Troston Loch Wind Farm Volume 4 – EIA Report Non-Technical Summary February 2019

TROSTON LOCH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

FEBRUARY 2019

EDF RENEWABLES

Prepared By:

Arcus Consultancy Services

7th Floor 144 West George Street Glasgow G2 2HG

T +44 (0)141 221 9997 l E [email protected] w www.arcusconsulting.co.uk

Registered in England & Wales No. 5644976

Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ...... 1

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2

2 THE APPLICANT ...... 3

3 EIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY ...... 3

4 CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES & DESIGN EVOLUTION ...... 4

5 SITE AND SURROUNDS ...... 5

6 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 6

7 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT ...... 9

8 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 9

9 ECOLOGY ...... 12

10 ORNITHOLOGY ...... 13

11 GEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ...... 14

12 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 14

13 NOISE ...... 15

14 ACCESS, TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC ...... 16

15 FORESTRY ...... 17

16 LAND-USE, RECREATION AND SOCIOECONOMICS ...... 18

17 CLIMATE CHANGE AND CARBON BALANCE ...... 20

18 OTHER ISSUES ...... 21

19 SUMMARY ...... 22

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page i

Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

PREFACE This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) summarises the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report) that has been undertaken on behalf of EDF Renewables Limited (the Applicant) to accompany the Section 36 application for the construction and operation of Troston Loch Wind Farm (the Development). The EIA Report comprises of the following documents: • Volume 1 – EIA Report Text; • Volume 2 – EIA Report Figures; • Volume 2a – Figures excluding LVIA; • Volume 2b – LVIA Plan Figures; • Volume 2c – LVIA Visuals Part 1 of 2; • Volume 2d – LVIA Visual Part 2 of 2; • Volume 3 – EIA Report Technical Appendices; and • Volume 4 – EIA Report Non-Technical Summary. In addition to the above, the EIA Report is accompanied by a Planning Statement and Pre-Application Consultation Report. The EIA Report and supporting documentation is available on the Troston Loch Wind Farm project website: www.edf-re.uk/our-sites/troston In addition copies of the EIA Report will be made available for public inspection during the consultation period at the following locations during normal opening hours: • Scottish Government Library at Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ; • Dumfries and Galloway Council, Council Headquarters, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DD; and • Dalry Library, 81 Main St, St John's Town of Dalry, Castle Douglas DG7 3UP. Copies of the Non-Technical Summary and DVD copies of the complete application submission are available free of charge while stocks last. Hard copies of the application submission may be obtained at a reasonable charge reflecting the cost of making the relevant information available. To request a copy of the application submission please contact:

EDF Renewables or Arcus Consultancy Services [email protected] [email protected]

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services Alexander House 7th Floor 1 Mandarin Road 144 West George Street Rainton Bridge Business Glasgow Park G2 2HG Sunderland

DH4 5RA

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 1 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

1 INTRODUCTION This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) summarises the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report) which accompanies an application to the Scottish Government for consent pursuant to Section 36 of the Electricity Act 19891 to install and operate a wind farm comprising of up to 14 wind turbines, with a generation capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW) and associated infrastructure, at a site within Dumfries and Galloway for a period of 30 years (the Development). In addition, the Applicant is also seeking a Direction from the Scottish Ministers for planning permission to be deemed to be granted under Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended. Given that the Development is expected to exceed 50 MW and is classed as a Section 36 application, the EIA will be undertaken in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 20172 referred to as the EIA Regulations. Moniaive is the closest settlement to the Development at 7 kilometres (km) to the east, while St John’s Town of Dalry is 8 km south west and Carsphairn is approximately 11 km to the west as shown on Figure 1.

1 UK Government, 1989, Electricity Act 1989 [Online] Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/29/contents (Accessed 21/11/2018) 2 The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2017/101/contents/made (Accessed 21/11/2018)

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 2 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

2 THE APPLICANT The Applicant is EDF Renewables Limited. EDF Renewables Limited is the trading name of EDF Energy Renewables Limited, a renewable energy company jointly owned by EDF Energy plc (EDF Energy) and EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF EN). EDF Renewables Limited is the main vehicle for developing, constructing and operating wind farm projects within the UK on behalf of EDF EN and EDF Energy, and has a combined UK renewable energy portfolio of 957 MW of installed capacity (as of the end of 2018) plus a large portfolio of projects in development. EDF Energy is one of the largest energy companies in the UK, supplying around 6 million residential and business accounts with electricity and/or gas and producing around one-fifth (20%) of the nation’s electricity.

3 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 assessment must be carried out following consultation with statutory consultees, other interested bodies and members of the public. 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. This EIA Report 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 design process and identification of potential significant environmental effects; • Preparation of the EIA Report; and • Submission of the Section 36 application and EIA Report, 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 Development was made to Scottish Ministers in July 2017, which described the Development and its potential environmental effects. A number of statutory and non-statutory consultees responded to the scoping request which in turn informed the EIA process. Public Exhibitions were held in April and October 2018, taking place in the settlements of Moniaive and St John’s Town of Dalry. These events provided the opportunity to speak with representatives of the Applicant and their specialist consultants, learn about the Development and the preliminary findings of the EIA, and provide comment on the proposal. A number of environmental disciplines 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.

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 3 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

In accordance with the EIA Regulations, the assessment has considered ‘cumulative effects’ where applicable.

