Berriedale Wind Energy Project
Renewable Energy for South Ronaldsay
Development Assessment
Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011
Berriedale Wind Energy Project
Report OSE/2888
January 2011
Developer: Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd
Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd 8 Albert Street Kirkwall KW15 1HP
Project Designer: Richard Gauld IEng MInstMC BSc(Hons) Dip. DesInn Dip GeoSci
Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd 6 North End Road Stromness Orkney KW16 3AG
Telephone 01856 850054 Email [email protected] Web www.orkneywind.co.uk
Richard Gauld is a professional design engineer, a Member of the Institute of Measurement and Control, and is registered as an Engineer with the UK Engineering Council.
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Berriedale Wind Energy Project Report OSE/2888
Development Assessment
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project is to be assessed under the Orkney Islands Council Supplementary Guidance for On-Shore Wind Energy Development, and the assessment of the project has considered the following development criteria:
CHAPTER 1 Non-Technical Summary
Development Assessment
Natural Heritage
Aviation Interests
Decommission and Reinstatement
Landscape Impact and Cumulative Landscape Impact CHAPTER 2
Visual Impact and Cumulative Visual Impact
Water Resources CHAPTER 3
Historic Environment CHAPTER 4
Quality of Life and Amenity CHAPTER 5
Ancillary Development CHAPTER 6
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Chapter 1
Non-Technical Summary and Development Assessment
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CHAPTER 1 CONTENTS SUMMARY 5 1 INTRODUCTION 6 2 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION 8 2.1 ORKNEY RENEWABLE ENERGY LTD . 8 2.2 BENEFITS TO THE ORKNEY ECONOMY : 9 2.3 WIND ASSESSMENT 10 2.4 PROPOSED LOCATION 10 2.5 CARBON FOOTPRINT AND EMISSION AVOIDANCE 15 2.6 PROJECT DESIGN STATEMENT 15 2.7 DETERMINING WIND TURBINE SIZE 18 2.8 ROADS AND TRANSPORT 20 2.9 SUMMARY CONSTRUCTION METHOD STATEMENT 20 2.10 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 21 2.11 DECOMMISSIONING 21 3 PLANNING ISSUES 22 3.1 NATIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT ; SPP6 22 3.2 ORKNEY STRUCTURE PLAN CONTEXT 23 3.3 ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN 24 3.4 PLANNING GUIDANCE 27 4 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 28 4.1 VISUAL IMPACT 29 4.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 33 4.3 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE TO ARCHAEOLOGY 38 4.4 IMPACT UPON GEOLOGICAL AND SURFACE FEATURES 41 4.5 CARBON EMISSIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION 43 4.6 POLLUTION RISK DURING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE 44 4.7 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE FROM NOISE 44 4.8 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE FROM SHADOW FLICKER 46 4.9 POTENTIAL RADIO -COMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE 46 5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION 47 5.1 VISUAL IMPACT MITIGATION 47 5.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION 48 5.3 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AND POLLUTION AVOIDANCE 48 5.4 MITIGATION OF NOISE DISTURBANCE 49 5.5 CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION IMPACT MITIGATION 49 5.6 MITIGATION AGAINST TELEVISION INTERFERENCE 49 6 CONCLUSIONS 50 7 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 51
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Summary
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project has been developed by Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd, to provide renewable energy for South Ronaldsay. Project design, co-ordination and environmental studies have been completed by Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd.
Three wind turbines are proposed for Berriedale Farm at the northern end of South Ronaldsay in Orkney. The actual turbine will not be chosen until nearer construction, however the project design is based on the Enercon E44, a moderate scale turbine already deployed throughout the isles. The electricity generated will be traded to meet the requirements of the Renewables Order (Scotland) 2002, with the project connecting into the Orkney grid under an active network management system; the island grid is only a short distance form the turbine locations. The project is a locally-owned community renewable energy investment scheme, as promoted by the Scottish Government in Planning Policy SPP6, with the whole of the South Ronaldsay community invited to become participants.
The project is an expansion of operations by Orkney Renewable Energy, and is the fourth in a series of developments being planned for Orkney. The project has been designed to follow recent guidance published by Orkney Islands Council, and fully achieves recommendations provided by Historic Scotland, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority, National Air Traffic Services and OFCOM.
As a result of the design process, the turbine scale and positions are located in the optimum location in the community, and to ensure minimal impact upon habitats and species, the turbines are positioned away from any designated or sensitive areas; the site is arable grazing land. Studies have been completed to determine landscape and visual impacts, potential noise impact and detailed information on the archaeology of the surrounding area has been sourced from the Orkney archaeologist and The Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments. Ecological impact has been considered, including desk top studies of habitats, breeding birds, and an assessment of mammals on the site. Analysis of the development includes a hydrology survey, extensive photomontage modelling, detailed drawings of the development, a description of the wind turbine and a description of the construction process, leading to the commissioning, operations and eventual decommissioning.
It is concluded that a locally owned wind project is feasible for this part of Orkney, with low impacts upon ecology and the local community. Strong social and economic benefits can be achieved by constructing this locally-owned project, along with the associated climate change benefits resulting from renewable energy production.
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1 Introduction Orkney is an important area for wind energy development; a number of projects have been established in the islands , primarily as cluster developments on hilltop and moorland locations. The Berriedale Wind Energy Project follows this pattern of development and has been designed as a simple linear cluster of three moderate-scale turbines, and is proposed by Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd as a mechanism to expand upon the success of the Burray wind turbine, providing significant benefits to South Ronaldsay and the greater Orkney community.
The development is a privately funded windfarm, providing strong financial returns to the Orkney economy. This locally-owned project compliments the grant-supported community wind turbines proposed for the outer isles of Orkney, as well as providing strong economic support for the South Ronaldsay community.
Orkney Sustainable Energy completed preliminary designs for a project at Berriedale in 2006; however at that stage the landowner felt that the local community should be given the opportunity to establish a project on their land. This community project was not completed, and the original planning application was withdrawn in 2010. This new project builds upon the community development, and in consultation with South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust, has used the site proposed for the community turbine, along with two further turbine locations, making full use of the available land. Note that grid restrictions across Burray and South Ronaldsay will initially restrict the development to a single turbine, with grid strengthening required before the project can be completed.
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project has been designed around the Enercon E44 900 kW wind turbine, however it should be noted that the actual turbine model could alter at the time of construction; the site layout and all modelling has used a 45m turbine tower height and a rotor diameter of 44m. A grid connection application has been accepted by Scottish and Southern Energy, and it is intended that the turbine will operate under the innovative Registered Power Zone scheme. The 11 kV electricity transmission lines between Burray and St Margaret’s Hope traverse the site, with the turbines connected to this local distribution system via a switchgear building to the west of the turbines.
The average wind speed at the turbine location is predicted to be 9 metres per second (m/s), and based on manufacturer’s predictions, three 900kW wind turbines located on this site will have a capacity factor of around 45% and will produce around 10,000 MWh of renewable electricity per annum, equivalent to the domestic requirements of 2000 households.
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Electricity produced from renewable resources avoids the emission of pollution, and the production of 10,000 MWh of wind electricity will save around 5000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum (Carbon Trust). The Berriedale Wind Energy Project provides a very good contribution towards the Scottish Government renewable energy production and carbon reduction targets.
This report is presented in seven chapters: Chapter 1 is a project description of the development, including non technical summaries of the ecology and potential environmental impacts, Chapter 2 of the report contains the landscape and visual studies, Chapters 3 is the geology and hydrology report, Chapter 4 is an archaeology survey, Chapter 5 is the report on the noise and shadow flicker assessment, Chapter 6 describes transport impacts and Volume 2 of the report contains the site plans and drawings, maps, wireframe images and photomontages.
Figure 1.1 Site location and turbine positions OSE/2888 7 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project December 2010
2 Development Description
This part of the report provides information on the project and the developer, along with a summary of the construction and operations of the wind turbines. This encompasses a description of community benefits, civil engineering, transport of the equipment, installation of the wind turbines, operation and maintenance of the project and eventual decommissioning.
2.1 Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd.
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project is one of a series of developments from Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd, the owner and operator of the Burray wind turbine. ORE Ltd arose from what began as a farm diversification plan at the Northfield farm in Burray, and the project evolved to become Scotland’s first wind energy project to be fully funded under a local shareholding arrangement.
The main objective of ORE is to develop Orkney’s renewable energy resources for the benefit of the people of Orkney, and to this end, shareholding has been restricted to Orkney residents. ORE was fully financed in this way, without loans, borrowings, overdraft or public sector funding, and now after five years has a secure financial base that allows for expansion.
The company provides sums annually to the Burray and Deerness Community Associations, to various registered charities throughout Orkney, and are presently sponsoring Dial-a-bus; the South Ronaldsay community can expect a similar level of financial support.
