February 2021
Environmental Report – Volume 1 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection
REGAN On behalf of ʹ OBM Solar Ltd.
Rhode, Co. Offaly
O MALONE
Form ES - 04
Ground Floor – Unit 3 Bracken Business Park Bracken Road, Sandyford Dublin 18, D18 V32Y Tel: +353- 1- 567 76 55 Email: [email protected]
Title: Environmental Report – Volume 1, Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection, OBM Solar Ltd., Rhode, Co. Offaly
Job Number: E1686
Prepared By: Allison Flaherty Signed: ______
Checked By: Kevin O’Regan Signed: ______
Approved By: Kevin O’Regan Signed: ______
Revision Record
Issue Date Description Remark Prepared Checked Approved No.
01 17/02/21 ER FINAL AF AF KOR
Copyright and Third-Party Disclaimer MOR has prepared this report for the sole use of our client (as named on the front of the report) in accordance with the Client’s instructions using all reasonable skill and competence and generally accepted consultancy principles. The report was prepared in accordance with the budget and terms of reference agreed with the Client and does not in any way constitute advice to any third party who is able to access it by any means. MOR excludes to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any costs, liabilities or losses arising as a result of or reliance upon the contents of this report by any person or legal entity (other than the Client in accordance with the terms of reference). MOR has not verified any documents or information supplied by third parties and referred to herein in compiling this document and no warranty is provided as part of this document. No part of this report may be copied or reproduced without express written confirmation from MOR. Any methodology contained in this report is provided to the Client in confidence and must not be disclosed or copied to third parties without the prior written agreement of MOR. Disclosure of such information may constitute an actionable breach of confidence or may otherwise prejudice our commercial interests. Third parties who obtains access to this report by any means, including disclosure by the Client, will be subject to the Copyright and Third-Party Disclaimer contained herein. Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
Environmental Report – Volume 1 Proposed Solar PV Development OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... X 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 The Applicant ...... 2 1.2 Site Description and Context ...... 2 1.3 Hydrological Features in vicinity to the Site ...... 4 1.4 Consultation ...... 6 2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) SCREENING . 8 2.1 Methodology ...... 8 2.2 Assessment under Section 5 (Mandatory EIA) ...... 9 2.3 Screening Conclusion and Scope of this Environmental Report ..... 12 2.4 Environmental Report ...... 12 3 METHODOLOGY ...... 14 3.1 Assessment of the Effects – Evaluation Criteria ...... 14 4 POLICY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ...... 17 4.1 Introduction ...... 17 4.2 Need for the Development ...... 17 5 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DETAILS ...... 20 5.1 Description of the Proposed Development ...... 20 5.2 Earthworks ...... 22 5.3 Drainage ...... 22 5.4 Site Access ...... 23 5.5 Sensitive Design ...... 23 5.6 Construction Procedures ...... 24 5.7 Monitoring ...... 25 5.8 Operational Procedures ...... 25 5.9 Waste Management ...... 25
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental - FINAL i Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
5.10 Landscaping ...... 26 5.11 Decommissioning ...... 26 6 BIODIVERSITY ...... 27 6.1 Methodology ...... 27 6.2 Local Planning Context ...... 28 6.3 Study Results ...... 36 6.4 Characteristics and Potential Impacts of the Site ...... 49 6.5 Characteristics and Potential Impacts of the Site ...... 55 6.6 Mitigation Measures ...... 55 6.7 Ecological Enhancement Measures ...... 58 6.8 Conclusions ...... 59 7 WATER ...... 60 7.1 Preliminary Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) ...... 60 7.2 Methodology ...... 60 7.3 Stage 1 – Flood Risk Identification ...... 61 7.4 Proposed Development ...... 65 7.5 Stage 2 – Initial Flood Risk Assessment ...... 65 7.6 Review of Available Detailed Flood Risk Mapping – Key Findings ... 66 7.7 Mitigation Measures ...... 67 7.8 Cumulative Impact ...... 70 7.9 Assessment Conclusions ...... 70 8 NOISE ...... 72 8.1 Scope...... 72 8.2 Methodology ...... 72 8.3 Receiving Environment ...... 75 8.4 Quiet Area Screening ...... 76 8.5 Noise Sensitive Receptors (NSRs) ...... 77 8.6 Ambient Noise Characterisation ...... 78 8.7 Applicable Noise Criteria ...... 81 8.8 Noise Emission Sources ...... 82 8.9 Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 90 8.10 Wind Induced Noise ...... 90 8.11 Grid Connection Cable Route ...... 91 8.12 Assessment Conclusions ...... 92
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental - FINAL ii Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
9 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ...... 94 9.1 Introduction ...... 94 9.2 Description of the Proposed Development ...... 94 9.3 Assessment Methodology ...... 94 9.4 Landscape and Visual Policy Context and Designations ...... 101 9.5 Existing Environment...... 106 9.6 Characteristics & Predicted Impact of the Proposed Development 109 9.7 Visual Impact Assessment ...... 120 9.8 Potential Cumulative Impacts ...... 131 9.9 Assessment Conclusions ...... 131 10 GLINT AND GLARE ...... 133 10.1 Statement of Authority ...... 133 10.2 Introduction ...... 133 10.3 Assessment Methodology ...... 138 10.4 Relevant Parameters of the Proposed Development ...... 140 10.5 Mitigation by Design ...... 141 10.6 Assessment of Residential Receptors ...... 142 10.7 Assessment of Transport Route Receptors ...... 142 10.8 Assessment of Aviation Receptors ...... 151 10.9 Identification of Relevant Aviation Receptors ...... 153 10.10 Overall Conclusion ...... 154 11 CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 155 11.1 Introduction ...... 155 11.2 Methodology ...... 156 11.3 The Receiving Environment ...... 156 11.4 Potential Impacts ...... 182 11.5 Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 183 11.6 Cumulative Impact ...... 183 11.7 Assessment Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 183 12 CONCLUSIONS ...... 185 12.1 Cumulative Impacts ...... 185 12.2 Assessment Conclusions ...... 185 13 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS ...... 187
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REFERENCES ...... 192
FIGURES Figure 1-1: Site Location ...... 2 Figure 1-2: Application Site Context ...... 3 Figure 1-3: Watercourses in the Vicinity to the Site ...... 5 Figure 1-4: Clonin River Culverted near Site Entrance ...... 6 Figure 3-1: Description of Impacts...... 14 Figure 5-1: Grid Connection Route ...... 21 Figure 5-2: Site Access ...... 23 Figure 6-1: Otter Survey Area ...... 34 Figure 6-2: Natura 2000 Sites within 15km of the Site ...... 37 Figure 6-3: Nationally Protected Sites within 5km ...... 38 Figure 6-4: Habitat Map for PR 20/494 – Solar and Battery Storage ...... 42 Figure 6-5: Habitat Map – 110kV Substation ...... 43 Figure 7-1 Subsoils ...... 62 Figure 7-2: Bedrock Aquifer ...... 63 Figure 7-3: Watercourses in the Vicinity of the Proposed Development ...... 64 Figure 7-4: Justification Test Criteria (Extract from DEHLG Guidelines. 2009) ...... 67 Figure 8-1: Site Locality Context ...... 76 Figure 8-2: Location of NSRs and Noise Monitoring Locations in the vicinity of the PR 20/494 ...... 78 Figure 8-3: Operational Noise Sources PR 20/494 ...... 85
Figure 8-4: Predicted Operational Stage Noise Lday ...... 87
Figure 8-5: Predicted Operational Stage Noise Lnight ...... 87 Figure 9-1: Extent of Study Area ...... 101 Figure 9-2: Map showing the Proposed Development site in relation to landscape sensitivity areas (purple pattern) in County Offaly ...... 103 Figure 9-3: Map showing the approximate location of the Proposed Development site in relation to Areas of High Amenity in County Offaly ...... 104 Figure 9-4: Extract of Map No. 7.18 Protected Views of the Offaly CDP ...... 105 Figure 9-5: Immediate Site Context ...... 107 Figure 9-6: Standard (bare-ground) ZTV map to extent of 5km radius Study Area ...... 111 Figure 9-7: Digital Surface Model (DSM) based ZTV map accounting for screening by surface elements such as hedgerows and trees lines...... 113 Figure 9-8: Indicative boundary planting detail (‘Type 1’ in the Landscape Mitigation Plan) showing the approach to inter-planting and under-plating of existing hedgerows (where consolidation is needed) ...... 115
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Figure 9-9: Indicative boundary planting (‘Type 2’ in the Landscape Mitigation Plans) showing the approach for new sections of hedgerow ...... 115 Figure 9-10: Mitigation ZTV illustrating the effect of bolstering existing hedgerows (and maintaining them at 3-4m in height) and the proposed new hedgerows ...... 116 Figure 9-11: Viewpoint location map. Impact Assessment ...... 119 Figure 9-12: Bare ground Zone of Theoretic Visibility (ZTV) Map showing the location of additional RFI views along the L-1010-1 local road. The ZTV map based off a panel height of 2.91m ...... 131 Figure 10-1: Specular vs Diffuse reflection of light from polished and rough surfaces...... 134 Figure 10-2: Demonstrates that the amount of sunlight (measured in watts per meter -W/m2) reflected from the surface of a solar panel is very similar to that of still water and is far less than that of many surfaces commonly found in the environment, urban or rural...... 135 Figure 10-3: Similar level of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from plastic ground covering in an Irish rural scenario...... 136 Figure 10-4: Similar levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from various agricultural structures in an Irish rural scenario...... 136 Figure 10-5: Similar levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from wet road surfaces...... 137 Figure 10-6: Higher levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from metallic roof surfaces in and Irish rural scenario...... 137 Figure 10-7: Higher levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from powder coated corrugated metal roof surfaces in an Irish rural scenario...... 138 Figure 10-8: Aerial view (Google Earth Pro) of proposed solar development site (red outline), and the study area (blue outline)...... 141 Figure 10-9: Parts of the study area where houses are potentially affected by glint and glare. The results are based on 3D terrain data that does not account for screening by vegetation or man-made structures and are based on a viewers’ eye-level when standing on the ground floor = 1.7m above ground level ...... 138 Figure 10-10: Parts of the study area where houses are potentially affected by glint and glare. The results are based on 3D terrain data that does not account for screening by vegetation or man-made structures and are based on a viewers’ eye-level when standing on the first floor = 4.3m above ground level ...... 139 Figure 10-11: Parts of the study area where roads are potentially affected by glint and glare. The results are based on 3D terrain data that does not account for screening by vegetation or man-made structures and are based on viewer’s eye level at 1.7m above ground...... 144 Figure 10-12: Illustration of a driver's central field of view (blue hatched area) extending approx. 50 degrees to the left and 50 degrees to the right from the direction of travel...... 150 Figure 10-13: Figure 1 from the FAA Interim Policy, FAA Review of Solar Energy System Projects on Federally Obligated Airports ...... 152 Figure 10-14: Showing the centre of proposed PV solar farm (centre icon), the standard 10km study area (blue circle), the wider 15km study area (yellow circle) and the nearest aviation receptor (yellow pin)...... 153 Figure 11-1: Site Boundaries ...... 155 Figure 11-2. A,B,C: First Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1829 - 1841) ...... 163
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Figure 11-3 A,B,C: Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1897-1913) ...... 164 Figure 11-4: Detail of the western part of the site. RMP OF004-007 has been excluded from all elements of the development, together with a surrounding buffer zone, 180m in diameter (‘Archaeological Exclusion Zone’)...... 178 Figure 11-5: Locations archaeological monuments in the vicinity as presented on the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) (a unit of the National Monuments Service)...... 179
TABLES Table 2-1: EIA Screening Assessment ...... 10 Table 3-1: Quality of Effect ...... 15 Table 3-2: Significance of Effect ...... 15 Table 3-3: Magnitude of Effect ...... 15 Table 3-4: Probability of Effect ...... 15 Table 3-5: Duration of Effect ...... 16 Table 3-6: Types of Effects ...... 16 Table 6-1: Bird Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions ...... 34 Table 6-2: European Designated Sites within 15km of the Site ...... 37 Table 6-3: National Protected Sites within 5km ...... 38 Table 6-4: NBDC Species within 2km of the Site ...... 39 Table 6-5: Otter Survey Results ...... 47 Table 6-6: Valuation of Potential Ecological Receptors ...... 50 Table 8-1: EPA Assessment Criteria for Rural Quiet Area ...... 76 Table 8-2: NSR’s in the Vicinity of the Site ...... 77 Table 8-3: Noise Monitoring Locations ...... 78 Table 8-4: Met Éireann Summary for Mullingar Weather Station ...... 79 Table 8-5: Ambient Daytime Noise Monitoring Results 21st July 2020 ...... 79 Table 8-6: Ambient Night-time Noise Monitoring Results 21st July 2020 ...... 80 Table 8-7: NSR Ambient Noise Characteristics ...... 81 Table 8-8: Maximum Permissible Construction Noise Levels at the facade of dwellings ..... 81 Table 8-9: Sources of Construction Noise ...... 83 Table 8-10: Predicted Noise Emissions - Construction Phase ...... 84 Table 8-11: Predicted Noise Emissions - Operational Phase ...... 86 Table 8-12: Daytime and Night-time Operational Noise Assessment for Closest NSRs ...... 88 Table 8-13: Daytime Operational Noise Assessment for Closest NSRs ...... 88 Table 8-14: Night-time Operational Noise Assessment for Closest NSRs ...... 89 Table 8-15: Maximum Permissible Construction Noise Levels at the facade of dwellings ... 91 Table 8-16: Predicted Likely Impact Along Cable Route ...... 92
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Table 9-1: Landscape Value and Sensitivity ...... 95 Table 9-2: Magnitude of Landscape Impacts ...... 96 Table 9-3: Impact Significance Matrix ...... 97 Table 9-4: Magnitude of Visual Impact ...... 100 Table 9-5 Outline Description of Selected Viewshed Reference Points (VRPs)...... 118 Table 9-6: Analysis of Visual Receptor Sensitivity at Viewshed Reference Points Scale of value for each criterion ...... 120 Table 10-1: Magnitude of Glint and Glare Effects ...... 139 Table 10-2: Summary of Results contained in Appendix H-1- Dwellings ...... 140 Table 10-3: Summary of Results contained in Appendix H-2 – Transport Receptors: Roads ...... 145 Table 11-1: Monuments shown on the SMR ...... 179
PLATES Plate 11-1: An existing farm road will be upgraded for access to the Site...... 159 Plate 11-2: Looking S from the access roadway (Plate 11-1) over the Site of the monument OF007—004, enclosure...... 159 Plate 11-3: View of the southern quadrant of the Site. The RMP OF004-008 is located at the west (right) of the photograph. The monument has no surface expression and is not recorded on any O.S. map (Figures 11-2.A & 11-3.A)...... 160 Plate 11-4: The proposed site of the substation and battery storage facility looking N from the proposed access laneway...... 160 Plate 11-5: The proposed access laneway bisects the western part of the site. The land is characteristically flat. The field fences removed in recent years and multiple fields amalgamated...... 161 Plate 11-6: The remaining field are clay banks with deep drainage ditches usually only on one side. The townland boundary between Srah and Wood/Greenhills remains intact but the fence that once defined the townland boundary Wood and Greenhills has been removed from the Eastern part of the Site...... 161 Plate 11-7: Within the central part of the site looking E. The field fences were in the past (Figure 4) heavily lined with trees and much of Greenhills townland was planted with woods and shelter belts, but the trees have been cleared. An area of forestry defines the SE boundary of the site in Greenhills townland...... 162 Plate 11-8: The site is characterised by extensive amalgamed fields. The Yellow River in the background (line of trees) defines the N boundary of the site...... 162 Plate 11-9: An old photograph of Greenhills House, the house does not survive today. .... 165 Plate 11-10: The former stables of Greenhills Estate, built c. 1780. National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Reg: 14904008 and Protected Structure County Offaly Development Plan, RPS 07-03...... 166 Plate 11-11: Looking E, cereal crop had been harvested from the field and the low Winter light highlighted surface anomalies. The area where the monument (RMP OF004-007) is in the
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental - FINAL vii Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
middle ground of the photograph. No surface features could be detected. The is classified as an earthwork ‘of doubtful archaeological interest’ and is excluded from the proposal...... 166 Plate 11-12: Looking West, the existing farm road is to be utilised as the farm entrance. The road was the only manmade feature apparent in the extensive flat fields...... 167 Plate 11-13: Looking South across the expansive tillage land in Srah townland...... 168 Plate 11-14: The soil surface was visible through the tillage stubble. The soil was generally a mixture of mineral soil and peat with grit/gravel in places...... 168 Plate 11-15: Areas of standing water commonly occurred on the surface in the period of wet weather in December 2020...... 169 Plate 11-16: Only one area in the southern part of the site in Srah townland was in pasture. The grass was low revealing a very level land surface...... 169 Plate 11-17: The agricultural use of the land is made possible by a series of drains that flank each field fence of the Site. The water drains to the Yellow River (northern site boundary). The field system was in existence from at least the mid- 19th century (1st E Ed O.S. Map) but was probably laid out in the later 18th century. Many of the field fences recorded in the 1st edition O.S. map are now gone but the regular upkeep (by mechanical excavation) of the drains is necessary to maintain the land...... 170 Plate 11-18: The drain profiles were examined to reveal a gritty clay subsoil, occasionally a thin band of peat (that can be seen in the righthand side of the photo) and mixed clay and peat topsoil created by regular cultivation...... 171 Plate 11-19: The southern boundary of the Site in Greenhills townland is defined by a farm road. The road signifies a significant division of the landscape, an esker ridge to the south (left) where Greenhills House once stood (see below) and the flat fields to t to the north (right) where the solar farm is proposed...... 171 Plate 11-20: Looking South from the southern site boundary towards the farmyard of the former Greenhills House. The esker ridge is in sharp contrast to the flat fields to the north...... 172 Plate 11-21: Looking Northwest; the flat lands lie between the esker ridge (south) and the Yellow River (north). This field is in fallow with the decayed remains of summer vegetations...... 172 Plate 11-22: The site of the former tree ring shown on the 1st ed O.S. map. No surface features are apparent today. The drainage of the flat land is maintained by deep drains flanking the fields and without these the area would not have been conducive...... 173 Plate 11-23: The remains of a tree-ring by the western boundary (outside) of the site. The ring is defined by a drainage ditch and has now surface bank, other than the straight field fence on the eastern side. The salient features are characteristic of a tree ring (feature of a designed landscape and not an archaeological monument)...... 174 Plate 11-24: The north-south rectangular fields are divided by drainage ditches flanked on one side by low banks...... 174 Plate 11-25: The long rectangular fields are aligned NW-SE stretching from the banks of the Yellow River (northern site boundary). At the time of inspection, a crop of kale was emerging in the freshly tilled fields...... 175 Plate 11-26: The fields are generally flat with a dark brown topsoil of mixed peat, grit and mineral soil. Areas of standing water indicate areas of poor surface drainage ...... 176
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental - FINAL viii Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
Plate 11-27: A system of drains flanked by low banks maintains the viability of the land. The profile reveals the original late 18th/early 19th century level of the drains which have been recut in modern times. Recutting and maintenance of the drains is undertaken regularly. . 176 Plate 11-28: The drains lead to the Yellow River that forms the northern boundary of the site and the main drainage feature of the area. The river has been subject to straightening and deepening. The first ed O.S. map shows that straightening of the channel had taken place before the mid-19th century (Figure 11-3.C) and further work on the river appears to have taken place in the mid-20th century...... 177 Plate 11-29: Items observed in the surface of the land included ceramic drainpipes and perforated red brick. The density of these items suggest that a system of ceramic land drains was laid throughout the fields in the 19th or early 20th century...... 177 Plate 11-30: The proposed site entrance will via an old farmyard (now levelled). The house in the adjoining property to the north is now disused. A farm shed stands to the S...... 182
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental - FINAL ix Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Malone O’Regan Environmental (MOR) has been commissioned by OBM Solar Ltd (‘the Applicant’) to prepare an Environmental Report (ER) in respect of a proposed a 110kV substation and associated grid connection to Derryiron 110KV substation, including underground cabling, vehicular entrance, access track from public road, security fencing and all associated site development works, on lands in Rhode, Co. Offaly. The main purpose of the 110kV substation is that it will become a “node” on the transmission system, initially to be connected as a spur node from Derryiron 110kV substation outside Rhode, Co. Offaly but designed to be extended and looped into the wider transmission system at a later stage. Extending the sub-station infrastructure to allow for it to be looped in can be accommodated on the Site. Expansion of the substation in the future provides EirGrid with options to connect the proposed substation with other existing nodes such as Kinnegad, Cushalling or Blake. This would provide greater system flexibility, alleviate congestion, add resilience and increase the security of supply. The substation and cable connection will become an EirGrid asset. The proposed substation and grid connection will also connect and serve a proposed solar PV farm and battery storage development (under Offaly County Council Planning Ref. 20/494) located in the townlands of Srah, Greenhills and Wood Co. Offaly. The application for planning permission for these developments has been made separately to Offaly County Council as part of a dual consent process. The applicant for that proposed development is also OBM Solar Ltd. As part of that planning application a detailed Environmental Report was submitted that considered the full combined development for the purposes of completing a robust assessment of the entire project (i.e., Solar farm, battery storage, 110kV substation and 110kV grid connection). For the purpose of this SID application, this Environmental Report has been updated to reflect any new preliminary design information and also the findings of additional environmental surveys that were sought by Offaly County Council as part of a Request for Further Information that was issued on December 4th, 2020, under PR 20/494. The key conclusions of the ER remain unchanged and are that the Proposed Development will not result in any likely or significant environmental impacts based on the following: • The proposed design has taken full cognisance of all requirements of the Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020; • The Ecological Assessment concluded that the Site is currently of low ecological value, and that the Proposed Development will not have any direct or indirect adverse impacts on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 sites or on any notable / protected flora and fauna. Overall, the proposed landscaping and biodiversity measures will result in an overall positive impact for local biodiversity; • A Preliminary Site-Specific Flood Risk assessment confirmed the absence of any notable flood risks on the Site or in the immediate vicinity of the Site, therefore the Proposed Development will not result in any increased flood risk. • The Proposed Development will not require any alternations to the existing drainage network and no specific drainage infrastructure will be required; • There will be no likely noise nuisance during both the daytime and night-time operation of the Proposed Development at nearby receptors; • The Site is located in an area characterised to be of low landscape sensitivity. There will be no impacts, direct, indirect or residual on receptors in regard to visual amenity of the area;
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• The landscaping proposed as part of the Proposed Development will ensure that it will not result in any significant residual impacts on receptors in regard to direct visual impacts or impacts associated with glint and glare; • Sufficient setbacks will be implemented from all sensitive receptors- adjacent dwellings, transport route receptors (road), on-site tree / hedge lines and drains and therefore no adverse effects either during construction or operational phase will occur; • No protected archaeological sites will be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the Proposed Development. There is one archaeological monument near the boundary of the site, however, no works are proposed for the area overlying the Recorded Monument; • A separate Construction Traffic Management Plan has been submitted in support of this application which confirms that construction traffic accessing the proposed development will not result in any significant traffic impacts; • A Preliminary Construction Environmental Management (pCEMP) has been submitted in support of the planning application. This pCEMP will be used by the appointed contractor to prepare an updated and comprehensive CEMP prior to the commencement of any on-site works. It is proposed that this plan will be agreed with the Council in advance and will be fully implemented during the construction of the Proposed Development; and, • The Proposed Development will have a design life of approximately 35 years at which time it will be fully decommissioned, and lands reinstated.
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1 INTRODUCTION Malone O’Regan Environmental (MOR) was commissioned by OBM Solar Ltd. (‘the Applicant’) to prepare an Environmental Report (ER) in respect of the construction and operational phase of a 110kV substation and grid connection along with associated infrastructure on lands located within the townlands of Srah, Coolcor and Clonin Co. Offaly, ca. 0.5 km north of Rhode (OS Reference N 54161 36858). The main purpose of the 110kV substation is that it will becomea “node” on the transmission system, initially to be connected as a spur node from Derryiron substation outside Rhode but designed to be extended and looped into the wider transmission system at a later stage. Extending the sub-station infrastructure to allow for it to be looped in can be accommodated on the site. Expansion of the substation in the future provides EirGrid with options to connect the proposed substation with other existing nodes such as Kinnegad, Cushalling or Blake. This would provide greater system flexibility, alleviate congestion, add resilience, and increase the security of supply. The substation and cable connection will become an EirGrid asset. The proposed substation and grid connection will also connect and serve a proposed solar PV farm and battery storage development (under Offaly County Council Planning Ref. 20/494) located in the townlands of Srah, Greenhills and Wood Co. Offaly. The application for planning permission for these developments has been made separately to Offaly County Council as part of a dual consent process. The applicant for that proposed development is also OBM Solar Ltd. As part of that planning application a detailed environmental report was submitted that considered the full combined development for the purposes of completing a robust assessment of the entire project (i.e., Solar farm, battery storage, 110kV substation and 110kV grid connection). For the purpose of this SID application, this Environmental Report has been updated to reflect any new preliminary design information and also the findings of additional environmental surveys that were sought by Offaly County Council as part of a Request for Further Information that was issued on December 4th, 2020, under PR 20/494. For the purposes of this report, the 110kV substation, underground grid connection, Solar PV farm, battery storage units and all associated infrastructure works, will be evaluated to assess the cumulative impacts of the overall development (hereby referred as the ‘Proposed Development’). Unless otherwise specified, ‘the Site’ can be defined as both the application boundary for the 110kV substation and associated grid connection and also the application boundary for the PR: 20/494. The location of the Proposed Development (“the Site”) is shown in Figure 1-1 (OS Reference N 53230 36522).
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental - FINAL 1 Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
Figure 1-1: Site Location
This report comprises of two volumes with the main report presented in Volume 1 and supporting appendices are presented in Volume 2. The application for the Proposed Development will also be supported by a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (NIS). All Site layout drawings are presented in Appendix A. 1.1 The Applicant OBM Solar Ltd. is an Irish based firm that develops renewable energy projects within Ireland. 1.2 Site Description and Context The application site for 110kV substation and grid connection are located in the townlands of Srah, Coolcor and Clonin ca. 0.5 km north of Rhode, Co. Offaly, within a predominately rural landscape. The application site for 110kV substation and grid connection is ca. 4.29ha in size (Figure 1-2). The Site is accessed off the L1009-2 via the R400 regional road linking Mullingar, Co. Westmeath to R419 at Cushina, Co. Offaly. There are some residential properties located to the east and south of the substation and multiple residences are located along L1009-2, where the underground grid route is proposed. The Clonin River flows parallel to the L1009-2, which forms part of the western site boundary, and has been culverted beneath the existing farm access into the agricultural fields to the east of the Site. The surrounding lands of the Site comprise agricultural lands, farm sheds and residential dwellings. The Derryiron 110kV substation is located ca. 2.1 km southwest of the proposed 110kV substation location (Figure 1-2).
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Figure 1-2: Application Site Context
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1.3 Hydrological Features in vicinity to the Site The Site and adjacent watercourses are located within the Yellow [Castlejordan]_SC_010 sub- catchment, forming part of the overall Boyne_07 WFD Catchment (EPA, 2021). There are seven (7No.) hydrological features of note in the vicinity of the Site (Figure 1-3). 1. Yellow [Castlejordan] River The Yellow [Castlejordan] River (Yellow River) is located ca. 350m north of Site, flowing in an easterly direction, before discharging into the River Boyne ca. 8km east of the Site. 2. Clonin River The Clonin River flows in a northerly direction and runs parallel to the L1009-2, where it has been diverted in two places along the road to flow behind residential plots, following the plot boundaries. The river follows the boundary of the old farm dwelling plot, where it is culverted underneath the farm access entrance to the fields to the east (Figure 1-3), resurfaces to join the northern boundary drainage ditch before joining agricultural fields to the west (via culvert under L1009-2) and returns to follow the road and flows north for ca. 350m before flowing into the Yellow River (Figure 1-3). As a result of maintenance works to culvert the river beneath the Site access and clear the channel, the Clonin River as it passed through the Site is relatively small and is only 1-2m wide. The section of the river running through the Site is relatively straight. It is considered that this is likely due to historical management works when the field boundaries were created. The river as with the network of ditches on Site are subject to periodic management works to maintain their function. At present, the section of the Clonin river within the Site and drainage ditches are indistinguishable. 3. Clonin Stream The Clonin stream flows in the north-easterly direction for ca. 1.2km before being culverted beneath the L1009-2 and joining the Clonin River. 4. Coolville Stream The Coolville stream flows in a northerly direction and runs parallel with the L1009-2 for approximately 350m before flowing into the Clonin River. 5. Warrenstown07 Stream The Warrenstown07 Stream (Warrenstown Stream) flows northwards through the middle of the Site before draining into the Yellow River. As a result of maintenance works to clear the channel, the Warrenstown Stream as it passed through the Site is relatively small and is only 1-2m wide. This stream has been historically managed, as is evident by the artificially straight order of the stream when the field boundaries were created. The river as with the network of ditches on Site are subject to periodic management works to maintain their function. At present, the section of the Warrenstown stream within the Site and drainage ditches are indistinguishable. 6. Greenhills07 Stream The Greenhills07 Stream (Greenhills Stream) runs ca. 120m east of the Site, at its closest point, flowing north before discharging in the Yellow River. 7. Srah07 River The Srah07 River (Srah River) is located directly adjacent to the northern boundary, discharging into the Yellow River ca. 117 m from the north-western corner of the Site.
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According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2013-2018, all of the above-mentioned watercourses have a ‘good’ water quality status and are considered to be ‘not at risk’ of not achieving ‘good’ status (EPA, 2021). Figure 1-3: Watercourses in the Vicinity to the Site
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Figure 1-4: Clonin River Culverted near Site Entrance
According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2013-2018, all of the above mentioned watercourses have a ‘good’ water quality status and are considered to be ‘not at risk’ of not achieving ‘good’ status (EPA, 2021). Drainage Ditch Network A network of drainage ditch occurs within the Site and wider area. Such drainage regimes are typical features of agricultural land. The onsite drainage ditches are hydrologically connected to the Clonin River and Yellow River (See Figure 1-4). The existing onsite drainage network will not be altered by the proposed development. The design of the proposed development will ensure that a setback of 6m will be maintained either side of the drainage ditches throughout the duration of the project. 1.4 Consultation The following consultation was undertaken, with all comments raised taken into account: • A pre-application consultation request was submitted to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on the 1st of September 2020. A single meeting was held with ABP on the 19th of October 2020. A request to end the pre-application consultation process was submitted on the 4th of December 2020. ABP formally confirmed on the 9th of December that the proposed development was strategic infrastructure in accordance with Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act, 200, as amended. • Pre-planning consultations were also held with different sections of Offaly County Council.
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• Consultation has also taken place with a number of local residents, whereby the applicant consulted with adjacent residents.
