Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Overhead Line
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report
May 2016 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Overhead Line
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report
Published by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc 10 Henderson Road Inverness IV1 1SN
May 2016
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.2 PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT 1 1.3 CONSULTATION PROCESS 1 1.4 STRUCTURE OF THIS REPORT 2
2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3 2.1 OVERVIEW 3 2.2 SUBSTATIONS 3 2.3 INDICATIVE LINE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION 3
3 PROPOSED SCOPE OF THE EIA 7 3.1 OVERVIEW 7 3.2 LIKELY SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 7 3.3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY 7 3.4 ECOLOGY 13 3.5 ORNITHOLOGY 17 3.6 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE 21
4 ISSUES SCOPED OUT 25 4.1 NOISE 25 4.2 TV AND RADIO RECEPTION 25 4.3 ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS 25 4.4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY 26 4.5 RECREATION AND TOURISM 26 4.6 SOCIO-ECONOMICS 27 4.7 AIR QUALITY 27 4.8 TRAFFIC 27 4.9 FORESTRY AND WOODLAND 28 4.10 LAND USE AND AGRICULTURE 28 4.11 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS 28
5 NEXT STEPS 29
ANNEX A: FIGURES
ANNEX B: TYPICAL TOWER DESIGN
ANNEX C: DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS USED IN ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
ANNEX D: ORNITHOLOGY SURVEY METHODS
Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission plc Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc (SHE Transmission) is proposing to construct and operate a new 16 km double circuit 275 kV overhead line (OHL), supported by lattice steel towers, from the proposed Saval substation to the consented substation at Loch Buidhe. The project is referred to as the Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement (and hereafter as the ‘Proposed Development’). The location of the Proposed Development is shown on Figure 1.1.
1.1.2 An application will be made to the Scottish Ministers under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, and will be accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES) prepared to meet the requirements of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (the EIA regulations) as amended.
1.2 Purpose of this Report
1.2.1 This Scoping Report is provided to the Scottish Ministers under Regulation 7 of the EIA regulations in support of a request by SHE Transmission for a ‘Scoping Opinion’ on the information to be provided within the ES.
1.2.2 This report is also provided to statutory authorities and key consultees to facilitate their representations to the Scottish Ministers on the Scoping Opinion. Unless consultees specifically request otherwise, all responses will be made publicly available as a record of the results of the scoping exercise.
1.2.3 The specific objectives of this report are to:
describe the nature of the Proposed Development;
invite comment on the environmental issues and to determine whether the key environmental issues have been correctly included ('scoped in'); and
invite comment on the proposed approach to baseline data collection, prediction of environmental impacts and assessment of significance.
1.3 Consultation Process
1.3.1 SHE Transmission carried out a preliminary public consultation exercise in November 2013, in order to seek an early understanding of public perception and key concerns. A public exhibition was held and feedback was invited from stakeholders and the public. In response to feedback from this consultation, further design development was completed to refine the development proposals.
1.3.2 SHE Transmission consulted on the Proposed Development between June and August 2014. A Consultation Document was issued to statutory authorities, key stakeholders,
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politicians and interested parties in June 2014. In addition, a public exhibition was held in June 2014.
1.3.3 A copy of the Consultation Document can be found online at: http://www.ssepd.co.uk/Lairg/
1.3.4 A further public exhibition was held on 19th February 2015 in Lairg, to provide feedback on the further design considerations and final route selection.
1.3.5 The consultation process and further design considerations have been documented within a Report on Consultation. A copy of the Report on Consultation can also be found online at http://www.ssepd.co.uk/Lairg/.
1.3.6 While the Consultation Document and public exhibitions sought input from key stakeholders regarding the rationale for the proposed OHL alignment and LOD, this Scoping Report seeks input on the content of and approach to the EIA.
1.4 Structure of this Report
1.4.1 This report is structured as follows:
Section 2 provides a description of the main elements of the Proposed Development;
Section 3 describes the proposed scope of the environmental impact assessment (EIA), summarises existing baseline information relating to the environmental characteristics of the area identified for the Proposed Development, describes further baseline information that will be required, and outlines how the environmental effects will be predicted and assessed in each case;
Section 4 describes the issues that are considered not to be significant, providing a rationale in each case, and proposes that these be excluded from the EIA; and
Section 5 poses a series of questions to focus the scoping exercise and describes the next steps in the EIA process.
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2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Overview
2.1.1 The Proposed Development comprises the construction of a new 275 kV OHL from a proposed new substation north of Saval, Lairg, to the consented substation at Loch Buidhe, as shown on Figure 2.1. The OHL would be supported by lattice steel towers.
2.1.2 The s37 application will seek consent for the construction and operation of the Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV OHL and a prescribed horizontal and vertical Limits of Deviation (LOD) to allow flexibility in the final siting of individual towers to reflect localised land, engineering and environmental constraints. The proposed LOD within which the Proposed Development will be located is shown on Figure 2.2 (a and b).
2.1.3 The horizontal LOD will be determined through the EIA process, and in general will balance the need for flexibility in micro-siting with the desirability of avoiding, reducing or controlling the potential for environmental impact.
2.1.4 The vertical LOD parameter is set at a maximum of 60 m above ground level, based on the maximum height of the proposed lattice steel towers.
2.1.5 Certain ancillary works will be associated with the OHL such as the formation of new bellmouths at public road access points and temporary and permanent construction access tracks. Whilst the s37 consent is concerned only with the installation of the OHL, SHE Transmission will seek deemed consent for construction of associated access tracks (within a LOD) under s57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
2.2 Substations
2.2.1 The Proposed Development will link two substations as follows:
A proposed new substation on land at Saval, near Lairg. This substation is currently at the design stage, is being progressed in parallel to the Proposed Development and will be the subject of a separate planning application made by SHE Transmission under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended,
The Loch Buidhe substation. Consent for this substation was granted by The Highland Council (THC) on 30th May 2013 (Application Number 12/04527/FUL), and it is currently under construction.
2.3 Indicative Line Design and Construction Information Typical Tower Design
2.3.1 As with the majority of high voltage OHL in the United Kingdom, the proposed 275 kV OHL between the proposed Saval substation and the consented Loch Buidhe substation would be constructed using self-supporting lattice steel towers.
2.3.2 The spacing between towers would vary depending on topography, altitude and land usage. The height and distance between towers will be determined later in the design
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process; however an average span of 350 m is estimated and the standard height of the towers would generally be in the region of 46 m up to a maximum of 60 m.
2.3.3 The towers would carry two circuits, with three conductors or conductor bundles supported from the horizontal cross arms on each side of the tower. An earth wire would be suspended between the tower peaks. The conductors would be hung below a string of glass or porcelain insulators.
2.3.4 The towers would be manufactured from galvanised steel and would be grey in colour. Tower steelwork would be re-painted at intervals throughout the life of the towers, to afford continued protection against corrosion.
2.3.5 Photographs showing typical tower design are included in Annex B. High Voltage OHL Construction
2.3.6 High voltage OHL construction typically follows a standard sequence of events as follows:
complete pre-construction surveys to confirm pre-work site condition, foundation design based on ground investigations and confirm any environmental constraints;
establish access (including any necessary vegetation management and surface water management) and set out the boundaries for tower working areas;
set up sediment control measures, strip and store vegetation and soil (as required);
install tower foundations – type based on ground investigation;
assemble and erect towers using crane or erection derrick;
erect temporary scaffolds and protect roads, railways and rivers;
string conductors (wires);
dismantle and remove temporary scaffolds and protection; and
re-instate tower sites and remove temporary access tracks.
2.3.7 Typical construction activities and work methods will be set out in the ES. Further information will also be provided regarding the indicative construction programme and construction related traffic generation.