Local ownership and control are critical if Orkney is to properly benefit from its own renewable energy resources, and that ownership through the medium of local shareholding provides the most realistic and responsible mechanism for financing such projects. Because ORE is wholly locally owned, the company can retain its income within Orkney, and consequently provides an economic benefit far in excess of anything that can be offered to the community by outside companies operating in Orkney.
The company has a broad range of expertise, and is presently under the management of Richard Gauld, Bryan Rendall, Ian Heddle, Mick Austin and Albert Spence. Company Secretary and Accountant is Karen Scholes, and Development Coordinator is Karl Cooper. Orkney contractors, suppliers, and service providers will be able to participate in Berriedale and other future developments, ensuring that Orkney can benefit as widely as possible.
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2.2 Benefits to the Orkney Economy:
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project has been developed in accordance with the aims of the Orkney Structure Plan 2001 and the Orkney Local Plan 2002, and in the light of the Supplementary Planning Guidance for Onshore Wind Energy Development published in 2008. The project is a locally owned and privately funded wind farm, providing strong financial benefits to the Orkney economy, and it should be noted that wind energy production remains a growth industry in Orkney, particularly important at a time of financial constraint.
Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd is committed to employing Orkney based organisations whenever possible, and for the Berriedale project has used local consultants to help put together the project design and planning application. Local contractors will be used for all aspects of the construction phase, and management and operations will be retained in Orkney for the duration of the project.
It is the principal objective of ORE that financial benefits from renewable energy projects are retained within Orkney, and accordingly it is felt that the economic strengths of the Berriedale project should be used to help the South Ronaldsay community. The development will contribute to the viability of a local farm, which will have a lease arrangement in place for the duration of the project, and moreover there will be an opportunity for individuals with the local community to become shareholders of the project, giving a dividend income. The Berriedale project will be also used to provide an annual contribution to a local community support fund, to be independently administered by the South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust.
It is felt that the local fund should provide financial support to individuals and groups with the South Ronaldsay parish, targeting in particular those members of the community who are less able to look after themselves; both young and old will be provided for. It is for the Trust to decide how the fund should be distributed, with the developers committed to providing top-up support to the fund on an annual basis. The size of financial support is linked to the scale of the windfarm, and a 2.7MW project provides a significant level of funding. It is also expected that the Trust will be able to access match funding from other sources, contributing a greater level of support to the South Ronaldsay community.
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2.3 Wind assessment
Preliminary wind resource has been assessed using NOABL , the national wind speed database, www.bwea.com . The mean annual windspeed at this part of South Ronaldsay is predicted to be 20 mph at a height of 45m above ground. Assuming this mean windspeed, three 900kW wind turbines located on this site will have a capacity factor of around 45% and will produce around 10,000 MWh of renewable electricity per annum, equivalent to the domestic requirements of 2000 households, given an average annual domestic consumption of 5 MWh per annum. (Boardman et al 1997) .
2.4 Proposed location
Berriedale is one of the larger farms in Orkney, and is an important employer in the County; the wind turbine site is the elevated plateau that is the upper part of the farm. Three wind turbines are proposed, with each location chosen to be on hard, stable underlying bedrock strata. The project locations and dimensions are shown in Figures 2.1 to 2.4, and the grid references are as listed below, Table 1, with a note of the base elevation and overall height of each installation above sea level, including a maximum wind turbine blade tip height; this has allowed for an alternative turbine model of up to 70m tip height if required.
There will be a requirement for a switchgear house with floorplan dimensions of 8m by 4m, located west of the turbines, near to the existing overhead cables. Note that these cables form part of the 11kV grid system in this part of Orkney, used for providing power to South Ronaldsay. This grid connection is restricted and it is expected that only one turbine, T2, shall be able to connect at the initial stages of the development, with grid reinforcement required before the full project can operate.
Turbine Easting Northing Position Tower top Maximum elevation elevation elevation
T1 E346750 N993325 54m 99m 124m
T2 E346750 N993105 58m 103m 128m
T3 E346800 N992880 60m 105m 130m
Table 2.1 Wind Turbine Locations and Elevations
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(A3)
OSE/2888 Figure 2.1 Site Plan 11 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011
OSE/2888 Figure 2.2 Project Layout 12 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011
OSE/2888 Figure 2.3 Turbine 1 Groundworks 13 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011
OSE/2888 Figure 2.4 Turbines 2 and 3 Groundworks 14 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011
2.5 Carbon footprint and emission avoidance
In the north of Scotland electricity is produced from a mixture of coal, gas, hydro and wind generation stations. The fuel mixture of Scottish Hydro Electric has above average gas and renewables content, with only a marginal use of nuclear power. The carbon emission factor takes into account all generation sources, and is close to the UK average, Figure 2.5.
Figure 2.5 – Fuel Mix and carbon emissions by Scottish Hydro – Electric (source: www.electricityinfo.org)
Electricity produced from renewable resources avoids the emission of pollution, and the production of 10,000 MWh of wind electricity is projected to avert the production of around
5000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum (Carbon Trust), . Based on a carbon emission rate of
0.489kg CO 2 per kWh of generation (www.electricityinfo.org) , a 2.7 MW project in this part of
Orkney will avoid the production of the following emissions (Boyle 1996) :
• CO 2 4890 tonnes per annum (equivalent to 1200 tonnes of carbon per annum)
• SO 2 150 to 200 tonnes per annum
• NO x 36 to 50 tonnes per annum
CO 2 emissions have been identified as the primary cause of climate change, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions are a cause of acid rain.
2.6 Project design statement
The final layout of the project has evolved throughout the design process, and has followed advice and guidance provided by an extensive list of statutory and local organisations. It was felt that the project should maximise renewable energy production from the given area, and the layout and scale of the project has become three medium size turbines positioned in linear layout, providing a total of 2.7MW of renewable energy equivalent to that used by 2000
homes, while at the same time accommodating environmental and social constraints.
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Wind energy development has been encouraged in Orkney; however there are constraints to be considered. The wind turbines should not be a nuisance to neighbours and should be far enough away from properties to minimise noise and shadow effects. Other constraints to consider are impact upon ecological concerns, mainly birds, and to ensure that any archaeological concerns are identified; desktop ornithological and habitat surveys have been undertaken in line with national guidance, along with a landscape and visual assessment and a detailed archaeology survey.
The full extent of locations considered for development included all the land owned by the farm, however it was felt that using the area furthest from neighbours would be the most appropriate site in this instance, avoiding impact upon nature conservation interests 2km to the south of the farm. The preferred development area for the turbines is thus a sloping plateau to the east of the farm, around 2km from the village of St Margaret’s Hope. Other constraints to consider were the need to avoid impact upon protected bird species and to ensure that the project has negligible impact upon Orkney’s World Heritage Site and National Scenic Area.
Having identified an area that was appropriate for development, the final location of the wind turbines was decided by considering visual and landscape issues, and then maximising distances to neighbours to ensure noise and shadow impacts are avoided; the objectives of PAN45 and SPP6 have been achieved.
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project has been designed to ensure that the view of the three turbines appears balanced and uncluttered, with the turbines all positioned with clear separation from each other. Through an iterative process the turbine size and positions were then adjusted to produce an optimum layout, ensuring that the development was appropriate for the site; the report frontispiece and Figure 2.6 below are two of the project photomontages, and represent the highest magnitude of visual impact from when viewed from nearby roads and from neighbours to the development.
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Figure 2.6 – Berriedale Wind Energy Project from the nearest neighbours
The wind turbines are to be positioned at an elevation of 60m, to the east of St Margaret’s Hope. The wind turbine locations consist of areas of hardstanding nominally 30m by 20m, with the turbine foundations located below ground level. A temporary trench will be excavated to accommodate the underground high voltage and telecommunications cabling, routed to the south of the project.
The site cabling is underground, ultimately connecting to the grid at a switchgear building, erected between the turbine site and the existing overhead cables; a grid application has been accepted by Scottish and Southern Energy, allowing the turbines to operate within the innovative Regional Power Zone proposed for Orkney. Note that the south isles grid will require reinforcement before any more than one wind turbine can be installed in South Ronaldsay, with the second phase of the project installed once the new undersea cable from Scotland has been installed.
Having identified an appropriate development area, the final site design was determined by maximising distances to neighbours to ensure noise and shadow impacts are minimised. The wind turbine noise levels are low, due to topographical effects and long distances, with sound levels of 35 dB(A) at the nearest neighbours, well within national planning guidelines. Note that Enercon turbines do not have a gearbox and accordingly gear-meshing cannot occur, resulting in a quieter turbine with little in the way of a tonal element.
