Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project
Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project
Technical Description and Environmental Studies
Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd
6 North End Road Stromness Orkney KW16 3AG [email protected]
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project
Technical Description and Environmental Studies
Report OSE/2586
August 2006
Project Developers:
Ernest Lee, John Lind and John K Lind
Project Coordination:
Mike Sobey
Overton of Keithfield Methlick Aberdeenshire AB41 7EU
Telephone 01651 806412 Email [email protected]
Project design:
Richard Gauld IEng MInstMC
Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd 6 North End Road Stromness Orkney KW16 3AG
Telephone 01856 850054 Facsimile 01856 851239 Email [email protected]
OSE/2586 1 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project
Report OSE/2586
Technical Description and Environmental Studies
This report is presented in two volumes; Volume 1 contains the non-technical summary, the project description, the wind turbine technical description, an ecology assessment, reports on archaeology, transport impacts, electromagnetic Interference, noise and shadow flicker impact and an assessment of possible impacts upon geological and hydrological features. Volume 2 contains the Site Drawings, Maps and Photomontage Images.
Section 1 Non-technical Summary and Project Description
RICHARD GAULD BSC (HONS), IENG MINSTMC
Section 2 Wind Turbine Technical Description
Section 3 Ecology Survey
PAUL CHAPMAN MA PhD CEnv MIEEM, SAC
Section 4 Archaeology Survey
DAVID LYNN, BA (HONS), MSC
Section 5 Geology, Superficial Deposits and Hydrology
GAVIN ELRICK CEnv MIAgrE, SAC
Section 6 Environmental Health Impact Assessment
RICHARD GAULD BSC (HONS), IENG MINSTMC
Section 7 Traffic and Transportation
RICHARD GAULD BSC (HONS), IENG MINSTMC
Volume 2: Site Drawings, Maps and Photomontage Images
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Section 1
Non-Technical Summary and Project Description
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SECTION 1 CONTENTS SUMMARY 5
1 INTRODUCTION 6
2 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION 8
2.1 PROPOSED LOCATION 8 2.2 WIND ASSESSMENT 14 2.3 CARBON EMISSION AVOIDANCE 14 2.4 CONSULTATION AND ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS 14 2.5 PROJECT DESIGN STATEMENT 16 2.6 WIND TURBINE SELECTION 17 2.7 EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION 20 2.8 TRANSPORTATION 20 2.9 ROADS AND FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION SUMMARY 20 2.10 WIND TURBINE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 21 2.11 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 22 2.12 DECOMMISSIONING 22
3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PLANNING ISSUES 23
3.1 LOCAL INVOLVEMENT 23 3.2 GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY 23 3.3 NATIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT 23 3.4 STRUCTURE PLAN CONTEXT 24 3.5 ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN 25 3.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS 26
4 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 28
4.1 VISUAL IMPACT UPON THE LANDSCAPE 29 4.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 34 4.3 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE TO ARCHAEOLOGY 35 4.4 IMPACT UPON GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL FEATURES 36 4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DURING CONSTRUCTION 38 4.6 POLLUTION IMPACT DURING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE 38 4.7 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE FROM NOISE 39 4.8 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE FROM SHADOW FLICKER 40 4.9 POTENTIAL RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE 41
5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PROPOSED MITIGATION 42
5.1 VISUAL IMPACT MITIGATION 42 5.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT MITIGATION 42 5.3 POLLUTION AVOIDANCE 43 5.4 MITIGATION OF NOISE DISTURBANCE AND SHADOW FLICKER NUISANCE 44 5.5 CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION IMPACT MITIGATION 44
6 CONCLUSIONS 45
7 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 46
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Summary
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project is a locally owned wind project being developed by farmers in the Methlick and Oldmeldrum areas of Aberdeenshire, with co-ordination by Mr Mike Sobey. Orkney Sustainable Energy have been contracted to design the project on behalf of the farms.
It is proposed that up to six wind turbines be installed on land belonging to the farms, between the communities of Methlick, Fyvie and Tarves, to the north of Oldmeldrum. The preliminary turbine chosen for the development is the RePower MM70 2MW, manufactured in Germany and the UK. The turbine model may change, subject to availability, however for the purposes of this report the MM70 has been used to show a typical machine for the development. The electricity generated will be traded to meet the requirements of the Renewables Order (Scotland) 2002.
The concept of a locally owned wind energy development was initiated by the farmers concerned. Following consultation with Aberdeenshire Council Planning department, approaches were made to Aberdeenshire Council archaeology services, Historic Scotland, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scottish Natural Heritage, Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, BAA, National Air Traffic Services, OFCOM and the relevant telecommunications companies. No significant concerns have been raised during preliminary consultation, although the SNH did indicate that the project should consider likely impacts upon habitats, species and the landscape.
As a result of the various design studies, the development has been reduced in scale, with the wind turbines positioned to avoid shadow impact and to have minimal noise impact upon neighbours. In most cases a single wind turbine will be located at each farm, with the exception of Haddo, where the greater clearance to neighbours has allowed an additional machine. Visual impact studies have been completed, including a set of high quality photomontages and maps showing zones of visual influence. Ecological impact has been considered, including a habitat survey, a mammal survey, and a breeding bird survey. Detailed assessment on the archaeology of the site and surrounding area has been completed and analysis of the development includes a geological and hydrogeological survey, extensive modelling, a description of the wind turbines, detailed maps of the development and a description of the construction process.
It was concluded that a small locally owned wind energy project is feasible for this part of Aberdeenshire, with low impacts upon ecology and the local community. Strong social and economic benefits can be achieved by constructing the windfarm, along with the associated climate change benefits resulting from renewable energy production.
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1 Introduction Aberdeenshire has the potential to become an important area for wind energy development; a number of projects have been proposed for the county, primarily as large scale windfarms on hilltop and forested locations. The Methlick Farmers project is an alternative to this pattern of development, and has been designed as a small-scale cluster of wind turbines to avoid dominating the landscape, while providing strong economic benefits necessary for the economic security of the local farming community. The project shall also provide a further contribution to the development of clean energy as encompassed within government policy.
Orkney Sustainable Energy were approached by the farmers concerned in the spring of 2006, leading to a preliminary design and initial consultation. Once overall turbine heights had been clarified, Defence Estates confirmed that they had no significant concerns, allowing detailed ecological and environmental studies to begin. These studies reduced the number of wind turbines proposed for the area, resulting in the detailed design and development of a six wind turbine project, located on five different farms. The farmers have led the development throughout the process.
The Methlick Farmers project has been designed around the RE Power MM70 2MW wind turbine, however the actual turbine model may alter nearer the time of construction; the site layout and all modelling has used a 55m turbine tower height and a maximum of 35m blade length. There are 11 and 33 kV electricity transmission lines connecting the communities of Methlick, Fyvie and Tarves, with the turbines connected to this system using underground cabling via a switchgear building at each farm.
The average wind speed in this part of Aberdeenshire is predicted to be between 7.8 and 8.2 metres per second (m/s), compared with 10 m/s predicted at the summits of nearby hilltops. These windspeeds are due to the lower elevation of the sites, chosen with the aim of reducing visual effects and avoiding radar impact. Based on manufacturers predictions, six 2MW wind turbines located on these farms will have a capacity factor of around 31% and produce 33,000 MWh of renewable electricity per annum, equivalent to the domestic requirements of 7000 households, assuming an average consumption of 4,700 kWh per annum.(Boardman et al 1997).
Electricity produced from renewable resources avoids the emission of pollution, and the production of 33,000 MWh of wind electricity is projected to avert the production of around
5,000 tonnes of carbon per annum(Carbon Trust). The Methlick Farmers project provides a very good contribution towards the Scottish Executive annual carbon reduction targets; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Climate-Change/.
