Environmental Statement

Stand Alone Non Technical Summary

August 2015

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Prepared By:

Arcus Consultancy Services

7th Floor 145 St. Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5JF

T + 44 ( 0)141 221 9997 l E info@arcusconsulting. co.uk w www. arcusconsulting. co.uk

Registered in England & Wales No. 5644976

Environmental Statement Non- Technical Summary Glen Noe Hydro Scheme

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2 EIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY ...... 2

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 2

4 ENERGY AND PLANNING POLICY ...... 3

5 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRO- GEOMORPHOLOGY ...... 4

6 ECOLOGY ...... 5

7 ORNITHOLOGY ...... 8

8 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT ...... 9

9 SOCIO-ECONOMICS, RECREATION AND ACCESS ...... 11

10 CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY ...... 12

11 NOISE ...... 13

12 TRANSPORTATION AND A CCESS ...... 14

FIGURES

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Environmental Statement Non- Technical Summary Glen Noe Hydro Scheme

1 INTRODUCTION This Non- Technical Summary ( NTS) forms part of the Environmental Statement ( ES) which accompanies the planning application submitted by RWE Innogy UK Ltd ( the Applicant) to Argyll and Bute Council, requesting planning permission to construct, operate and decommission the proposed Glen Noe Hydro Scheme ( the Development). The Development would have a generating capacity of up to 2 megawatts ( MW) and an average annual energy output of approximately 5 ,000 megawatt hours ( MWh). The main components of the Development consist of the following: Up to three intake structures for channelling water from the River Noe, the Allt Garbh tributary and the Allt a’ Bhrait tributary into a penstock ( buried pipeline); A penstock connecting the intake( s) to a power house; A powerhouse ( containing a turbine, generator and associated equipment); An outflow pipeline ( or tailrace) that returns water from the powerhouse to the River Noe. The Development is located on the Glen Noe Estate, near Loch Etive approximately 5 km north east of Taynuilt, within Argyll and Bute ( the Development site). The site location is shown in NTS Figure NTS1. The River Noe travels through the centre of a U -shaped valley in a westerly direction, before feeding into Loch Etive, located immediat ely west of the Development site. Throughout the Development site, the River Noe is met by several tributaries on both the northern and southern sides of the valley. The land adjacent to the River Noe, on both the northern and southern sides, is intersper sed with areas of variable tree cover and consists mainly of moorland. Within the Development site, Invernoe Farmstead and Glennoe Estate are existing residential properties which are accessed by an existing track which travels north from the UC30 Inveraw e Road, which connects to the A85 trunk road near Bridge of Awe, between Tyndrum and Connel. Immediately to the south of the Development site lies Ben Cruachan and several other notable hilltops including Meall Copagach, Meall Riaghain and Stob Dearg. Ben Cruachan houses an existing pump -storage hydro scheme which includes many tunnelled abstractions within the neighbouring catchments, including Glen Noe, and abstracts water from several tributaries which contribute to the River Noe and Allt Garbh. The ES provides information on the identification and assessment of potential significant environmental effects that may occur as a result of the Development. The potential effects as a result of the Development on the following list have been considered with in the ES: Hydrology and Hydro -geomorphology; Ecology; Ornithology; Landscape Character and Visual Assessment Socio -economics, Recreation and Access; Cultural Heritage and Archaeology; Noise; and Transportation and Access. Environmental effects have been studied systematically through an iterative process, the results of which are presented within the ES and summarised in this NTS. These documents inform readers of the nature of the Development, likely environmental effects and measures proposed as part of the Development to safeguard the environment.

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2 EIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA) is the process undertaken to identify and evaluate the likely significant effects of a proposed development on the environment and to identify measures to mitigate or manage any significant adverse effects. The EIA carried out in relation to the Development has been undertaken by specialist environmental and technical consultants on the basis of project information supplied by the Applicant and following consultation with statutory consultees, other bodies and members of the public. The results and findings of the EIA are detailed in this ES. The purpose of identifying significant effects is to ensure decision makers are able to make an informed judgement on a proposal. Where one or more significant effects are identified, it does not automatically follow that a proposal should be refused. The ES has been prepared following a systematic approach to EIA and project design. The process of identifying environmental effects is both iterative and cyclical, running in tandem with the iterative design process. The key elements in EIA are: Scoping and ongoing consultation, including consideration of responses and how these should be addressed; Technical environmental assessments, including baseline studies, input to the desig n process and identification of potential significant environmental effects; Preparation of the ES; and Submission of the planning application and ES, including publicity of the submitted EIA findings. The aim of the scoping process is to identify key environmental issues at an early stage, to determine which elements of the Development are likely to result in significant effects on the environment and to establish the extent of survey and assessment required for the EIA. A Scoping Request for the Developme nt was issued to Argyll and Bute Council in July 2012, and a summary of the issues highlighted in the Scoping Responses. Argyll and Bute Council’ s Scoping Response was issued in May 2013. This included responses from statutory and non -statutory consultees. Environmental effects have been assessed to identify any effects that may be significant in the context of the EIA Regulations. Mitigation is proposed where possible to prevent significant effects. In accordance with the EIA Regulations, the assessment has considered ' cumulative effects', where applicable.

