Cover image illustrates a non-specific windfarm
Preface
Halsary Windfarm Environmental Statement Addendum Volume I Preface
Preface 7. The 2009 ES and the ES Addendum are available for viewing by the public during normal opening hours at the following locations:
1. This document comprises the Environmental Statement (ES) Addendum and its Non-Technical Summary (NTS), which have been prepared by ScottishPower Renewables (UK) Limited • Planning & Development Service, The Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 (hereafter referred to as ‘the Developer’) to provide environmental information following 5NX; amendments to a planning application to The Highland Council to construct and operate a new • Caithness Planning and Building Standards Office, Market Square, Wick, KW1 4AB; windfarm development at Halsary Forest, Caithness. • Thurso Service Point, Council Offices, Rotterdam Street, Thurso, KW14 8AB; and 2. Following submission of the planning application, discussions have been held with a number of consultees and further information and clarifications have provided by the Developer. As a • Caithness Horizons, Old Town Hall, High Street, Thurso, KW14 8AJ. result of these discussions, amendments have been made to the Development. Additionally, the Applicant was notified of an intended extension to an existing electricity substation at Mybster, immediately adjacent to the north-west corner of the Development site. As this land will be 8. Comments on the Planning Application should be forwarded to the address below: controlled by the electricity network operator, the Development site red-line boundary has been varied to exclude it. Head of Planning and Building Standards, 3. This ES Addendum has been produced to provide an update to the original Halsary Windfarm E-planning Centre, ES and takes into account the consultation discussions and the consequent design changes. The Highland Council, The ES Addendum presents the design changes made, identifies where design changes have a Glenurquhart Road, material effect on the original assessments, and presents revised assessments where Inverness necessary. IV3 5NX.
4. The ES Addendum is supplementary to, and intended to be read in conjunction with, the 2009 Or through E-Planning at http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/ ES and Non-Technical Summary (NTS). The ES Addendum has been produced in two volumes:
Volume I - The main report; Volume II - Landscape and Visual Figures. A separate document entitled the Non-Technical Summary (NTS) summarises in non- technical language the findings of the ES Addendum. 5. Further copies of all these documents, or further information on the ES Addendum may be obtained from: ScottishPower Renewables (UK) Limited 2nd Floor (New Building Cathcart House Spean Street Glasgow G44 4BE
Tel: +44 (141) 568 2000
6. A hard copy of the ES Addendum can be purchased from the Developer on request at a cost of £200. The Non-Technical Summary is available free of charge. In addition, all documents are available in an electronic format (as PDF for screen viewing only) on CD/DVD for £8.00.
December 2012 Halsary Windfarm Environmental Statement Addendum Preface
Contents
CONTENTS Non Technical Summary 1.0 Introduction Page 1 of NTS 2.0 ES Addendum Page 1 of NTS 2.1 Assessment of Residual Effects Page 1 of NTS 2.2 Cumulative Assessment Page 1 of NTS 3.0 Consultation Page 2 of NTS 4.0 Changes to the Description of the Development Page 2 of NTS 5.0 Planning Policy Page 3 of NTS 6.0 Summary of Technical Assessments Page 3 of NTS 6.1 Landscape and Visual Page 3 of NTS 6.2 Ornithology Page 3 of NTS 6.3 Ecology Page 4 of NTS 6.4 Traffic, Access and Transport Page 4 of NTS 6.5 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Page 4 of NTS 6.6 Noise Page 5 of NTS 6.7 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology Page 5 of NTS 6.8 Land use, Socio-Economics and Recreation Page 5 of NTS 6.9 Other Issues Page 5 of NTS 6.10 Summary and Conclusions Page 6 of NTS 7.0 References Page 6 of NTS
A1. Introduction A1.0 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A1 A1.1 Purpose of this Environmental Statement (ES) Addendum Page 1 of Chapter A1 A1.2 Post Submission Consultation Page 1 of Chapter A1 A1.3 Brief Description of the Development Site and Setting Page 1 of Chapter A1 A1.4 Changes to the Proposed Development Page 1 of Chapter A1 A1.5 Update on Renewable Energy and Scotland’s Wind Resource Page 2 of Chapter A1 A1.6 Benefits in Reduced Emissions of Carbon Dioxide Page 2 of Chapter A1 A1.7 Changes in Planning Policy Context Page 2 of Chapter A1 A1.8 ES Addendum Structure and Approach Page 2 of Chapter A1 A1.9 Location of Information within the ES & Addendum Page 3 of Chapter A1 A1.10 Other Documents Page 3 of Chapter A1 A1.11 ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) Page 3 of Chapter A1 A1.12 Project Team Page 3 of Chapter A1 A1.13 References Page 4 of Chapter A1
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A2. Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria A2.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A2 A2.2 General Approach Page 1 of Chapter A2 A2.3 Assessment Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A2 A2.4 Composition of ES Addendum Page 1 of Chapter A2 A2.5 Structure of Technical Chapters Page 1 of Chapter A2 A2.6 Significance Criteria Page 2 of Chapter A2 A2.7 Cumulative Effects Page 2 of Chapter A2 A2.8 Assumptions and Limitations Page 3 of Chapter A2 A2.9 References Page 3 of Chapter A2