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This report is presented in eight sections: Section 1 is a project description of the development, including non technical summaries of the environmental impacts, Section 2 of the report is the specification of the RE Power MM70, Section 3 is the ecology report completed by the SAC Conservation Services, Section 4 is an archaeology survey, Section 5 is a geology and hydrology report, Section 6 contains the results of noise and shadow flicker assessment, Section 7 describes impact upon the road network and the construction of the site tracks, and Volume 2 of the report contains the site plans and drawings, maps, wireframe images and photomontages.
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey Data, Crown Copyright Reserved. License No. 0100031673
Figure 1.1 – Site location and turbine positions
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2 Development description
This part of the report describes the activities involved in delivering and constructing the wind energy project. The activities considered include civil engineering, transport of the equipment, installation of the wind turbines, operation and maintenance of the project and eventual decommissioning of the turbines.
2.1 Proposed location
The site for the development is on farmland between the communities of Methlick, Fyvie and Tarves, north of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire. Single wind turbines are proposed at Courtstone, Balgove, Hattonslap and Denhill, with two turbines proposed for Haddo. Each location is a managed and farmed field, with the positions chosen to be on hard, metamorphic underlying rock, figures 2.1 – 2.5. The grid references are as listed below, Table 2.1, with a note of the base elevation and overall height of each installation above sea level, including maximum wind turbine blade tip height. There will be a requirement for an external switchgear housing at each farm with approximate dimensions of 5m by 3m by 3m, located next to the overhead cables, where possible.
There are various sets of overhead wires travelling across this part of Aberdeenshire, mainly used for the supply of farms and domestic properties in the area. The project will require connection to this system, at either 11 or 33kV, and all site cabling will be underground. The switchgear housing is designed to resemble a small garage or outbuilding, finished to match nearby buildings.
Turbine Easting Northing Position elevation Tower top Maximum elevation elevation WT1 – Courtstone E384320 N833255 77m 132m 167m
WT2 – Hattonslap E380795 N833715 119m 174m 209m
WT3 – Denhill E379310 N835695 101m 156m 191m
WT4 – Haddo E381600 N837715 121m 176m 211m
WT5 – Haddo E381945 N837675 124m 179m 214m
WT6 – Balgove E382215 N833565 89m 144m 179m
Table 2.1 Wind turbine locations and heights
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License No. 0100031673
OSE/2586 Figure 2.1 – Turbine 1, Courtstone 9 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
License No. 0100031673
OSE/2586 Figure 2.2 – Turbine 2, Hattonslap 10 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
License No. 0100031673
OSE/2586 11 Figure 2.3 – Turbine 6, Balgove Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
License No. 0100031673
OSE/2586 12 Figure 2.4 – Turbine 3, Denhill Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
License No. 0100031673
OSE/2586 Figure 2.5 – Turbines 4 and 5, Haddo 13 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
2.2 Wind assessment
Wind resource has been assessed using NOABL, the national wind speed database, www.bwea.com. The square kilometre containing the Balgove turbine has an annual mean windspeed of 7.8ms-1 at a height of 45m above ground level, and the square kilometre at Haddo, the highest elevation, has a mean windspeed of 8.2 ms-1. Assuming a mean windspeed across all five sites of 8 ms-1, six Re Power MM70 wind turbines will produce an annual energy yield of approximately 33,000 MWh, equivalent to that consumed by at least 7,000 households in one year.
2.3 Carbon emission avoidance
In Scotland electricity is mainly produced by a mixture of nuclear, hydro, wind and fossil fuel power stations, and in 2006 the increasing cost of gas has increased the use of coal, with a corresponding increase in the volume of greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 emissions have been identified as the primary cause of climate change, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions are a cause of acid rain. Generation of this electricity by a mixture of conventional fuels including oil, gas, coal and nuclear would result in pollution at a rate of 0.43T CO2 per
MWh of generation (Carbon Trust); a six turbine development in this part of Aberdeenshire will therefore avoid the production of the following emissions (Boyle 1996):
• CO2 14,200 tonnes per annum
• SO2 550 to 800 tonnes per annum
• NOx 120 to 160 tonnes per annum
2.4 Consultation and alternative locations
The proposed layout of the project has evolved from consultation with statutory and local organisations, and assessment of possible impacts upon neighbours. From an initial proposal of fourteen wind turbines spread over eight farms, the layout and scale of the project has evolved to become six 2MW wind turbines located on five farms, providing renewable energy equivalent to that used by the surrounding communities, while at the same time accommodating environmental and social constraints. Preliminary consultation on the proposed wind turbines has been favourable, and there have been no significant concerns raised by the statutory consultees. Initial concerns from SNH on the bird interests at the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie, MeikleLoch and Loch of Strathbeg Special Protection Areas have been addressed, a mammal survey has been completed the visual impact of the development has been addressed. Ecological studies have been undertaken by Dr Paul
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Chapman of SAC, encompassing a breeding bird survey and assessment of impact upon mammals and vegetation. Extensive photomontage modelling has been completed, along with analysis of zones of theoretical visibility and possible cumulative impacts.
The following organisations have been consulted at various stages of the development:
• Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Archaeology • Historic Scotland, Edinburgh • RSPB, Aberdeen • SNH, Aberdeen • BAA and National Air Traffic Services, Aberdeen Airport • Ministry of Defence, Sutton Coldfield • Civil Aviation Authority, London • Ofcom, the radiocommunications agency, London • JRC on behalf of Scottish and Southern Energy • National Grid Wireless • British Telecom • CSS Spectrum Management Services Ltd; Scottish Water • Orange • T-Mobile • Grampian Fire Brigade communications
Wind energy development has been encouraged in Aberdeenshire, however there are constraints to be considered. The wind turbines should not impact upon radar and radiocommunications systems, should not be a nuisance to neighbours and should be far enough away from properties to minimise noise and shadow effects. Other constraints considered are impact upon ecological concerns, mainly birds, and to ensure that any archaeological concerns are identified and impact avoided.
The general principal used when identifying the sites was to only consider non-designated farmland for each development, to identify all neighbours and ensure minimal nuisance levels, then to conduct detailed environmental assessment of the chosen area. Archaeological surveys were conducted at each location, resulting in a change to the proposed siting of the Courtstone and Hattonslap turbines. Ofcom, the radiocommunications agency indicated that there is a major communications hub at Core Hill, to the west of the area, and following consultation with all affected organisations and identification of all relevant microwave links, the turbine positions were adjusted to provide a minimum of 100m clearance.
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2.5 Project design statement
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project has been designed by identifying all ecological, social and technical constraints in the area, then completing a range of detailed studies to ensure that each site was generally suitable for a wind energy development. Through an iterative process the turbine positions were then adjusted to produce an optimum layout. Given the proximity of the Core Hill radiocommunications hub and the RAF Buchan, Aberdeen Airport and Allans Hill radar stations, care has been taken to ensure that the turbines are not visible to the aviation interests, and are positioned to ensure 100m clearance from microwave links.
The wind turbines are to be positioned at varying elevations between 80 and 125m, in a widely spaced layout. The wind turbine locations consist of areas of hardstanding nominally 25m by 40m, with the turbine foundations located below ground level. A temporary trench will be excavated next to the track to accommodate the high voltage and telecommunications cabling. The area of hardstanding is required for the construction and assembly process. The cabling from each site is all underground, connecting to the National Grid at a switchgear buildings, erected adjacent to existing overhead wires and farm buildings where possible.
To avoid shadow flicker nuisance, planning guidelines recommended that wind farm layouts should consider the relative geometry of turbine positions and be positioned to a minimum of
10 rotor diameters from neighbouring properties where possible (PAN 45). Each turbine position has been considered in turn, and shadow impact has been largely avoided by considering the location of the turbine and the pattern of sun movement throughout the year. Noise from wind turbines disperses naturally with distance, and reaches acceptable levels at around 450m. Sound emissions and shadow flicker impacts are all within planning guidelines, as detailed in Section 6 of this report.