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2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) SCREENING An EIA screening assessment has been undertaken in accordance with Schedule 5 and Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) and takes cognisance of Directive 2014/52/EU, as it is currently interpreted, utilising the following guidance: • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) – 2017 (Draft) (EPA, 2017). 2.1 Methodology Desk Based Studies In undertaking this EIA Screening Assessment, a detailed desk-based study was completed that included a review of the following information: • Relevant legislation and guidance; and, • Relevant published information pertaining to the Site and surrounding area in regard to all of the stipulated EIAR topics. Environmental Impact Assessment Screening - Legislative and Regulatory Context EIA screening requirements derive from the EIA Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU). The amended EIA Directive came into force on 16th May 2017 and regulations transposing it into national legislation were signed into law on 19th July 2018 as the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 (Statutory Instrument, 2018). There are no changes to the prescribed project types or EIA thresholds under the amended EIA Directive 2014/52/EU. The project types and thresholds set out in the 2001-2010 Regulations remain in effect. In order to determine whether it is required to undertake an EIA for the Proposed Development, the following legislation was consulted: • The Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended) (Statutory Instrument, 2001); • EU Directive 2014/52/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (‘2014 EIA Directive’) (European Parliament, 2014); and, • The Roads Act 1993 (as amended) (Statutory instrument, 2003).[p] In addition, the following guidance documents were reviewed: • Interpretation of Definitions of project Categories of Annex I and II of the EIA Directive (European Commission, 2015); • European Commission (June 2017), Environmental Impact Assessment of Projects. Guidance on Screening (EU, 2017); • Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (August 2003), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidelines for Consent Authorities regarding Sub‐threshold Development (DEHLG, 2003); • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports Draft (EPA, 2017); • Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Implementation of Directive 2014/52/EU on the effects of certain public and private
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projects on the environment (EIA Directive) - Circular 1/2017’, 15th May 2017 (DHPLG, 2017); and, • Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) Transposing Regulations (S.I. No. 296 of 2018) Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on Carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (DHPLG, 2018). Field Based Studies A general site inspection was undertaken by MOR Consultants on the 9th of July 2020 and the 28th of January 2021 to gain a better understanding of the receiving environment and to identify any sensitive environmental receptors. 2.2 Assessment under Section 5 (Mandatory EIA) Section 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) sets out the criteria for assessing whether or not a mandatory EIAR is required for a development. It transposes Annex I and Annex II of the EU EIA directive (85/337/ECC as amended) into Irish law under Parts 1 and 2 of the schedule. There are no activities listed within Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that relate to 110kV substations or underground grid connections. Furthermore, the new EIA Directive 2014/52/EU, amending EIA Directive 201/92/EU, does not include any mandatory thresholds for Solar PV Projects or Battery Storage Facilities. Therefore, the Proposed Development subject to this EIA Screening Report does not fall within the scope of activities listed in Part 1 of Schedule 5. Accordingly, mandatory EIA, as classified under Annex I, is not required. In addition, the proposed development was screened against the following criteria: Part 1, item 20. “Construction of overhead electrical power lines with a voltage of 220 kilovolts or more and a length of more than 15 kilometres”. Part 2 Item 3. (b) “Industrial installations for carrying gas, steam and hot water with a potential heat output of 300 megawatts or more, or transmission of electrical energy by overhead cables not included in Part 1 of this Schedule, where the voltage would be 200 kilovolts or more”. Neither of these two criteria are applicable to the proposed development. Under Part 2.10(b)(iv) of Schedule 5, in regard to Infrastructure Projects, with respect to the size and scale of the infrastructure project proposed, a 110kV substation and grid connection could not be considered an “urban development” as specified. Therefore, mandatory EIA, as classified under Part 2.10(b)(iv) of Schedule 5 is not required; and, Under Part 2. 10(dd) of Schedule 5, in regard to Infrastructure Projects, with respect to “private roads which would exceed 2000 metres in length”, internal access tracks for 110kV substation projects are generally not considered to be “private roads” in the meaning of this activity for the following reasons: • They are generally not accessible to the public; • They are substantially similar to farm access tracks; and, • They are only used to access the substation intermittently during the operational period.
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The Proposed Development will not result in a development of a class listed in Part 1, or paragraphs 1 to 9 and 11-12 of Part 2 of Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended. Therefore, based on the findings of this EIA screening assessment, the Proposed Development does not fall under the remit of Schedule 5 and accordingly neither a mandatory nor a sub-threshold EIA is warranted. Assessment under Section 7 (Significance) Section 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended, 2015) sets out the criteria for assessing whether or not a project will have ‘likely’ and ‘significant’ effects on the environment. These criteria include the following: • ‘Characteristics of Proposed Development;’ • ‘Location of Proposed Development;’ and, • ‘Characteristics of potential impacts.’ These criteria were considered for the Proposed Development under the topics recommended in EIA guidance documents. A summary of this assessment is set out in Table 2-1. Although Section 7 is not directly applicable to this Proposed Development, it has been utilised in order to comprehensively perform this assessment. Table 2-1: EIA Screening Assessment Likely & Topic Significant Comment Effects
The Proposed Development will have no significant effects on the local population. It is considered that the Proposed Development will have a temporary, positive impact due to the provision of ca. 30 Human Beings None jobs during the construction phase of the Proposed Development. Any other potential effects on humans through visual impact and noise impact are discussed and assessed in the relevant sections of this report.
An ecological assessment has been undertaken, as presented in Chapter 6. The assessment concluded that the Proposed Development will not result in any significant impact on any Biodiversity / Flora & protected or notable species and that it is considered that an None Fauna overall positive impact will occur. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) and Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) have been completed for the Proposed Development and should be read in conjunction with this report.
Ground disturbance will be limited to minimal work to facilitate the enabling works and to shallow excavations for the installation of subsurface cabling, step up transformer units, control building and Soils & Geology None associated infrastructure. Details of soil disposal are provided in Chapter 5.3 Construction Procedures. There will be no significant effects on soils and geology at, or in the general area of, the Site.
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Likely & Topic Significant Comment Effects
A hydrological and hydrogeological assessment, which included a desk-based flood risk screening assessment, was undertaken and is presented in Chapter 7. Water None The assessment concluded that there is no flood risk at the Site and that the Proposed Development is not expected to result in any adverse impacts to the hydrological or hydrogeological regime of the receiving environment.
A comprehensive Noise Assessment was undertaken for the Site and is presented in Chapter 8.
Noise None The assessment concluded that there are no significant noise sources associated with the Proposed Development. The Applicant is committed to ensuring that any noise is maintained below nuisance limits at sensitive receptors.
No significant emissions to air will occur due to the Proposed Air Quality None Development.
It is considered that the Proposed Development will have an overall slightly positive impact, as it will improve the efficiency of Climate None energy production by providing storage capacity for surplus energy as discussed in Chapter 4.2 Need for the Development.
A comprehensive Landscape and Visual Assessment was undertaken for the Site and is presented in Chapter 9. The Proposed Development will not present significant Landscape Landscape & Visual None & Visual impacts. This conclusion is based on the localised nature of the Proposed Development, the absence of visual receptors within the vicinity of the Site, the fact that the grid connection will be entirely underground, and the screening provided by the surrounding landscape.
An archaeological assessment has been undertaken, as presented in Chapter 11.
Cultural Heritage None This assessment concluded that the Proposed Development will not result in any significant impact on any protected monuments or features in the wider area with the implementation of mitigation measures.
Given the short-term nature of the construction period, the existing road infrastructure and the limited number of vehicle movements during the operational lifetime of the Proposed Development, it was Material Assets - None concluded that the potential impact on the local road network will Traffic be insignificant. A Construction Traffic Management Plan was prepared and will be submitted as part of the planning application.
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Likely & Topic Significant Comment Effects
An on-site abstraction well equipped with a pump will be located near the 110kV substation. The well will provide water for the sink and toilet within the Material Assets – None substation building. The water abstraction rate for the proposed Water development will be very small given the occasional maintenance requirements during the operational phase, which will be 3-4 times per year. Therefore, water abstraction impacts are deemed insignificant.
Portable toilet facilities will be provided for workers during the construction phase and all associated waste will be disposed off- site by a suitably licensed waste contractor. Material Assets – None Wastewater There will be wastewater generated from the Substation building during the Operational Phase of the Proposed Development. The building will contain a toilet and sink. All wastewater will be diverted to a holding tank which will be emptied periodically.
There will be no waste produced during the operational phase and minimal waste during the construction phase. Waste generated Material Assets – None during the construction phase will be collected, accommodated Waste and segregated on-site before being removed off-site and recycled or disposed of at a suitably licensed waste or treatment facility.
2.3 Screening Conclusion and Scope of this Environmental Report Based on the findings of this EIA screening assessment it was concluded that the Proposed Development will not result in any likely and significant effects on the environment, therefore, an EIAR is not warranted. 2.4 Environmental Report In the absence of an EIAR and in order to prepare a comprehensive application, a number of individual environmental assessments were undertaken. This Environmental Report (ER) has been prepared taking into account the following guidance documents: • Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2003); • Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2002); • Guidance on EIA: EIR Review (European Commission, 2001); and, • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub-threshold Developments (Government of Ireland, 2003). The following new draft guidance documents have also been taken into account: • Advice Notes for preparing Environmental Impact Statements Draft (EPA, 2015 A); • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) – 2017 (Draft) (EPA, 2017); and,
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• Circular letter PL 1/2017 - Implementation of Directive 2014/52/EU on the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (EIA Directive) - Advice on Administrative Provisions in Advance of Transposition. Additional relevant specialist guidance documents were also used in the preparation of the individual assessments. These are detailed in the relevant appendices. Scope of this ER The following topics are presented in this ER. • Proposed Development and Construction Stage Management; • Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna); • Water; • Noise; • Landscape and Visual; • Glint and Glare; and, • Cultural Heritage.
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3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Assessment of the Effects – Evaluation Criteria The assessment of effects has been undertaken in accordance with best practice. The approach is set out below. The evaluation of significance considers the magnitude of the change and the sensitivity of the resource or receptor. Unless otherwise stated, this approach has been adopted throughout the ER. The criteria for determining the significance of impacts and the effects are set out in Figure 3-1 and Table 3-1, as abstracted from the EPA’s draft Revised Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2015 B). Definitions of impact, as outlined by the EPA are included below, unless otherwise stated within a specific ER topic, these definitions will apply within this ER. Figure 3-1: Description of Impacts
Note: Source (EPA, 2015 B) Table 3-1 defines the quality of effects from positive to negative on the environment.
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Table 3-1: Quality of Effect Type of Effect Quality of Effect
Positive A change which improves the quality of the environment.
Neutral A change which does not affect the quality of the environment
Negative / Adverse A change which reduces the quality of the environment.
Table 3-2 outlines the definitions for significance of effect, which range from imperceptible to profound. Table 3-2: Significance of Effect Classification Criteria
Imperceptible An effect capable of measurement but without noticeable consequences.
An effect which causes noticeable changes in the character of the Not Significant environment but without noticeable consequences.
An effect which causes noticeable changes in the character of the Slight environment without affecting its sensitivities.
An effect that alters the character of the environment in a manner that is Moderate consistent with existing and emerging trends.
An effect which, by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity alters a Significant sensitive aspect of the environment.
An effect which, by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity significantly Very Significant alters the majority of a sensitive aspect of the environment.
Profound An effect which obliterates sensitive characteristics.
Table 3-3 describes the terminology used to discuss the magnitude of effects. Table 3-3: Magnitude of Effect Magnitude Description
Describe the size of the area, the number of sites, and the proportion of a population affected Extent by an effect.
Duration Describe the period of time over which the effect will occur (See further detail below).
Describe how often the effect will occur (once, rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly – Frequency or hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, annually).
Describe whether the extent, duration, or frequency will conform or contrast with established Context (baseline) conditions (is it the biggest, longest effect ever?).
Table 3-4 details the descriptions of probability of effects, i.e., how likely an impact is to occur. Table 3-4: Probability of Effect Magnitude Description
Effects that can reasonably be expected to occur as a result of the planned Likely project if all mitigation measures are properly implemented.
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Magnitude Description
When the full consequences of a change in the environment cannot be Indeterminable described.
Effects arising from a project in the case where mitigation measures Worst case substantially fail.
Table 3-5 outlines the duration of effects. Momentary effects lasting from seconds to minutes will often be less concerning than long term and permanent effects, depending on their severity. Table 3-5: Duration of Effect Magnitude Description
Momentary Effects Effects lasting from seconds to minutes.
Brief Effects Effects lasting less than a day.
Temporary Effects Effects lasting less than a year.
Short-term Effects Effects lasting one to seven years.
Medium-term Effects Effects lasting seven to fifteen years.
Long-term Effects Effects lasting fifteen to sixty years.
Permanent Effects Effects lasting over sixty years.
Table 3-6 defines the types of effects that can potentially occur. Table 3-6: Types of Effects Magnitude Description
The addition of many small effects to create one larger, more significant, Cumulative Effects effect.
The environment as it would be in the future should no project of any kind Do Nothing Effects be carried out.
When the full consequences of a change in the environment cannot be Indeterminable Effects described.
When the character, distinctiveness, diversity or reproductive capacity of an Irreversible Effects environment is permanently lost.
The degree of environmental change that will occur after the proposed Residual Effects mitigation measures have taken effect.
Where the resultant effects are of greater significance than the sum of its Synergistic Effects constituents.
Effects that arise off-site or are caused by other parties that are not under Indirect Effects the control of the developer (such as a quarry).
Effects that arise as a consequence of a project (a new wastewater Secondary Effects treatment plant will reduce the yield of mussels in a nearby estuary).
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4 POLICY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 4.1 Introduction This chapter provides a detailed description of the plans and policies that support the Proposed Development. 4.2 Need for the Development Globally, there is clear recognition that action to mitigate climate change is necessary. This resulted in the Paris Agreement 2015 – an international effort to halt the global increase in temperature to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. According to the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in order to achieve the 2°C objective, global GHG emissions must be reduced by 40-70% by 2050 compared to 2010 and be near zero by 2100 (IPCC, 2013). Key to achieving this level of emissions reduction will be the preparation and implementation of low carbon development strategies. The EU target for 2030 is to achieve a 40% reduction in domestic GHG emissions compared to 1990 (EPA, 2015C). Renewable energy technologies play a vital role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Ireland, wind energy generated 28% of all electricity consumption in 2018, which is second only to natural gas (SEAI, 2020). However, 7% of electricity in Ireland is still generated by coal, the fuel with the highest GHG emissions as well as emissions of other pollutants (SEAI, 2019). It is paramount to transition to non-fossil fuel sources of electricity as fast as possible in order to achieve national (and international) GHG emissions reduction goals. Ireland has an overall target of 16% of gross final energy consumption to come from renewable energy sources by 2020 (EPA, 2019).This will be met by 40% from renewable electricity, 12% from renewable heat, and 10% from renewable transport. Currently this figure is only at 11% (SEAI, 2020). It is generally anticipated that Ireland will not meet these 2020 targets and therefore will be subject to major fines from the European Union. The EPA also recently reported that Ireland is not on track towards decarbonising the economy in the long term, and steep challenges will have to be faced post-2020 (EPA, 2019). The proposed 110kV substation will become a node on the national grid for this region in Co. Offaly whilst also forming the connection point for the associated proposed solar development and for future renewable projects in the area. Developments such as the Proposed Development are not only essential to achieving renewable energy goals, but also to achieving the wider goal of decarbonising the economy in Ireland. Climate Action Plan 2019 In 2019, the Government of Ireland released the Climate Action Plan 2019, a plan which sets out a major programme of change. It outlines the current state of play across key sectors including Electricity, Transport, Built Environment, Industry and Agriculture and charts a course to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions target by 2050. The plan commits to evaluate in detail the changes required to adopt such a goal in Ireland. Decarbonising electricity is at the centre of the Climate Action Plan strategy. Demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 50% above existing capacity in the next decade in line with economic forecasts (Ireland, 2019). Ensuring we build renewable, rather than fossil fuel generation capacity to help meet this demand is essential. It makes economic sense and also facilitates decarbonising our heating and transport through electrification. The renewables sector is very dynamic in nature, with technologies still rapidly evolving. Ensuring increased levels of renewable generation will require substantial new infrastructure,
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including wind and solar farms, grid reinforcement, storage developments, and interconnection: ‘Achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030 will involve phasing out coal- and peat-fired electricity generation plants, increasing our renewable electricity, reinforcing our grid (including greater interconnection to allow electricity to flow between Ireland and other countries), and putting systems in place to manage intermittent sources of power, especially from wind.’ As renewable generation is intermittent and often unpredictable, this creates new challenges for utilities, market participants, and policy makers. Intermittency also creates the need for a range of technology solutions, which include large-scale interconnection, storage, and dispatchable capacity (Ireland, 2019). Up until recently, intermittency was a key obstacle to expansion of renewable electricity, especially wind, and therefore fossil fuels continue to be the dominant electricity generating technology. Specific actions for the electricity sector, with the aim of keeping Ireland on target for our 2030 decarbonisation ambitions, are set out in the Climate Action Plan, 2019. Specifically, the following actions for ‘Regulatory Streamlining of Renewables and Grid Development’ are set out: Action 17: ‘Ensure that ESB Networks and EirGrid plan network and deliver on connecting renewable energy sources to meet the 2030 70% RES-E target’ Action 18: ‘Facilitate additional hybrid connections (e.g., solar/wind/batteries) operating in the electricity market to increase RES-E penetration’ Action 19: ‘Ensure that the next phase of renewable connection policy is fit for purpose to deliver on renewable energy targets and community projects, and report annually on the timeliness of grid connection’ Action 20: ‘Implement energy actions under the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy to ensure that large demand connections are regionally balanced to minimise grid reinforcements’ Action 22: ‘Further consider facilitation of private networks/direct lines’ Action 23: ‘Assess the network development required to integrate higher levels of RES-E and develop a high-level network development plan to (and beyond) 2030’ Action 24: ‘Facilitate very high penetration of variable renewable electricity by 2030 (both SNSP and average) through system services and market arrangements’ Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020 The policies and objectives contained in the Offaly County Development Plan (the CDP) 2014- 2020 set strategic planning initiatives for sustainable development, ensuring that future growth and development is for the long-term benefit of the county.
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Chapter 3 of the CDP 2014-2020, ‘Energy Strategy’, sets out Offaly County Council’s (the Council) position in relation to conservation and generation of energy. As outlined in Chapter 3, the main challenge is to ‘facilitate, promote and achieve a reasonable balance between responding to central Government policy on renewable energy and enabling energy resources within the Planning Authority’s area to be harnessed in a way that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development.’ Energy Policies EP-01 ‘It is Council policy to support national and international initiatives for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases and to encourage the development of renewable energy sources’. EP-02 ‘It is Council policy to facilitate the continual development of renewable energy sources having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned, the protection of amenities, landscape sensitivities, European Sites, biodiversity, natural heritage, and built heritage, and where such proposals comply with policy contained in the County Development Plan, in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development.’ Energy Objectives EO–02 ‘It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the promotion and construction of energy efficient developments throughout the county.’ Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027: Stage 1 Pre-Draft The Council is commencing the review of the existing CDP 2014-2020 by preparing the new CDP 2021-2027. The CDP preparation process will involve public consultation at three distinct stages, which will subsequently lead to and inform the preparation of the new CDP. Stage 1, the pre-draft public consultation stage for the review of the CDP 2014- 2020 and the preparation of the new Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 took place from the 31st of July 2019 to the 26th of September 2019. Forty-six (46 No.) submissions were received within the statutory timeframe. A Chief Executive's (CE) Report on the Pre-Draft Consultation Stage was published in November 2019. The following opinions and recommendations were outlined in regards Solar Energy: Climate Action & Energy CE Opinions CE Opinion 12: Renewable energy is an important consideration in the Draft Plan. The Draft Plan will include policies and objectives that are informed by EU and national energy targets. The importance of factoring climate change into the plan is recognised and the Draft Plan will have regard to the National Climate Change Adaptation framework, Building Resilience to Climate Change (2012) and the Climate Action Plan 2019 to Tackle Climate Breakdown. The Draft Plan will promote the development of solar energy infrastructure in the county, including solar PV, solar thermal and seasonal storage technologies. Such projects will be considered subject to CE Report on Pre-Draft Consultation Stage 20/11/2019 23 environmental safeguards and the protection of natural or built heritage features, biodiversity, views and prospects.
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5 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DETAILS 5.1 Description of the Proposed Development 110kV Substation (SID Application) The proposed 110kV electrical substation in Srah, Co. Offaly will consist of: • 1 no. electrical substation compound and access road, palisade fencing and gates, measuring 56.6m x 114.8m; • 1 no. electrical substation control building measuring 14m x 18m and 6.1m in height; • 1 no. Eirgrid switch room building measuring 18m x 25m and 8.55m in height; • 4 no. lightning protection monopoles measuring up to 8.275m in height; • Associated electrical apparatus, plant and equipment; overhead and underground electrical and communications cabling and ancillary works; • Upgrading of existing access road; and, • Ancillary works. Once complete, the 110kV substation will be enclosed with EirGrid type steel palisade fence. A temporary construction compound will be situated adjacent to the existing access for the Site. The proposed development will be an unmanned facility; however, the facility will be monitored 24 hours a day remotely by the OBM Solar’s operation system and the Engineer Procurement and Construction provider. The Site will be subject to routine inspections. The proposed Site Layout is illustrated in Appendix A. Grid Connection (SID Application) The grid connection that will link the proposed 110kV substation with the Derryiron 110kV substation will consist entirely of underground cables and will be cabled along the L1009-2 adjacent to the western boundary of the Site. The cable will continue in a southerly direction for ca. 2 km and will then traverse west along the L1009-3 (restricted usage road) for ca. 0.5 km before accessing the Derryiron 110kV substation (Figure 5-1). The proposed underground cabling (110kV UGC) from the proposed substation in Srah townland to Derryiron 110kV substation in Coolcor through the townlands of Srah, Coolcor and Clonin will consist of: • Approx. 3km of underground 110kV electrical cables and associated communications cables; • It is provisionally estimated that there would be 6 no. underground joint bays; and, • Ancillary works. The design objective will be that the cable will be installed in the verges of the L1009-2 and L1009-3 as much as practicable. The ESB will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that the most appropriate connection option will be selected.
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Figure 5-1: Grid Connection Route
Proposed Solar PV Farm and Battery Storage (PR: 20/494) The proposed solar PV farm (PR: 20/494) will comprise of approximately 258,858 no. photovoltaic panels laid out in arrays within an area of ca. 132 ha, with a ca. 85 MW output. The solar panels will be on ground mounted frames, fixed in place using the pile driven steel framing. There will be no moving parts. The proposed development also involves the construction of a 50MW battery storage facility along with associated ancillary development including: • 27 no. power hubs (Incorporate both the single storey inverters and transformers within the same container unit) (6.1 x 2.5 x 2.4m); • 18 no. battery storage containers (12m x 2.4m); • 18 no. containerised step-up transformers and switchgear (4.4m x 2.5m); • 1 no. single storey containerised control room (20ft container - 6m x 2.4m); • 1 no. single storey containerised switch room (20ft container - 6m x 2.4m); • 19 no. CCTV cameras mounted on 4m high poles; • Perimeter security fencing (2m high); • Palisade security fencing around the battery facility and substation (2.4m high); and, • Landscaping works. The on-site CCTV cameras will be mounted on 4m high poles and would be remotely monitored via a 24/7 operational team who would alert all relevant personnel in the event of a
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break-in or vandalism at the Site. The cameras will only be focused along the fence line and will not be directed towards any neighbouring dwellings. There is no proposal to include any artificial lighting on the Site. The perimeter fence which will be installed to provide security, restrict access, and will be deer proof. The fence will, however, be fitted with small mammal gates, 300mm x 150mm, at approximate points to enable access for wildlife such as rabbits, badgers and foxes to move freely throughout the landscape. 5.2 Earthworks Only minimal earthworks and localised levelling works will be required for the overall development of the Site. These will include the following: • Any surplus excavated materials, such as a topsoil and subsoil, will be re-used on-site for berm construction; • Underground cable trenches and cabling connecting the solar arrays to inverter stations and subsequently to the proposed on-site 110kV substation; • Associated ground works with all inverter stations; • Associated ground works for the installation of Battery Storage Units which will then sit on an area of crushed rock; • Associated groundworks for installation of underground cables and pulling bays for the grid connection to Derryiron 110kV Substation, ca. 2.5km down road; and, • Associated ground works for the installation of the substation, which will comprise of a concrete foundation for the transformer and electrical equipment, with the rest of the area filled with crushed rock. 5.3 Drainage The proposed structures in the sub-station and battery storage area are relatively small, approximately at 436m² in the case of the substation compound and 18 No. battery storage containers, 31.5m² each, 18 No. transformers, 11m² each, a containerised switch room, 16m², and a containerised control room, 16m², approximately 745m² in total in the Battery storage Area. The compound areas are 0.368 ha for the Substation and 0.385 ha in the case of the Battery Storage. The surface finish of these compounds will be permeable, primarily a hardcore finish with small areas of landscaping. The ground conditions in the solar farm will be for the most part unchanged from their existing green field condition. The only exception being the addition of 27 no. inverter pods, individual areas of 14.5m², sitting on hardcore bases, dotted around the ca. 132 ha Solar PV site (PR 20/494), at no less than 50 meters apart. It is proposed that the small volume of runoff from each of these inverters will percolate into the adjacent ground. There will be no alterations to any of the on-site drainage ditches due to the proposed development. Surface Water Drainage A SuDS approach is proposed for the surface water drainage. Both the sub-station and battery storage compounds will be largely constructed with permeable stone, effectively providing a large soak-pit for the small volume of runoff from the buildings and containers proposed. Assuming a very basic infiltration rate through the compound stone it is clear that the existing greenfield condition will be maintained.
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Foul Water Drainage During the construction phase, portable toilet facilities will be provided for workers. All associated waste will be disposed off-site by a suitably licensed and monitored waste contractor. During the operation phase, the substation building will contain a sink and toilet. As the welfare facilities on Site will be infrequently used it is proposed that foul water will be diverted into a holding tank. All wastes collected in this holding tank will be frequently removed by a suitably licensed waste contractor. 5.4 Site Access Construction phase and operational phase access will be via the existing farm access off the L1009-2 – Please see Figure 5-2. Access around the Site will be via existing access tracks into the Site and around the perimeter. Figure 5-2: Site Access
5.5 Sensitive Design Specialist archaeological and ecological input was a key element of the proposed design, to ensure that the design of the proposed infrastructure works was extremely sensitive to valued ecological and archaeological features that occur or may occur within the Site and the surrounding landscape. The key measures relevant for this project have been detailed below: • The construction and maintenance of the Proposed Development will use existing farm access points to access the Site. Options to access the Site have been carefully considered to ensure safe access to the Site; • There is one known Recorded Monument near the site boundary (OF004-007, earthwork). The design of the Proposed Development will exclude a 180m diameter
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area surrounding the monument from any element of the development. This is considered adequate mitigation to preserve and protect any potential subsurface archaeological resource that may be present (See Chapter 11: Cultural Heritage); • Buffers will be implemented and maintained throughout the lifecycle of the Proposed Development including: • A 25m buffer between the solar farm and residential properties on the western boundary of the Site. • A 6m buffer between all works and solar farm infrastructure and existing drainage ditches / streams; • A 10m setback from the Yellow River along the northern boundary of the Site; • A 6m buffer between all works, solar farm infrastructure and existing hedge / trees lines and woodland; • A 5m setback from the perimeter fence and all infrastructure. • A comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan will be implemented as part of the PR 20/494, which includes measures to conserve and, where possible, enhance the areas of retained and created habitat; • A Landscape Plan will be implemented following as part of PR 20/494, with ca. 2.12km of additional hedge / treeline plantings as screening management, resulting in an overall net gain (Hedgerow Type 2). An additional ca. 10.7km of Hedgerow Type 1 will take place as necessary for bolstering and gap filling across the Site (see Appendix B); and, • The type of solar panels to be used in the Proposed Development are ‘grid-formed’ panels. Grid-formed panels are surrounded by white borders and divided by white grids. They contain anti-reflective films which will ensure that reflection of polarized light would be fragmented and significantly reduce reflection occurring from the panels. These types of panels have been found to be less attractive to insects as the white grid partitioning reduces the reflection of polarised light and were found to be less attractive to egg laying insects (European Commission, 2011). The use of grid- formed panels is a principle applied to windows in order to reduce collision risk. 5.6 Construction Procedures Construction works will involve the installation of a simple ground mounted system consisting of driven steel uprights that will avoid significant ground disturbance. The electricity generated from the panels themselves will be cabled to the transformer stations, the laying of which will require the excavation of narrow trenches to a maximum depth of 1 metre below ground level (mbgl). All of these trenches will be backfilled immediately upon laying of cables and re-seeded with grass. The proposed UGC will consist of HDPE power cable duct to be installed in an excavated trench, with variations on this design to adapt to service crossings or watercourse crossings. Once the ducts will be installed, the trench will be immediately reinstated in accordance with requirements of Offaly County Council. The construction methodologies to be implemented and the materials to be used will ensure that the UGC will be installed in accordance with all of the requirements and specifications of ESB. During the construction phase potential environmental impacts will be short-term and localised. Nonetheless, all works will comply with the relevant legislation, construction industry guidelines and best practice in order to reduce potential environmental impacts associated
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with the works. Where remaining potential impacts have been identified, additional mitigation measures will be employed to reduce, as far as practicable potential impacts. A Preliminary Construction Environmental Management (pCEMP) has been prepared in accordance with best practice guidelines and has been submitted as a separate document in support of this application. The pCEMP will be used by the appointed contractor to prepare an updated and comprehensive CEMP, that will be submitted to Offaly County Council for approval, prior to the commencement of any on-site works. A detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan has also been prepared in accordance with best practice guidelines and has been submitted as a separate document in support of this application. Soil Recovery Any surplus excavated materials, such as a top-soil and sub soil generated during the works, will be re-used on-site for berm construction. Duration and Timing of Works The proposed works will take approximately 12 months to complete. Working hours will generally be restricted to between 07:00 and 19:00 Monday to Friday and between 08:00 and 14:00 on Saturdays. 5.7 Monitoring The construction works will be subject to periodic monitoring by an appointed Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), to ensure that the works will be completed in line with the measures and recommendations made within this ER and the CEMP. In addition, the ECoW will either deliver or provide the resident engineer with sufficient environmental information to deliver a Site induction to all personnel working on the Site. 5.8 Operational Procedures Once operational, significant maintenance works will not be required. The Proposed Development will be an unmanned facility, which will be remotely monitored by way of CCTV. Any fault flagged on the control system will be inspected by maintenance personnel or dealt with remotely if possible. All systems on Site will be automated, with remote access provided to the control building. The Proposed Development will require approximately 2-3 maintenance visits per year to undertake routine, non-intrusive maintenance tasks such as Site inspection, cable and power plant checks and servicing, hedgerow maintenance etc. Only small vans / jeeps will be used to access the Site. The transformer units will contain oil that will be bunded. Under normal operation, this oil is maintained within the system and no emissions will occur. To prevent any unforeseen impact on the environment the transformer and step-up transformer units will be regularly monitored and maintained. 5.9 Waste Management • The earthworks arising from the proposed development will be small and will be reused on-site; • Waste materials will be collected and stored in suitable receptacles before they are taken off-site; • Waste materials will not be allowed to accumulate because of the fire/vermin risk; and,
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• The waste will be separated into recycling types and general waste in designated general waste and refuse and recycling stores. 5.10 Landscaping As part of the proposed development works, a Landscape Management Plan has been prepared. This plan includes the main areas of landscaping works and includes details on the following (refer to Appendix B). • Retention, maintenance and strengthening of existing hedge / tree-lines; • Planting of additional hedge / tree-line as screening management; • Planting of riparian enhancement areas along the Yellow River on the northern boundary of the Site; • The creation and maintenance of a species-rich grassland with a varied sward structure; and, • Retention of field boundaries and utilisation of existing contours, maintaining the rural character of the area. The Landscape Plan has been developed, not only to ensure that any visual impacts from the Proposed development will be mitigated against, but also to enhance the biodiversity value of the Site. It has been developed through consultation between the project landscape architect and the project ecologist to ensure that the biodiversity value of the Site will be enhanced where practically possible. 5.11 Decommissioning The design life of the facility will be approximately 35 years as determined by the grant of planning. At this time, a decision will be made as to whether the solar farm is to be decommissioned and the Site returned to agricultural usage, or whether the solar farm will be repowered. The decommissioning tasks and removal of all solar farm components from the leased land will be completed within eleven months of the cessation of electricity generation by the solar farm and the Site shall be reinstated to its former use. At the end of the Proposed Development’s lifetime, with the exception of the ESB / EirGrid substation, the Proposed Development will be completely dismantled (including underground electrical interconnection and distribution cables) and the Site will be restored to its preconstruction state. The decommissioning plan addresses all aspects of waste management post operational phase. The Applicant will re-use or recycle as many of the solar farm components as reasonably practicable. All residual waste will be removed by a licenced contractor and transported to a licenced waste facility. Given the nature of the Proposed Development and the small amount of infrastructure required, it is considered highly unlikely that any adverse effects would occur as a result of decommissioning works. However, decommissioning works will have to be carried out in accordance with best practice and any legislation applicable at the time of decommissioning. Full details of the decommissioning works are included within the ‘Decommissioning Plan’ submitted as part of the overall planning application.
