Short Rotation Coppice for Energy

Production Good Practice Guidelines Photo: Forest Research Photo: Biogen British Photo: Forest Research Photo: Steve Wright

The development of an economically and environmentally sustainable industry Photo: B9 Energy These guidelines were designed in partnership with the following organisations:

B RITISH B IOG EN Trade Association to the UK Bio-energy Industry

CYNGOR CEFN GWLAD CYMRU COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES

SILSOE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The guidelines were produced using a consensus building process which was designed and guided by a steering group made up of British Biogen, Friends of the Earth, ETSU and Environmental Resolve (an undertaking of the Environment Council). The process brought together the industry, environmentalists, planners and government agencies in order to address potential stakeholder concerns and support the development of the industry in a sensitive manner. Full details of the process and participants are given in Appendix 1.

Funded by the Department of Trade and Industry through British Biogen

First published November 1996, reprinted May 1999 Short Rotation Coppice for Energy Production Photo: B9 Energy Good Practice Guidelines

The development of an economically and environmentally sustainable industry Contents

Introduction 4 Harvesting and transport 22 What is SRC energy production? 4 Harvesting 23 Benefits of SRC development 4 Timing 23 Scale of SRC schemes 6 Noise 24 Using these guidelines 6 Mechanised harvesting 24 Storage 24 Consultation 8 Safety 25 Community interests 8 Transport 26 Timing 8 Traffic impact 26 Who to consult? 9 Managing traffic 27 Whose responsibility? 9 Preparing for consultation 9 Energy production 28 Consultation methods 9 Site selection 29 Issues for consultation 10 Scale of development 29 1 Technical requirements 30 Growing 11 Environmental requirements 30 Economic viability 12 Technology 31 Funding 12 Planning permission 32 Additional income 12 Box 1: What is an Environmental Assessment (EA)? 32 Site assessment and selection 13 Box 2: When is an EA required? 32 Landscape and visibility 13 Box 3: What should an environmental statement cover? 33 Soil type 13 Planning process 33 Water use 14 Grid connection 34 Vehicle access 14 Construction of plant 35 Nature conservation 14 Method statement 36 Archaeology 15 Operation of plant 37 Pests and diseases 15 Noise 37 Public access 15 Light 37 Plantation design and planting 15 Dust and smell 38 Landscape 15 Ash 38 Designing for harvesting 16 Emissions to ground and water courses 38 Public access 16 Emissions to air (including plume) 38 Water use 18 Transport 39 Pest and disease control 18 Monitoring 40 Nature conservation 19 Decommissioning 40 Site preparation and weed control 20 Choice of planting material 20 Appendices Planting and first year 20 1 Consultation on guidelines 41 Storage 21 2 Statutory and non-statutory consultees 42 3 Contacts 43 4 Glossary 44 5 Further information 45 Summary of the relationships between all aspects of developing SRC for energy production.

This chart shows the close relationship between all the elements of any development of SRC for energy production. In many cases, one element will determine another: for example, the fuel specification will determine the harvesting methods, which will in turn determine the crop layout.

2 3

*There is potential for using SRC for products other than energy production. However, this document only relates to SRC used for energy production. Introduction Photo: Biogen British

4

SRC Willow, an energy crop.

viability and acceptability to local communities of What is each scheme. These good practice guidelines aim to help new projects to proceed in an appropriate and sensitive SRC energy manner so that the industry as a whole can continue to expand with a responsible reputation. production? They have been developed by a whole range of organisations and individuals with extensive Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) is an energy experience as developers, environmental bodies, crop, usually willow or poplar, which is used to farmers and planners of Short Rotation Coppice produce either heat or electricity or both. It is developments for energy production. known generally as biomass and is a type of renewable energy. Benefits of SRC Renewable energy developments are generally considered to be environmentally beneficial, by development providing clean energy from resources that are The development of SRC for renewable energy continually replaced. However, as with any production is a new industry with potential for development, Short Rotation Coppice energy considerable expansion, offering benefits for production projects can have local impacts. growers, developers, consumers, local communities Therefore, it is the responsibility of developers to and the environment. It is a form of renewable consider the environmental impact, economic energy which has great potential to help meet current and future demands for energy. Carbon Cycle Any development of renewable energy must be seen Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. One of the principal sources of man-made carbon emissions is fossil fuel combustion. As a renewable energy resource, SRC may in the context of UK and EU policy on sustainable offer significant opportunities to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion and thereby reduce the development: that is, development which meets the risk of future climate change. Plants constitute a living reservoir of stored carbon. There is a natural carbon cycle: when plants are burned needs of the present without compromising the or decompose, the carbon is released to the atmosphere. If energy crops are managed sustainably, the fuel ability of future generations to meet their own cycle contributes little or no net carbon to the earth’s atmosphere: ie it is carbon neutral. needs. Energy production is a vital element of such a The net carbon benefits of a particular biomass energy system will depend on the carbon emissions associated with the energy system it replaces, the efficiency of biomass conversion techniques, and the future. Pollution problems, current rates of energy balance associated with growing and transporting the fuel prior to combustion. consumption of fossil fuels (such as coal and oil), and dependence on imported fuels associated with conventional methods of energy production are Introduction generally seen as unsustainable. Energy crops offer one of the greatest potential sources of renewable energy for electricity, heat, and combined heat and power generation. If energy Atmospheric carbon dioxide, water and sunlight crops such as SRC are included in the general mix of agricultural crops in a considered and informed way, there could be significant environmental and ecological benefits alongside the development of a 5 fully sustainable energy resource. The benefits from a well-run SRC energy Carbon released Converted into new plant material back into the atmosphere through photosynthesis production industry include:

Environmental benefits: SRC can produce energy with no net increase in atmospheric carbon. Fuel can be used close to the area of its Which is harvested and burnt production, which reduces the need for long Derived from: Principles and distance haulage. Guidelines for the Development of Biomass Energy Systems. US Local power generation reduces transmission Economic benefits: National Biofuels Round Table. losses and can strengthen the electricity grid SRC can contribute to farm diversification and by providing additional and alternative may attract various grants and other payments. sources. It can utilise under-used agricultural land. As a rotation crop, SRC is harvested at specific It can provide employment both for intervals, to provide a regular and constantly agricultural workers (especially in winter, renewable supply of fuel. when harvesting is done and other SRC plantations, usually of willow or poplar, agricultural work is scarce), and at the power can provide landscape variety, and a habitat for production plant for both skilled and many species of plants, birds and other unskilled workers. wildlife. Blocks are planted over a two to five It is a robust and durable crop, making it year period (usually three), and then harvested especially suitable for urban fringe and similar in rotation, so fields within the growing area areas; sporting and recreational facilities (such will always represent all age classes. as walking or bird-watching) can be provided Converting existing arable land to SRC will in SRC crop areas. Both the plantations and the reduce the amount of agricultural chemicals power plants may also be promoted as visitor required as SRC is a low-input crop: once attractions, to provide educational established it requires a very much lower input opportunities as well as additional income and of chemicals than conventional arable crops. grant aid. Scale of SRC schemes Currently, the emerging SRC energy production Using these industry is developing in two ways: Schemes are being developed at a very local guidelines level, supplying heat and/or electricity to buildings such as hospitals and schools. These guidelines are designed to cover all the Alternatively, farmers may be developing a heat issues which may affect projects of any scale. only scheme to heat farm buildings enabling However, given the wide variety in the scale them to reduce energy bills and use spare land of SRC energy production developments, Introduction on the farm to grow the SRC. These on-farm readers should be aware that not all the schemes may also use forestry residues from issues raised will be equally relevant to all woodland on the farm as a source of fuel, to schemes. While most of the principles of supplement specially grown SRC. good practice will need to be considered Larger scale schemes are being developed to even by the developer of a small on-farm produce electricity for the national grid, using scheme, some of the issues which are raised, SRC in purpose-built power generating plants, and actions recommended, will only be usually producing between 5 and 10MW. These appropriate for larger schemes. 6 developments have obtained contracts under the Government’s Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation The guidelines follow SRC energy production (NFFO), which seeks to stimulate clean energy chronologically through steps from growing, to production by guaranteeing both a price and a harvesting, to energy production. However, in market for the electricity produced. However, it reality, the steps do not follow this sequence. All should be noted that even the largest SRC the pieces of the jigsaw must be in place for a power generating plants will only be a fraction successful scheme to get off the ground, and they of the size of conventional power stations (a may need to happen concurrently. For example, a Table 1 coal-fired power station will generate in excess grower will not embark on growing SRC without Scale of SRC of 300MW of electricity). a definite use or market and the potential for Biomass Schemes

Generating Capacity Equivalent Number Number of Vehicle Amount of Fuel Required of Houses Served Movements at Plant HEAT

1 Small <250kWth up to 50 10-30 per year up to 130 odt per year

Large 250kWth-1MWth up to 200 40-120 per year up to 515 odt per year

POWER

2 Small <250kWe up to 125 88-175 per year up to 876 odt per year (heat and power schemes)

Medium <250kWe-1MWe up to 800 1-5 per day up to 5600 odt per year

Large 1MWe-35MWe up to 31,500 2-75 per day up to 234,800 odt per year

Notes: These figures are based on a series of comparisons relevant for the scale of 1 odt = oven dried tonne 2 plant quoted and current market conditions. The figures do not compare Based on average house consumption of 1kWe between different scales. This table should only be used as a very rough guide. alternative sources of income and uses for the The following chapters are designed to cover all crop. Equally a developer will want a guaranteed the issues that may be relevant to the different fuel supply, a market for the power (the grid or a elements of a project. Clearly, local circumstances local outlet) and a site for the power plant. will mean that each development is different and different issues will have priority. This guide is The developer of the power plant will usually take therefore not a step-by-step set of procedures, but overall responsibility for any larger scale SRC rather aims to cover the full range of issues that energy production projects. They will specify to may need to be addressed and to provide some growers the form in which the fuel is required for basic principles to aid local decision-making. the power plant, and may have significant input Further detailed information is available in a range

into the ways in which the crop will be managed, Introduction of technical publications and official regulations, harvested, stored and transported; they may even which are listed in Appendix 5. undertake the harvesting themselves. The developer will wish to have confidence in all aspects of the project since the power plant is likely to require a substantial financial commitment. The power plant will also be subject to strict regulation and require formal permission from planning and other authorities. The chapter on Energy Production covers many of these issues. 7 The grower will have concerns about the economic viability and practical aspects of growing SRC as a crop, as well as being sensitive to environmental and local concerns. The chapter on Growing aims particularly to cover issues of concern to growers. The chapter on Harvesting and Transport will be of interest to both growers and developers.

Hectares of land for crop Potential for Technology Physical Size Licence Development in UK Comparison SCHEMES

13ha3 100,000 - 500,000 hot water boiler car none - except in 1.6% 1 mile radius4 smokeless zone

52ha 1000 - 5000 hot water boiler garden shed Environmental 6.4% 1 mile radius Health Officer SCHEMES

88ha currently determined gasifier and engine small barn + fuel store Environment Agency 0.4% 5 mile radius by the NFFO

560ha currently determined gasifier and engine medium barn + fuel store Environment Agency

2.75% 5 mile radius by the NFFO Table devised by ETSU

23,480ha not permitted under steam cycle medium barn Environment Agency 3% 30 mile radius the NFFO to large factory

3 A hectare of land (ha) is equivalent to about 2 football pitches 4 Percentage of land likely to be taken up by SRC planting within the given radius of a generating plant eg 1.6% of land would be taken up with SRC within a 1 mile radius of a plant. Photo: Biogen British

Visitors to an established SRC plantation

8 Consultation

Community interests Timing Local communities are likely to be affected by SRC Early consultation is particularly important in SRC energy production projects as a result of, for energy production projects as they are relatively example: new in the UK. Most people will know little about the visual appearance of a project or the impact it transporting the crop to the power plant may have on local people and the environment. the construction and operation of the plant Early information to local people on coppice itself plantations, transport routes and power generation, as well as quick responses to particular concerns, changes to the landscape created by the will help people feel confident about this new coppice plantations industry in their area. Local people will understand the potential for increased local employment if details have not yet been finalised, and will both in growing the crop and in energy welcome the opportunity to comment at an early production. stage.