A3. Consultation Summary and Design Evolution A3.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A3 A3.2 Statutory Consultation Page 1 of Chapter A3 A3.3 Key Issues Page 1 of Chapter A3 A3.4 Mitigation through Design Evolution Page 3 of Chapter A3
A4. Changes to Project Description A4.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A4 A4.2 Overview of the Design Changes Page 1 of Chapter A4 A4.3 Details of Design Changes Page 1 of Chapter A4 A4.4 References Page 3 of Chapter A4
A5. Planning Policy Context A5.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A5 A5.2 Previous Work Undertaken Page 1 of Chapter A5 A5.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A5 A5.4 Climate Change & Energy Context Page 1 of Chapter A5 A5.5 Control of Woodland Policy Page 2 of Chapter A5 A5.6 Review of Changes to Legislation, Planning Policy and Guidance Page 2 of Chapter A5 A5.7 Review of Regional Policy Page 5 of Chapter A5 A5.8 Highland Council Supplementary Planning Guidance Page 6 of Chapter A5 A5.9 References Page 7 of Chapter A5
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A6. Landscape and Visual A6.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A6 A6.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A6 A6.3 Methodology Page 2 of Chapter A6 A6.4 Baseline Description Page 4 of Chapter A6 A6.5 Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Page 4 of Chapter A6 A6.6 Residual Effects Assessment and Conclusions Page 10 of Chapter A6 A6.7 Statement of Significance Page 13 of Chapter A6 A6.8 References Page 13 of Chapter A6
A7. Ornithology A7.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A7 A7.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A7 A7.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A7 A7.4 Baseline Description Page 4 of Chapter A7 A7.5 Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Page 5 of Chapter A7 A7.6 Residual Effects Assessment and Conclusions Page 7 of Chapter A7 A7.7 Potential Effects on SPAs Page 7 of Chapter A7 A7.8 References Page 8 of Chapter A7
A8. Ecology A8.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A8 A8.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A8 A8.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A8 A8.4 Baseline Description Page 3 of Chapter A8 A8.5 Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Page 3 of Chapter A8 A8.6 Residual Effects Assessment and Conclusions Page 3 of Chapter A8 A8.7 References Page 3 of Chapter A8
A9. Traffic, Access and Transport A9.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A9 A9.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A9 A9.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A9 A9.4 Baseline Description Page 1 of Chapter A9 A9.5 Potential Effects and Traffic Management Measures Page 3 of Chapter A9 A9.6 Evaluation of Effects Page 3 of Chapter A9 A9.7 Additional Mitigation Measures Page 4 of Chapter A9 A9.8 Residual Effects and Conclusions Page 4 of Chapter A9 A9.9 References Page 4 of Chapter A9
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A10. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage A10.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A10 A10.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A10 A10.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A10 A10.4 Baseline Description Page 2 of Chapter A10 A10.5 Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Page 2 of Chapter A10 A10.6 Residual Effects Assessment and Conclusions Page 3 of Chapter A10 A10.7 References Page 3 of Chapter A10
A11. Noise A11.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A11 A11.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A11 A11.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A11 A11.4 Baseline Description Page 4 of Chapter A11 A11.5 Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Page 4 of Chapter A11 A11.6 Residual Effects Assessment and Conclusions Page 6 of Chapter A11 A11.7 Statement of Significance Page 6 of Chapter A11 A11.8 References Page 6 of Chapter A11
A12. Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology A12.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A12 A12.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A12 A12.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A12 A12.4 Baseline Description Page 3 of Chapter A12 A12.5 Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Page 3 of Chapter A12 A12.6 Residual Effects Assessment and Conclusions Page 3 of Chapter A12 A12.7 References Page 3 of Chapter A12
13. Land Use, Socio-Economics and Recreation A13.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A13 A13.2 Key Conclusions of the Halsary Windfarm ES Page 1 of Chapter A13 A13.3 Methodology Page 1 of Chapter A13 A13.4 Baseline Description Page 1 of Chapter A13 A13.5 Assessment of Effects and Mitigation Page 1 of Chapter A13 A13.6 Residual Effects Assessment and Conclusions Page 2 of Chapter A13 A13.7 References Page 2 of Chapter A13
14. Other Issues A14.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A14 A14.2 Climate Change Page 1 of Chapter A14 A14.3 References Page 3 of Chapter A14
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A15. Residual Effects and Conclusions A14.1 Introduction Page 1 of Chapter A15 A14.2 Residual Effects Page 1 of Chapter A15 A14.3 Summary of Mitigation and monitoring Page 3 of Chapter A15 A14.4 Conclusions Page 7 of Chapter A15 A14.5 References Page 7 of Chapter A15