2.3.8 The assessment will be carried out on the basis that standard mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction work, including compliance with both project wide and site specific environmental management procedures, with reference to guidance such as Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs). Access Strategy
2.3.9 Access tracks, including the bellmouths at junctions with public roads, shall form part of the associated works for which SHE Transmission will seek deemed planning consent under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended, in their s37 application. For the purposes of the EIA and s37 application it will be assumed that all proposed access routes would comprise a permanent stone access track, unless specifically stated otherwise. All constructed tracks would be constructed
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to good practice working methods1,2,3,4,5 and would comply with legislation in the form of the general binding rules set out in The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005.
2.3.10 To minimise the extent of new track construction, priority will be given to the identification, upgrade and use of existing tracks wherever possible. Temporary track installation will be specified where environmental constraints demand it or a landowner preference is stated. In this scenario, temporary trackway or floating tracks would be installed, with the construction of cut tracks only used where all the other options are considered not to be viable. Dismantling
2.3.11 The existing 132 kV OHL from Lairg Grid Supply Point (GSP) to Shin substation requires dismantling and removal as part of the wider works. The dismantling works do not require any statutory consent, and it is considered that significant environmental effects associated with the removal of the existing 132 kV OHL are unlikely. However, the effects of the removal will be assessed in so far as they are relevant in contributing to change within the future baseline.
2.3.12 There is likely to be a requirement to cross existing woodpole OHL infrastructure, and the impact of these crossings shall be assessed where appropriate within the ES. Construction Programme
2.3.13 It is anticipated that the construction programme would last approximately 36 months and that construction will commence in 2017 (subject to consents and approvals being granted), which would allow completion in 2020. Final commissioning and ground restoration/reinstatement works would be completed in 2020 - 2021.
2.3.14 The detailed construction phasing and programme would be subject to change as the design progresses and also due to consents being granted and wayleaves being agreed. Operational Maintenance
1 Forestry Commission (2011). Forests and Water. UK Forestry Standard Guidelines. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. i–iv + 1– pp. 2 Scottish Natural Heritage (2013) Good Practice During Wind Farm Construction, A joint publication by Scottish Renewables, SNH, SEPA, Forestry Commission Scotland and Historic Scotland, 2nd Edition. 3 CIRIA Publications 2006: Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects. Site Guide (C649); 4 Scottish Natural Heritage (2013) Constructed Tracks in the Scottish Uplands, 2nd Edition; 5 Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage (2010) Floating Roads on Peat.
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2.3.15 In general, an OHL requires very little maintenance. Regular inspections are undertaken to identify any unacceptable deterioration of components, so that they can be replaced.
2.3.16 From time to time, inclement weather, storms or lightning can cause damage to either the insulators or the conductors. If conductors are damaged, short sections may have to be replaced.
2.3.17 Insulators and conductors are normally replaced after about 40 years, and towers painted every 15-20 years.
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3 PROPOSED SCOPE OF THE EIA
3.1 Overview
3.1.1 In line with the requirements of the EIA regulations, the ES will include:
a description of the Proposed Development, comprising information on the Proposed OHL and LOD, its characteristics, the approach to construction and anticipated construction programme and any residues, wastes and emissions which might be associated with the Proposed Development;
a description of the measures envisaged to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy significant adverse environmental effects;
the data required to identify and assess the main effects which the work is likely to have on the environment;
the main alternatives to the proposed OHL alignment and LOD, and reasons why these were not selected, taking into account the environmental effects; and
a non-technical summary (NTS) of the information.
3.1.2 The EIA will cover all stages of the Proposed Development including construction and operation.
3.1.3 The ES will be prepared to meet the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) Quality Mark criteria, and will take account of the relevant guidance set out in the Scottish Government Planning Advice Note6, which emphasises the importance of achieving a proportionate EIA scope, focussed on the likely significant effects.
3.2 Likely Significant Environmental Effects
3.2.1 SHE Transmission has identified the potential for likely significant effects on:
landscape and visual amenity;
ecology;
ornithology; and
archaeology and cultural heritage.
3.2.2 This following section outlines the proposed content or “scope” of the EIA and the approach to initial site characterisation; baseline data collection; impact prediction tools and the assessment criteria which will be employed for each topic.
3.3 Landscape and Visual Amenity
3.3.1 The landscape and visual assessment will consider the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on the 'landscape resource' and on 'visual amenity'. Given the nature and scale of the proposed lattice steel tower OHL, it is considered unlikely that significant landscape and visual effects would be experienced at distances in excess
6 Scottish Government (2013) Planning Advice Note 1/2013: Environmental Impact Assessment, Friday, August 30, 2013, URL: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/08/6471 (accessed 16/02/2015)
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of 10 km from the Proposed Development. Therefore, this distance is proposed as the extent of the study area boundary for the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). Baseline Conditions
3.3.2 Figure 3.1 illustrates the LVIA study area, including landscape designations, which has been selected with reference to the type and scale of the Proposed Development and to the landscape context in which it is proposed, including the population distribution, settlement and communication patterns within the surrounding area. Landscape and Scenic Designations
3.3.3 The following landscape and scenic designations (Table 3.1) lie within the LVIA study area defined below. Table 3.1: Landscape Designations Designation Name Distance to Site Comments nearest part of Area Proposed LOD (km2) (km) NSA Dornoch Firth 6.6 115.40 In its western part, this National Scenic Area is characterised by a sense of enclosure, with a wilder backdrop of hills and moors.
3.3.4 There are also two wild land areas within the LVIA study area as detailed in Table 3.2. Wild land areas are identified as nationally important in Scottish Planning Policy, but are not a statutory designation. Table 3.2: Wild Land Areas Designation Name Distance to Site Comments nearest part of Area Proposed LOD (km2) (km) Wild land Ben Klibreck- 9.5 530.2 Areas of wild land are area Armine Forest widely acknowledged as important assets, providing Wild land Reay-Cassley 5.3 559.9 a number of significant area ecosystem services that support a range of social and economic benefits and outcomes. Descriptions for each wild land area are due to be published by SNH in spring 2015
3.3.5 In addition, there are core paths located within Lairg and within Strath Fleet, near Rogart. Landscape Character
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3.3.6 There are a number of Landscape Character Types (LCTs) within the LVIA study area. These include: moorland slopes and hills; rounded hills; small farms and crofts; straths; sweeping moorland; town; irregular massif, forested backdrop and narrow firth corridor. The Caithness and Sutherland7, and the Inner Moray Firth8 Landscape Character Assessments (LCA) also identify, 'coniferous woodland plantation' and 'inland loch' for which no descriptions of their key characteristics are provided.
3.3.7 There are two wild land areas in the northern part of the LVIA study area. Wild land areas have been identified by the SNH Wildness Mapping (2014)9 as the most extensive areas of high wildness. They are identified as nationally important in Scottish Planning Policy, but are not a statutory designation. Visual Amenity
3.3.8 The topography of the LVIA study area generally consists of undulating land with several hills providing impediments to long distance views. In the north and centre of the study area, to the east of Lairg, is Meall Dola (NGR 262000 906937) which reaches an elevation of 323 m AOD. In the northeast of the study area is Meal Meadhonach (NGR 264051 908395) reaching 232 m AOD. Additionally to the south of Tomich is Cnoc na h-Inghinn (NGR 261341 904088) which reaches an elevation of 309 m AOD. In the west of the study area, south of Torroble is Cnoc an Achaidh Mhoir (NGR 258817 903278) reaching an AOD of 201 m. In the south and centre of the study area is Cnoc Cracail (NGR 262234 901628) and Meal Eachainn (NGR 262084 900524) which reach 295 m and 343 m AOD, respectively. In the south and west of the study area are Sron Ach a’ Bhocaidh (NGR 261401 898381) and Aultnagar (NGR 258932 899 215), reaching 283 m and 239 m AOD respectively. Additional Baseline Information and Collection Methods Visual Amenity Baseline – Existing Views
3.3.9 An initial Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) has been developed for the Proposed Development from which candidate list of viewpoints has been identified and agreed in consultation with THC and SNH. Each viewpoint will be visited, photographed and the key characteristics of the view identified. These characteristics will be detailed in the baseline description for visual amenity, prior to undertaking the assessment of impacts. Viewpoint locations are listed in Table 3.2 below and are illustrated on Figure 3.2.