4 CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES & DESIGN EVOLUTION As part of an ongoing UK wide search, the Development was identified by the Applicant as having potential to be progressed to the more detailed design stage. Further high- level investigations, and a willing landowner, resulted in the Site being advanced to the initial survey phase. The Site was selected to be progressed for the following reasons: • A sufficiently high annual mean wind speed across the Site; • Viable grid connection in close proximity to the Site; • Suitable road access, subject to a degree of road upgrade; • A limited wind turbine zone of theoretical visibility, especially to the populated areas and transport routes; • The Site is sufficiently distant from the nearest residential properties to ensure compliance with ETSU-R-97 noise limits, as well as to reduce adverse residential visual amenity and shadow flicker effects; and • The Site itself does not support any international or national ecological, landscape or cultural heritage designations. The Development layout has evolved throughout the duration of the EIA. This iterative approach has allowed the findings of the public consultation exercise, along with the results from the ongoing environmental surveys, to guide the evolution of the Development and allowed the design to be modified in order to avoid environmental effects where possible. This was achieved through detailed assessments of the environmental effects, consideration of the identified spatial constraints combined with consideration of the appearance of the Development from sensitive viewpoints to take account of landscape and visual considerations. A series of design iterations with project team input and site visits were held to inform the design process. These involved members of the EIA and technical team who provided information on potential constraints following the baseline assessments. The process was also informed by detailed civil engineering requirements to ensure technically viable design solutions. There were a number of individual design iterations to explore the various technical and environmental issues identified through baseline surveys. Through the baseline surveys, it became apparent that there were site sensitivities in relation to landscape and visual effects, ecology, hydrology and peat constraints and the layout was modified to take account of these. Additionally, the tip height of 149.9 metres (m) has been partially informed by the requirement of the Civil Aviation Authority that all structures of a height of 150 m or greater to be installed with visible aviation lighting, consisting of a medium intensity (2000 candela) red lighting. This brings about notable changes to the landscape and visual impact at night and it was decided early on in the process that this limit would not be exceeded and therefore the requirement for visible aviation lighting. This also allowed the design to focus on refining the appearance of the Development, and to ensure that the small scale variations in the composition of sensitive habitats were fully considered. The final design has been subject to the assessment, detailed throughout this EIA Report.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 4 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

5 SITE AND SURROUNDS The Site covers an area of 437 hectares (ha), centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 268500, 589500. Moniaive is the closest settlement to the Development at 7 km to the east, while St John’s Town of Dalry is 8 km south west and Carsphairn is approximately 11 km to the west as shown on Figure 1. The Site lies wholly within the administrative boundary of Dumfries and Galloway Council. The topography of the Site and immediate vicinity is complex. The elevation of the Site itself ranges from approximately 380 m above ordnance datum (AOD) in the northeast of the site near Troston Loch and falls to 250 m AOD in the south and southwest of the site. A string of hills form the northwest boundary of the Site consisting of Bennieloan (360 m AOD), College Hill (350 m AOD) and Lochlee Hill (352 m AOD). The Site is in turn surrounded by generally higher hills than those within the Site itself, particularly to the north, east and south. There are a number of watercourses within the Site and two waterbodies, Troston Loch and Mackay’s Loch. The Site predominantly comprises of commercial coniferous plantation at varying degrees of maturity. Much of the Site has recently been felled and either comprises of clear fell or young plantation. The southern section of the Site is used for livestock grazing. No public roads are located within the Site, although there are number of existing good quality forest roads. The northernmost boundary of the Site runs adjacent to the B729 for a short section. There are a number of dispersed properties surrounding the Site, predominantly to the east and north, although none are located within 1 km. There are no residential properties within the Site. There are no statutory designated sites within or immediately surrounding the Site.

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 5 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

6 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The layout of the Development is shown on Figure 2. The Development will comprise of the following main components as summarised in Table 1.

6.1 Development Components Table 1 Key Parameters of the Development Element Details

Turbines Up to 14 turbines, each with a tip height of up to 149.9 m and a rotor diameter up to 133 m. Depending on the final turbine choice a small transformer will be located at the base of each turbine. Each turbine will have a foundation with a diameter of between 16 and 21 m, with a depth of 3 m.

Access Track The on-site access track layout has been designed to minimise environmental disturbance and land take by following environmental constraints, where possible. Access track to serve the construction and operation of the wind farm with width approximately 5 m, this will consist of approximately 8 km of upgraded track and 5 km of newly constructed track. There is a requirement for 11 crossings for watercourses, of these, nine are existing crossing points as part of the existing track network which would require upgrading. The crossings will be designed to ensure that fish and mammal movement is not restricted.

Electrical A Substation building will be located towards to the south of the Site, measuring Infrastructure approximately 40 x 20 m. This building will also include the control building and a battery storage facility. The substation building will be located within a compound measuring approximately 60 x 60 m, which will also include any external electrical infrastructure and vehicle parking. Underground cabling, laid where possible alongside the access tracks, will link the turbine transformers to the onsite substation. The grid connection does not form part of the Section 36 consent application for the Development. The consent for the grid connection will be sought by the relevant owner/operator of the local distribution network, Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN). The Network Operator will be responsible for the consenting, construction and operation and maintenance of the grid connection.

Crane Crane hardstandings will be required adjacent to each turbine, this will consist Hardstanding of a main area of approximately 1400 m2 at each turbine. In addition to the main hardstanding areas there will be additional flattened areas for crane assembly and turbine blade storage, however these will be temporary and only include small areas of hardstandings.

Temporary A temporary construction compound will be required during the construction of Construction the Development, forming an area of hardstanding providing space for Compound portakabins, parking and lay down areas; this will measure approximately 80 x 60 m and be located in the north of the Site. Following construction, the construction compound would be removed and the area fully restored.

Borrow Pits Up to two onsite borrow pits are proposed, however given that there is little new track with the majority consisting of upgrades, relatively little aggregate will be required when compared to a typical wind farm of this size, and the use of both borrow pits may not be required. One of the proposed borrow pits will involve extending an existing quarry.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 6 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

Element Details

Anemometry A 90 m anemometry mast will be constructed for the life span of the wind farm, Mast with a small foundation of approximately 6 x 6 m.

Site Access It is proposed to create a new access point off the B729 to serve the Development, located to the north of the Site.

6.2 Construction Phase The construction period for the Development would be approximately 18 months in duration. The starting date for construction activities will largely be dependent upon the date that consent might be granted and grid availability; subsequently, the programme would be influenced by constraints on the timing and duration of any mitigation measures confirmed in the individual technical chapters or by the consent decision. Construction activities have been assumed to take place between 07:00 to 19:00 hours on weekdays and 07:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays with the exception of any emergency working or turbine deliveries.