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The layout of the Development is shown on NTS Figure NTS2. The Development is a run -of-river hydroelectric scheme. Unlike storage schemes, the headworks for run- of-river schemes entail minimal water storage upstream of the weir and the output from the turbine is related to the flow of the river. The main components of the Development would comprise the following: Up to three low weirs ( less than 2 m high) that incorporate the inta ke structures from which water is removed into a pipeline ( penstock); A buried pipeline connecting the intake( s) to a powerhouse; A powerhouse ( containing the turbine, generator and associated equipment); An outflow pipeline ( or tailrace) that returns wat er from the powerhouse to the river; and A grid connection to the local electricity distribution network.

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The Development would also require site establishment and laydown areas and a small additional area for site reception, offices and car parking during construction. Operational access to the intakes will be via a ‘ green’ all-terrain vehicle ( ATV) track, rather than a permanent access track. Up to three intake weirs, creating small pools of water ( headponds) upstream, are proposed. The intake weirs wou ld be made of concrete. The corners would be smoothed and local materials ( rock, soil and vegetation) would be used to screen the wing walls to reduce their visual impact and to help integrate the weirs into the surroundings. Water would be collected from the three intakes to collection chambers, which would then transfer flows into a single pipeline leading to the powerhouse. The pipes would be made of plastic or metal and have a diameter of approximately 900 mm with a total length of about 2.8 km. The exact pipeline route would be determined following site investigation as part of the detailed design process. Consequently, the final position of the pipeline may vary by up to 50 m but once the exact route has been determined, the working corridor wou ld be restricted to a width of approximately 30 m ( reduced where necessary in sensitive areas and increased where necessary for safe working). This working corridor would accommodate the pipe trench, the excavated material and a running track for construc tion vehicles. The pipeline would not run through any areas of forestry or woodland, and only minimal tree clearance consisting of individual trees would be required. The powerhouse would be located on a large, flat area of un -used ground near where the River Noe enters Loch Etive. At this location the powerhouse would be screened from the east by a large rocky outcrop and from views westwards over Loch Etive by an area of riparian woodland and a natural bund along the northern bank of the River Noe. Operational access to the powerhouse and would be via the existing estate track, leading off the UC30 Inverawe road. Other than the short section of track at the powerhouse, no permanent access tracks are proposed as part of the Development in order to limit visual effects.

4 ENERGY AND PLANNING POLICY The Town and Country Planning ( Scotland) Act 1997 ( as amended) is the principal piece of legislation governing the use and development of land within Scotland. The Act advises that a Planning Authority must determine a planning application in accordance with the Development Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The statutory Development Plan for Argyll and Bute is comprised of: The Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan ( 2015) 1 ( the LDP). As part of modernising the planning framework in Argyll and Bute, the LDP was adopted on 26th March 2015. The LDP replaces the previous Argyll and Bute Structure Plan 2002) and Argyll and Bute Local Plan ( 2009), which are no longer applicable to the determination of planning applications. The LDP, which has been developed in the context of a variety of other plans, legislation and strategies, sets out the spatial framework for Argyll and Bute to 2024 and beyond, excluding the area of Argyll and Bute covered by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

1 Argyll and Bute Council ( 2015) " Argyll and Bute Council Local Development Plan Adopted March 2015” [ online] Available at: http:// www. argyll- bute. gov. uk/sites/ default/ files/ ldp/adopted/ Written% 20Statement/ Argyll% 20and% 20Bute% 20Adopted% 20Local% 20Developm ent% 20Plan% 20Written% 20Statement% 20Final% 20with% 20Cover. pdf [Accessed 02/09/2015]

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National Park. The fundamental challenges of Argyll and Bute, as set out within section 1.7.1 of the LDP, include: The delivery of sustainable long -term economic growth to support the retention of and growth of our population; To support the transition to a low carbon economy; To help retain and improve essential services; To protect and enhance our outstanding natural and built environment; and Improve our quality of life.” As part of the overall vision for Argyll and Bute, there is clear support for the development of renewable energy proposals. A number of key objectives have been identified which the LDP seeks to fulfil, including: “ to address the impacts of climate change in everything we do, and reduce our carbon footprint ”. In addition to the Develo pment Plan there are a number of material considerations including: Climate Change ( Scotland) Act 2009; National Planning Framework for Scotland 3; Scottish Planning Policy; Several Supplementary Guidance documents which support the LDP; and Argyll and Bute Council Renewable Energy Action Plan .