7 SNH (1997) Caithness and Sutherland Landscape Character Assessment 8 SNH (1997) Inner Moray Firth Landscape Character Assessment 9 http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/looking-after-landscapes/landscape-policy-and-guidance/wild- land/mapping/
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Table 3.2: Proposed Viewpoint Locations Number Description National Grid Reason for selection reference 1 Saval NC 58736,08463 Residents and cumulative with substation
2 A838 Colaboll NC 56442,10098 Residents and road and cumulative with substation
3 Minor Road at NC 55188, 08066 Residents and road users and Salachy cumulative with substation
4 A839 at Gruids NC 56367, 04010 Residents and road users
5 A836 layby NC 58256, 01752 Road users
6 Tomich NC 60799, 04905 Residents and road users
7 Minor Road at Lairg NC 59267, 07098 Road users Muir
8 Balcharn NC 59941, 06672 Residents and road users
9 Torroble NC 59412, 04704 Residents and road users
10 Minor road/track at NH 64492, 96662 Road users and walkers Sleastary
11 Ord Hill NC 05580, 57400 Walkers (listed in Walk Highland)
12 Meall Dola NC 61997, 06973 Walkers
13 Meall Eachainn NC 61868, 00496 Walkers
14 Lairg Station NC 58407, 04185 Residents and road users
15 Ferry Croft, Lairg NC 58025, 06171 Residents and road users
16 A839 – Strath Fleet NC 62313 05609 Road users and walkers
17 A836 south of Rhian NC 57607, 11101 Road users and walkers
Likely Significant Effects Landscape Resource
3.3.10 Effects on the landscape resource are likely to relate to the following:
Landscape Character: the character of the landscape may be affected, through the introduction of a new steel lattice tower supported overhead line. In this case, the following impacts are predicted: - the Proposed Development is likely to have direct impacts on areas of ‘Moorland Slopes and Hills’, ‘Sweeping Moorland’ and ‘Small Farms and Crofts’ and indirect impacts on other LCTs.
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Visual Amenity
3.3.11 Potential effects on visual amenity within the study area are likely to occur for the following:
the National Scenic Area which is partially located within the study area;
the Garden and Designed Landscape located within the study area;
Core Areas of Wild Land which are partially located within the study area;
Local residents in their homes, at places of work and travelling through the study area; and
Vehicle travellers using the roads (A836, A838, A839, B864) and railway route;
Walkers and cyclists using core paths, tracks and footpaths within the study area. Impacts scoped out of the assessment
3.3.12 Effects during construction would be limited to:
Landform / Topography: - the Proposed Development may result in temporary and minor alterations to the landform associated with foundation excavations, laydown area, site working compounds and access tracks;
Landscape Pattern / Landcover: - the Proposed Development may result in the loss of small areas of forestry and temporary damage to vegetation during the construction phase.
3.3.13 On this basis, no likely significant effects have been identified during the construction phase on landscape character or visual amenity. It is proposed that this is scoped out of consideration in the EIA. Impact Prediction and Evaluation of Effects
3.3.14 The assessment will be undertaken with reference to relevant guidance:
IEMA and Landscape Institute (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd Edition; and
Landscape Institute (2011) Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment, Advice note 01/11. Landscape
3.3.15 The landscape assessment will describe how the Proposed Development affects the defining characteristics of the identified LCTs. It will consider both the effects of individual elements of the Proposed Development on individual LCTs and the collective effect of the Proposed Development overall. The assessment will consider effects during operation, and will take into account any proposed mitigation. The assessment will consider how potential effects will change (reduce) over time as vegetation re- establishes and new screen planting, where proposed, matures.
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Visual Amenity
3.3.16 Effects on visual amenity will be described and assessed with reference to the degree to which the Proposed Development will be visible to stationary and moving viewers. As with the landscape assessment, effects arising from individual elements of the Proposed Development and overall effects will be identified. Effects will be considered during operation, taking into account any mitigation measures.
3.3.17 A series of wireline diagrams will be produced for each of the static viewpoints and a selection of photomontages will illustrate the Proposed Development during the operational phase. Not all viewpoints will be subject to photomontage. A list of photomontages will be agreed in discussion with THC and SNH, with reference to appropriate guidance, in so far as they are relevant to the Proposed Development10. Sequential Assessment
3.3.18 Sequential assessment will form part of the LVIA process and the routes to be considered have been limited to those likely to experience significant effects, as follows:
A839 road;
A836 road; and
Invershin-Lairg-Rogart railway line.
3.3.19 While there is some potential for intermittent visibility on short sections of other local A and B roads, the Proposed Development would not be likely to cause significant effects due to a combination of lack of visibility and distance. The total length of each of the above routes within the study area will be calculated and a percentage of visibility will be calculated from the ZTV and confirmed on site to aid an assessment of significance. Cumulative Assessment
3.3.20 There is the potential for cumulative effects throughout the study area from the addition of the Proposed Development alongside other developments, which are the subject of valid applications for consent. No other OHL projects are currently the subject of applications for consent in the study area.
3.3.21 The following proposed wind farms are located within the study area:
Braemore Wind Farm (255548, 899184) – this development is at application stage, and lies in the southwest of the LVIA study area;
Dalchork Wind Farm (258430, 914834) – this development is at pre-application stage, and is located in the north of the LVIA study area. THC has issued a Scoping Opinion detailing the requirements for the EIA.
3.3.22 It is considered that the addition of the proposed 275 kV OHL has the potential to give rise to significant cumulative landscape or visual effects. As such, consideration will be given to the addition of the Proposed Development with these proposed wind farms.
10 The Highland Council (2013) Visualisation Standards for Wind Energy Developments
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Operational wind farms (such as Lairg Estate Wind Farm) make up the existing baseline environment.
3.3.23 Other known developments likely to contribute to cumulative effects include;
the proposed new substation north of Saval.
3.3.24 It is noted that, as part of the wider associated works, SHE Transmission also proposes to dismantle the existing 132 kV OHL between the Lairg grid supply point (GSP) and Shin substation. No significant adverse effects are considered likely during the dismantling work on the landscape resource or visual amenity. The future baseline scenario following the completion of the dismantling between Lairg and Shin will be considered in the assessment to allow for the potential beneficial effects to be considered.
3.4 Ecology
3.4.1 The assessment will consider the potential effects of the Proposed Development on the habitats and species which characterise the study area. An initial desk based study and Phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken in August and November 2013. Further site visits were undertaken in February, May and October 2014 to undertake further habitat mapping and protected species surveys. Baseline Conditions Nature Conservation Designations
3.4.2 There are no sites designated at an international, national or local level for their (non- avian) ecological importance within or adjacent to the Proposed LOD.
3.4.3 Designated sites of (non-avian) ecological importance located within 10 km of the Proposed LOD are listed in Table 3.3 and shown in Figure 3.3. Table 3.3: Sites Designated for Ecological Importance Designation Name Qualifying Site Site Closest Comments Features Centre area distance Location (ha) to Study Area (km) SAC and Caithness SAC Qualifying Various 143,572 3.6 km Fresh Ramsar site and Features: sites water loch Sutherland Blanket bog separated Peatlands by wet heathland, catchment otter, boundaries acid peat- from the stained lakes proposed and ponds, OHL – no potential clear-water for direct or lakes or lochs; indirect marsh effects saxifrage. Ramsar Qualifying Features:
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Table 3.3: Sites Designated for Ecological Importance Designation Name Qualifying Site Site Closest Comments Features Centre area distance Location (ha) to Study Area (km) Blanket bogs.