A16. Glossary of Terms
Figures A1.1 Development Site and Local Context Chapter A1 A2.1 Local Cumulative Developments Chapter A2 A3.4 2009 ES Submission Turbine Layout: 18 turbines Chapter A3 A3.5 2012 ES Addendum Submission Turbine Layout: 15 turbines Chapter A3 A4.1 Proposed Development Layout Chapter A4 A4.2 Proposed Development Layout and Aerial Photography Chapter A4 A4.6 Typical Turbine Foundation Peat Extraction Chapter A4 A4.7 Typical Crane Hardstanding & Turbine Foundation Chapter A4 A4.14 Peat Depth Plan Chapter A4 A4.15 Typical Roadworks Details – Passing Places Chapter A4 A4.16 Typical Roadworks Details – Road Sections Chapter A4 A4.19 Indicative Layout of Control Compound Chapter A4 A4.20 Indicative Control Building Elevations Chapter A4 A7.19 Non-Raptor Flights Used in Revised CRM Chapter A7 A7.20 Raptor Flights Used in Revised CRM Chapter A7 A8.1 Ecological Constraints - north Chapter A8 A8.1 Ecological Constraints - south Chapter A8 A8.2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey - north Chapter A8 A8.2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey - south Chapter A8 A8.3 National Vegetation Classification - north Chapter A8 A8.3 National Vegetation Classification - south Chapter A8 A10.1 Cultural Heritage, Internal Constraints Chapter A10 A10.2 Cultural Heritage, External Constraints Chapter A10 A11.1 Noise Monitoring and Assessment Locations Chapter A11 A12.1 Water Catchments Chapter A12 A12.4 Windfarm Layout in Relation to Waterbodies Chapter A12
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Technical Appendices Technical Appendix A3.1 Consultation Technical Appendix A7.1 Ornithology Technical Appendix Technical Appendix A7.2 Collision Risk Modelling Inputs and Summary Outputs Technical Appendix A8.1 Integrated Forestry Redesign, Habitat Restoration and Peat Reuse Strategy Technical Appendix A9.1 Updated Baseline Traffic Data Technical Appendix A9.2 Traffic Accident Plot Location Plant Technical Appendix A9.3 Construction Traffic Summary Technical Appendix A10.1 External receptors within 15 km of the Development Technical Appendix A11.1 Data Tables Technical Appendix A11.2 Assessment Charts Technical Appendix A11.3 Proposed Tabular Noise Limits Technical Appendix A14.1 Climate Change
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A1 Introduction
Halsary Windfarm Environmental Statement Addendum Volume I Chapter A1: Introduction
A1.0 Introduction A1.4 Changes to the Proposed Development 9. The revised Development comprises a 15 turbine Windfarm with an installed capacity of up to 1. In November 2009 ScottishPower Renewables (UK) Limited (hereafter referred to as ‘the 34.5 MW. Developer’) submitted a planning application to construct and operate a new windfarm development at Halsary Forest, Caithness (hereafter referred to as ‘the Development’). The 10. Design changes to the Development are described in detail in Chapter A4: Changes to Project application comprised an 18 turbine windfarm with an installed capacity of up to 41.4 Megawatts Description of this ES Addendum and are summarised here: (MW). • Marginal reduction to the Development site boundary at the north-west corner of the 2. Along with the planning application form, the following documents were included in the Development site to exclude the area of the planned extension to the existing Mybster November 2009 submission: electricity substation; which is part of a separate consent application being taken forward by the electricity network operator; • Halsary Windfarm Environmental Statement (Volume I - Main Text; Volume II - Landscape and Visual Figures; Volume III - Technical Appendices) (Ref. A1-1); • Removal of turbines 1, 2 and 4;
• Halsary Windfarm Non-Technical Summary (Ref. A1-2); • Adjustment of locations of turbines 3, 7 and 8;
• Halsary Windfarm Planning Statement (Ref. A1-3); • Track layout revised to reflect turbine layout, minimise track length, and provide a continuous circuit; • Halsary Windfarm Design and Access Statement (Ref. A1-4); • Tracks to be of floated track design where peat depth is greater than 0.5m, otherwise tracks • Planning Application Drawings (Ref. A1-5); will be of cut track design; • Halsary Windfarm Pre-Application Consultation Report (Ref. A1-6); and • All track widths reduced from 6m to 5m; • Supplementary Visual Information (Ref. A1-7). • Removal of track turning heads at turbines 6, 8, 15, 16, 17 and at the meteorological mast; 3. Following submission of the planning application, discussions have been held with a number of • Repositioning of track turning heads at turbines 9, 10 and 12; consultees and further information and clarifications have been provided by the Developer. As a result of these discussions, amendments have been made to the Development. These design • Crane hardstanding, tracks and turning heads have been altered to reflect revised design changes are presented within Chapter A4: Changes to Project Description of this Environmental criteria at track-ends; Statement (ES) Addendum. • There is no longer a requirement for a substation to be constructed as part of the 4. Additionally, the Developer was notified of an intended extension to the existing electricity Development as the existing Mybster electricity substation adjacent to the Development site substation at Mybster, immedia