5 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRO -GEOMORPHOLOGY Chapter 5 of the ES evaluates the effects of the Development on the hydrological and hydro- geomorphological resource. The hydrological assessment for the Development has been base d on a detailed desk study, site walkovers, and consultations with a range of organisations, including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( SEPA), which has been consulted regularly throughout the EIA process. The chapter is supported by the following Technical Appendices: Technical Appendix A5. 1: Hydrology Report ( produced by Hydro -logic); Technical Appendix A5. 2: Hydro -geomorphology Report; Technical Appendix A5.3: Water Management Plan ( WMP); and Technical Appendix A5.4: Water Crossing Inventory ( WCI). The River Noe catchment rises in the eastern area of the Development, where several unnamed tributaries converge to form a main channel. However, the upper Noe catchment area is affected by the Cruachan Power Station , as tunnels through the mountain transfer water into the Cruachan reservoir and this reduces flow into the lower Noe catchment. The Allt a’ Bhrait does not have any upstream abstractions within its catchment. However, the upper area of the Allt Garbh catchment is also affected by the Cruachan Power Station. The Flow Duration Curves ( which show how much water there is in the watercourse ) for the River Noe, Allt a Bhrait and Allt Garbh have been derived by temporary gauging stations, which are located at each proposed intake. Th ese gauging stations were installed in May 2012 and they have remained in -situ for over 24 months and they provided flow data for the Development for the period whilst they were in use . See Technical Appendix A5.1: Hydrology Report for full flow analysis details. The floor of Glen Noe ( and underneath the Development) is covered by ‘ Hummocky’ glacial deposits, which are also known as Diamicton. The nature of these deposits occur in a sporadic pattern across large areas of the Development Site. The Developm ent site is underlain by ‘ Monzodiorite Facies, Cruachan Intrusion’ geology . There are several

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North Britain Siluro -Devonian Cal-alkaline’ dykes which are located at discrete locations along the valley floor of Glen Noe. Rocky outcrops are located in var ious locations throughout the valley. There are no designated wetlands located in the study area or downstream of the Development . The powerhouse is located in an area described as a high risk area of river flooding to a depth of up to 1 m. The temporary construction compound is located in an area of medium flood risk up of potentially between 0.3 m - 1 m deep. This will be carefully considered throughout the detailed design stages of the Development to ensure that it is designed with appropriate freeboard heights and other similar design measures, as per SEPA guidance. Two Private Water Supplies ( PWS) are located within a 2 km radius of the Development . No infrastructure for the Development is located upstream in the surface water of either PWS. Specific mitigation measures are outlined in Technical Appendix A5. 3: WMP to ensure that the water environment is protected from effects of the Development. Mitigation measures include the implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems ( SUDS) and best practice for abstraction, specifically: Protection of low flows via a Hands off Flow of Q95; Protection of flow variability in that the flow downstream increases in proportion to flow upstream rising to Q80 when flows upstream are Q30; and Protection of high flows. The maximum abstraction will not exceed 1.5 mean daily flow. A description of these terms and the water abstraction proposals is given in Chapter 5 of the ES. In addition to the WMP, a Construction and Environmental Management Plan CEMP) will be implemented. A draft CEMP is included in Technical Appendix A3 . The draft CEMP sets out measures to be employed to avoid or mitigate potential effects for all phases of the Development, and will be based on the suite of management plans outlined in the ES, including the WMP, which will include an Incident Plan to be followed should a pollution event occur. The CEMP will be updated following consultation and agreement with SEPA and all appropriate personnel working on the site will be trained in its u se. The Construction Project Manager will have specific responsibility for implementation of CEMP and the WMP. An assessment of construction, operation, decommissioning and cumulative effects has been undertaken, and identified that subject to the impleme ntation of design measures identified in Technical Appendix A5.3 and the CEMP , no significant effects will be created on hydrology or hydro -geomorphology as a result of the Development.

6 ECOLOGY Chapter 6 of the ES evaluates the effects of the Development on the flora and fauna of the Development site. A suite of surveys were completed in 201 3 and 2014 to record and map the types and extent of habitats present within the Development and wider site boundary and to determine if any specially protected species ( e.g. otter, water vole, bat species) were present or likely to be present. Statutory designated sites are protected by EU and/ or UK legislation and a summary of those within 5 km of the ecology survey area is provided in Table 1. Importantly, the site is partly within the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne Special Protection Area ( SPA), designated because of the areas importance for golden eagles.

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There are no non- statutory designated sites within 2 km of the ecology survey area, but there are several areas of wo odland listed in the Ancient Woodland Inventory, including some within the Development site. Table 1: Summary of Ecological Designated Sites Distance & Value Direction Site Name Status Description from Development

Glen Etive and SPA Approximately International Year-round golden eagle population Glen Fyne 2/ 3 of Development site lies within Designation. Loch Etive SAC Access track International SAC Qualifying Features: Woods SAC passes through Alder woodland on floodplains the Barran Dubh SSSI section Western acidic oak woodland Mixed woodland on base -rich soils associated with rocky slopes Otter Barran Dubh SSSI Access track National Ancient semi-natural upland mixed SSSI passes through broadleaved woodland supporting notable ground flora and bryophytes. Bonawe to SSSI 1.0 km NW National Fragmented blocks of oak, birch and Cadderlie separated by ash woodland interspersed with Loch Etive ); also open areas of upland wet heath and part of the acidic grassland, supporting diverse Loach Etive ground flora and bryophytes. Also Woods SAC of geological value. Ard Trilleachan SSSI 4.5 km NE National Ancient oak and birch -dominated supporting a rich assemblage of bryophytes. Glen Nant SSSI/ 2.1 km SW National Native broadleaved woodland NNR comprising a variety of woodland communities. Supports an exceptional assemblage of bryophytes and lichens, in turn supporting a population of nationally rare cranefly. Airds Park and SSSI 3.5 km W National One of the most extensive areas of Coile Nathais oak and birch -dominated semi- natural woodland in Argyll. Supports a notable population of marsh fritillary butterfly.