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6 BIODIVERSITY This chapter of the report provides a description and assessment of the potential, likely and significant impacts of the of the proposed 110kV substation, underground grid connection, battery storage units and solar PV farm and all associated infrastructure works (PR 20/494). A detailed Ecological Appraisal of the Site has been carried out by a team of fully qualified and experienced ecologists. In addition, an assessment on potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites was also undertaken and is presented in the Stage 2: Screening Appropriate Assessment – Natura Impact Statement (NIS), which should be read in conjunction with this chapter. 6.1 Methodology Legislation Policy Context Within Ireland, a number of sites of international or national importance to nature conservation, as well as many species of animal and plants are afforded some degree of legal protection, for details see Box 1 below. A study of biodiversity related planning policy at the national and local level has been undertaken for the Site and locality in order to highlight any potential conflicts with the relevant legislation and guidance documents.
Box 1 Designated Wildlife Sites and Protected and Otherwise Notable Habitats and Species
The National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) notifies sites in Ireland that are of international or national importance for nature conservation (although some sites that are of national importance for certain species have not been so designated). Internationally important sites may also be designated as: • Special Areas of Conservation (SACs): the legal requirements relating to the designation and management of SACs in Ireland are set out in the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (as amended) (Habs Regs); • Special Protection Areas (SPAs): strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC), also known as the Birds Directive; and, • Ramsar sites: wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, to which Ireland is a signatory. Other statutory site designations relating to nature conservation are: • National Heritage Areas (NHA): these represent examples of some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal habitats in the country and are afforded protection under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. NHAs are legally protected from damage and receive protected from the date they are formally proposed for designation; and, • Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA): these sites are afforded the same protection as NHA under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 from the date that they are formally proposed for designation. Legally protected species Many species of animal and plant receive some degree of legal protection. For the purposes of this study, legal protection refers to: • Species included in the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, excluding species that are only protected in relation to their sale, reflecting the fact that the site disposal will not include any proposals relating to the sale of species; and, • Species afforded protection under the Flora Protection Order 1999. Other notable habitat/species categories • Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species: those targeted in local or national BAPs as being of particular conservation concern (priority species). • Red and Amber List birds: those listed as being of high or medium conservation concern as listed by Birdwatch Ireland (Cummins, 2013) . • Other Irish Red Data Book species and Nationally/Regionally/Locally Notable species where appropriate.
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National Planning Context 6.1.2.1 Planning Policy Statement The National Planning Policy Statement 2015 (DECLG, 2015) states via Key Principle No.8, in relation to Biodiversity, that: ‘Planning will conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural and cultural heritage of Ireland in a manner appropriate to their significance, from statutorily designated sites to sites of local importance, and including the conservation and management of landscape quality to the maximum extent possible, so that these intrinsic qualities of our country can be enjoyed for their collective contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations.’ The same document, in relation to conservation of natural heritage, states as Key Principle No. 9 that: ‘Planning will support the protection and enhancement of environmental quality in a manner consistent with the requirements of relevant national and European standards by guiding development towards optimal locations from the perspective of ensuring high standards of water and air quality, biodiversity and the minimisation of pollution risk.’ 6.2 Local Planning Context 6.2.1.1 Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020 The Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020 (Offaly County Council , 2014) contains a number of policies which relate directly to the protection of biodiversity and natural heritage in the context of Proposed Developments. These include policies to ensure compliance with EU Habitats Directives and to ensure the protection of the integrity of European sites. It also includes reference to the importance of hedgerows and treelines in an ecological context and includes the following objectives: Natural Heritage Policies Policy NHP-01 ‘It is Council policy to prohibit any development that would be harmful to or that would result in a significant deterioration of habitats and/or disturbance of species in a Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC), Natural Heritage Area (NHA) and Proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA)’ Policy NHP-05 ‘It is Council policy to continue to promote education, knowledge and pride in the natural heritage and biodiversity of the county.’ Policy NHP-08 ‘It is Council policy to protect, conserve and enhance the county’s biodiversity and natural heritage including wildlife (flora and fauna), habitats, landscapes and/or landscape features of importance to wildlife or which play a key role in the conservation and management of natural resources such as water.’ Policy NHP-09 ‘It is Council policy to promote the protection and preservation of existing hedgerows and to encourage planting of native hedgerow species. It is also Council policy to encourage the replanting and extension of the treescape within the county (in particular mixed forests
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and broadleaf forests) in order to ensure the preservation and enhancement of this attractive element of County Offaly’s landscape.’ Policy NHP-11 ‘It is Council policy to conserve, protect and enhance where possible wildlife habitats such as rivers, streams, canals, lakes, and associated wetlands including reed-beds and swamps, ponds, springs, bogs, fens, trees, woodlands and scrub, hedgerows and other boundary types such as stone walls and ditches which occur outside of designated areas providing a network of habitats and corridors essential for wildlife to flourish.’ Policy NHP-19 ‘It is Council policy to promote the preservation and enhancement of native and semi- natural woodlands, groups of trees and individual trees.’ Policy NHP-24 ‘It is Council policy to protect, conserve and enhance the county’s biodiversity and natural heritage including wildlife (flora and fauna), habitats, landscapes and / or landscape features of importance to wildlife or which play a key role in the conservation and management of natural resources such as water.’ Natural Heritage Objectives NHO-02 ‘It is an objective of the Council to conserve and protect the natural heritage of the county and to conserve and protect European and National designated sites within the county including Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs), Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs), Ramsar Sites, Statutory Nature Reserves, Biogenetic Reserves and Wildfowl Sanctuaries.’ NHO-03 ‘It is an objective of the Council to protect, conserve and enhance the county’s biodiversity and natural heritage and the principle of enhancement will be taken into account in the Development Management process. It is a particular objective to protect plants, animal species and habitats which have been identified by the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, Wildlife Act and the Flora Protection Order.’ Green Infrastructure Policies GIP-04 ‘It is a policy of the Council to seek to prevent and promote measures to prevent the spread of invasive and alien species. When landscaping plans are included or requested as part of the planning assessment process, they should indicate the specific measures to be taken to avoid and prevent the spread of invasive species.’ Energy Policies EP–01 ‘It is Council policy to support national and international initiatives for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases and to encourage the development of renewable energy sources.’ EP–02 ‘It is Council policy to facilitate the continual development of renewable energy sources having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned, the protection of amenities, landscape sensitivities, European Sites, biodiversity, natural
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heritage, and built heritage, and where such proposals comply with policy contained in the County Development Plan, in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development.’ 6.2.1.2 Draft Offaly County Council Development Plan 2021-2027 The Draft Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 (Offaly County Council, 2020) contains a number of policies which relate directly to the protection of biodiversity and natural heritage in the context of proposed developments. It also includes policies relating to designated and non-designated sites, waterbodies, trees and hedgerows, green infrastructure, invasive species and natural capital. The relevant policies are as follows: Designated and Non-Designated Sites BLP-01 It is Council policy to protect, conserve, and seek to enhance the county’s biodiversity and ecological connectivity. BLP-02 It is Council policy to conserve and protect habitats and species listed in the Annexes of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (as amended) and the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), the Wildlife Acts 1976 (as amended) and the Flora Protection Orders BLP-04 It is Council policy to protect and maintain the conservation value of all existing and future Natural Heritage Areas, Nature Reserves, Ramsar Sites, Wildfowl Sanctuaries and Biogenetic Reserves in the county. BLP-05 It is Council policy to ensure that development does not have a significant adverse impact, incapable of satisfactory avoidance or mitigation, on plant, animal or bird species protected by law. BLP-07 It is Council policy to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017- 2021 and the Offaly Heritage Plan Key Actions 2017-2021 and future editions in partnership with relevant stakeholders subject to available resources. Waterways, Lakes and Wetland Landscapes BLP-20 It is Council policy to protect riparian corridors by reserving land along their banks for ecological corridors and maintain them free from inappropriate development. Where appropriate clear span structures will be promoted where fisheries exist, and culverting and/or realignment of streams will be discouraged. The Council will consult with Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to riparian and instream works as appropriate. Trees, Forestry and Hedgerows BLO-15 It is an objective of the Council to encourage pursuant to Article 10 of the Habitats Directive, the management of features of the landscape, such as traditional field boundaries, important for the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. BLO-16
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It is an objective of the Council to encourage the retention, wherever possible, of hedgerows and other distinctive boundary treatment in the county. Where removal of a hedgerow, stone wall or other distinctive boundary treatment is unavoidable, provision of the same type of boundary will be required of similar length and set back within the site in advance of the commencement of construction works on the site (unless otherwise agreed by the Planning Authority). BLP-22 It is Council policy to support the protection and management of existing networks of woodlands, trees and hedgerows which are of amenity or biodiversity value and/or contribute to landscape character, and to strengthen local networks. BLP-23 It is Council policy to encourage the planting of native species in all new residential developments (individual and multiple units) and as part of landscaping for commercial and industrial developments. Green Infrastructure Strategy BLO-17 It is an objective of the Council to require all new developments to identify, protect and enhance ecological features by making provision for local biodiversity (for example, through provision of swift boxes or towers, bat roost sites, green roofs, etc.) and provide links to the wider Green Infrastructure network as an essential part of the design process. BLP-25 It is Council policy to recognise the economic, social, environmental and physical value of green infrastructure. BLP-26 It is Council policy to protect existing green infrastructure within the county, to provide additional green infrastructure where possible and to encourage green infrastructure to be spatially connected to facilitate the extension or establishment of ecological corridors. Invasive Species BLP-31 It is Council policy to continue to deliver and support measures for the prevention, control and/or eradication of invasive species within the county, and to seek details of how these species will be managed and controlled where their presence is identified. Natural Capital BLO-01 It is an objective of the Council that development occurs within environmental limits, having regard to the requirements of all relevant environmental legislation and the sustainable management of County Offaly’s natural capital.
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Methodology Desk Study The following literature sources were checked for ecological information: • The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website was consulted with regard to the most up to date detail on conservation objectives for the Natura 2000 sites relevant to this assessment (https://www.npws.ie/) (NPWS, 2020); • The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) website was consulted with regard to species distributions (https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/Map) (NBDC, 2021); and, • The EPA Envision website was consulted to obtain details about watercourses in the vicinity of the Site (https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/) (EPA, 2021). Field Survey A Habitat Survey was undertaken using the Fossitt’s Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossitt, 2000). The survey aimed to identify the extent and quality of habitats present on the Site. The survey was carried out by two (2No.) suitably qualified and experienced MOR ecologists on the 9th of July 2020 and the 28th of January 2021. The assessment was extended to also identify the potential for these habitats to support other features of nature conservation importance, such as species afforded legal protection under either Irish or European legislation (See box 1). Following the completion of the habitat survey, it was deemed necessary to undertake specialist badger surveys, otter surveys and wintering bird surveys. Protected / Notable Species The methodologies used to establish the presence / potential presence of faunal species are summarised below. These relate to those species / biological taxa that the desk study and habitat types present indicated could occur on the Site. 6.2.4.1 Amphibians The Site was assessed for its potential to provide sheltering, foraging and breeding habitat for amphibians. These included water bodies suitable for egg-laying, and terrestrial habitats comprising open areas with mixed-height vegetation, such as heathland, rough grassland, open scrub or water body margins. Suitable well drained and frost-free areas are needed to enable amphibians to survive the winter. 6.2.4.2 Badger A badger survey was carried out on the 26th of August 2020 by three (3No.) MOR ecologists. The survey aimed to identify and examine areas where badgers (Meles meles) might occur by noting any evidence of badger activity. This included: • Mammal paths; • Badger hairs caught in sett entrances / fences / vegetation; • Paw prints; • Evidence of foraging (usually in the form of ‘snuffle holes’); • Latrines; and, • Badger setts.
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6.2.4.3 Bats An initial assessment was carried out during the habitat survey for suitability of the habitats within the Site to support bat roosting, foraging and commuting. Mature trees were inspected for evidence of cavities, splits, cracks, loose bark and dense and woody ivy (Hedera helix) growth that could be used by bats for roosting. 6.2.4.4 Birds The Site was assessed for its potential to support important assemblages of birds of rare or notable species. Surveys aimed to identify and examine areas where wintering and breeding birds might occur. Any activity and potential nesting habitats were noted. 6.2.4.5 Wintering Birds Winter bird surveys were undertaken at the Site during the 2020/2021 winter season. Surveys were carried out on the 11th December 2020, 8th January 2021 and the 5th of February 2021 by two (2No.) suitably qualified and experienced MOR ecologists. The Site was assessed for wintering birds, specifically whooper swan. Whooper swan have been recorded roosting approximately 4km northwest of the Site during the 2012/2013 winter season based on the planning documentation provided in support of the Yellow River Wind Farm planning application (An Bord Pleanála Reference: PA0032). Therefore, the surveys utilised the methodologies described in the ‘Winter Farmland Bird Survey’ methodology provided by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) (Gillings, et al., 2008) and the ‘Wintering and Migratory Wildfowl, especially geese and swans’ survey methodology provided by the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) (Scottish Natural Heritage, 2017). The area assessed for the wintering bird surveys is illustrated in Figure 6-2. All field boundaries located within the Site boundary were walked, and all of the open areas were observed for the presence of birds. Where a large number of birds feeding was encountered long stops were taken in order to ensure accurate species recording and counting was completed. All birds were recorded using a standard BTO code through sight and sound and optical equipment, such as binoculars, was used to minimise disturbance to wintering birds. The behaviours and activities of the birds were recorded to identify whether the birds were roosting or feeding within the Site. Any roosts identified within the Site were recorded. Whooper swans were only recorded if the species was observed flying over the Site during the surveys. All other birds flying over the Site were not recorded unless the birds were clearly associated with the Site, i.e., had been flushed out. The locations of all birds were recorded on an overview map of the Site, and the zone in which the birds were located was noted. The zone represents where they were first recorded and are described as follows: • Boundary – birds located within or adjacent to treelines, hedgerows or other boundary structures; • Margin – birds located within the outer 20m of fields; and, • Interior – birds located within the field beyond the margin zone. In order to determine whether or not the Site supports wintering whooper swan, transects were walked diagonally across all of the fields that were determined to have suitable habitat in order to identify any evidence of whooper swan, i.e., droppings, footprints or moulted feathers.
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Table 6-1: Bird Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions Visit No. Date Time Weather Conditions
Visit 1 11/12/2020 09:00 – 14:00 No rain, overcast, light breeze, good visibility, 8˚C
No rain, snow covering the ground, no snow, minimal Visit 2 08/01/2021 09:00 – 14:00 cloud cover, light breeze, good visibility, 0˚C
Visit 3 05/02/2021 09:00 – 14:00 Light rain, overcast, light breeze, good visibility, 7˚C
6.2.4.6 Otter Two (2No.) otter surveys were conducted on the 26th of August 2020 and 14th of September 2020 to investigated areas identified as having potential for otter. These areas included the adjacent sections of the Yellow River just outside the northern boundary of the Site, Clonin River, Warrenstown stream and drainage ditches that discharge into the Yellow River (see Figure 6-1). The survey aimed to identify and examine areas where otter might occur by noting any evidence of otter observed. Evidence of otter searched for included: • Holts (features log piles, caves and cavities); • Slides (flattered areas of mud or vegetation); • Paw prints; • Evidence of foraging (usually in the form of feeding remains such as fish scales, shellfish, etc.); and, • Spraints. Figure 6-1: Otter Survey Area
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6.2.4.7 Invasive species The Site was assessed for the presence of any noxious / invasive species such as Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and any other invasive species. 6.2.4.8 Other Species In addition, an assessment was carried out of the potential for the Site to support any other species considered to be of value for biodiversity. Survey Limitations No survey limitations were encountered. Assessment Methodology The starting point for the assessment was to undertake a scoping exercise for those ecological receptors that would require further consideration as part of the assessment. This involved differentiating the biodiversity receptors (i.e., designated sites, habitats and species populations) that could be significantly affected by the Proposed Development. The approach that was used for determining which receptors have the potential to be significantly affected by the Proposed Development involved using baseline data collected through the desk study (2km away for protected species and 15km for protected sites) and field surveys for the Site and to determine: • Which, if any, of the species or habitat that have been recorded are legally protected or controlled (see Box 1); and, • Which, if any, sites, areas of habitat and species that have been recorded are of importance for biodiversity conservation. The next stage of the assessment was to determine whether the identified receptors are of sufficient biodiversity value that an impact upon them would be of potential significance in terms of this ER. In this regard: • Biodiversity conservation value relates to the quality and / or size of sites or habitats, or the size of species’ populations; and, • Potential significance means that the effect could be of sufficient concern or, for positive effects, of such substantial benefit that it could be material to influencing the decision on planning. Receptors that have been identified as having sufficient value, and that an impact upon them could be of potential significance, have been taken forward for further consideration. Legally protected species were also considered further. This involved: • Identifying, for each receptor, any significant impact that is likely to be caused by the Proposed Development, which has the potential to lead to a significant effect and / or to contravene relevant legislation; • Determining the area within which the likely impacts would cause a potentially significant impact on the identified receptor and / or could contravene relevant legislation (ecological zone of influence); and, • If the receptor occurs or is likely to occur within the zone of influence and concluding that the receptor could be significantly affected and / or the relevant legislation contravened, the receptor would be subject to further assessment.
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Evaluation of the Conservation Importance of the Site In terms of biodiversity conservation value, identified receptors have been valued using the National Roads Authority (NRA) Scheme (NRA, 2009), using the following scale: • International importance; • National importance; • County importance (or vice-county in the case of plant or insect species); • Local importance (higher value); and, • Local importance (lower value). 6.3 Study Results Desk Study Prior to conducting any Site survey, a desk-based review of information sources was completed. This baseline information provides a valuable insight to the types of flora and fauna that may occur on-site and allows for the identification of features / habitats located off-site that may require further assessment. 6.3.1.1 Statutory Nature Conservation Sites In accordance with the European Commission Methodological Guidance (European Commission, 2002) a list of European sites that could be potentially impacted by the Proposed Development has been compiled. Guidance for Planning Authorities prepared by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG, 2009) states that defining the likely zone of impact for the screening and the approach used will depend on the nature, size, location and the likely effects of the project. The key variables determining whether or not a particular Natura 2000 site is likely to be negatively affected by a project are: the physical distance from the project to the site; the sensitivities of the ecological receptors; and the potential for in-combination effects. Adopting the precautionary principle, all SACs and SPA sites within a 15km radius of the Site have been considered. Eight (No.8) Natura 2000 designated sites were identified within 15km of the Site (Figure 6-2 and Table 6-2). No designated Natura sites are located within the Proposed Development.
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Figure 6-2: Natura 2000 Sites within 15km of the Site
Table 6-2: European Designated Sites within 15km of the Site Site Name Code Distance Direction from the Site
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
Raheenmore Bog 000582 8.5km SW
Mount Hevey Bog 002342 11.4km NE
The Long Derries, Edenderry 000925 12.8km SE
Lough Ennell 000685 14.0km NW
River Boyne and River Blackwater 002299 14.3km NE
Split Hills and Long Hill Esker 001831 14.8km NW
Special Protection Area (SPA)
River Boyne and River Blackwater 004232 14.3km NE
Lough Ennell 004044 14.8km NW
6.3.1.2 Nationally Designated Conservation Sites There is one (1No.) Natural Heritage Area (NHA) located within 5km of the Site and one (1No.) proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) (refer to Figure 6-3 and Table 6-3).
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Figure 6-3: Nationally Protected Sites within 5km
Table 6-3: National Protected Sites within 5km Distance (km) Site Name Code Qualifying Interests & Direction
Natural Heritage Areas (NHA)
A site of national and international importance, given the rarity of raised bogs in the EU – and its location as one of the most easterly remaining raised bogs in Ireland. Black Black Castle Bog 000570 2.8km SE Castle Bog includes areas of high bog and cutover bog, a range of habitats from Bog Moss (Sphagnum spp.) to Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) woodland and records of Irish Hare, a Red Data Book species.
Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA)
The Grand Canal is a man-made waterway linking the River Liffey at Dublin with the Shannon at Shannon Harbour and the Barrow at Athy. The Grand Canal Natural Heritage Area (NHA) comprises the canal channel and the banks on either side of it. A number of different habitats Grand Canal 002104 3km S are found within the canal boundaries - hedgerow, tall herbs, calcareous grassland, reed fringe, open water, scrub and woodland. The ecological value of the canal lies more in the diversity of species it supports along its linear habitats than in the presence of rare species.
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6.3.1.3 Protected Species Table 6-3 provides a summary of records of legally protected or otherwise notable species that occur within a 2km grid square of the Site boundary (NBDC, 2020). Table 6-4: NBDC Species within 2km of the Site
Date of last Common Name Scientific Name Designation record
Bird Species
Wildlife Acts 1976 / 2000 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 21/08/2015 Birds of Conservation Concern Red List
Wildlife Acts 1976 / 2000 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 31/12/2011 Birds of Conservation Concern Red List
Mammals
EU Habitats Directive Annex II Species European Otter Lutra lutra 23/03/2015 Wildlife Acts 1976 / 2000
Note: Table includes records of protected species recorded within the last 10 years. Field Survey 6.3.2.1 Onsite Habitats A description of the habitats and features of ecological significance are outlined below and illustrated in Figures 6-4 and 6-5. Arable Crops (BC1) The majority of the Site comprises of twelve (12No.) separated arable fields that are currently cultivated and managed for the production of cereal crop production (barley). At the time of the survey, the majority of these areas had been heavily cultivated and managed, resulting in the area being species poor. The arable margins around the fields were noted as narrow dominated by cocksfoot (Dactylus glomerata), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and frequent herbaceous species including pineapple mayweed (Matricaria discoidea), white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense), greater plantain (Plantago major), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris), silverweed (Argentina chamaedrys), dandelion (Taraxacum), germander speedwell (Veronica persica), docks (Rumex spp.) and nettles (Urtica dioica). Dry Meadows and Grassy Verges (GS2) A section of grassland was identified along the northern boundary of the Site bordering the Yellow River, ca. 1-2m wide. This grassland has been left unmanaged and is transitioning into a Dry Meadow habitat. Species present include Yorkshire fog, cock’s foot, rosebay willowherb (Epilobium spp.), colt’s foot (Tussilago farfara), nettles, common poppies (Papaver rhoeas), marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris), spiny sow thistle (Sonchus asper), silverweed, meadowsweet (Flipendula ulmaria) and brambles. Hedgerow / Treeline (WL1 / WL2)
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Treelines / hedgerows are a key feature of the Site and provide the principle field boundaries. The quality of the treelines / hedgerows was predominately well-structured and diverse with small areas being patchy and sparse. The majority of the treelines are accompanied by drainage ditches. The treelines located across the Site are mostly dominated by ash (Fraxinus spp.), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), dog rose (Rosa canina), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), holly (Ilex aquifolium) and silver birch (Betula pendula). Other tree and shrub species represented are willow (Salix spp.), elder (Sambucus nigra), guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) and gorse (Ulex spp.). A typical array of herbaceous species were recorded in the ground layer, including bramble, common ivy, ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), cleavers (Galium aparine), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius), herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), brambles (Rubus fructicosus), yarrow, germander speedwell, ribwort plantain, nipplewort (Lapsana communis), charlock (Sinapis arvensis) and creeping buttercup. Drainage Ditches (FW4) An extensive network of drainage ditches was identified within the Site, with most of them located adjacent to the hedge / treelines constituting the field boundaries. The majority of drainage ditches on-site were heavily vegetated, steep sided channels, ca. 1-2m in width. All of the drainage ditches contained water, but this is considered to fluctuate seasonally dependant on rainfall levels. As stated in Sections 1.3 and 1.3.1, these drainage ditches are hydrologically connected to the Yellow River. The majority of the onsite drainage ditches supported limited aquatic plant diversity, comprising of mainly horsetails (Equisetum hyemale) and duckweed (Lemnoidea spp). The banks sloping into the drainage ditches were dominated by brambles, willow saplings, nettles, rosebay willowherb, thistles, cleavers, colt’s foot, shield fern (Polystichum aculeatum), gorse, willow saplings, docks and charlock providing suitable habitat for multiple species of flora and fauna. Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) Areas of improved agricultural grassland occur with the southmost fields within the Site, where crops were not being grown. At the time of the survey, no livestock were noted within these fields, but it is assumed that this area is used for grazing animals. The dominant species within these fields included: Yorkshire fog, cocksfoot, perennial rye (Lolium perenne) nettles, docks, common vetch (Vicia sativa spp. segetalis) ribwort plantain, silverweed, cleavers, willowherb, creeping thistle, self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), clovers, lesser knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa), lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album) and dandelion. Mixed Broadleaved Woodland (WD1) A small pocket of woodland was noted within the centre of the Site. The dominant species were ash, hawthorn and elder. The understory of this section of woodland was dense and comprised of elder saplings, ash sapling, brambles, ivy, thistles and nettles. Depositing / Lowland River (FW2) The Warrenstown stream traverses through the centre of the Site. The stream is classified as a depositing / lowland river and flows in a northerly direction, and discharges to the Yellow River, as detailed in Section 1-3. The stream has been subject to management in the past, as
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is evidence by the straight nature of the stream. There is limited aquatic vegetation, which indicates that the stream may be dry / have limited flow for parts of the year. The banks leading into the stream were steeply sloped and vegetation comprised of similar plant species to those along the drainage ditch banks. This stream was suitable to support foraging and commuting otters. Scrub (WS1) There are small areas of scrub surrounding the disused house and farm shed adjacent to the Site entrance. The scrub was mainly comprised of gorse, brambles, nettles, butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), hogweed, ivy, willows and Japanese knotweed. Buildings and Artificial Surfaces (BL3) There is a derelict house and farm shed near the Site entrance. These buildings will not be removed as part of the proposed development works. Recolonising Bare Ground (ED3) The entrance area where these buildings are located is made up of recognising bare ground habitat. This area is where cars and agricultural machines enter / exit the Site as such this area has little vegetation besides grasses and common weedy species. 6.3.2.2 Grid connection Habitats Dry Meadows and Grassy Verges (GS2) Strips of amenity grassland occur on either side of L1009-2 and L1009-3. The species within these areas are common or weedy species such as nettles, brambles, pineapple mayweed, herb-Robert, creeping buttercup, thistles, ivy, cock’s foot, Yorkshire fog, dandelions and colt’s foot. Hedgerows /Treelines (Wl1 / WL2) Treelines / hedgerows follow the L1009-2 on either side of the road. A mature treeline runs entire southern boundary of the L1009-3. The species present with this habitat were of similar species identified above in treelines/hedgerows within the solar site (PR 20/494). Artificial Surfaces (BL3) The majority of the grid connection route comprises of an existing local road or grass verges that immediately adjoin the road. The sections of road that will be dug up to accommodate the installation of the underground cables will be fully reinstated following the completion of the grid route works. Amenity Grassland (GA2) Strips of amenity grassland occur on either side L1009-3. These areas appear to be mowed regularly and comprise of short grass.
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Figure 6-4: Habitat Map for PR 20/494 – Solar and Battery Storage
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Figure 6-5: Habitat Map – 110kV Substation
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6.3.2.3 Fauna Amphibians Given the open nature of the terrestrial habitats and drainage ditches onsite and within the wider vicinity provide suitable habitats for native species of amphibians. Amphibians require static or slow-moving water bodies in order to successfully lay their eggs and tend to favour shallow areas where they are less susceptible to being preyed on by fish. Although no observations of the common frog spawn (Rana temporaria) or smooth newt (Triturus vulgaris) were made within the Site, it is possible that they may utilise the watercourses and drainage ditches adjacent to the Site. In addition, the grassland habitats on the Site and within the wider area are also suitable for amphibians during the terrestrial phase of their lifecycle and some of the drainage ditches located within the less disturbed areas of the Site provide suitable habitats for native species of amphibians. Badgers The NBDC holds no records for badger within 2km of the Site. However, the field survey results identified signs of badger activity including mammal paths (Figure 6-4, Mammal Path), badger footprints (Figure 6-4, TN2) and disused badger setts (Figure 6-4, TN3). Badger footprints (TN2) and mammal paths were identified in the eastern section of the Site, adjacent to the public forestry along the eastern edge of the boundary. It is likely badgers are constructing setts within the woodland area and using the Site to commute through and forage within. A disused badger sett (TN3) was identified within the southern bankside of the Yellow River along the northern boundary of the Site. An active badger sett was identified on the northern bankside of the Yellow River adjacent to agricultural fields, but it is highly unlikely that the badgers within this sett would cross the Yellow River and enter into the Site. The well-established hedgerows and treelines surrounding and traversing the Site provide suitable foraging habitat and connectivity to the wider landscape. In addition, the areas of agricultural grassland both onsite and within the wider area also provides further suitable foraging habitat for this species. It is therefore considered highly likely that badger utilise this area. Bats The Site is located within a predominately rural landscape with extensive areas of open agricultural land, woodland pockets, hedgerows / treelines both onsite and in the surrounding area. Bats are known to follow linear features as they commute through the landscape and therefore the sections of continuous hedgerows / treelines along the boundaries of the Site and intersecting the Site are considered suitable for this purpose. These hedgerows / treelines also have features that are considered to be suitable for supporting roosting bats species, these features include thick ivy growth, knot holes, cracks and loose bark. Also, the areas of improved grassland, drainage ditches and adjacent watercourses are considered to provide suitable foraging habitat for bat species. The only built structures onsite are the derelict house and farm shed. The house was considered to have potential to support roosting bats, however, the farm shed was not considered suitable for these species. The NBDC holds no records for bat species within 2km of the Site (NBDC, 2021). However, it is considered likely that bats will utilise the Site and the wider area given the presence of habitats which are suitable for commuting, roosting and foraging purposes.
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Birds Birds recorded within the Site included pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), wood pigeon (Columba palumbus), chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), buzzards (Buteo buteo), robin (Erithacus rubecula) and a grey heron (Ardea cinerea), which was recorded within the Yellow River just outside the northeast corner of the Site. The majority of the bird species recorded onsite, or expected onsite, are common species found within the countryside. The hedgerows / treelines, woodland and areas of scrub near the Site entrance provide both suitable nesting sites and foraging areas for a range of common bird species. Wintering Birds A total of twenty-six (26No.) bird species were recorded during the wintering bird surveys (see Table 1 in Appendix C for full survey results). A majority of the species recorded onsite during the surveys are species that are commonly associated with a rural / agricultural landscape. Of the species that were recorded, one (1No.) was a Red listed species, yellowhammer, six (6No.) were Amber listed species, linnet, robin, skylark, snipe, starling and tree sparrow, and all other species recorded were green listed species, except for pheasant which is a non- native species (Colhoun & Cummins, 2013). A majority of the species were identified within the boundary zone of the fields (see Table 2 in Appendix C). During the winter bird surveys, six (6No.) flocks were noted foraging within the margin and interior of the fields, this included: • Visit 1 – a large flock of over 200 birds – consisting of raven, rook and jackdaw foraging in the interior of the field; • Visit 1 – a flock of 30 starling foraging in the interior of the field; • Visit 2 – a flock of over 30 birds – consisting of blackbird, redwing and fieldfare foraging in the interior of the field; • Visit 2 – a flock of over 50 birds – consisting of chaffinch, tree sparrow, goldfinch, linnet and dunnock foraging in the interior of the field; • Visit 2 – a flock of over 70 birds – consisting of blackbird, chaffinch, fieldfare, redwing, song thrush, tree sparrow, pied wagtail, goldfinch, yellowhammer, robin, magpie and jackdaw foraging in the interior of the field; and, • Visit 3 – a flock of over 80 birds – consisting of bullfinch, chaffinch, goldfinch, robin, redpoll and tree sparrow foraging in the margin of the field. In the winter, birds tend to flock together to increase their opportunity to find food sources that another bird has already located and to maintain heat (RSPB, 2021). However, it should be noted that as the surveyor moved along the boundary of the fields, the above-mentioned flocks were flushed from the fields and flew to foraging areas in adjacent fields outside of the Site boundary. Also, the entirety of the Site was inspected for evidence of whooper swan during the surveys. Special attention was given to the fields identified as stubble crop and agricultural grassland during the updated habitat survey, as these areas are considered most suitable for foraging whooper swans, and as such these fields were thoroughly inspected for evidence of whooper swan. No evidence of whooper swan was identified during any of the surveys. No whooper swans were recorded flying over the Site during the surveys and no whooper swans were noted in the fields adjacent to the Site boundary.