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 7 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

It would be the responsibility of the main construction contractor to prepare and implement a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). An Outline CEMP is included as part of the application and can be found in Volume 3 Appendix 9.1 Prior to construction a detailed CEMP would collate all measures required during construction to avoid and minimise environmental harm, it would include: • Site induction and training; • Working hours; • Enabling works; • Surface water and drainage management; • Waste management; • Wastewater and water supply monitoring and control; • Oil and chemical delivery and storage; • Water quality monitoring; • Ecological protection measures; • Construction noise management; • Cultural heritage protection measures; • Handling of excavated materials; • Forest and woodland management; • Reinstatement and restoration; • Traffic management; • Environment incident response and reporting; • Use and extent of borrow pits; • Method statements and risk assessments; • Final drawings and details of access tracks; and • Final drawings and details of turbine foundations.

6.3 Operational Phase During operation, general servicing is required. Each turbine manufacturer has specific maintenance requirements, but typically, routine maintenance or servicing of turbines is carried out twice a year, with a main service at twelve monthly intervals and a minor service at 6 months. In the first year, there is also an initial three month service after commissioning.

6.4 Decommissioning Phase The Development has been designed with an operational life of 30 years. At the end of the operational period, it would be decommissioned and the turbines dismantled and removed. Any alternative to this action would be subject to further consenting process.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 8 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

7 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT The Development will have a generation capacity of over 50 MW. In Scotland, onshore renewable energy developments that have a capacity to generate over 50 MW require consent from the Scottish Minsters under the Electricity Act 1989. In such cases the Local Planning Authority, is a statutory consultee in the development management process and procedures. The Scottish Government influences the planning system through legislations, White Papers, the National Planning Framework, Scottish Planning Policies (SPPs), Circulars, Planning Advice Notes and approval of strategic planning documents. These have been reviewed in detail as part of the EIA process. The statutory Development Plan relevant to the Development comprises of the Dumfries and Galloway Local Development Plan (2014)3 (DGLDP). The DGLDP was adopted by the Council on September 2014 and sets out a vision statement and spatial strategy of how land can be used by developers for the next 20 years. The DGLDP will be replaced in September 2019 by the DGLDP 2, which at present is regarded as a material consideration. Consideration has been given to the relevant policies contained within the DGLDP during the design of the Development. The policies most relevant to the Development relate to renewable energy developments and provide guidance on the main issues DGLDP will consider when acting as statutory consultees. In addition to the Development Plan, there are a number of material considerations including: • Low Carbon Scotland: Climate Change Plan – Third Report on Proposals and Policies 2018-2032 (2018)4 • Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2013 - 2027: the Second Report on Proposals and Policies (2013)5; • Electricity Generation Policy Statement (2013) (EGPS)6; • Renewables Action Plan (Updated March 2011)7; and • A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland (November 2010)8.

8 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Chapter 6 of the EIA Report evaluates the effects of the Development on the landscape and visual resource. The assessment considers effects on the landscape resource - both direct effects and effects on how the landscape is perceived - and the effect on visual amenity (views) within the surrounding area. Cumulative effects arising from the addition of the Development to other wind farms are also considered, including those which are operational, consented or awaiting determination.

3 The Dumfries and Galloway Council (2014) The Dumfries and Galloway Local Development Plan [Online] Available at: http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/media/17412/Local-Development-Plan-Section-1/pdf/Section1_LDP_(policy).pdf n (Accessed 18/12/18) 4 Scottish Government (2018) Low Carbon Scotland: Climate Change Plan 2018 – 2032 [online] Available at: http://www.low- carbonscotland.scot/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Climate-Change-Plan-Scotland.pdf (Accessed 18/12/18) 5 Scottish Government (2013) Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013- 2027. The Second Report on Proposals and Policies [Online] Available at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2013/06/6387/0 (Accessed: 18/12/18) 6 Scottish Government (2013) Electricity Generation Policy Statement - 2013 [Online] Available at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2013/06/5757/0 (Accessed: 18/12/18) 7 Scottish Government (2011) Renewables Action Plan: Update [Online] Available at: http://www.gov.scot/Resource/Doc/917/0115603.pdf (Accessed: 18/12/18) 8 Scottish Government (2010) A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland [Online] Available at: http://www.gov.scot/resource/doc/331364/0107855.pdf (Accessed: 18/12/18)

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 9 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) assessed the potential for significant landscape and visual effects over a radius of 40 km from the Development. The Development is located on an upland landscape and the scale and characteristics of the upland landscape are considered suitable for wind farm development. The areas of forestry required to be removed in the construction and operation of the Development would be very limited in relation to the total area of these landscape elements on the Site and elsewhere within the Foothills with Forest (18a), Stroan unit. The extent of removal would not therefore constitute a redefinition of forestry as a component element of the Site or the wider landscape and the physical landscape effects of the Development on these landscape elements are considered to be not significant. The LVIA has identified significant effects for localised parts of the landscape character areas that cover the Site and its immediate surroundings. Significant effects within the Foothills and Forest (18a), Stroan unit would extend to the Blackcraig ridge to the south (approximately 5-6 km south of the nearest turbine), to the hills immediately west of the Development (approximately 2-3 km west of the nearest turbine) and would be contained by the higher ground at Stroanshalloch to the east (approximately 2-3 km east of the nearest turbine). Significant effects within the Southern Uplands with Forest (19a), Ken unit would extend north to the Carroch Hill ridge (approximately 2-3 km north of the nearest turbine. Such significant effects would arise largely due to the close proximity and clear visibility of the Development but also take account of the interaction with the visibility and potential cumulative effects with other existing wind farms within this area, in particular the operational Wether Hill and Blackcraig wind farms. Significant effects are also found for both of these character areas when the Development is introduced into the cumulative scenario for sites awaiting determination. The landscape assessment concludes that the Development in itself would not alter the current perception of a 'landscape with wind farms' characteristic within the immediate landscape and visual context of the site. However, should all of the developments in the cumulative application scenario be consented and built then the resulting level of change would result in the redefining of the northern half of the upland landscapes of Foothills with Forest (18a), Stroan unit and southern part of the Southern Uplands with Forest (19a), Ken unit as 'wind farm landscape character types'. The Development would contribute to this change in that eventuality and would appear to bridge the gap between the cluster of wind farms to the north of the Development (Wether Hill, Wether Hill Extension, Cornharrow, Longburn and Shepherds Rig) with the cluster of wind farms to the south of the Development (Glenshimmeroch, Margree, Knockman Hill and Blackcraig). At greater distances, the effect on landscape character would not be significant due to the level of screening from intervening landform such as upland ridgelines and interconnecting hills that contain views of the Site from the surrounding landscape and screening by other landscape elements such as shelterbelt and woodland planting within surrounding valleys and large blocks of commercial forestry within the upland itself but also on the valley sides. Whilst the Thornhill Uplands Regional Scenic Area (RSA) and Galloway Hills RSAs which lie 1.5 km to the east and 6 km to the west respectively, would be indirectly affected by the introduction of the Development, these effects are not considered significant. All other landscape designations in the study area were also found to be not significant, including areas of RSA, Special Landscape Areas, National Scenic Areas and Gardens and Designed Landscapes. There would also be no significant effects on the Galloway Forest Park, Merrick Wild Land Area or Dark Sky Park.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 10 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