The overall layout of the development has been chosen to reflect the pattern of scattered low density housing and relatively small fields in the area, with single turbines located in fields between neighbouring properties and communities. By ensuring wide spacing between turbines overlapping rotors are avoided and the turbines can be considered as separate developments from most viewpoints. The Haddo site is slightly different, given the much greater clearances to neighbours and radio links, allowing a dual turbine development at this location. Figure 2.6 is one of the project photomontages, clearly showing the low density nature of the project layout.
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Figure 2.6 – View from west of Tarves
2.6 Wind turbine selection
A range of alternative models has been considered, figure 2.7. It is intended that the project should attempt to maximise generation within the identified constraints, with visual impact, shadow effects, noise impact, transportation and grid capacity all important issues. All turbine models are installed and operational in different parts of Scotland.
NM 92 2.75MW Nordex N80 2.5MW RE Power MM70 2MW Vestas V52 850 kW 125m
100m
75m
50m
25m
Figure 2.7 – Alternative wind turbines
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Vestas V52 – 850kW
Vestas has a range of machines available rated from 600 kW to 3 MW. The Vestas V52 is rated at 850 kW and is partially manufactured in Scotland. This machine is an upwind design, with a 52m diameter rotor, and variable operational speeds of 14 to 30 rpm. Tower height for the V52 is 44m to 55m. Noise levels are low, and can be set at 100 dB(A) at a windspeed of 8 m/s. These turbines are IEC class 1A and can be recommended for sites where the annual mean windspeed reaches 10 m/s. They are recommended for locations requiring low noise emissions and good power quality, and the V52 was chosen for the nearby wind energy project adjacent to Core Hill.
RE Power MM70 - 2MW
RE Power are relatively new manufacturers, and are concentrating on both the large offshore and onshore markets. RE Power have recently constructed the two 5MW wind turbines for the Beatrice offshore project in the Moray Firth. By using advanced technology, they have produced machines which are relatively more efficient for the size of the rotor, with this 2MW turbine having a 35m blade rather than the more typical 40 to 42m. Noise levels are also low, and can be set at 100 dB(A) by reducing rotor speed. This machine is an upwind design, with a 70m diameter rotor, a tower height of 55m, variable speed operation of 12 to 19 rpm. Parts for this turbine are manufactured by Peter Brotherhood Ltd, in Peterborough.
Nordex N80 – 2.5MW
Nordex are a German/Danish company producing a small range of wind turbines between 1.3 and 2.5MW, primarily for the onshore market. The N80 is a 2.5MW wind turbine, and by allowing the machine to run slightly faster than competing machines they have been able to use a 40m blade rather than the more typical 42m. This machine is an upwind design, with an 80m diameter rotor, a tower height of 60m, variable speed operation of 15 to 20 rpm. Noise levels are slightly higher than other equivalent machines due to the higher rotational speeds.
NEG-MiconNM92 – 2.75MW
The largest wind turbine operating onshore in the UK is the NEG Micon NM92, a 2.75MW wind turbine. A 46m blade is used and although initially considered, the scale of this machine was deemed to be too large for this type of farmland location, due to access difficulties. This machine is an upwind design, with a 92m diameter rotor and a tower height of 60m.
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Selection process
Each wind turbine has its own specific application. The Vestas V52 is manufactured in Scotland, is very robust and quiet, and has very good installed costs per kW. The RE Power turbine is also quiet with good installed cost per kW, with much higher power levels. The Nordex N80 was a possibility, however the higher operational speed results in greater noise emissions and delivery of the larger components can be difficult in this part of Scotland. Given the design requirements of maximum power production while avoiding major road construction, reducing visual impact, and the need to ensure minimal influence on neighbours, the REpower MM70 was identified as being the most appropriate, providing more than twice the power of the V52 along with a 40% reduction in rotational speed, from a 9m increase in blade length. To match the output using the smaller V52 would require a windfarm of 15 wind turbines, compared with the 6 now proposed. Machine availability may change at the time of construction, and accordingly the planning application has allowed for a standard turbine with a blade length of 35m and a tower height of 55m, giving a maximum overall height of 90m.
Figure 2.8 – RE Power MM70 2MW
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2.7 Equipment specification
Item Specification RE Power MM70 Wind turbine Structure: Colour of machine Light grey, matt finish, RAL 7035 Tower type Tubular conical steel Tower base diameter 4 m Hub height 55 m Total height 90 m Rotor: Number of blades 3 Blade material GRP monocoque Rotor diameter 70 m Swept rotor area 3,850 m2 Rotational speed Variable 12 - 19 rpm
Switchgear building Dimensions Rectangular building 3 m by 5 m Material Concrete block Finish Pebble dash, to be agreed Total height 3.5 m
Table 2.2 Main specifications
2.8 Transportation
Section 7 of this report contains an assessment of transportation to site, including analysis of corners, turns and bridges. The turbine components will be delivered by sea from the German factory to Aberdeen then delivered by extended trailer along the A947 past Dyce and Oldmeldrum to the project location. It is intended that turbines 1, 4 and 5 will follow the minor B9170 road to the north of Oldmeldrum, with 2 and 6 delivered along the minor road to Barthol Chapel past Tulloford, before travelling on to each separate site. Turbine 3 will all be delivered along the minor road to the north of St Katherines. There will likely be the need for some minor corner widening at the junctions off the A947, at the minor road leading to Barthol Chapel and at the entrances to each farm. The RE Power MM70 has a 34m long blade, while the largest tower section would be 30m long, and no wider than 4m. Maximum weight is 30T for the bottom tower section, 60T for the nacelle, and the blades weigh a total of 16T.
2.9 Roads and foundation construction summary
The road and track material will be extracted during construction of the turbine tracks foundations and from existing quarries in Aberdeenshire. Stone and concrete will be supplied locally where possible, and the foundation construction must be completed a month in
OSE/2586 20 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006 advance of turbine delivery and assembly. Each farm will have improved access roads to allow delivery of the components, all shown in figures 2.1 – 2.5, using existing tracks where possible. The track layouts have been designed to minimise visual impact where possible by following field boundaries. a. Establish widened entrances to the site access tracks from public roads. b. Fill and level the existing tracks. c. Used crushed stone to provide hard standing, graded to match existing slopes. d. Site office, mess, toilets and any materials storage to be sited on hard standing adjacent to the location of the switchgear buildings. e. Roadways to be constructed with crushed rock from suitable excavated foundation material, with sub-base and bottoming layers of quarried stone as required. f. Excavate top soil and glacial till and cast foundation block on hard strata and bedrock. g. Roadways and hardstanding are to be unsurfaced and porous with filter strips, and will not require active drainage. h. Reinstatement of site tracks - no side slopes and track to be flush with existing ground. i. Topsoil fill - finish to merge with existing slopes and reseed to match adjacent land.
2.10 Wind turbine construction programme
The detailed turbine construction programme will be issued at the time of construction, but can be summarised as follows. The components for the turbines will be delivered to site using extending trailers. Cranes will be needed to offload from the transporters and to lift and assemble the components. A 500T telescopic crane will be required:
1 Deliver and install the transformers into foundations.
2 Erect the lower tower sections directly off the trailer onto the foundation;
3 Deliver the upper tower sections and nacelles to the site;
4 Erect the upper tower sections and nacelles;
5 Deliver three sets of blades to the site and assemble on hubs into rotors;
6 Lift and install rotor assemblies on the turbine nacelles.
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This would be the optimum and most efficient construction sequence, though it should be recognised that the weather at the time of construction may impact upon the erection programme. Full consultation will take place with the local community to minimise disruption.