The fisheries habitat quality of the survey sites recorded was variable for supporting salmonid populations. The physical characteristics of obstacles ( and the results of the fauna surveys) suggest that natural obstacles within and above the proposed hydro scheme have rendered the majority of the River Noe impassable to migratory fish. Fish fauna were almost exclusively dominated by brown/ sea trout, with fry and parr recorded with sufficient frequency and abundance at all sites that reliable population estimates could be calculated. The variety of habitats supports these different age classes of fish, with overall numbers suggesting a moderate trout population, despite some unfavourable habitat features. Flounder was recorded in the lowest reaches where brackish conditions are likely due to the close proximity of Loch Etive.

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The absence of Atlantic salm on on the River Noe is due to barriers to fish migrat ion and it can also be assumed, for the same reason, that the juvenile trout captured in some sections of watercourse are part of a resident brown trout population. No Freshwater Pearl Mussel were recorded during the surveys and suitable habitat was very limited. The diversity of aquatic invertebrates recorded was generally poor. Semi-natural broadleaved woodland was record ed along the River Noe corridor, parts of which are classified as Ancient Woodland. Mire was the most extensive habitat and comprised several distinct communities . In relation to bryophytes, two oceanic ravine indicator species were recorded: Isothecium holtii, which occurred in considerable abundance; and Harpalejeunea molleri, which occurred in just one place as an epiphyte. In addition to these, the nationally rare moss Pohlia scotica was recorded in five locations, of which the aggregations in the four locations above the proposed River Noe intake were considered to form the principal part of the local population. The main lichen habitat encountered in the study area was riparian alder wood which supported a moderate diversity of epiphytic lichens. A total of 87 taxa were recorded including 14 notable lichens, non -lichenized fungi and lichenicolous fungi, three of which are considered to be locally valuable. The following protected species surveys were undertaken at the site: Otter ( no evidence recorded); Water vole ( no evidence recorded); Badger ( no evidence record ed); Pine marten ( no evidence recorded); Red squirrel ( no evidence recorded); and Bats ( no trees with potential to support roosting bats will be directly affected by the Development and so no further surveys to establish roost activity were undertaken. The desk study returned no records of bats). The final layout and route of the pipeline/ tailrace has been chosen to minimise the removal of trees and avoid felling trees where main lichen habitats were encountered. In addition, the final locations of the intakes have been chosen to minimise potential effects on sensitive bryophyte populations. Further to this, a micrositing distance of 50 m from the approved location coordinates is proposed for the pipeline. This micrositing distance will ensure that potential negative effects to localised sensitivities can be reduced or avoided. Any micro -siting within the limits set out would not affect the conclusions of the assessments. Marine access is being proposed for all large plant items and deliveries, which will remove the need for track upgrades and realignment, and therefore avoid impacts to the Loch Etive Woods SAC, which the existing access track runs through. For lighter vehicle access, construction traffic will follow the route of an existing track, drain crossings and gateways thus minimising habitat loss and disturbance. Standard good practice mitigation measures ( as available from the Construction Industry Research and Information Association) will be implemented and Pollution Prevention Guidelines will be followed at all times. An Ecological Clerk of Works ( ECoW) will be available for the duration of construction to provide advice and input to the CEMP. The site workforce will be fully briefed about all ecological sensitivities and their responsibilities to safeguard them during their activities. No significant effects on ecological features have been identified. As the Development has been designed to minimise potential effects on valued ecological receptors and

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additional mitigation has been proposed to further reduce effects, it is extremely unlikely that the Development will result in any significant negative ecological effects.