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Otter The NBDC holds records for otter within 2km of the Site. Furthermore, evidence of otter activity was identified during otter surveys undertaken on August 26th and September 14th 2020. Otter footprints (TN4, Figure 6-4) and otter spraints (TN1, Figure 6-4) were noted within the Yellow River directly north of the Site. An otter spraint (TN1, Figure 6-4) was identified was also identified above a drain culvert within a drainage ditch linked to the Yellow River. However, no otter couches or holts were identified during the otter survey (Table 5-2). Based on the survey results, it can be concluded that the Yellow River and onsite drainage ditches have the potential to support foraging and commuting otters. The Yellow River also provides suitable habitat for couch holt construction along the northern bankside, outside of the Site.
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Table 6-5: Otter Survey Results
Otter Signs Recorded During the Survey Habitat Potential Weather at Other Section of Disturbance the Time of Notable Survey Area during Survey Fresh/ Species Otter Holt / Construction Spraints Recent/ Tracks Habitat Description Evaluation Sighting Couches Old
Slope of the banks range from: heavily vegetated steep banks along the southern bankside and flatter lower banks with tree coverage along the northern bankside. Partly sunny Sections of bare earth banks Optimal for Impairment of and warm present along parts of the commuting, Recent / water quality Yellow River (15°C), no 0 2 3 0 northern bankside along the foraging and N/A Old recent Yellow River. holt / couch Noise showers. construction Disturbance Slow river flow and substrate comprising of both silty and stony patches. Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) was present within river.
Steep sided banks, heavily Impairment of vegetated. water quality Optimal for Sunny and Slow water flow with the commuting, Noise warm (15- Warrenstown stream and limited aquatic foraging but not Disturbance 17°C), no 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Stream vegetation. Substrate suitable for holt / recent consists of silt and few couch showers. stones. construction
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Otter Signs Recorded During the Survey Habitat Potential Weather at Other Section of Disturbance the Time of Notable Survey Area during Survey Fresh/ Species Otter Holt / Construction Spraints Recent/ Tracks Habitat Description Evaluation Sighting Couches Old
Steep sided banks, some Optimal for On-site Sunny and bare of vegetation and some commuting, Impairment of Drainage warm (15- heavily vegetated. foraging but not water quality Ditches flowing 17°C), no 0 1 Old 0 0 N/A Slow water flow with some suitable for holt / into Yellow River recent Noise ditches being fairly stagnant. couch / Clonin River showers. Disturbance Substrate consists of silt and construction few stones.
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Invasive Species Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) stands were identified within the Site. A spraying regime to eradicate the JK onsite is being implemented and a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan will be submitted as part of the overall Planning Application (Refer to Appendix D – Japanese Knotweed Management Plan). No Japanese Knotweed was identified along the grid connection route. Other Species No other protected or otherwise notable species were noted during the Site walkover. However, multiple mammal paths were identified onsite (Figure 6-4). It is considered that the well-established hedgerows / treelines and woodland surrounding the Site provide suitable foraging habitat and connectivity to the wider landscape for a wide range of commonly occurring species, such as fox, field mice, pygmy shrews and rabbit. 6.4 Characteristics and Potential Impacts of the Site Sensitive Design Specialist environmental input was a key element of the proposed design, to ensure that the design of the proposed infrastructure works was extremely sensitive to surrounding residential receptors and environmental features. This included acoustic abatement at source, screen planting and buffers for all ecological features. Refer to Section 5.2. Identification of Potentially Significant Effects on Identified Receptors Based on the methodology that is set out in Section 6.1, Table 6-6 sets out the findings of the evaluation of important and legally protected receptors. Each receptor is assessed and a scoping justification for each receptor is provided for the Construction and Operational Phases.
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Table 6-6: Valuation of Potential Ecological Receptors Potential Biodiversity Relevant Legislation Valuation Scoping Result and Justification Receptor
Protected Sites
An NIS has been prepared and concluded that the Proposed Development would not cause any adverse effects on any European designated sites or any of their designated features of interest provided the European Internationally Communities (Natural mitigation measures incorporated within the NIS are adhered to and the progression to Stage 3 of the Natura 2000 Sites Habitats) Regulations designated sites Appropriate Assessment process (i.e., Assessment of Alternatives Solutions) was not considered 1997 (as amended) for conservation. necessary. This receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
There is one (1No.) Natural Heritage Area (NHA) within 5km of the Site but there are no pNHAs. Impacts Nationally Natural Heritage Wildlife Act 2000 (as on the pNHA and NHA can be discounted given the lack of impact pathways and intervening road designated sites Areas (NHAs) amended) infrastructure separating these sites from the Proposed Development. for conservation. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
Habitats
This is a common habitat type throughout Ireland and provides limited ecological value. This habitat is not of significant conservation value. All areas of agricultural grassland within the Site will be retained and protected throughout the life cycle of the project. Improved Grassland N/A Low Local Value Furthermore, as part of the Proposed Development, measures will be incorporated into the Biodiversity (GA1) Management Plan (BMP) for this habitat, including the creation of species rich grassland, resulting in an overall biodiversity net gain. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
This is a common habitat type throughout Ireland and provides limited ecological value. This habitat is not of significant conservation value. The installation of solar arrays will result in minimal habitat loss and disturbance. The principal change in land use will be from arable crop production to pasture / species Arable Crops (BC1) N/A Low Local Value rich grassland with grazing. Given the intense nature of the management activities involved and the use of both herbicides and pesticides required, it is considered that the change in land use to pastoral will result in a positive impact from an ecological perspective.
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Potential Biodiversity Relevant Legislation Valuation Scoping Result and Justification Receptor Furthermore, as part of the Proposed Development, measures will be incorporated into the BMP for this habitat, including the creation of species rich grassland, resulting in an overall biodiversity net gain. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
This is a common habitat type throughout Ireland and provides limited ecological value. This habitat is not of significant conservation value. Amenity Grassland N/A Low Local Value Sections of amenity grassland along the L1009-2 and L1009-3 that are impacted by underground cable (GA2) works will be fully reinstated following the completion of the grid connection. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
Ditches are considered to be an important feature of the study area and provide useful wildlife habitat and corridors for a number of species within a largely agricultural landscape.
Drainage ditches Higher Local All of the drainage ditches on-site are to be maintained and protected as part of the proposed works. All N/A (FW4) Value works and solar farm infrastructure will be set back a minimum of ca. 6m on either side of the drainage ditch. Also, water mitigation measures will be implemented throughout the construction phase which will ensure protection of water quality within the drainage ditch network (Section 7.8). Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
As part of the proposed development, it will be necessary to remove short sections of hedgerow, ca. 56m, to facilitate a safe new site entrance. However, all other hedgerows and treelines onsite and along the gird connection route will be retained and protected throughout the lifetime of the proposed development. Furthermore, the vegetation removal will be compensated through the planting ca. 2.12km of additional hedge / treeline / riparian enhancement plantings as screening management, resulting in an overall net gain (Hedgerow Type 2). An additional ca. 10.7km of Hedgerow Type 1 will take place as Hedge / Treelines Wildlife Act 2000 (as necessary for bolstering and gap filling across the Site as part of the Landscape Plan (see Appendix B). Low Local Value (WL1 / WL2) amended) The additional planting will therefore result in an overall net gain of hedgerows following completion of the project. Taking into account the measures that will be implemented for trees and hedgerows (Section 6.7.1.1), and that all works, and solar farm infrastructure will be set back a minimum of ca.6m, there will be no impacts to this habitat. This receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
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Potential Biodiversity Relevant Legislation Valuation Scoping Result and Justification Receptor
There is a strip of grassland located on the northern boundary of the Site bordering the Yellow River. This grassland habitat will be retained and protected throughout the life of the Proposed Development given the 10m setback that will be implemented from the Yellow River. Dry Meadows and N/A Low Local Value Grassy Verges (GS2) Any loss of grassy verges impacted by the underground cable works will be fully reinstated following the completion of the UGC installation. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
There is a small pocket of woodland within the centre of the Site. This woodland will be retained and protected throughout the life of the Proposed Development given the 6m setback that will be implemented Mixed Broadleaved and maintained throughout the lifetime of the development. Therefore, taking into account the buffer N/A High Local Value Woodland (WD1) zone and the tree protection measures that will be implemented (Section 6.7.2) there will be no impacts to this habitat. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
The Warrenstown stream traverses through the centre of the Site in a northerly direction before discharging into the Yellow River. The stream has been historically managed, as is evidence by the artificially straight order of the stream when the field boundaries were created. The stream is also managed periodically, as with the network of drainage ditches, to maintain their function and this is evident by the lack of aquatic vegetation within the stream. At present, Warrenstown stream and drainage ditches are indistinguishable. Under the current agricultural practices at the Site, there is a 1-2m wide margin along either side of the Depositing / Lowland N/A High Local Value stream that is ‘unworked’ land. Under the proposed development, this margin will be expanded to 6m River (FW2) buffer on either side of the stream. The land-use change from cereal crop production to a solar PV farm will also reduce the amount of fertilisers and pesticides entering into the stream, which will improve the water quality within the stream. As there will be no alterations to the current drainage onsite, the 6m buffer that will be maintained on either side of the stream and water quality mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction phase (Section 7.8) it is considered that there will be no impacts to the habitat. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
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Potential Biodiversity Relevant Legislation Valuation Scoping Result and Justification Receptor
There are small areas of scrub surrounding the derelict house near the Site entrance. These areas of Scrub (WS1) N/A Low Local Value scrub will not be removed as part of the Proposed Development. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
There is a derelict house and farm shed near the Site entrance. The buildings will be not be removed as part of the Proposed Development. Buildings and Artificial N/A Low Local Value Any road surfaces along the L109-2 and L1009-3 that are impacted by the installation of the unground Surfaces (BL3) cable works will be fully reinstated following the completion of the grid connection. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
The entrance area where the house and farm shed are located is comprised of recognising bare ground. Recolonising Bare N/A Low Local Value This habitat has low ecological value and will not be altered due to the Proposed Development. Ground (ED3) Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
Flora and Fauna
No plant species protected under the Flora Protection Order were noted on-site. Overall, the impact of Flora N/A N/A the Proposed Development on both habitats and flora is considered unlikely to be significant. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
No signs of amphibians were noted during the field surveys. However, it is considered likely that these Wildlife Act 2000 (as species utilise the area given the presence of suitable habitats both on-site and within the wider area. amended) It should be noted that these species are relatively widespread and abundant in Ireland, however, they Amphibians Low Local Value EU Habitats Directive are of conservational interest and are protected under the Schedule V of the Wildlife Act. Annex V All suitable habitats will be protected and retained as part of the development works, and therefore no impacts will occur. Therefore, this receptor has been scoped out from further consideration.
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Potential Biodiversity Relevant Legislation Valuation Scoping Result and Justification Receptor
Signs of badger activity were noted during the field surveys, including mammal paths, badger footprints and disused badger setts. Given the nature of the habitats to be impacted by the works, and the fact that the majority of all hedge Wildlife Act 2000 (as / treeline will be retained it is considered unlikely that any impacts on badger will occur. Badgers Low Local Value amended) However, given the presence of badger on-site, the suitable habitat onsite and within the wider area, and the potential for this species to become entrapped in trenches / excavations, appropriate measures to prevent or minimise impacts on badger are required (Section 6.7.1.2). It is not considered that the development will impact this species in the long term.
The derelict house and mature trees within the treelines were considered suitable for roosting bats. The Site is considered to be of moderate value for bats under the NBDC’s habitat suitability index (NBDC, 2021). All buildings, treelines / hedgerows and areas of woodland that provide suitable foraging and roosting areas for bats will be retained as part of the works. Also, the additional planting of ca. 2.12km Wildlife Act 2000 (as of additional hedge / treeline / riparian enhancement plantings that will be implemented as part of the amended) Landscape Plan (Appendix B) will resulting in increased foraging and commuting habitat for bats. Bats High Local Value EU Habitats Directive Additionally, no lighting is proposed as part of the Proposed Development and therefore no impacts on Annex IV nocturnal species from light spillage will occur. Furthermore, the Proposed Development also provides opportunities to enhance the Site for bat species, through the measures that will be incorporated into the BMP specially for bats. Therefore, it can be concluded that no impacts will occur to bats as a result of the Proposed Development.
Disturbance Birds are highly mobile and therefore will move away from disturbances and the Site and areas within the vicinity of the Site are not considered to be sites of importance to any bird species. Therefore, during the construction phase of the Proposed Development, should any birds be disrupted during any of the works it is considered that these birds will move to a suitable area elsewhere given the abundance of Wildlife Act 2000 (as Moderate Local suitable habitat within the vicinity of the Site. Furthermore, any potential disturbances will only occur Birds amended) Value during the construction phase. In addition, following the completion of the proposed works, the Site will only require 2-3 maintenance visits with small vans / jeeps, therefore, there will be a reduction in vehicular / machinery disturbance in comparison to the current maintenance regime given the fact that tractors and harvesters will not be used onsite. Overall, it is considered that the Proposed Development will not result on any significant disturbance impacts to bird species. Collision Risk
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Potential Biodiversity Relevant Legislation Valuation Scoping Result and Justification Receptor Natural England have undertaken a review of the available literature in relation to impacts of solar farms on birds (Natural England, 2016). The review found based upon carcass searches around solar PV developments suggests that bird collision risk from solar panels is very low. The review also sights research by DeVault who observed no obvious evidence for bird casualty caused by solar panels, despite conducting 515 bird surveys at solar PV sites (DeVault et al., 2014). In order to reduce collision risk, grid- formed panels are to be used as part of the development which is a principle applied to windows. Furthermore, the proposed grid connection and all other cabling within the Site will be via underground cables and therefore there will be no collision risks to birds as a result of the proposed grid connection and cabling within the Site. Taking into account the design measures that have been implemented to reduce the collision risk, it is not considered that the development will impact these species in the long term. Singeing of Wings Bird’s wings can be singed by concentrated sunlight (McCrary, 1986); however, this impact only occurs from large concentrated solar power (CSP) plants (Ho, 2016). CSP plants utilise mirrors to concentrate sunlight towards a central tower to heat fluid within the tower that in turn heats water, which powers a turbine (Taylor, R.; Conway, J.; Gabb, O.; Gillespie, J., 2019). However, CSP technology is not utilised in Ireland and the Proposed Development is for a solar PV farm not CSP. As such, solar PV farms have not been observed singeing the feathers of birds. Furthermore, the type of panels that will be used as part of the proposed development are grid-formed panels, are panels surrounded by white borders and divided by white grids that contain anti-reflective films which will ensure that reflection of polarized light would be fragmented and significantly reduce reflection occurring from the panels. Therefore, it can be concluded that there will be no risk of birds being singed as a result of the Proposed Development. Wintering Birds It is considered that the Proposed Development will not have any significant impacts on wintering birds given the fact that a majority of the species observed during the winter bird surveys were utilising the hedgerows and areas directly adjacent to the hedgerows and previously discussed all treelines, hedgerows and woodland, except a small section required for safe access to the Site, will be retained and protected. Therefore, the habitat utilised by a majority of the wintering birds will be retained and protected. Furthermore, the species noted within the interior zones of the stubble crop and grassland fields were in flocks that were easily flushed from these areas and moved to fields adjacent to the Site to forage, therefore there is suitable foraging habitat within the vicinity of the Site. Also, the change in habitat from agricultural monocultures to species rich grasslands will provide suitable foraging habitat for the species identified foraging within the Site. This change in habitat will also decrease the amount of fertilisers and pesticides used onsite, which should increase the invertebrate
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Potential Biodiversity Relevant Legislation Valuation Scoping Result and Justification Receptor population and therefore increase prey species for birds and will also reduce the amount of harmful chemicals from entering nearby watercourses and protect the water quality of these watercourses. Furthermore, the protection of the onsite drainage ditches and stream and the buffer zone that will be implemented to protect the Yellow River will provide protection to suitable habitat for wetland bird species, such as snipe, which may utilise the Site. Overall, it is concluded that the Proposed Development will not result in any significant impacts to wintering birds. Breeding Birds It is not considered that the Proposed Development will have a significant impact on breeding birds given that all treelines, hedgerows and woodland which offer good foraging potential and nesting potential, will be retained and protected. However, in order to mitigate any potential disturbances to breeding bird species during the construction phase, mitigation measures (Section 6.7.1.3) will be put in place in order to ensure no impacts occur to breeding birds during the vegetation clearance works and the construction works.
The Site is located immediately adjacent to the Yellow River to the north, where signs of otter activity were noted, including otter spraints and otter footprints. The network of on-site drainage ditches which flow into the Yellow River are suitable for foraging and commuting otters, where signs of otter activity were noted by identification of an otter spraint above a drain culvert. The only potential impact to otter within the locality would be during the construction phase, including Wildlife Act 2000 (as Otter High Local Value temporary disturbances and impairment to water quality. However, these disturbances would be short- amended) term and localised in nature. During the operational phase, there is potential disturbance due to maintenance works for the Proposed Development, although these disturbances would be fewer than the current agricultural practices which occur on the Site. Nonetheless, due to the presence of otter within the Site and local area, measures will be put in place in order to minimise potential disturbances from effecting otter (see Section 6.7.1.4).
It is considered that the Proposed Development will not give rise to any significant impacts to other fauna, Other fauna N/A N/A given that the key habitat features will be retained and safe guarded as part of the development at the Site.
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6.5 Characteristics and Potential Impacts of the Site General mitigation / best practice measures have been included for the Proposed Development. Also, specific mitigation measures will be implemented for retained trees and hedgerows, terrestrial mammals, birds, otters and invasive species. As noted above, the Proposed Development presents opportunities for enhancing the area for biodiversity. Further details of the proposed ecological enhancement are provided within the BMP (Appendix E). It is considered that the operational phase of the Proposed Development is unlikely to have significant ecological impacts. 6.6 Mitigation Measures Construction Phase Disturbance to fauna during the construction stage may potentially arise as a result of a short- term increase in human presence on-site and additional construction noise and lighting within the Site. However, all construction works will be temporary and short-term in nature, estimated to last approximately 52 weeks (1 year). The works will not involve any major site clearance or earthworks. Nonetheless, during the construction phase all works will comply with all relevant legislation and best practice to reduce any potential environmental impacts. A CEMP will be prepared by the appointed main contractor and will be submitted to the planning authority in advance of works commencing as detailed in Section 5.3. The following general mitigation measures will be incorporated and adhered to during the Proposed Development to ensure that the works do not result in contravention of wildlife legislation: • All activities will comply with all relevant legislation and best practice to reduce any potential environmental impacts. The mitigation measures detailed within this ER will be fully adhered to; • The Site manager shall ensure that all personnel working on-site are trained and aware of the mitigation measures detailed within the ER; • An ecological clerk of works (ECoW) will be appointed for the duration of the project; • If protected or notable species are encountered during operations at the Site, the ECoW will be contacted for advice; • Protected and notable species posters will be erected on the Site notice board and maintained throughout the duration of the works; and, • In advance of works, all Site personnel will receive a toolbox talk regarding notable and protected species. Everybody working on-site must understand the role and authority of the ECoW. An ecological clerk of works will inspect the Site in advance of works commencing and will undertake site inspections as required during the works, to ensure that all of the works will be completed in line with the CEMP and all wildlife legislation. 6.6.1.1 Protection of Retained Trees and Hedgerows It will be necessary to remove short sections of hedgerow to facilitate the required sightlines for the existing site entrance, ca. 56m will be removed. However, all other hedgerows, treelines, trees and woodland onsite will be maintained and protected as part of the proposed works.
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To ensure that no impacts occur on any retained trees and hedgerows, care will be required to protect the sections of hedgerows and treelines onsite from both direct and indirect disturbance during construction. The solar panels will be set back a minimum of approximately 6m from the existing boundary features and it is therefore considered highly unlikely that any impacts will occur. Furthermore, care will be required to prevent disturbance to root systems. The standard measure to achieve this is that every effort will be made to minimise works within the outer canopy limit of the trees: • Trees and hedgerows close to construction areas will be fenced off to prevent accidental disturbance from construction vehicles; • Care will be required to prevent disturbance to root systems – a buffer zone of 6m of unexcavated ground will be maintained along the retained hedgerows, treelines and woodland; • During any works close to the buffer zone, should the operators encounter any root smaller than 35mm diameter they should be pruned carefully with an appropriate cutting tool such as a saw or secateur, and roots larger than this will require consultation with an arboriculture specialist; • The sections of hedgerow, treelines and woodland to be retained will be fenced; • No materials or equipment will be stored within the buffer zone; and, • In order for hedge protection measures to work effectively, all personnel associated with the operation of machinery must be familiar with the above principles for the protection of hedgerows / treelines. All additional planting will comprise of a mix of native woody shrubs and trees (Refer to Appendix B). The landscape plan includes a range of native shrubs and trees, including fruit- bearing species, which will provide cover and potential foraging opportunities for wildlife. The establishment of the new hedgerows is in line with policy objectives detailed in the Offaly County Development Plan in relation to the protection and enhancement of features of biodiversity value. 6.6.1.2 Measures for Terrestrial Mammals Given the presence of on-site habitats with features that have the potential to support sheltering, foraging and commuting mammals (inclusive of badger), and in order to ensure that the works in relation to the Proposed Development will not have significant impacts on mammals, general construction procedures and mitigation measures, which are in line with the TII guidance for Badgers, will be undertaken. • A pre-construction survey will be carried out to confirm absence of terrestrial mammals within or close to the works areas; • Where deep excavations will be required onsite, appropriate measures to protect mammals from ingress will be installed; • Should construction works be required outside of daylight hours during the Site clearance works, the appointed project ECoW will be consulted as required; and, • If unidentified burrows are identified within the works area during construction, the project ECoW will be contacted for advice. 6.6.1.3 Measures for Breeding Birds In order to ensure no impacts occur to birds as a result of the Proposed Development, the following mitigation measures will be put in place:
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• Any vegetation clearance required will take place outside of the nesting bird season (1st March to 31st August), as per Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000; • In the event that works need to be undertaken within the main breeding season, this would be undertaken in consultation with NPWS; • Prior to vegetation removal, the ECoW will inspect the Site and will monitor vegetation removal works; and, • Should birds nest within the active working area during the construction phase, works within the area will stop within the area and the project ECoW will be consulted. Following the implementation of above-mentioned mitigation measures it is considered unlikely that birds will be significantly impacted as a result of the Proposed Development. However, it should be noted that birds may be subject to some temporary minor disturbances during construction. However, due to the fact that birds are a highly mobile species, should any birds be impacted these birds will move away from the disturbance to a more suitable area, therefore, this is not considered likely to be significant. 6.6.1.4 Measures for Otters The otter survey identified otter footprints and spraints in the vicinity of the Site along the Yellow River and within one of the on-site drainage ditches. However, given the nature of the works, the history of agricultural use of the Site, it can be assumed that otter using the habitats within the vicinity of the Site will be habituated to some levels of human activity and anthropogenic noise. Nonetheless, mitigation measures will be put in place in order to minimise potential disturbances from affecting otter, that will include: • A confirmatory pre-construction survey will be carried out to check for otter holts within or close to the works areas. Based on the dynamic nature in otter breeding sites and locations along with the likely timeframe between the otter survey date and the date upon which approval for planning may be granted, a confirmatory pre-construction survey will be undertaken; • Fencing will be installed along the northern boundary of the Site adjacent to the Yellow River. This fencing will be fitted with mammal gates; • A 10m setback from Yellow River will be maintained throughout the lifetime of the Proposed Development; • A riparian woodland strip will be planted as part of the Landscape Plan within the 10m buffer zone along the Yellow River to increase in-stream diversity, uptake of nutrient trapping by vegetation and enhance connectivity within the Site; and, • Where excavations will be required onsite, appropriate measures to protect mammals from ingress will be installed. The higher level of noise associated with the construction works is unlikely to cause any disruption to otters within the area as otters are most active at dusk or after dark. Nonetheless, mitigation measures discussed in Chapter 8 – Noise will be implemented to prevent potential noise disturbance impacts to otter (See Section 8.9). The mitigation measures discussed above in Chapter 7 – Water (Section 7.8) will be put in place to prevent potential impacts to otter due to potential impairment of water quality. It can therefore be concluded that the implementation of the specific mitigation measures will ensure that the Proposed Development will not result in any significant adverse effects (including disturbance) on otter within the vicinity of the Site.
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6.6.1.5 Measures for Invasive Species To mitigate against the unintentional introduction of invasive species during construction and decommissioning works, the following mitigation measures will be followed: • All vehicles, machinery and any other equipment used for the works will be washed prior to its use at the Site to prevent the import of plant material or seeds; • Before machinery or equipment is unloaded at the Site, equipment will be visually inspected to ensure that all adherent material and debris has been removed; • Any vehicles and machinery that are not clean will not be permitted entry to the Site; • All materials to be imported to the Site including additional planting will be sourced from a reputable supplier and records of all material and supplies will be maintained; • In advance of works, all site personnel will receive a toolbox talk with regards to invasive species; and, • Everybody working onsite must understand the role and authority of the ECoW managing the issue of the non-native species. A spraying regime has commenced at the Site and a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan has been developed for the Site (see Appendix D). Operational Phase It is not anticipated that any operational phase of the proposed development will result in any impacts to species onsite or within the vicinity of the Site and as such no operational phase mitigation measures will be required. 6.7 Ecological Enhancement Measures According to ‘BRE Biodiversity Guidance for Solar Development’, best practice in solar farm development is to “optimise biodiversity enhancement measures” (BRE, 2014). A detailed BMP has been be prepared as an integral part of the Proposed Development to ensure that in the long-term, benefits to flora and fauna can be maximised and that any adverse impacts can be minimised. The BMP will be prepared in line with the recommendations as detailed within the CDP and will be implemented in order to conserve and, where possible, enhance the areas of retained and created habitat within the Site. This plan includes details on the following: • The creation and maintenance of a species-rich grassland with a varied sward structure; • The planting of a riparian enhancement strip within the 10m buffer zone from the Site to the Yellow River; • Enhancement of existing planted areas with additional hedgerow species-rich planting along the Site boundaries; • The provision of wildlife shelters providing nesting opportunities for protected and locally important species including bird boxes, bat boxes, habitat piles and artificial otter holts; and, • Provision of mammal gates to maintain connectivity for mammals such as badger moving through the landscape. The BMP is attached in Appendix E.
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6.8 Conclusions Based on the findings of a detailed desk-based study, a review of all the ecological information available for the Site and wider area and a field survey by MOR Ecologists, it is considered reasonable to conclude the following: • The overall Site itself is currently of low ecological value; • The Site is located in an area predominantly made up of arable crop production and agricultural grassland. It is not of value to any Annex I or Annex II species or Red listed birds; and, • The proposed development will not result in any significant impacts on ecological receptors identified both onsite and in the surrounding area following the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures / enhancement measures. Taking into account the nature of the Proposed Development and the enhancement measures to be implemented, it is considered that the Proposed Development is consistent with the National, Local and Municipal planning policies and objectives, will support the protection and enhancement of the environmental quality of the area, and will have an overall positive impact on the local biodiversity.
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7 WATER The main objective of this chapter was to assess whether there are any likely hydrological impacts to water, including flood risks, during all phases of the Proposed Development. This chapter assess the cumulative impact of the proposed 110kV substation, grid connection, battery storage units and solar PV farm and all associated infrastructure works (PR 20/494). To assess whether there are any flood risks that would warrant further consideration, a Preliminary Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) was completed. 7.1 Preliminary Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) The following relevant best practice guidance was followed in the assessment: • “The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (DEHLG, 2009). This guidance sets out a risk based sequential approach to flood risk assessment. Three key stages are identified as follows: • Stage 1 - Flood Risk Identification - To identify whether there may be any flooding or surface water management issues related to a plan area or Proposed Development site that may warrant further investigation; • Stage 2 - Initial Flood Risk Assessment - To confirm sources of flooding that may affect a plan area or a Proposed Development site to appraise the adequacy of existing information and to determine what surveys and modelling approach is appropriate to match the spatial resolution required and complexity of the flood risk issues. The extent of the risk of flooding should be assessed. Where existing river or coastal models exist, these should be broadly used to assess the extent of the risk of flooding, and potential impact of a development on flooding elsewhere and of the scope of possible mitigation measures; • Stage 3 - Detailed Flood Risk Assessment - To assess flood risk issues in sufficient detail and to provide a quantitative appraisal of potential flood risk to a proposed area or existing development, its potential impact on flood risk elsewhere and the effectiveness of any proposed mitigation measures. This will typically involve construction of a new, or use of an existing, hydraulic model of the river or coastal cell across a wide enough area to appreciate the catchment wide impacts and hydrological processes involved. The need to progress to Stage 3 is carefully considered following completion of Stage 1 and Stage 2. 7.2 Methodology This PFRA has been carried out in accordance with the aforementioned relevant best practice guidance (DEHLG, 2009) and comprised the completion of the following key stages, using the phased approach; • Stage 1 - Flood Risk Identification; and, • Stage 2 - Initial Flood Risk Assessment. Specifically, the agreed scope of works undertaken as part of the assessment comprised the elements detailed below. Initial Desk-based Study This task involved undertaking a detailed review of all available desk-based information in relation to historic flooding and potential future flood risk including the following published information:
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• Ordnance Survey Ireland Online mapping (Ordnance Survey, 2021); • Geological Survey of Ireland Online mapping (GSI, 2021); • The Office of Public Works (OPW) website and Online mapping (OPW, 2021); • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Online mapping (EPA, 2021); • Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020 (Offaly County Council , 2014); • Flood Risk Management Plan for the Boyne River Basin (UOM07) (OPW, 2021); and, • Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Online mapping (Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (DHPCLG), 2019). Additional information including Site specific design drawings were also received from the Applicant and utilised in the desk-based assessment work. A topographical survey was also conducted and reviewed as part of the desk-based assessment work. Site Walkover Surveys A Site walkover survey was completed on 9th July 2020 and 28th of January 2021 by MOR Consultants. Visual assessments of ground conditions at the Site were undertaken and documented. Windshield survey of activities in the immediate vicinity of the Site were also completed. Data Assessment and Reporting All available information from the Site visits and desk-based studies has been evaluated and the findings are presented in this chapter. 7.3 Stage 1 – Flood Risk Identification Topography The topography of the PR 20/494 site ranges from 71 metres above Ordnance Datum (mAOD) in the northeast to 76mAOD in the west. Variations in elevations are localised to individual portions of the PR 20/494 site. Subsoils and Hydrogeology According to the GSI, the subsoils beneath the majority of the PR: 20/494 site comprise cutover peat. Portions of the PR: 20/494 site to the west and east is underlain by limestone till (Carboniferous). The northern portion of the PR: 20/494 site is underlain by alluvium. A portion of the PR: 20/494 site to the northeast is underlain by limestone sands and gravels (Carboniferous) (GSI, 2021). According to the GSI, the subsoils beneath the majority of the Site comprises cutover peat and limestone till (Carboniferous). A small portion of subsoils beneath the Site comprise bedrock at or close to the surface (GSI, 2021). Refer to Figure 7-1 below. According to the GSI (GSI, 2021), the bedrock aquifer beneath the eastern portion of the PR: 20/494 site comprises oolitic limestone and is classified as a locally important aquifer - bedrock which is generally moderately productive. The bedrock aquifer beneath the western portion of the PR: 20/494 site comprises massive, unbedded lime-mudstone and is classified as a locally important aquifer - bedrock which is moderately productive only in local zones. According to the GSI, the bedrock aquifer beneath the Site comprises massive, unbedded lime-mudstone and is classified as a locally important aquifer - bedrock which is moderately productive only in local zones. It also comprises thick-bedded limestone (locally peloidal) and
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is classified as a locally important aquifer which is karstified. It also comprises oolitic limestone and is classified as a locally important aquifer - bedrock which is generally moderately productive (GSI, 2021). Refer to Figure 7-2 below. The closest reported karst feature to the Site is located approximately 3km to the south west of the Site (Toberdaly spring) (GSI, 2021). Figure 7-1 Subsoils
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Figure 7-2: Bedrock Aquifer
Hydrology There are seven (7No.) hydrological features of note in the vicinity of the proposed development (Figure 7-3). A number of drainage networks exist within the Site and PR: 20/494 site and are hydrologically connected to the identified EPA watercourses. Refer to Section 1.3 of this ER. According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2013-2018, The Yellow River, Clonin River, Clonin stream, Coolville stream, Warrenstown07 Stream, Greenhills07 stream and Srah 07 River have a ‘good’ water quality status and are considered ‘not at risk’ of not achieving good status (EPA, 2021).