2.11 Operation and maintenance
Operations and maintenance will be under the control of the operational company to be established by the farms concerned. Over the operational lifetime of the project the wind turbines will require periodic inspection to maintain the condition of the machinery and structures. There will be an initial period during which it is expected that fault-finding and system fine-tuning will take place on a weekly basis, leading to a once per month inspection and maintenance programme. In addition, there will be an annual service to check and inspect the blades, fastenings and oil quality. Every five years there will be an extended service and maintenance period, with every subsystem inspected, and overhaul of the turbines carried out.
The turbine gearbox is self-contained, requiring an annual inspection; an oil change should only be needed if there was sign of degradation in quality. The blade and main brake activation systems are under hydraulic control, with this oil recycled on a five-yearly sequence.
Modern wind turbines are well engineered and are designed to operate on extreme sites for over twenty years. Consequently major failure of the turbine components is not predicted during normal operating conditions and accordingly the possibility of blade or tower failure is extremely unlikely to occur. In any event the project is located well away from housing and public roads, with only limited access to the site. The probability of members of public being at risk from a turbine during operations and maintenance is therefore extremely low and insignificant.
2.12 Decommissioning
The expected operational lifetime of the project is 25 years, with the structures then removed from site. The steel, other metals and oils within the structures will be recycled. The blades are classed as standard waste and would be handled through the normal disposal system. It is proposed that the areas of stone forming the hard-standings would be removed, and the foundations soil covered and landscaped at the end of the project. The access tracks will be left in place.
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3 Socio-economic and planning issues
3.1 Local involvement
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project was initiated by the farmers concerned and has been designed and developed to provide environmental, economic and social benefits to the farming community in this part of Aberdeenshire. A renewable energy project was considered ideal for developing the viability of the farms by providing sustainable economic diversification, and assessment of the area indicated that the site would be appropriate for a scattered wind energy cluster. Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd were retained to provide advice to the farms, and have become responsible for design and planning.
3.2 Governance and sustainability
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project is a viable mechanism of diversification, and is to be locally owned and controlled. The project developers have taken an open approach to the development and have conducted preliminary consultation with a broad range of statutory agencies. By consulting at an early stage of the development and by adjusting the development to take into account sensitive habitats, birds, landscape and proximity to neighbours, the project partners have demonstrated good governance, and it is felt that the wind project is a good example of sustainable development.
The project is economically viable and is considered to be of key significance in ensuring the future vitality of the farms, with financial benefits accruing from electricity production. The financial returns from the development will compensate each farm for the loss of land required for tracks and foundations, and the project has been structured to provide meaningful revenue, while at the same time offering an alternative to the large scale exploitation of commercial windfarms.
3.3 National planning context
The project has been designed and planned using the recommendations and advice contained within Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments (BWEA), NPPG 6: Renewable
Energy Developments(Scottish Executive 2000), Planning Advice Notes PAN 45: Renewable Energy
Technologies (Scottish Executive 2002), PAN 56: Planning and Noise (Scottish Executive 1999), PAN 58:
Environmental Impact Assessment (Scottish Executive 1999) and PAN 68: Design Statements (Scottish
Executive 2003), the SNH Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of Windfarms (SNH Publications),
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the DTI Final Report on the Assessment of Noise from windfarms (ETSU 1996) and the Guidelines on Wind Energy and Aviation Interests from the Defence and Civil Aviation
Interests Working Group(ETSU 2002). The project has also considered Scottish Planning Policy
15: Planning for Rural Development, and PAN 73: Rural Diversification(Scottish Executive 2006).
The overarching aim of the Scottish Executive, as detailed in the above policies and advice notes is to have a prosperous rural economy, with a stable or increasing population that is more balanced in terms of age structure, and where rural communities have reasonable access to good quality services. SPP15 and PAN73 in particular indicate that planning authorities should take a more welcoming stance to development in rural Scotland and proactively enable and help create opportunities for development in sustainable locations, and in addition rural diversification should be embraced to help businesses and farmers start new enterprises in appropriate circumstances and at an appropriate scale.
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project is a rural diversification scheme: “Rural Diversification helps to broaden the economic activity of rural areas, providing opportunity and creating a more balanced and stable economy.” (PAN73) This Advice Note goes on to further discuss the diversity of the rural economy, “There are many activities that make a valuable contribution to the rural economy that are less immediately obvious such as…quarrying, waste disposal, hydro-electric schemes and wind turbines”.
3.4 Structure Plan context
In December 2004 Aberdeenshire Council published a Renewable Energy Strategy for the county (Aberdeenshire Council 2005). In section 1.1, the strategy states: “The generation of electrical energy from renewable sources has considerable potential in Aberdeenshire. The generation of renewable energy is increasingly being seen as a necessary component of strategies to address climate change, fuel poverty and in promoting sustainable development.” and in section 1.9 the strategy suggests that the Council should “…promote actions, principally through the land use planning system, which will promote an increase of renewable energy in Aberdeenshire.”
The Renewable Energy Strategy document has the following vision statement, section 2.5: “Aberdeenshire Council will encourage the Aberdeenshire community to work towards generating its own energy requirements using renewable energy technologies, and to make a net contribution to national and global energy needs through the use of renewable energy
OSE/2586 24 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006 sources for the benefit of the environment, the economic health of the area and to promote sustainable communities.” In section 3, the aims of the strategy are clarified:
• Efficient resource use to reduce reliance on fossil fuel; • Make the most appropriate use of land and infrastructure in the generation and transmission of renewable energy; • Minimise global and long term impacts, maximising natural benefits and promoting sustainable communities through the application of local solutions to energy needs; • Promote economic development through the expansion of a developing renewable energy industry; • Safeguard sites and ensure that land use planning decisions are made in the holistic consideration of lifetime energy use and all potential benefits; • Promote diversity and access to sustainable fuel types, meeting the need for security and continuity of supply now and in an uncertain future.
These aims are to be achieved through a series of strategic objectives, principally providing favourable consideration of renewable energy projects in the planning system, particularly at a local level.
3.5 Aberdeenshire Council Local Plan
Aberdeenshire Council have produced a set of guidelines for developers of renewable energy projects, (Aberdeenshire Council 2005), and the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Structure Plan 2001- 2016, adopted on 21st December 2001, favourably considers renewable energy facilities subject to ecological, transportation, landscape and amenity considerations. Policy 26 of the Structure Plan sets out a sequential exploration of tiered planning designations, which all wind farm proposals are assessed against. The tiered approach is used as a basis for deciding planning applications and identifying areas of search. Policy Inf\7 of the finalised Aberdeenshire Local Plan relates specifically to wind energy development, and indicates that wind energy developments in Tier 4 areas should be approved if designed in accordance with the following criteria:
• The proposal should be set back from roads and railways to at least the height of the turbines proposed;
• There should be no electro-magnetic interference to communications systems, radar, air traffic control systems, or adversely affect radio or TV reception;
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• It has been demonstrated that no part of the development will have a detrimental impact upon airports, aircraft flight paths or MoD low-flying areas;
• The proposal has acceptable impacts on sites of importance to natural heritage, national and local landscape designations, and areas of local ecological importance;
• The proposal does not have an adverse effect on public access for walking, cycling or horse riding;
• The proposal should be appropriate in terms of the scale and nature of the setting of listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeological sites and historic gardens and designated landscapes;
• The proposal should be sited to minimise adverse impact, and turbines should be located more than 400m from dwellings to minimise risk from ice throw, shadow flicker, visual intrusion and the likely effects of noise intrusion;
• The proposal should not result in the material loss of amenity to other sensitive receptors, such as those involved in leisure or recreation;
• The proposal should consider cumulative effects of neighbouring wind turbines or wind farm developments.