SSSI Grudie SSSI Notified 249254 4,785 3.6 km As above – (biological) Peatlands Natural Feature: 910289 no nationally potential important for direct or blanket bog. indirect effects
SSSI Kyle of SSSI Notified 257403 53 6.3 km No (biological) Sutherland Natural Features: 895807 potential Marshes Wet woodland, for direct or Flood-plain fen, indirect and Vascular effects. plant 251185 348 5.1 km No assemblages 899015 potential for direct or indirect effects.
SAC River Oykel SAC Qualifying 254757 960 4.5 km No Features: 898682 potential Atlantic Salmon for direct or and Freshwater indirect Pearl Mussels. effects.
Main Habitats and Species
3.4.4 The habitat types found during the Phase 1 habitat surveys are shown on Figure 3.4, and include:
blanket bog and semi-improved neutral grassland to the north of Saval;
coniferous forest north of Savalbeg;
further semi-improved neutral grassland and an area of marshy grassland around Savalbeg and Culbuie;
an area of bracken south of Balnadelson;
semi-improved acid grassland around Rheanbreck; and
blanket bog interspersed with patches of dry heath for the remainder of the route, to Loch Buidhe substation.
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3.4.5 For the purposes of this report, areas of blanket bog, wet dwarf shrub heath and marshy grassland have been considered to have potential to support groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTE).
3.4.6 Bog habitats, with potential to support GWDTE are predominately located in the southeast and western parts of the corridors.
3.4.7 A section of the Proposed LOD passes along the fringes of an area west of Meall Dola designated as ancient woodland.
3.4.8 There are a number of watercourse crossings along the Proposed LOD in the River Shin, River Fleet and Dornoch Coastal catchments11. The river catchments are designated as Freshwater Fishery protection areas known to support populations of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and Sea trout Salmo trutta.
3.4.9 The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway interactive map shows species records within the study area, and indicates the presence of the following species which would have the potential to be impacted:
Common frog Rana temporia;
Common toad Bufo bufo;
Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus;
Adder Vipera berus;
Common lizard Zootoca vivipara;
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar;
Lamprey Lampetra;
Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus;
Brown/sea trout Salmo trutta;
European eel Anguilla Anguilla;
Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus;
Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrelles pygmaeus;
Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii;
Long-eared bat Plecotus auritus;
Badger Meles meles;
Eurasian otter Lutra lutra;
Water vole Arvicola amphibius;
Pine marten Martes martes;
Wildcat Felis silvestris.
11 http://gis.sepa.org.uk/rbmp/
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3.4.10 A Protected Species survey was carried out in Spring and Summer 2014, which confirmed the presence of the following protected species within the study area:
Common lizard. Likely Significant Effects
3.4.11 The assessment will consider the potential for significant effects associated with:
habitat loss, with particular attention given to any Annex 1 habitats (as defined in EC habitats directive) such as acid dry heath and blanket bog (peat) habitats, other sensitive habitat types such as GWDTE; and
the killing, injury or temporary disturbance of nationally and internationally protected species of wildlife. Issues Scoped out from Further Consideration Reptiles
3.4.12 Reptiles are unlikely to be present in large numbers within the Proposed LOD due to the limited availability of suitable habitat; undertaking surveys to confirm presence or absence is considered unnecessary as the ES will include appropriate mitigation, to be agreed with SNH to avoid impacts on this species group. Incidental records of reptiles collected during other surveys will be reported and the ES chapter will assume reptiles are present within suitable habitat and appropriate mitigation will be designed. Invertebrates
3.4.13 Confirmation of the presence or absence of this species group within the Proposed LOD is considered unnecessary as the ES will adopt a precautionary approach and include appropriate mitigation, to be agreed with SNH, to avoid significant effects. Aquatic ecology
3.4.14 While the Proposed LOD will cross over a number of watercourses, the OHL design will aim to locate towers at sufficient distance to avoid impacts on water quality. In addition, all construction work will be carried out following good practice mitigation for pollution prevention and taking a precautionary approach by assuming the presence of sensitive aquatic ecology (including fish and freshwater pearl mussel). Therefore, significant effects associated with the Proposed Development on aquatic ecology are unlikely. Additional Baseline Information and Collection
3.4.15 Trees which have potential for roosting bats will be re-surveyed prior to works commencing on site to ensure appropriate mitigation is in place before trees are removed. All work would be carried out in accordance with the standard suite of Species Protection Plans developed by SHE Transmission in consultation with SNH, and now adopted across all SHE Transmission projects, in so far as they are relevant on project by project basis. Impact Prediction and Evaluation
3.4.16 The ecological value of features and the potential effects of the Proposed Development on them will be determined based on the CIEEM Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines. A risk-based assessment will be undertaken to identify any potentially
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significant ecological impacts, in line with the definitions and conventions detailed in the CIEEM guidelines and reproduced in Annex C of this report. Cumulative Assessment
3.4.17 No other developments have been identified that are likely to represent a source of significant cumulative environmental effects on non-avian ecology.
3.5 Ornithology
3.5.1 The assessment will consider the potential effects of the Proposed Development on known bird activity within the study area. SPA sites located within 10 km of the Proposed LOD have been included. In addition, SPAs within 20 km of the Proposed LOD have been included where there is potential for connectivity with the qualifying features (i.e. birds with a core range of up to 20 km), in line with SNH guidance. Consideration has been given to the potential for interaction/connectivity with the qualifying features in each case. Baseline Conditions Designated Sites
3.5.2 Sites designated for ornithological importance are listed in Table 3.4. Table 3.4: Sites Designated for Ornithological Importance Designation Name Qualifying Site Site Closest Comments Features Centre area distance Location (ha) to Study Area (km) SPA, SSSI Strath SPA Qualifying 264974 4,952 0 km Potential Carnaig and Features: 907322 for direct Strath Fleet aggregations of and indirect Moors breeding hen effects. harrier SSSI Qualifying Features: breeding hen harrier
SPA, SSSI Lairg and SPA Qualifying 261678 167 0.5 km Potential Strath Brora Features: 909314 for direct Lochs. aggregations of and indirect Component breeding black- effects. lochs within throated diver the Study Area include: SSSI Qualifying Features: • Loch Craggie; breeding black- throated diver • Loch Dola; • Loch Tigh na Creige;
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Table 3.4: Sites Designated for Ornithological Importance Designation Name Qualifying Site Site Closest Comments Features Centre area distance Location (ha) to Study Area (km) • Loch Beannach
SPA, Caithness SPA Qualifying Various 143,57 3.6 km Potential Ramsar site and Features: sites 2 for indirect Sutherland aggregations of effects. Peatlands breeding birds including Golden Eagle, Golden plover, Greenshank, Hen harrier, Merlin, Red- throated diver, Short-eared owl, Wigeon, Wood sandpiper, Black-throated diver, Common Scoter and Dunlin. Ramsar Qualifying Features: breeding bird assemblages including Dunlin and Greylag goose.
SSSI Grudie SSSI Notified 249254 4,785 3.6 km Potential (biological) Peatlands Natural Feature: 910289 for indirect breeding effects. populations of dunlin, golden plover and greenshank
Main species present
3.5.3 Vantage point watches and roaming surveys carried out in 2013, 2014 and 2015 have identified the following bird species:
whooper swan Cygnus cygnus;
pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus;
black-throated diver Gavia arctica;
red kite Milvus milvus;
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white-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla;
hen harrier Circus cyaneus;
goshawk Accipiter gentilis;
golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos;
osprey Pandion haliaetus;
merlin Falco Columbarius;
peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus;
golden plover Pluvialis apricaria;
lapwing Vanellus vanellus;
curlew Numenius arquata;
greenshank Tringa nebularia;
snipe Gallinago gallinago; and
short-eared owl Asio flammeus.
3.5.4 The resulting ornithology data includes flight lines and roaming survey data for those species listed above.
3.5.5 Ornithology surveys were carried out from nine selected vantage points (VPs) within an 18 km corridor which included the Proposed Development LOD, from November 2013 to October 2014.