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Figure 7-3: Watercourses in the Vicinity of the Proposed Development
7.3.3.1 Drainage The grid connection works will consist entirely of underground cables and will be cabled along the L1009-2 in a southerly direction for ca. 2 km and will then traverse west along the L1009- 3 for ca. 0.5 km before accessing the Derryiron 110kV substation. There will be no additional areas of hardstanding due to the grid connection as the majority of these works will take place along the existing road surface. The compound areas are 0.368 ha for the Substation and 0.385 ha in the case of the Battery Storage. The surface finish of these compounds will be permeable, primarily a hardcore finish with small areas of landscaping. The ground conditions in the solar farm will be for the most part unchanged from their existing condition. The only exception being the addition of 27 no. inverter pods, with individual areas of 14.5m², sitting on hardcore bases, dotted around the ca. 132 ha site, at no less than 50 meters apart. It is proposed that the small volume of runoff from each of these inverters will percolate into the adjacent ground. There will be no alterations to any of the on-site drainage ditches due to the Proposed Development. For full details on drainage please refer to Section 5.3. OPW National Flood Hazard Mapping The Office of Public Works (OPW) national flood hazard mapping was consulted (OPW, 2021). No historic flood events were noted within 2km of the Proposed Development (OPW, 2021).
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Available Detailed Flood Risk Assessments Finalised flood risk assessment maps were published by the OPW as part of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme and were launched via the ‘Flood Info’ website in May 2018. Under this programme, Flood Risk Management Plan for the Boyne River Basin (UOM07) was compiled (OPW, 2018). Available OPW flood risk mapping information is discussed in detail in Section 7.6. 7.4 Proposed Development The Proposed Development will involve the construction of a 110kV substation along with associated infrastructure as detailed in Section 5.1. It will also involve the construction of a solar PV farm with a MEC of up to 85 MW, battery storage facility, construction of an on-site 110kV substation along with associated infrastructure as detailed in Section 5.1. As detailed in section 1.3.1, a network of drainage ditches were identified within the Site boundary and the PR: 20/494 site. The Proposed Development will not require any alterations to the existing drainage network. The solar PV farm aspect of the Proposed Development will be constructed with a “spacer section” between each row of panels as demonstrated in Appendix A - Site Layout. These spaces allow rainwater to pass through the arrays and disperse and infiltrate to agricultural grassland below at a natural rate in a similar manner to the current greenfield infiltration rates. Furthermore, the substation and battery storage areas will comprise of permeable hardcore, covering a total area of ca. 0.753 ha. Therefore, it will not impede drainage. The construction method involves the piling of steel sections into the ground and shallow trenches will be required for cables. Ground disturbance will therefore be minimal during the construction phase. The area between and underneath the panels will be seeded and maintained through regular cuttings (See Figure 7-3 and Section 7.7). Studies have shown that this type of solar PV development does not impact on infiltration rates once grass is maintained under and between the panels: ‘With well-maintained grass underneath the panels, the solar panels themselves do not have much effect on total volumes of the runoff or peak discharge rates’ (Cook & McCuen, 2013). According to Cook and McCuen (Cook & McCuen, 2013) if this measure is taken ‘solar farms will not have an adverse hydrologic impact from excess runoff or contribute eroded soil particles to receiving streams and waterways’. 7.5 Stage 2 – Initial Flood Risk Assessment Appraisal of the Availability and Adequacy of Existing Information Based on the findings of the desk-based assessment and the Site walkover survey, and taking account of additional available information, it is considered that there is sufficient technical information to complete this PFRA. Evaluation of Potential Sources of Flooding The following types of flooding sources have been identified, which could affect the Proposed Development: • Rivers / streams / surface watercourses; • Heavy rainfall and associated surface water ponding; and, • Groundwater systems.
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Based on a detailed evaluation of the findings of the desk study, specifically taking account of the characteristics of the bedrock aquifer beneath the Site and PR: 20/494 site and the absence of any karst features in the immediate vicinity, the potential flood risk posed by groundwater sources is considered to be negligible, and will not be considered further. Therefore, the following key sources of potential flooding to the Site and PR: 20/494 site and associated potential risks have been identified: • Fluvial flood risk posed by the Yellow River and the associated tributaries; and, • Pluvial flood risk posed by heavy rainfall and associated surface water ponding. Accordingly, each of these potential sources of flooding warrant further consideration as part of this assessment. 7.6 Review of Available Detailed Flood Risk Mapping – Key Findings Fluvial Flooding Based on the available OPW information (OPW, 2021), there is no identified potential risk of fluvial flooding on the Site / PR: 20/494 site or in the vicinity of the Site / PR: 20/494 site. Portions of the Site / PR: 20/494 site are noted as being ‘benefitted lands’, i.e., land that was drained as part of the Arterial Drainage Scheme. 7.6.1.1 Potential Residual Risk According to best practice guidance (DEHLG, 2009) flood zones are geographical areas within which the likelihood of flooding is in a particular range and they are a key tool in flood risk management within the planning process. There are three types / levels of flood zones defined for the purposes of these guidelines, as presented below: • Flood Zone A: where the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea is highest (greater than 1% or 1 in 100 for river flooding or 0.5% or 1 in 200 for coastal flooding); • Flood Zone B: where the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea is moderate (between 0.1% or 1 in 1000 and 1% or 1 in 100 for river flooding and between 0.1% or 1 in 1000 year and 0.5% or 1 in 200 for coastal flooding); and, • Flood Zone C: where the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea is low (less than 0.1% or 1 in 1000 for both river and coastal flooding). Flood Zone C covers all areas of the plan which are not in zones A or B. Based on available predictive flood mapping (OPW, 2021), the entire Site / PR: 20/494 site can be categorised as Flood Zone C. Furthermore, there is no historic evidence of any fluvial flooding in the immediate vicinity of the Site / PR: 20/494 site. Given the size of the Yellow River and the associated tributaries, the risk of flooding associated with fluvial flooding does not warrant further consideration. Pluvial Flooding Based on the available OPW information (OPW, 2021), there is no known potential risk of pluvial flooding (i.e., flooding that results from rainfall-generated overland flowing before the water enters a watercourse) on the Site / PR: 20/494 site or in the vicinity of the Site / PR: 20/494 site. Furthermore, there is no historic evidence of any pluvial flooding within or in the immediate vicinity of the Site / PR: 20/494 site. Therefore, the risk of flooding associated with pluvial flooding does not warrant further consideration.
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Potential Impact of Flooding on Water Compatible Development Based on the findings of this assessment, no potential risk of fluvial or pluvial flooding at the Site / PR: 20/494 site has been identified. Regardless, the proposed design for solar PV panels would be considered a water compatible development for the following reasons: • The Proposed Development will not impede on infiltration or runoff; • The Proposed Development will not displace any potential flood waters; • There would be no risk to people or other infrastructure if the proposed solar PV farm aspect of the Proposed Development were to flood; and, • The panels will continue to work as normal up to a flood depth of 800mm. Even in an extremely unlikely scenario where flooding occurred greater than this depth all structures will remain intact. Potential Impact of Development on Flooding Elsewhere There will be no net increase in discharge rate or runoff volume arising from the Proposed Development. Therefore, the Proposed Development will not have an impact on flooding elsewhere. In addition, the proposed solar panel arrays will be designed, constructed and managed to accommodate flooding (should it occur) without any significant adverse impacts to property, infrastructure or human life downstream of the Proposed Development. Hence, the proposed solar PV farm would also be considered to be a water-compatible development in this respect. Justification Test Criteria Although the proposed solar PV farm would be considered to be a water compatible development and as such is deemed to be an appropriate land use for ‘Flood Zone C’ areas in accordance with the relevant Planning System and Flood Risk Guidelines pluvial (DEHLG, 2009). Therefore, a Justification Test is not required. Refer to Figure 7-4. Figure 7-4: Justification Test Criteria (Extract from DEHLG Guidelines. 2009)
7.7 Mitigation Measures Given that no potential flood risks have been identified associated with the Proposed Development, no adverse impacts in regard to flooding on the Site / PR: 20/494 site are anticipated.
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As part of the Proposed Development, a Site-specific CEMP will be implemented to ensure that construction works will have no significant impact on water quality and will not result in excess runoff or soil erosion / compaction, The following measures will be implemented during the construction and operational phases of the Proposed Development. Construction Phase Pre-Construction The Applicant will return the land from arable land to pasture / grassland at least 12 months in advance of any construction works commencing, allowing the installation of the solar panels to be undertaken on an established grassed surface. This will minimise the potential for soil erosion during the construction phase. Equipment Use Any HGVs delivering components will be restricted to Site access tracks and the temporary construction compound, with only light machinery required to install the solar arrays, limiting soil compaction during construction and operation of the Proposed Development. Excavations Soil disturbance will be minimised to essential excavations only. Topsoil from the entire substation compound and much of the battery storage facility will be removed as part of the works and replaced with stone fill. The deepest excavation required for the Proposed Development will be associated with the 110kV substation, which will require excavation for foundation installation to a depth of 1m over a total area of 120m2. It is considered highly unlikely that pollutants would impact on the water quality of the watercourses within / in the vicinity of the Site/ PR: 20/494 site during the construction phase based on the following: • The nature of the proposed works (i.e., no changes to on-site drainage, minimal earthworks, sensitive design); • No in-river works or works within the drainage ditches will be required as part of the Proposed Development; • All construction works associated with the Proposed Development will be setback a minimum of 6m from onsite drains / streams, and separated by existing hedge / treeline. However, should run-off of potential pollutants from the construction area reach the surface water, this could adversely affect the water quality within the Yellow river and also further downstream into the River Boyne. It could also impact negatively on groundwater quality. All construction works will be undertaken in accordance with recognised best practice guidance as outlined in Section 5.3 of this report. The following mitigation measures will be put in place as part of the site-specific CEMP, to ensure that water quality is protected within the vicinity of the Proposed Development. These measures will include the following: • Preventative maintenance and relevant maintenance logs will be kept for all on-site plant and equipment; • Excavations will be left open for minimal periods to avoid acting as a conduit for surface water flows; • All materials shall be stored at the main contractor compound and transported to the works zone immediately prior to construction;
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• Any chemical / oils to be stored on Site will be placed within a bund on an area of hardstanding to ensure there is no seepage of pollutants into groundwater or surface water; • All bunds will have the capacity of the largest tank volume plus 10 percent, at a minimum, with additional capacity to hold 30mm of rainfall; • Adequate spill kits including absorbent booms and other absorbent material will be maintained on-site; • All contractor workers will be appropriately trained in the use of spill kits; • Weather conditions will be considered when planning construction activities to minimise risk of runoff from the Site / PR: 20/494 site; • Any pouring of concrete will only be carried out in dry weather. Washout of concrete trucks will not be permitted on the Site / PR: 20/494 site; • Any spillage of cementitious materials will be cleaned-up immediately; • Any sediments impacted by contamination will be excavated and stored in appropriate sealed containers for disposal offsite in accordance with all relevant waste management legislation; • All drainage from bund areas must be directed to secure containment prior to suitable disposal; • Fuel will be delivered on site by a dedicated tanker or in a delivery bowser dedicated to that purpose; • The Appointed Contactor will put in place a specific, step-by-step refuelling procedure which will be communicated to all relevant employees on-site; • Fuels, lubricants and hydraulic fluids for equipment used in the construction phase will be carefully handled to avoid spillage, properly secured against unauthorised access or vandalism, and provided with spill containment according to current best practice; • Vehicle or equipment maintenance work will be carried out in a designated area on the Site. In the event that refuelling is required outside this area a spill tray will be employed during the refuelling operation; • Where drainage ditches are crossed with underground cables, the release of sediment over baseline conditions will be prevented by the use of silt traps, check dams and / or bunds. These will be put in place in advance of construction works and monitored on a regular basis; • Prior to any works commencing, all construction equipment will be checked to ensure that they are mechanically sound, to avoid leaks of oil, fuel, hydraulic fluids and grease; • No surface water runoff will be discharged onto public roads, foul sewers or adjacent property; and, • Measures will be implemented to minimise waste and ensure correct handling, storage and disposal of waste. An Ecological Clerk of works (ECoW) will be appointed to the project to ensure that the mitigation and best practice measures will be fully implemented. Mitigation measures outlined above will minimise the identified potential risks to soils and water quality associated with the construction phase of the Proposed Development.
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Operational Phase The Proposed Development will also result in a change of land-use at the PR: 20/494 site from agricultural crop production to a solar PV farm, greatly reducing the amount of harmful fertilisers and pesticides entering into the nearby watercourses. Throughout the operation phase of the Proposed Development, monitoring and maintenance of the grassland beneath the panels will be undertaken to ensure excess runoff or soil erosion / compaction does not occur. If required, the ground will be cultivated and re-seeded. The PV panels have been designed to minimise the effect on the original drainage and infiltration pattern of the PR: 20/494 site with the aspect of solar panels being south-facing and, therefore, north or south facing slopes will result in runoff flowing in a parallel direction to that of the runoff from the panels; thereby remaining relatively diffuse and unlikely to result in concentrated flows that could cause soil erosion. In addition, flow paths will be broken by existing drainage ditches along the field boundaries. Furthermore, a riparian woodland strip will be planted within the 10m buffer zone along the Yellow River. As stated under the Teasgac Farm Advisory page - Farming for Water Quality – Riparian Margins and Fenced Buffer Strips to Improve Water Quality1: ‘Riparian margin areas can reduce diffuse pollution by distancing agricultural activity from the riparian area thus reducing the risk of direct pollution from applied fertilisers and by intercepting overland flow to watercourses and acting as a sediment trap to reduce sediment from adjacent fields and nutrient losses to watercourses.’ Riparian vegetation will uptake excess nutrients before entering the Yellow River, act as a sediment trap and reduce erosion throughout the operational phase of the proposed development. Therefore, the potential for increased soil erosion during the operational phase is considered to be negligible. During the operational phase, should there be any need to carry out works requiring machinery to traffic across the PR: 20/494 site, an appropriate temporary construction access surface will be used depending on ground conditions. Once operational, the solar farm will receive 3–4 maintenance visits per year. Should any unforeseen changes in the soil conditions occur, they will be detected at an early stage and remedial measures will be implemented accordingly. Mitigation measures outlined above will minimise the identified potential risks to soils and water quality associated with the operational phase of the proposed development. 7.8 Cumulative Impact Based on the absence of any notable flood risks on the Site / PR: 20/494 site or in the immediate vicinity of the Site / PR: 20/494 site, as well as the fact that the proposed solar PV farm is considered to be a water compatible development, it is not anticipated that the Proposed Development will result in any significant cumulative impacts in relation to flooding. 7.9 Assessment Conclusions • This PFRA has been completed for the Proposed Development, in accordance with the planning system and Flood Risk Management Guidelines (DEHLG, 2009); • There are no identified potential risks of fluvial / pluvial flooding on the Site.
1 https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-regions/cork-east/farming-for-water-quality--- assap/riparian-margins-and-fenced-buffer-strips-/
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• As there will be no net increase in the discharge rate or runoff volume from the Site / PR: 20/494 site, the Proposed Development will not have any impact on any potential off-site flooding events; • The proposed solar PV farm will be a water compatible development. In accordance with the relevant Planning System and Flood Risk Guidelines (DEHLG, 2009), a Justification Test is not required; • The Proposed Development will not require any alternations to the existing drainage network. All existing drains which provide current effective drainage capacity to the Site will be maintained during the construction stage, and appropriate drain management practices will be implemented during the operational stage; • The development of the proposed solar PV farm will not result in any adverse impacts to the hydrological regime of the receiving environment as there will be no identified impact on the proposed development or any offsite receptors. Therefore, it is considered that the Proposed Development is an appropriate development for this Site from a flood risk perspective; and, • Mitigation measures outlined above will minimise the identified potential risks to soils and water quality associated with the construction / operational phase of the Proposed Development.
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8 NOISE This Chapter details a noise impact assessment prepared to assess the likely noise arising during the construction and operational phases of the proposed 110kV substation, battery storage units and solar PV farm and all associated infrastructure works (PR 20/494). 8.1 Scope The aim of this Chapter was to: • Characterise the existing ambient acoustic environment; • Identify local Noise Sensitive Receptors (NSR’s) to the Site; • Assess the likely noise emissions arising during construction; • Assess the likely noise emissions from identified noise sources during operation of the Proposed Development; • Assess the likely impact from the Proposed Development on NSR’s; and, • Identify any relevant mitigation measures, where appropriate. A glossary of terms, utilised within this report, is given in Appendix F-1. 8.2 Methodology The following documentation was reviewed and utilised in the preparation of this assessment: • Smith BJ, Peters RJ, and Owen S, ‘Acoustics and Noise Control’ 2nd Ed., 1996; • IEMA ‘Guidelines for Environmental Noise Impact Assessment’, 2014; • ISO 9613 Parts 1 & 2 ‘Acoustics – Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors’; • ISO 1996-1:2016 ‘Acoustics – Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise – Part 1: Basic quantities and assessment procedures’; • ISO 1996-2:2017 ‘Acoustics – Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise – Part 2 Determination of sound pressure levels’; • EirGrid ‘Evidence Based Environmental Studies, Study 8: Noise – Literature review and evidence based field study on the noise effects of high voltage transmission developments’, May 2016; • Ed J. Scurlock, BRE ‘Agricultural Good Practice Guidance for Solar Farms’, 2014; • Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 549/2018 European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018; • BRE ‘Planning Guidance for the Development of Large Scale Ground Mounted Solar PV Systems’, 2013, • BS5228-1:2009+A1:2014, Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites, Noise; and; • Offaly Noise Action Plan 2018-2023. This Chapter took the following approach to assess potential impacts arising from the Proposed Development based on the best practice guidelines outlined above: • Characterisation of the existing acoustic environment; • Identification of NSR’s through desk-based and a Site visit;
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• Characterisation of the Proposed Development and the identification of likely noise emissions through a review of our in-house acoustic library and previous experience; • Identification of the propagation of noise between the Proposed Development and NSR’s utilising standard propagation equations as per ISO standards; • Calculation of the likely impact on the acoustic environment through reference to best practice guidance and standards; and, • Assessment of the significance of the likely impact from the Proposed Development. Competency A detailed desk-based assessment was undertaken by a principal MOR acoustician, who is a full member of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA). The monitoring programme was designed and reviewed by a principal MOR Consultant who is MIOA with over 14 years’ experience within the environmental and acoustic disciplines. The survey was undertaken by a MOR acoustician, who is an associated member of the IOA (AMIOA) with over 5 years’ experience and supported by the principal Acoustician. The noise assessment has therefore been completed by a ‘competent person’. Desk Based Assessment The assessment incorporated the following elements: • Review of all drawings prepared for the planning application; • Review of the ‘Construction Traffic Management Plan’ prepared by RoadPlan; • Characterisation of the local noise environment utilising published and publicly available information including the Offaly Noise Action Plan 2018-2023; and, • Review of best practice UK guidance for solar farm noise impact assessments in the current absence of an Irish or recognised International project specific standards or guidance documents. Baseline Noise Monitoring A detailed noise survey was completed by MOR acousticians on Tuesday 21st July 2020 in accordance with ISO 1996-2:2017. The survey was completed during daytime (8am to 10pm) and night-time (10pm to 8am) hours. Due to the nature of the Proposed Development, there are three (3No.) distinct noise sources (Battery Storage Units, the Substation and Power Hubs). The Battery Storage Units and the Substation will operate 24hours a day whereas the Solar Farm using sunlight, will operate primarily during daytime hours. During the longest day of the year, sunrise occurs around 5am and sunset around 10pm, thereby giving a potential for solar energy generation during certain night-time hours (i.e., between 5am and 8am). Sound measurements were carried out utilising: • Bruel and Kjaer 2250 Sound Level Meter (SLM) Type 1. This SLM was equipped with Frequency Analysis software (BZ7223) and Logging software (BZ7224); and, • NTi XL2 Audio Acoustic Hand-held Analyser SLM, a Type 1 SLM equipped with Frequency Analysis Software. The SLMs were calibrated prior to and following the measurement period using: • Bruel and Kjaer sound level calibrator Type 4231.
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The two SLMs were laboratory calibrated within the previous 24 months and the field calibrator was laboratory calibrated within the previous 12 months as recommended by the manufacturer. Calibration certificates for the SLM’s and field calibrator are included within Appendix F-2. The SLMs were set to measure sound in the A-weighted network and with a fast (F) sampling interval, unless otherwise stated, for broadband parameters. A weighted fast sampling is utilised to better replicate human hearing response to sound. Tonality (1/3 octave frequencies) was measured unweighted, defined as ‘Z-weighting’ to enable an assessment for tonality. Wind speed was measured during the survey using a portable anemometer, a Kestral 2500. Noise Modelling Noise modelling was carried out using Bruel and Kjaer Predictor version 2020.1 software. The Predictor-LimA Software Suite is the complete solution for all environmental noise projects. Noise predictions for industry, roads, railways, aircraft and wind turbines are all supported. The software is used by acoustic consultants, environmental authorities, heavy industries and educational institutes. The noise model has been developed for the Proposed Development to incorporate the new noise emission sources and the topography of the local environment. This model does not incorporate the solar arrays throughout the Site, as there are no specific emissions arising from these arrays. The future noise model only assesses site-specific emissions – i.e., it does not incorporate existing ambient sources such as road traffic. Source sound values were populated utilising the in-house MOR source library consisting of measured sources from similar facilities and the SourceDB provided with the Predictor software package. The plant and equipment at the future facility are: • Fixed plant emissions. Fixed plant emissions incorporate the external Power Hubs, Battery Storage Units, , Step-up Transformers and Substation. The noise model only assesses site specific emissions – i.e., it does not incorporate existing ambient sources such as road traffic. The model was run utilising ISO 9613 1 & 2 for the basis of sound transmission from source to receiver. 8.2.4.1 Model Calculations The Noise Model calculation formula is based on ISO 9613 – 1 & 2. Utilising this standard Predictor calculates the noise level as follows:
퐿|푡. 푝푒푟 = 퐿푑푊 − 퐶푚,푝푒푟 − 퐶푡,푝푒푟 Where
퐿푑푤 = 퐿푊 + 퐷푐 − 퐴
Llt,per Long-term average octave (or 1/3-octave) SPL during the evaluation period in dB
Ldw Equivalent continuous downwind octave (or 1/3-octave) SPL in dB
Cm,per Meteorological correction during the evaluation period in dB
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Ct,per Correction for the active time of the source during the evaluation period in dB
LW Sound power level in dB(A) per octave (or 1/3-octave), re 1 pW
Dc Directivity correction in dB
A Attenuation (octave-band) in dB per octave (or 1/3-octave)
The attenuation A is calculated as follows:
A= Adiv+ Aatm+ Agr+ Abar+ Afol+ Asite+ Ahous (3)
Adiv Geometrical divergence in dB
Aatm Atmospheric absorption in dB/octave (or 1/3-octave)
Agr Ground effect in dB/octave (or 1/3-octave)
Abar Screening in dB/octave (or 1/3-octave)
Afol Attenuation due to foliage in dB/octave (or 1/3-octave)
Asite Attenuation due to installations on an industrial site in dB/octave (or 1/3- octave)
Ahous Attenuation due to housing in dB
The modelling inputs and outputs are presented in Appendix F-3. In developing the model all operational sources are deemed on or off for the time period, i.e., where a noise is on during the night-time, it is calculated as been on for the full 8-hour period and operating at full duty capacity. In reality, many emissions within the development will operate below duty capacity, as they power transmission will be related to the power generation (solar dependent) and power transmission (grid requirement dependent). As such this model presents a worst-case scenario for most hours. 8.3 Receiving Environment Site Characterisation The key acoustic features in the locality (refer to Figure 8-1) have been identified as follows: • Traffic on the adjacent local road (L1009) and surrounding road network, namely the R400 (west), the R441 to the south and the M6 Motorway, ca.5.3km to the north of the Site; • Light aircraft passing (daytime only); and • Agricultural machinery and animals. Occasional noise emissions from residential properties along the western boundary of the Site were also audible.
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Figure 8-1: Site Locality Context
8.4 Quiet Area Screening The locality was assessed for ‘Quiet Area’ status as per SI 549/2018 (Government of Ireland, 2018). Currently the only recognised methodology for this assessment is within the EPA’s noise guidance document NG4 (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2016). As per Section 4 of the NG4 document, an assessment as to whether this rural area could be classified as a ‘Quiet Area’ was conducted. This assessment is a desk-based review and assesses the likely impact on an area from human (anthropogenic) noise sources, such as urban and industrial areas or major infrastructural routes. The assessment is detailed in Table 8-1. If all the criteria for a ‘Quiet Area’, as listed in Table 8-1 below, are met, alternative methodologies to evaluate the potential impact are utilised. A ‘Quiet Area’ may still have high levels of noise, from other sources, or from local road infrastructure, and additional site monitoring would be required to further characterise the acoustic environment. Table 8-1: EPA Assessment Criteria for Rural Quiet Area Yes / Quiet Area Criteria Comment No At least 3km from any urban areas with Yes populations greater than 1,000 persons Edenderry ca.8.0km southeast of the Site, population At least 10km from any urban area with a of 7,003 (CSO, 2016). No population greater than 5,000 persons Tullamore ca. 23km southwest of the Site, population of 11,444 (CSO, 2016). At least 15km from any urban areas with a Yes population greater than 10,000 persons.
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Yes / Quiet Area Criteria Comment No Bord Na Mona, Derrygreenagh ca.2.8km to the north. Overseas Plant Exports Ltd., Rhode ca.2.0km to the south. At least 3km from any local industry. No Kilmurry Sand and Gravel ca.4.8km to the northwest. Lagan Cement Ltd. Ca. 7.3km to the northeast. Rochefortbridge ca.7.5km to the northwest. At least 10km from any major industry Edenderry Business Campus and Trading Estate No centre. ca.8.0km southeast of the Site. At least 5km from any National Primary Yes No National Primary Routes within 5km. Route. At least 7.5km from any Motorway or Dual No M6 Motorway ca.5.3km to the north. Carriageway. Not a Quiet Area. Proximity to local industrial premises, Finding motorway and urban areas. *Sources: CSO, Google Maps and www.myplan.ie 8.5 Noise Sensitive Receptors (NSRs) To assess potential noise impacts, local Noise Sensitive Receptors (NSRs) were identified and characterised. NSRs are defined in EPA NG4 as: ‘any dwelling house, hotel or hostel, health building, educational establishment, place of worship or entertainment, or any other facility or other area of high amenity which for its proper enjoyment requires the absence of noise at nuisance levels’. The locations of NSR’s in the vicinity of the Site are outlined in Table 8-2 and shown in Figure 8-2. Table 8-2: NSR’s in the Vicinity of the Site NSR ID Orientation Eastings Northing Distance to Site Notes to Site (ITM) (ITM) Boundary (m) Dwelling adjacent to western NSR01 West 653179 736328 48 boundary. Proxy for houses located to the NSR02 Southwest 653192 736161 20 southwest of the Site. Proxy for houses located to the NSR03 South 654993 736064 170 south of the Site. Proxy for houses located east of NSR04 East 655119 736962 150 the Site. Proxy for houses located north of NSR05 North 653503 737504 315 the Site. Dwelling adjacent to western NSR06 West 653103 736554 73 boundary Dwelling adjacent to western NSR07 Northwest 653107 737014 205 boundary
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Figure 8-2: Location of NSRs and Noise Monitoring Locations in the vicinity of the PR 20/494
8.6 Ambient Noise Characterisation The monitoring locations are described in Table 8-3 and are shown in Figure 8-2. Table 8-3: Noise Monitoring Locations Monitoring Easting Northing Description of Locality Location ID Located in proximity to the residents along the local road NM1 653243 736321 L1009.
NM2 654638 736561 Located to the southeast of the Site.
NM3 654907 737039 Located along the eastern boundary of the Site.
NM4 653654 737135 Located along the northern boundary of the Site.
Weather conditions during the day-time monitoring event were calm to light breeze (wind speed 0 – 3.3 m/s) and bright with warm air temperatures (19.8°C). Ground conditions were dry. Weather conditions during the night-time monitoring event were calm to light breeze (0 – 3.3 m/s), with cooler air temperatures (ca.9°C). Ground conditions were dry. The closest meteorological synoptic station is Mullingar, Co. Westmeath ca.18km north of the Site. The summary of the Met Éireann weather data from this synoptic station on the day of the monitoring event is shown in Table 8-4. Hourly weather data is described in Appendix F-4.
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Table 8-4: Met Éireann Summary for Mullingar Weather Station
Date Rainfall Max Min Mean Wind Maximum (mm) Temp °C Temp °C Speed (knots) Gusts (if >34 knots)
21/07/2020 tr 19.8 10.4 2.6 (1.33m/s) ~
The summary results from the noise monitoring event are shown in Tables 8-5 and 8-6. The time duration ‘T’ for each monitoring event were: • 30 minutes during the daytime; and • 15 minutes during night-time. During the daytime and night-time two measurements were taken at each location. This provides 60 minutes of data per location during daytime periods and 30 minutes during night- time periods. Table 8-5: Ambient Daytime Noise Monitoring Results 21st July 2020 Location Time LAeq,T LAF90,T LAFmax Commentary ID
Wind speed 1-2m/s. Birdcall, birdsong and distant traffic audible. Traffic on L1009 occasionally audible. 10:07 63 28 39 Distant machinery to the northwest and north NM1 occasionally audible. Day Cows lowing to the north audible. 10:37 65 29 44 Run 2: Overhead light aircraft audible circling overhead.
Wind speed 1-2m/s. Occasional gusts of 3-4m/s. Birdcall, birdsong, distant farm machinery to the south 11:30 34 27 50 audible. NM2 Distant overhead light aircraft occasionally audible. Day Cows lowing audible.
12:01 35 27 61 Peak event during Run 2 (LAFmax 61dB) due to dried wheat under surveyors’ feet.
Wind speed 1-2m/s. Occasional gusts of ≤3m/s. Birdcall, birdsong, distant traffic to the north and distant farm 13:00 27 23 58 machinery to the south audible. NM3 Tree rustle with gusts of wind audible. Day Run 1: light aircraft overhead audible.
13:30 28 23 61 Peak events (LAFmax) due to dried wheat under surveyors’ feet.
Wind speed 1-2m/s. Birdcall, birdsong and distant traffic 10:29 39 28 62 audible. Traffic on L1009 occasionally audible. Distant machinery to the northwest and north NM4 occasionally audible. Day Cows lowing to the north audible. 11:27 33 25 57 Overhead light aircraft audible during both Runs.
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Table 8-6: Ambient Night-time Noise Monitoring Results 21st July 2020 Location Time LAeq,T LAF90, T LAFmax Commentary ID
Wind speed 1-2m/s. Distant traffic audible. Traffic on L1009 occasionally audible. Dog barking to the south 22:11 31 22 50 frequently audible.
NM1 Cows lowing to the north audible. Night Run1: distant machinery to the southeast audible occasionally.
22:26 29 21 53 Peak events (LAFmax) due to dried wheat under surveyors’ feet.
NM2 Wind speed 1-2m/s. Distant traffic to the north and west audible. Occasional dog barking in the distance audible. Night 23:31 25 22 46 Foxes calling/barking audible. Cows lowing occasionally audible.
Peak events (LAFmax) due to dried wheat under 00:01 27 21 50 surveyors’ feet.
NM3 Wind speed 1-2m/s. Slight drizzle at start of survey. Distant traffic to the north. Distant dog barking Night 00:15 25 20 51 occasionally audible. Commercial overhead plane audible. Foxes calling/barking audible. Cows lowing occasionally audible.
00:30 25 18 48 Peak events (LAFmax) due to dried wheat under surveyors’ feet.
NM4 Wind speed 1-2m/s. Distant traffic to the north. Distant dog barking occasionally audible. Night 22:30 28 19 55 Commercial overhead plane audible. Foxes calling/barking audible. Cows lowing occasionally audible.
Peak events (LAFmax) due to dried wheat under 22:46 28 20 52 surveyors’ feet.
Frequency charts along with images from each of the monitoring locations are included in Appendix F-5. The ambient noise environment is influenced by machinery, light aircraft and traffic movement on the L1006, M6 Motorway and the local road network during the day-time period. Distant traffic and animal calls during the night-time monitoring events. Table 8-7 details the ambient noise characteristics that can be assigned to the identified NSR’s based on the similarities between the ambient noise monitoring locations (NM1 – NM4) and the NSR locations, including proximity to road infrastructure sources of noise.