7 ORNITHOLOGY Chapter 7 of the ES evaluates the effects of the Development on the ornithological receptors within and surrou nding the Development site. The ornithological survey area was identified prior to the final project design . The survey areas are shown on Figure 7.1 of the ES. The extent of all surveys and desk studies was designed with reference to a likely developable area and in line with consultation responses, and in each case sought to include the likely zone of influence for given receptors. Consequently they nonetheless provided a suitably robust baseline against which to assess the effects of the Development. A detailed desk study was carried out for information on all International/ European and National designated sites ( i.e. SPAs, Ramsar Sites, Site of Special Scientific Interest SSSIs), and National Nature Reserves ( NNRs)) within 15 km of the Development site. The Development site is located partially within the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA. The area was classified as an SPA in October 2010 and covers 81,392. 9 hectares. The SPA is designated for its year -round resident population of 19 breeding pairs of golden eagle Joint Nature Conservation Committee 2011, SPA Standard Data Form, Site Code UK9020307). Raptor nest searches, including breeding golden eagle monitoring surveys were carried out in 2013 and 2014 between February and July, with two visits being carried out per month. Although surveys were carried out to account for the presence of all raptor species potentially present, particular attention was paid to golden eagle. A breeding bird survey was also carried out by Envirocent re in spring/ summer 2013. A total of 17 species was recorded during breeding bird survey within the Development site and a 500 metre ( m) buffer. Survey s carried out in 2013 and 2014 recorded at least one breeding pair of golden eagle and confirmed that two golden eagle eyries ( nests) are present with 2 km of the Development site. Both of these eyries have been used within the past four years, however only one successful breeding attempt was recorded during surveys. Golden Eagle flights were recorded during all survey months, primarily demonstrating circling and displaying behaviours at height as well as soaring, all occurring over upland areas of the survey area, behaviours associated with both breeding and foraging. No flight activity recorded was associated with the glen itself, but was concentrated around the crags and peaks surrounding the glen . Despite the presence of some habitat suitability for merlin, hen harrier and peregrine falcon, no nests for these species, or any other target raptor species were recorded during either the 2013 or 2014 raptor nest searches. Additionally no recent records of these species have been recorded within 10 km of the site. The most likely potential effects arising from the construction phase of the Development is the possibility of short -term, temporary disturbance effects that may have a detrimental impact on breeding productivity of nearby golden eagles. There is no reason to anticipate long -term abandonment of any nest sites once construction activity ceases as future maintenance activity will be minimal and in line with normal estate movements. The magnitude of this impact is largely dependent upon the nature and timing of construction activities. There are currently no proposals to use any helicopters during the nesting season, except in the event of an emergency hospital pickup being required. Nor are there currently any proposals for any blasting work to take place during the breeding season.

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The proposed works may cause a minor, temporary change to their usage of this part of the eagle’ s foraging range during the construction period . However disturbance from the Development would be unlikely to reduce prey availability within the eagle’ s likely foraging range, as it would likely be relatively localised to the glen where Development is occurring i.e. Glen Noe, an area unlikely to represent a significant part of the eagles foraging habitat, as evident from baseline surveys. In light of the above, it is considered that any breeding in the near future will likely occur further than 1 km of the Development site and foraging during both breeding and non - breeding periods is unlikely to be significantly affected . Therefore it is unlikely that any significant disturbance would occur during construction. In regards to construction related disturbance the effects on ( breeding and non- breeding) golden eagle are assessed to be negligible, with no significant effects predicted. The only perceived operational impact will be from operational access to the intakes which would take place via a green ATV track, similar to those already present in Glen Noe. Vehicle movements and site maintenance will be of much lower magnitude than those arising during construction, and so are considered extremely unlikely to affect breeding golden eagle and no significant effects are predicted. In addition to generic mitigation and best practise measures, some additional species specific mitigation is recommended for golden eagle. A watching brief will be implemented throughout the period where the golden eagle breed ing season overlaps the construction period ( February -August inclusive). This watching brief will be carried out by an experienced ornithologist, with the aim to ensure that there is no adverse behavioural response from the breeding eagles to any construct ion works. In the event of adverse reaction on the part of the eagles, construction works shall be suspended until it can to ensured that the effect can be mitigated and that a legal offence is not being committed, possibly through discussion with SNH. SNH recommends a minimum disturbance free distance of 1 km from active golden eagle nests. In order to ensure this, breeding golden eagle surveys will be carried out by an experienced and licenced ornithologist in the breeding season , prior to construction commencement . A minimum of four visits will be required over the extended breeding season to check for territory occupancy, to locate active nests, to check for young, and to check for fledged young. If it can be confirmed by the ornithologist that breeding has not occurred within 1 km of proposed construction activity , construction can take place. However, if eagles are confirmed to be breeding within 1 km of proposed construction activity ( including those related to the access track), no construction wor ks shall take place between February and August unless breeding failure is confirmed by an experienced ornithologist. To ensure that the risk of disturbance to nesting eagles as a result of operational activity is minimised, planned maintenance activities within 1 km of any nest site will be timed to avoid the most sensitive period between 1st February and 31st August inclusive and the use of any access route that passes within 1 km of any nest site, should be minimised between February and August. There will therefore be no significant residual effects on ornithology as a result of the Development.