3.5.6 Further ornithology survey work, in respect of black-throated diver, was undertaken from April to September 2015 following consultation with SNH.
3.5.7 Flight activity on site by species considered to be at risk from collisions with powerlines has been moderate. Black-throated diver and hen harrier, both associated with nearby SPAs, have been shown to be very active in the study area. Golden eagle, osprey, merlin and golden plover also use the area frequently; overall 11 species of Schedule 1 bird have been observed.
3.5.8 Pink-footed geese migrating high over the Proposed Development LOD were observed and whooper swan were present at the western end of Loch Buidhe in low numbers. High numbers of both lapwing and curlew were recorded, mainly in the rough grazing fields at the northern end of the Proposed Development LOD, with many display flights, indicating breeding, being observed. Golden plovers were also recorded in these areas, though mainly on passage as they come down from the hills after breeding.
3.5.9 Overall activity levels for birds in the area around the Proposed Development LOD is high but from birds that do not have high yearly variation in population numbers/behaviour.
3.5.10 Further detail of bird survey methods is provided in Annex D of this report. Likely Significant Effects
3.5.11 The assessment will consider the potential for significant effects associated with:
temporary and/or permanent habitat loss; and
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the killing, injury or temporary disturbance of nationally and internationally protected species of bird, for example, as a result of collision with earth wires running between towers. Impact Prediction and Evaluation Methodology
3.5.12 The ornithological value of features and the potential impacts of the Proposed Development on them will be determined using CIEEM Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines, referenced above. A risk-based assessment will be undertaken to identify any potentially significant ecological impacts, in line with the definitions and conventions detailed in Annex C of this report. Collision Risk Assessment
3.5.13 The flight activity surveys described above have been undertaken in order to identify areas associated with a potentially high likelihood of bird collision. The survey methodology has been developed in consultation with SNH.
3.5.14 A basic collision risk model has been developed utilising the principles of collision risk models developed for onshore wind farms (Band, 200712) and adapted for other OHL projects in the Highlands, pending specific guidance for power lines. The collision risk model applies the following stages of assessment:
definition of risk window;
calculation of the number of birds at risk of collision, based on available survey data;
extrapolation of survey data to provide an indication of annual flights, accounting for the seasonal nature of bird activity; and
calculation of the probability of colliding with a wire, within the risk window. Cumulative Assessment
3.5.15 The cumulative assessment will consider the Proposed Development in combination with the anticipated effects of other developments proposed within the study area, to be agreed with SNH and taking account of cumulative collision risk data already collated by SNH.
12 Band, W., Madders, M., & Whitfield, D.P. (2007). Developing field and analytical methods to assess avian collision risk at wind farms. In: de Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E. & Ferrer, M. (eds.) Birds and Wind Farms: Risk Assessment and Mitigation, pp. 259 - 275. Quercus, Madrid
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Appropriate Assessment
3.5.16 Consideration, in the form of Special Studies to support any appropriate assessment, will be documented within the ES, for European sites where SNH identify a potential significant effect during consultation.
3.5.17 Effects on Natura 2000 sites will be considered in relation to all the qualifying features and species for which they are designated where there is the potential for connectivity with the qualifying features.
3.6 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
3.6.1 The assessment will consider the potential effects of the Proposed Development on identified archaeological and cultural heritage assets. Baseline Conditions
3.6.2 A preliminary archaeological appraisal has been undertaken as part of the route selection exercise, which has identified the following archaeology and cultural heritage features within 1 km of the Proposed LOD:
Loch Tigh na Creige, settlement (Scheduled Monument 5153);
Lairg Muir North, chambered cairn (Scheduled Monument 1817)
Balcharn, chambered cairn (Scheduled Monument 1768);
Lairg Moor South, chambered cairn (Scheduled Monument 1818).
3.6.3 In addition, further cultural heritage features for which setting may be important have been identified within the LVIA 10 km study area (Figure 3.1).
3.6.4 The assessment will be completed in respect of a future baseline which will assume that the existing 132 kV OHL from Lairg Grid Supply Point (GSP) to Shin substation is dismantled, as referred to in section 2.3. Likely Significant Effects
3.6.5 The following effects on cultural heritage assets could arise as a result of the Proposed Development:
physical (direct) effects of construction on unknown cultural heritage assets within the Proposed LOD; and
setting (indirect) effects on the experience, appreciation and understanding of assets of regional or national importance from the introduction of the Proposed Development. Issues Scoped out from Further Consideration
3.6.6 At this stage, it is proposed that no issues are scoped out from the assessment. However, it should be noted that standard design mitigation proposals will aim to avoid placing any towers in locations where they would destroy known cultural heritage assets. In addition, strict controls would be in place during the construction phase to ensure access and vehicle movement and other working areas (conductor winching, temporary storage areas, tree felling) would avoid direct effects on known cultural heritage assets. All upstanding remains would be roped or fenced off, and where
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necessary temporary protective structures would be used during stringing operations to prevent any direct effects on these assets. Ground breaking works in the immediate vicinity of known assets of local or regional importance (where there is greater potential of unknown assets) would be supervised by an appropriately qualified clerk of works.
3.6.7 Construction stage mitigation measures will be detailed within a technical appendix to Chapter 2: Proposed Development. All mitigation commitments will be collated in a Construction Environmental Management Document (CEMD) written in accordance with the Highland Council guidelines13, and will be adopted by the principal contractor during construction. Additional Baseline Information and Collection Methods
3.6.8 A study area comprising a 500 m wide corridor around the Proposed LOD will be used in the desk based assessment of potential direct impact on archaeology and cultural heritage features. For assessment of impacts on setting of cultural heritage features, the following wider study areas will be used:
the 10 km study area adopted for the LVIA will be used to assess impacts on features of national level importance (scheduled monuments and Category A listed buildings); and
a 5 km study area will be used to assessment impacts on features of regional level importance (Category B and C listed buildings and THC historic monument records).
3.6.9 Desk based assessment will be carried out to review available relevant data sources and identify cultural heritage assets. Collation of baseline information will be carried out in accordance with the Institute for Archaeologists’ Code of Conduct (2013) and Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment (2014).
3.6.10 A walkover field survey will be conducted in order to:
locate all visible cultural heritage sites, monuments and landscape features, both identified during the desk-based assessment and previously unrecognised, and record their character, extent and current condition;
identify areas with the potential to contain unrecorded, buried archaeological remains, taking into account factors such as topography, geomorphology and ground conditions; and
identify cultural heritage sites, monuments and landscape features where possible direct effects of the Proposed Development may occur on those assets.
3.6.11 The walkover survey would exclude any areas of dense plantation, apart from attempting to locate features identified during the desk-based assessment. The walkover survey would also include visits to receptors within the 10 km LVIA study area
13 The Highland Council (2010) Construction Environmental Management Process for Large Scale Projects, Guidance Note August 2010.
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in as far as access is possible, to assess whether the Proposed Development would affect their settings.
3.6.12 Fieldwork would be timed wherever possible to occur when ground conditions are suitable (e.g. avoiding seasons of high bracken).
3.6.13 The initial ZTV developed for the Proposed Development has been used to identify a candidate list of viewpoints for the cultural heritage assessment, selected to represent a range of viewing receptors, distances and experiences. Each viewpoint will be visited, photographed and the key characteristics of the view identified. These characteristics will be detailed in the baseline description of cultural heritage setting, prior to undertaking the assessment of impacts. Indicative viewpoint locations are listed in Table 3.5 below and are illustrated on Figure 3.2. Table 3.5: Proposed Viewpoints for Cultural Heritage Assessment No. Name Approx. Approx. Approx. Reason for Selection Grid Ref Elevation Distance from Proposed Development 1 Saval NC 58842, 165 m 1 km Residents to the south east 08543
2 A838 Colaboll NC 56451, 80 m 1.6 km Residents and road users to 10113 the north west
3 Minor Road at NC 55186, 150 m 3 km Residents and road users to Salachy 08163 the south west
4 Abhainn A’ NC 59570 - 1.4 km One of several hut circles Chuirp Hut 08930 grouped together to the north Circles (MHG of Saval and in close proximity 11862) to the Proposed Development. Cited in THC HER as potentially of national importance (NSR Code V).