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2.7 Determining wind turbine size
A range of alternative wind turbine models has been considered, with figure 2.7 showing the different turbine sizes built and consented in Orkney. It is intended that the project should attempt to maximise generation within the identified constraints, with ecological and visual impact, noise impact, transportation and grid capacity all important issues. The Enercon E70 has been deployed at Flotta and Burgar Hill, the E44 is in place on Hammars Hill, Westray and Dounby, the NM92 operates on Burgar Hill, and the V52 is the Burray turbine.
Enercon E70 Vestas V52; Enercon E44 NM92 2.75MW; 46 blade / 70m tower 35m blade / 57m tower 26m blade / 45m tower 22m blade / 45m tower B:T ratio = 0.657 B:T ratio = 0.614 B:T ratio = 0.577 B:T ratio = 0.488
100m
75m
50m
25m
Figure 2.7 – Wind Turbine Dimensions Vestas E44 –900kW and E70 – 2.3MW
Enercon are a long established German manufacturer of wind turbines, and are concentrating on the onshore market. Enercon have recently constructed a windfarm of E70 turbines at Boyndie near Banff, and are looking to establish a presence throughout Scotland, including Orkney. By using advanced technology, they have produced machines which are relatively more efficient for the size of the rotor, with the 900kW turbine having a 22m blade rather than the more typical 25 to 26m, and the E70 has a 33m blade rather than the 38m blade of the Nordex N80. Noise levels are also low due to the gearbox-less design and different blade geometry, and has been set at 100 dB(A) at 8m/s wind speed. These machine have an upwind design, and are IEC class 1A.
Vestas V52 – 850kW Vestas has a range of machines available rated from 850 kW to 3 MW. The Vestas V52 is rated at 850 kW and is part-manufactured in Scotland. This machine is an upwind design, with a 52m diameter rotor, and variable operational speeds of 14 to 30 rpm. Tower height for the V52 is 44m to 55m. Noise levels are low, and can be set at 100 dB(A) at a windspeed of 8
OSE/2888 18 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011 m/s. These turbines are IEC class 1A and can be recommended for sites where the annual mean windspeed reaches 10 m/s. They also recommended for locations requiring low noise emissions and good power quality; the V52 was chosen for the Burray wind energy project.
Nordex N80 – 2.5MW Nordex are a German/Danish company producing a small range of wind turbines between 1.3 and 2.5MW, primarily for the onshore market. The N80 is a 2.5MW wind turbine, and by allowing the machine to run slightly faster than competing machines they have been able to use a 40m blade rather than the more typical 42m. This machine is an upwind design, with an 80m diameter rotor, a tower height of 60m, variable speed operation of 15 to 20 rpm. Noise levels are slightly higher than other equivalent machines due to the higher rotational speeds. This turbine is in operation at Burgar Hill.
NEG-MiconNM92 – 2.75MW The largest wind turbine operating onshore in the UK is the NEG Micon NM92, a 2.75MW wind turbine. A 46m blade is used and although considered, the scale of this machine was deemed to be too large for this type of prominent location, due to access difficulties and visual impact. This machine is an upwind design, with a 92m diameter rotor and a tower height of 60m. The prototype of this turbine is in operation at Burgar Hill, with further versions running on Sanday.
Selection process
Each wind turbine has its own specific application. The Vestas V52 is part-manufactured in Scotland, and is both very robust and quiet. The Enercon E44 and E70 turbines are also quiet and robust and each has a good installed cost per kW. The Vestas V52 or the similar Gamesa G52 turbines remain a possibility for the site. Given the design requirements of maximum power production within the existing HV network, while avoiding major road construction, reducing visual impact, and avoiding significant noise impacts on neighbours, the Enercon E44 was identified as being the most appropriate at this time.
The Enercon E44 provides power similar to that of the Vestas V52 along with a 15% reduction in rotor size, and is a good fit and is in proportion with the landscape. Machine availability may change at the time of construction, and accordingly the planning application has allowed for a standard turbine with a blade length of 25m and a nacelle height of 45m, giving a maximum overall height of 70m.
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2.8 Roads and Transport
The turbine components shall be delivered by sea from Germany to Hatston Harbour near Kirkwall then delivered by extended trailer through Hatston Industrial Estate to the Ayre Mills roundabout and the A963 Pickaquoy Road to The Crafty roundabout, turning right, along Junction and New Scapa Roads, to Holm Branch Road, then turning right onto the A961 Holm Road through Holm and via the Churchill Barriers to the site entrance at Berriedale Farm.
The delivery of long loads through Kirkwall has the greatest potential for disruption, with traffic management required. Although there are alternative routes for other vehicles, the most appropriate time to deliver these components through the town is during the daytime and midweek, when the roads are at their quietest; ferry arrival times will be avoided.
Before any wind turbine components are transported to site, the developers will consult with Orkney Islands Council Roads Department and the Police to ensure acceptability of the route to site. Existing public road culverts, bridges, verges and street furniture will be surveyed by the project developers in conjunction with the Roads Department. A schedule of loads and a timetable will be prepared and circulated prior to delivery. Road warning signs and lights will be located at all areas of road works and any items such as fence posts and road signs that have been temporarily removed will be re-erected following transportation.
2.9 Summary Construction Method Statement
a. Used crushed stone to provide hard standing, graded to match existing slopes. b. Site office, mess, toilets and any materials storage to be sited on a temporary hardstanding at the turbine site. c. Topsoil extracted during the construction of the tracks and hard standings should be stored on dry ground prior to distribution around field depressions. d. The turbine hardstandings are to be constructed with crushed rock from suitable excavated material, with sub-base and road base layers of quarried stone as required. e. Excavate soil and sub-surface rock till, then cast reinforced concrete foundation in-situ on hard strata and bedrock. f. Access track and hardstanding are to be unsurfaced and porous with adjacent bunds and filter strips; active drainage is not required. g. Landscaping of site track; no side slopes, track to be flush with existing ground. h. Topsoil fill - finished to merge with existing slopes and reseeded to match adjacent land. Use extracted soil to fill land depressions on the adjacent fields.
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2.10 Operation and maintenance
Operations and maintenance will be completed by the manufacturer under the control of developer. The wind turbines will require periodic inspection to maintain the condition of the machinery and structures. There will be an initial period during which it is expected that fault-finding and system fine-tuning will take place on a weekly basis, leading to a quarterly inspection and maintenance programme. In addition, there will be an annual service to check and inspect all moving parts, with full overhaul of the wind turbines completed at this stage.
There is no gearbox in this design of Enercon turbines, reducing maintenance and service requirements. The blade, nacelle yaw and main brake activation system are all under electrical control, and consequently there are no requirements to complete oil changes as part of the regular servicing; there is no likelihood of oil spill and minimal pollution risk.
Modern wind turbines are well engineered and are designed to operate on extreme sites for twenty five years. Consequently major failure of the turbine components is not predicted during normal operating conditions; the possibility of component failure, including damage to blades or towers, is extremely unlikely. In any event the project is located well away from housing, with no access to the farm. The probability of members of public being at risk of harm from the turbines during normal operations and from the maintenance programme is extremely unlikely.
2.11 Decommissioning
Wind turbines are temporary structures, and the expected operational lifetime of this project is a minimum of 25 years from commissioning. At the end of this period the turbines will be removed from site or replaced; any subsequent development would be subject to the normal planning process. It is proposed that the stone used to form the hardstanding would be removed at the end of the project, and the foundations soil covered and landscaped at the end of the project. To ensure that no structure is visible, the foundations have been designed to be below ground level.
The steel, other metals and oils within the structures will all be recycled. The blades are classed as standard waste and would be handled through the normal disposal system. The improved access track is a useful asset for the community and will be left in place. The cost of decommissioning the wind turbines is estimated at £8,000 per machine, with most if not all of this cost recovered from the scrap and recycle value of the material itself.
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3 Planning issues
3.1 National Planning Context; SPP6
National Guidance
The project has been designed and planned using the recommendations and advice contained within Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments (BWEA) , Scottish Planning
Policy SPP6: Renewable Energy (Scottish Government 2007), Planning Advice Notes PAN 45:
Renewable Energy Technologies (Scottish Government 2002), PAN 56: Planning and Noise (Scottish
Government 1999), PAN 58: Environmental Impact Assessment (Scottish Government 1999) and PAN 68:
Design Statements (Scottish Government 2003) , the SNH Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of
Projects (SNH Publications), the DTI Final Report on the Assessment of Noise from projects (ETSU
1996) and the Guidelines on Wind Energy and Aviation Interests from the Defence and Civil
Aviation Interests Working Group (ETSU 2002). The project has also considered Scottish Planning Policy 15: Planning for Rural Development, and PAN 73: Rural Diversification
(Scottish Government 2006) .