The assessment of effects on views is informed by a series of 21 viewpoints that were selected, in agreement with SNH and the Council, to represent visibility from a range of receptors throughout the study area. The visual assessment has found significant effects at six locations, as follows: For the operational/under construction scenario, there was found to be a significant effect for six viewpoints. These comprise: • Viewpoint 1 - B729 junction with minor road to Fingland; • Viewpoint 2 – Minor road, Auchenshinnoch; • Viewpoint 4 – Southern Upland Way, Culmark Hill; • Viewpoint 7 – Stroanfreggan Fort; • Viewpoint 9 – Dunbeg, Dundeugh Forest; and • Viewpoint 11 – SUW, Benbrack. For the consented cumulative scenario, none of the viewpoints were assessed as having significant effects; For the application cumulative scenario, there was found to be a significant effect for four viewpoints. These comprise: • Viewpoint 2 – Minor road, Auchenshinnoch; • Viewpoint 4 – Southern Upland Way, Culmark Hill; • Viewpoint 7 – Stroanfreggan Fort; and • Viewpoint 9 – Dunbeg, Dundeugh Forest. In addition to the viewpoints, potential effects for a large number of settlements and routes through the area were assessed. Of the settlements assessed, none were assessed as having significant visual effects. Of the routes assessed, the B729 would have significant cumulative sequential effects within the application cumulative scenario. The Southern Upland Way long distance route would have significant sequential effects on a localised section of the route to the west and north of the Development. Significant sequential cumulative effects were also found for both the consented and application cumulative scenarios for this localised section of the route. A Residential Visual Amenity Survey (RVAS) was undertaken to accompany the LVIA which identified no residential properties within 1 km, five within 2 km and a further 11 within 3 km. Of the 16 residential properties considered within the RVAS, seven are considered to have no effect either due to no theoretical visibility of the Development or because visibility is obscured by intervening landscape elements. Of the nine properties that have views of the Development five are found to have significant effects, these are: Auchenshinnoch, Fingland, Craiglearan, Craiglearan Cottage and Minnygryle. Significant cumulative effects have also been found in the application scenarios for the Auchenshinnoch and Fingland properties. The assessment has identified that the significant landscape and visual effects of the Development would be contained within a relatively limited area around the Site when compared with other wind farm developments of this scale. Significant landscape character effects are assessed to occur within a maximum of 5-6 km from the nearest turbine of the Development. Significant visual effects have been identified as occurring out to 7 km. In landscape and visual terms, it is considered that there is scope for wind farm development within the large scale upland landscape of the Foothills and Forest (18a), Stroan unit which lies in central Dumfries and Galloway. Whilst the wider landscape context is also upland in nature, the Development is located within an upland area which is not often viewed from the surrounding landscape and which is defined by the hills and ridges that contain it. The Development appears set back from the edges of this upland area and significant landscape effects are contained within it. For these

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 11 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

reasons it is considered that the Development meets the landscape and visual considerations set out in part 1 of the Dumfries and Galloway Local Development Supplementary Guidance for Wind Energy Development. It is considered therefore that the landscape is capable of accommodating the Development, and that significant effects on the existing landscape character or visual amenity are relatively contained.

9 ECOLOGY Chapter 7 of the EIA Report evaluates the effects of the Development on habitats, flora and fauna. The scope of the ecological assessment was determined through a combination of desk study to identify existing biological data relating to the site and surrounding area, baseline surveys, and consultation with relevant nature conservation organisations and stakeholders. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the Site was undertaken in June 2017 following standard Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) survey methodology. This survey was aimed at classifying and mapping natural and semi natural habitats, as well as to identify habitat suitable to support for protected species. The survey was ‘Extended’ to include consideration of the potential of habitats to support protected and otherwise notable animal species. The Site is dominated by commercial coniferous forestry, including large areas which have been recently felled and restocked. The desk study and surveys did not record any sensitive botanical species; however, multiple habitats of conservation interests and 15 areas with potential for moderate of high groundwater dependency were recorded. Site specific surveys were also undertaken for a range of protected species within up to 500 m of the Site. No evidence of pine marten, water vole and great crested newts were recorded, however evidence of red squirrel, badger and otter were recorded within the Ecology Survey Area. Low levels of bat activity and moderate species diversity was recorded across the Site. Bat species recorded were predominantly soprano pipistrelle, common pipistrelle and an unidentified pipistrelle. Species belonging to Myotis genus, noctule and Leisler’s bat were also recorded, albeit at very low levels of activity. Habitats suitable for salmonid spawning were recorded in six of the nine watercourses surveys. At the one watercourse that salmon were recorded, the density of salmon fry and salmon parr were graded as moderate. Other more substantial watercourses have the potential to contain Atlantic salmon. For example, Ballinnie burn, Black water and Stroanfreggan burn have a high probability that both juvenile salmon and trout are present. Resident trout fry and parr were recorded, albeit in predominantly low densities. The most tangible effect during the construction stage of the Development will be direct habitat loss due to the construction of new infrastructure; however, no significant effects are predicted. No significant operational, decommissioning or cumulative effects are predicted as a result of the Development. It is concluded, overall, that the likely effects of the Development on ecology are not significant.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 12 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