Impact Prediction and Evaluation
3.6.14 The archaeological and cultural heritage assessment will be conducted with reference to the relevant guidance, primarily Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) (December 2011).
3.6.15 The potential for setting effects within 10 km of the Proposed LOD will use zone of theoretical visibility maps and a site visit to selected assets where there is the potential for significant effects. Visualisations will be produced, in agreement with THC and Historic Scotland, to support the assessment of indirect effects:
3.6.16 The assessment will take account of the heritage importance of the asset, the contribution of the setting to the asset sensitivity and the magnitude of impact. The assessment of heritage importance reflects the relative weight which statute and policy attach to them. Cumulative Assessment
3.6.17 There is no potential for significant direct cumulative effects. The assessment will consider the potential for likely significant indirect effects associated with the addition
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of the Proposed Development to the proposed Braemore wind farm and proposed Dalchork wind farm, the proposed Saval substation and the consented Loch Buidhe substation. No other proposed developments that are the subject of a valid planning application have been identified within the 10 km radius of the Proposed Development, which could give rise to significant cumulative effects.
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4 ISSUES SCOPED OUT
4.1 Noise Construction Noise
4.1.1 Construction noise will be short term and intermittent and can be controlled through the implementation of an appropriate CEMD, which would include working hours agreed with The Highland Council.
4.1.2 As such, no detailed assessment of construction noise associated with plant noise or traffic is proposed as part of the EIA. Operational Noise
4.1.3 Potential for significant effects from operational noise will be minimal due to the low noise levels produced from the OHL. A typical source sound power level for a 275 kV OHL is 40 dB(A) during dry weather and 59 dB(A) during wet weather. On this basis, assuming a noise reduction of 3 dB with each doubling of distance, the OHL would likely to be within 5 -10 dB of background noise at 24 m in dry weather and 96 m in wet weather. Route selection has ensured that the LOD is routed at least 100 m from residential receptors. As such that there would be no significant effects14 and no detailed assessment of operational noise is proposed as part of the EIA.
4.2 TV and Radio Reception
4.2.1 Potential effects from OHLs on TV signals are due to physical obstruction of the signal. The proposed lattice steel towers will not represent a significant obstruction and it is not anticipated that any adverse effects on TV reception would be experienced. Therefore, this issue will not be considered in the ES.
4.2.2 The operation of high voltage OHLs can generate electromagnetic fields over a wide range of frequencies, from power (50 Hz) to radio frequencies. It is possible for radio receivers in the vicinity to be affected or interfered with by such electromagnetic fields. It is anticipated that the Proposed Development would emit low-level radio frequency interference (RFI) but that in practice little radio and television interference would arise, except when directly beneath the overhead line.
4.2.3 Therefore, this issue will not be addressed in the ES.
4.3 Electromagnetic Fields
4.3.1 Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) arise from electric charges. Exposure guidelines have been developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNRIP) to ensure protection of human health in different situations, occupational exposure and public exposure, which have been adopted by the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) for application in the UK15. The typical field strengths for 275 kV OHLs
14 Based on the criteria for noise likely to result in complaint in BS4142:1997. Method of Rating industrial noise affecting mixed industrial and residential areas. 15 Health Protection Agency. http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/UnderstandingRadiationTopics/ElectromagneticFields/Electri cAndMagneticFields/ExposureGuidelinesForElectricAndMagneticFields/
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(shown in Table 4.1) are well within the ICNIRP exposure guidelines. As such there is no likely significant effect on human health associated with EMFs. Table 4.1 Typical EMF and UK Exposure Guidelines16 Source Electric field (kV/m) Magnetic field (µT) Maximum Typical Typical field Maximum Typical Typical beneath field 25 m from beneath field field 25 m OHL beneath line OHL beneath from line line line
ICNRIP public 9 360 exposure guideline
Typical Field 11 3 – 5 0.2 – 0.5 100 5 – 10 1 – 2 275 kV OHL
4.4 Hydrology and Hydrogeology
4.4.1 The Proposed Development has limited potential to give rise to some localised and temporary construction related hydrological impacts as listed below;
temporary alteration or obstruction to natural drainage patterns as a result of excavations or creation of temporary access tracks or hardstandings;
physical damage of watercourse bed or banks from the use of machinery during construction works;
temporary disturbance to flows of groundwater and indirect effects on peat hydrogeology and groundwater dependant terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTE) through excavation works and the construction of any temporary access tracks.
4.4.2 The potential for effects on hydrological features during construction will be strictly controlled in accordance with a detailed CEMD and Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs). SHE Transmission aim to locate towers at sufficient distance from a watercourse to avoid impacts on water quality. Foundation works and constructed tracks would be constructed to standard good practice working methods (see section 2.3) and would comply with legislation in the form of the general binding rules set out in The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005. On this basis, and taking account of the short length of any track required, it is assessed that there would be no likely significant effects associated with the construction stage. According to THC17, there are no private water supply abstractions within the Proposed LOD or within 250 m of the LOD. As such, there is no potential for likely significant hydrological effects during construction.
4.4.3 No likely significant effects have been identified associated with the operational OHL.
4.5 Recreation and Tourism
4.5.1 National cycle route (NCR) 1 follows the A836, passing through Lairg. In addition, there are local authority designated core paths located within Gunn’s plantation,
16 URL: http://www.emfs.info/Sources+of+EMFs/Overhead+power+lines/ 17 Email sent by Sandy Fraser on 16th July 2013, PWS within 12 KM of Lairg
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approximately 1 km west of the Proposed LOD, and further core paths located in Achany Glen and Strath Fleet.
4.5.2 The potential for significant effects on the visual amenity of recreational and tourist receptors will be considered through the LVIA. The nature of the Proposed Development is such that with the exception of very localised and short term events during the construction phase, there will be no direct effects on recreation or tourism.
4.5.3 No further assessment is proposed as part of the EIA.
4.6 Socio-economics
4.6.1 The Proposed Development may give rise to local employment opportunities during the construction phase through the subcontracting of work packages. SHE Transmission would promote tendering opportunities through the ‘Open 4 Business’ platform18.
4.6.2 In addition, the Proposed Development will result in some local revenue generation through demand for accommodation providers, spend in local shops and material supplies. These socio-economic effects are likely to be negligible to minor on a local and regional scale and thus not considered to be significant. There may be individual secondary effects of displacement on local employers, i.e. the number of jobs accounted for by the loss of jobs elsewhere in the locality. These effects, should they occur, would be highly localised and on an individual basis. As such there are not considered to be any significant effects on socio-economic conditions and these will not be considered further within the ES.
4.7 Air Quality
4.7.1 The Proposed Development has limited potential to impact the Air Quality; there is a potential to give rise to some localised and temporary construction related air quality impacts associated with dust (foundation construction, passage of vehicles along access tracks) and construction plant and traffic exhaust emissions. However, the nature of the construction activities is that it will be relatively short term and intermittent, and thus low impact.
4.7.2 The potential for nuisance effects on residential or recreational amenity will be limited and will be strictly controlled in accordance with a detailed Construction Environmental Management Documents (CEMD).
4.7.3 There is no potential for significant operational air quality impacts.
4.8 Traffic
4.8.1 The potential for the Proposed Development to give rise to traffic impacts will be limited to during the construction phase when HGV movements on local roads will increase to deliver construction materials and plant. No impacts are anticipated during the operational phase as the Proposed Development will not generate any new traffic.
4.8.2 Construction traffic impacts will be short term and intermittent and will be controlled through the implementation of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (TMP), to be
18 URL: https://www.sseopen4business-highlands.com/sse/publicSearchForm.html
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agreed with The Highland Council. An outline TMP would be presented as a Technical Appendix to Chapter 2: Proposed Development.