8 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL ASSESSMEN T Chapter 8 of the ES assesses the effects of the Development on the landscape and visual resources of the Development site and its surroundings. The regional study area for the Development has been defined by the Loch Etive Mountains Wild Land Area ( WLA) within which it is partly located with the focus of the

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assessment being upon wild land. SNH has advised that the assess ment of effects of the Development on wild land should consider the effects on relevant WLA as a whole rather than a localised area at the Development site and vicinity. The Development site lies within the North Argyll Area of Panoramic Quality ( APQ), an d the Ben Nevis and Glencoe National Scenic Area ( NSA) is located approximately 5 km northeast of the Development site. The Development site is located within the High Tops Landscape Character Type ( LCT). The most extensive area of the LCT occurs on the western and eastern side of Loch Etive where the Development site is located. The landscape character of the LCT is described as open and exposed with sculpted landforms with the massive peaks and ridges being the focus for views, and providing features of interest in the landscape. Chapter 8 considers WLA not as landscape designations but as areas within which the particular subset of landscape characteristics identified by SNH are likely to be more evident than in other areas. WLA overlap with regional LCTs and NSAs; the key characteristics and special qualities of which are described in detail in already published documents. The Development site is located in a very sparsely populated rural upland area. There are settlements and rural residential properties in the regional study area. However, these would not be affected by the Development which is situated within an enclosed glen. The nearest residential property is within Glennoe Estate and approximately 100 m from the powerhouse location. The effect s on this property only are assessed as views from the Estate Lodge would be unaffected due to the screening effects of vegetation and landform. One of the key aspirations of the iterative design process of the Development has been to minimise landscape and visual effects. The powerhouse site is secluded and not visible from the wider landscape except from distant, elevated areas on the west side of Loch Etive and from the north side of Glen Noe. Where visible it would be seen in the context of the existing estate buildings, the existing track and the woodland. As such the powerhouse building would not appear out of place or discordant as the majority of built development in this part of the Highlands, and on neighbouring estates such as Inverliever, is associated with the narrow strip of land next to the sea or within glens and straths. The pipeline route would traverse the south side of Glen Noe from the River Noe intake before passing beneath the existing track to the east of the powerhouse. Between the River Noe intake and the Allt a’ Bhrait , the ground is not as steep as the northern side of the glen thereby minimising the earthworks required to install the pipeline and affording opportunities for micrositing the pipeline route to further minimise effec ts. To the west of the Allt a’ Bhrait a route on the south side of the glen offers the greatest opportunities for successful restoration as it passes through an area already partly modified by man -made structures and land use. The assessment indicates ther e will not be any effects on the Ben Nevis and Glencoe NSA. It is predicted there will be significant effects on a very limited geographical area of the North Argyll APQ at the Development site at year one and at year 10. The geographical extent of the significant effects is very limited and confined to the Develo pment site. At year 10 the geographical extent of these effects would reduce further. Due to the vast size of the APQ, the extremely varied landscapes and vistas within it and the secluded character of the Development site the assessment identifies that effects on the APQ as a whole will not be significant. The assessment predicts there will be significant effects on a limited part of the High Tops LCT at year one and that this is due primarily to the presence of the pipeline route.

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At year 10 the effects are predicted not to be significant as vegetation on the pipeline route will be well established and tree planting at the intakes will provide a degree of landscape integration. The effects on the LCT as a whole will not be significant. The assessment has assessed the effects on characteristics of wild land and wildness at the Development site and of the Loch Etive Mountains WLA as a whole. The assessment predicts localised significant effects at year one on two physical attributes and one perceptual attribute. The effects would not be significant at year 10. The effects on the WLA as a whole would not be significant at year one or year 10. A local landscape character assessment was undertaken to better inform mitigation and measures to be included in the Draft Landscape Management Plan , provided as Technical Appendix A8. 2 in Volume III of this ES. The assessment has identified a significant effect on recreational receptors using the track that passes the powerhouse building and where there would be visibility of the pipeline route. At year 10, the effects would not be significant as views of the powerhouse and intakes would be filtered by vegetation and vegetation along the pipeline route would be well established. Four viewpoints have been assessed in the assessment. The viewpoints are provided at locations representative of the type of receptors using the area and indicate the sort of view they would experience. Significant effects are predicted at viewpoint 2 near the powerhouse and viewpoint 4 at the River Noe intake. Both these viewpoints are situated in close proximity to the Development and therefore represent short range views. The effects on views and visual amenity in the wider area would not be significant due to the low lying and small scale of the intakes and the fact that the powerhouse site is well screened by trees and landform.

9 SOCIO -ECONOMICS, RECREATIO N AND ACCESS Chapter 9 of the ES assesses the effects of the Development on the socio -economic, recreational and access resources. The assessment considers the potential effects arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Development. Existing baseline conditions have been identified from desk- based collection of data, site visits and consultation with relevant stakeholders. Overall, the construction of the Development will bring short term, beneficial direct and indirect effects to the area, through the increase in employment and business opportunities. This will not result in any fundamental or long term change to population, local services, employment or overall structure of the local community. Consequently, socio -economic effects arising from the construction phase are short -term and negligible which is considered to be not significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. The construction of the Development will not have a direct effect on any other recreational and tourism facilities, as access along the estate track will be maintained during the construction phase. Indirect and intermittent effects on visual, noise levels, air quality and increased traffic may be experienced at some of these receptors, however these will be minimised through the application of good practice guidance. Given the short -term, temporary nature of the construction phase, and that the majority of the Development site will be accessible during construction, it is considered that construction of the Development would have minor to negligible effects upon the enjoyment of visitors to the local area. Similarly, any effects on the economic activity of tourism and recreational dependent businesses would be minor to negligible and therefore not significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. During operation, there will be

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no effect on nearby footpaths, as operational activities are typically limited to weekly or fortnightly maintenance checks. Construction, operation and decommissioning of the Development will not result in any fundamental or material changes in population, structure of the local community, long term employment, loc al services, tourism and recreation or land use.

