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Afon Claerwen Hydro Scheme Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

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Afon Claerwen Hydro Scheme Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Afon Claerwen Hydro Scheme Preliminary Ecological Appraisal September 2017 Version no.2 Afon Claerwen Hydro Scheme Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report prepared by: Laura Cottrell MSc BSc (Hons) Neil Parker CEnv MCIEEM Environment Systems Ltd. 9 Cefn Llan Science Park Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 3AH Tel: +44 (0)1970 626688 www.envsys.co.uk i Afon Claerwen Hydro Scheme Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Executive Summary Environment Systems was commissioned by Elan Hydro Ltd to undertake a desk study and habitat survey to support a proposed 1.1 MW hydro scheme in the Elan Valley, on the Afon Claerwen. The aims of the study were to assess the nature conservation value of the survey area, the likely presence of rare or protected and notable species, and to identify any features, habitats or species, which could constrain the development. Mitigation and enhancement measures are also discussed, where relevant. The site comprises areas of semi-natural woodland, marshy grassland, heathland, modified wet bog, improved and semi-improved acid grassland. The site is surrounded by broadleaved woodland, acid grassland, heathland and agricultural land with associated hedgerows. The habitats are suitable to support protected and notable species but with use of appropriate and sensitive design measures, it is considered that the potential for impact on these species can be avoided and mitigated. The intake and approximately 1.2 km of the pipeline lie within a Site of Special Scientific Impact and Special Protection Area. There will be a small loss (0.17 ha) of modified wet bog. Given the small area, amounting to less than 0.01%, of the overall SSSI, SAC and SPA that the loss will not impact on the integrity of the wider qualifying features. It will therefore be necessary to engage the local planning authority and Natural Resources Wales to consider the need to screen the development proposals for Habitat Regulations Assessment as well as agree the mitigation options identified. Information relating to the sites and the screening for the Habitat Regulations Assessment is provided in Section 5 of this report. Provided the measures identified in this report are developed into construction method statements/plans the effects of the development on ecological receptors will be largely mitigated and will avoid significant ecological effects. ii Afon Claerwen Hydro Scheme Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Table of Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 Development Description ........................................................................................................ 1 Objectives of the Study ........................................................................................................... 1 2. Methodology .................................................................................................................................. 3 Desk Study .............................................................................................................................. 3 Field Survey ............................................................................................................................. 3 Limitations ............................................................................................................................... 4 3. Results ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Statutory Designated Sites ...................................................................................................... 5 Protected and Priority Species ................................................................................................ 6 Extended Phase 1 Habitat ....................................................................................................... 7 Protected and Priority Species .............................................................................................. 10 4. Development Aspects with Potential for Significant Ecological Effects ......................................... 11 Construction Aspects ............................................................................................................ 11 Operational Aspects .............................................................................................................. 11 5. Habitat Regulations Assessment – Screening Information ........................................................... 12 Elenydd-Mallaen SPA ............................................................................................................ 14 Elan Valley Woods SAC ......................................................................................................... 16 Elenydd SAC ......................................................................................................................... 18 6. Discussion .................................................................................................................................... 19 Designated Sites ................................................................................................................... 19 Invertebrates ......................................................................................................................... 22 Reptiles ................................................................................................................................. 22 Birds ...................................................................................................................................... 23 Otter & Water Vole ................................................................................................................. 23 Badger .................................................................................................................................. 24 Bats ....................................................................................................................................... 25 Other Notable Species .......................................................................................................... 25 7. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 26 8. References ................................................................................................................................... 27 Figures ................................................................................................................................................ 29 Figure Series 1 – Designated Sites Plan .......................................................................................... 29 Figure Series 2 – Phase 1 Habitat Map ............................................................................................ 29 Appendix A – Layout Drawings ........................................................................................................... 30 Appendix B –BIS Protected Species Results ....................................................................................... 31 Appendix B – Phase 1 Habitat Survey Target Notes and Species List ................................................ 34 Appendix C – Photographic Plates ...................................................................................................... 35 Appendix D – Dust Management Plan Information .............................................................................. 49 Appendix E – Twyi and Claerwen Invertebrate Survey: Technical Note............................................... 50 Appendix F – Grassland/Heath Extraction and Restoration Method .................................................... 51 iii Afon Claerwen Hydro Scheme Preliminary Ecological Appraisal 1. Introduction Environment Systems was commissioned to undertake ecological survey to support the development design, planning submission and consenting for a hydro-electric scheme operating on the Afon Claerwen in the Elan Valley. Development Description The development is located approximately 10 km southwest of Rhayader (National Grid Reference SN 89553 61784) between the Claerwen and Caban-coch reservoirs. The development is a run-of- river hydro-electric scheme with a capacity of 1.1 MW. Electricity will be generated by abstracting water from a location approximately 1.7 km downstream of the Claerwen Dam. A proportion of the flow (which has already been agreed and licenced by Natural Resources Wales) will be abstracted from the river and fed through either a pipe approximately 1.8 m in diameter or twin smaller (1.2 m) pipes. The pipe(s) will be laid underground and the alignment will broadly follow the southern side of the unmade track for approximately 2 km at which point it will return to the river via a hydro- electric turbine. The turbine will be housed in a small building with dimensions of approximately 10 m x 8 m. In addition to the turbine house there will be a second building and compound containing electrical switchgear and transformer allowing connection to the Distribution Network Operator's (DNO) substation. Both buildings will be cladded in appropriate local materials. Power will be exported along an underground cable to be owned and operated by the local DNO. There will be no requirement for overhead lines. The power house and DNO substation will be located in an improved grassland field as shown
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