The extent to which communities are affected Early consultation with statutory conservation depends on the nature and scale of the planned agencies over locations for planting and growing project. However, even small on-farm schemes will SRC may also be helpful. These statutory agencies have an effect on neighbours and will require some are government bodies and are used to dealing consultation. In all cases, well-planned consultation with informal consultations in confidence. undertaken at an early stage will improve the Consultation should continue throughout the quality of the final scheme, as well as help to avoid development stages of a scheme, and will need to later conflict. cover all aspects including the design and management of the plantation, the harvesting, storage and transportation of the crop, and the construction and operation of the power plant Preparing for itself. consultation To some extent, consultation can be structured Consultation needs to be planned and integrated alongside the process for gaining formal planning into the overall development process. The following permission for the power plant, but may need to steps may help to maximise the effectiveness of be extended. For example, the growing, harvesting consultation and enable the developer to address any and storage elements of an SRC energy production concerns that arise: project will usually fall outside formal planning requirements, although some grant schemes for Developers should analyse the community, or growers require consultation as a condition of communities, that might have an interest in Consultation grant aid. the development (stakeholder analysis). Information will also be needed on local issues Who to consult? that may be relevant. This will enable developers to prepare their consultation and People who live and work in the immediate communications strategy. vicinity of the proposed scheme, specific local interest groups and statutory agencies are all likely SRC energy production is a new industry and to have an interest in the development of an SRC it may be appropriate to produce information for local people about the nature of the energy production project. A sample list of 9 statutory and non-statutory consultees is given in industry and the specific local development, Appendix 2. what it will look like and the impact and benefits it will have. The project leaders for the development will need to identify all the likely areas of concern and Consultation needs to start as early as possible involve interested groups at the most appropriate in the planning and design stage. It needs to stages. Different stakeholders will have concerns be planned, but also flexible enough to meet about different aspects of the project. Those living the needs of changing circumstances. near the power plant may have concerns about its Honesty, openness and commitment to visual impact, noise from construction or consultation are essential. Although developers emissions from the plant. Some people will want would not be expected to resolve all concerns information on traffic movements through their expressed, they should always respond to community, while others will be concerned about concerns. If something cannot be altered, a the impact of SRC on the landscape or the local clear explanation of the reasons should be ecology. provided. Whose responsibility? Consultation methods For large scale developments, the developer will A number of consultation methods may be used, usually have overall responsibility for managing the depending on local circumstances such as the consultation process as they will be responsible for particular needs of the community and other the development of the power plant, as well as interested organisations and the scale of the project. influencing the growing, harvesting, storage and These might include: transportation of the crop. However, the grower exhibitions will also want to manage their activities in a manner which is sensitive to the environment and open days, and visits to similar sites already in to local concerns, and may contribute substantially existence to the consultation process. public meetings The development may be a community project, questionnaires run by local people. However, this does not eliminate the need for wide consultation and special meetings for key local organisations involvement. (such as parish councils) workshops for mixed groups of stakeholders In Mid-Suffolk, a to consider particular issues. community liaison committee was Liaison should continue after plant construction is established through completed. For example: the Environmental Health Officer for Visitors to the power generating plant or SRC regular monitoring of plantations: local groups and others may be public opinion about interested in touring the plant. Some coppice the plant; HMIP were responsible for most could be developed on the site of the plant so of the technical that the whole process could be shown to monitoring. This Consultation visitors. committee has provided a degree of Links may be made to the environmental visible local programmes of local schools. accountability by the plant operators, and A liaison forum could be established between has been seen as a the developer, the local authority and local valuable means of communication for all communities, building on contacts made parties concerned. during the development stages. This could be linked to formal and informal monitoring, 10 which may be required in any case by conditions of the planning permission.

Issues for consultation The key issues on which the developer consults are likely to include:

timing of construction of the power generating plant

design and layout of power plant (including size of plume and chimney, plans for screening etc)

traffic routes (for building, supplying and operating the plant)

monitoring air emissions from the plant

impact of the SRC plantation

public access through the plantation.

These issues, and many others, are covered in detail throughout these guidelines. Photo: Biogen British

Two year old willow SRC with wide headland

Growing 11

This chapter covers the full range of hort Rotation Coppice (SRC) can be a financially profitable new crop for issues relating to establishing and growers, given the existence of a managing SRC plantations. The degree to Smarket, especially on set-aside land which the guidelines will apply to any and with current support schemes. It can also provide an opportunity to develop a number of specific circumstance will depend on the additional, profitable uses. Once established, SRC scale of the scheme. Each grower will is a low-input crop, which can have considerable environmental benefits, especially decide on the relevance of the issues and where land has previously been farmed recommended actions to their own intensively. Indeed, SRC has great potential to encourage wildlife diversity. operations. For smaller scale operations, There is considerable mutual benefit in the many of the impacts may be less and the balance between commercial viability and the issues easily dealt with. More careful environmental benefits of SRC as a crop. consideration may be required for larger Practices which may enhance the conservation benefits may also help to reduce pest and schemes which may have a greater disease problems and maximise yield. impact on the local area. Some of the principles of good practice for growing SRC are well-established, and form the basis of this chapter. However, practice will continue to evolve as commercial growing develops. Clearly, the wide diversity of land in the UK will mean that growers will have to take a range of issues into consideration and, therefore, these guidelines cannot be prescriptive. This chapter covers the three essential elements that should be considered in growing SRC: Funding whether the crop would be economic in the Grants and other payments are available specific circumstances of the potential grower for growing SRC from a number of sources. For example: selecting an appropriate site There are grants for equipment, machinery, advice, associated woodland management establishing and managing an SRC plantation to and establishment under schemes such as maximise environmental benefits and reduce the Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme negative impacts. (MAFF), Countryside Stewardship (Countryside Commission), and the Growing Woodland Grants Scheme (see below). The Woodland Grants Scheme (WGS) has its own guidelines. Details from the Economic Forestry Authority (Conservancy Office or the Grants and Licences Division). Arable producers who have land eligible for viability the Arable Area Payments Scheme can grow SRC on set-aside land. Details from MAFF local offices, Scottish Office Agriculture, The decision to grow SRC needs to be based 12 Environment and Fisheries Department, on whether it would be economically viable. In Welsh Office Agriculture Department assessing the level of income the crop may (WOAD), or the Department of Agriculture produce, a grower will want to consider the for Northern Ireland. following options: Specific incentives may be available in designated areas such as National and Can the crop be used on the farm? Community Forests. Details from the Using the crop as fuel on the farm to produce Countryside Commission. heat can reduce heating bills, make use of under-used land, and generate additional income through the sale of surplus production. Additional income Is there a local developer? SRC can also provide additional income to the If growers want to be part of a supply chain grower through the following: for energy production, they need to be within SRC can provide good cover for pheasants. The range of a developer who will buy the fuel. Game Conservancy Trust has done research into Current practice indicates that developers opportunities for the development of game on usually prefer to obtain fuel within a radius of farmland. They and other organisations can give 48-64 km (30-40 miles). detailed advice to growers. Is there an opportunity The establishment of SRC may enable growers to form a co-operative? to use or sell wood residue from existing Several growers may be able to form a co- woodland, thus creating extra income from an operative and sell in bulk to a developer. under-used resource. Is there an opportunity Some growers have found that there is a high to create a local market? level of public interest in SRC as it is a relatively Growers could create their own market new crop. Farms with an existing visitors centre through a local heat plant or by collaborating may find that SRC provides new interest for on the joint development of a power visitors. Even without a formal visitors centre, a generating plant. public access agreement can be established and can offer educational and recreational opportunities for visitors. landscape assessment in order to understand the Site landscape in which it is intended to grow the crop. Special consideration should be given to the impact of SRC plantations within National Parks and Areas of assessment & Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). These are areas which have been designated nationally for the quality selection of their landscape, and to which specific protection policies apply. There may also be relevant regional or As with any crop, only when a grower has local landscape designations, as well as areas identified a reliable market, and confirmed the designated as being of special conservation value: see Growing Nature conservation below. economic viability of the crop, will site assessment and selection take place. Then a As SRC typically grows taller than other crops, the range of practical issues will influence the visibility of the scheme, and its impact on people's decision on whether, and how, to go ahead on visual amenity needs to be considered when selecting a particular site. Special consideration will be a site. An SRC plantation may contribute positively to given to the following, all of which are covered variation in landscape types and enhance views; in more detail below: alternatively there may be issues of reduced visibility from paths or favourite views. If the plantation is likely 13 Landscape and visibility to obscure locally important views at certain times in Soil type its life cycle, it may be appropriate to select alternative sites, although any negative impact may be reduced Water use through careful design. Vehicle access

Nature conservation

Archaeology

Pests and disease

Public access.

Landscape and visibility As a row crop, SRC will be a new and visible feature of the countryside. It can have either a Photo: Biogen British beneficial or negative impact on the landscape, depending on where and how it is grown. The actual impact will depend upon the character and quality of the recipient landscape, the extent of SRC in the landscape, six months after planting physical change involved, and the ability of the landscape to accommodate this change. For example, if all the fuel for a large-scale power Soil type station is to be grown within a concentrated area, A variety of soil types are suitable for growing SRC, the change in character of the landscape could be although particularly shallow or dry soils may give considerable. poor yields. The grower needs to consider that the Certain types of landscape will be more suitable for crop will be harvested in winter and that growing SRC than others. To assess the likely machinery may damage wet soil. Therefore, it will impact of large-scale SRC production it is not be suited to floodlands, boggy areas or recommended that developers undertake a sensitive wetland areas. Water use Nature conservation SRC's water demand will vary depending on the SRC has greater potential to encourage wildlife choice of species (poplar or willow) and on the diversity than any other row crop currently grown by varieties selected. Research shows that poplar has a UK farmers. It can provide habitats for insects, birds high water use when water is available; the and wildflowers, some of which may be considered situation with willow is less clear although a pests in other crops. There are a number of similar response should be anticipated. As with any conservation issues which growers need to consider crop, growers should consider the possible impacts when looking for a site: on water demand and use when choosing a site: The intrinsic ecological value of the site should Growing The yield of SRC is likely to be affected by always be taken into account. In areas where water availability, although the exact ecological value has been recognised by local, relationship between water and yield is yet to national or European designation, such as a Site be determined. It is likely that yields will be of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or National better in wetter parts of the country. Nature Reserve (NNR), careful investigation should always be undertaken of the potential If a substantial area within a water catchment impact of growing SRC. There are likely to be is to be given over to SRC production, then legal consequences of national or European level consideration of the impact on ground water designations which need to be taken into 14 should be given a high priority. However, account. Advice should always be sought on the where the crop forms merely one of a wide ecological and other implications of particular range of differing land uses the water impact designations. Examples of habitats which may should be negligible. prove especially sensitive include ancient SRC may have benefits in buffer zones or woodland, linear features such as hedgerows, surrounding high-input crops. The root mat wetlands, heathlands, unimproved grassland, which forms under an SRC plantation is an peatlands and lowland wet grassland. effective mechanism for soaking up nutrients, Growers should consider planting SRC in areas so SRC may have a positive role to play in that are currently of low conservation value, limiting nutrient loss to waterways. where it will be of most benefit to wildlife. The roots of SRC can be damaging to field Advice should be sought from local conservation drains. Where a drainage system is new, the agencies. grower may wish to choose a different SRC is most likely to be grown on three types location for the crop. However, the life of a of land: drain system should be considered in relation to the expected life of the SRC plantation. Pasture. Land currently under arable production. In this case, SRC is likely to be of more benefit to Vehicle access nature conservation than the previous crop. Vehicle choice will be determined by maximum Set-aside land, in which case growers will be payload, vehicle size and access to the farm. For subject to the normal set-aside regulations very small schemes, it is possible that a farm tractor which require the maintenance of any existing and trailer may be the best option. environmental features on the land (such as Vehicle access to the plantation will mostly be in trees, hedgerows and ponds). winter (when the crop is harvested), so identifying The type and proximity of adjacent habitats a site close to, and with easy access from, existing should also be taken into consideration. SRC can routes and hard roads will be a priority. help to provide habitat links between areas of existing woodlands. The high insect load of an SRC plantation will benefit birds nesting in nearby woodlands. Alternatively, an area of existing conservation interest may be adversely affected by the creation of an SRC plantation, especially if it is a wetland or marshy grassland. Plantation Archaeology design and As with any crop, when identifying potential sites for SRC plantations, growers should avoid known archaeological sites. Sites of archaeological interest planting have survived in a variety of forms including earthworks, ruined structures and cropmarks.

Cropmarks can be seen from aerial photographs and The detailed design of plantations needs to Growing show the presence of features in arable areas. Many maximise the benefits of SRC in terms of of the better archaeological sites can be found on productivity and the environment, whilst avoiding marginal land in the uplands but some are also in detrimental effects on the landscape and areas of undisturbed pasture. conservation value. This section outlines the issues Some of these sites may be found marked on maps which need to be considered, and offers guidance but, as many sites have not been properly surveyed where possible. It covers: or recorded, most will not be. In most areas there Landscape will be a register of sites of archaeological interest 15 held by the county archaeologist. To find out more Designing for harvesting about the area in which the SRC will be grown, Public access contact the local planning authority, who will refer you to the relevant organisation. It is worth noting Water use that the Woodland Grants Scheme asks for Pest and disease control information from professional archaeologists for every application for new planting that it receives. Nature conservation Site preparation and weed control

Pests and diseases Choice of planting material Some steps to reduce pest and disease attack can be Planting and first year taken at the site selection stage. For example, identifying sites where leatherjackets, slugs and Storage. snails are not in abundance, or where there are few deer, rabbits and hares, will reduce the initial preparations required. Landscape SRC is essentially a row crop. However, it is Public access important to ensure that the crop fits into the landscape as much as possible. For example: Public access to, or through, the plantation will need to be taken into account in the choice of site. If The proposed SRC plantation should be in public access is required to the plantation then a site scale with the landscape and shaped to follow should be selected which allows this. If there are the landform. In areas of weak landform, such public rights of way across the selected site, these as flat or gently rolling country, hedgerows or must be maintained and taken into consideration in belts of trees can make a strong pattern. Small the planning and establishment of the plantation. If woods can be used to extend or strengthen SRC is grown near urban areas it could stimulate this and regular shapes may be easier to fit in. plenty of public interest - so public access may be Edges of woodland are important as landscape beneficial. features. The edges of the SRC plantations Public access arrangements can be agreed with local should be made to look as natural as possible, councils, local residents and rights of way users graded and varied in scale with the landscape. through consultation at an early stage. Link where possible with new and existing woodland features such as hedgerows and (see Harvesting and Transport chapter for small woodlands, and consider planting hedges details). There would usually be about 1.50 on the edge of the plantation. Consideration metres between double rows of cuttings so that should also be given to the management of the side walls of the tyres of the tractor are not edges. Annual cutting will help 'round off' the damaged by the cut crop. straight edges, and a border crop could be 90cm spacing between rows of cuttings and planted for alternative uses. 75cm spacing between cuttings in a double Figure 1 row will allow for tractor access. Planting Design Research is continuing into the optimum spacing Growing a c between varieties. It is one of the factors, together with better pest management, which may lead to increased productivity. Spacing of the varieties can affect the end-product: by changing the spacing, the grower may end up with smaller or larger pieces of wood at harvesting.