10 CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY Chapter 10 of the ES assesses the effects of the Development on cultural heritage and archaeological resources. An archaeological study area was identified prior to final Development design and encompasses a 2 km radius around the key infrastructure of the Development . Consequently, the archaeological study area represents an area larger than the Development footprint. The area was defined to ensure that the whole of the Glen was covered, and to enable any identified heritage and archaeological assets to be set in their wider historic landscape context. A desk- based assessment ( DBA) was undertaken to identify known archaeological and cultural heritage features both within an d in close proximity to the Development. Features recorded within the archaeological study area were assessed for direct effects and helped to inform the type and frequency for unknown ( buried) archaeological remains to exist within the archaeological study area. The DBA collated information from readily available documentary, cartographic and photographic evidence to provide information about the baseline condition of the Development site. A site visit and walkover survey was undertaken on 17th October 2013 to validate the data gained through the DBA and to identify ( and if appropriate, record) any previously unrecorded cultural heritage features within the boundary. The Historic Environment Record and National Monuments Record of Scotland records six archaeological features within the study area. Glen Noe Estate ( W est of Scotland Archaeology Service [ WoSAS] Pin 44628, NMRS NN02SE1) is located on the northern side of the River Noe on the opposite side of the glen from the Development infrastructure. The remaining five sites are outwith the glen. The DBA has revealed that there is a low chance for further archaeological remains to survive within the archaeological core study area. With the exception of the modern farmstead at Invernoe, all of the archae ological features are recorded from post -medieval documentary sources. During construction, it has been assessed that the Development may have a direct effect upon known archaeological remains. Whilst any known features will be avoided where possible, construction activities may affect five archaeological features. These remains were noted from historic mapping or were identified during the walkover survey and include a drystone wall, sheepfold, enclosure, field improvements and another enclosure. As non- designated features of local cultural heritage significance, the sensitivity of these features is considered low; however, the construction effect may result in partial or total loss of these features, a high magnitude of change. This results in a minor effect, which is not significant under the EIA Regulations. In addition to the direct effects upon known archaeology discussed above, the Development has the potential to cause direct effects upon unknown archaeological remains. Where unknown features surv ive, these are likely to be of no more than local significance having low sensitivity and would be encountered immediately beneath topsoil. Although construction activities are unlikely to cause damage at depth, there may be localised changes in the under lying conditions immediately beneath or adjacent to the pipeline and associated tracks that may jeopardise the survival of archaeological material. If encountered during construction, unknown remains would likely be damaged or destroyed; this effect is co nsidered to be

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of low to high magnitude ( depending upon the nature and extent of the remains). This equates to a ‘minor’ effect, which is not significant under the EIA regulations. It is considered that effects on both known and unknown archaeology can b e reduced following the implementation of appropriate mitigation, specifically a programme of archaeological work be implemented leading to preservation by record. The scope and extent of any such programme will be agreed and approved by Argyll and Bute Co uncil and WoSAS, and secured by an appropriately worded planning condition. No operational effects on cultural heritage or archaeological resources are anticipated as a result of the Development.

11 NOISE Chapter 11 of the ES evaluates the effects of the Dev elopment on nearby noise sensitive receptors during construction and operation. This comprises a comparison of the noise levels likely to be produced by the Development at the nearest noise sensitive receptors, with relevant standards and guidelines. A full assessment of the effects of construction noise is not required. However, instead of assessing the effects of construction noise in terms of noise level, an assessment has been undertaken, adopt ing the best practice mitigation measures as advocated in BS 5228. Construction noise will be limited in duration and confined to working hours as specified by Argyll and Bute Council which can be adequately controlled through a planning condition. For operational effects, the rated noise level due to operatio n of the Development has been assessed against significance criteria based upon BS4142, whilst also being subject to an upper noise limit of 45 dB(A), above which the level of effect would be considered significant irrespective of the level of background noise. This upper limit ensures that noise from the Development would also be considered acceptable under the most stringent night -time criteria of both BS 8233 and Guidelines for Community Noise, and therefore would not be considered significant under the EIA regulations. The nearest noise sensitive property was identified as Invernoe Farmstead, which is located approximately 100 m south of the powerhouse location. In order to establish the existing noise environment in the vicinity of this property, a bas eline noise survey was undertaken at a free-field location near the property boundary. The background noise environment at this property is considered to be a conservative representation of the background noise environments at other , more distant properties. Therefore, should the predicted operational noise levels from the Development comply with noise limits at the assessed receptor and not be significant in EIA terms, predicted noise levels at receptors further from the Development will also comply and not be significant in EIA terms. Noise levels during operation of the Development have been predicted using a recognised calculation technique and then compared to the derived noise assessment criteria. The results of this assessment indicate that the effect of operational noise at the nearest noise sensitive property will be not significant , provided the rating level remains below 45

dB LAeq. Construction noise will be limited in duration and confined to working hours as specified by Argyll and Bute Counc il and can therefore be adequately controlled through planning condition. The application of mitigation measures where applicable will also ensure that any noise from site will be adequately controlled such that construction noise effects are considered not significant.