10 ORNITHOLOGY Chapter 8 of the EIA Report evaluates the effects of the Development on bird species of conservation concern and their supporting habitats. A comprehensive range of bird surveys have been undertaken at the Site since 2011. This has included surveys over four breeding seasons and three winter periods. These surveys comprised: • Year-round vantage point surveys to quantify bird flight activity; • Breeding bird walkover mapping survey; • Species-specific breeding bird surveys; and • Autumn/winter walkover surveys. Generally, the breeding bird numbers within the potential disturbance zone were of low conservation interest, with only one present in regionally important numbers (goshawk). All of the other species were present in no more than locally important numbers (on the basis of their population sizes). Additionally, regionally important numbers of peregrine (one pair) and black grouse (up to two pairs) were found breeding in the 500 m - 1 km zone around the wind turbines, and the Site was used by regionally important numbers of red kite (though that species was not found breeding within 2 km). Only three of the SNH (2018a) species potentially at risk of impact from wind farms were found breeding within the potential disturbance zone around the wind turbines: greylag goose (up to six breeding pairs), goshawk (one pair) and curlew (up to two pairs). Additional SNH (2018a) priority non-breeding birds seen during the baseline surveys included whooper swan, pink-footed goose, hen harrier, osprey, merlin, golden plover, short-eared owl and herring gull. All were seen in only small numbers/infrequently and would not be significantly affected by disturbance from the Development. Collison risk modelling was undertaken for the eight priority species that were observed flying through the risk zone at rotor height: goshawk, red kite, hen harrier, peregrine, whooper swan, pink-footed goose, greylag goose and curlew. All the predicted collision risks were of negligible magnitude and not significant. Mitigation measures required for the Development include avoiding potentially disturbing construction activity in proximity to nesting peregrine and lekking black grouse through restrictions on the timing on construction works, and the implementation of a Breeding Bird Protection Plan. Cumulative ornithological assessment was carried out against the Natural Heritage Zone populations, including cumulative collision risk for goshawk, peregrine and red kite. The Development would not make any material contribution to any potentially significant cumulative ornithological impact. Overall, there are not likely to be any significant impacts on ornithology as a result of the Development, assuming that the mitigation measures referred to in this chapter are adopted. In relation to the key SNH wider countryside test, the Development would not affect the favourable conservation status of any bird species of conservation importance within the Natural Heritage Zone, either alone or in-combination with other schemes. It would also not contribute to any in-combination effect on the Loch Ken and River Dee Marshes Special Protection Are / Ramsar / Site of Special Scientific Interest. No effects would result in any breach of the Habitats Regulations.

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 13 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

11 GEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY Chapter 9 of the EIA Report evaluates the effects of the Development arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning phases on the hydrology, hydrogeology and geology resource within and surrounding the Site. The hydrological and hydrogeological assessment for the Development was based on a desk study, site surveys, and consultation with the Council, Fisheries Management Scotland, Marine Scotland, Scottish Water and SEPA. There are no statutory designated sites within the study area that are hydrologically connected to the Development. The Craigdarroch Water is designated as a fisheries resource for Salmon under the Fresh Water Fish Directive. None of the Development infrastructure has been assessed as being at risk from flooding, with the exception of minor areas of existing track and the immediate vicinity of Troston Loch and McKay’s Loch. One PWS is located within the catchment of the Development infrastructure. It is considered that this receptor could potentially be affected by the Development and a Private Water Supply Risk Assessment (PWSRA) has been carried and outlines mitigation measures to be employed when working in the vicinity of the PWS intake. Measures including absorbent spill pads / kits and other measures highlighted within the outline Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will effectively limit uncontained release of chemicals to minor fugitive releases. These would be minimised through best practice construction methods such as vehicle speed limits and regular vehicle and machine maintenance. The Development is located within the catchment of a Scottish Water Drinking Water Protected Area (DWPA). Carsfad Loch is located on the Water of Ken 6.5 km southwest of the Development, and raw water is pumped from Carsfad Loch to Lochinvar water treatment works. Construction of the Development has the potential to result in chemical pollution, erosion and sedimentation, impediments to flow, acidification of watercourses, changes in groundwater flow and increase in run-off and flood risk. Similar effects have been assessed for the operation and decommissioning of the Development. Embedded mitigation measures are included in the Outline CEMP and PWSRA which comprise good practice methods and works that are established and effective measures to which the Developer will be committed through the development consent. With the embedded mitigation measures in place the Development has been assessed as having the potential to result in effects of negligible significance.

12 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE Chapter 10 of the EIA Report evaluates the effects of the Development on archaeological and cultural heritage receptors. The assessment of archaeological and cultural heritage effects has taken into account both potential direct effects arising from proposed construction activities, as well as indirect (primarily visual) effects on the settings of cultural heritage assets. Consultation has been undertaken with Historic Environment Scotland and the Council Archaeologist. The assessment was informed by a Desk-Based Assessment (DBA) which aided understanding of impacts on known (buried) archaeological remains within the Development site and the potential for unknown (buried) archaeological remains to be present. The DBA revealed that the Site has low archaeological potential due to forestry operations across the Site.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 14 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

Known archaeological features have been avoided during site design; however, two archaeological features are recorded in close proximity to turbine infrastructure: Site 6 (MDG16017) is an old fence and hay ree/sheepfold near turbine 4; and Site 42 is a cairn near turbine 13. Whilst these features would not be directly affected, they do fall within micrositing allowances, and mitigation in the form of survey and recording after keyhole felling is recommended to be followed by fencing to ensure no inadvertent encroachment into this area. As these assets are within the micrositing allowance and should impacts be unavoidable due to ground conditions that necessitate micrositing, consultation with the Council Archaeologist should occur prior to fence removal to ensure that an appropriate record has been created prior to any potential damage. The scope and extent of an appropriate programme of archaeological work can be agreed and secured by a condition to any consent. The assessment considered the potential effect of the turbines in relation to the settings of heritage assets beyond the Site. This included consideration of all scheduled monuments and listed buildings as well as regionally important heritage assets as identified by the Historic Environment Record (HER) within 5 km from the Development. Additional features out to 15 km were assessed where these fell within the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV). The key aim of the assessment was to determine whether the turbines altered the settings of historic assets so that the understanding, appreciation or experience of these assets was diminished. Despite a number of minor effects due to an increase of turbines within the upland forested landscape context, the understanding, appreciation and experience of cultural heritage assets would not be significantly affected. However, one moderate effect was identified at Category A Listed Craigdarroch House (LB10340) as the tips of two turbines are visible above the hills behind the house when approaching from east to west, though there is no change to other key views towards the house. No mitigation is proposed or considered practicable due to the nature of the Development, and indirect visual effects will continue throughout the operational phase of the Development; however, this effect is considered temporary, and reversible upon decommissioning. The cumulative effect of the Development considers where the Development, in combination with other wind developments, has the potential to surround and dominate heritage assets. As the Development is part of a series of hills and ridges that run north/south, within which other wind farms are already operational, the upland forested upland landscape context is not altered by the addition of the Development to this baseline so that a cumulative effect is unlikely.