From a harvesting point of view, varieties need not necessarily be planted in straight lines. It is 16 b possible, depending on the harvesting method chosen, to plant cuttings in different row 0.9m directions and curved rows which may benefit the 1.5m 0.75m landscape and wildlife (see Fig 2), adding to the visual diversity of the plantation and reducing exposure to penetrating winds. a Twin row (common in Sweden) b Square – 1 metre square (early UK design) c Staggered twin (developed from Swedish design) Public access Based on Agriculture and Forestry Fact Sheet. Short SRC can have a negative impact if it reduces Rotation Coppice No 1. Establishment. Published by Designing for access to, or enjoyment of, rights of way, ETSU for the DTI. important or popular views, common land or harvesting valued amenity areas or facilities. Careful design SRC is harvested after two to five years' growth. will be needed to minimise obstruction to The average harvesting of SRC, using a chipper or statutory rights of way or other routes which, mechanical harvester, is around three hectares a day, while not having legal status, do have a history of depending on the type of harvester used and the size public use and enjoyment. The impacts of and layout of the plantation. With this in mind, it plantations can be reduced by careful planning might be possible to have three different age-classes of for public access which respects these features SRC in one 10-hectare field (see Fig 2). and consults with the relevant groups and interests. Plantation layout needs to be planned for ease of harvesting: in accordance with the planned If the grower wishes to increase access, care must harvesting regime and the equipment available. be taken to ensure visitors to the plantation can Fig 1 shows three examples of how a typical enter with ease and that there are no barriers such plantation may be designed (although growers have as steps and stiles which might make visits by used other methods and different spacing of some people difficult. Information on SRC as a planting in different circumstances): renewable energy form can be displayed on information boards so that it can be promoted A typical plot might be from 10,000 to and explained to visitors. Paths, signs and other 20,000 cuttings per hectare. countryside furniture should be constructed from Planting in twin rows allows harvesting of two rows materials and colours which fit in with the at a time, usually using direct cut and chip methods surroundings. Growing 17

Photo: B9 Energy Rabbits, hares and deer hares Rabbits, when can be severe deer damage and hare Rabbit, and precautionary measures young, the shoots are help block may plantation A large be necessary. may in Plantations animal pest damage. to reduce to likely to be more been shown have areas isolated be a access may public deer damage; from suffer extensive discourage in this case as it may benefit deer grazing. Insect infestation Insect infestation if the trees to appear is less likely Insect infestation site and not under stress. on an appropriate are pest Research into an integrated is continuing system which includes resistance, management and chemical and biological control diversity, Once established, the selection of varieties. through and it should not be input crop SRC is a low necessary tolerates to use insecticide as the crop high loads of insects and disease. A needs to be minimised. The risk of pest damage in SRC wide variety will live of insect species will attack and a few although only plantations, willow. particularly SRC, to young cause damage and vigour through growth crop Some can reduce and cause breakages others may loss of leaf area; through Impact can be reduced sites. infection natural encouraging and also by mixing varieties, Birds, mechanismscontrol such as parasitic wasps. and insects from mammals insectivorous can also and hedgerows neighbouring woodlands down. insect pest numbers assist in keeping Willow and poplar rusts Willow and poplar rusts fungal diseases, are Willow rust Severe leaf loss. in premature resulting of A mixture lead to yield loss. may infestion the impact and reduces diversity varieties increases supplier should have cuttings approved An of rust. varieties. appropriate on information up to date inspecting a willow leaf for signs of rust leaf for inspecting a willow Where there is a possibility for waste waters waste for is a possibility there Where or irrigationto be used as fertilisers the for to the should be given consideration crop, courses and loadings impact on local water run that to ensure off and leaching managed is minimal. Water use by SRC is related to the age of the to the age SRC is related use by Water harvesting of the whole In some areas, crop. a negative have the same time may at crop Cutting in and runimpact on recharge off. ensuring this by a should reduce rotation one water in any mix of stand ages catchment area. The location of important holes should The location bore For into account when planting. be taken will is concern the crop if there that example, around then the area availability, water reduce if However, hole should be avoided. the bore pollutants can be used to reduce the crop be an may the crop entering hole, the bore advantage. A few large blocks of SRC plantation will use blocks of SRC plantation large A few small blocks to the due than many less water edges. crop from evaporation increased a balance needs to be struck in each However, the issue of circumstance between specific of wildlife for loss and the benefits water edge habitats. smaller blocks with more control minimal chemical to require inputs. SRC is likely the grower good design and management, With the impact of pests and diseases and can reduce used very pesticides are a system where establish use of pesticides will all: at or not infrequently of the benefits the conservation reduce severely pesticide need to plan for Growers plantation. by designing the plantation when applications tractors and access by spacing the planting to allow watercourses to adjacent crops, damage to reduce and habitats. Pest and disease Pest Where water management is a priority, measures is a priority, management water Where the plantation and manage to design can be taken and minimise benefits positive to maximise example: For impacts. negative Water use Water Photo: Rufus Sage, Game Conservancy Trust Growing

Two year old willow SRC

Nature conservation Wild plants As SRC is a rotation crop, it will always provide a Headlands and rides provide access to the crop for mix of habitat types. There are many ways of harvesting, crop inspections and other operations. Headlands and rides which are more than six metres 18 encouraging wildlife diversity without reducing the production yield of an SRC plantation; wide should be used wherever possible, as they indeed, many of these activities will improve the support more grasses and herbs than those which management of the plantation, resulting in are narrow. This will improve soil stability during mutual benefits. Fig 2 shows one example of how mechanical operations and provide valuable habitats conservation issues could be incorporated during for wild plants, butterflies and other insects, some the design stage. In addition, SRC can be of which may help to control insect pests in the managed to provide the following benefits: crop. The grower could consider sowing a special hard-wearing mix of grasses and herbs into the Wildlife access headlands and rides. Once established, this would be cut once or twice a year. Areas of tussocky Wildlife diversity should be encouraged by grass will be particularly valuable to predatory mixing varieties and age-classes in SRC beetles and spiders which may help control pests in plantations appropriately. Effective mixing of SRC and in adjacent cereal crops. In addition, certain varieties also has benefits for controlling pest and flowering plants (for example, cow parsley) attract disease damage and maximising yield. pest-controlling parasitic flies and wasps. Birds Mature hedgerows SRC has been shown to attract a wide range of Mature hedgerows along the perimeter of a woodland and other birds. In spring, newly-cut plantation provide shelter for the crop and may lead SRC is used by skylarks, pipits and wagtails. to increased yields, while also providing valuable Young coppice growth attracts migrant warbler nesting habitat for songbirds and game, as well as species as well as reed buntings, while third or for wildflowers and insects. fourth year SRC is preferred by other resident species such as thrushes, tits and finches. Resident songbird species are also often seen Edge habitats feeding in SRC stands during the winter, while Edge habitats are important for wildlife. Where snipe are often found resting-up in plantations. possible, the grower should avoid shading the side Pheasants will use SRC all year round. SRC of a hedgerow by planting too close to it, because of plantations may also provide insects as a food the impact this could have on ground flora and source for other birds nesting in any nearby wildlife. To reduce shading, headlands can be woodland. See Fig 2 for an example of design positioned near hedgerows as they require wider which will benefit birds. space anyway. Figure 2 An example of Short Rotation Coppice plantation design

Figure 2 shows a 20 hectare planting containing three age classes of SRC (indicated by the three colours) and a range of different varieties. The layout is designed to maximise production and harvesting efficiency, as well as potential environmental benefits. Each variety is planted in strips of between two and ten rows within each age class block. This may help reduce the impact of some potential pests and diseases. Alternative

Hedgerows along the west First year regrowth coppice Growing ways of mixing varieties can also be used. and east edges shelter the crop and provide nesting Second year regrowth coppice habitat for songbirds and game. Hedges are trimmed once every three years to Third year regrowth coppice encourage flowering shrubs, and are allowed to grow in The three colours represent a mix of different A small area of woodland Along the north edge the scale with mature SRC. aged coppice regrowth which has been has been planted in the coppice edge is beyond the developed by cutting sections of the crop in awkward north-west canopy of mature trees to rotation over successive years. If each age class takes about one day to harvest, corner providing further avoid shading and water 19 landscape and wildlife competition. harvesting efficiency is not compromised. benefits. This provides further landscape diversity and significant wildlife benefits, particularly for birds, as well as an even income stream for the grower. Devised by Rufus Sage, Game Conservancy Trust

Rides and headlands along closed edges are six metres wide, and four metres along open edges, and have been sown with a hard- wearing grassland mix. A six metre headland plus a four metre edge strip (see above) has been used where harvesters need to turn. The central ride has been staggered to reduce wind channelling. Although about eight per cent of the field area is taken up by headlands and rides, the These close-spaced SRC edge strips edge effects such as shading and are cut every year, and increase water competition mean that the access at the end of rows for large production ‘loss’, compared with harvesters without compromising wall-to-wall planting, will be less the planted area. They also provide than this. shelter along exposed edges during the growing season. Edge strips, containing SRC planted at half the main crop spacing and cut every year, can be planted along exposed edges and across the ends of rows (see Fig 2). Once cut, they increase access for large harvesters, without compromising the planted area. During the growing season, the first- year regrowth will provide shelter within older, taller SRC, and improve conditions, for certain wildlife species and for game birds.

Growing Site preparation and weed control Ideally, site preparation should start in the autumn prior to planting. Thorough preparation of the planting bed will ensure that the crop, which can

have a life of some 25 years, will Photo: ETSU have the best possible conditions for good 20 establishment. The management of SRC is most intensive during the first 12 months, and careful One and two year old poplar SRC attention to weed control is required during this phase to ensure less remedial work is needed later. The extent of these activities will depend on the Choice of planting previous uses of the site. material Before ploughing the grower may need to apply Growers will select varieties of willow and poplar appropriate herbicides for controlling perennial to give the best yield for a particular site. In weeds. There may be opportunities to control general, monoclonal blocks should be avoided. A weeds such as couch grass by applying an great deal of research has gone into the most appropriate herbicide before harvesting some effective way of mixing different plant varieties and arable crops, or on land in set-aside. The site then species in the plantation, to maximise yield, needs to be ploughed and cultivated to give a fine minimise pest and disease and reduce competition. planting bed. Advice should be taken when mixing different Although herbicide application is likely to be varieties of planting material to ensure that they are required prior to planting and in the first year, it appropriate to the region and most likely to resist should drop to minimal or nil use after that. pest and disease. Mixtures may be planted in rows, Herbicide use is therefore low in comparison with blocks or by simply mixing certain varieties before other crops. The following steps should be taken planting. Fig 2 shows one example of mixing to control weeds and so reduce herbicide use by varieties. making what is used more effective: Advice is available from the Forestry Commission, Ensure the site is free of perennial weeds. and in ETSU Fact Sheet No 2: Clone Selection (see Appendix 5). Use effective pre-planting techniques for perennial weed control.