4.8.3 No separate traffic assessment is proposed for inclusion in the EIA.
4.9 Forestry and Woodland
4.9.1 The assessment of effects on ecological and ornithological receptors as a result of woodland removal (e.g. north of Savalbeg) will be considered in the ES as part of the Ecology and Ornithology assessments. Likely effects on landscape resource or visual amenity as a result of woodland removal will be considered as part of the LVIA.
4.9.2 No separate assessment of forestry and woodland is proposed as part of the EIA.
4.10 Land use and Agriculture Agricultural Land and Landholdings
4.10.1 Agricultural land within the Proposed LOD is predominately of Class 5.3 (suitable only for improved grassland) though there are some small scattered areas of Class 4.1 (suitable for producing a narrow range of crops), 5.1 (suitable only for improved grassland). No Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 land (capable of supporting arable agriculture) has been identified. On the basis that the agricultural land within the LOD is of low sensitivity, the Proposed Development would not result in significant effects. The construction work may result in some temporary loss of land or access restriction; however, it is considered that this can be adequately managed through wayleave agreements with the relevant land owners. The permanent loss of land to tower locations would be negligible and it would remain possible for grazing to continue around towers during their operational lifetime.
4.10.2 Overall, the Proposed Development would not impinge on land owner choice over the type or intensity level of land operations, and would not require any significant management changes. As such, no further assessment of land use or agriculture is proposed as part of the EIA.
4.11 Cumulative Effects
4.11.1 Cumulative effects will be assessed in each individual technical chapter, as described in Chapter 3.
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5 NEXT STEPS
5.1.1 SHE Transmission invites consultees to comment on the following:
What environmental information do you hold or are aware of that will assist in the EIA described here?
Do you agree with the proposed approach for baseline collection, prediction and significance assessment?
Are there any key issues or possible effects which have been omitted?
Do you agree with the list of issues to be scoped out, and the rationale behind the decision?
5.1.2 Reponses to this document, and from ECDU, will be used to finalise the terms of the EIA and the specific approach to the individual assessments.
5.1.3 All responses should be addressed to:
Energy Consents and Deployment Unit Scottish Government 4th Floor 5 Atlantic Quay 150 Broomielaw Glasgow G2 8LU
5.1.4 All comments received will be placed on public record unless consultees request otherwise.
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Annex A: Figures
260000.000000
.000000 .000000 Licence Number: EL273236
910000 910000 Legend D D D DDDDD D Proposed OHL Alignment D D D D Proposed Limit of Deviation (LOD) D D D D D Phase 1 Habitat types D D D A1.1.1 - Seminatural Broadleaved D D D Woodland D
D
D A1.2.1 - Seminatural Coniferous
D
D Woodland
D
D A1.2.2 - Coniferous woodland -
D
D plantation
D D !!!!A1.3.1 - Seminatural Mixed D
D !!!!Woodland D !! D DDDD!! A2.2 - Scrub - scattered D DDDD!!!! D FFF
D A4 - Recently felled woodland D FFF D D SI SI B1.2 - Acid grassland - semi-
D improved
D
D SI SI B2.2 - Neutral grassland - semi-
D
D improved
D IIISI SI D B4 - Improved grassland D III D
D B5 - Marshy Grassland
D III
D B6 - Poor semi-improved grassland
D SI SI
D C1.1 - Bracken - continuous
D D SI SI C3 - Other tall herb and fern D
D
D D1.1 - Dry dwarf shrub heath - acid
D
D D2 - Wet Dwarf Shrub Heath
D D D5 - Dry heath/acid grassland D
D
D D6 - Wet Heath/ Acid
D
D E1.6.1 - Blanket Bog
D
D E1.7 - Wet modified bog D
D
D E1.8 - Dry modified bog
D
D E3 - Fen
D
D I2.1 - Quarry D QQQ
D
D J1.1 - Cultivated/disturbed land - D QQQAAA arable
D
D
D AAAFigure 3.4: Phase I Habitat Survey
D
D
D
D
D
D
D LT61: Lairg to Loch Buidhe
D
D Scoping Report
D
D
D
D
.000000 D .000000 Client: SHE Transmission plc
D
D D D D D 900000 D 900000 D D Date Drawn by D D D Feb 2015 DD D D D D Project No. Issue D D D UK12-19015 1 D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
.000000 km 260000 0 1 2 4 6 8 Scale @ A3 1:50,000 260000.000000
.000000 .000000 Licence Number: EL273236
910000 910000 Legend D Lairg and Strath Brora Lochs D D SPA & SSSI D DDDDD D Proposed OHL Alignment D D D D D Proposed Limit of Deviation D D D D Special Area of Conservation D D D D D Special Protection Area D
D Lairg and Strath Brora Lochs D SPA & SSSI RAMSAR Site D D Site of Special Scientific Interest D
D Lairg and Strath Brora Lochs
D SPA & SSSI
D
D
D
D Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands D D
SAC, SPA, Ramsar Site, SSSI D
D
D
D
D D D
D
D
D Strath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors
D SPA and SSSI D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D Figure 3.3: Sites designated for
D
D Nature Conservation
D
D
D
D
D LT61: Lairg to Loch Buidhe
D
D Scoping Report
D
D
D
D
.000000 D .000000 Client: SHE Transmission plc
D
D D D D D 900000 D 900000 D D Date Drawn by D D Kyle of Sutherland D Strath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors Feb 2015 DD D D SPA and SSSI Marshes SSSI D D Project No. Issue D D D UK12-19015 1 D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D River Oykel D SAC
.000000 km River Oykel 260000 0 1 2 4 6 8 Scale @ A3 1:50,000 250000.000000 260000.000000 270000.000000
Licence Number: EL273236
Legend
DDDDD Proposed OHL Alignment Proposed LOD LVIA Study
_ !( LVIA Viewpoint _ !( Cultural Heritage Viewpoint Theoretical OHL visibility (60m above ground level)
High : Up to 14 km
! (
17 !
_
! ! (
.000000 .000000 2 _ Low : 0.1 km D D D
910000 D 910000 ! (
D 1_ _ D 1 !( D D
! ( D 3 _
D
_
( 3 !