13 NOISE Chapter 11 of the EIA Report evaluates the effects of noise from the Development on nearby noise-sensitive receptors during construction, operation and decommissioning. An assessment of the effects of noise due to the Development has been undertaken. During construction, noise may result from the use of plant and machinery to carry out construction activities. However, due to the substantial separation distance between the Development and residential dwellings, no significant effects are anticipated. Notwithstanding this, Best Practice mitigation measures will be adopted to manage noise emissions, including restrictions on working hours during the construction the Development. During operation, wind turbines can generate noise from the machinery housed within the turbine and from the movement of blades through the air. Modern turbines are designed to minimise noise and planning conditions are used to ensure compliance with specified noise limits.

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 15 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of ETSU-R-97, the method of assessing wind turbine noise recommended by Government guidance, and following the current best practice methods described in the Good Practice Guidance, as endorsed by the Scottish Government. It has been shown that noise due to the Development, in conjunction with the surrounding cumulative developments, would comply with the requirements of ETSU R-97 at all receptor locations. Noise produced during decommissioning of the Development is likely to be of a similar nature to that during construction, although the duration of decommissioning will be shorter than that of construction. Any legislation, guidance or best practice relevant at the time of decommissioning would be complied with.

14 ACCESS, TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC Chapter 12 of the EIA Report identifies the potential effects of changes to road traffic expected as a result of the Development. Most traffic generated by the Development is associated with the construction phase which is anticipated to last up to 18 months. The main approach considered in this assessment assumes that wind turbine components will be transported as abnormal loads from the Port of Ayr, and that the potential access corridors for the study area can be defined as: • A77 Bankfield Roundabout; • A713; • B729; and • Site Entrance Automatic traffic counts (ATCs) were undertaken at three locations on the delivery route. Further information was obtained from data published by the Department of Transport (DfT) at two locations. The assessment then considered the increase in traffic as a result of the Development based DfT forecasts National Trip End Model and Trip End Model Presentation Programme, both of which are industry standard tools for estimating traffic growth. It is assumed that all construction traffic will approach the Site from the west via the main approach corridor, as detailed above. Construction traffic will not approach the Site from the east, through Moniaive, due to the restricted geometry of the B729 in this settlement and this will be enforced through the Traffic Management Plan (TMP). The main potential transportation impacts would be associated with the movement of abnormal loads, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), light goods vehicles (LGVs), and cars to and from the site during the construction phase. It is considered that the increase in overall traffic flow and HGV flow may have an effect on pedestrian amenity at one sensitive receptors identified in the study. It is estimated that a total up to 28,400 vehicle movements (where one movement equals one arrival or departure) would be associated with the construction phase of the Development, as a worst case. This figure includes 4,378 HGV and abnormal load delivery movements and 22,118 light vehicle (car and van) movements. Over the construction period, the total daily vehicle movement numbers peak during month 12 where a total of 2,070 vehicles movements are predicted. This is principally due to the deliveries of concrete and stone for the access tracks, crane hardstandings and turbine foundations, however in reality this should be substantially less as much of the aggregate is expected to be sourced from on-site borrow pits. One potentially significant effect was identified relating to pedestrian amenity at the schools in Carsphairn, Dalmellington and Patna. In order to address this effect, a

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 16 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

number of mitigation measures are proposed which are recommended for adoption in the Traffic Management Plan as follows: • As far as reasonably possible deliveries should be scheduled outside of school opening and closing times; • Drivers of all delivery vehicles to be made aware during induction of the presence of schools within these settlements and that formal pedestrian crossing facilities are not present; and • Dalmellington and Carsphairn have part-time 20 mph speed limits which should be in force during school opening and closing times. Drivers to be made aware of this during induction and reminded that strict adherence to these speed limits is a legal requirement. The traffic management plan will be developed in agreement with the Council and Transport Scotland* and detail the exact measures to be implemented during construction of the Development. Traffic generated due the operation and maintenance of the Development would be minimal; this expected to be insignificant in comparison to traffic generated during construction. Prior to decommissioning of the Development, a traffic assessment would be undertaken and appropriate traffic management procedures agreed with the relevant authorities at the time. Cumulative effects were assessed and it was found that there is sufficient residual capacity on each of the roads within the study to accommodate the predicted increase in traffic which may occur in the cumulative scenario. This assessment identified one location where there is a potential for significant effects to occur. Recommended mitigation measures have been provided, with detailed mitigation to be specified in the Traffic Management Plan. As a result, all residual effects of the Development on traffic and transport are considered at maximum low, and not significant in terms of the EIA Regulations.