Plant more vigorous varieties closer together, Planting and first year although this may result in competition (see The grower can plant early in the year or, using Choice of planting material below). cold-stored planting material, as late as April or May. Before planting, it is important to ensure any weed growth is controlled by further cultivation or spraying. Slug control, and leatherjacket control on Growing 21 The storage The storage in of woodchips a closed barn From an ecological point of view, growers should growers of view, an ecological point From only and edges and it on headlands applying avoid of areas specific targeting itself, crop use it on the the of Practice for is a Code There the plantation. guidance and Sludge, Agricultural Use of Sewage in other published and landowners farmers for details. Appendix 5 for See material. Area is in a Nitrate-Sensitive If the SRC plantation has to pay Zone the grower or Nitrate-Vulnerable to is applied that amount of nitrate to the attention of these the locations Contact MAFF for the land. areas. Storage itself, the SRC plantation could be on storage Crop an intermediate location at on the farm, elsewhere If on site, plant. generating the power or at space to the to be given will have consideration the quantity and the particular type of for required as (indoors or outdoors) as well required storage commercial vehicles. by the access required Harvested sticks loose or in could be stored while chips will require on headlands, bundles See some form of containment or protection. details. more chapter for Transport Harvesting and Photo: Picture House Ltd Research has shown that the benefits of any the benefits that Research has shown may there However, marginal. are on SRC fertilisers waste use of treated be an opportunity to make Sewage fertiliser. sludge as an organic sewage crops. food as if growing sludge should be applied Fertiliser Fertiliser Allowing some weed growth within established growth some weed Allowing on effect a significant not have may SRC plantations to the cost of spraying) yields (when compared in benefits wildlife considerable and will have it However, terms of insects and other animals. chemical that should be acknowledged weed to be essential when first is likely control and poplar willow as unrooted SRC, establishing to competition for sensitive extremely cuttings are shade- less competitive time, Over moisture. colonise the tolerant herbs and grasses may without habitats shady nearby from plantation should growers In general, detrimentcrop. to the to the control the chemicalseek to reduce weed after the initial as soon as possible minimum of the site. preparation Weed control is especially importantduring is especially the control Weed tend to Weeds of SRC management. year first pests from is damage there quickly where develop It is and disease because of loss of leaf canopy. apply to planting, following necessary, normally conditions herbicides to maintain weed-free the second year. and possibly the first throughout herbicides or selective be overall These may is The crop of contact herbicides. sprays directed cut back a and normally winter in the first April before in March herbicide mix is applied or growth weed is significant If there growth. bud be necessary to it may harvest, the first following this stage. further herbicides at apply Weed control control Weed Planting can be carried out in a variety of ways machineryusing a range of planting hand. or by planting material to and on the site Moving on planting and Advice care. considerable requires materialmaterial from handling should be sought suppliers. former pasture land, may also be required. Within required. also be may land, former pasture an soil, the or after rain has consolidated one week, mix should be herbicide residual appropriate applied. Photo: Forest Research

22 One pass harvesting to cut and chip Harvesting and transport

The system used to harvest, store and s with many crops, there will be both positive and negative transport the SRC crop depends on the environmental impacts. For scale of the operation, the specification A example, as a perennial crop, SRC of the end user and a host of local factors avoids the vehicle movements associated with the planting, harvesting and management cycle of such as access and road size. This section annual crops. This reduces the total energy input covers all the issues which are likely to over the SRC life cycle. The environmental impact of harvesting, storing and transporting SRC is likely affect larger scale growers supplying SRC to be similar to, or better than, that of any other as a fuel to a power plant, although the agricultural crop.

principles will be applicable equally to Harvesting smaller-scale projects including on-farm The impacts of harvesting SRC are similar to those of harvesting other arable crops, except that: heat schemes. SRC is harvested in 2-5 year (normally three year) cycles so it is unlikely that there will ever be complete site clearance. This means that there is always a variety of age classes in the landscape which has benefits for the Harvesting countryside and provides a variety of habitats for wildlife. Decisions about harvesting techniques will be Harvesting SRC is not detrimental to wildlife. determined largely by the size of the plantation As it is done in winter, it is well outside any and the fuel specification given by the user (see breeding seasons, and summer migrants will Table 3). Indeed, the primary concern for the not be present. grower will be the need to provide a product that meets the requirements of the user (the Winter harvesting also allows for the

power generator, where that is the market). Harvesting, & Transport deployment of agricultural workers and equipment at a quiet time of year. These will vary according to the size and nature of the project. Some developers will Storage wish growers to harvest and store whole sticks Facilities for storing SRC will usually blend in with so that they can then be chipped to the typical farm environments. Even if the harvested required size on the site of the power crop requires some form of weather protection, generating plant. Other developers will expect this is likely to be simple and unobtrusive or even growers to provide a ready chipped product. provided by an existing building. Growers will need to understand the Transport 23 requirements of the users so they can plan for Emissions, fuel use and traffic flow will play an harvesting and storage accordingly. Where a important role in the overall impact of any project. farmer is growing SRC for their own use, they Where the SRC is grown and used on the farm, will have total control of harvesting techniques. transport impacts overall can be reduced as there should be less transport of other fuels onto the There are a number of general considerations farm to meet energy needs. Where the crop is that growers should take into account in transported to an external power generating plant, planning and carrying out harvesting, all of lorries similar to those used to transport existing which are dealt with in more detail below: agricultural products are likely to be required. The effects of increased traffic flow will be felt most Timing around the power plant. It is likely that the plant Noise will be supplied by growers within a maximum of a 48-64 km (30-40 mile) radius. However, Mechanised harvesting although increased traffic flow is a frequently cited Safety. issue around any new development, the impacts of traffic at even the largest SRC power generating plant will be comparable to other agricultural Timing industries. SRC harvesting occurs during the winter, from November to March, after ‘leaf fall’ and before ‘leaf The variety of local circumstances means that it is set’ or ‘bud burst’, as this is when the moisture not possible to specify which methods of content of the wood is at its lowest. Harvesting harvesting, storage and transport any individual during the growing season would damage the scheme should use. Table 3 (at the end of this plants. Winter harvesting offers a useful chapter) summarises the advantages and opportunity to deploy labour and equipment at a disadvantages of the main harvesting, storage and quiet time of year for farms. However, harvesting transport options. must always be undertaken with care because the ground is vulnerable in wet conditions, and heavy harvesting equipment on wet ground can compact soil and damage its structure. Wet ground may not prevent harvesting if wide-tyred or tracked vehicles are used. Growers can also reduce the likelihood of damage to the soil through plantation design (see contractor or grower will harvest the crop. Growing chapter). In addition, willow roots form a Equipment may also be pooled by a group of dense mat which help to support heavy equipment. growers, or provided by a developer, as well as provided by an individual contractor or grower. When harvesting, SRC should be worked in Noise blocks, to avoid going over the same ground more SRC is grown on agricultural land and is cut using than once, to minimise soil damage and maximise adapted conventional harvesting equipment or efficiency. specialist machinery (see below). Noise levels will There are two main systems for harvesting SRC: be similar to those experienced through the Direct cut and chip systems and Stick harvesting Harvesting, & Transport harvesting of other arable crops. However some systems. noise levels, for example from chipping operations, could be a concern for neighbours and local Direct cut systems communities. It would be good practice to inform These are based on principles used for other local residents about harvesting operations before agricultural crops, where the whole crop is cut they commence, including providing details of how and chipped or billeted in one operation. This long they are likely to last. In addition, efforts system is most likely to be operated by should be made to minimise disturbance through contractors or grower co-operatives because of the careful design such as screening with hedges. 24 initial high investment in machinery. Less expensive tractor mounted versions are also available and may be feasible for smaller operations. In this system, the chipped material is blown into a trailer alongside as the machine moves through the crop. The chips can then be stored on the farm or, if being used elsewhere, be transported to an intermediate store and then on to the power generating plant as needed.

Stick harvesting systems These involve a number of operations before the chips are available for use. Sticks are cut with one pass of either a self-propelled or trailed machine, which are less expensive than cut and chip harvesters. The sticks are then laid on the headland. From here they are loaded onto a Photo: Forest Research tractor with suitable attachments and transported to the farm storage area, where they are stacked and stored. The advantage of this system is that there is less investment in machinery, and if Mechanised harvesting necessary the wood can be stored outside, without decomposing. The sticks can then either Mechanised harvesting be chipped and transported as chips, or can be transported as sticks and processed at the power At some point in the supply systems chipping must generating plant. take place. This can be done during harvest, at the farmstead prior to use or transport, at an For more details, see Agriculture and Forestry Fact intermediate storage facility or at a centralised Sheet on Mechanised Harvesting published by ETSU for chipping facility at the power generating plant. The the DTI, and European Energy Crops Overview, section choice of harvesting machinery and system will on Harvesting and Processing, also from ETSU. depend on the scale of the operation, the design of the crop layout and, for example, whether a Harvesting, & Transport Photo: Steve Wright

25

Chips on the way to storage

Storage Whole sticks are bulky and awkward to handle, yet they require the minimal amount of care. The As a continuous fuel supply is needed throughout wood can be dried in piles, although this may be the year, most schemes will require some form of difficult given the humid weather conditions in storage. Drying may also be required for some the UK. Nevertheless, they can be stacked on the schemes. The nature of the harvested material headland, will dry out naturally and are not means that it will not look out of place when particularly vulnerable to mould problems. stored in farm surroundings. The amount of space Whole sticks can also be bundled to ease storage required will depend on the yield and size of SRC and handling, although this can bring its own plantation. problems (see Table 3). The form of the harvested product will dictate the Short sticks and billets require a simple storage storage method: structure, such as a chicken wire cage, to Chips require the most attention during prevent dispersal across the ground when being storage, but have the advantage of being collected. ready for use by the fuel-user. There has been extensive research into the drying and storage of woodchips from forestry residue Safety and SRC, and methods to predict the As with any agricultural crop, proper health and safety performance of dryers have been developed. precautions should be taken during its handling and Chips need to be actively ventilated to management. Operators need to maintain vigilance reduce heating and to minimise the risk of during harvesting to avoid accidents. As SRC is taller mould and dry matter loss. Although chips than a traditional arable crop, visibility from the could be stored outside they will require harvesting machinery can be poor and extra care some form of containment, and if the store should be taken. For example, public warning signs is unprotected from the elements some should be put up in the area where harvesting is taking wastage is likely to occur because the wet place. Workers should be provided with adequate layer of chips at the top may spoil and have protection from dust or mould spores from the stored to be removed. crop, including masks and protective clothing. Traffic impact Transport The impact of traffic created by the power plant will certainly be a consideration in the planning The power generating plant will be the focus application for the plant, and the developer will be for traffic movement as it will require a regular asked to produce details of the likely traffic impact of supply of fuel from the farm or intermediate the plant at an early stage, especially if an storage depots and the harvested material will Environmental Assessment is required. be transported to the power plant by lorry. Developers should consider emissions from vehicles. Vehicle choice will be determined by maximum Minimising traffic volume will be both economically

Harvesting, & Transport payload, vehicle size and access to the farm. and environmentally beneficial. Emissions will be For very small schemes it is possible that a farm reduced through the use of efficient and well- tractor and trailer may be the best option. maintained vehicles. Developers will also need to However, for schemes of any significant scale, consider access, local road usage, appropriate routes traditional tipper or curtain-sided lorries will be and community concerns as part of their planning used for chip transport, and flatbed or timber application, and undertake detailed public consultation. lorries for stick transport (also, see above under Mechanised Harvesting). There will also Mitigating the traffic impact is likely to form part of 26 be some traffic generated by workers at the the conditions on any planning permission granted, power plant. and is likely to be carefully monitored and regulated by the planning authority (or the Highways Agency if Table 1 (in the Introduction) gives more details on a trunk road). These conditions may cover: of the likely vehicle movements at plants of different sizes. traffic flows delivery routes: these must be carefully chosen and then adhered to size and types of vehicles: usually no larger than normal agricultural vehicles.

Ta b l e 2 Goods vehicle movements (per day)

Notes to Table 2: Biomass power station vehicle deliveries data taken from forthcoming ETSU report: Supply Chain Options for Biomass Fuels.

Supermarket vehicle deliveries data taken from Goodwin et al, Transport. The New Realism. Transport Studies Unit, University of Oxford, 1991. Table devised by University of Westminster Transport Studies Group. Harvesting, & Transport 27 than chips. to whole sticks. compared end loader). than chips. whole sticks... lorries. hence fewer ... utilisation of conventional harvesting equipment (with modifications). stored on headlands. stored Best bulk density... Best lorry utilisation... Dry material loss less mould problems. Few Will dry out naturally. bulk density Improved front- Easier handling (e.g. Dry material loss less Better lorry utilisation than Large range of machinery. Flexibility to meet different Flexibility to meet different and easily Can be stacked problems. mould Fewer Will dry out naturally. Can be handled and Could lead to better lorry Chips Whole sticks Short sticks /Billets prevent internal heating.prevent leads to waste. protection best space therefore ... lorry's legal capacity. lorries. ...hence fewer chicken wire) to prevent to prevent wire) chicken up. dispersal when picked up.dispersal when picked round all year Permits double handling. handle. to awkward user specifications. Needs active ventilation to ventilation Needs active Outdoor storage without load could exceed Wet utilisation. Any banding will need to be Any bulk density of sticks and Poor bundled or baled. specialised equipment. Requires with Needs confining (e.g. Needs confining to prevent Higher cost as a result of Higher cost as a result it makes Length of product removed prior to chipping. prior removed utilisation... be or may transported loose, lorries....hence more loading/unloading. utilisation and can simplify lorry awkward length reduces lorry reduces length awkward PROBLEMSPOTENTIAL BENEFITS PROBLEMSPOTENTIAL BENEFITS POTENTIAL PROBLEMSPOTENTIAL BENEFITS Local sources of fuel supply may not only be only not may of fuel supply Local sources more to be likely are but economic, more Research community. to the local acceptable station power carried a straw-fired out for aimed was local resentment that revealed loads whichprincipally at travelled had longer distances. TRANSPORT HARVESTING HARVESTING HARVESTING TRANSPORT STORAGE TRANSPORT STORAGE STORAGE Ta b l e 3 of main problems Benefits and potential and transport options storage harvesting, The developer of the plant should specify The developer contract with a in any obligations agreed a duty have Developers transport company. reliable use reputable, only and must of care contractors who and conscientious haulage licensed. properly are The plant will also generate traffic from its from traffic The plant will also generate The including shift workers. workers, own will depend on the scale scale of this traffic the impact should reducing but of the plant, in terms of the developer by be considered encouraging example by for good practice, group providing car sharingpossibly and transport. The usual care should be taken to avoid mud to avoid should be taken The usual care coming directly vehicles from on the roads fields. from Even small plants need to minimise the small plants need to Even going with crop of tractors loaded number other sensitive and small villages through to reachareas the plant. Good management of deliveries can help Good management around flow of traffic the problems mitigate it will be most where the plant itself, A queuing of lorries. and avoid apparent, fleet of lorriesdedicated that can help ensure are vehicles of heavy a limited number only on of this depends the viability but involved, the scale of the plant. The location of the plant requires careful of the plant requires The location usage of the road consideration experience suggests Previous requirements. is least concern a power there where that plant is on an industrial or generating estate junction. close to a motorway Managing traffic Managing the impact of traffic In order to reduce those especially as much as possible, movements certain to be guidelines need close to the plant, followed: The impact of goods vehicle traffic will be traffic of goods vehicle The impact 2 Table on the scale of the project. dependent to a flow traffic vehicle goods the likely shows scheme heat small-scale power and to a 5MW deliveries in context, put this To plant. generating also shown. supermarket are to a large 28 Photo: Ltd Nordistribution