The Methlick Farmers wind energy project is a small scale development, as defined by Aberdeenshire Council, located in a Tier 4 area, and has been designed in accordance with the above recommendations. It is felt that the project fits well within the aims and vision of the Aberdeenshire Council Renewable Energy Strategy, and is a good example of a sustainable development, and important rural diversification.
3.6 Socio-economic benefits
Development of a wind energy industry is predicted to have significant economic and environmental benefits. With Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire both strongly committed to encouraging community renewable energy developments, it is felt that the Methlick Farmers project is particularly appropriate and relevant to the socio-economic development of this part of Aberdeenshire. Although the wind turbines will be manufactured in England and Germany, there will be additional design, civil and electrical engineering requirements, approaching one third of the total project costs. The development team intends to ensure that much if not all of this work is completed by local organisations. New long term employment
OSE/2586 26 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006 opportunities will also arise from the project, with local support necessary for the long term operation and maintenance of the site.
Wind energy projects in Scotland have been mainly developer-owned, with project profits diverted from local economies. Exceptions to this have been the Burray wind energy project in Orkney, where there has been a commitment to encourage local investment in wind energy developments, and the community wind energy project on Gigha. The Methlick Farmers project will be a locally-owned project, ensuring continuing capital investment in the area, and maintaining and creating new employment opportunities in a rural economy.
The project partners have developed the Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project to substantially improve the social and economic conditions for the farming community in this part of Aberdeenshire. This is a typical rural community, with high out-migration of young people and a general lack of social and economic opportunities, particularly for the young. Overall, the project aims to tackle these problems by considering a range of measures, detailed below:
• Construct a low density cluster of up to six locally-owned wind turbines;
• Develop and establish a local renewable energy company;
• Invest in community social and economic development projects;
• Provide a community fund to be administered by the local community associations;
• Invest in Scottish companies during project design, development and construction;
• Broaden and strengthen the local economic base to maintain and provide new full time employment over the next 25 years.
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4 Summary of environmental impacts
The environmental impacts and benefits of wind energy projects are largely recognised, however both the specific implications of constructing a wind energy project in this part of Aberdeenshire and the possible cumulative effects of other wind energy projects in the area require consideration. The Methlick Farmers wind energy project is located in an area of rolling farmland, situated between the communities of Fyvie, Methlick and Tarves. The area has a long history of cultivation, land improvement and grazing, evident by the scarcity of nature reserves or other designated sites. The turbines are to be positioned on field boundaries on five different farms, on underlying metamorphic bedrock. The following concerns have been addressed in detail, summarised below:
• visual impact upon the landscape • ecological impact • geological and hydrology impact • environmental impact during construction and operation • pollution impact during construction and operation • disturbance from noise • shadow flicker nuisance • impact on archaeology • radio communications interference
From the outset the landowners expressed the desire to minimise the environmental impact of the project, with independent studies completed as part of the assessment. Consideration of the Aberdeenshire Council supplementary planning guidance indicated that this project can be considered as a small scale development, with the turbines becoming an integral part of, but not dominating, the surrounding countryside. Assessment of the ecology across the five farms was completed by the SAC Conservation Services, and includes breeding bird surveys, an assessment of mammals and analysis of soil and rock at each turbine location. An assessment of the risk to archaeology has been conducted, noise impact has been predicted using a cumulative geometric spreading calculation, and the risk of shadow impact at neighbouring properties has been assessed.
Impact upon sensitive habitats has been avoided, impact upon bird species will not be significant, and although there is archaeology in the area, the turbine positions and the access tracks have been located to avoid known sites. Noise, shadow flicker and pollution impacts will not be significant and the wind turbines have been positioned to avoid interference with radio-communications systems.
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4.1 Visual impact upon the landscape
To aid assessment of the visual impact of the development, a series of wireframe images and photomontages has been produced, Volume 2 of the report. Maps showing the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) of the project have also been produced, showing the theoretical locations where the turbines can be seen.
The turbines present a simple, clear relationship to the landform and other existing features; cluttered, overlapping, unbalanced and partial views have been avoided by using a low density layout. Unlike other developments in the area the turbines are not located on hill tops, ridges or other exposed areas, allowing the use of longer blades and taller towers. The turbines have been positioned back from roads, and site access has been designed to use the existing tracks where possible. The project switchgear buildings are mainly located away from the turbines and positioned adjacent to farm buildings, near to existing overhead cables.
There are no National Scenic Areas in this part of Aberdeenshire, and no areas of Great Landscape Value. The wind turbines have been located to achieve minimum impact, giving a logical relationship with field boundaries. This area is on the border between Formatine and Banff and Buchan, and the visual impact has considered the South and Central Aberdeenshire
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) (SNH 1998), and the Banff and Buchan LCA (SNH 1997). All turbine locations are in Formantine, with the landscape defined as Agricultural Heartland, and the area described as Northern Rolling Lowlands, figure 4.1. The LCA indicates that this type of landscape can be considered appropriate for wind energy development.
Zone of Theoretical Visibility
Zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) diagrams were generated using the WindFarm programme along with Ordnance Survey gridded topographic ‘Panorama’ data, figure 4.2. This shows the theoretical extent of visibility of the project, measured to uppermost tip height, assuming very clear weather conditions. A 30km boundary has been chosen, in accordance with the recommendations in ‘Visual Assessment of Windfarms: Best Practice’, though it should be considered that in very clear conditions the site may be seen from areas beyond this boundary, and similarly no account has been taken of the reduction of views through obstruction by the extensive forested area and buildings in local communities. The ZTV is largely contained within 5 to 10km from the site, reflecting the largely flat and rolling nature of the countryside, with Core Hill to the west blocking views. Single turbines will mainly be seen from Tarves and Fyvie, and partially from Oldmeldrum and Methlick.
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Wind project
OSE/2586 Figure 4.1 – Landscape Character, SNH 30 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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OSE/2586 Figure 4.2 – Maximum Zone of Theoretical Visibility 31 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
Impact on Visual Resource
The significance of the impact of the development on the area was considered from 20 viewpoints, selected from the ZTV, with 27 separate photomontages produced. Only viewpoints from which the turbines should be visible have been used, however at many locations extensive tree cover blocks the view.. The factors used when selecting viewpoints included the quality of the landscape, whether or not there are any discordant or prominent features, the type and number of possible viewers and any historical context. Due the low density nature of this development, the nearer viewpoints have a range of viewing angles to show all wind turbines visible at each location.
Wireframe images and photomontages have been produced using the WindFarm software programme, a recognised tool used to help design wind energy projects. Photographs were taken from each of the following viewpoints, mainly on clear or slightly cloudy days to show maximum visibility. A digital camera was used to produce the images, however a conventional SLR camera with a 50mm lens was initially used to determine the correct focal length, ensuring the images matched that seen by the human eye.
1: Barthol Chapel, looking SE and SW 11: Auchmaliddie 2: Ardmeddan, N, NNE and NE 12: A948 north of Ellon 3: St Katherines, looking NE and E 13: Forvie sands 4: Fyvie 14: Brimmond Hill 5: Gight crossroads 15: West of Tarves 6: B9170 east of Methlick, W and SW 16: Woodhead, SE and SSE 7: Haddo House Gardens 17: Bellmuir S.A.M. 8: A947 south of Oldmeldrum 17A: Above Bellmuir 9: Bennachie Mither Tap 18: Gight Castle 10: Towie Barclay Castle entrance 19: Haddo Deer Statues, W & NW
Cumulative Impact
Cumulative impact is not an important issue for the Methlick Farmers project. Figure 4.3 shows the ZVT of the Mackies wind turbine erected next to Core Hill, and figure 4.4 shows cumulative impact analysis. Although the Mackies development uses a smaller V52 wind turbine, this machine is located on a much more prominent location, and is visible over a much greater area than any of the Methlick turbines. It can be seen that only the farms concerned and the community around Methlick itself have the potential for cumulative impact from the Methlick Farmers turbines.