Diversification The overarching aim of the Scottish Government, as detailed in the above policies and advice notes is to have a prosperous rural economy, with a stable or increasing population that is more balanced in terms of age structure, and where rural communities have reasonable access to good quality services. SPP15 and PAN73 in particular indicate that planning authorities should take a more welcoming stance to development in rural Scotland and proactively enable opportunities for development in sustainable locations, and in addition rural diversification should be embraced to help businesses and farmers start new enterprises in appropriate circumstances and at an appropriate scale; “There are many activities that make a valuable contribution to the rural economy that are less immediately obvious such as…quarrying, waste disposal, hydro-electric schemes and wind turbines ” (PAN73). .
SPP6 - Targets In 2007 the Scottish Government published SPP6, showing planning authorities how they should manage the process of encouraging and approving renewable energy proposals when preparing development plans and determining planning applications. The Scottish Ministers have set a target of generating 40% of Scotland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The importance of using sustainable energy from renewable sources will continue to increase as a result of global imperatives to tackle climate change and the need to ensure secure and
OSE/2888 22 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011 diverse energy supplies. Scottish Ministers will continue to support renewable generation technologies to enable Scotland to realise its considerable renewable energy potential.
SPP6 - Local Investment The role of local communities and renewables is discussed in paragraphs 18 and 19 of SPP6; “There is potential, particularly in rural areas, for communities to invest in ownership of renewable energy projects or to develop their own local projects for local benefit. Small scale wind farms, such as those proposed by local communities, may be able to supply electricity to the local distribution network and more widely on the transmission network.” SPP6 then goes on: “Planning authorities should put in place positive policies to enable communities to develop such initiatives in an environmentally acceptable manner.” Local investment opportunities are further discussed in paragraph 19: “ A range of benefits are often voluntarily provided by some commercial developers to communities in the vicinity of renewable energy developments. These can include Community Trust Funds which support a variety of projects, including energy conservation initiatives, within the local community or opportunities for local communities, as a whole, to invest in developments with local long term environmental, social and/or economic benefits.”
3.2 Orkney Structure Plan context
In December 2001 Orkney Islands Council published the Orkney Structure Plan written statement (Orkney Islands Council 2001) . The Structure Plan sets out the strategic framework for the development of land in the county over a ten year period. In section 2.3, the strategy explains that one of the key underlying principles is that of sustainable development, encompassing social, economic and environmental goals, and states that planning decisions should favour the most sustainable option, and promote development which safeguards and enhances the long term needs of the economy, society and the environment.
The provision of renewable energy is discussed in section 10: “ To encourage renewable energy developments where environmentally acceptable”, in section 10.17 the strategy indicates that “…there is considerable potential in Orkney to harness various sources of renewable energy, including wind, wave and tidal power.”, and in section 10.19: “ Whilst the renewable energy resource is undoubtedly significant, albeit under utilised, its development must be reconciled with the need to safeguard the environment, and with the capacity of the electricity grid system to accommodate additional capacity ”.
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The following is the relevant extract from the Structure Plan:
3.3 Orkney Islands Council Local Plan
The Local Plan, approved in February 2002, favourably considers renewable energy facilities provided there are no significant adverse impacts on nature conservation areas, the landscape character, to neighbours, archaeological, historic or cultural interests and no significant impact upon aircraft activity and other telecommunication interests. Policy LP/U7 sets out how the impact of wind power should be considered in Orkney, and the following is the relevant extract:
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3.4 Planning Guidance
Orkney Islands Council have produced a set of guidelines for developers of renewable energy projects, with draft supplementary planning guidance published in 2005, further revised in October 2006 and January 2007, then Final Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (Onshore Wind Energy Development) published in 2008. The final draft of the Planning Guidance does make reference to local and community ownership, and it should also be noted that Berriedale is listed as a preferred development area for onshore wind energy.
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project can be considered a locally owned community development: “ In regard to larger scale projects, developments can be financed in a variety of ways, including commercial enterprise and locally owned or community based partnerships. Whether as individual installations or as clusters involving some form of community involvement through an equity share or a community share in a number of turbines which make up a larger commercial development, larger forms of production offer communities, cooperatives, small businesses and local residents the opportunity to harness local energy, and generate electricity whilst protecting their own environment and stimulating their local economy. Community based developments can prove useful in rural development, as they can help alleviate fuel poverty when combined with affordable housing schemes, can provide extra income, and provide employment opportunities.” (OIC Planning Guidance)
In the context of the guidelines, the Berriedale Wind Energy Project has no significant adverse effects on the natural heritage and biodiversity of Orkney, has little impact upon the landscape character of Orkney, has avoided significant visual impact by ensuring the turbines are of the correct scale for the site and has low impacts upon neighbours. The project has avoided significant adverse impacts upon the historic environment, has avoided impact upon hydrological and geological features, has avoided impact upon and has been located well away from Kirkwall Airport, has avoided ancillary development by using the existing access tracks, and has ensured that all site cabling is buried. It is recognised that wind turbines are temporary structures that will be removed at the completion of the project. The Developers also fully recognise the benefits of partnership and community involvement, and consequently have proposed a structure of local community investment. It is felt that the project fits well within the aims and vision of Orkney Islands Council, and is a good example of both a sustainable development, and important rural diversification.
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4 Summary of potential environmental impacts
The environmental impacts and benefits of wind energy projects are largely recognised, however the specific implications of constructing a wind energy project at this site in South Ronaldsay require consideration. The Berriedale Wind Energy Project is located on farmland to the east of St Margaret’s Hope, with the turbines sited in an area of pasture and positioned upon stable underlying sedimentary rock.
From the outset the applicant has minimised the environmental impact of the project, with independent studies completed as part of the assessment. Consideration of the Orkney Islands Council supplementary planning guidance indicated that this project can be considered a locally-owned wind farm in a preferred development area, with the project becoming an integral part of, but not dominating, the surrounding countryside.
Assessment of the ecology across the area has been completed, including a bird study, an assessment of mammals and analysis of soil and bedrock at the turbine locations. An assessment of the risk to archaeology has been conducted, and noise impact has been calculated at neighbouring properties using a cumulative geometric spreading calculation.
The following potential environmental impacts have been addressed, summarised below, with the proposed controls and mitigation covered in part 5 of this chapter:
• visual impact upon the landscape • ecological impact • impact on archaeology • geological and hydrology impact • carbon emissions during construction • pollution impact during construction and operation • disturbance from noise • shadow flicker nuisance • radio communications interference
Impact upon sensitive habitats has been avoided, impact upon bird species will not be adversely significant, and there is no known archaeology in the area. There are insignificant noise, shadow flicker and pollution impacts, and the correct scale of wind turbine model and the windfarm layout have been chosen to provide a good and appropriate fit to the landscape.
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4.1 Visual Impact
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been completed, Chapter 2, and to aid assessment of the visual impact of the development, a series of wireframe images and photomontages has been produced, Volume 2 of the report. Maps showing the Zone of Theoretical Visibility of the project have also been produced, Figures 4.1 and 4.2, showing the locations where the turbines could be seen from, notwithstanding any visual barriers from buildings.
The visual assessment methodology has been developed in line with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment , and the Visual Assessment of Windfarms: Best
Practice [SNH ], and has the following approach:
• Collection of relevant background information; • The creation of maps showing the Zones of Theoretical Visibility; • The use of wireframe and photomontage images to help assess the overall significance of the impact of the proposed development; • The establishment of viewpoints around the project; • A baseline study of the existing landscape and the visual resource; • An assessment of the significance of the development upon the landscape • An assessment of the significance of the development upon viewpoints; • A study into the scale and extent of the development; • The assessment of potential cumulative impacts.
Landscape Impacts
The turbines are to be located upon an elevated farmland plateau and the project has been assessed as having Low significant effects on the site landscape elements. There are no impacts upon the Orkney World Heritage Site and the West Mainland Orkney National Scenic Area.
There are three properties in Orkney that are registered as Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes; Skaill House in the West Mainland, Balfour Castle on Shapinsay and Melsetter House in Longhope, Hoy. Maps showing the Zone of Theoretical Visibility demonstrate that there are no visual effects upon the settings of the Orkney HGDLs due to prominent landform barriers.
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There is a broad range of Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM) and other properties in care throughout Orkney, although none at the windfarm site; there are no direct impacts upon any Listed Building, SAM or Property in Care. Low levels of indirect impact occur upon the setting of the Mill of Cara in South Ronaldsay, the nearest listed building, with the view of the turbines showing as a compact grouping located over 1km from the property.
Visual Impacts
Maps produced to predict Zones of Theoretical Visibility and wireframe analysis indicate that the development would be well screened, with the turbines mainly visible from northern parts of South Ronaldsay and southern parts of Burray; the project is not visible from the main population centres of Kirkwall and Stromness. The most significant views would be from the immediate neighbours to the site.
The use of a moderate scale turbine results in mainly Medium and Low Significance impact at the surrounding viewpoints, with Negligible Significance impacts from longer distance views. The Enercon E44 wind turbine is in proportion and fits well with the landscape. In no views do the turbines appear to dominate or diminish the viewpoints, nor do they adversely affect the quality of views to any significant extent.