Wood fuel package plant in Kent, producing 800kW of heat Energy production

This chapter gives good practice guidance for energy production from SRC. It outlines the key issues and ways in which the environmental benefits may be enhanced and any negative impacts minimised in the development of a power and/or heat generating plant. Schemes vary in size from small on-farm heat plants to significant power generating plants supplying electricity to the national grid. However, although all the principles raised in this chapter will apply to all schemes regardless of scale, the extent to which they are applicable may vary considerably depending on the size of the proposed development. Energy production 29

the sale of the electricity to the grid (as NFFO contracts) through required the chosen technology and equipment to be used (whichwill be based on principles of best technology emissions) to reduce of fuel. the availability the opportunity to supply power or heat power the opportunity to supply locally Scale of development Scale of development the regulatory affecting factor Scale is the key production of an SRC energy requirements The decision on the scale of a scheme is scheme. to be led by: likely Local authority Structure and Local Plans (or Plans in unitary authority Unitary Development on include policies advising increasingly areas) development. energy renewable for the prospects policies on Plans contain specific fewer Rather policies Most relevant biomass development. of development the acceptability on advise criteria, the use of environmental through and siting judgements to the locational leaving However, process. planning application in some Plans local that find may developers authorities to attitude adopt a restrictive level national at designated in areas development value. conservation or nature their landscape for Finding the right site for a power generating a power for Finding the right site down of narrowing a process plant is always a very small on-farm Even the options. than one more need to consider scheme may Experience suggests that large-scale site. look at 10 to 20 sites, will usually developers begin to 1 or 2, those down narrow and then confirm a favoured negotiations a NFFO contract is a bid for Where site. been the site will need to have involved, significant other identified prior to any work. development project Site selection

nergy production using SRC is still an using SRC production nergy remain There industry. emerging to approaches alternative many for and methods production energy E Information on the planning process, and on the planning process, Information to provide guidance on when and how in more given are information, environmental be it would however, In general, detail below. of plants of any developers good practice for environmental adequate scale to produce if no statutory Environmental (even information to consult statutory and Assessment is required), procedures and to establish non-statutory bodies, monitoring. environmental regular for It is likely that planning permission that will be It is likely production almost all SRC energy for required to need also likely Plants are projects. 1 of the Environmental under Part Authorisation whichAct 1990 for the most likely Protection Plants will be the local authority. body regulatory Assessment statutory Environmental require may and regulation as environmental (EA) as well Whether or monitoring the local authority. by will depend on the not statutory EA is required of the scheme. location scale and nature, The role of ‘developer’ in energy production is production in energy ‘developer’ of The role a grower on by be taken It may the central one. as a specialist energy as well or the community made a group Alternatively, company. production and an operation example, for up of, electricity a regional maintenance company, role on the take may and fuel suppliers, company will they is, the developer Whoever of developer. be concerned with the construction and/or will also They plant. running of the power and form the fuel is required specify in what while the Therefore, it is to be delivered. how and transporting in growing of involvement level will set those the developer the fuel varies, all for responsibility and has overall requirements and environmental commercial, the technical, in many Indeed, issues which arise. consultative led the have may developer the cases, be even and may of the growing development doing the harvesting themselves. project development. development. project Technical Air quality standards. requirements Visual impact. The potential visual impact of the plant should be considered at this stage, Before considering specific sites, a number of bearing in mind that the site must be large technical requirements will be considered and enough not only for the plant, but for addressed by the developer, such as: ancillary operations and storage and any Supply of fuel: whether it can be grown in required landscaping scheme to mitigate the the area, its availability, reliability of supply, visual impact of the development. and cost. Impacts on neighbourhood amenities such as

Energy production Energy Availability of alternative fuel sources: it is noise, light pollution, dust, smells and traffic likely that larger scale projects will need to during construction and operation should be guarantee an alternative source of fuel in considered. Prevailing wind conditions need order to acquire financial support, particularly to be taken into account to avoid unwanted during the early years as SRC plantations are impacts on local residents. developed and reach maturity; the most likely Access. Adequate and suitable means of access alternative fuel source is woodland residues. to the development, from the perspective of Accessibility to transport links and for large highway safety, needs to be available. 30 vehicles: for delivery of fuel. Ecological and hydrological impacts. Consult Water supply and discharges: consent of the the statutory conservation agencies (English water company and the Environment Agency Nature, Countryside Commission, may be required for larger power plants Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish depending on location and planned Natural Heritage) informally before operations. considering a site in or next to a designated area (such as a Site of Special Scientific Access to grid connection: cost and ease. Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) Access to other power markets, in addition to or Special Area of Conservation (SAC)) as the grid. there may be objections to developments in these locations. Any national or local nature Smaller schemes, or those producing heat conservation designation is a clear indicator only, are likely to face fewer problems. of the sensitivity of the intrinsic ecological value and hydrological characteristics of the Environmental site and should always be taken into account. requirements Built heritage impacts. As well as remains and Developers should address the following buildings protected by statute or designation environmental considerations when identifying the (such as Scheduled Ancient Monuments, site for a large plant. Smaller schemes produce listed buildings and Conservation Areas), account needs to be taken of other fewer potential impacts, but the following archeological remains and the vernacular of requirements should still be followed: the area. Planning policies within Structure and Local Recreational impacts. Developers should take Plans or Unitary Development Plans. These account of the use by the public of public policies are likely to highlight local authority footpaths and other rights of way. concerns relating to landscape, heritage and nature conservation designations.

Landscape constraints. Account should be taken of landscape designations eg Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), county level designations, National Parks. Energy production 31

Diagram by ETSU

Figure 3 Figure available of technology currently Types

Technology of technology basic types three to used are There These SRC. from and/or power heat generate summarised 3. are in Figure processes Planning permission

Power generating plants proposed by private developers are now considered under normal planning regulations. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has jurisdiction over Energy production Energy Box 1 applications which are for schemes of more than 50MW, although this is unlikely to apply What is an environmental assessment? to plants using SRC, the largest of which are Environmental Assessment (EA): “A technique and a process by which information about the environmental effects of likely to be between 5 and 10MW. Almost all a project is collected, both by the developer and from other sources, and taken into power generating plants will require planning account by the planning authority in forming their judgement on whether the development should go ahead ... the whole process whereby information about the permission, so developers of schemes of any environmental effects of a project is collected, assessed and taken into account in size are advised to check with their local reaching a decision on whether the project should go ahead or not. The term ‘environmental impact assessment’ (EIA) is also in common use and for practical planning authority at the earliest stage. Many 32 purposes is synonymous with EA” . plants will also require an Environmental Environmental statement: Assessment (see Box 1) as well as regulation “A document setting out the developer’s own assessment of his project’s likely and monitoring by the local authority and the environmental effects, which he prepares and submits in conjunction with his application for consent.” Environment Agency.