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12 TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS Chapter 12 of the ES evaluates the effects of the Development on transportation and access resources. The Study Area has been defined by the public road network in the vicinity of the Development and potential delivery corridors to be used during construction. These take into account the local strategic / trunk road network, sources of labour and the potential sources of construction materials - specifically pipe deliveries and potentially stone and concrete from local quarries. Two approach corridors have been considered in the assessment. Access Corridor 1 assumes traffic approaches the Development from the A828 and then via the B845, a single track road, southwards to Bonawe Quarry. This includes any abnormal load movements which, for the Development, will be limited to vehicles or loads exceeding a width of 2.55 metres. From Bonawe quarry, materials and plant would be delivered to the proposed Glen Noe Hydro Scheme site by roll-on roll-off or ‘ landing craft’ type vessel via Loch Etive offloading either at a berthing pier or slipway. Proposals for marine access for large construction plant and material delivery is the main mitigation measure proposed, which will limit construction disruption on the UC30 road, lea ding to Inverawe as well as the estate track terminating at Glen Kinglass. Access Corridor 2 considers traffic, excluding abnormal loads, approaching via the A85 either from Oban to the west or Tyndrum to the east using the B845 to Taynuilt. Construction traffic would access the Development by roll-on roll-off vessel from Taynuilt via Loch Etive. The design principles of the Development have sought to minimise effects on the local road network by using the A85, A828 and B845; trunk and local roads and established transport routes in the area. However, this will only be for con struction equipment, plant and materials supply. The bulk of raw materials will be delivered by water via Loch Etive from either Bonawe Quarry or Taynuilt. Transport Scotland has provided traffic count data from existing automated sites at two locations on the A85 either side of Taynuilt and on the A828 at two locations either side of the B845 junction. The total number of two -way vehicle movements ( i.e. where one movement equals one arrival or one departure) generated during the construction of the Develop ment is estimated to be 4480 over an 18 month construction period. These figures include an estimate of light vehicle ( cars and vans) movements predominantly for construction personnel transport that considers the amount of activity in each month. As the movement of quarried materials will not generate traffic on the public road as there is direct access by boat over Loch Etive, the peak Heavy Goods Vehicle ( HGV) movement periods will occur during site establishment, and during deliveries of pipes and turbine plant. It is expected that the absolute maximum number of deliveries arising from any of these activities will be 15 HGVs per day, or an average of two per hour during an eight hour working day. This is considered a reasonable figure given both con struction progress and the constraint to traffic flow imposed by the use of a marine vessel for transport. Such movements will occur on very few days during construction, with the average two - way HGV movements over the construction period being two per day. For the purposes of this assessment, large construction traffic is assumed to approach the Development Site on Corridor 1 or Corridor 2. Therefore the actual impact at the assessed locations is likely to be less than determined in the ES.

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Traffic associated with the operation of the Development is limited to maintenance and is expected to be nominal in comparison to the traffic generated during construction. Best practice and mitigation measures for reducing access effects will be included in a Traffic Management Plan ( TMP), to be agreed with Argyll and Bute Council prior to construction. All potential effects on traffic and transport receptors, and associated environmental receptors, resulting from additional traffic on the local road network, sp ecifically the A85, A828, B845 and UC30, as a result of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Development have been assessed as negligible and not significant in terms of the EIA Regulations.

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Tec hnical Su mmary 1: 2,000,000

1362/REP/

Scale @ A3 Ref:

Site_Location. mxd Site LocationFigure NTS1 Glen 7310007320007320007330007330007340007340007350007350007360007360007370007370000 0.5 1 km ¯ LHuReviewed:Produced: Noe Hydro Sch emeNon SCApproved:SD Reproduced from Ordnance Survey 1362 GlenNoe Hydro EIA\MXDs CAD\ Report\NTS\1362_Figure_NTS1_ 203000 204000 205000 206000 207000 208000 209000731000digital map data Crown© copyright 2015. All rights reserved. License number 100048606Date: 31/03/2015 P:\Projects\ 205000 206000 207000 208000

emeNon Tec hnical Su mmary 1:12, 500 Scale @ REP/002

A3 Ref: 1362/

Site Location Powerhouse and

Site_Layout.mxd Site LayoutFigure NTS2 7330007340007340007350007350000 250 500 m ¯ SDReviewed:Produced: Glen Noe Hydro Sch SCApproved:SD Reproduced from Ordnance Survey 1362 GlenNoe Hydro EIA\MXDs CAD\ Report\NTS\1362_Figure_NTS2_ 205000 206000 207000 208000733000digital map data Crown© copyright 2015. All rights reserved. License number 100048606Date: 31/03/2015 P:\Projects\