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Table 8-7: NSR Ambient Noise Characteristics
LAeq,T LAF90,T LAFmax NSR Monitoring ID Range (dB) Range (dB) Peak Event (dB) NSR 01 NM1 (day) 63-65 28-29 39-44 NSR 02 NM1 (night) 29-31 21-22 50-53 NSR 06
NSR 03 NM2 (day) 34-35 27 34-61 NM2 (night) 25-27 21-22 46-50
NSR 04 NM3 (day) 27-28 23 29 NM3 (night) 25 18-20 27
NSR 05 NM4 (day) 33-39 25-28 57-62 NSR 07 NM4 (night) 28 19-20 52-55
Utilising the values recorded and the methodology outlined in the EPA’s NG4, an assessment for ‘Low Background Noise’ was conducted. The monitoring locations NM1, NM2, NM3 and NM4, based on this survey event meet the criteria for ‘Low Background Noise Areas’ due to the recorded values below the respective LA90,T values of 40dB (7am to 7pm) and 35dB (7pm to 11pm). 8.7 Applicable Noise Criteria Construction Stage Criteria A review of noise nuisance criteria in Ireland was conducted. For construction stage noise, the limits and methodology within the British Standard BS5228-1 were used, which are designed for the assessment of noise arising from construction and open sites. This standard identifies a methodology (the ABC method, section E.3.2 of standard) for assigning construction noise limits at NSRs based upon the existing ambient noise levels. An excerpt detailing the ABC method is shown Table 8-8. The construction of the grid connection cable route is assessed separately and is detailed in Section 8.11 below. Table 8-8: Maximum Permissible Construction Noise Levels at the facade of dwellings Assessment category and threshold value period Threshold value, in decibels (dB) (LAeq) Category AA) Category BB) Category CC) Night-time (23:00-07:00) 45 50 55 Evening and weekends D) 55 60 65 Daytime (07:00-19:00) and Saturday (07:00-13:00) 65 70 75
Note 1 A significant effect has been deemed to occur if the total LAeq noise level, including construction, exceeds the threshold level for the Category appropriate to the ambient noise level.
Note 2 If the ambient noise level exceeds the threshold values given in the table (i.e., the ambient noise level is higher than the above values), then a significant effect is deemed to occur if the total LAeq noise level for the period increases by more than 3dB due to construction activity.
Note 3 Applied to all residential receptors only.
A) Category A: Threshold values to use when ambient noise levels (when rounded to the nearest 5dB) are less than these values.
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B) Category B: Threshold values to use when ambient noise levels (when rounded to the nearest 5dB) are the same as Category A values.
C) Category C: Threshold values to use when ambient noise levels (when rounded to the nearest 5dB) are higher than Category A values.
D) 19:00-23:00 weekdays, 13:00-23:00 Saturday and 07:00-23:00 Sunday.
Arising from the survey completed by MOR, the local NSRs were ‘Category A’ receptors and thereby the following construction limits will apply at NSRs:
• Daytime (7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, & 7am to 1pm Saturday) - LAeq,1hour 65dB. In the event emergency works are require d outside of ‘normal’ hours, the following noise limits would be applicable for such construction stage works.
• Evening & Weekends - LAeq,1hour 55dB; and,
• Night-time (11pm to 7am) – LAeq,1hour 45dB Operational Stage Criteria BS4142 does not specify a single limit value. Its methodology rather looks at the likely change, both in sound pressure, and acoustic characteristics, from the existing ambient to the proposed future ambient. Utilising this method, the existing monitored ambient sound levels will be compared to the likely future ambient sound levels with the Proposed Development in-place. The methodology specifies penalties to the future predicted noise, depending upon the characteristics (tonal, repetitive, and impulsive) of the proposed site-specific emission. BS4142 states that typically, the greater this difference (ambient and proposed future), the greater the magnitude of the impact. • The lower the rating level is relative to the measured background sound level, the less likely it is that the specific sound source will have an adverse impact or a significant adverse impact. Where the rating level does not exceed the background sound level, this is an indication of the specific sound source having a low impact, depending on the context. • A difference of around +5dB is likely to be an indication of an adverse impact, depending on the context. • A difference of around +10dB or more is likely to be an indication of a significant adverse impact, depending on the context. 8.8 Noise Emission Sources Construction Phase A typical construction programme for this type of development will take approximately 52 weeks. Most of the noise is likely to be generated during a 18-24 week period at the beginning of construction when activities such as site fencing, installation of panel rigs, delivery of components, construction of ancillary buildings and the trenching for the transmission cable will be completed. The construction works will consist of four main phases: 1. Site Setup; 2. Installation of Solar Panel Frames, Arrays, Battery Storage Units and Substation; 3. Cabling and Ducting; and,
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4. Connections and Commissioning. Delivery movements and on-site machinery noise will likely occur during Phases 1-3, with peak HGV movements during Phase 2. Construction noise will primarily arise during Phases 1 and 2 (refer to Table 8-9). Table 8-9: Sources of Construction Noise Phase Likely Noise Sources Predicted Truck Notes Movements Phase 1 – On-site machinery for access road 10 to 15 deliveries Week 5 to 15 Site Setup development, parking area development, daily perimeter fencing (post driving into ground) Phase 2 – Installing frames (piling or earth anchor 15-20 deliveries Week 10 to 35 Installation of Solar installation), assembling metal frames, and daily Panel Frames etc. installing site structures and buildings. Phase 3 – Digging and covering of trenches for cables. 15-20 deliveries Week 30 to 40 Cabling and Ducting daily Phase 4 – Specialist trades – no likely heavy plant or No deliveries Week 40 to 52 Connections and machinery required. required Commissioning The movements of workers to and from the Site were not assessed within this report. All worker movements will likely peak during the hours of 7am to 8:30am in the morning and 5:30pm to 6pm in the evening with associated vehicle movement on the public road network. This temporary additional construction traffic in respect of the overall annual average daily traffic volumes is expected to be negligible in relation to existing traffic on the surrounding road network and to coincide with general commuter traffic in terms of its acoustic profile. The order of the construction phases and the precise work schedule within each phase will be determined by the successful contractor at the tendering stage. This Noise Impact Assessment was based on the notable noise emission sources anticipated during the construction works and a typical duration and schedule of works, which are outlined in Table 8-10.
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Table 8-10: Predicted Noise Emissions - Construction Phase Phase Plant Sound Pressure at Combined Sound Pressure, 10m LAeq,T, dB at 10m, LAeq,T dB Phase 1 JCB 67 77 Fencing hammer piling 77 Phase 2 Solar Frame piling; 75 Frame Construction 73 81 Site structures development 79 Phases 2 & 3 Solar Frame piling; 75 Frame Construction 73 Battery Storage Units and Site 67 81 structures development 79 Cable trenching 67 Phase 4 Commissioning 50 50 The construction plant and machinery will change as the project develops, with plant and equipment only operating within any section of the Site for a relatively short period of time. The above construction programme includes for the installation of solar panels and associated cabling over the full ca. 132ha of land, which equates to approximately 5.24ha developed under Phase 2 per week. As such construction works will not be positioned in any one particular area of the Site for a prolonged period. Noise arising from the construction of the on-site buildings is predicted to account for the peak construction noise source, though the installation of the solar array frames, arising from their positioning across the Site and the duration of the works on their installation, is predicted to be the primary characteristic noise source arising from the solar PV construction phase. This Noise Impact Assessment utilised a standard piling rig to assess potential noise arising from the installation of the solar array frames into the ground. Although specific plant equipment is currently unknown, a generic sound pressure value from the BS5228 (British Standard, 2009) has been utilised. This is deemed a worst-case scenario, with rotary drilling generally suitable for the development of solar farms, which is significantly quieter, though occasionally constrained by ground conditions. A determination of the installation of the solar support structures will be made by the appointed contractor, in-line with the commitments of the CEMP.
All NSRs identified (NSRs 01 to 07) will experience less than a LAeq (1hour) of 58dB, due to the distances between NSR’s and the proposed construction works. These values represent the worst case 7 days when plant will be operational on the closest boundary to the properties. This assessment assumes all on-site plant is operating at the closest point of the boundary to these receptors for a constant duration of 1hour. These values are below the typical construction noise nuisance limit of LAeq (1 hour) 65dB. Operational Phase Much of the surface area of the Proposed Development will be taken up through the installation of the solar arrays. The solar arrays will be fixed structures with no moving parts. The generation of electricity occurs during solar loading to the panels in the arrays and is transmitted from the arrays to transformer and inverter units (Power Hubs) by cabling and on to the substation via underground cabling. No operational noise is therefore associated with the solar arrays. To the west of the Site, the Battery Storage Units, Substation and associated infrastructure will be located. Air circulation into the Battery Storage Units and Substation is via mechanical fans with louvres located to the side of the Battery Storage Units.
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The substation houses the relevant electric transformers to step the power supply from medium voltage within the Solar PV Farm to suitable voltage to be received by the National Grid. To assess noise escaping through the attenuated louvre on the units, an assessment for this building utilising a mechanical air fan as the source noise, forms part of this noise impact assessment. Although specific plant for the Proposed Development will form part of a tender procurement process, typical commercially available plant has been utilised within this assessment to assess the likely noise emissions from the Proposed Development. The drawings for the Proposed Development were reviewed by a principal MOR acoustician to assess likely sources of noise emissions during operation. Based on the use of each of the above buildings and the type of equipment to be utilised, no other sources were identified or deemed significant. Figure 8-3 shows the locations of the likely operational noise sources on-site which include: Figure 8-3: Operational Noise Sources PR 20/494
An assessment of the noise arising from each of the noise emission sources, and their reported sound power levels (the emission at source), is provided in Table 8-11 below. These were taken from currently available fixed plant on the market, actual plant will be determined during the tendering process. The sound emissions utilised for this assessment will be taken as tender criteria for suppliers. The operational stage noise was assessed from fixed plant across the Site which included: • 27No. Power Hubs; • 18No. Battery Storage Units (louvres) with HVAC system; • 18No. step-up transformers; and
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• 1No. Substation. Noise Modelling utilising the sound power values in Table 8-11 were performed to assess the LAeq,T operational noise levels at NSRs. Table 8-11: Predicted Noise Emissions - Operational Phase Plant/Equipment Type Technical Details Reported Sound Sound Pressure Power dB(A) at dB(A) at 10m source
Transformer ABB 2500kVA Transformer 63 35 (liquid filled distributor) or similar Inverter SunGrow Power SG2500HV or 79 48 similar Power Hub (Transformer Combination of the above 79 48 and Inverter stations) transformer and inverter. Substation ELTA Radial Fan, or similar 80 49 Cooling system Step Up Transformer ABB 2500kVA Transformer 63 35 (liquid filled distributor) or similar
Figures 8-4 and 8-5 shows predicted operational stage noise levels for the Proposed Development for daytime (Lday) and night-time (Lnight). Beyond the closest NSR (NSR01) noise levels will have a lower value than LAeq,T of 25dB during the daytime and below LAeq,T of 18dB at night-time. These values are derived from the individual noise emissions from each assessed operational phase noise source. Cumulative assessment, at these distances is unlikely as the solar arrays between each individual noise emission source will effectively act as a noise barrier reducing noise within the Site through reflection, refraction and diffraction of the sound waves.
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Figure 8-4: Predicted Operational Stage Noise Lday
Figure 8-5: Predicted Operational Stage Noise Lnight
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The predicted operational stage noise levels at NSRs clearly demonstrate that the noise emission will be low during normal activities. Specific noise modelling was completed for NSRs 01 to 07 as the closest NSRs to the Site, the results are shown in Table 8-12. Table 8-12: Daytime and Night-time Operational Noise Assessment for Closest NSRs NSR Daytime Night-time Predicted Sound Pressure Predicted Sound Pressure Level Level LAeq,T dB LAeq,T dB NSR01 25 18 NSR02 23 14 NSR03 7 0 NSR04 10 0 NSR05 19 8 NSR06 6 4 NSR07 5 0 In this scenario, the noise levels at all NSRs will be below the nuisance criteria for both day and night-time limits, as per Table 8-12. NSRs will have a noise value similar to locally recorded background night-time levels (LA90,T). BS 4142 Assessment Utilising the predicted operational noise levels associated with the Proposed Development (refer to Table 8-12) an assessment as per BS4142 was undertaken to determine the likely impact of the noise on nearby NSRs, if any. The predicted specific noise levels at each NSR represent a predicted ‘worst case scenario’ for daytime and night-time where all Site-specific noise emissions on-site would be taking place at the same time in proximity to the NSR. Specific noise calculations were completed for NSR01, NSR02 and NSR06 as the closest NSRs to the Site. As the Proposed Development will operate in two distinct stages due to the type of development as detailed in Section 8.7.2. Both daytime and night-time operational noise was assessed. The results are shown in Tables 8-13 and 14. Table 8-13: Daytime Operational Noise Assessment for Closest NSRs Results NSR01 NSR02 NSR06 Commentary (dBA) (dBA) (dBA)
Measured ambient sound level Survey 21st July 2020
LAeq,15min 64 64 64 Residual sound level Unchanged – source noise is not present in ambient. LAeq,15min
Background sound level Daytime. Survey 21st July 2020 28 28 28 LA90,15min
Utilising identified operational noise Specific sound level LAeq,15min 25 23 6 sources for daytime.
No significant distinctive features at Acoustic feature correction 0 0 0 noise receptor location.
Unchanged from site specific. Rating Level 0 0 0
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Results NSR01 NSR02 NSR06 Commentary (dBA) (dBA) (dBA)
Excess of Rating over All receptors will experience low -3 -5 -22 Background sound level specific emissions.
Table 8-14: Night-time Operational Noise Assessment for Closest NSRs Results NSR01 NSR02 NSR06 Commentary (dBA) (dBA) (dBA)
Measured ambient sound level Survey 21st July 2020
LAeq,15min 29 29 29 Residual sound level Unchanged – source noise is not present in ambient. LAeq,15min
Background sound level Night-time Survey 21st July 2020 21 21 21 LA90,15min
Utilising identified operational noise Specific sound level LAeq,15min 18 14 0 sources.
No significant distinctive features at Acoustic feature correction 0 0 0 noise receptor location.
Unchanged from site specific. Rating Level 0 0 0
Excess of Rating over All receptors will experience low -3 -7 -21 Background sound level specific emissions.
BS4142 advises: “A difference of around +5dB is likely to be an indication of an adverse impact, depending on the context.” and “A difference of around +10 dB or more is likely to be an indication of a significant adverse impact”. The daytime excess of the Rating Level relative to the Background Level is -22dB (not likely discernible) to -3dB (not likely discernible, depending upon context). The night-time excess of the Rating Level relative to the Background Level is -21dB (not likely discernible) to -3dB (not likely discernible, depending upon context). The Site recorded low ambient levels of noise within the receiving environment, which may result in even low levels of noise generated by the Proposed Development being potentially audible. At receptor NSR01, the predicted specific noise is LAeq,T of 18dB (night-time), compared to an ambient measured background of LA90,T of 21dB during the night-time, though it should be noted that existing ambient acoustic sources, such as wind induced noise, domestic activities and occasional distant traffic, present a night-time ambient LAeq,T of 29dB, which is 4dB higher than the predicted operational noise audible at this location. Although, during specific favourable transmission conditions the Proposed Development may be audible in the background at this closet NSR, noise emissions arising from the Proposed Development will remain notably lower than typical noise emissions in the area.
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8.9 Proposed Mitigation Measures Construction Phase The noise levels generated at times during the period of the construction works are not predicted to reach noise nuisance limits at NSRs. However, the Applicant is still committed to implementing standard noise mitigation measures throughout the construction phase of the Proposed Development. This will include the development of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), where noise mitigation measures, complaints procedures and monitoring programmes will be clearly defined. Such measures will include: • Activities and deliveries to the Site to occur only during permitted hours; • All plant where possible shall be low noise rated; • Where necessary enclosures and noise screens shall be used to control noise from plant; • Positioning of the Site Compound a distance away from the closest NSR; • On-site policy for all plant and equipment, including Site delivery vehicles, to power off rather than to be left with idling engines; • All plant and vehicles on the Site will be in a fit condition for use, to prevent the addition of noise from maintenance issues. • Working Method Statements will be developed for the Site Construction Personnel to ensure optimal working procedures are employed, thereby minimising time spent in proximity to NSRs; • A Site Representative will be appointed to receive and respond to noise complaints and enquiries during construction by local residents, the Local Authority and any other regulatory body. Relevant details will be provided to the Local Authority prior to construction, and will be made available to third parties, including local residences. The proposed design layout for the Proposed Development incorporates the development of screening along the northern and southern boundaries. Utilising the above measures, along with the implementation of a dedicated contractor designed CEMP, will ensure construction works noise will be maintained below a best practice noise nuisance value of LAeq,1hour of 65dB at local receptors and therefore no impacts will occur. Operational Phase Based on the proposed equipment specification and the layout of the Proposed Development, it has been assessed that no noise nuisance impacts will occur at surrounding NSRs for both daytime and night-time operations and therefore no specific noise mitigation measures will be required. Regardless, the Applicant has incorporated into the design of the Proposed Development additional boundary improvements, including low level embankments, strengthening of hedgerows and additional planting along existing hedgerow boundaries, as illustrated in the Landscape Plan (Appendix B). These measures will further reduce noise emissions from the Site through obstruction of the noise pathway. 8.10 Wind Induced Noise Wind induced noise through the Site structures can potentially occur in one of two instances:
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• Broadband turbulence noise; or, • Aeolian noise. Broadband turbulence noise is created by the obstruction by Site infrastructure of the passage of wind, resulting in a broadband noise which is the same for any other structure in the existing environment. Aeolian noise is created by the passage of wind over or through objects and is characterised by tones and whistles that vary in frequency depending on the wind speed. There is no documented evidence from solar farms operated in either the UK or Europe to suggest that solar farms result in either broadband turbulence noise or Aeolian noise impacts. It is considered that wind induced noise impacts on identified NSR’s caused by broadband and Aeolian noise will be insignificant given the following: • The Proposed Development and associated small structures will be dispersed over a relatively large landholding containing both boundary and dividing hedgerows, which will be maintained and reinforced in accordance with the detailed landscaping plan prepared for the Proposed Development (Appendix B); and, • The closest NSR will be located to the north of the Proposed Development at ca. 150m from the Site Boundary (NSR 01). Therefore, we conclude that wind induced noise impacts will be similar to wind induced noise through farm gates or fencing and to the existing wind induced noise around buildings and through overhead power lines at the closest NSRs. 8.11 Grid Connection Cable Route There are no operational noise sources associated with cable route and therefore have not been assessed. Applicable Noise Criteria For construction stage noise along a linear road route, the limits and methodology as recommended by the NRA (now the TII) were considered and are shown in Table 8-15. Table 8-15: Maximum Permissible Construction Noise Levels at the facade of dwellings
Days and Times LAeq(1hour) LA(Max), slow
Monday to Friday 70 802 07:00 to 19:00 hours
Monday to Friday 602 652 19:00 to 22:00 hours
Saturday 65 75 08:00 to 16:30 hours
Sundays and Bank Holidays 602 652 08:00 to 16:30 hours
Extracted from Table 6.1 of NRA Good Practice Guidance, (National Roads Authority, March 2014) Note 2: Construction activity at these times other than required in respect of emergency works, will normally require the explicit permission of the relative local authority. The movement of workers to and from grid connection works were not assessed within this report as this activity will be in line with existing vehicular movements.
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Construction Noise – SID Grid Connection – Cable Route Cable Route Construction Phase The likely potential impact for residences identified within each distance band from the proposed cable route are detailed in Table 8-16. The cable route will be within the road and along its margins, as alignment can vary due to existing cables and mains. Therefore, the distances in Table 8-16 were approximately measured from the centre line of the road. This assessment utilised the NRA Good Practice Guidance, (National Roads Authority, March 2014) and BS5228-1 for the trigger for likely significant noise impacts arising due to the construction works noise. Refer to section 8.11.1 of the supplied noise repot for details on this methodology. Table 8-16: Predicted Likely Impact Along Cable Route
Approx. Distance No. of Residences Predicted LAeq,1hour Mitigation required
<10m 1 83 Yes
10m - 19m 4 77 – 82 Yes
20m - 40m 11 70 – 76 Yes
>40m >3 ≤69 No
The cable trenching works will be a linear project, with minimal time required along any one section of the route. This fact will minimise the potential duration works would be present near any one individual property and thereby the potential noise exposure to residents along the route. Cable Route Mitigation Measures Without mitigation the predicted noise level of the construction phase relating to the cable route will potentially give rise to a construction noise level at or above 70dB (LAeq,1hour) at 16No. NSRs. Mitigation measures from BS5228 (BSI, 2014) will involve where practicable: • Selection of quieter equipment; • Utilising acoustic screens and enclosures; • Machinery and equipment powered off/throttled down when not in use; • Start-up plant sequentially rather than all together; • Regular maintenance of machinery and equipment; • The duration of noisier machinery will be reduced when in proximity to an NSR; and, • Where possible loading and unloading will occur away from NSRs. The mitigation measures to control noise will be in-line with the Contractors construction programme and will be detailed within the CEMP. Therefore, taking cognisance of the mitigation measures and the duration of the temporary works, construction noise during the cable routing will be a Slight short-term impact. 8.12 Assessment Conclusions A comprehensive noise impact assessment was undertaken by a principal MOR acoustician, who is a full member of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA). The assessment included baseline noise monitoring at four locations, which characterised the existing noise environment as ranging from 25dB to 65dB, LAeq,T and background levels of 18dB to 29dB LA90,T during the daytime and night-time periods.
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During the construction phase of the PV Farm, as per any construction project, the potential exists for temporary noise nuisance during specific construction works. Due to the distance of proposed construction works from the NSRs identified and the general methods that will be involved in constructing the solar farm and ancillary infrastructure, standard construction noise will not breach noise limits at NSRs. Nonetheless, noise mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction stage that will be in accordance with recognised best practice guidelines for construction sites. These have been outlined in Section 8.9. Therefore, it is not considered likely that noise nuisance will not occur during the construction of the PV Farm. The construction of the cable route is predicted to have a Slight short-term noise impact as works progress linearly toward the substation passing local properties. Also, the development and implementation of a detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) together with relevant mitigation measures will ensure that construction phase noise impacts will be mitigated to acceptable standards. The proposed grid connection will not involve any new operational noise sources and as such, will not result in any operational impacts on the NSRs. Based on the proposed equipment specification (substation, power hubs and battery storage units) and the layout of the Proposed Development, it has been assessed that no noise nuisance impacts will occur at surrounding NSRs for both daytime and night-time operations and therefore no specific noise mitigation measures will be required.
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9 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL 9.1 Introduction This chapter was prepared by Macro Works Ltd. and comprises of a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. This considers the existing landscape setting of the Site and assesses likely landscape and visual impacts of the Proposed Development on the receiving environment in the context of proposed mitigation measures to reduce any likely adverse potential visual impacts on the receiving environment. Although closely linked, landscape and visual impacts are assessed separately. This chapter assess the cumulative impact of the proposed 110kV substation, battery storage units and solar PV farm and all associated infrastructure works (PR 20/494). The grid route is not applicable within this assessment as the cables will be installed underground and will not be visible. Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA) relates to assessing effects of a development on the landscape as a resource in its own right and is concerned with how the Proposed Development will affect the elements that make up the landscape, the aesthetic and perceptual aspects of the landscape and its distinctive character. Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) relates to assessing effects of a development on specific views and on the general visual amenity experienced by people. This deals with how the surroundings of individuals or groups of people may be specifically affected by changes in the content and character of views as a result of the change or loss of existing elements of the landscape and/or introduction of new elements. Visual impacts may occur from; Visual Obstruction (blocking of a view, be it full, partial or intermittent) or; Visual Intrusion (interruption of a view without blocking). Cumulative landscape and visual impact assessment is concerned with additional changes to the landscape or visual amenity caused by the Proposed Development in conjunction with other developments (associated or separate to it), or actions that occurred in the past, present or are likely to occur in the foreseeable future. 9.2 Description of the Proposed Development The proposed development will involve the construction of a solar PV farm with a MEC of up to 85 MW, battery storage facility, construction of an on-site 110kV substation along with associated infrastructure as detailed in Section 5.1. It is expected that there will be approximately 258,858 no. individual photovoltaic panels. In addition, there will be 27no. inverters, transformers (power hubs), 18 no. battery storage units, step up transformers and materials for the substation, as well as other electrical and mechanical equipment. 9.3 Assessment Methodology This LVIA uses methodology as prescribed in the following guidance documents: • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication ‘Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (updated August 2017) and the accompanying Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (updated 2015); and, • Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment publication entitled Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2013). This assessment has involved: • A desktop study to establish an appropriate study area, relevant landscape and visual designations in the Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020, as well as other
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sensitive visual receptors. This stage culminates in the selection of a set of potential viewpoints from which to study the effects of the Proposed Development; • Fieldwork to establish the landscape character of the receiving environment and to confirm and refine the set of viewpoints to be used for the visual assessment stage; • Assessment of the significance of the landscape impact of the development as a function of landscape sensitivity weighed against the magnitude of the landscape impact; • Assessment of the significance of the visual impact of the development as a function of visual receptor sensitivity weighed against the magnitude of the visual impact. This aspect of the assessment is supported by photomontages prepared in respect of the selected viewpoints and, • Incorporation of mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts and estimation of residual impacts once mitigation has become established. Landscape Impact Assessment Criteria When assessing the potential impacts on the landscape resulting from a Proposed Development, the following criteria are considered: • Landscape character, value and sensitivity; • Magnitude of likely impacts; and, • Significance of landscape effects. The sensitivity of the landscape to change is the degree to which a particular landscape receptor (Landscape Character Area (LCA) or feature) can accommodate changes or new elements without unacceptable detrimental effects to its essential characteristics. Landscape Value and Sensitivity is classified using the following criteria set out in Table 9-1. Table 9-1: Landscape Value and Sensitivity
Sensitivity Description
Very High Areas where the landscape character exhibits a very low capacity for change in the form of development. Examples of which are high value landscapes, protected at an international or national level (World Heritage Site/National Park), where the principal management objectives are likely to be protection of the existing character.
High Areas where the landscape character exhibits a low capacity for change in the form of development. Examples of which are high value landscapes, protected at a national or regional level (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), where the principal management objectives are likely to be considered conservation of the existing character.
Medium Areas where the landscape character exhibits some capacity and scope for development. Examples of which are landscapes, which have a designation of protection at a county level or at non-designated local level where there is evidence of local value and use.
Low Areas where the landscape character exhibits a higher capacity for change from development. Typically, this would include lower value, non-designated landscapes that may also have some elements or features of recognisable quality, where landscape management objectives include, enhancement, repair and restoration.
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Negligible Areas of landscape character that include derelict, mining, industrial land or are part of the urban fringe where there would be a reasonable capacity to embrace change or the capacity to include the development proposals. Management objectives in such areas could be focused on change, creation of landscape improvements and/or restoration to realise a higher landscape value.
The magnitude of a predicted landscape impact is a product of the scale, extent or degree of change that is likely to be experienced as a result of the Proposed Development. The magnitude takes into account whether there is a direct physical impact resulting from the loss of landscape components and/or a change that extends beyond the site boundary that may have an effect on the landscape character of the area. See Table 9-2. Table 9-2: Magnitude of Landscape Impacts
Magnitude of Impacts Description
Very High Change that would be large in extent and scale with the loss of critically important landscape elements and features, that may also involve the introduction of new uncharacteristic elements or features that contribute to an overall change of the landscape in terms of character, value and quality.
High Change that would be more limited in extent and scale with the loss of important
landscape elements and features, that may also involve the introduction of new uncharacteristic elements or features that contribute to an overall change of the landscape in terms of character, value and quality.
Medium Changes that are modest in extent and scale involving the loss of landscape
characteristics or elements that may also involve the introduction of new uncharacteristic elements or features that would lead to changes in landscape character, and quality.
Low Changes affecting small areas of landscape character and quality, together with
the loss of some less characteristic landscape elements or the addition of new features or elements.
Negligible Changes affecting small or very restricted areas of landscape character. This may
include the limited loss of some elements or the addition of some new features or elements that are characteristic of the existing landscape or are hardly perceivable.
The significance of a landscape impact is based on a balance between the sensitivity of the landscape receptor and the magnitude of the impact. The significance of landscape impacts is arrived at using the following matrix set out in Table 9-3.
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Table 9-3: Impact Significance Matrix
Note: Judgements deemed ‘substantial’ and above are considered to be ‘significant impacts’ in EIA terms. Visual Impact Assessment Criteria As with the landscape impact, the visual impact of the Proposed Development will be assessed as a function of sensitivity versus magnitude. In this instance the sensitivity of the visual receptor, weighed against the magnitude of the visual effect. Sensitivity of Visual Receptors Unlike landscape sensitivity, the sensitivity of visual receptors has an anthropocentric basis. It considers factors such as the perceived quality and values associated with the view, the landscape context of the viewer, the likely activity they are engaged in and whether this heightens their awareness of the surrounding landscape. A list of the factors considered by the assessor in estimating the level of sensitivity for a particular visual receptor is outlined below and used in Table 9-4 below to establish visual receptor sensitivity at each VRP:
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1. Susceptibility of Receptors - In accordance with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (“IEMA”) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (3rd edition 2013) visual receptors most susceptible to changes in views and visual amenity are; • “Residents at home; • People, whether residents or visitors, who are engaged in outdoor recreation, including use of public rights of way, whose attention or interest is likely to be focussed on the landscape and on particular views; • Visitors to heritage assets, or to other attractions, where views of the surroundings are an important contributor to the experience; • Communities where views contribute to the landscape setting enjoyed by residents in the area; and, • Travellers on road rail or other transport routes where such travel involves recognised scenic routes and awareness of views is likely to be heightened”. Visual receptors that are less susceptible to changes in views and visual amenity include: • “People engaged in outdoor sport or recreation, which does not involve or depend upon appreciation of views of the landscape; and, • People at their place of work whose attention may be focussed on their work or activity, not their surroundings and where the setting is not important to the quality of working life”. 2. Recognised scenic value of the view (County Development Plan designations, guidebooks, touring maps, postcards etc). These represent a consensus in terms of which scenic views and routes within an area are strongly valued by the population because in the case of County Developments Plans, for example, a public consultation process is required; 3. Views from within highly sensitive landscape areas. Again, highly sensitive landscape designations are usually part of a county’s Landscape Character Assessment, which is then incorporated within the County Development Plan and is therefore subject to the public consultation process. Viewers within such areas are likely to be highly attuned to the landscape around them; 4. Primary views from dwellings. A Proposed Development might be seen from anywhere within a particular residential property with varying degrees of sensitivity. Therefore, this category is reserved for those instances in which the design of dwellings or housing estates, has been influenced by the desire to take in a particular view. This might involve the use of a slope or the specific orientation of a house and/or its internal social rooms and exterior spaces; 5. Intensity of use, popularity. This relates to the number of viewers likely to experience a view on a regular basis and whether this is significant at county or regional scale; 6. Connection with the landscape. This considers whether or not receptors are likely to be highly attuned to views of the landscape i.e., commuters hurriedly driving on busy
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national route versus hill walkers directly engaged with the landscape enjoying changing sequential views over it; 7. Provision of elevated panoramic views. This relates to the extent of the view on offer and the tendency for receptors to become more attuned to the surrounding landscape at locations that afford broad vistas; 8. Sense of remoteness and/or tranquillity. Receptors taking in a remote and tranquil scene, which is likely to be fairly static, are likely to be more receptive to changes in the view than those taking in the view of a busy street scene, for example; 9. Degree of perceived naturalness. Where a view is valued for the sense of naturalness of the surrounding landscape it is likely to be highly sensitive to visual intrusion by distinctly manmade features; 10. Presence of striking or noteworthy features. A view might be strongly valued because it contains a distinctive and memorable landscape feature such as a promontory headland, lough or castle; 11. Historical, cultural and / or spiritual significance. Such attributes may be evident or sensed by receptors at certain viewing locations, which may attract visitors for the purposes of contemplation or reflection heightening the sense of their surroundings; 12. Rarity or uniqueness of the view. This might include the noteworthy representativeness of a certain landscape type and considers whether the receptor could take in similar views anywhere in the broader region or the country; 13. Integrity of the landscape character. This looks at the condition and intactness of the landscape in view and whether the landscape pattern is a regular one of few strongly related components or an irregular one containing a variety of disparate components; 14. Sense of place. This considers whether there is special sense of wholeness and harmony at the viewing location; and, 15. Sense of awe. This considers whether the view inspires an overwhelming sense of scale or the power of nature. Those locations which are deemed to satisfy many of the above criteria are likely to be of higher sensitivity. Overall sensitivity may be a result of a number of these factors or, alternatively, a strong association with one or two in particular. Visual Impact Magnitude The magnitude of visual effects is determined on the basis of two factors: the visual presence (relative visual dominance) of the proposal, and its effect on visual amenity. Given that the solar panels and ancillary structures do not represent significant bulk and follow the ground plane, visual impacts will result almost entirely from visual ‘intrusion’ rather than visual ‘obstruction’ (the blocking of a view). The magnitude of visual impacts is classified in Table 9-4.