Taken from Environmental Assessment. A Guide to the Procedures, published by HMSO/Welsh Office The extent to which a statutory Environmental Assessment (EA) and environmental statement are required will depend on the location, scale and Box 2 nature of the scheme. See Box 2 for information on when an EA is required. See Box 3 for what an When is an EA required? environmental statement should cover. Statutory EA is only mandatory for a thermal power station with a heat output of 300MW or more (referred to as a Schedule 1 development under the Town and In a minority of small on-farm projects, planning Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988), and no permission will not be required because the power generating plants using SRC are likely to reach anything like the size where an proposed development is ‘permitted development’ EA is mandatory. However, smaller plants will require an EA if they are likely to have significant effects (under Part 6 of Schedule 2 of the Town and on the environment because of their nature, size or location (referred to as Schedule Country Planning General Permitted Development 2 developments under the 1988 regulations). Order 1995). ‘Significant effects’ have no general definition, but Government guidance lists three main criteria of significance (taken from Environmental Assessment. A Guide to the Where planning permission is required, Procedures, DOE/Welsh Office 1989): negotiations will include initial discussions with Whether the project is of more than local importance, principally in terms of physical scale the local authority prior to the formal process of Whether the project is intended for a particularly sensitive location, for example, planning application, and it would be good a National Park or Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and for that reason may practice for all developers to consult statutory and have significant effects on the area’s environment even though the project is not non-statutory bodies at this early stage (see on a major scale Appendix 2 for sample list). The planning process Whether the project is thought likely to give rise to particularly complex or adverse effects, for example, in terms of the discharge of pollutants. is outlined below. Exactly what supplementary environmental information may be required in any application for planning permission would need to be negotiated in each individual case with the planning authority concerned. The regulations governing this procedure are the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 (as amended) implementing EU Directive 85/337. These regulations include details of the matters to be addressed by an EA, and provide useful guidelines for any supplementary environmental information produced by developers (see Box 3). Energy production 33 material assets climate air water soil Box 3 Box fauna flora the interaction between any of the above of the above any the interaction between Town and Country 1988. Regulations Effects) Planning (Assessment of Environmental Town human beings the landscape the cultural heritage where significant adverse effects are identified with respect to any of the to any with respect identified are effects significant adverse where or reduce to avoid, in order envisaged a description of the measures foregoing, these effects remedy a summary specified above. in non-technical language of the information and the land-use development, characteristics of the proposed the physical during the construction and operational phases requirements including the proposed, processes the main characteristics of the production quality of the materials to be used and nature and emissions (including the estimated type and quantity of expected residues heat and radiation) resulting light, vibration, noise, air or soil, pollutants of water, when in operation development the proposed from or appellant the applicant, studied by (if any) (in outline) the main alternatives development choosing the for authority and an indication of the main reasons effects taking into account the environmental proposed, of the on the environment effects and indirect significant direct the likely from: result which may proposed development permanent, medium and long term, short, cumulative, (this includes secondary, effects) and negative positive temporary, about on the environment effects methods used to assess any the forecasting and (e), under subparagraph is given which information in encountered such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how, difficulties, any compiling specified information. a description of the development proposed, comprising information about the site comprising information proposed, a description of the development and the design and size or scale of the development the data necessary which that development to identify and assess the main effects on the environment to have is likely on the and indirect, direct significant effects, a description of the likely possible impact on: to its reference explained by of the development, environment (d) (e) of explanation or amplification of way by include, statement may An environmental matters: of the following further on any information specified information, any (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (i) resources the use of natural (ii) and the elimination of waste of nuisances, the creation the emission of pollutants, (f) (g) a statement in this way, further is included in an environmental Where information non-technical summary shall also be provided. of that information Taken from Taken What should an environmental statement cover? statement environmental What should an and statement, an environmental list of topics for a definitive It is not possible to offer local issues which cannot be and more will need to look at both wider developers identified in general guidelines. and technologies change over circumstances Also, very likely, advised to clarify issues with the local authority and, are Developers time. 3 and 4) paras 2, the 1988 Regulations (Schedule 3, However, Agency. the Environment certain specified information statement should provide state that an environmental including: (a) (b) (c) formally scoped in correspondence. The latter The in correspondence. scoped formally become will the project mean that would approach authority because the planning public will consult statutory EA will a for The need statutory consultees. the in negotiations, far, partdepend in on how with the planning authority to agrees developer in issues which will be covered environmental address will There detail as partprocedure. of the licensing Between initial contact and a formal application for initial contact and a formal application Between The developer will make contact with the planning will make The developer 2 1 The following summary of the formal planning The following since the actual guide, a step-by-step is not process of according to the requirements will vary procedure all assessments Also, planning authorities. different a time. than one at rather will be done in parallel, all the does not cover this procedure Moreover, necessary others are of the developer: actions required for and after planning permission is applied before is a summary of the following However, and granted. in should work the planning procedure the way normal circumstances. The process of obtaining planning permission of obtaining The process is a of process development crucial of the overall element the formal although However, plant. a power to the plant and relates only planning process a it is good practice for to it, related activities directly impact of the whole the overall to consider developer even harvesting, and including growing project, be outside the formal though these would of planning permissionor requirements Assessment. Environmental Planning process Planning The initial contact will be with the Chief Planning who will decide whether he will deal with Officer, also be may There it. himself or delegate the matter about officer contact with the economic development not may the project At this stage, schemes. larger domain. reach the public authority at an early stage. The planning authority stage. authority an early at will be either with jurisdiction the development for or unitary authority, the district or county council, structure in the depending on the local government (or the Secretary of of the project and the nature area Generally, 50MW). and Industry if over Trade for State the most local authority and will be contacted first which should be developments any on will refer they discussions with the Early a county level. dealt with at are Health Officers Environmental local authority’s in role of their later view in also important, enforcement. planning permission, most of the preparatory work most of the preparatory planning permission, This will will be carried out. the development for contact with the planning authorities,include regular on the EA (or to scoping work relating especially information). of environmental provision alternative or scoped in discussion, The EA can be informally also be detailed consultation with the local 6 If planning permission is granted, developers community and with statutory and non-statutory will be aware of the need to comply with any consultees. Only when all this is completed, and agreed planning obligations and planning all issues of concern addressed, should a formal conditions, which will have been negotiated prior application for permission be made. to granting any permission. Discussions will have 3 If a major project is planned, a more intensive been held with planning authorities to agree dialogue between the developer and the planning methods of complying with those conditions, authority, prior to the submission of the planning which may involve some form of monitoring. application, is recommended. It is good practice Some elements could be dealt with through a liaison forum set up from the links the developer Energy production Energy to submit the environmental statement (or has already established with the local community. informal environmental information) at the same There may also need to be agreement to off-site time as the planning application. highway improvements, which would involve 4 The formal process begins with the submission discussions with the Highway Authority and local of the planning application, which will lead to landowners. some form of statutory consultation. The planning 7 If planning permission is refused, developers authority is obliged to publicise the planning have a right to appeal within six months. application as soon as it is formally received, at 34 which point anyone can make comments on the Overall, if a site is suitable, and a well-considered proposals. planning application is made, which seeks to take into account the concerns or likely concerns of While planning applications and EAs require a local communities and statutory consultees, it is high degree of technical input, it is important to much more likely to receive a positive response. recognise that these are public documents, and developers should ensure that results are presented in as accessible a form as possible, with Grid connection and the minimum of technical or scientific jargon. In route of power lines addition, the developer will be required to Not all schemes will require grid connections. For produce a non-technical summary planning example, heat schemes will only require pipe statement for public information, and a formal networks for circulating the hot water. However, in summary will be required if there is an EA. projects where electricity is being generated, If the development does require a formal EA, the planning consent is required for the grid local authority has 16 weeks to deal with the connection. The developer will have established a application. If no formal EA is required, the local dialogue with the Regional Electricity Company to authority has up to 8 weeks. The developer has determine the route and will have assessed any the right to appeal against the failure of the local visual implications of the preferred route and authority to decide the application at the end of 8 method of grid connection. Planning consent for or 16 weeks. the grid connection is obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the 5 The Secretary of State has the ability to call in Electricity Act 1989. The developer will make direct planning applications, at which point they are contact with the consent section at the DTI or the taken out of the hands of the local authority. This relevant department in the Scottish Office. The DTI may happen if there is considered to be a breach has two months to make a decision on the of the development plan policy or if the application, unless an Environmental Assessment is Government Regional Office (in England only) required, in which case the period is four months. considers that the proposed development raises Environmental Assessment may be required, issues of more than local concern. If the depending on the nature, scale and location of the developer is working effectively with the local grid connection proposal. authority and local community, any such issues and potential problems will have been identified The scope of the application for consent will at an early stage. include the whole of any new overhead line Energy production 35 Illustration: © ARBRE Energy Limited Architect’s drawing Architect’s of ARBRE Plant – Europe’s elevation scale first large plant to be power energy fuelled by crops. A developer can apply to the local authority a for can apply A developer noise levels, times of working, prior consent over of Section and similar issues (under the provisions This may Act 1974). of Pollution 61 of the Control to local residents: reassurance help provide of the reputation can damage this stage at difficulties also It would starts operation. it even a plant before be good practice to consult with the local as they Health Officers, Environmental authority’s complaints and could defuse deal with any would can give quickly if they more local antagonism any directly. answers The level of the impact of construction will of The level of the plant being depend on the scale constructed. An on-farm heat generating plant is minimal impacts during to have likely energy In larger generating construction. in which electricity is schemes using SRC, a purpose-built power supplied to the grid, is which generating plant will be constructed, greater creating building, entail new to likely impacts which need to be mitigated. As with any specific issues are there development, new the construction of the power arising from (for related more generating plant which are site than neighbours) to living near to a building These include construction plant. to a power impact on the access road, noise and dust, emissions to the light pollution, transport noise, establishing a diesel spillage, from ground be larger construction compound which may wayleaves. for and negotiations than the final site, Construction of plant New connections will have an impact both on and an impact both connections will have New the connection to make off-site (ie lines or cables lines can of overhead The visual effect to the grid). by level to an acceptable be mitigated usually will plan for developers but selection, route careful of a grid route the same connection at the likely generating planning the power are time as they there exists, a gridWhere connection already plant. to will still be an impact on-site (ie simple fixing connection Underground existing grid system). in certain cases the visual impact and may reduces lines. be economic in comparison with overhead the visual intrusion short term is only In this case, is carriedwhilst the work out. between the site substation and the point of and the the site substation between with the existing electricityconnection grid. The normal grid biomass with an SRC connection which for overhead 11 or 33kV, at plant will be Good lines will be carried poles. on eight metre the local planning authoritypractice suggests that as of the line, the route should be consulted on representations an opportunity to make have they they that or indicate amendments, for or requests it feel may and developers no objection, have local residents to consult appropriate also be would this stage. of the line at the potential route over districtCounty councils and (or unitary councils for authorities) the application consultees on are either council means and objection by consent, However, inquiry. to be a public is likely there that which will it is the Regional Electricity Company of determine and the nature the route ultimately the line of the grid Therefore the grid connections. the at known not be completely connection may the power for the planning application time that plant is decided. generating Method statement Emissions to ground: bunding to reduce diesel spillage would probably be a The specific measures which developers plan to requirement of planning permission. take to minimise disruption and mitigate any undesirable impacts during construction should be Duration of construction: an estimated spelt out in an agreed construction method construction timetable should be included in statement, which will have been negotiated as part the method statement. of the planning permission and which should be Transport and traffic: the construction process built into the contract with the contractors for the might require consideration of: building. It should provide a comprehensive and Energy production Energy site specific statement about how all the factors off-site highway changes such as setting listed above will be mitigated. This would include: back hedges, hedge-trimming

Reducing noise nuisance as much as possible bridges: need to consider loading and by working only during the normal working height day. It would be good practice to consult the road developments eg minor road local authority’s Environmental Health Officer widening. who can advise on acceptable construction site noise levels. Developers will wish to See Harvesting and Transport chapter for more details on possible problems and 36 consult and have regard to British Standard (BS) 5228 on Noise Control on Construction mitigating activities. and Demolition. The method statement can be required as part of Timing construction carefully, to avoid the planning permission. Although it is good damage if the area or surroundings are practice for a method statement to be prepared in environmentally sensitive (eg at certain times all circumstances, it is unlikely that it will be of year): there should also be consultation required for small scale projects. The statement with the local planning authority regarding should be drafted by the developer, and discussed proposed traffic movements. with the planners, the environmental health department of the relevant local authority and with Dust: water can be used to suppress dust. community representatives and local people. This Lighting: consultation is recommended with will help to demonstrate that the developer has the local authority’s Environmental Health thought about the possible problems and their Officer for advice on guidelines on light mitigation, as well as about residual impacts and pollution (further details on light pollution how to address them. are given below). The method statement will need to provide Size of construction compound: the site will detailed guidance for the construction contractors, need to be sufficiently large to allow space but it would be good practice to produce an for mitigation of any construction impacts, as additional summary in plain English for planning well as simply meeting the physical needs of authorities and local communities for the reasons construction. Attention should be given to outlined above. returning the surrounding area to its original status after construction.

Illustration: © Limited ARBRE Energy Architect’s drawing of ARBRE Plant elevation – Europe’s first large scale power plant to be fuelled by energy crops. Noise Operation The conditions of the planning permission are likely to specify noise limits. Expert advice is required in each case to identify and of plant negotiate acoustic measures (if these are required) and noise conditions. Although not The power generating plant is the centre of always essential, the developer and/or the the production of renewable energy from local authority may wish to carry out a SRC. It is here that the balance between the background noise survey to establish the global environmental benefits of SRC energy

ambient level of noise in the environment production Energy production and the local impact of its prior to the development. production is most apparent. Good practice requires careful planning to ensure that the Sources of potential noise need to be identified, such as engines, condensers and benefits of clean electricity are matched by chippers, and plans can then be made to sensitively and effectively managed systems for mitigate these through appropriate design of energy conversion. the site, such as creating a hedge or tree As with any agricultural or small industrial barrier around the plant, and appropriate development, the operations of the power technology. 37 generating plant may have some negative Regulator: environmental health department impacts in terms of emissions and an increase of local authority. in traffic around the plant. Some of these impacts, and therefore any mitigating activities, will be negligible in smaller schemes. However, Light even the largest SRC power generating plant There are no statutory criteria for light pollution currently envisaged will have far fewer although measures can be taken to reduce negative impacts on the local area than many unnecessary obtrusive light: light pollution can cause serious physiological and ecological other developments, and can be compared problems, and wastes energy and money. The more easily with other agricultural Institution of Lighting Engineers’ Guidance developments than with any conventional Notes for the Reduction of Light Pollution suggests a power plants. Nevertheless, and especially in number of measures, including: larger schemes, attention needs to be given to the following, Lights should be directed at and not above all of which are covered in more detail below: their target; if aimed at observers, the main beam angle should be no more than 70°. noise light In certain environmental zones, such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural dust and smell Beauty (AONBs) or other ‘dark landscapes’, ash only light from public roads should be emissions to ground and water deemed acceptable for all night lighting. courses Similar guidelines apply to other special areas. emissions to air (including plume) transport and traffic Curfews should be introduced, for example fuel storage. between 11pm and dawn, when lights not required for security are shut off.

The regulations which will be in force depend on Further advice can be obtained from the local the scale of the development, as will the identity authority Environmental Health Officer, or of the regulatory authority: it is likely to be the the Institution of Lighting Engineers. local authority as power generating plants using SRC are unlikely to exceed 15-20MW. Dust and smell or disposal of the ash as a by-product will have to take full consideration of this. It is The combustion of SRC is unlikely to create dust good practice for a full assessment of the and smell problems beyond the boundaries of the contents of the ash to be undertaken before site. However, developers should consider the any use is determined. following: If there is no use identified, the ash will need Potential problems need to be addressed to be disposed of in a landfill. through the design of the site, and expert advice is required in each individual case to consider: Emissions to ground Energy production Energy what is likely to be discharged and water courses what are the potential risks Water courses could possibly be affected by emissions such as leachate, surface water how can they be avoided or at least run-off, abstraction and water tables being minimised. affected by site level.

