Proposed Extension to the Substation at Crystal Rig

ScottishPower Transmission Ltd (SPT), as part of the Neart na Gaoithe wind farm connection, is proposing to construct an extension to the existing 400kV substation at Crystal Rig, 10km south of Dunbar, East .

ScottishPower Transmission Ltd The Proposed Development This project falls within the Planning (SPT), as part of the Neart na Gaoithe etc. () Act 2006, and under wind farm connection, is proposing to The development will involve the the Town and Country Planning construct an extension to the existing construction of a proposed extension (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) 400kV substation at Crystal Rig, 10km to the existing 400kV grid substation Regulations 2009 is classed as Major south of Dunbar, . at Crystal Rig, located almost entirely Development. However, the proposed within East Lothian, but with a small substation extension does not fall SPT is required under the Electricity Act section crossing into the adjacent within the scope of the Town and 1989 and under the terms of its Electricity authority area. Country Planning (Environmental Impact Supply Licence ‘to develop and maintain Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations an efficient, co-ordinated and economical The substation extension works will 2011 because the substation will not be system of electricity transmission’. comprise: involved in the production of electricity, In carrying out the proposed but its transmission. development, SPT will be complying • Earthworks to accommodate the with its statutory requirements. substation; The footprint of the proposed • Substation equipment; substation, including the earth bund, Considerable environmental planning • An access road around the inside of is also considered not to be in a has been undertaken to minimise the the perimeter; particularly environmentally sensitive environmental impact of the proposals • A perimeter fence surrounding the or vulnerable location. Regardless and as part of our consultation process substation compound; of this, SPT, on the basis of its we want to give you the opportunity • An external perimeter walkway; mindfulness towards local people to comment on the proposals prior • A 20m high (max.) earth bund and the environment is undertaking to a planning application being surrounding the substation on three an environmental appraisal of the submitted to East Lothian and Scottish sides; and proposed works, and is preparing an Borders Councils. Contact details for • An extension to the existing drainage. environmental report in support of its comments are provided at the end of application for consent. this public information leaflet. The Environment

The site proposed for development includes open rough grassland, sloping downhill from south west to north east, from approximately 320m to 305m above sea level. The immediate surroundings also include rough grassland, as well as access tracks and drainage channels associated with the Crystal Rig Wind Farm turbines. The area includes no woodland although extensive tracts are present to the south. The proposed location lies between the headwaters of the Tay Burn and Mossy Burn. No sites designated for their ecological importance are present, the nearest being approximately 2km away.

The site is located adjacent and partially within the , a regionally Public Consultation Contact designated Special Landscape Area due to its landscape quality. Public Exhibitions If you wish to provide comment or May 2013 – All 1200 – 2000hrs make a representation on this proposal There are no National Trails or Long you can do so by contacting us at the Distance Footpaths in the area 21st May following email and postal address no although walking in the Lammermuir Spott Village Hall (unmanned) later than Friday 19th July 2013. Hills is a popular recreational activity using existing rights of way, which 22nd May crystalrig.projectmanager@ includes the Herring Road Heritage Spott Village Hall (members of the scottishpower.com Path, a former trade route. project team in attendance) Or by writing to There is a low potential for buried The consultation and exhibition is archaeological remains to be present in there to present the project and allow Crystal Rig Project Manager, the general vicinity based on previous you to ask questions to members of ScottishPower EnergyNetworks, 3rd studies associated with the wind farm the project team and make comments Floor Ochil House, 10 Technology and the findings of trial trenching on the proposals. Your feedback is a Avenue, Hamilton International undertaken for the existing substation. vital part in the planning process. Technology Park, Blantyre, G72 0HT.

Please note that any comments made during this consultation are not representations to the local planning authority. Following the submission of the planning application, interested parties will have a further opportunity to make representations to the planning authority on these proposals.

This public information leaflet is also available on the Internet at:

Both images show the existing substation at Crystal Rig http://www. spenergynetworks.co.uk/ serving_our_customers/ performance.asp