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Figure 4.3 – ZTV of Mackie’s wind turbine, Core Hill
Figure 4.4 – Cumulative assessment of Methlick Farmers and Mackie’s wind turbines
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4.2 Ecological Impact
Analysis of the Aberdeenshire planning guidance for wind development suggested that there were no designated ecological areas within the boundary of each site, and consultation with SNH revealed three Sites of Special Scientific Interest, all outwith the farms concerned. Breeding bird and mammal surveys were completed by Dr Paul Chapman of SAC Conservation Services on 22/23 June 2006 and 21/24 July 2006 to determine the birds present within a 500 m radius of the wind turbine sites, and the protected mammals within a 200m radius of the sites and their access routes. Section 3 of this report includes the full assessment, along with details of all adjacent SSSIs.
A total of 29 species of bird showed evidence of breeding within the survey areas over the two visits, including eight red-listed species of conservation concern. Balgove held the highest number of red-listed species and territories, while Haddo and Courtstone held the least.
It is estimated that one pair of Linnets, two pairs of Yellowhammers and two pairs of buzzards are at risk of disturbance or displacement if all six turbine sites are developed. One pair of Skylarks, two pairs of lapwing and three pairs of curlew are also at risk of displacement although the distribution of these species is likely to vary from year to year depending on the crop rotation. The combinations of species’ sensitivity and impact magnitude involved in these potential changes all represent low significance impacts.
The ground nesting species (skylark and waders) showed a strong preference for naturally regenerated set-aside. Ensuring that this type of habitat is kept away from the immediate vicinity of the wind turbines will ensure that the impacts remain low.
Twenty species of birds were observed flying over the survey areas including four red-listed species which were observed in very low numbers and are at low risk of impact. The species at consistently greatest risk of bird strike are the wood pigeon and rook, which are low sensitivity species and thus the overall significance of any impact will be low. The risk of bird-strike for some flocking species could be reduced by avoiding the creation of attractive feeding areas in the immediate vicinity of the turbine sites, such as naturally regenerated set- aside or, in the case of gulls, outwintered pigs
As the survey was a breeding season survey only, it is not possible to assess the risk of bird strike or displacement at other times of the year, although the nearest main goose roost is at
OSE/2586 34 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006 the Meikle Loch, 18 km to the east, which would suggest that large numbers of geese are unlikely to feed in the area.
There is no evidence that protected mammals are present in close proximity to the turbine sites, although it is possible that bats may roost within the woodland to the south east of the Courtstone site.
4.3 Potential disturbance to archaeology
A walkover surveys of the sites and the track routes was conducted by the project archaeologist, Section 4. The objectives were to identify and describe any known sites and to anticipate the potential for unknown archaeology within the immediate environs of each site, to assess the potential impacts of the developments, and to identify measures to mitigate any adverse impacts. The following information resources were used:
the National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS), compiled by the Royal Commission of Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), and accessed through the on-line CANMORE database (www.rcahms.gov.uk) the PASTMAP on-line database of sites and monuments with statutory protection, also compiled by RCAHMS and accessed at www.rcahms.gov.uk the regional Sites and Monuments Record, compiled by Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus Archaeology Service, accessible at [email protected] and the PASTMAP online database. maps, with particular emphasis on the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 County Series first edition of 1878 (accessed at www.old-maps.co.uk ), and the current OS 1:25000 Explorer series map of the area (no. 426, Banff, Macduff & Turriff, issued 2002).
The walkover survey of the development area and the immediate surroundings was made in July 2006. Any archaeological features which were encountered were located in relation to the site plans and their locations confirmed by hand-held GPS, and recorded by written description and digital photography. Weather conditions were mainly dry, although with murky visibility.
In terms of physical impact on currently recorded archaeological sites and features, there appears to be no major obstacles for the project proceeding to construction. Only one location, Hattonslap, requires significant mitigation in the form of a watching brief on construction activity, although a minor ancillary element of the Courtstone location should also receive a watching brief. Repeat field visits will be needed for four of the five turbine
OSE/2586 35 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006 fields which were in crop at the time of the main site visits, although the results are not expected to create substantial change to the recommendations due to successive ploughing regimes.
Analysis of indirect impacts on nationally important sites near to the wind turbine locations has also been completed, including the Scheduled Ancient Monuments at Bellmuir, Gight and Fyvie Castle, and possible impact upon visitors to the Historic Garden & Designated Landscapes of Haddo House, Fyvie Castle and Pitmedden Gardens, figure 4.5. From visual analysis it is clear that there is no turbine visibility at Fyvie Castle and Pitmedden Gardens, and no loss of Public Amenity Value is predicted. At Haddo House the dense forestry obscures visual impact for all but one location, near to the deer statues at the elevated area to the SE of the estate. At this one location only fleeting glimpses of two turbines is predicted, however the deer statues location is not featured in any suggested walks in the estate, and is only rarely visited; loss of Public Amenity Value is predicted to be minimal.
Figure 4.5 – Designated archaeological and historical sites
4.4 Impact upon Geological and Hydrological features
An assessment of the geology and the hydrogeological features of the area was conducted with reference to maps produced by the British Geological Survey, Section 5. This survey identified the extent of superficial deposits in the area, mainly glacial till soils, along with sand and gravel along the Ythan. The bedrock geology in this part of Aberdeenshire is mainly Upper Dalradian quartz-mica-schist and slate metamorphic at the development sites, figure 4.6. The turbines have been positioned upon the areas of hard metamorphic quartzite schist.
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Quartz-mica-schist, grit, slate and phyllite (Upper Dalradian) - metamorphic
Gabbro - Haddo Glacial sand Haddo and gravel igneous Till - diamicton Denhill Denhill Granite - igneous Hattonslap Hattonslap Balgove Courtstone Balgove Courtstone Quartzose- mica-schist - Quartzite grit, metamorphic Alluvium – clay, silt and sand interstratified quartzose- mica-schist - metamorphic Granite - igneous
Superficial deposits Bedrock geology
Figure 4.6 – Bedrock geology and superficial deposits
Gavin Elrick of SAC Environmental completed a soil and hydrological investigation of the six turbine sites on the 14th of August 2006, including trial excavations at each turbine location, with reference to the following resources:
‘Soil Survey of Scotland’, 1: 25000 Scale map Sheets NJ73 and NJ 83. ‘Land Capability for Agriculture’, Map No. 30. ‘The Design of Field Drainage Pipe Systems’ MAFF Ref. 345. ‘The Climate of the Agricultural Areas of Scotland’, Met. Office, Ref. 108. FEH CD-ROM 1999 – CEH Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford. Flood Studies Report – Winter Rain Acceptance Potential.
The site investigations confirmed 300 to 500mm of topsoil at each turbine location, then varying depths of stony material. Pit depths of around 3m were achieved at each location, with the exception of T5 – Haddo, where hard rock was found at a depth of 1.7m. All excavations were also dry with the exception of T4 – Haddo, where water seepage was found at a depth of 2.7m. The main hydrological features in the area are the river Ythan, which travels west – east, around 1km north of turbines T3,T4 and T5, the Den Burn to the west of T3, and the various tributaries and drains that feed into Keithfield lake, east of Courtstone.
The soils throughout the area are described as till derived from slate, andalusite-schist and schistose grit, reflecting the underlying geology, and is free draining at each turbine location. The main concern raised by the hydrology assessment was to ensure that the construction of the roads and hardstanding areas should not alter run-off, and that the mitigation should incorporate buffer zones to ensure water courses are not affected – part 5, below.