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Table 9-4: Magnitude of Visual Impact
Criteria Description
Very High The proposal intrudes into a large proportion or critical part of the available vista and is without question the most noticeable element. A high degree of visual clutter or disharmony is also generated, strongly reducing the visual amenity of the scene.
High The proposal intrudes into a significant proportion or important part of the available vista and is one of the most noticeable elements. A considerable degree of visual clutter or disharmony is also likely to be generated, appreciably reducing the visual amenity of the scene.
Medium The proposal represents a moderate intrusion into the available vista, is a readily noticeable element and/or it may generate a degree of visual clutter or disharmony, thereby reducing the visual amenity of the scene. Alternatively, it may represent a balance of higher and lower order estimates in relation to visual presence and visual amenity.
Low The proposal intrudes to a minor extent into the available vista and may not be noticed by a casual observer and/or the proposal would not have a marked effect on the visual amenity of the scene.
Negligible The proposal would be barely discernible within the available vista and/or it would not detract from, and may even enhance, the visual amenity of the scene.
Visual Impact Significance As stated above, the significance of visual impacts is a function of visual receptor sensitivity and visual impact magnitude. This relationship is expressed in the same significance matrix and applies the same EPA definitions of significance as used earlier in respect of landscape impacts (Table 9-3 refers). Extent of Study Area It is anticipated that the Proposed Development is likely to be difficult to discern beyond approximately 5km and is not likely to give rise to significant landscape or visual impacts beyond approximately 2km. In the interests of a comprehensive appraisal, a 5km radius study area is used in this instance. However, there will a particular focus on receptors contained within 2km, except where iconic or designated scenic viewpoints exist at greater distances out to 5km. A study area of 5km has typically been used for solar projects in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
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Figure 9-1: Extent of Study Area
9.4 Landscape and Visual Policy Context and Designations Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020 Although a landscape character assessment has not currently been completed for County Offaly, Chapter 7 – Heritage and Landscape in the current Offaly County Development Plan (CDP) 2014-2020 identifies a number of general landscape units and their associated sensitivity designations (Figure 9-2). Offaly CDP Sensitivity Classification: “Low sensitivity areas: This class largely encompasses the county’s main urban and farming areas. These areas comprise natural enclosing features (e.g., topography, vegetation) which have the capacity to absorb a range of new development. Moderate Sensitivity areas: Areas which are generally ‘open’ in character with intrinsic quality and moderate capacity to absorb new development.
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High sensitivity areas: Identified features or areas of natural beauty or interest which have extremely low capacity to absorb new development. Areas included within this class are designated Areas of High Amenity.” The Proposed Development is located in a ‘Low Sensitivity Area’ (Figure 9-2) which are described as “predominantly flat and undulating agricultural landscape coupled with a peatland landscape. Field boundaries, particularly along roadside verges which are primarily composed of mature hedgerows typify the county’s rural landscape.” These areas are noted for being able to “absorb quite effectively, appropriately designed and located development in all categories (including telecommunication masts and wind energy installations, afforestation and agricultural structures).” A number of ‘Moderate Sensitivity Areas’ also exist in the wider study area and relate to large scale peat bogs and conifer forest plantations, whilst a ‘High Sensitivity Area’ occurs just over 2km southeast of the site and relates to the Black Castle Bog NHA. Two other ‘High Sensitivity Areas’ occur in the outer study area and include the Grand Canal Corridor to the south of the site and Croghan Hill situated on the south-western periphery of the study area. An extensive list of landscape and amenity policies and objectives are also outlined in sub- section 7.13 and 7.14 of the current county development plan. Section 7.8 of the current Offaly CDP relates to ‘Areas of High Amenity’ in County Offaly which are also identified on Map 7.17 (Figure 9-2). Two high amenity designations occur within the study area, one to the south relating to the Grand Canal corridor, and to Croghan Hill to the southwest. Policy and objectives relating to areas of high amenity are outlined within the development plan in sub-section 7.9 and 7.10.
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Figure 9-2: Map showing the Proposed Development site in relation to landscape sensitivity areas (purple pattern) in County Offaly
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Figure 9-3: Map showing the approximate location of the Proposed Development site in relation to Areas of High Amenity in County Offaly
Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019 Whilst the proposal site is wholly contained within County Offaly, the Meath county border is just under 3km northeast of the site at its nearest point. The nearest and most relevant landscape character area in county Meath is ‘LCA 15 – south west lowlands’, which is described as “an area characterised by rolling hills interspersed with beech copses and well- wooded hedgerows dividing rough pasture…….Views within this area are generally limited by the complex topography and mature vegetation except at the tops of drumlins and from bridges crossing the Royal Canal where panoramic views are available. Short-range views are channelled along narrow valleys between drumlins often along roads and the lowland adjacent to the Royal Canal.” This LCA has been classified with a ‘high’ landscape value, ‘medium’ landscape sensitivity and ‘regional’ importance. Whilst the current landscape assessment does not give any indication to the capacity of the landscape units to accommodate solar developments it does note that LCA 15 has ‘medium’ capacity for ‘wind farm developments’, ‘biomass and forestry’, and ‘overhead cables, substations and masts’ and a ‘low’ capacity for ‘Multi-house developments’ as examples. Westmeath County Development Plan 2014-2021 A landscape character assessment for County Westmeath was carried out as part of the 2008-2014 County Development Plan and is included within the current development plan. The landscape character assessment divides the county into 11 landscape character areas (LCAs) with the site situated in ‘LCA 10 – Lough Ennell. This LCA “comprises pastureland of mixed productivity. Lough Ennell is situated to the western side of this Landscape Character Area (LCA) and is designated as an Area of High Amenity, SPA and SAC. A number of
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preserved views are listed from the R446between Tyrrellspass and Rochfortbridge…… The bog areas in this LCA are mainly exploited but some have been left intact. This area has a large number of old demesnes, which are easily recognisable in the landscape with the existence of fine mature hardwood trees and estate walls in some cases.” A number of ‘Areas of High Amenity’ are also designated in county Westmeath, however, none of these are located within the 5km study radius. Views of Recognised Scenic Value Views of recognised scenic value are primarily indicated within county development plans and/or Landscape Character Assessments, in the context of scenic views/routes designations, but they might also be indicated on websites, touring maps, guidebooks, roadside rest stops or on post cards that represent the area. According to Section 7.12.1 Views and Prospects’ of the current Offaly CDP: “The designation of Areas of High Amenity and scenic amenity routes within County Offaly provide a basis for the protection of views and prospects of certain visually vulnerable features.” As can be noted from the map below, the nearest protected view to the Proposed Development site is located some 7.5km southwest of the proposed solar development, which is outside of the 5km study radius, and will therefore not be included within the appraisal. Furthermore, there are no designated scenic views located within the parts of the study area that encompass both counties Meath and Westmeath. Figure 9-4: Extract of Map No. 7.18 Protected Views of the Offaly CDP
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National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) There is one Natural Heritage Area and one proposed Natural Heritage Area within the 5km study radius. Black Castle Bog NHA (Site Code: 000570) is there nearest of the two and is located approx. 2.5km southeast of the site. 9.5 Existing Environment Landscape Baseline The landscape baseline represents the existing landscape context and is the scenario against which any changes to the landscape brought about by the development will be assessed. A description of the landscape context of the site and wider study area is provided below. Although this description forms part of the landscape baseline, many of the landscape elements identified also relate to visual receptors i.e., places and transport routes from which viewers can potentially see the Proposed Development. The visual resource will be described in greater detail in the Visual Impact Assessment in Section 9.6. 9.5.1.1 Landform and Drainage The landform of the study area is characterised by flat to low rolling terrain which is typical of the midlands of Ireland. The site itself is bound to the north by the Yellow River which meanders through the study area in a general easterly direction before merging with the River Boyne just over 5km east of the site. The site and its immediate surrounds lie at c.80m AOD, and whilst much of the surrounding landscape comprises of exceptionally flat peatbogs, a number of low rolling hills occur in the western and southern half of the study area and rise to maximum height of c.130m AOD. The most notable landscape feature in relation to the site is that of Croaghan Hill which is situated just outside the south-western periphery of the study area and rises to a max height of c. 230 AOD. Other watercourses within the study area include the Castlejordan River situated just over 3km northeast of the site whist the Grand Canal corridor is located within the southern half of the study area some 4km from the site boundary.
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Figure 9-5: Immediate Site Context
9.5.1.2 Vegetation and Land Use The predominant land use within the study area is that of agricultural farmland which comprises of medium to large sized geometric fields that are often bound by dense mature tree lined hedgerows. Another notable land use within the study area is large cutaway peat bogs, the nearest and largest of which are situated in the western half of the study area. Several small-scale conifer forest plantations are also dotted throughout the study area and are often found on the periphery of the large-scale peatbogs. Industry is also prevalent within the study area with a number of large-scale factory’s and warehouses located within the study area, whilst large agricultural farmsteads area also prevalent. A number of large overhead transmission lines also traverse the study area, many of which originate from Rhode power station which is situated 1.6km southwest of the site. 9.5.1.3 Centres of Population and Houses The most notable centre of population in relation to the Proposed Development is the settlement of Rhode which is located some 2km south of the proposal site. The only other notable settlement within the study area is the small village of Castlejordan, which is located just under 4km northeast of the site. Aside from the immediate surrounds of the largescale peatbogs within the study area, which are typically sparsely populated areas, there is also modest rural population that comprises of isolated farmsteads and small linear clusters of dwellings. The nearest dwellings to the Proposed Development are located along the local road that flanks the western boundary of the proposal site. 9.5.1.4 Transport Routes The most notable transport route in relation to the Proposed Development is the M6 motorway corridor which is situated just outside of the study area some 5.4km northwest of the site at its nearest point. The nearest major route to the Proposed Development is the
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R400 regional road which traverses the western half of the study and is situated just over 1km to the southwest of the site at its nearest point. The R441 regional road intersects the R400 at the settlement of Rhode and is situated 2.3km south of the site at its nearest point. A network of local roads also criss-cross the study area, the nearest of which passes immediately west of the site. 9.5.1.5 Public Amenities, Facilities and Heritage Features The most notable aspect of amenity within the study area is that of the Grand Canal corridor which host the Grand Canal Way national waymarked trail. Aside from this, the only other public amenities and facilities within the study area include a small public playground within the centre of Rhode, in addition to Rhode GAA club which is located on the western outskirts of the settlement.
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9.6 Characteristics & Predicted Impact of the Proposed Development Landscape Value & Sensitivity The landscape of the study area comprises of a mix of agricultural farmland and large-scale peatbogs. The cutaway peatland, large scale Bord na Mona factory and other anthropogenic land uses such as the Rhode Power Station and neighbouring 110kV substation, identify the study area as a robust working landscape with sections that are intensively managed. The site and its immediate surrounds are characterised by typical rural land uses such as agricultural farmland and small blocks of conifer forest plantations. A minor sense of rural tranquillity is apparent in some aspects of the study area that are sparsely populated, however, in general this is a landscape where landscape values are typically associated with productivity and rural subsistence rather than any sense of the rarity or the naturalistic. The terrain within the study area is typically flat and therefore views are typically restricted by the layers of dense hedgerow vegetation. The study area is typical of many midland locations throughout the country and therefore, is not particularly rare or unique. This is also reflected in the current Offaly County Development Plan where the site and its immediate surrounds are shown to be located in a ‘Low sensitivity’ landscape classification. Whilst a number of ‘Moderate sensitivity’ areas are also located in the near vicinity of the site, these represent large scale bogs and small blocks of woodland which are also not particularly rare or distinctive on a local or regional scale. In terms of amenity value, the most notable aspect of amenity within the study area is the Grand Canal which is located its southern periphery and hosts the Grand Canal Way national waymarked trail. Overall, this is a landscape heavily influenced by human activity both in the past by harvesting of peat for fuel, and at present through agricultural and industrial activities. This is principally a productive rural landscape of reasonable integrity and one that contributes to the rural subsistence and amenity of the surrounding rural population. On balance of the above reasons, the sensitivity of the receiving landscape is considered to be Medium-low. Magnitude of Landscape Impacts In terms of physical landscape effects, with the exception of the 110kV substation and battery storage compound, the Proposed Development will not require any significant excavation that would permanently alter the landform of the Site. There will be a much higher intensity of site activity during the construction and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development than during the operational phase. Such activity will include the movement of construction machinery on-site, as well as trucks travelling to and from the site. The construction phase may also include temporary site lighting and the temporary storage of construction materials. There will be some soil stripping to facilitate the foundations of the proposed Battery Storage Units in addition to the proposed substation (subject to a separate application). The construction of the solar farm is expected to take place over a ca. 52-week period. Construction and decommissioning-related effects are, therefore, brief in nature and will only result in temporary landscape and visual impacts. The duration of any physical landscape impacts will last only as long as the Proposed Development is in place, which is proposed to be 30 years. Although these impacts may be classified as ‘long term’ (i.e., 15 to 60 years, as defined in the EPA’s EIS guidelines), within a short period of time following decommissioning there will be little evidence that the Proposed Development ever existed – with the exception of the proposed substation compound. Thus, the landscape impacts are for the most part ‘reversible.’ In relation to landscape character, the proposal seeks the introduction of a regular pattern of modern technological structures into a rural landscape. If viewed from a distance, these
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structures will read as a single homogenous, ground hugging, land cover that is contained within the prevailing field pattern. Whilst this provides some consistency with other forms of rural land use, the tone and texture of the panel array is clearly ‘built form’ and represents an increase in the intensity of built development in the immediate landscape context. It also adds to the diversity of land use in an area that is mainly characterised by more traditional forms of agricultural land use in addition to large areas of peat bog. It is also important to note that there will be very few opportunities to view the Proposed Development from a distance due to the flat to low rolling nature of this landscape context and the layers of dense intervening hedgerow vegetation situated within the surrounds of the study area. The proposed panels, which will have a maximum height of ca. 2.9m, are relatively extensive and are clearly not related to the most common, aforementioned land uses within 1km of the site. In this respect, the Proposed Development represents an unfamiliar feature in this landscape, which otherwise tends to be read as a pattern of more established, albeit similarly utilitarian, landscape features. Nonetheless, the Proposed Development will also be read as simply an alternative and relatively low-lying land use pattern (i.e., approx. as tall as a mature maize crop) that is contained within the site’s long-established boundaries. On the basis of the factors discussed above, it is considered that the magnitude of landscape impact is Medium-low within the immediate vicinity of the site, being those lands contained within approximately 500-1000m of the Proposed Development. Thereafter, the magnitude of landscape impact is deemed to reduce to Low and Negligible, as the Proposed Development becomes a progressively smaller component of the overall multifaceted landscape fabric. With reference to the significance matrix (Table 9-3) above, the Medium-low landscape sensitivity judgement attributed to the site and the study area, coupled with a Medium-low magnitude of landscape impact in the near vicinity (within approx. 500m) of the Proposed Development, is considered to result in an overall significance of no greater than Moderate- slight, with the rest of the 5km radius study area likely to experience Slight or Imperceptible landscape impacts. Visual Baseline Only those parts of the receiving environment that potentially afford views of the Proposed Development are of concern to this section of the assessment. A computer-generated Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) map has been prepared to illustrate where the Proposed Development is potentially visible from. The ZTV map is based solely on terrain data (i.e., bare ground visibility), and ignores features such as trees, hedges or buildings, which may screen views. Given the complex vegetation patterns within this landscape, the main value of this form of ZTV mapping is to determine those parts of the landscape from which the Proposed Development will definitely not be visible, due to terrain screening, within the 5km study area. See Figure 9-6 below.
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Figure 9-6: Standard (bare-ground) ZTV map to extent of 5km radius Study Area
The following key points are illustrated by the above ‘bare-ground’ ZTV map: • Aside from the western boundary of the site, the most notable areas of comprehensive visibility (blue pattern) occur in the immediate surrounds of the site for up to 1km and extend even further to the northeast; • Due to its locally elevated location in the landscape, comprehensive visibility occurs at the centre of the settlement of Rhode, however it is swiftly eliminated in its wider surrounds and to the south; • The only notable ‘high amenity area’ (Grand Canal corridor) situated within the southern half of the study area will have no potential for visibility. Furthermore, the ‘high sensitivity’ landscape classification relating to the Blackcastle Bog is shown to have only small blocks of low theoretical visibility (yellow/orange ZTV pattern); and,
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• A large proportion of the wider study area has no ZTV pattern, although some areas of comprehensive visibility re-emerge where the terrain begins to ascend to the northeast and southwest. The most important point to make in respect of this ‘bare-ground’ ZTV map is that it is theoretical. The proposed PV panels will not rise more than 2.9m above the underlying terrain and will therefore be considerably screened by intervening vegetation, resulting in a much lesser degree of actual visibility. Thus, it is necessary to compare the terrain based ZTV map (Figure 9-6, above) to the terrain and land cover based ZTV maps (Figure 9-7). The second form of ZTV mapping relies on Digital Surface Model (“DSM”) data, which also maps the terrestrial land cover elements such as hedgerows and buildings with a high degree of accuracy. This is of far more value in determining the likely visibility of the Proposed Development. A more consolidated area incorporating the surrounding network of roads and dwellings within 1km of the site was the focus of this more intensive level of spatial data capture. Analysis of this second form of ZTV mapping is provided below (Figure 9-7).
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Figure 9-7: Digital Surface Model (DSM) based ZTV map accounting for screening by surface elements such as hedgerows and trees lines.
As can be seen from the Digital Surface Model based ZTV map: • The existing vegetation in the vicinity of the site has a substantial screening effect, reducing the potential to see the Proposed Development from the surrounding lands, particularly to the east where large conifer plantations have a substantial screening effect. There is likely to be no potential for visibility (i.e., no colour) in much of these areas even just beyond the site; • In all other areas, the potential for visibility reduces from a high degree of potential visibility in a bare-ground scenario (blue and purple pattern in Figure 9-7) down to a low degree of visibility (i.e., yellow/orange pattern), representing only partial glimpses of less than 20% of the Proposed Development; and,
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• Most of the areas with potential for visibility once existing screen vegetation is accounted for are farmed fields and visibility is almost entirely eliminated further than 1 to 2 fields out from the site. Visual Mitigation and restoration measures The main mitigation by avoidance measure employed in this instance is the siting of the Proposed Development in a robust relatively flat to low rolling rural area that avails of a high degree of vegetative screening to avoid any open visibility of the site as a whole, so that the Proposed Development will not be a prominent feature within the surrounding landscape. Retention of existing hedgerow boundaries within and around the site also prevents a sense of disregard, aids visual screening, and maintains the existing field pattern. In this respect, the proposed solar farm is not perceived to impose itself on the existing landscape pattern. In addition to retaining the existing hedgerows within around the site, it is also proposed to bolster existing perimeter and internal hedgerows with under-planting and inter-planting of whip transplants (i.e., Hedgerow Type 1 – see Figure 9-8 below) in order to ensure dense and consistent screening of the site in perpetuity. This will be undertaken where required to thicken and fill gaps in the existing hedgerow network prior to the construction phase, thus allowing for any growth in the period between a grant of planning permission and construction of the development. The total length of hedgerows to be bolstered as per hedgerow type one is c. 10,716 linear meters. Advanced nursery stock in the form of 8-10cm girth trees will be used to fill any noticeable gaps and plant species will be selected to complement the existing broadleaf hedgerow species mix around the site and will be of local provenance. Where not already exceeded by existing vegetation, it is intended to manage hedgerows up to 3-4m in height. This height will be achieved by a combination of allowing lower sections of existing hedgerows to mature, filling obvious gaps with advanced nursery stock and providing an additional line of whip planting to selected hedgerows that require densification. Refer to the Landscape Mitigation Plan LD.RHDSOLAR.1.0 for details. For the dwellings along the L1009-2, a new line of hedgerow which will be planted along the offset fence line and will comprise of a native whip planting mix and advanced nursery stock. The proposed hedgerow will be managed at a height of 3-4 meters and will provide sufficient screening of the proposed development from both dwellings on the eastern verge of the local road corridor. Both of these dwellings are also surrounded by existing vegetation/stone walls which further screen the proposed development from their rear gardens. Furthermore, riparian enhancement measures are proposed along the northern boundary of the site that borders the Yellow River. The existing vegetation here (c. 1518 linear meters) will be bolstered as per hedgerow ‘Type 1’ and will be planted with a mix of native whip transplants and advanced nursery stock where necessary, however, the species mix will include a much higher proportion of native Alder and Willow species. This riparian corridor will be allowed to grow-out to reach maturity (c.6-8m in height).
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Figure 9-8: Indicative boundary planting detail (‘Type 1’ in the Landscape Mitigation Plan) showing the approach to inter-planting and under-plating of existing hedgerows (where consolidation is needed)
A mounded berm is also proposed along some sections of the western and south-western site boundaries as identified in the Appendix B - LD.RHDSOLAR 1.0-2.0. It is also proposed to plant new ‘Type 2’ hedgerows (Figure 9-9), with whips and a high proportion of advance nursery stock trees (c.3m planted height) on top of the proposed berm along the western and southern boundaries of the site. A section of Type 2 hedgerow is also proposed to the east of the proposed battery storage area. The ‘Type 2’ planting will be allowed to mature up to a maintained height of 4m to aid in the screening and softening of the prosed development from nearby dwellings and local roads. Once fully established, the proposed hedgerow located on top of the mounded berm will provide ample screening of up to c.5m in height. A total of c. 602 linear meters the newly planted hedgerow type 2 is proposed. Figure 9-9: Indicative boundary planting (‘Type 2’ in the Landscape Mitigation Plans) showing the approach for new sections of hedgerow
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Figure 9-10: Mitigation ZTV illustrating the effect of bolstering existing hedgerows (and maintaining them at 3-4m in height) and the proposed new hedgerows
As can be seen from a comparison of 9-7 (pre-mitigation visibility) and Figure 9-10 (post- mitigation establishment) there is a substantial further reduction of panel visibility, most notably to the south and west. All residual visibility consists of less than 20% of the overall array and the sporadic visibility pattern indicates partial glimpses through and above vegetation rather than open visibility of panels. There are still small sections of the local roads to the northwest and south, along with the dwellings that line them, where residual visibility will occur, however, the larger blocks of low panel visibility typically relate to farmed fields to the north of the site. Any receptors that are shown to have residual visibility are given further consideration in Section 9.7 - Visual Impact Assessment. The installation method for these types of solar panels and mounting frames is undertaken using local piling to reduce the impact deriving from construction to facilitate the long-term use of the field as farmland. Panels are constructed using small-scale machinery causing very limited effect to the existing grass surface. This process is akin to timber post fence construction, whereby the post is driven a short length into the ground. This ensures that the
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fields’ general green characteristics can be retained or quickly redressed following construction. All new cabling within the site will be buried underground. The proposed perimeter 2m stock proof fence will be set to the inside of the site boundaries, and will be fitted with small mammal gates. This will be maintained throughout the operational phase of the development to ensure access is prevented for both stray farm animals and human trespass. An un-grazed margin between deer fencing and the solar panels will be left for biodiversity enhancement measures and will be seeded with a wild grass seed mix of local provenance. When feasible, ancillary structures such as inverters, transformer cabins and other plant will be coloured in green or muted shades to help blend them in with the surrounding countryside. Wherever possible, the on-site access roads utilise the existing farm tracks and follow existing topography in order to minimise ground disturbance, alteration of physical landscape character and visual intrusion. Reinstatement of temporary construction areas, construction compounds and cable trenches to the preconstruction conditions will be carried out at the end of the construction phase. Restoration of any areas disturbed during the construction process will be undertaken on construction completion by appropriate grass seeding to return a green characteristic. The decommissioning of the site will involve the removal of all solar panels and associated fencing, storage and operation facilities. With the exception of the proposed substation, the site will be fully restored to agricultural use through reseeding of appropriate grass species to reflect the grass sward mix in the immediate vicinity. Existing hedgerow field boundaries, which will have been maintained and reinforced with additional planting during the construction and operational phases, will remain intact following the restoration phase. Indeed, due to the supplementary planting proposed as part of the landscape mitigation, the field boundaries are likely to be more consistent and consolidated than they are at present.
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Identification of Viewshed Reference Points as a Basis for Assessment Viewshed Reference Points (VRP’s) are the locations used to study the visual impacts of a proposal in detail. It is not warranted to include each and every location that provides a view of a development as this would result in an unwieldy report and make it extremely difficult to draw out the key impacts arising from the Proposed Development. Instead, the selected viewpoints are intended to reflect a range of different receptor types, distances and angles. The visual impact of a Proposed Development was assessed using up to 6 no. categories of receptor type as listed below: • Key Views (from features of national or international importance); • Designated Scenic Routes and Views; • Local Community Views; • Centres of Population; • Major Routes; and, • Amenity and heritage features. VRP’s might be relevant to more than one category and this makes them even more valid for inclusion in the assessment. The receptors that are intended to be represented by a particular VRP are listed at the beginning of each viewpoint appraisal. The Viewshed Reference Points selected in this instance are set out in the Table 9-5 and Figure 9-11 below. Table 9-5 Outline Description of Selected Viewshed Reference Points (VRPs) VRP Location Direction No. of view
VP1 Local cemetery west of Castlejordan SW
VP2 Local road at Garr north of site S
VP3 Local road at wood east of site W
VP4 Local road at Srah west of site E
VP5 Local road at Greenhills southeast of site NW
VP6 Local road at Clonmore southeast of site NW
VP7 Local road at Coolcor south of site N/NE
VP8 Local road at Ballyburly south of site N/NW
VP9 R441 east of Rhode N
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental 118 Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly
Figure 9-11: Viewpoint location map. Impact Assessment
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9.7 Visual Impact Assessment Sensitivity of Visual Receptors Table 9-6: Analysis of Visual Receptor Sensitivity at Viewshed Reference Points Scale of value for each criterion Strong association Moderate Mild association Negligible association association
VP1 VP2 VP3 VP4 VP5 VP6 VP7 VP8 VP9 Values associated with the view
Susceptibility of viewers to changes in view
Recognised scenic value of the view
Views from within highly sensitive landscape areas
Primary views from residences
Intensity of use, popularity (number of viewers)
Viewer connection with the landscape
Provision of vast, elevated panoramic views
Sense of remoteness / tranquillity at the viewing location
Degree of perceived naturalness
Presence of striking or noteworthy features
Sense of Historical, cultural and / or spiritual significance
Rarity or uniqueness of the view
Integrity of the landscape character within the view
Sense of place at the viewing location
Sense of awe
Overall sensitivity receptor assessment M ML ML ML ML ML ML ML ML
N = Negligible; L = low sensitivity; ML = medium-low sensitivity M = medium sensitivity; HM = High- medium sensitivity; H = high sensitivity; VH = very high sensitivity
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9.7.1.1 Magnitude of Visual Effects The assessment of visual impacts at each of the selected viewpoints is aided by photomontages of the Proposed Development. Photomontages are a ‘photo-real’ depiction of the scheme within the view utilising a rendered three-dimensional model of the development, which has been geo-referenced to allow accurate placement and scale. Please refer to Appendix G-1. For each viewpoint, the following images have been produced: 1. Existing View; 2. Outline view (yellow outline showing the extent of the development overlaid on the photograph); 3. Montage View Pre-mitigation (Proposed Development prior to the establishment of mitigation); and, 4. Montage View with Mitigation Established.
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP1 Local cemetery west of Castlejordan 3.68km SW
Representative • Heritage feature of: • Centre of population
Receptor Medium Sensitivity
Existing View This is a view from a local cemetery in the townland of Ballyfore just west of the small village of Castlejordan. The depicted view looks southwest across the cemetery in the foreground towards a dense tree-lined hedgerow which contains much of this view at a near distance. Beyond this, layers of stacked vegetation further contain the view.
Visual Impact of The Proposed Development will not be visible from here, and therefore proposed solar the magnitude of visual impact is Negligible by default. farm before mitigation
Visual Impact Proposed mitigation screen planting will not be visible from here, and thus following the residual visual impact remains at Negligible. mitigation establishment
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
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Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium Negligible Imperceptible
Residual Medium Negligible Imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP2 Local road at Garr north of site 1.11km S
Representative • Local community views of:
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View This is a brief view from an agricultural gateway along a local road in the townland of Garr. The depicted view looks south across a flat, open pastoral field whilst the south-western aspect of the view is contained at a short distance by a small agricultural shed. A dense band of stacked vegetation encloses the southern boundary of the field and contains the view. Partial glimpses of a distant low rolling hill are afforded through brief gaps in the intervening vegetation in the background.
Visual Impact of There is potential for miniscule glimpses of the panel array, but the proposed solar Proposed Development is very unlikely to be noticed by a casual farm before observer due to the dense layers of intervening hedgerow vegetation. mitigation Therefore. the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Negligible.
Visual Impact Proposed mitigation screen planting will ensure that the panel array will following not be visible from here, and thus the residual visual impact remains mitigation Negligible. establishment
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Residual Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
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Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP3 Local road at wood east of site 0.19km W
Representative • Local community views of:
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View This is a heavily contained view from a local road laneway in the townland of Wood c.200m east of the site. The view is partially truncated by the dense mature tree-lined hedgerows that enclose the local road laneways in the immediate foreground. A partial view through an agricultural gateway is afforded to a neighbouring pastoral field, however, this is contained only a short distance further on by a dense tree-lined hedgerow.
Visual Impact of A partial glimpse of the proposed panels will be afforded through a proposed solar number of small gaps in the hedgerow vegetation in the neighbouring farm before pastoral field. The fleeting glimpse of the muted tones of the visible mitigation panels will blend with the natural tones at the base of the preceding hedgerow vegetation and is unlikely to draw the eye. As a result, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Negligible.
Visual Impact The proposed mitigation screen planting will further consolidate the following already dense hedgerow network in the neighbouring field and will mitigation entirely screen and brief glimpses of panels afford in the pre-mitigation establishment scenario. As a result, the magnitude of visual impact will remain at Negligible.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Residual Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
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Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP4 Local road at Srah west of site 0.01km E
Representative • Local community views of:
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View This is a pleasant open view from a local road in the townland of Srah. Two single-storey residential dwellings line the local road to the north and contain this half of the view in the immediate foreground. To the east/southeast the depicted view looks across a low scrubby hedgerow and agricultural gateway towards a large, flat pastoral field. The large agricultural field is enclosed by a mix of scrubby hedgerows, broadleaved woodland and large conifer forest plantations, all of which combine to create a dense band of stacked vegetation that contains this view in the middle distance.
Visual Impact of The proposed panels will be visible here at a short distance and will proposed solar occupy a large extent of the foreground of the afforded view. This in an farm before oblique view of the proposed panel layout where the jagged profile edge mitigation of the south-facing panels will contrast strongly with the more natural softer profile of the surrounding vegetation. Nevertheless, from this near distance the Proposed Development will be one of the most prominent features of the view and will have a dominant visual presence. The near view of panels will alter the open nature of this view and will notably increase the intensity of built development in the immediate vicinity of the view and at the nearby residential receptors. The buffer distance from the nearest dwelling to the north of the visible panels and from the local road to the west helps to prevent the panels from presenting in a spatially imposing manner. Overall, the Proposed Development will appear here as a new and distinctive land use, but not one that is inappropriate in this robust rural landscape context. Overall, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be High-medium.
Visual Impact Once fully established the proposed hedgerow vegetation along the site’s following boundary will entirely screen the proposed panels from view. Whilst the mitigation proposed mitigation will also generate a further sense of enclosure along establishment this section of the local road, this is not out of keeping with the surrounding context, where many of the local roads are heavily enclosed by dense hedgerow vegetation.