Cumulative Impacts
Maps produced to predict Zones of Theoretical Visibility and wireframe analysis indicate that the development would be well screened. Field study confirmed that the most significant views would be from neighbours to the development, all within South Ronaldsay. All existing or consented wind turbines in Orkney have been considered as part of the cumulative impact studies, and were found to be located on a broad variety of landscape character types.
The Berriedale turbines are located on sloping pasture, and appear to be located in an area with a good capacity to absorb wind turbine developments. The only other project within 10km of the site is at Burray and accordingly there is little in the way of cumulative and sequential effects. It can also be seen that it is unlikely that there would be any future developments in the surrounding area, due to various technical constraints, and there are significant topographic barriers blocking the views of the existing wind energy projects in Orkney. Figure 4.1 shows the theoretical impact of the project up to a distance of 25km, and Figure 4.2 is a higher resolution map showing the impact upon Burray and South Ronaldsay.
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OSE/2888 Figure 4.1 - Zone of Theoretical Visibility 31 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011
32 OSE/2888 Figure 4.2 – High resolution ZTV Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011
4.2 Ecological Impact
Setting and management of the development site The proposed location for the development is on a gently sloping plateau above the Berriedale farm in South Ronaldsay, 60m above sea level. The site is on the margin of arable grazing land, where the land has been cultivated and improved over many years. The turbine positions follow a linear pattern, running due north-south. The access to the site would follow the existing track, with only short stretches of new track required. The cable connection would be underground and run back alongside the track to the nearby 11kV line. There are no watercourses of any note within 500m of the turbine positions.
The land use in the area is primarily for stock grazing, mainly cattle. There is little in the way of natural vegetation or habitats in the area, with all fields and boundaries intensively farmed.
Summary
• A desk-based study of existing information was undertaken to assess the ornithological interests of a proposed community wind turbine at Berriedale; planning application 08/251/PPF .
• A 2km buffer zone extending beyond the wind turbine site has been assessed.
• There are no nationally or locally designated sites within the 2km buffer zone.
• The Aikers Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI) is around 2km to the south west of the site.
• No red-throated diver or raptor breeding sites are located within the 2km buffer zone.
• Curlew, a moderate sensitivity species was the highest sensitivity species recorded breeding within the SLNCI.
• Short-eared owls and hen harriers, both high sensitivity species, occasionally forage within the buffer zone.
• The area may be used by wintering wader species such as Curlews and Golden plovers.
• It is unlikely that this proposed wind farm site would present any significant adverse impacts to the bird populations within the area.
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Bird assessment
The ornithological importance of the turbine site and surrounding area was assessed to determine if there are any species of conservation interest that may potentially be at risk from adverse impacts as a result of construction or operations [Aquatera 2007].
Wind turbines can potentially adversely impact bird populations through loss of breeding or foraging habitat, disturbance and through death from collision with rotating turbine blades. To provide adequate coverage of the site, a 2km zone beyond the turbine site was checked for breeding raptors and divers as recommended in SNH guidance [SNH, 2005] .
Breeding records for the site and surrounding area were obtained from the RSPB. The ornithological sensitivity of the likely bird interests within the 2km buffer zone was assessed. The proximity to designated sites was also examined to provide an indication of the likelihood that species for which a site is designated may use the site and adjacent areas proposed for the development
Ornithological sensitivity criteria
The sensitivity of a species can be defined as its ecological importance and nature conservation interest at the site being assessed. Standard criteria for determining the sensitivity of species to impacts from wind farms was developed by SNH and the British
Wind Energy Association [Percival et al., 1999]. These criteria are summarised in Table 4.1, below.
Sensitivity Criteria
Qualifying species of an SPA or notified interest of a SSSI. Very High Species present in internationally important numbers (> 1% of population).
Species that contribute to the integrity of an SPA or SSSI but which are not cited as species for which the site is designated or notified. Ecologically sensitive species such as rare birds and several birds of prey species, including hen harrier. Species present in nationally important numbers (>1% UK population). High Species listed on Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive, or Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Regularly occurring relevant migratory species which are either rare or warrant special consideration in light of migratory routes, or breeding, moulting or staging areas in proximity to the wind farm.
Species presenting regionally important numbers (>1% of regional population) Moderate Species occurring within SPAs or SSSIs but not crucial to the integrity of the site. UK BAP Priority Species.
Any other species of conservation concern, notably Red and Amber list species and Low local BAP species.
Table 4.1 – Ornithological sensitivity
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Priority species
Priority species are those with a Moderate, High or Very High nature conservation value by virtue of their abundance, rarity, flight behaviours and any theoretical vulnerability to wind farm developments. SNH guidance considers that fewer than 20 widespread species commonly found at UK windfarms are within the above categories of birds requiring special care, or utilise habitats or have flight behaviours such as to give rise to potential damaging
impacts [SNH, 2006]. A further 10-15 species have more restricted ranges and may be encountered in specific parts of the country. Of these priority species, a total of 16 are present in Orkney either year-round or for the breeding or wintering seasons only, Table 4.2. Consideration has been given to these species when assessing the project at Berriedale.
The conservation protection categories are as follows:
• Annex 1: EU Birds Directive; Annex 1 • Migratory: EU Birds Directive; Migratory • Schedule 1: Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981); Schedule 1. • BoCC Red List: Birds of Conservation Concern ( Gregory et al., 2002), Red list • UK BAP Priority: Priority species listed on the UK Biological Action Plan (June 2007).
Species Breeding or Wintering Conservation protection
Widespread species: Red-throated diver Breeding Annex 1, Migratory, Schedule 1 Whooper swan Wintering Annex 1, Migratory, Schedule 1 Hen Harrier Both Annex 1, Schedule 1, BoCC Red List Merlin Both Annex 1, Schedule 1 Peregrine Both Annex 1, Schedule 1 Short-eared owl Both Annex 1 Greenland white-fronted goose Wintering Annex 1, Migratory Barnacle goose Wintering Annex 1, Migratory Golden Plover Both Annex 1, Migratory Dunlin Breeding Annex 1, Migratory Curlew Breeding Migratory UK BAP Priority Greylag goose Both Migratory Pink-footed goose Wintering Migratory Restricted range species: Annex 1, Migratory, Schedule 1, BoCC Red List, Corncrake Breeding UK BAP Priority. Slavonian grebe Wintering Annex 1, Migratory, Schedule 1 Whimbrel Breeding Migratory, Schedule 1 Arctic skua Breeding Migratory, UK BAP Priority Great skua Breeding Migratory
Table 4.2 – Priority Species in Orkney
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Ornithological interests of surrounding area The site at Berriedale is a gently sloping plateau at an elevation of 55m; the surrounding area is almost entirely intensively farmed agricultural land. A small area of higher ground to the south of the windfarm is rough grassland used for grazing during the summer months. The proposed turbine site is of little botanical or ornithological interest therefore there would be no loss of important breeding or foraging habitat for local bird populations. The small area of rough grassland to the south of the site is known to hold a colony of breeding Common gulls, and the area also has wintering flocks of waders such as Golden plovers and Curlews.
Breeding raptors and red-throated divers A 2km buffer zone around the proposed development site was covered to check for breeding raptors and red-throated divers in accordance with SNH guidance. There are no known breeding sites of Hen Harrier, Merlin or Red-throated Diver in South Ronaldsay and only one or two possible Short-eared Owl breeding sites, neither of which is within the buffer zone.
National and Local designations There are no nationally or locally designated sites at the windfarm site. The Aikers Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI), designated for its ornithological importance, is situated on the southern edge of the buffer zone to the south west of the turbine site. This is a small area of open water and grazed wetland with a mixture of iris, meadowsweet, heather and rushes. Breeding surveys were carried out in 1994 and 1986 by the RSPB, with the results shown below, Table 4.3. This area holds small numbers of wader and waterfowl species and a small colony of black-headed gulls, and is occasionally used by foraging short-eared owls.
Breeding Species Conservation Status 1994 (pairs) 1986 (pairs) Lapwing UKBAP priority species 0 8 Curlew UKBAP priority species 3 3 Skylark UKBAP priority species 2 5 Reed bunting UKBAP priority species 3 3 Mallard 4 4 Teal 1 1 Shoveler 2 2 Shelduck 1 2 Moorhen 4 1 Coot 2 0 Oystercatcher 0 3 Snipe 4 1 Redshank 6 2 Meadow pipit 5 individuals 6 Common Gull 0 5 Black headed Gull 40 individuals 15 Table 4.3 – Breeding records for Aikers SLNCI, 1994 and 1986.
