity of the site. The assessment has taken account of current best practice guidance
including the relevant British Standards.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 13 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Delivery of a wind turbine
to a construction site
15.3 The assessment of the construction phase has determined that associated noise levels will
result in minor adverse effects, however local receptors are sufficiently removed from the
proposed construction works that there will negligible effects due to vibration. It is expected
that noise and vibration levels associated with construction traffic will result in major
effects, albeit short-term, temporary and local in nature. An assessment of potential effects
from blasting at the proposed borrow pit during construction has identified that effects on
local receptors can be controlled by means of the proposed mitigation measures and are
therefore negligible.
15.4 The assessment of operational noise levels has considered the potential cumulative effect
of the Proposed Development when operating simultaneously with the existing Hare Hill
wind farm and the proposed Hare Hill Extension. Drawing upon the results of a detailed
background noise survey, a series of noise level limits have been derived for both the
daytime and night-time periods in order to protect both the outdoor amenity, and the sleep
of local residents. It has been shown that both the daytime and night-time limits can be
achieved at the majority of local receptors. The exception is Carserig, a currently
unoccupied property east of the Proposed Development, where an effect of moderate
significance is anticipated at a wind speed of 8 m/s.
16 Transport and Traffic
16.1 The full assessment of effects on traffic and transport is provided in Chapter 11 of the ES.
16.2 This assessment
considers the effects of
the Proposed
Development on the
local road network and
the capacity of the
network to support the
predicted additional
construction traffic.
Operational traffic is
considered to be so
low that its effect will
be insignificant.
Decommissioning
traffic is anticipated to
be less than that
required for
construction, therefore
decommissioning effects have not been assessed.
16.3 Baseline traffic levels were gathered and sensitive receptors identified for two potential
construction traffic routes to the proposed site access on the Heads of Valley Road via the
C125N (the A76 from the west and the A76 from the east). Although the percentage
increase of traffic flows on certain sections of the route is high, this is misleading due to the
very low baseline traffic levels rather than the number of additional trips generated by the
construction vehicles. The overall increase in vehicle trips compared to the existing
capacity of the road network is negligible. It is therefore considered that the existing road
network can accommodate the anticipated construction traffic.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 14 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
16.4 Due to the anticipated small number of additional vehicle trips generated by the Proposed
Development, there would be no significant cumulative effects on traffic and transport with
the proposed nearby surface coal mines.
16.5 A range of mitigation measures, including the implementation of a Construction Traffic
Management Plan and the construction of a safe route for pedestrians along the Heads of
the Valley Road, will reduce traffic and transport effects to non-significant.
17 Socio-Economic, Tourism, Recreation and Land Use
17.1 The full assessment of socio-economic effects, and effects on tourism, recreation and land
use is provided in Chapter 12 of the ES.
17.2 The local economy has a weak socio-economic profile compared to the wider area. The
Proposed Development is anticipated to bring employment and revenue to both the local
area, and Scotland as a whole, through the construction, operation and decommissioning
phases. The Applicant will ensure that benefits to the local communities and the local
economy are maximised.
17.3 There are limited tourist receptors within the local area. The closest receptor is Rigg House
Bed and Breakfast on the A76 and multiple attractions in Sanquhar and New Cumnock,
approximately 6 km east and west respectively from the Proposed Development. The
tourist receptors at Sanquhar and New Cumnock may potentially experience minor
adverse visual effects, while Rigg House Bed and Breakfast may experience moderate
adverse effects. Tourism either in the wider area or in Scotland as a whole is not
anticipated to be affected by the Proposed Development.
17.4 Closer to the Proposed Development there are a designated paths and cycle routes and
sporting opportunities including fishing, shooting and canoeing/kayaking. Although a
number of the designated paths may be affected by the construction and decommissioning
activities appropriate mitigation will be in place to minimise these effects, including the
construction of a temporary path along the Heads of the Valley Road during construction
and decommissioning of the Proposed Development.
17.5 The Proposed Development site is a combination of moorland used for livestock grazing
and commercial plantation woodland. During construction and decommissioning the
moorland will not be accessible to livestock, but managed grazing will be permitted during
the operational life of the Proposed Development. The plantation woodland will be felled to
enable the construction of the Proposed Development and will be mitigated through the
establishment of a Habitat Management Plan to enhance the existing habitat through the
Heads of the Valley Road
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 15 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
planting of mixed woodland/scrub and habitat and hydrological management of dry
modified and blanket bog, thereby giving rise to negligible residual effects.
17.6 Cumulative beneficial effects of the Proposed Development in combination with other
proposed developments are anticipated to the local socio-economy. Non-significant
cumulative effects are anticipated to tourism, recreation and land use with the exception of
significant effects to canoeing/kayaking and fishing receptors on the River Nith during the
extraction and restoration of the Rigg North coal mine.
18 Shadow Flicker
18.1 The full shadow flicker assessment is provided in Chapter 13 of the ES.
18.2 The potential for the effect known as ‘shadow flicker’ to be caused by the Proposed
Development and the potential for effects on local residents have been assessed. The
study area within which properties could potentially be affected by shadow flicker extends
900 m from each turbine.
18.3 Shadow flicker assessment was
undertaken at the two properties
which fall within the study area.
Calculations have shown that the
maximum worst case occurrence
of shadow flicker at the most
affected receptor (Carserig, a
currently unoccupied property)
amounts to approximately 11
hours per year, within the
accepted limits for shadow flicker.
This does not take into account visual obstructions (structures and vegetation), local
mitigation measures such as blinds or curtains, and that residents may be in rooms that
are not generally used at the affected times. In reality, the amount of time when shadow
flicker is actually ‘experienced’ will likely be less than what has been predicted.
18.4 The effect, and the cumulative effect, of shadow flicker is therefore not expected to be
significant for both properties during the operational phase of the Proposed Development.
Turbine components will also be covered in industry standard non-reflective paint to
reduce the occurrence of glinting, which can also be considered a nuisance.
19 Aviation, Radar and Telecommunications
19.1 The full assessment of effects on aviation, radar and telecommunications is provided in
Chapter 14 of the ES.
19.2 The Proposed Development has been assessed as potentially resulting in a number of
effects on civil and military aviation infrastructure and facilities. Consultation is on-going to
resolve these and the most appropriate mitigation will be implemented by the Applicant.
The Applicant will submit the resolution of these conflicts directly to the Scottish
Government Energy Consents and Deployment Unit.
19.3 Potential effects to television reception were scoped out during the scoping assessment
due to the resilience of the digital broadcast signal.
SANDY KNOWE WIND FARM 16 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
19.4 Potential effects on other telecommunications were scoped out following initial consultation
as no effects to links were identified in the area of the Proposed Development.
20 Summary
20.1 This Non-Technical Summary of the ES provides an overview of the EIA undertaken for
the Proposed Development at Kirkconnel, Dumfries and Galloway.
20.2 Within Chapter 15 of the ES a schedule of commitments can be found which details the
environmental mitigation measures, summarised above, which the Applicant has
committed to implement
20.3 Chapter 16 of the ES summarises the potential effects, the mitigation to be implemented
and the resulting residual effects. It also provides a summary of the cumulative effects of
the Proposed Development in combination with other proposed, consented and
operational developments.