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4.5 Environmental impact during construction
The maximum volume of topsoil that could be disturbed is approximately 2750 m3, consisting of access tracks and hard standing areas, a total area of 11,000 m2 at an average depth of 0.25m. Assuming that the soils in this area have 0.069 tonnes of carbon per cubic metre of soil Chapman et al, the carbon content of this volume of soil is estimated to be 190 tonnes. The carbon emission factor of grid electricity is 0.117 T/MWh (Carbon Trust) therefore six 2MW wind turbines in this area provides on average 90MWh per day, and a positive carbon balance of 10.5 T per day; 18 days of generation are required to compensate for the potential carbon released from the soil. It should be noted that the construction process will endeavour to retain the integrity of the soil systems to avoid the release of carbon, and it is intended that all soil will be reused in other parts of the farms.
The foundation manufacture will require approximately 1200m3 of concrete. It is recognised that the production of concrete is responsible for the emission of CO2, from both the energy required and from the calcining of limestone when producing cement; 1200 m3 of concrete requires 540T of cement, and assuming 1.25T of CO2 per tonne, IPCC Working Group II, p661, 675 T of CO2 would be emitted. Using a CO2 avoidance factor of 0.43T CO2/MWh, the wind turbines provide a positive CO2 balance of 38T per day; 18 days of generation is required to compensate for the carbon dioxide released during concrete manufacture.
There will be an increase in traffic levels during foundation construction and upgrading of the access track, and during mobilisation and installation of the turbines. This will however only occur over a short period of time. 30 loads of turbine components will be transported to site, with up to 5 loads of components for a 500T telescopic crane. A total of approximately 1.25km of new tracks and 1.85km of upgraded access tracks are to be constructed, all to be 4m wide. A maximum of around 6300 m3 of stone will be required for the track and hard standing construction. It is expected that some stone will be recovered during foundation manufacture, with the remainder coming from Aberdeenshire quarries.
4.6 Pollution impact during construction and maintenance
The construction activities during mobilisation and installation of the turbines represent the greatest risk of pollution. This may be through operational discharges or as the result of an unplanned or accidental event. Measures will be taken to protect against the release of any material with the potential to leach into the soil or water courses. All temporary welfare
OSE/2586 38 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006 facilities will be located away from the site, within the substation locations or adjacent farmyards. Details of proposed pollution prevention measures are included in Part 5, below.
4.7 Potential disturbance from noise
Section 6 of this report is the Environmental Health Impact Assessment, which addresses potential noise effects, along with shadow throw and flicker impact. Noise is generated by the turbine blades passing through the air as the hub rotates, along with mechanical noise from the gearbox and generator. Noise from the turbine blades is reduced by good design, particularly of the blade tip. Noise is measured in decibels (dB) and is a measure of the sound pressure level; a 1dB change in noise level is just perceptible, a 3dB change in noise level is clearly perceptible and a 10dB change in noise level is heard as a doubling or halving of the perceived level. Environmental noise measurement is made in dB(A) which more fully represents sounds heard by the human ear. Background noise levels naturally increase with windspeed, PAN 56, and it should be considered that noise levels from the turbines will decrease further due to ground affects and barrier attenuation. Table 4.1 shows the predicted impact at the neighbours to individual turbines along with other indicative environmental noise levels.
Source/Activity Indicative noise level dB (A) Threshold of hearing 0 Rural night-time background 20-40 Methlick wind turbines 32-40 Quiet bedroom 35 Busy road at 5km 35-45 Car at 65 km/h at 100m 55 Busy general office 60 Conversation 60 Truck at 50kmh at 100m 65 City traffic 90 Pneumatic drill at 7m 95 Jet aircraft at 250m 105 Threshold of pain 140
Table 4.1 – Indicative noise levels in the environment
The Planning Advice Note on Renewable Energy Technologies, PAN 45 provides information on noise from wind turbines. Paragraph 65 states: "Well designed wind turbines are generally quiet in operation". The document goes on to discuss the sources of noise and the effects of increasing wind speed on wind turbine noise and background noise. It notes that the report “The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms” ETSU-R-97, describes a framework for the measurement of wind farm noise and gives indicative noise levels thought
OSE/2586 39 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006 to offer a reasonable degree of protection to windfarm neighbours, without placing unreasonable restrictions on wind farm development or adding unduly to the costs and administrative burdens on wind farm developers or planning authorities.
The impact of noise from these wind turbines is not expected to be significant. The noise levels from the RE Power MM70 is adjustable, and can be set at a range of levels from 100 dB(A) to 104 dB(A). This value decreases with distance from the turbine and with atmospheric absorption. When considering the impact from a windfarm, the noise levels from individual wind turbines must be combined, and calculations should consider all wind turbines operating at maximum speed and power.
The turbines are located between 410 and 665m from the nearest neighbours to each site, and with extensive tree cover at the properties and a low density layout, it is suggested that a simplified assessment is sufficient. The predicted sound levels achieve the ETSU-R-97 limits of 35 to 40 dB(A) at residential locations and these noise levels are below the recommended amenity hours noise limits.
4.8 Potential disturbance from shadow flicker
Under certain combinations of geographical position, time of day and time of year, the sun may pass behind the rotor of a wind turbine and cast a shadow over neighbouring properties. This would normally occur in late evening or early morning when the sun is at low elevations. When the wind turbine blades rotate the shadow appears to flick on and off, creating an effect known as shadow flicker, and is noticeable only in buildings when viewed through narrow window openings.
Planning advice note PAN45 recommends 10 rotor diameter separation between the wind turbines and the nearby dwellings to avoid shadow nuisance, and the Methlick project achieves this recommendation at most locations. Nevertheless the potential for shadow effects was checked for a selection of neighbouring properties around each site using the WINDFARM software tool, regardless of the distance, with full results and graphs shown in Section 6. It has been presumed that windows face directly on towards the turbines to produce worst case examples. For locations where neighbours are nearer than 700m, and are in locations subject to shadow effects, a mechanism of automatically shutting down the turbine at the correct times on sunny days will be installed, Section 2 – Wind Turbine Description.
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4.9 Potential radiocommunications interference When a wind turbine is positioned near to a radar, radio, television, or microwave transmitter system, it may reflect some of the electromagnetic radiation in such a way that a reflected signal interferes with the original signal as it arrives at the receiver; this can cause the received signal to become distorted and lead to interference. The extent of any electromagnetic interference caused by a wind turbine, beyond positioning, depends mainly on the blade materials and the surface shape of the tower. Electromagnetic interference may also occur if a wind turbine is close to a radio communications service. Consultation with the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, and National Air Traffic Services indicated that there will be no objections provided there are no impacts upon their radar systems.
The Radiocommunications Agency, now OFCOM, indicated that there is a major telecommunications hub at Core Hill, to the west of the areas, and consultation with all organisations using transmitters on this hill has been completed. It was agreed that 200m wide exclusion corridors should be established on all microwave links to avoid interference, and the turbine positions were adjusted to ensure adequate clearance, figure 4.7.
The potential for interference with analogue television systems has also been considered, using a service provided by the BBC, http://windfarms.kw.bbc.co.uk/rd/projects/windfarms/. This indicated that the main transmitter of terrestrial television channels for the area is located at Durris, and that there is a minor interference risk. Should interference occur, the project developers will provide an alternate service using satellite or digital technologies
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Figure 4.7 – Radiocommunications microwave links
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5 Environmental management and proposed mitigation
This report has described a proposal to erect a small wind energy project on farmland to the west of Methlick, in the Formantine area of Aberdeenshire, together with an assessment of the related activities. This part of the report describes proposed environmental practices and mitigative measures.