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Summary of ornithological sensitivity
None of the sixteen priority species listed in Table 4.2 are known to breed within the 2km buffer zone. All of the listed raptor species would be considered ‘High’ sensitivity species as they are all Annex 1 species. Of these, short-eared owls and possibly the occasional hen harrier may forage within the buffer zone as these species can travel considerable distances when foraging and they disperse widely after the breeding season has ended. The frequency of occurrence of hunting raptors in this area would be directly influenced by the availability of prey species such as the Orkney vole, which are commonly found in areas of rough grassland. As the area of rough grassland to the south of the proposed turbine site is relatively small and surrounded by arable farmland, it is unlikely that this site is of particular importance for these foraging raptors.
Curlew is the only priority wader species that was recorded breeding within the Aikers SLNCI. Three pairs were recorded in both years of the survey. Curlews would be classed as a ‘Medium’ sensitivity species due to their UK BAP Priority status. The SLNCI is at a sufficient distance from the turbine site that neither disturbance nor collision risk are likely to cause any significant impact to the species found there. None of the other wader or waterfowl species recorded breeding within the SLNCI are considered to be particularly vulnerable to impacts from wind turbines. The area of rough grassland to the south of the proposed turbine site may be used by wintering flocks of curlews and golden plovers.
The RSPB does not consider this area to be of significant importance to any bird species to warrant objection to this proposed development. Similarly, SNH were consulted regarding the implications of the siting of a community wind turbine at Berriedale, application 08/251/PPF. Their response was to state that the project was located in a field of improved grassland and does not lie close to any designated site; no objections were raised.
Of the remaining priority species, the goose species are probably the most likely species to occasionally fly through the wind farm site. During the winter months, Orkney plays host to tens of thousands of Greylag and Pink-footed Geese, and many thousands also pass through on migration; counts of the winter greylag goose population top 55,000 birds. With such a high number of geese traversing County, some goose flight activity across the propose turbine site is likely however; the proposed wind farm site is unlikely to be situated on a regularly used flight path for birds moving between feeding and roosting areas, when risk of collision is greatest. Based on this information, it is unlikely that a wind turbine development on this site would present a significant adverse impact to the bird populations in the area.
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Vegetation
The turbine site is located upon improved grassland, and site survey revealed that there was nothing to prevent project development. The access to the site is via the existing farm track leading past Berriedale Farm, with small sections of new track required over improved grass fields. The turbine site is characterised by species typical of fertile improved soil and the dominant species is ryegrass. Vegetation along the verges of the access route is similar.
Construction of the turbine hard-standing and access track including disturbed margins would displace and disturb parts of the grassland, and assessment of the importance of habitats and vegetation communities present or close to the turbine position or along the tracks was negligible; the potential adverse impact of the proposed development is insignificant and no further assessment is required.
Mammals The Orkney vole, Microtus arvalis orcadensis, is a subspecies of the common vole and is endemic to almost all of Orkney; there is an estimated total population in excess of 1,000,000 voles. The vole is important prey for hen harriers, short-eared owls, and kestrels, and is often found within habitats adjacent to tracks, roadside verges and drainage ditches. At Berriedale however there are no suitable habitats, evident by the lack of raptors, and accordingly the construction of a wind energy project presents negligible risk upon the species.
The European otter, Lutra lutra , is well distributed throughout Orkney, with holts located by the coast, near to freshwater sources, on Mainland Orkney and in the south isles. Although otters could occur at any of the water bodies in South Ronaldsay, there are no sizeable features within several hundred metres of the proposed windfarm, and accordingly it has not been necessary to carry out any specific survey work or to include it within the impact assessment.
4.3 Potential disturbance to archaeology
Objectives There were four objectives for the archaeological assessment: • to locate and describe any known archaeological sites, to identify any visible but previously unrecorded sites or features, and to anticipate the potential for other unknown sites within the windfarm development area and its environs, • to assess the potential for direct impacts from the development on these sites, • to identify measures to mitigate any adverse impacts and/or areas where further evaluation may be required, and • to assess the potential for indirect impacts from the development on the statutorily protected sites and groups outside the windfarm development area within the surrounding landscape.
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Methodology Walkover surveys were made of the development footprint in 2008 and 2010 following evolutions in the project design, and any identified archaeological features were located in relation to the plans. Their locations, along with the reference sites for visual impact assessment, were confirmed by hand-held GPS and recorded by written description and digital photography . The following resources were used: • The National Monuments Record of Scotland, accessed through the CANMORE database;
• The PASTMAP on-line database of sites and monuments with statutory protection, accessed at www.rcahms.gov.uk
• Online search of the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 first edition map of 1882;
• The Orkney Sites and Monuments Record housed at the Orkney Archaeological Trust;
• The Orkney Archaeological Trust aerial photograph collection; Note that a single turbine was proposed at the time of survey work, located in the centre of the site; the project subsequently expanded to become a three turbine windfarm.
Observations The area was one of the first large scale agricultural improvements in Orkney, with a major enterprise by the early 18thC laird, Sir James Stewart, who created the large rectangular enclosure of the Park of Cara. This enclosed 420 acres of rough pasture to create a grazing area probably designed for holding droving trade cattle before exporting out of St Margaret’s Hope. The scale of this activity seems to have been remarkably innovative, not just by Orcadian standards but also in a pan-Scottish context.
Ground conditions reported by the 2008 walkover survey and experienced in 2010 confirm that this regime of grassed fields has been maintained by regular ploughing for continued dairy use ever since, with the current Berriedale farm, which is the largest dairy production unit in Orkney and supplies 10% of the milk processed by the Orkney creamery
The 2008 database research and walkover found three sites, none of which are apparently in the Orkney SMR; sites 1 to 3 below. The 2010 investigation did not expand on this trio of observed sites or other 2008 identifications at greater ranges, but NMRS now shows three records not mentioned in the previous report. These are all WW2 or later features, sites 4 to 6. Note that all recorded sites are to the east and north of the wind turbine locations.
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Site 1: NMRS – no record, ND 46481/93302 Stone dykes which are likely to represent the southern boundary of the Park of Cara. A substantial double stone dyke orientated NE-SW is abutted by an internal stone dyke orientated NW-SE. The southern dyke is of rougher construction and both are capped by vertically set stones characteristic of a sheep dyke. The walls have been categorised as medium importance due to their role within the regional droving trade in the early 18 th C. Site 2: NMRS no . ND49SE46, ND 46680/93190
Site of a farmstead with roofed and unroofed buildings shown on the 1 st edition OS map. The location is within a grassed ploughed field, but no remains were located during the [2008] walkover and the structures are assumed to have been demolished and ploughed out in the late 20 th C. Site 3: NMRS no. ND49SE49, ND 46600/92940
Site of a small unroofed structure shown by the 1 st edition OS map. The location is within a grassed ploughed field, but no remains were located during the [2008] walkover and the structure is assumed to have been demolished and ploughed out in the late 20 th C. Site 4: NMRS no. ND49SE29, NGR ND 461/935 “An airstrip is indicated at this location on a Luftwaffe aerial photograph taken in 1940.” The NMRS record includes the previously cited reproduction of the 1940 Luftwaffe photo which shows what appears at that early stage of WW2 to be ordinary fields rather than anything structural and may have merely been an emergency designation. Site 5 NMRS no. ND49SE 56, NGR ND 4649/9362 “A possible searchlight emplacement has been recorded by the Defence of Britain Project 'above Berriedale Farm approx'. Examination of the post-war RAF vertical air photograph sorties (106G/Scot/UK 137, 3007, flown 3 July 1946), shows a single hut to the SE of Berriedale Cottages. Site 6 NMRS no. ND49SE52, NGR ND 45975/93811 No information on record apart from the term Wind Generator. Shown by current OS maps and can be seen today as an apparently intact structure though now longer operating; the installation date was 1980.
T1
T2 (2011)
T3
Figure 4.3 – Location map of sites 1-6
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Conclusions No indications of actually or potential archaeological remains have been identified within and immediately around the development area, and the potential for fully concealed or buried features seems minimal or nil. Therefore no specific mitigation or concern is registered for:
• the turbine location and spur • the main access track route • the switchgear building • cabling • onsite sourcing of stone or other construction material, or • a works compound.
When considering indirect impacts, the sensitivity of the location is low across all parameters, and the site can absorb high degrees of visual change. Therefore the potential for planning concerns within the remit of a cultural heritage assessment is low; this was the consensus in 2008, and again for the subsequent survey in 2010.
The overall verdict is that the direct and indirect impacts on the Historic Environment from the wind project covered by this report are acceptable and do not provide grounds for concern which would be crucial in deciding the planning outcome.