Health and safety: problems can arise from Any possibility of soil contamination from spores which can develop when wood is leachate from stored fuel, waste, ash or 38 harvested when wet and then stored for clinker will be dealt with at the planning nine months or more. This is specifically an stage in consultation with the local authority on-site problem related to health and safety environmental health department and the at work and would not affect the wider Environment Agency. neighbourhood. Regulator: Environment Agency (for rivers Regulator: Health and Safety Executive; local and watersheds); water authority (if there is authority under the Environmental Protection any run-off into sewers). Act (EPA) 1990. Emissions to air Ash (including plume) There are two types of ash produced: ash collected As with the combustion of any fuel, there will be in the combustion unit (the residue left in the emissions to air. However, wood has a much lower primary chamber); and ash collected from the flue sulphur and nitrogen content than coal, and gases. There is, however, a closed circuit process for therefore electricity generated through SRC (if all ash since it is captured and can be safely displacing coal) will result in a reduction in the contained prior to a decision on disposal or use. national emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides. The amount of ash produced depends on the In addition, energy produced from SRC will be technology used; in gasification plants it is very carbon neutral (see Introduction). However, good small, only 1-2% of the original bulk. Handling practice requires making every effort to reduce the procedures for ash would be dealt with by the EPA impact of operations on air quality and preventing Authorisation. The following general points may emissions through the efficient use of conversion apply: technologies and, where appropriate, best Ash can be a valuable by-product: it has abatement technology. There is a variety of considerable potential value as a low nitrate technologies which can be used for generating fertiliser, and may be used as a raw material electricity and/or heat from SRC including in the brick and cement industries. gasification. For details of types of technology, see Figure 3. The wood being burnt is likely to contain small quantities of heavy metals, either For larger scale schemes it is likely that gasification naturally occurring or from some types of processes will be used. Gasification is generally fertiliser used to grow the fuel crop. Any use considered to be cleaner than combustion. Energy production 39 Regulator: local authority, under the EPA local authority, Regulator: 1990. Sulphur dioxide: The sulphur content of The sulphur Sulphur dioxide: with UK compared weight, by is 0.1% wood contains 0.8-1% sulphur. coal which typically to be a major is not likely SRC Organics: substances such as organic source of toxic which are and furans, dioxins PAHs, combustion of many a result as produced burning of SRC and use Controlled processes. pollution abatement of appropriate these to a minimum. equipment will keep has a small inherent wood oxides: Nitrogen weight 0.1% by typically content, nitrogen with coal which compared is SRC, willow for to result so using SRC is likely 1%: typically emissions. in lower will also be in the form of vapour Water will form the vapour The water emitted. has minimal of a plume but visual effect pollution implications. by the growing trees planted for fuel. The fuel fuel. planted for trees the growing by period a cropping of two over cycle is neutral to five years. Transport Details of the transport of the implications given plant are generating of the power operations together chapter, Transport in the Harvesting and action. with some guidance on mitigating 2 fixed 2 is a greenhouse gas. One gas. is a greenhouse 2 of the principal environmental benefits of SRC benefits of the principal environmental CO Any it is carbon neutral. as a fuel is that emitted will be compensated by the CO by emitted will be compensated Carbon dioxide: CO Carbon dioxide: Carbon monoxide: burning fuel in an oxygen Carbon monoxide: with good fuel and air rich environment, carbon monoxide distribution keeps emissions to a minimum. Particulate: tiny particles in the flue gas, tiny Particulate: pollution be minimised by which would and good combustion equipment abatement control. The principal could arise that the emissions from plant are: Emissions to air will be strictly controlled and Emissions to air will be strictly controlled in Authorisation, under the EPA monitored All records accordance with the formal guidance. in the public are Authorisation to the relating the at viewing public for domain and available local authority offices. Specialist plume modelling exercises can help Specialist plume modelling exercises as height of the chimney, the appropriate establish and the general buildings the height of the nearby These the visibility of the plume. affects topography concerns from any can also help allay exercises confirming the correct height by local residents It is important that and design of the chimney. the balance between recognise local people fully the impact of the contents of the plume mitigating and the permanent construction(ie water) of a This be less acceptable. which may higher chimney, consultation detailed community is an issue for Agency. the Environment from and expert advice Exhaust stacks will be necessary for all plants, even Exhaust stacks all plants, will be necessary for plants and pyrolysis gasification for though those and smaller than an lower be will generally use gas unit because they steam boiler equivalent turbines and internal engines. combustion visual low engine exhausts can have Reciprocating small diameter flues can be impact because their power All SRC profile. a building arranged to follow of sulphur levels low very plant exhausts contain and so the stackoxides to does not need to be high be avoidable Steam plume should disperse them. for in certain circumstances: problem be a may but cause may the micro-climate where example, is not the plume if the chimney of grounding high. sufficiently Monitoring Decommissioning

The scale of monitoring procedures depends As a matter of good practice, any developer will to a great extent on the scale of operations. want to prepare and plan for change. They may Monitoring the impact of an on-farm scheme therefore wish to consider possible alternatives may be fairly limited, while requirements for for the facility at the end of its life as a power monitoring a 5-10MW power generating generating plant, in which case it would be good plant may be more stringent. Monitoring can practice to consider decommissioning at the

Energy production Energy have many positive effects: good monitoring planning stage of the project. procedures can be one of the most effective A well-designed, good quality building in the right tools in boosting local confidence in the location may be able to be adapted (and sold) for plant, as the impacts are seen to be alternative industrial uses if no longer required as a constantly under scrutiny. Statutory and power plant. Alternatively, the land may have a development value. Like any industrial site, it will voluntary monitoring procedures will be need to be checked for ground contamination (such required, both of which will be identified as diesel fuel spillage) and assessment and during the planning process and are likely to remediation carried out. However, the risks are likely 40 be set as a condition of planning permission. to be less in the case of a power generating plant Monitoring needs to start before operations using SRC than in most industrial developments. begin, to ensure that an appropriate benchmark The developer and local authority may wish to can be established against which future findings consider the possibility of limited life planning can be measured. All the impacts of the plant permission, 20 years for example, at which time will need to be monitored, and a range of restitution of the land can be discussed in detail. different types of monitoring will be required, such as:

Some emissions to air need to be monitored comprehensively on the site of the plant itself and at sites surrounding the plant at varying distances; sampling (such as of foliage and soil) may also need to be carried out regularly. Much of this is likely to be a condition of the EPA Authorisation. Quarterly monitoring exercises may be required in at least the first year, reviewable at the end of that period, to reassure local residents and the local authority.

Noise is unlikely to be monitored routinely on an official basis; for local authorities it is essentially a complaint-driven process.

Traffic and transport routes need to be monitored to ensure that transport contractors are keeping to contract obligations and planning conditions, and that impacts are acceptable.

All these, and other issues, are only likely to be fully monitored if identified as potential problems early in the development process. Appendix 1

Consultation on guidelines

The process Richard DeBoys, Forestry Commission Appendix 1 These guidelines were produced using consensus building Fred Dumbleton, ETSU techniques. Environmental Resolve, an undertaking of The Caroline Foster, ETSU Environment Council, managed the process, which brought Vincent Furkettle, Forestry Authority together the industry, environmentalists, planners and government agencies in order to address potential stakeholder Robert Goodwin, Robert Goodwin & Sons concerns and support the development of the industry in a Ian Higham, ETSU sensitive manner. The process was designed and guided by a Joanne Hirst, National Farmers Union steering group made up of British Biogen, Friends of the Huw Jones, Countryside Council for Wales Earth, ETSU and Environmental Resolve. Keith Kirby, English Nature This innovative approach involved a series of workshops and William Livingston, Mitsui Babcock Energy Limited small sub-group meetings during the first half of 1996. 41 Jane McWilliam, MAFF Participants used their experience to develop and agree detailed guidelines on what constitutes good practice in Andy Moffat, Forestry Commission developing an economic, efficient, environmentally sound Lucy Morgan-Edwards, Country Landowners Association and publicly acceptable SRC energy production industry. Draft Chris Muskett, Ashdown Environmental Ltd material was written up by an editor working to each group, Andy Neale, Countryside Commission circulated and amended by agreement, and then collated by Martin Nellist, Silsoe Research Institute the overall editor. A full list of those involved is given below. Steve Parker, Long Ashton Research Station Steering Group Colin Pile, Barton Willmore Planning Partnership Peter Billins, British Biogen Keith Pitcher, Yorkshire Environmental/ARBRE Caroline Foster, ETSU Tony Redman, Nordistribution Ltd Anna Stanford, Friends of the Earth Joanne Roberts, ETSU Pippa Hyam and Jennifer Marusiak, Environmental David Royle, Long Ashton Research Station Resolve Rufus Sage, Game Conservancy Trust John Seed, Border Biofuels Working groups and seminars Nick Sotherton, Game Conservancy Trust Three working groups met twice each during the process to develop the three main chapters (Growing, Harvesting and Anna Stanford, Friends of the Earth Transport, Energy Production). There were also several larger Edward Stenhouse, ESL workshops and seminars: one at the beginning of the process Candy Stevens, SWEB to set the parameters and identify key participants, a smaller Paul Tabbush, Forestry Authority sub-group to agree the structure and contents of the Marcus Trinick, Bond Pearce Solicitors guidelines, and another larger meeting at the end to consider Ros Twemlow, S C Banks the full draft. The following attended one or more of these meetings: Michael Wall, Forestry Commission Julian Allen, University of Westminster Adam Wallace, FWAG Chris Baines, Environmentalist Jackie Ward, Mid-Suffolk District Council Peter Billins, British Biogen Georgina Welling, S C Banks Jim Birse, British Biogen Editors Adrian Bowles, Border Biofuels Three editors drafted text on behalf of the participants: Barnaby Briggs, RSPB Diane Warburton (overall editor, and for Energy Production Mike Brown, University of Westminster group) Rupert Burr, Roves Farm Roderick Robinson (Harvesting and Transport) Phillip Callaghan, Department of the Environment Carla Smith (Growing) Murray Carter, Ingerthorpe Hall Environmental Resolve team David Clay, Avon Vegetation Research Pippa Hyam (project manager) Karl Cradick, Terrence O'Rourke Jennifer Marusiak Appendix 2

Statutory and non-statutory consultees

Appendix 2 The bodies which are consulted will depend on the scale, Other consultees location and nature of the proposal. However, it would be good practice for developers of SRC energy production plants It will be appropriate, depending on the size and nature of to consider which of the following bodies are likely to have the scheme, to consult with a range of other consultees. The an interest in, or be affected by, a new plant or coppice following sample list is not exhaustive: plantation and consult them at an early stage. This is by no Government Office (generally, when major scheme means an exhaustive list, and may be extended to include proposed; Department of Transport/Highways Agency if specific local organisations, or additional organisations a trunk road is affected) relevant to particular local circumstances. Town and Parish councils Specifically, under the Town and Country Planning Health and Safety Executive (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 Regional/local water company 42 (8.5), the authority is required to consult the following bodies when an environmental statement is produced: English Heritage a) any body which the local planning authority would be Local amenity groups (eg preservation group, required by article 15 of the General Development Order wildlife/naturalist trust, town society) (amended by SI 1986/435) or any direction under that article to consult if the application were before them Local environmental groups (eg Friends of the Earth local groups) b) the following bodies if not included in paragraph (a): Local community and residents groups i) any principal council for the area where the land is situated, if not the local planning authority (including Ramblers Association: if proposal affects a public right of consultation of the county council by the district council) way ii) the Countryside Commission (or Countryside Council for British Gas, BT or other telecom company, Railtrack: if Wales, or Scottish Natural Heritage) near one of their installations, land or equipment iii)English Nature (formerly the Nature Conservancy Civil Aviation Authority or Ministry of Defence: if a Council) major proposal and in close proximity to civil airport or iv)the Environment Agency (formerly HMIP, NRA and military installation others) in certain circumstances. The RSPB regional office The county wildlife trust. Within local government Different departments within the planning authority may require consultation. Some of these may require consultation across the boundaries of the responsibilities of county and district authorities, or may be within a unitary authority: Environmental Health Engineer/Technical Services Highways Planning Policy/Economic Development Built Heritage (Conservation Area, Listed Buildings) Waste Disposal Minerals Archaeology Environment/Countryside Management/Wildlife Conservation County Fire Officer. Appendix 3 43 Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive S3 7HQ Sheffield Broadlane, Centre, Information Agency Highways Bristol BS2 9DJ Houlton Street, House, Tollgate Ingerthorpe Hall Farm HG3 3PD Yorkshire North Harrogate, Markington, Institute of Hydrology Wallingford, Gifford, Crowmarsh Maclean Building, 8BB OX10 Oxfordshire Institution of Lighting Engineers CV21 2DZ Warks Rugby, Road, 9 Lawford House, Lennox Station Ashton Research Long BS18 9AF Avon Bristol, Ashton, Long FisheriesAgriculture, (MAFF) and Food Ministry of Whitehall Place, 10 Room 401, Unit, Crops Alternative London SW1A 2HH Mid-Suffolk District Council IP6 8DL Ipswich Needham Market, 131 High Street, Limited Energy Mitsui Babcock 8UW PA4 Renfrew High Street, Centre, Technology FarmersNational Union Avenue, 164 Shaftesbury Agriculture House, London WC2H 8HL Ltd Nordistribution Sussex BN8 6PH East Lewes, Shortgate, The Broyle, Visitor Centre Farm Roves Swindon SN6 7GQ Near Highworth, Sevenhampton, RSPB Beds SG19 2DL Sandy, The Lodge, S C Banks Plc Beds SG19 1LD Sandy, 29 St Neots Road, Agriculture, Scottish Office and Fisheries Department Environment EH14 1TY Edinburgh Loan, 47 Robbs House, Pentland HeritageScottish Natural EH9 2AS Edinburgh Terrace, 12 Hope Institute Silsoe Research MK45 4HS Bedford Silsoe, Park, Wrest SWEB Almondsbury, West, Aztec 800 Avenue, Park Bristol BS12 4SE plc O’Rourke Terrence Bournemouth BH7 7DU Deansleith Road, Everdene, Westminster of University Road, Marylebone 35 Studies Group, Transport London NW1 5LS Agriculture Department Office Welsh CF1 3NQ South Glamorgan Cardiff, Park, Cathays The Wildlife Trusts Lincoln LN5 7JR South, Waterside Park, Witham The Green, office. nearest Contact for 01522 544400. Tel: Environmental Yorkshire Leeds LS1 4BG Street, Sovereign The Embankment, 2 3 see Forestry Commission see Forestry

Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments Welsh Cadw Cardiff CF2 1UY 2 Fitzalan Road, Brunel House, Council for the Protection of Rural England Road, 25 Buckingham Palace House, Warwick London SW1W 0PP Association Country Landowners 8PQ London SW1X Square, 16 Belgrave Countryside Commission Glos GL50 Cheltenham, Place, Crescent House, Dower John office. nearest Contact for 01242 521381. Tel: 3RA. Wales Countryside Council for Bangor LL57 2LQ Penrhos, Ffordd Plas Penrhos, Agriculture for NorthernDepartment of Ireland 3SB BT4 Belfast Road, Upper Newtownards Dundonald House, Department of the Environment 3EB London SW1P 2 Marsham Street, and Industry Trade Department of London SW1E 6RB Victoria Street, 123 House, Ashdown English Nature PE1 Peterborough Northminster Road, Northminster House, office. nearest for Contact 01733 340345. Tel: 1UA. Agency Environment Bristol Almondsbury, West, Aztec Drive, Waterside Rio House, office. nearest Contact for 01454 624400. Tel: BS12 4UD. Stenhouse Limited Edward TN7 4ES E Sussex Hartfield, Colemans Hatch, Newbridge, ETSU 0RA OX11 Oxfordshire Didcot, Harwell, Authority Forestry - Commission Forestry EH12 7AT. Edinburgh 231 Corstorphine Road, office. nearest Contact for 0131 334 0303. Tel: Friends of the Earth London N1 7JQ Street, 26-28 Underwood FWAG Kenilworth, Stoneleigh, Agricultural Centre, National CV8 2RX Warwickshire Trust The Game Conservancy FP6 1EF Hampshire Fordingbridge, Manor, Burgate 7th Floor, 63-66 Hatton Garden, Garden, 63-66 Hatton 7th Floor, London EC1 8LE Ashdown Environmental Ltd Environmental Ashdown TN7 4AR East Sussex Upper Hartfield, The Oast House, Research Vegetation Avon Bristol BS19 2YF Nailsea, Close, 2 Fouracres Planning Partnership Willmore Barton W1N 7FJ London Street, 62 Margaret Solicitors Bond Pearce PL1 3AE Plymouth Hoe Road, West Ballard House, Biofuels Ltd Border St Boswells, Newtown Horizons Centre, Tweed TD6 Melrose 0SG British Biogen

Contacts Appendix Appendix Appendix 4

Glossary

Appendix 4 The following terms are used in these guidelines, and the herbicides definitions given refer to their meaning in the context of this kV: Kilovolts document: other sources may use the terms differently. kW : Kilowatts of electrical energy Age-class: Forestry term relating the age of the crop to e expected yield kWth: Kilowatts of thermal energy Billet: SRC cut as short sticks 3-30cm in length Low input crop: Crop requiring little management and a low level of external inputs eg fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides Biofuel: Any solid, liquid or gaseous fuel derived from biomass Monoclonal: Planting consisting of a single clone (hybrid) of a particular species Biomass: Fuel derived from agricultural or forestry material MW: A unit of power. 1MW=1000 watts Bunding: An artificial protective bank MWe: A megawatt of electrical power 44 Char: The solid residue from pyrolysis containing a high percentage of unburnt carbon MWth: A megawatt of thermal power (heat) Chips: Small pieces of wood for energy conversion (2.5cm x Pathogens: Disease carrying organisms 2.5cm) PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - toxic organic Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Generating both heat and compounds electricity. Generally more efficient than generating power Planning conditions: Conditions relating to the construction alone. and operation of a development imposed as part of the Consultation: Encouraging the involvement of those with an granting of planning permission interest in the development, by providing information and Planning permission: Formal local authority permission to taking account of their views carry out development Consultees: Those who are consulted about a development Plume: Visible emission to air from chimney (water vapour) Coppice: Dense growth of small trees or bushes regularly Pyrolysis: Process by which wood is converted via trimmed back for re-growth carbonisation and gasification into a liquid fuel. Can be Cropmarks: Archeological features, seen from the air carried out in naturally aerated or vacuum conditions Decommissioning: Closing and dismantling the facility after Residual herbicide: Chemical compound applied to weeds its useful life which, having killed them, retains its effects for a period of Dioxins: Toxic organic compounds time Energy balance: The ratio of energy into a process (inputs), to Rides: Unplanted longitudinal areas between SRC plantations energy from a process (outputs) used for access Energy crops: Crops dedicated to energy production Root Mat: Network of roots created by crop immediately Environment Agency: Statutory body regulating emissions to below the soil surface water, air and land. Formerly HMIP, NRA and WRA Rotation: Length of time between harvests or ‘cutting cycle’ EPA: Environmental Protection Act 1990 Row crop: Any traditional arable crop eg. cereals, Exhaust stack: Chimney potatoes etc Flue: Chimney Short Rotation Coppice (SRC): Willow or poplar grown as an agricultural crop on a short (2-5 year) rotation cutting Fuel specification: Technical description of fuel characteristics cycle and at a planting density of 10-20,000 cuttings/ha and properties Furans: Toxic organic compounds Statutory rights of way: Pathways or access routes which are legally recognised; must allow public right of way Gas turbine: Rotary engine burning gaseous fuels Sustainable development: Development which meets present Gasification: Conversion of solid or liquid fuel into needs without compromising the ability of future generations combustible gas to meet their own needs Grounding: Where stack emmissions are drawn to ground Transmission losses: The decline in energy when it is moved due to local weather conditions from the point of generation to the point of use Headland: Vehicle turning area surrounding the plantation Water table: The level in the soil below which soil pore space Hectare: Limit of area 10,000 square metres (2.471 acres) is saturated with water Herbicide: Chemical product used to control weed growth Wayleaves: Rights of way for the provision of services High input crop: Crop requiring intensive management and a Woodland residue: Branch and brash material arising from high level of external inputs eg fertilisers, pesticides, woodland management Appendix 5 45 , , 7D: 980- 7D: , (Ref 11/94) , Department of the (Ref 2/95) (in preparation) (in preparation) (Ref 1/94) Technical Development Branch Reports: Branch Reports: Development Technical Harvesting and Comminution of Short Rotation Coppice and Comminution of Short Rotation Harvesting (Ref 1/94) Coppice Harvesters of Short Rotation First Field Evaluations produced for MAFF by ADAS. Available from HMSO, ref HMSO, from Available ADAS. MAFF by for produced RB209. Commission Forestry Testing Initial Selection of Equipment for Coppice Harvesters of Short Rotation Trials Second Field (Ref 1/95) Coppice Harvesters of Short Rotation Trials Field Third (in preparation) SRC Harvesters caused by Ground Damage Environment/Welsh Office. HMSO/Welsh Office, 1989. Office, HMSO/Welsh Office. Environment/Welsh of landscape and countryside treatment The - Assessment Environmental Countryside CCP 326 (1991). Commission issues. recreation Walgrave, 124, PO Box Sales, Postal from Available 01604 781848. Tel: Northampton 9TL. NN6 short using new songbird communities affecting 'Factors and P.A. Sage R.B. by in spring', coppice habitats rotation 201-213. 43: Bird Study 1996. Robertson. short occupying wild plant communities affecting 'Factors by and in Eire', in the UK on farmland coppice crops rotation In Proceedings of the Brighton Crop Protection 1995. Sage. R.B. 1995-TheConference control in land use change role of weed 985. Crops and Horticultural Agricultural for Recommendations Fertiliser Notes: Technical Commission Forestry Harvesting Coppice for of Short Rotation Layout Environmental Assessment. A Guide to the Procedures. A Guide to the Procedures. Assessment. Environmental Options Transport Coppice Rotation Short Harvesting (Ref 11/95) of Comminution Machinery in SRC Tests Initial (Ref 3/96) of Comminution Machinery in SRC Second Evaluation (Ref 7/96) Coppice Scale Comminution of Short Rotation Large (Ref 13/96) Technical Commission, the Forestry from Available Dumfries DG1 1QB. Village, Ae Branch, Development 01387 860264. Tel: Institution of . the Reduction of Light Pollution Guidance Notes for 1994. Lighting Engineers, Coppice and Short Rotation Woodlands Farm Herbicides for by Ian Willoughby and David Clay. Forestry Commission, Field Commission, Forestry Clay. and David Willoughby Ian by Book 14. Landscape Assessment Countryside Commission CCP423 . Guidance Walgrave, 124, PO Box Sales, Postal from Available (1993). . US . ATB- Countryside Alternative 5 on Short Rotation DOE/Welsh Office/MAFF. DOE/Welsh Department of Trade and Trade Department of (Bi-monthly). Macpherson (Bi-monthly). (in preparation) The Game Conservancy Trust. The Game Conservancy

Technical information information Technical Agriculture Fact Sheets and Forestry Coppice: Establishment No 1: Clone Selection No 2: Choice of Site No 3: Chemical Weed No 4: Control been tried on SRC plantations have Herbicides which No 5: and Figures Facts Energy No 6: Aspects Environmental No 7. Design Plantation No 8: and Disease Control Pest No 9: Non-Chemical Weed No 10: Control Pheasants No 11: Songbirds No 12: Insects Associated and Vegetation Beneficial Ground No 13: Diseases and Pests Combating Design: Plantation No 14: SRC and Poplar Willow on Insect Pests No 15: Mechanised Harvesting Available from the New and Renewable Energy Enquiries Energy and Renewable the New from Available Oxon OX11 Didcot, Harwell, 168, Building ETSU, Bureau, 01235 432450 or 433601. Tel: 1RA. Beetle Banks. Landbase. Available from British Biogen, National Farmers National British from Biogen, Available Landbase. Timber Growers Association, Country Landowners Union, ATB-Landbase. and Association Coppice. from Short Rotation Energy Home-Grown 1996. Press, Farming Macpherson. George Systems Energy of Biomass the development Principles and Guidelines for Table. Biofuels Round National the coppice - Phase 1, of short rotation value Enhancing the conservation potential, conservation of wildlife identification Poulson. Robertson & J.G. P.A. Sage, R.B. by 1994. ETSU B/W5/00277/REP, DOE, 1996. DOE, crops An introduction to biomass energy - is Green Future The Background information Background & User Newsletter. Biomass Farmer Wiltshire Calne, The Green, House, Maundrell Associates, SN11 8DL. Uses - Support Schemes. Industrial and Energy Crops for London SW1A 2HH. Whitehall Place, 10 MAFF, Unit, Crops 0171-270 8323. Tel: Countryside. Welsh the for and Perspectives Policy Energy: 1993. Wales, Council for of Mercia. in the Forest Forestry Energy Ref ETSU B/W5/00241/REP. 1993. Industry/ETSU, Guide to the Planning System. A Farmers

Further Information Appendix Appendix Northampton NN6 9TL. Tel: 01604 781848. Scottish Statutes Poplar and Willow Clones for Short Rotation Coppice, The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972. Research Information Note 278, Forestry Commission. HMSO, 1972. Principles of Landscape and Visual Assessment. Institute of Scottish Regulations and Circulars Environmental Assessment and the Landscape Institute, 1995. SOEnD Circular 1/1988. EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. HMSO, 1988. A review of the status and control strategies of known and perceived insect pests on Salix and Populus in North West Europe, by R.B. Sage, 1994. SOEnD Circular 13/1988. Environmental Assessment - ETSU B/M3/00388/10/REP. Implementation of the EC Directive. HMSO, 1988. Rust: SOEnD Circular 13/1991. Nature Conservation and Part VIII of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. HMSO, 1991. 'Clonal mixtures of Salix - a control measure for rust', by SOEnD Circular 26/1994. The Environment Assessment Appendix 5 W.M. Dawson, A.R. McCracken & C.Y. Allen. In Proceedings of (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1994. HMSO, 1994. 9th European Bioenergy Conference Copenhagen, Denmark, June 1996 (in press). The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988. 'Growing short rotation coppice willow (Salix) in clonal National Planning Policy Guidance Note 6: Renewable mixtures as a method of reducing the impact of rust disease Energy. caused by Malampsora epitea var epitea', by A.R. McCracken and W.M. Dawson, 1996. In Eur. J. For. Path. (in press). This list of statutes, regulations and circulars is not Sewage sludge: exhaustive. Only instruments of general importance are Code of Practice for the Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge. DOE listed. Regulations on areas of narrower interest and Publications. Tel: 0181-429 5186. guidance on these areas are not included. Access to 46 information on these documents can be obtained through Sewage sludge. Free leaflet for farmers and landowners. From the Environment Agency, local planning authorities or MAFF Publications. Tel: 0645 556000. professional advisers. Sewage sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989. From DOE Publications. Tel: 0181-429 5186. Use of Sewage Sludge, by Andy Moffat. Forestry Commission.

Legislation and regulations English and Welsh Statutes 1990 Town and Country Planning Act. HMSO, 1990. 1990 Environmental Protection Act. HMSO, 1990. 1995 Environment Act. HMSO, 1990.

English and Welsh Regulations, Circulars and Planning Policy Guidance Notes Statutory Instrument 1988 No 1199. The Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988. HMSO, 1988. Department of the Environment Circular 15/88 (Welsh Office 23/88) Environmental Assessment. HMSO, 1988. Department of the Environment Circular 7/94 (Welsh Office 20/94) Environmental Assessment - Amendment of Regulations. HMSO, 1994. Department of the Environment/Welsh Office Planning Policy Guidance 7: The Countryside and the Rural Economy. HMSO, 1992. Department of the Environment/Welsh Office Planning Policy Guidance 22: Renewable Energy. HMSO, 1993. Reprinting funded by the Department of Trade and Industry through British Biogen.

First printed November 1996, reprinted July 1999

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