15 FORESTRY In the UK there is a strong presumption against permanent deforestation unless it addresses other environmental concerns. In Scotland such deforestation is dealt with under the Scottish Government’s “Control of Woodland Removal Policy”. The purpose of the policy is to provide direction for decisions on woodland removal in Scotland. The Development lies within existing commercial forestry plantations, which is privately owned and managed. Areas of forestry would require to be cleared for the construction and operation of the Development. The forestry proposals have been developed to identify areas of forest to be removed, including habitat management works; identify those areas which may or may not be planted as part of the Development; and describe management practices for the forestry works. The Forestry Study Area (FSA) extends to approximately 438.5 ha and contains one commercial forestry block under private ownership known as Troston Estate. The forest contains a range of woodland types and age classes due to ongoing restructuring of first rotation forest. The crops are comprised largely of commercial conifers with areas of mixed broadleaves and open ground. There is an active felling and restocking programme underway across the FSA with areas of ground currently being felled. Further information on the composition of the woodlands in the FSA is provided in the baseline description below. The construction of the Development will require the felling of areas of the forest. In this case, considering technical and environmental constraints, a 3.1 ha (100 m radius)

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 17 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

keyhole was adopted round each turbine locations within woodland for construction, operation and environmental mitigation, with 10 m buffers or other infrastructure and a 30 m wayleave for access roads. No additional felling for wind resource is planned during the operational period. All felling for the Development would take place during the construction period. There would be no further felling specifically associated with the development during the operational period, however ongoing felling associated with the commercial forestry would continue in line with the forest design plan. In total, 72 ha would be felled due to the construction of the wind farm, when compared with the baseline forestry plan. Where possible, timber crops would be felled to produce timber for the markers. Forestry waste arising from the felling would be treated in a manner which produces the best environmental outcome taking into account the guidance and conditions prevailing at the time of the crop clearance. The Development restocking plan shows which woodlands would be restocked and with which species. No replanting would be carried out on the areas to be felled for the Development's permanent infrastructure or for habitat management, forest management or forest design purposes. As a result, there would be a net loss of woodland areas of 59.8 ha. In order to comply with the criteria of the Scottish Government’s Control of Woodland Removal Policy, off-site compensation planting would be required.

16 LAND-USE, RECREATION AND SOCIOECONOMICS Chapter 14 of the EIA Report assess the effects of the Development on the land-use, recreation and socioeconomic resources. The assessment considers the potential effects arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Development on the land-use, tourism, recreation and socioeconomic resource. Existing baseline conditions have been identified from desk-based collection of data, site visits and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

16.1 Land use The Site encloses large areas of commercial coniferous plantation, at varying degrees of maturity as well as smaller areas of rough upland grazing, although no infrastructure is located within this area. The total new land take of the Development, consisting of the wind turbine foundations, crane hardstandings, borrow pits, blade laydown areas, new and upgraded access tracks, substation and battery storage facility and meteorological mast equates to 17 ha; following construction and restoration, the footprint of the Development on the surface of the ground will be 7 ha. This equates to approximately 1.6 % of the total land in the Site. The construction phase is considered to have a short-term, negligible effect on land use activities on-site. The Applicant will work with the landowner to ensure that they are able to continue to operate their activities safely during this phase. The operational phase is considered to present a long-term, negligible effect.

16.2 Tourism and Recreation It is considered that the Site is of medium sensitivity for recreation, as it does not contain any paths or recreational facilities which are of importance at a local to national level. Whilst there are no designated walking routes within the Site, the Southern Upland Way is located approximately 2.5 km to the west, and there are a number of Core paths within 5 km for the Site.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 18 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

There are no further formally recognised tourist or recreation attractions within 5 km of the Site. Beyond formally recognised attractions, the area is popular for recreational activities such as walking, cycling and field sports such as shooting and fishing. The nearest settlement offering accommodation is Moniaive 7 km to the east, which offers a number of accommodation options, while there are additional options further afield in St John’s Town of Dalry 8 km to the southwest and Thornhill 18 km to the northeast. The potential for impact on tourism is closely linked to the perception of those visiting the area. A number of studies have been undertaken which consider the impact of wind farm development on public perception and tourism, which are discussed within the EIA Report. In summary these studies highlight the varying opinions of visitors and residents regarding wind energy development, however, they suggest in all cases, that the majority of those surveyed do not have a negative attitude towards wind farms. During construction access to the Site may be restricted; notices will be placed in prominent locations around the Site with details of any areas with restricted access, such measures would be agreed in advance with the Council. This would produce a short-term negligible effect given that there is alternative access to the surrounding hills, which are used as walking routes. Construction effects on amenity and enjoyment of the walks will be localised, as the construction works will only be detectable to route users for short periods along the route presenting a minor effect. Other offsite resources such as the accommodation are unlikely to be affected by the construction of the Development. Local shops, cafes, accommodation providers and hotels often experience an increase in turnover during the construction phase as they have opportunities to provide additional services to the developer and their contractors. The effects of the construction phase of the Development will not have a significant effect on tourism and recreation receptors. During operation the Site will be accessible to the public with the exception of temporary exclusions for health and safety reasons such as during maintenance. Visual effects associated with the Development may occur at receptor locations, when people are looking towards the Development from locations where clear views of the turbines are available. The visual effects of the Development on tourism and recreational resources such as Benbreck (Striding Arches / SUW) and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn are assessed in the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of the EIA Report. The Development will be visible from sections of the Southern Upland Way as it passes the Site. The Development would have a minor effect on the route as it is clear that the operational developments have had ‘little’ to ‘no’ impact on the number of walkers choosing to walk the route and so there is little reason to think the Development would negatively affect this. It is expected that the Development will have 'very little' or 'no' impact on the behaviour of visitors/tourists that use the Core Paths within 5 km of the Site. Surveys of the public’s attitudes to wind farms provide no clear evidence that the presence of wind farms in an area has a negative impact on local tourism. Tourists using the local core paths and local tourist attractions may have a particular sensitivity to visual effects; however, access to tourist facilities will be unaffected, and no significant effects are predicted.