4.4 Impact upon geological and surface features
Solid Geology
The basement rocks of Orkney are a mixture of granite, gneiss and schists, which formed part of the Caledonian mountain chain 400 million years ago. These rocks originally enclosed the Lake Orcades basin which became the focus of erosion and the deposition over time. This sediment formed Old Red Sandstone, which now largely obscures the basement rock complex. Subsequent tectonic activity caused the sediments to become folded and faulted, creating a range of hills, which was then subjected to erosion and submergence; South Ronaldsay represents the higher remains of these hills, consisting of gently sloping Devonian rocks, known locally as Upper Stromness flagstone and Eday sandstone, Figure 4.4. Note that Eday sandstone was used to construct St Magnus Cathedral, and was a stone laid down in dry desert conditions, whereas Stromness flagstone was a marine deposit and has a more laminate structure. The turbines are all sited on Lower Eday sandstone bedrock.
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Superficial Deposits
The solid geology of Orkney was modified by glacial action during the ice ages, the last of which reached its maximum extent 18,000 years ago. The main effects of ice movement in this area was generally to smooth out the topography and to deposit glacial till boulder clay; drainage conditions are good and there has not been any peat deposition in this area. The till deposits have resulted in good quality agricultural and grazing land, particularly over the Middle Eday bedrock. Where the soil is located on the summit of the plateau, and where drainage has been poor, the superficial deposits have become more marshy, resulting in the poorer quality topsoil evident along the eastern side of South Ronaldsay. Figure 4.4 shows that the whole area has been draped by a smooth layer of till topsoil, with two areas of blown sand deposits forming dunes.
Upper Eday Middle Eday Lower Eday Upper Stromness Blown sand dunes
Figure 4.4 – Solid Geology and Superficial Deposits Faulting
It is interesting that the Rousay series is missing from the sequence of Devonian bedrock in this area, and that parts of the Eday series are quite prominent, forming Hunda and Hoxa. At Hunda and on the southern shore of Burray there are two stretches of camptonite, an igneous intrusion in the form of a dyke, indicating that this area was at one time quite volcanically active. The general area also has a significant amount of faulting, Figure 4.5, although it should be noted that the windfarm has been located in an area that is generally free of fractures and faults.
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Figure 4.5 – Major Faults in the South Isles [SNH Orkney LCA]
4.5 Carbon emissions during construction
The maximum volume of topsoil that could be disturbed is approximately 1387 m 3, consisting of the access tracks and hard standing area, a total area of 3468 m 2 at an average depth of 0.4m. Assuming that the soils in this area have 0.069 tonnes of carbon per cubic metre of soil
Chapman et al , the carbon content of this volume of soil is estimated to be 96 tonnes. The carbon emission factor of grid electricity is 0.117 T/MWh (Carbon Trust) and a 2.7MW wind project provides on average 28 MWh per day, giving a positive carbon balance of 3.4 T per day. In theory it would take 28 days of generation to compensate for the potential carbon released from the soil. However it should be noted that the construction process will retain the integrity of the soil systems, and all soil will be reused to avoid the release of carbon.
The foundation manufacture will require approximately 525 m 3 of concrete. It is recognised that the production of concrete is responsible for the emission of CO2, from both the energy required and from the calcining of limestone when producing cement; 525 m 3 of concrete requires 210T of cement, and assuming 1.25T of CO 2 per tonne, IPCC Working Group II, p661 , 263 T of CO 2 would be released. Using a CO 2 avoidance factor of 0.43T CO 2/MWh, the wind
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turbines provide a positive CO 2 balance of 14 T per day; 19 days of generation are required to compensate for the carbon dioxide released by the production of the foundation concrete.
There will be an increase in traffic during foundation construction and enlargement of the track, and during mobilisation and installation of the turbines. This will however only occur over a short period of time. 15 loads of turbine components will be transported to site, with up to 5 loads of components for a 350T telescopic crane. Approximately 65 loads of stone will be required, used to widen the access track and for hard standing construction, however it is expected that a large proportion of this stone will be glacial till and fractured rock recovered during foundation and road excavation.
4.6 Pollution risk during construction and maintenance
The construction activities during mobilisation and installation of the turbines represent the greatest potential for pollution. This may be through operational discharges or as the result of an unplanned or accidental event. Given the nature of the land surrounding the site, there is very little risk of the release of any material with the potential to leach into the soil or water courses. The construction of the turbine foundations has the most significant risk of pollution, although there are no significant bodies of water in the area.
All temporary welfare facilities will be located off the highest part of the site, initially adjacent to the switchgear building. There will not be any pollution discharges during the construction process, with details of pollution prevention and mitigation measures included in part 5, below.
4.7 Potential disturbance from noise Chapter 5 of this report is the Environmental Health Impact Assessment, which addresses potential noise effects, along with shadow throw and flicker impact. Noise is generated by the turbine blades passing through the air as the hub rotates, with minimal mechanical noise due to the characteristics of the chosen turbine. Noise in the environment is measured in decibels using the dB(A) scale which includes a correction for the response of the human ear to noises with different frequency content. A 1dB change in noise level is just perceptible, a 3dB change in noise level is clearly perceptible and a 10dB change in noise level is heard as a doubling or halving of the perceived level.
The noise levels from the Enercon E44 turbine is 102 dB(A) at full power. This value decreases with distance from the turbine and with atmospheric absorption; Table 4.4 shows
OSE/2888 44 Orkney Sustainable Energy Berriedale Wind Energy Project January 2011 the predicted impact at the neighbours to the development along with other indicative noise levels.
Source/Activity Indicative noise level dB (A)
Threshold of hearing 0
Rural night-time background 20-40
Berriedale Wind Energy Project 31 -35
Quiet bedroom 35
Busy road at 5km 35-45
Car at 65 km/h at 100m 55
Busy general office 60
Conversation 60
Truck at 50kmh at 100m 65
City traffic 90
Pneumatic drill at 7m 95
Jet aircraft at 250m 105
Threshold of pain 140
Table 4.4 – Comparison of noise levels in the environment
The Planning Advice Note on Renewable Energy Technologies, PAN 45 provides information on noise from wind turbine. Paragraph 65 states: "Well designed wind turbines are generally quiet in operation". The document goes on to discuss the sources of noise and the effects of increasing wind speed on wind turbine noise and background noise. It notes that the report “ The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms ” ETSU-R-97 , describes a framework for the measurement of wind farm noise and gives indicative noise levels thought to offer a reasonable degree of protection to project neighbours, without placing unreasonable restrictions on wind farm development or adding unduly to the costs and administrative burdens on wind farm developers or planning authorities.
The impact of noise from the wind turbines is not adversely significant. The noise levels of the wind turbines are variable, ranging from 100 dB(A) to 104 dB(A), dependent upon windspeed and power levels. This value decreases with distance from the turbine, with atmospheric absorption and from ground conditions and barrier attenuation. When considering the impact from a windfarm, the noise levels from the individual wind turbines that can be seen from the neighbour must be combined-
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The Berriedale project has three turbines, and is located more than 500m from any neighbour a simplified 35dB(A) limit is appropriate, with sound levels from all turbines combined. No other project is planned within 2km of the site; cumulative assessment is not required.
4.8 Potential disturbance from shadow flicker
Under certain combinations of geographical position, time of day and time of year, the sun may pass behind the rotor and cast a shadow over neighbouring properties. When the wind turbine blades rotate the shadow appears to flick on and off, creating an effect known as shadow flicker, and is noticeable only in buildings when viewed through narrow window openings.
Planning advice note PAN45 recommends 10 rotor diameter separations between the wind turbine and the nearby dwellings to avoid shadow nuisance, and the Berriedale Wind Energy Project achieves this recommendation by a good margin - 10 rotor diameters is 440m and the nearest turbine is 560m from the nearest neighbour. Comparing Berriedale with the other Orkney windfarms, the clearance to neighbours is similar to the Hammars Hill project.
4.9 Potential radio-communications interference
When a wind turbine is positioned near to a radar, radio, television, or microwave transmitter system, it may reflect some of the electromagnetic radiation in such a way that the reflected wave interferes with the original signal as it arrives at the receiver; this can cause the received signal to become distorted. The extent of any electromagnetic interference caused by a wind turbine depends mainly on the blade materials and the surface shape of the tower. Electromagnetic interference may also occur if a wind turbine is close to a radio communications service; there is little risk of direct telecommunication interference at Berriedale.
There is a known risk of interference to television transmissions by wind turbines; in locations where reception is generally poor, the metal towers and reflective blade surfaces can sometimes result in ‘ghosting’ and other forms of interference. Should television reception be found to be poor around the site, and should interference occur, then there are proven improvement techniques, principally the use of satellite television services. This type of interference has been recognised at both the Burgar Hill and Hammars Hill windfarm sites, and was rectified by providing satellite television systems.
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5 Environmental management and mitigation
This report has described a proposal to construct a wind energy project in the South Ronaldsay community of Orkney, together with an assessment of the related activities. This part of the report describes the proposed environmental practices and any necessary mitigation measures.