5.1 Visual impact mitigation
To manage the visual impact of the development, it was decided that turbines should be located off the highest part of the farms to reduce overall visual impact and that landscaping of the foundations be considered to hide the lower part of the turbines. It was also decided that the access tracks should be designed to present a simple feature in the landscape, running along field boundaries and following the line of existing tracks where possible. Similarly it was decided that the project switchgear buildings should be designed to fit in with the surroundings, matching adjacent farm buildings where possible.
The planning advice note on Renewable Energy Technologies, PAN 45, states “Turbines in wind farms are likely to be tall, frequently located in open land, and therefore likely to be highly visible” and “It will normally be unrealistic to seek to conceal them. Developers should seek to ensure that through good siting and design, landscape and visual impacts are limited and appropriate to the location”, and “Although wind farms may be complex, they should not appear confusing in relation to the character of the landscape. Ideally they should be separate from surrounding features to create a simple image”.
It is believed that this wind project achieves these aims by ensuring that the turbines are separate and distinct features in the landscape, positioned away from the highest ground. The only additional infrastructure will be a small building at each farm, mainly located at some distance from the turbine sites.
5.2 Ecological impact mitigation
Impact avoidance has already occurred within the project development to date, in the selection of cultivated and drained farmland for the potential sites (distant from the SSSIs and away from topographical features attractive to birds) and also in the choice of access routes (existing tracks used on four farms).
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The main potential impacts from construction on the selected site relate to disturbance during construction, habitat loss and possible displacement and collision risk for skylarks and waders Of these, the significant impacts on birds arising from disturbance during construction can be successfully avoided by careful planning of the timing of construction work at different points of the development.
Detailed routing of the tracks, and construction practices that re-deploy excavated soil and vegetation on degraded land could go some way to avoiding or offsetting losses of habitat. Bird displacement is less easy to avoid, although it is possible that improvements to vegetation away from turbine sites might increase its attractiveness to breeding waders. Such an effect would not be expected to increase bird numbers at the turbine locations.
5.3 Pollution avoidance
The construction of the access track and the areas of hardstanding have the highest likelihood of pollution, and SEPA’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG1, PPG5, PPG6, PPG8 and PPG21 have been adopted by the project. To combat the potential risk of run-off from these areas, it is proposed that the mechanisms used to construct Sustainable Urban Drainage systems be adopted, using a permeable surface on the access tracks to allow water to pass through the upper layer, along with filter strips and bunds of vegetated land to providing filtering and flow attenuation of water run-off.
The construction of foundations of the wind turbines involves pouring fresh concrete. The nearest river, the Ythan, is over 1km from turbine locations T3,T4 and T5, reducing the risk of pollution run-off and it is proposed that all concrete be brought onto site as a dry mix to minimise the risk of spills. Cleaning of shutters and the washing of equipment will only be done away from the site.
To minimise risk of pollution from oils and fuels during project construction, all work will be to COSHH regulations and any machinery, equipment or construction material will be located on areas of hardstanding away from water courses. Any waste will be transported away from the work area and disposed of using standard waste handling procedures. Refuelling activities for construction vehicles and equipment will be restricted to contained areas of hard standing at fuel storage areas adjacent to the substation locations to restrict the potential for contamination of land; any spills would be contained during fuel transfer, and a store of absorbent material will be provided.
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5.4 Mitigation of noise disturbance and shadow flicker nuisance
The sites have been designed to ensure that the wind turbines are well away from individual properties, ensuring that noise is reduced to the levels recommended by PAN45 and ETSU-R- 97. The extensive tree cover around neighbouring properties and a number of large farm buildings all act to attenuate and reduce sound from the turbines. Moreover further reductions in turbine noise emissions can be achieved through changes in operational speed, if required.
The sites have been designed to ensure that most turbines are positioned more than ten rotor diameters from neighbours, largely achieving the recommendations of PAN45. The risk of shadow flicker has been calculated for each location and in one case there is the possibility of 47.9 hours of impact spread across the full year, although it is noted that in the case of this particular property the impact will be nil due to the barrier effect of the large farm buildings and trees that surround the house. To prevent such impact becoming a nuisance it has been agreed that automatic switch-off of the relevant turbines will occur at the times and days when shadows could occur.
5.5 Construction and Transportation impact mitigation
There will be construction noise during the road and foundation manufacture, mainly from lorries delivering stone and concrete over a 12 to 20 week period, however no blasting of rock is expected. The community and authorities will be consulted about suitable times for lorry movement and a construction schedule will be published.
Before any wind turbine components are transported to site, the project owners and designers will consult with the Scottish Executive, Aberdeenshire Council Roads Department and the Police to ensure acceptability of the routes to site. Existing public road culverts, bridges, verges and street furniture will be surveyed by the project developers in conjunction with the Roads Department. A schedule of loads and a timetable will be prepared and circulated prior to delivery.
Road warning signs and lights will be located at all areas of road works and any items such as fence posts and road signs that have been temporarily removed will be re-erected following transportation. The local community and all affected neighbours will be notified in advance of transportation.
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6 Conclusions
This study has described a project to install a small wind turbine development on farmland west of Methlick, in Aberdeenshire. The environmental impact of the project has been considered, with emphasis on visual impact, impact upon habitats, potential disturbance to birds, pollution control and potential nuisance impact upon neighbours. Life-cycle analysis of the development has considered the location, the sustainability of the project, the type and size of wind turbines to be installed, and the installation, operations and eventual decommissioning of the site. The study has further addressed the environmental and socio- economic benefits of the project.
The visual impact upon the landscape has been considered and the project has evolved into a low density layout of six machines. Although any wind energy project involving modern wind turbines will be seen from the surrounding area, the installation of wind turbines at these sites would only have visual impact on the immediate surroundings, mainly the scattered housing surrounding the farms involved in the project. Over greater distances the wind turbines are largely hidden by topography.
Impact upon the ecology of the area is not predicted to be significant. The general area for the development was selected to maximise distances to any ecologically sensitive areas, and the turbines have been located in drained and intensively managed farmland; the overall potential impact upon habitats, mammals and bird species is predicted to be minor. Impact upon neighbours has been controlled by ensuring that any wind turbine is well away from dwellings, reducing the noise impact to low levels, and restricting and controlling any shadow flicker impact.
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project has been designed to provide a commercially viable wind energy development, with strong local economic benefits, owned by members of the local farming community. The project respects the environment in the area, while minimising impacts on the neighbouring communities. Constructing the wind energy project will give a positive message on the importance of renewable energy to this part of Aberdeenshire, demonstrating the benefits of local ownership of wind energy, while at the same time allowing diversification and a more viable and sustainable use of farmland.
OSE/2586 45 Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
7 References and bibliography
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BWEA (1998). Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments. Website www.bwea.com/
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The Carbon Trust. Guidelines on measuring carbon and CO2 emissions from electricity. http://www.thecarbontrust.co.uk/carbontrust/low_carbon_tech/dlct2_1_6.html
Chapman, S.J., Towers, W., Williams, B.L., Coull, M.C., Paterson, E. (2001) Review of the Contribution to Climate Change of Organic Soils Under Different Land Uses. Scottish Executive Central Research Unit.
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National Planning Policy Guideline NPPG6 (2000). Renewable Energy Developments. Scottish Executive Development Department. ISBN 0 1-84268-684-4
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Planning Advice Note PAN 73 (2005). Rural Diversification. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7559 4425 9
Scottish Natural Heritage. Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of Windfarms and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes. SNH Publications
Scottish Natural Heritage (1998). South and Central Aberdeenshire Landscape Character Assessment. SNH Publications
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SEPA pollution prevention guidelines http://www.sepa.org.uk/guidance/ppg/
SEPA recommendations on drainage systems in Scotland - Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). http://www.sepa.org.uk/publications/leaflets/suds/?lang=_e
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