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 19 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

16.3 Socio-Economics The Development will result in contract opportunities for local and regional contractors both for construction activities themselves and throughout the supply chain. It is estimated that, during the construction phase, the Development will be worth approximately £41.7 m to the UK economy. Of that £41.7 m, £32.0 m is expected to be spent within the wider region / Scotland and £10.6 m is expected to be spent within the Dumfries and Galloway area. It is anticipated that a temporary workforce averaging up to 60 people at any one time will be employed during the 18 month construction period. It is also likely that there will be some local employment generated as an indirect result of the construction of the Development. This could include supply chain spin-offs for local businesses and sub- contracted work relating to the transportation of labour and materials. Local shops, cafes, accommodation providers and hotels often experience an increase in turnover during the construction phase as they have opportunities to provide additional services to the developer and their contractors. There are several accommodation options in the local area, and it is expected that local services will be used by temporary construction contractors. There may also be the opportunity for local people working on the Development to develop skills gained during construction which will be of benefit both individually and to the local economy in the longer term, such as project management and construction skills which would be transferrable to other construction roles, including other wind farm projects. The construction will bring about short-term, beneficial, direct, indirect and induced effects to the area, through the increase in employment and expenditure on capital costs. During operational there will be limited employment opportunities which are likely to include a part-time maintenance engineer (local site operator) and a small number of staff to occasionally service the turbines. Annual operational expenditure is expected to be in the region of £4.0 million per annum. Of this total spend in the region of 42% will be spent in the local area. The Development will contribute £5,000 per MW installed capacity. This will result in an annual value of up to £336,000 per year. With 30 year consent, this will provide up to £10.0 million in community benefit. In addition to the community benefit fund the Applicant has provided the opportunity for local community organisations to invest in the Development through shared ownership. Shared ownership is defined as any structure that involves a community group as a meaningful financial partner in a renewable energy project. There will therefore be beneficial long term effects associated with the operation of the Development.

17 CLIMATE CHANGE AND CARBON BALANCE The predicted future baseline conditions are highly unlikely to affect the operation of the Development. The Development will have a positive effect on carbon savings and a significant positive effect, when considered cumulatively, with UK-wide renewable energy deployment. The Development will not significantly influence climate change, and the Development will have a positive cumulative effect with regards to reduction in carbon emissions when considering the UK-wide electricity generation mix. As such, the effect of the Development on climate change is not significant.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 20 February 2019 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

A carbon balance assessment for the Development was generated using the methodology and carbon calculator provided in Calculating Carbon Savings from Wind Farms on Scottish Peatlands – A New Approach9 as recommended by the Scottish Government. Based on this guidance, the Development has an expected payback time of between 1.0 and 2.9 years. The CO2 ‘payback time’ is the period of windfarm operation required until there is a net saving of CO2.

18 OTHER ISSUES An assessment was undertaken of the effects of the Development upon other issues not covered elsewhere in the EIA Report including: • Shadow Flicker; • Telecommunications and other Utilities; • Aviation; and • Health and Safety, including Accidents In summary, the construction and operation of the Development on shadow flicker, telecommunications and utilities, aviation and health and safety considerations will not be significant. Shadow flicker is an effect that can occur when the shadow of a blade passes over a small opening (such as window), briefly reducing the intensity of light within the room, and causing a flickering to be perceived. As a result of the distance from the Development to the nearest properties, shadow flicker effects are only likely at a single property at low levels, shadow flicker effects will not be significant. Consultation undertaken with telecommunication and utilities consultees has confirmed that the Development will not interfere with telecommunications and electromagnetic signals. Adverse effects on infrastructure such as utilities are also unlikely; however, safe systems of work, technical solutions and appropriate mitigation will be adopted to ensure no adverse effects occur. Operational wind turbine have the potential to affect the safe operation of aviation interests, including airfields, radars, meteorological radars and military low flying exercises. With specific regard to the Development, given the distance at which it is located to airfields, it will not have any significant effects on their safe operation. A number of radars, including NATS Lowther Hill and Great Dun Fell radars, provide coverage over the area which the Development is located. Technical assessment has shown that the radar at Lowther Hill and Great Dun Fell are highly likely to wind turbines at the Development and that the Development is predicted to cause radar clutter. The predicted impact on the NATS radars will require technical mitigation. The mitigation strategy will be to provide in-fill radar coverage at the affected area to allow blanking of the affected radar. Selection for the final mitigation option will be confirmed through consultation with NATS. Additionally, consultation with the MoD highlighted that the Development is within a ‘high priority’ military low flying area and the Development may present an obstruction within the area. Consultation has taken place with the MoD from an early stage, and they do not have concerns with the Development on the basis that non-visible aviation lighting is installed on the turbines. No significant effects are predicted on the safeguarding of any civil aviation facility.

9 Nayak, D.r., Miller, D., Nolan, A., Smith P., and Smith, J. (2008, updated 2010). Calculating Carbon Savings from Wind Farms on Scottish Peatlands – A New Approach [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.scot/Publications/2008/06/25114657/15 (Accessed 25/10/2018)

EDF Renewables Arcus Consultancy Services February 2019 Page 21 Non-Technical Summary Troston Loch Wind Farm

In relation to Health and Safety, due to the location of the Development and Site management through CDM Regulations and the CEMP, major accidents and disasters are considered negligible and not significant in terms of the EIA Regulations.

19 SUMMARY An EIA for the Development has been carried out in accordance with the regulatory requirements and relevant good practice guidance, which involves the compilation, evaluation and presentation of any potentially significantly environmental effects resulting from the Development. The design strategy has created a wind farm that represents optimum fit within the technical and environmental parameters of the Site. Throughout this process, an iterative approach has allowed the findings of the public consultation exercises, along with the EIA, to guide the evolution of the Development allowing the design to be modified in order to avoid environment effects where possible. Through embedded design and proposed mitigation significant adverse effects as a result of the construction and operation of the Development are predicted in relation to landscape and visual and cultural heritage (setting only), which given the nature of the Development cannot be avoided in their entirety. The Development presents an important environmental benefit as a renewable energy generator contributing to Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy targets and offsetting fossil fuel energy sources which produce CO2 and contribute to climate change. In terms of payback periods for the Development, this equates to between 1 and 3 years. Beyond the payback periods, the Development will make a positive net contribution to CO2 emissions savings for the remainder of its operational period. The renewable industry is an important economic asset to the UK and Scotland, and supports a substantial and growing number of employment opportunities. The Development will further contribute to the positive effects of renewable energy, and associated skills base within the UK and Scotland, and the spend and employment should be considered positive for the local and Dumfries and Galloway area. Overall, this EIA shows that, given the iterative design process, and with the committed good practice measures and proposed further site specific mitigation in place, most potential environmental effects associated with the construction and operation of the Proposed Development can be avoided or minimised.

Arcus Consultancy Services EDF Renewables Page 22 February 2019