5.1 Visual impact mitigation
The planning advice note on Renewable Energy Technologies, PAN 45, states “Turbines in wind farms are likely to be tall, frequently located in open land, and therefore likely to be highly visible” and “It will normally be unrealistic to seek to conceal them. Developers should seek to ensure that through good siting and design, landscape and visual impacts are limited and appropriate to the location” , and “Although wind farms may be complex, they should not appear confusing in relation to the character of the landscape. Ideally they should be separate from surrounding features to create a simple image”. It is believed that this wind farm achieves these recommendations.
Berriedale falls within Zone 1 of Scottish Natural Heritage’s “Strategic Locational Guidance for Onshore Windfarms in Respect of Natural Heritage”, defined as the zone of least sensitivity. The design process determined that a moderate scale turbine would be appropriate for the farmland landscape; the turbine finally chosen for the development has a 45m tower and at most a 25m blade. The turbine position has also been selected to ensure a simple relationship with the site, brought together in a compact linear layout, with 220m between machines. The project is a good fit to the landscape, the turbines are entirely appropriate for the setting, and it should also be considered that the shape of the Enercon nacelle was designed by Lord Foster, and is both aesthetically pleasing and dynamic in form.
The project access track is an existing farm track and will only require minor widening using conventional techniques. All site cabling is to be positioned underground, and the only additional infrastructure is a small building, located at some distance from the turbine site. It is therefore felt that the visual impact of the Berriedale Wind Energy Project has been well managed and is not adversely significant.
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5.2 Ecological impact assessment and mitigation
Impact assessment and mitigation In line with the most recent IEEM guidelines, the final assessment of impacts classes them as either significant or insignificant on an affected population, at a relevant geographic scale.
There are no significant impacts, at any scale, predicted for vegetation or mammals.
The most important potential significant impacts on birds relate to disturbance during construction or commissioning, should it take place during the breeding and pre-breeding season from March to July; significant construction disturbance impacts on breeding birds is readily avoided by timing works to be outside of specific key periods, and for this reason, the construction of the Berriedale project would be planned outside the March to July period.
Cumulative impacts There are no SPA or SSSI protected birds or populations thought likely to suffer significantly increased impacts or risk due to the Berriedale development. The displacement of common waders such as Snipe and Curlew is likely to occur at all Orkney wind farms, but the combined total would still be small relative to the large Orkney populations of these species (more than 5,000 pairs of each).
5.3 Groundwater Management and Pollution Avoidance
The construction of the turbine foundations and areas of hardstanding have the highest risk of pollution, and SEPA’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG1, PPG5, PPG6, PPG8 and PPG21 have been adopted by the project: www.sepa.org.uk/guidance/ppg/ . To combat the potential risk of run-off from these areas, it is proposed that some of the mechanisms used to construct Sustainable Urban Drainage systems be adopted, using methodologies recommended in the Control of Water Pollution guidelines CIRIA C532, C649, C648 and CIRIA C697 the SuDS Manual.
There are no significant water courses on the site, and it should be noted that there is little possibility of run-off from the site. Groundworks shall nevertheless be carried out in the drier months of the year to reduce pollution risk. This will minimise the volume of water that will be mixed with soils being handled and also reduce the amount of water liberated from the ground during excavations. A Roads and Foundation Constriction Method Statement will be provided in advance of construction to demonstrate groundwater control mechanisms.
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To minimise risk of pollution from oils and fuels during project construction, all work will be to COSHH regulations and any machinery, equipment or construction material will be located on areas of hardstanding:
• Fuel storage will be in double-skinned tanks • No refuelling will take place within 50m of a watercourse • Plant will be regularly inspected for leaks and spillages • All plant will carry absorbent pad spill kits • Any static plant at the substation compound will be bunded or fitted with a drip tray • Self-contained Portaloos and facilities will be located on the site hardstanding.
5.4 Mitigation of noise disturbance
The site has been designed to ensure that the turbines are 500m or more from the nearest houses; at this distance the noise from all three wind turbines will be reduced to the levels recommended by PAN45 and ETSU-R-97, the national guidelines. The project will likely use a gearless variable speed wind turbine and the operational characteristics of the machines will ensure that noise levels remain at 35dB LA90 or less at all neighbours, ensuring that there is no significant loss of amenity to the neighbouring properties to the east and south of the site.
5.5 Construction and transportation impact mitigation
There will be construction noise during the road and foundation manufacture, mainly from lorries over a 3 month period. The community and authorities will be consulted about suitable times for lorry movement and a construction schedule will be published. Existing public road culverts, bridges, verges and street furniture will be surveyed in advance of delivery and warning signs and lights will be located at all areas of road works; any items such as fence posts and road signs that have been temporarily removed will be re-erected following transportation.
5.6 Mitigation against television interference
The potential for interference to television systems cannot be predicted, but there is the possibility of interference to receivers if reception in the area is generally poor. The interference created by wind turbines is very distinctive and readily identifiable; should interference occur, and is clearly shown to be due to the wind turbines, the owners of the affected property will be offered a satellite television service. This mitigation mechanism has already been demonstrated at the Burgar Hill and at the Hammars Hill windfarms.
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6 Conclusions
This study has described a project to install a group of three wind turbines above the parish of St Margaret’s Hope in South Ronaldsay. The environmental and social impacts of the project has been considered in detail, encompassing visual impact, impact upon habitats, potential disturbance to birds, archaeology impacts, pollution control and potential nuisance impact upon neighbours. A life-cycle analysis of the development has been provided, covering the location, the sustainability of the project, the type and size of wind turbine to be installed, and the installation, operations and eventual decommissioning of the site. The study has further addressed the environmental and socio-economic benefits of the project to the local community.
The visual impact upon the landscape has been considered and the project has evolved to become a small group of moderate scaled wind turbines of similar scale to existing turbines in Orkney, with a maximum overall turbine height of 70m. Although any wind energy project involving modern wind turbines will be seen from the surrounding area, the installation of wind turbines on this site would only have significant effects on the properties around Berriedale, mainly the scattered housing on the roads to the north and east of the farm. Over greater distances the island landscapes become more dominant and the wind turbines become subservient, with no impact to the World Heritage Site and National Scenic Area in the West Mainland of Orkney.
Impact upon the ecology of the area has been considered in detail and a full and detailed ecological assessment has been completed. The general area for the development was selected to maximise distances to any ecologically sensitive species, and the turbines have been located on agricultural land; the overall potential impact upon rare or protected habitats, mammals and bird species is negligible.
An archaeology survey and impact assessment has been completed, with no risk of direct impacts upon any historic sites, and only a marginal risk of indirect impact upon the setting of a few historic monuments and Properties in Care, located long distances from the site.
The Berriedale Wind Energy Project has been designed to respect the environment, and to provide a commercially viable development, with very strong local economic benefits; the development is a privately funded community wind farm, providing significant returns to all members of the Orkney community wishing to participate in the project. This project demonstrates the significant economic benefits of local ownership of renewable energy.
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7 References and bibliography
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British Geological Survey (1955). One-Inch Geological Map of Scotland. Sheet 119 Drift edition.
The Carbon Trust. Guidelines on measuring carbon and CO 2 emissions from electricity . http://www.thecarbontrust.co.uk/carbontrust/low_carbon_tech/dlct2_1_6.html
Chapman, S.J., Towers, W., Williams, B.L., Coull, M.C., Paterson, E. (2001) Review of the Contribution to Climate Change of Organic Soils Under Different Land Uses. Scottish Government Central Research Unit.
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Planning Advice Note PAN 45 (2002). Renewable Energy Technologies . Scottish Government; ISBN 0 7559 0372 2
Planning Advice Note PAN 56 (1999). Planning and Noise. Scottish Government.
Planning Advice Note PAN 58 (1999). EIA . Scottish Government; ISBN 0 7480 8912 8
Planning Advice Note PAN 68 (2003). Design Statements . Scottish Government; ISBN 0 7559 0862 7
Planning Advice Note PAN 73 (2005). Rural Diversification . Scottish Government; ISBN 07559 44259
Scottish Natural Heritage (1998). Orkney Landscape Character Assessment . SNH Publications
Scottish Natural Heritage (2005). Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of Projects and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes . SNH Publications
Scottish Natural Heritage (July 2006). Assessing significance of impacts from onshore windfarms on birds outwith designated areas. SNH Publications
Scottish Planning Policy SPP15 (2005) Planning for Rural Development. Scottish Government.
SEPA pollution prevention guidelines http://www.sepa.org.uk/guidance/ppg/
SEPA recommendations on drainage systems in Scotland - Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) . http://www.sepa.org.uk/publications/leaflets/suds/?lang=_e
Soil Survey of Scotland (1981). Soil, Land Use Capability – Orkney Mainland. The Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Aberdeen.
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