D
!( _ 2 D D
_ D 12
7 _
!( ! ( D ! (
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Ben Klibreck - Armine Forest DDDDD Proposed OHL Alignment Wild Land Area LVIA Study Area Proposed Limit of Deviation (LOD) Scheduled Monument 100m Buffer - Scheduled Monument ²³ Listed Bulding - Category A Reay - Cassley ²³ Listed Bulding - Category B Wild Land Area ²³ Listed Bulding - Category C National Scenic Area Gardens & Designed Landscapes Wild Land Area .000000 .000000 Core Path D D D 910000 D 910000 D D D D D
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LT61: Lairg to Loch Buidhe Scoping Report
Client: SHE Transmission plc
Date Drawn by Feb 2015 DD Project No. Issue UK12-19015 1
.000000 Dornoch Firth .000000 National Scenic Area
890000 Skibo Castle 890000 Rhiddoroch - Beinn Dearg - Ben Wyvis Wild Land Area
.000000 .000000 km .000000 .000000 250000 260000 270000 280000 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 Scale @ A3 1:125,000 260000.000000
Licence Number: EL273236
Strath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors Legend Proposed Limit of Deviation (LOD) Special Protection Area Site of Special Scientific Interest Properties 100m Buffer - Properties
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900000 900000 Constraints
LT61: Lairg to Loch Buidhe Scoping Report
Strath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors Client: SHE Transmission plc
Date Drawn by Sept 2015 DD Project No. Issue UK12-19015 1
.000000 km 260000 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 Scale @ A3 1:25,000 260000.000000
Licence Number: EL273236
Legend Loch Tigh na Creige Proposed Limit of Deviation (LOD) Special Protection Area Site of Special Scientific Interest Ancient Woodland Properties 100m Buffer - Properties ²³ Listed Bulding - Category B ²³ Listed Bulding - Category C Scheduled Monument Loch Dola 100m Buffer - Scheduled Monument
Loch Craggie
Strath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors
Figure 2.2a: Proposed Limits of Deviation and Environmental Constraints
LT61: Lairg to Loch Buidhe Scoping Report
Client: SHE Transmission plc
Date Drawn by Sept 2015 DD Project No. Issue UK12-19015 1
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LT61: Lairg to Loch Buidhe Scoping Report
Client: SHE Transmission plc
Date Drawn by Feb 2015 DD Project No. Issue UK12-19015 1 .000000 .000000 890000 890000
.000000 .000000 km .000000 .000000 250000 260000 270000 280000 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 Scale @ A3 1:125,000 Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission plc Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement
Annex B: Typical Tower Design
Photograph B1: ‘L8’ type, Lattice Steel Tower
Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission plc Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement
Annex C: Definitions and Conventions Used in Ecological Impact Assessment
Table C.1: Definitions and Conventions used in Ecological Impact Assessment Term Definition Feature value Based on available guidance, information, personal knowledge, and advice from experts, professional judgement is used to rate the value of a feature. In applying professional judgement, the following key considerations are taken into account: Geographic frame of reference: international; national; regional; county; district (or Unitary Authority, City or Borough); local or parish; within zone of influence only (which may be the project site or a larger area). Designated sites: international (SACs, SPAs, Ramsar Sites); national (SSSIs, National Nature Reserves); local (designated by Local Authorities & Wildlife Trusts). Biodiversity value: assessed in relation to published selection/evaluation criteria where available, e.g. Annex 111 of the EC Habitats Directive, SSSI Selection Guidelines, and BAPs. Potential value: e.g. sites where there is a high potential to restore or create Local Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats. Secondary or supporting value: e.g. features such as linear habitat corridors (e.g. hedgerows and riparian habitats) or stepping stones (e.g. ponds and woodlands) essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. Legal status: e.g. in relation to EC Habitats Directive Annex II & Annex IV species, EC Birds Directive Annex 1, Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
Impact The way in which an ecological resource or receptor is affected by a project. The following convention is adopted: Certain/near certain impact: 95% or higher probability Probable impact: probability >50% but <95% Unlikely impact: probability >5% but <50% Extremely unlikely impact: probability <5%
Magnitude The size or amount of an impact.
Extent The area over which an impact occurs.
Duration The time for which the impact is expected to last prior to recovery or replacement.
Reversibility Irreversible impacts: permanent changes from which recovery is not possible within a reasonable time scale or for which there is no reasonable chance of action being taken to reverse it. Reversible impacts: temporary changes in which spontaneous recovery is possible or for which effective mitigation (avoidance/cancellation/reduction of impact) or compensation (offset/recompense/offer benefit) is possible.
Ecologically An impact, negative or positive, which affects the integrity of a defined site or Significant ecosystem, and or the conservation status of habitats or species within a given Impact geographical area.
Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission plc Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement
Table C.1: Definitions and Conventions used in Ecological Impact Assessment Term Definition Integrity The coherence of a site’s ecological structure and function that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats, and/or levels of populations of the species found within it.
Receptor Any ecological or other defined feature that is sensitive to or has the potential to be affected by an impact.
Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission plc Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement
Annex D: Ornithology Survey Methods
Collection Methods
The following scope of ornithological data was prepared based upon the desk study exercise and initial route and site appraisal work. Flight Activity and Field Utilisation
Purpose: To record the flight activity of target species within the LOD for the Proposed Development and also to record the distribution and numbers of geese and waders on the ground within the same area.
Protocol: The number and locations of Vantage Point (VP) watches and the proposed approach to survey were agreed with SNH. Each VP watch (to observe field and ground use) of the Proposed Development LOD was undertaken on a monthly basis. Each VP had a total of 108 hours of survey time over the course of the 12 month survey.
This approach mapped activity over the whole year and has provided information on bird movements which will inform both the impact (collision risk) assessment and subsequent development of mitigation strategies.
This protocol meets the requirements for 1 full year survey:
1 complete breeding season (April-July) and 1 complete passage-winter-passage seasons (September-April/May) were surveyed in the same year period.
As the dimensions of the Proposed Development will vary over the full length, a collision risk analysis (CRA) along all sections of the Proposed Development will be required for all birds at risk, designated/qualifying species as well as those found outside the designated areas during the breeding season.
Timing: Survey completed between November 2013 and October 2014.
Methodology: Each VP watch was 3 hours long. This allowed a constant survey effort throughout the year (allowing for the reduced amount of daylight hours during mid-winter) and resulted in a total of 108 hours surveying time for each VP location.
The watches were distributed as evenly as possibly throughout all the available daylight hours through the various seasons.
Standard VP flight recording, as set out in SNH best practice guidance, was used. Height recording uses height bands specific to each VP location. These bands were determined based on the anticipated dimensions of the Proposed Development. Generally, there were three height bands:
below lowest wire height;
wire spread; and
above the highest wire.
Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission plc Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement
Flights were recorded every 15 seconds for the duration of the flight or 5 minutes, whichever was the greatest. If no other flight was observed, the current prolonged flight was mapped and recorded.
Species Specific Survey: Survey of Lochs for Black-throated Divers
Following the initial one year of survey described above, four additional VP locations were selected for additional survey throughout the 2015 breeding season. A surveyor was present at each of the three lochs that are part of the Caithness Lochs SPA and within the zone of influence of the Proposed Development, namely, Loch Dola, Loch Craggie and Loch Tigh na Creige.
These surveyors worked in tandem with a fourth surveyor at VP location 2 to best monitor diver movements and record any possible crossings of the Limits of Deviation (LOD). The surveys were distributed so that dawn, dusk and daytime would be surveyed each month.
Breeding Bird Surveys
Purpose: To record the numbers and distribution of breeding pairs/territories of target species within 100 m either side of the LOD of the Proposed Development.
Protocol: The three visits were completed with all areas of the LOD approached to within at least 100 m.
Timing: Between April and June 2014
Methodology: A breeding bird survey has been completed along the entire length of the Proposed Development LOD.
The breeding bird survey was completed in three visits in accordance with an adapted version of the Brown and Shepherd (1993) method for censusing upland wader populations19.
The adaptation to the Brown and Shepherd methodology is that all species, not just waders, are recorded, based on the British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) Common Bird Census20. The BTO Common Bird Census (CBC) methodology is considered the most appropriate method21 for use in confirming the presence of breeding birds at a site and mapping the location of their territories. Information on the location of protected and scarce breeding bird territories is particularly important in order to assess the impact of developments.
All bird records were distinguished into confirmed, probable, possible or not-breeding and analysis of the data across the three visits allowed territories to be plotted for each species.
Analysis of the field maps will be undertaken in order to produce final distribution maps of breeding birds throughout the study site. In addition, records will be made of birds foraging
19 As described in: Gilbert, G. et al. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods, RSPB/BTO. pp. 394-396 20 Bibby, C.J., Burgess, N.D., Hill, D.A., and Mustoe, S.H. (2000). Bird Census Techniques, 2nd ed. Academic Press, London. 21 Note: The British Trust for Ornithology’s Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is now widely undertaken to monitor the UK’s bird population and for this particular purpose has replaced the Common Bird Census (CBC). However, the CBC method was considered more appropriate for making an assessment of the Proposed Development.
Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission plc Lairg to Loch Buidhe 275 kV Reinforcement and flying over the site. All bird species and their positions will be marked on suitably scaled maps that identify indicative bird territories for key species such birds of conservation concern.
For all birds the following criteria for assessing breeding status will be used;
presence of nest, eggs and/or chicks;
alarm calling indicative of nest, young or territory;
displaying or song-flighting;
distraction display;
birds aggressively defending territories; and
birds seen carrying food to nest or young.