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Consequently, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to reduce to Low-negligible following mitigation establishment.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low High-medium Moderate
Residual Medium-low Low-negligible Slight-imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP5 Local road at Greenhills southeast of site 0.17km NW
Representative • Local community views of:
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View This is a brief view from an agricultural gateway at a bend in a local road in the townland of Greenhill southeast of the site. The slightly elevated view looks across a number of sloping agricultural fields in the foreground, which are separated by post and wire fencing and are contained in pasture. A bank of mature trees backed by a mature conifer plantation partially contains the view just beyond the foreground fields, whilst a brief glimpse into the following lands is afforded through a gap in vegetation in the middle ground vegetation. The view is contained in the background by dense layers of stacked hedgerow vegetation.
Visual Impact of The proposed panels will be visible here through a gap in vegetation in proposed solar the middle ground of the view. The visible panels will occupy only a farm before relatively small extent of the afforded vista; however, they may draw the mitigation eye to a degree as they will be viewed in the context of little other built development. Other than this partial view of the panels, the remainder of the development will be heavily screened by the dense conifer forest and layers of intervening hedgerow throughout the view. Overall, it is considered the proposed solar farm will have a sub-dominant visual presence from this gateway view. Aesthetically the Proposed Development will increase the intensity of built development within this view that is characterised by little other built
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development. The built tone and texture of the panels will also contrast with the more natural tones and textures of the surrounding mature vegetation. Nevertheless, the proposed solar farm only occupies a small extent of the vista and will not appear incongruous in this working rural landscape. Overall, it is considered that the magnitude of visual impact is Low prior to mitigation planting.
Visual Impact Once proposed mitigation screen planting to bolster external and internal following hedgerows has become established it will slightly reduce the visible panel mitigation area, but without fully screening the development from this locally establishment elevated viewpoint. The visible will appear as a dull band within the consolidated hedgerow network which will soften the jagged edge side- on view of panels afforded in the pre-mitigation scenario. Thus, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to reduce to Low-negligible
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low Low Slight
Residual Medium-low Low-negligible Slight-imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP6 Local road at Clonmore southeast of site 2.03km NW
Representative • Local community views of:
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View This is a partially contained view from a local road in the townland of Clonmore to the southeast of the site. The depicted view is channelled between two farmsteads that line the western verge of the local road and extend across a number of foreground farmed fields divided by post and wire fencing. The view is truncated in the middle distance by a dense band of stacked hedgerow vegetation.
Visual Impact of The Proposed Development will not be visible from here due to the dense proposed solar layers of intervening hedgerow vegetation, and therefore the magnitude of visual impact is Negligible by default.
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farm before mitigation
Visual Impact Proposed mitigation screen planting will not be visible from here, and thus following the residual visual impact remains at Negligible. mitigation establishment
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Residual Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP7 Local road at Coolcor south of site 1.01km N/NE
Representative • Local community views of:
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View This is a view from a local road in the townland Coolcor. The view is located adjacent to residential dwelling that lines the eastern verge of the local road. The view looks across a timber post and rail fence in the foreground towards and open pastoral field dissected by overhead electricity cables and bound on the opposite side by a dense tree-lined hedgerow. Further layers of hedgerow vegetation become stacked in the distance and contain the view. Fleeting glimpses of more distant agricultural fields are afforded through small gaps in the hedgerow vegetation.
Visual Impact of The Proposed Development will be partially visible though a gap in the proposed solar distant hedgerow vegetation. The visible section of the proposed solar farm before farm will contrast slightly with the more natural tones of the surrounding mitigation hedgerow vegetation; however, it will not tend to draw the eye and will have no notable effect on the visual amenity of this scene. Consequently, the magnitude of visual impact is Negligible.
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Visual Impact Proposed mitigation planting along and within the boundary of the site following will fully screen the panels from view once established and thereby mitigation reinforce the Negligible impact judgement. establishment
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Residual Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP8 Local road at Ballyburly south of site 0.90km N/NW
Representative • Local community views of:
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View The is a locally elevated view from an agricultural gateway in the townland of Ballyburly. The view looks across a large sloping agricultural field in the foreground and is bound on the opposite side by a mix of low hedgerows and patchy mature tree-lined hedgerows. Further layers of hedgerow vegetation in the distance become stacked in perspective and carpet the lowland landscape. A low rolling hill is also visible in the distance rising above the dense bands of stacked vegetation.
Visual Impact of The Proposed Development will not be discernible from here due to the proposed solar dense layers of intervening hedgerow vegetation, and therefore the farm before magnitude of visual impact is Negligible. mitigation
Visual Impact Proposed mitigation screen planting will not be discernible from here, and following thus, the residual visual impact remains at Negligible. mitigation establishment
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Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Residual Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to Direction of nearest panel View
VP9 R441 east of Rhode 2.46km N
Representative • Centre of population of: • Major route
Receptor Medium-low Sensitivity
Existing View This is a brief view from the R441 regional road east of the settlement of Rhode. The view takes in a small pastoral field that encircles a residential dwelling which abuts the regional road corridor. The agricultural field and dwelling occupy the foreground context of the view, after which, a dense band of stacked hedgerow vegetation contains the view in the middle distance.
Visual Impact of The Proposed Development will not be visible from here due to the dense proposed solar layers of intervening hedgerow vegetation, and therefore the magnitude farm before of visual impact is Negligible by default. mitigation
Visual Impact Proposed mitigation screen planting will not be visible from here, and thus following the residual visual impact remains at Negligible. mitigation establishment
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 9.3 the significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor Visual Impact Significance of Visual Sensitivity Magnitude Impact
Pre-mitigation Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
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Residual Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
A request for Further Information was issued under RFI Item 2 (PR 20/494), in relation to additional viewpoints. In response to the concerns raised in the RFI item 2, MacroWorks prepared two additional viewpoints from the L-1010-1 Local Primary Road (Rhode to Croghan) as seen in Appendix G-2. It is important to note that a large section of the L-1010-1 local road within the study area is located outside of ZTV pattern (Figure 9-12) and therefore will be afforded no visibility of the proposed solar development. Both views, RFI1 and RFI2, are situated along the westernmost extents of the L-1010-1 local road within the study area (Figure 9-12 refers).The two views are located at a locally elevated part of the study area and afford broad and clear views across the flat landscape to the north/northwest. The landscape here is contained in a mix of pastoral farmland, extensive areas of peatbog and stacked mature vegetation. The proposed development will not be visible in either view RFI 1 or RFI 2 due to the dense layers of intervening hedgerows and mature vegetation that occur throughout the view, and therefore the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Negligible by default.
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Figure 9-12: Bare ground Zone of Theoretic Visibility (ZTV) Map showing the location of additional RFI views along the L-1010-1 local road. The ZTV map based off a panel height of 2.91m
9.8 Potential Cumulative Impacts There are no other permitted or constructed solar farms in the vicinity of the proposed Rhode solar development. 9.9 Assessment Conclusions In terms of physical landscape impacts, the Proposed Development is considered to have a modest physical impact on the site itself, as it is for the most part consolidated within the existing landscape and will not require any material vegetation removal or excavation works to construct the solar panels. The most notable landscape impacts that have the potential to occur will be generated by the construction of the battery storage compound and the proposed 110kV Substation, as they require significant excavations that will permanently alter the landform of the Site. The substation will contain a control room building (14m x 18m and 6.1m in height), switch room building (18m x 25m and 8.55m in height) and gantries
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(8.9m in height). The existing hedge / treelines and proposed landscaping works will screen these taller features from surrounding viewpoints. There will, however, be effects on landscape character, due to the introduction of a new and relatively intense form of built development within this rural landscape. However, it is a robust working rural landscape with a variety of land uses and land cover elements and the Proposed Development, which will align and enhance the prevailing field pattern, will not be an incongruous addition. The relatively flat terrain of the central study area, in tandem with regular mature tree lines, dense hedgerows and conifer forest plantation surrounding the site, allows for a strong degree of inherent visual absorption for this solar development, which in turn limits its impacts on landscape character beyond a short distance from site boundaries. In summary, the landscape impact of the Proposed Development is considered to result in an overall significance of no greater than Moderate-slight in the immediate vicinity (<500m) of the Proposed Development, with the rest of the 5km radius study area likely to experience Slight and Imperceptible landscape impacts as the solar array becomes a proportionally smaller component of the wider landscape fabric. In terms of visual impacts, the Proposed Development was assessed across 9 representative viewpoints from a wide range of locations within the study area. Of the 9 viewpoints assessed, post-mitigation visibility of the Proposed Development will only be likely at one viewpoint (VP5). VP5 is from a slightly elevated location and will afford partial visibility of the southern part of the Proposed Development which will result in residual visual impacts no greater than Slight. There is an adjacent view of the western edge of the array from VP4, which results in a pre-mitigation significance of ‘Moderate’. However, a new line of hedgerow which will be planted along the offset fence line and will comprise of a native whip planting mix and advanced nursery stock. The proposed hedgerow will be managed at a height of 3- 4 meters and will provide sufficient screening of the proposed development from both dwellings on the eastern verge of the local road corridor. Both of these dwellings are also surrounded by existing vegetation/stone walls which further screen the proposed development from their rear gardens. Therefore, this lowland view will be readily screened by the proposed hedgerow planting and the residual impact is deemed to be ‘Low-negligible’. The mounded berm is also proposed along some sections of the western and south-western site boundaries. This will rise to a height of 1m and will be planted with a new type 2 hedgerow which will comprise of a native whip planting mix and advance nursery stock, and will be managed at a height of 3-4m (refer to the project landscape drawing set LD.RHDSOLAR 1.0- 2.0). This berm will be slightly offset from the site boundary and once fully established; the proposed hedgerow located on top of the mounded berm will provide ample screening of up to c.5m in height. Overall Significance of Impact Based on the landscape and visual impact judgements provided throughout this LVIA, the proposed Rhode solar development is not considered to give rise to any significant residual impacts. Instead, the Proposed Development is very well screened or otherwise well assimilated within the prevailing landscape pattern.
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10 GLINT AND GLARE This Glint and Glare assessment was carried out to determine the potential for solar reflectance effects upon dwellings and transport route receptors within 1km of the Site. The potential for hazardous effects upon aviation activities in the wider area was also considered. The substation, battery storage units and grid connection were not included within assessment as they will have no impact in regard to glint and glare. 10.1 Statement of Authority Macro Works’ relevant experience includes twenty years of analysing the visual effects of a wide range of infrastructural and commercial development types. This experience includes numerous domestic and international wind and solar energy developments. The Glint and Glare analysis model used in this study for non-aviation receptors was developed by Macro Works in conjunction with the National University of Ireland, (NUI) Maynooth. It has successfully replicated results from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) software and has been utilised to assess the effects of glint and glare for many solar development sites throughout Ireland to date. 10.2 Introduction Guidance and Best Practice There is currently no specific guidance or standards for the assessment of photovoltaic glint and glare effects on residential and/or route (road and rail) receptors in Ireland. Guidance has been prepared, however, by the Federal Aviation Administration to address the potential hazards that solar developments may pose to aviation activities, and this has been adopted for use by the Irish Aviation Authority. This guidance, concerned with hazard assessment, has relevance to the other receptor types mentioned, and coupled with numerous assessments already carried out across the UK, combine to establish a suitable best practice. By virtue of their efficiency, the intensity of reflected light from modern PV solar panels is deliberately low and currently equates with that of the reflection from still water. Recent studies generally agree, however, that there still exists the potential for hazard or nuisance upon surrounding receptors. Glint and glare analysis methods and determination of effects are based on a combination of available studies and established best practice. This methodology has been successfully implemented on numerous previous solar farm projects that met with the approval of both Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála. Definitions The study is concerned with the potential nuisance and hazard effects of glint and glare in relation to receptors that include the occupants of surrounding dwellings as well as road and rail users. In their “Technical Guidance for Evaluating Selected Solar Technologies on Airports” (Harris, Miller, Miller & Hanson Inc, 2010) the FAA have defined the terms ‘Glint’ and ‘Glare’ as meaning; Glint – “A momentary flash of bright light” Glare – “A continuous source of bright light” Glint and glare are essentially the reflection of sunlight from reflective surfaces. This study used a multi-step process of elimination to determine which receptors have the potential to experience the effects of glint and glare. It then examined, using a computer-generated geometric model, the times of the year and the times of the day such effects could occur. This was based on the relative angles between the sun, the panels and the receptor throughout the year.
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General Nature of Reflectance from Photovoltaic Panels In terms of reflectance, photovoltaic solar panels are by no means a highly reflective surface. They are designed to absorb sunlight and not to reflect it. Nonetheless, photovoltaic panels have a flat, polished surface, which emits ‘specular’ reflectance rather than a ‘diffuse’ reflectance, which would occur from a rough surface (Figure 10-1). Several studies have shown that photovoltaic panels (as opposed to Concentrated Solar Power) have similar reflectance characteristics to water, which is much lower than the likes of glass, steel, snow and white concrete by comparison (Figure 10-2). Similar levels of reflectance can be found in common situations in rural environments from surfaces such as shed roofs, lines of plastic ground covering used in cropping and wet roads to name but a few (Figure 10-3 to 10-7). Figure 10-1: Specular vs Diffuse reflection of light from polished and rough surfaces.
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Figure 10-2: Demonstrates that the amount of sunlight (measured in watts per meter -W/m2) reflected from the surface of a solar panel is very similar to that of still water and is far less than that of many surfaces commonly found in the environment, urban or rural.
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Figure 10-3: Similar level of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from plastic ground covering in an Irish rural scenario.
Figure 10-4: Similar levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from various agricultural structures in an Irish rural scenario.
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Figure 10-5: Similar levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from wet road surfaces.
Figure 10-6: Higher levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from metallic roof surfaces in and Irish rural scenario.
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Figure 10-7: Higher levels of reflectance (to photovoltaic panels) emanating from powder coated corrugated metal roof surfaces in an Irish rural scenario.
10.3 Assessment Methodology Ground Based Receptors The glint and glare assessment methodology follows a rational sequence of steps to identify receptors that might potentially be affected by glint and glare. These are then further filtered to yield those receptors that are likely to actually experience such effects. These steps are set out below; 1. Identify study area within which to assess the potential for glint and glare effects. The potential for substantial nuisance or hazardous impacts are greatest in close proximity to the source of reflectance and the potential for adverse impacts reduces with increased distances therefore to balance these factors a buffer extent of 1km from the Site boundary is used by default on all solar farms; 2. Pre-analyse the study area for potential glare effects by populating the study area with a regular grid of receptor points (100m spacing). This analysis (1st analysis) allows us to determine those areas theoretically exposed to glint and glare effects that might warrant further investigation. We call this the “Area of Consideration for Further Analysis”. This pre-analysis is based on a 3D model of the development superimposed onto a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the study area; Note: This DTM accurately replicates the profile of the terrain but does not account for screening by the vegetation or buildings that are present – in this sense the results are somewhat theoretical, but they do offer a representation of a bare-earth, worst-case scenario. 3. Identify relevant receptors (dwellings and transport routes) that fall within the theoretically affected zones of the study area (or the “Area of Consideration for Further Analysis”). Dwelling identification utilises a combination of up to date aerial photography and the Eircode Finder tool which locates and identifies buildings classed as residential. Routes receptors are defined by regularly spaced points along roads and rail lines (50m spacing). The height of the road receptor points were set to 1.7m above ground level. This is broadly equivalent to the eye level a person walking or a driver of a 4x4 / SUV type vehicle. The height of rail receptor points were set to 2.8m above ground level to represent the eye level of a train driver;
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4. Execute the glint and glare analysis on the DTM-based 3-D model (2nd analysis), in respect of each of the theoretically affected receptors. This identified the times of the day and months of the year that glint and glare could potentially affect receptors in the absence of screening; 5. A site visit was undertaken to examine and the level of screening within and around the perimeter of the site and across the “Area of Consideration for Further Analysis”; 6. Perform the same calculations (3rd analysis) using a high-resolution digital surface model (DSM) that accounts for the existing screening inherent on and surrounding the site at the time of capture. This offers a truer reflection of the actual glare that is likely to occur and highlights where landscape mitigation may be required; Note: A limitation of DSM data in the context of this assessment type is that it is a snapshot of the screening situation at the time of the data capture. This situation is broadly indicative as hedgerows are a semi-permanent feature of the Irish countryside, however, seasonal variation through growth and/or cutting may result in minor changes to their screening potential. A further limitation is due to the aerial overhead nature of data capture. This can result in the under-reporting of potential visibility beneath the tree or woodland canopy and can understate the visibly porous nature of some thin hedgerows. This can result in minor underestimating of glare periods. However, where the data is deemed to be significantly unreliable for the reasons stated, analysis is supplemented, where possible, with a thorough assessment of aerial photography, Google Street View imagery and/or on-site verification. 7. Where instances of glint and glare remain, determine whether they are likely to cause a hazard / nuisance. For dwellings, this is achieved by comparing the periods of glare potential with our ‘Magnitude of Glint and Glare Effects’ table, while transport routes are examined in further detail for potential for hazardous impacts; 8. If hazard / substantial nuisance is likely to occur, mitigation measures are proposed where possible. This might relate to the re-siting of particular panels and / or the provision of additional screening; and, 9. If necessary, re-run the glint and glare calculations (4th analysis) to verify the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures and determine if there are any residual glare impacts. Magnitude of Impact for Dwelling Receptors Although there is currently no regulation or guidance as to acceptable levels of glint and glare effects at receptors in Ireland, it is considered necessary to provide a gauge for determining relative levels of impact across a range of development types. The following indicative textual categories of effect has been established, which are used herein to determine the relative impact levels (Table 10-1). The percentage figures provided are intended as a relative guide only. The final category of assessment is determined on the basis of professional judgement, and accounts for mitigating factors where relevant and the careful consideration of a range of circumstantial variables that may act to intensify or reduce the effect upon a particular receptor. Table 10-1: Magnitude of Glint and Glare Effects
Magnitude of Description Impact
Very High Hazard / nuisance effects emanating from highly reflective surfaces (>50% sunlight reflection) for most of the year (>70% / 255 days) and for significant periods of each day (>45 mins).
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High Hazard / nuisance effects emanating from moderately reflective surfaces (>30% sunlight reflection) for the majority of days in a year (>50% / 182 days) and for substantial periods of each day (>30 mins).
Medium Nuisance effects emanating from moderately/low reflective surfaces (>10% sunlight reflection) for a substantial number of days in a year (>30% / 109 days) and for substantial periods of each day (>20 mins).
Low Nuisance effects emanating from low reflective surfaces (>5% sunlight reflection) for a modest number of days in a year (>10% / 36 days) and for notable periods of each day (>15 mins).
Very low* Nuisance effects emanating from low reflective surfaces (>5% sunlight reflection) for a small number of days in a year (£10% / 36 days) and for short periods of each day (<15 mins).
None* Effects not geometrically possible.
*Note: In some instances, a precautionary reflectance impact level of ‘Very low / None’ is attributed where a very minor degree of reflectance cannot be categorically excluded from occurring. This could occur in respect of a second storey window where it is difficult to ascertain the precise level of screening. Important Note It must be emphasised at this point that all results, whether from FAA endorsed SGHAT software or our own bespoke software, are theoretical by default in that they assume that the sun is always shining and at full intensity. The results do not account for climate and inherent weather patterns that occur across the island of Ireland. Records from the meteorological station of Shannon Airport for the years 2010 - 2018 indicate a mean daily duration of sunshine of 3.75 hours, or approximately 30% of daylight hours2. This increases to 41% when we consider just the months March to September inclusive when glare is likely to occur. While we cannot correlate the historic random periods of sunshine with our predicted periods of glare, we can state with a high level of confidence that the weather, more precisely cloud cover, will account for a substantial reduction in all figures quoted in this report i.e., frequency and duration of glare periods. In addition, atmospheric conditions such as haze, mist, fog and precipitation will all have the effect of both reducing the visibility of the site overall and reducing the intensity of any glare emanating from the proposed solar farm. 10.4 Relevant Parameters of the Proposed Development The photovoltaic panels are to be oriented in a south facing direction to maximise solar gain and will remain in a fixed position throughout the day and year (i.e., they will not rotate to track the movement of the sun). The panels will maintain a maximum height of 2.91m above the terrain and will be tilted 20 degrees from horizontal towards the south. The final design may be subject to standard micro-siting arising from site survey work. It is not geometrically possible for glare to occur in the terrain to the north of a south facing PV panel hence the 1 km study area does not extend to the north of the proposed PV arrays. The elevation of the study area ranges from c. 70m AOD to c. 90m AOD in the north-western and south-eastern portions. The land cover in the immediate vicinity of the application site entails a patchwork of intensively-worked agricultural field systems with some areas of transitional scrub and woodland, as well as a network of established hedgerows which are
2 https://www2.metweb.ie/climate/available-data/historical-data
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anticipated to provide a degree of screening (Figure 10-8). A rural population exists in the area near the site. No railways, motorways or national roads occur within the study area, although the R400 regional road passes immediately to the west of the site and the study area is serviced by a number of local roads. Due to the southerly orientation of the PV panels in the proposed solar farm, ground-based receptors (houses and transport routes) situated to the west of the solar array can only be affected by morning reflectance, when the sun is rising in the east. Conversely, receptors situated to the east of the site and can only be affected by evening reflectance, when the sun is setting in the west. Further, south facing panels in a relatively flat landscape (such as this) result in a typical pattern of glare with potential glare impacts upon surrounding receptors occurring during the months March – September. This broadly represents the season where some or all foliage is present on vegetation. The assessment of the screening capacity of the surrounding vegetation in its winter state is therefore not necessary. Figure 10-8: Aerial view (Google Earth Pro) of proposed solar development site (red outline), and the study area (blue outline).
10.5 Mitigation by Design It is proposed that all existing hedgerows within the site be allowed to ‘grow-out’ prior to construction. Additionally, it is proposed to bolster the existing hedgerows along the perimeter of the site to fill any remaining gaps. It is also proposed to plant a new sections of hedgerow, including semi-mature tree specimens, adjoining the R401 regional road and a residential property situated adjacent to the south-western corner of the site. The location of the proposed mitigation planting is indicated on the Landscape Masterplan LD.RHDSOLAR 1.0.
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Once the relevant construction and associated works are complete, the hedgerows will be brought under regular agricultural management and trimmed to a height of approximately 3m - 4m (generally greater than the maximum height of the proposed panels). Other existing hedgerows and vegetation will be also be maintained to maximise screening of the Proposed Development to provide consistent screening of the solar farm from nearby dwellings and transport routes. These proposed mitigation measures were added to the Digital Surface Model (DSM) analysis in order to produce the ‘post-mitigation’ results. 10.6 Assessment of Residential Receptors Identification of Relevant Residential Receptors Figures 10-9 and 10-10 are output maps of the study area showing the results (areas of potential solar irradiance) of 1st phase reflectance analysis carried out on the proposed solar farm. These account for the path of the sun throughout the entire year; the panel positions and parameters; the 3D terrain parameters. This is the starting point for determining which residential receptors have the geometric potential to be affected by glint and glare – in the absence of screening. Note: the yellow buffer line around the reflectance pattern indicating ‘Area of consideration for further analysis’ on the output maps represents a precautionary approach of including dwellings at the fringe of potentially affected areas. It accounts for the fact that this ‘first-filter’ map is based on a sampling grid point density of 100m.
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Figure 10-9: Parts of the study area where houses are potentially affected by glint and glare. The results are based on 3D terrain data that does not account for screening by vegetation or man-made structures and are based on a viewers’ eye-level when standing on the ground floor = 1.7m above ground level
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Figure 10-10: Parts of the study area where houses are potentially affected by glint and glare. The results are based on 3D terrain data that does not account for screening by vegetation or man-made structures and are based on a viewers’ eye-level when standing on the first floor = 4.3m above ground level
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Results of Analysis of Residential Receptors The results of the analysis for the dwellings which occur within the ‘Area of Consideration for Further Analysis’ are contained in Appendix H-1 and H-3. These set out the times of day and days of the year that glint and glare effects could theoretically be experienced at residential receptors within the study area. Appendix H-3 includes the entire potential glare periods, however in accordance with the stated methodology, Appendix H-1 excludes periods where the sun is within 10 degrees of the angle of reflectance. A summary of the results in Appendix H-1 is included in Table 10-2 below. An assessment of the results will be undertaken in Section 10.6.3. This assessment also outlines the potential magnitude of impact that may occur at residential receptors. Note: The results in the left hand columns of Appendix H-1 are theoretical in that they are derived from a “bare-ground” data model that does not account for screening that might exist in the intervening landscape in the form of buildings and/or vegetation. This helps to establish a worst-case scenario baseline, from which we identify a subset of receptors for more thorough investigation. It is important to note that these figures do not necessarily represent an accurate portrayal of real impacts. In cases where the calculated maximum total minutes in Appendix H-1 is less than 5 minutes per day for a dwelling receptor or where the calculated total minutes per year does not exceed 60 minutes, a ‘none’ impact categorisation will be assigned, and no further examination will be undertaken. Table 10-2: Summary of Results contained in Appendix H-1- Dwellings Reflectance theoretically Predicted magnitude of Potential for impact after Receptor possible based on DTM impact after the proposed existing screening is taken ID topographic mapping (for mitigation screening is into account (DSM) control purposes) taken into account (DSM)
H01 None None None
H02 None None None
H03 None None None
H04 Yes Yes Low - Very Low
H05 Yes None None
H06 Yes Yes None
H07 Yes Yes None
H08 Yes Yes None
H09 Yes Yes None
H10 Yes Yes None
H11 Yes None None
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H12 Yes None None
H13 Yes None None
H14 Yes None None
H15 Yes None None
H16 None None None
Ground Floor: None H17 Yes Yes First Floor: Very Low
H18 Yes None None
H19 Yes Yes None
Ground Floor: None H20 Yes Yes First Floor: Low – Very Low
H21 Yes None None
H22 Yes None None
H23 Yes None None
H24 Yes None None
H25 Yes None None
H26 Yes None None
H27 Yes None None
H28 Yes None None
Effects on Residential Receptors A total of 28 dwellings were examined. Analysis using terrain-only data (DTM) identified that glint and glare is geometrically possible at 24 of these. Further analysis, taking account of the existing screening inherent across the study area (using a digital surface model - DSM) and on-site verification of the analysis results, indicates that only 9 dwellings are actually likely to be materially affected by glint and glare. This is on the basis of the considerable screening afforded by buildings and hedgerows that occur between the vast majority of receptors and potentially reflecting panels. Following the establishment of the proposed mitigation planting 3 no. dwellings are likely to have the potential residual impacts. The 3 dwellings with some potential to incur glint and glare effects (H04, H17 and H20) will be examined in further detail below. H04
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This dwelling is situated to the west of the site. DTM based analysis indicates the theoretical potential for reflectance emanating from the solar farm to occur at this property for up to 18 minutes per day, between the hours of 7:00am and 8:00am, over 89 days between April and August. The DSM-based analysis results, which account for intervening screening, give a more realistic indication of the actual levels of potential glare – up to a maximum of 10 minutes per day across 58 days of the year. For these reasons the magnitude of impact is deemed to be Low-Very Low. The proposed mitigation will marginally reduce the residual glare periods but will be insufficient to alter the magnitude of impacts, therefore the residual magnitude of impact remains unchanged. H17 This dwelling is situated to the south / south-east of the site. DTM based analysis indicates the theoretical potential for reflectance emanating from PV panels over 1km away to occur at this property for up to 28 minutes per day, between the hours of 7:00pm and 8:30pm, over 124 days between April and August. The DSM-based analysis results, which account for intervening screening, give a more realistic indication of the actual levels of potential glare – up to a maximum of 28 minutes per day across 105 days of the year. For these reasons the magnitude of impact is deemed to be Medium-Low. Following establishment of the proposed mitigation measures, the residual magnitude of impact at the ground floor will reduce to None, and at the first floor will reduce to Very-Low. H20 This dwelling is situated to the south / south-east of the site. DTM based analysis indicates the theoretical potential for reflectance to occur at this property for up to 34 minutes per day, between the hours of 7:00pm and 8:30pm, over 133 days between April and August. The DSM-based analysis results, which account for intervening screening, give a more realistic indication of the actual levels of potential glare – up to a maximum of 20 minutes per day across 102 days of the year from PV panels over 1km away. For these reasons the magnitude of impact is deemed to be Medium-Low. Following establishment of the proposed mitigation measures, the residual magnitude of impact at the ground floor will reduce to None, and at the first floor will reduce to Low - Very Low. Conclusion – Residential Receptors For the reasons outlined above, it has been determined that there will likely be no material nuisance effects generated from glint and glare towards surrounding dwellings as a result of the proposed solar farm. 10.7 Assessment of Transport Route Receptors Identification of Relevant Transport Route Receptors Figure 10-11 is an output map of the study area showing the results (areas of potential solar irradiance) of 1st phase reflectance analysis carried out on the proposed solar farm. These account for the path of the sun throughout the entire year; the panel positions and parameters; the 3D terrain parameters. This is the starting point for determining which transport route receptors have the geometric potential to be affected by glint and glare – in the absence of screening. Note: the yellow buffer line around the reflectance pattern indicating ‘Area of consideration for further analysis’ on the output map represents a precautionary approach of including transport route sections at the fringe of potentially affected areas. It accounts for the fact that this ‘first-filter’ map is based on a sampling grid point density of 100m. Receptor Points have been positioned along all the potentially affected roads (R) within the ‘Area of Consideration for Further Analysis’. Transport route Receptor Points are placed automatically in an un-biased fashion at 50m intervals along route lines using Geographic
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Information Systems (GIS) software. There will be instances where points may be screened by single trees in otherwise open sections of route, or conversely, they may be exposed through a gateway in an otherwise long section of screening hedgerow. Their frequency is designed, however, to reflect the overall screening characteristics of the route sections.
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Figure 10-11: Parts of the study area where roads are potentially affected by glint and glare. The results are based on 3D terrain data that does not account for screening by vegetation or man-made structures and are based on viewer’s eye level at 1.7m above ground.
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Results of Analysis of Transport Route Receptors The results of the analysis for the transport routes which occur within the ‘Area of Consideration for Further Analysis’ is contained in Appendix H-2 and H-4. These set out the times of day and days of the year that glint and glare effects could theoretically be experienced at transport route receptors within the study area. Appendix H-4 includes the entire potential glare periods, however in accordance with the stated methodology, Appendix H-2 excludes periods where the sun is within 10 degrees of the angle of reflectance. A summary of the results in Appendix H-2 is included in Table 10-3 below. An assessment of the results will be undertaken in Section 10.7.3. Note: The results in the left hand columns of Appendix H-2 are theoretical in that they are derived from a “bare-ground” data model that does not account for screening that might exist in the intervening landscape in the form of buildings and/or vegetation. This helps to establish a worst-case scenario baseline, from which we identify a subset of receptors for more thorough investigation. It is important to note that these figures do not necessarily represent an accurate portrayal of real impacts. It is important to be cognisant that the figures for the maximum minutes per day in Appendix H-2 relate to the time window that a section of route can potentially experience reflectance and that not all the panels within the area of potential reflectance will generate reflectance simultaneously. Further, these effects can only be experienced for the period of time it takes to travel along the affected section, and therefore will be fleeting and in any event significantly less than the maximum periods outlined. Table 10-3: Summary of Results contained in Appendix H-2 – Transport Receptors: Roads Reflectance theoretically Potential for impact after Potential for impact after possible based on DTM the proposed mitigation ID existing screening is taken topographic mapping (for screening is taken into into account (DSM) control purposes) account (DSM)
R01 None None None
R02 None None None
R03 None None None
R04 None None None
R05 None None None
R06 None None None
R07 None None None
R08 None None None
R09 Yes None None
R10 Yes None None
R11 Yes None None
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R12 Yes None None
R13 Yes Yes None
R14 Yes Yes None
R15 Yes Yes None
R16 Yes Yes None
R17 Yes Yes None
R18 Yes None None
R19 Yes None None
R20 Yes None None
R21 Yes None None
R22 Yes None None
R23 Yes None None
R24 Yes None None
R25 Yes Yes None
R26 Yes Yes None
R27 Yes Yes None
R28 Yes Yes None
R29 Yes Yes None
R30 Yes Yes None
R31 Yes Yes None
R32 Yes Yes None
R33 Yes Yes None
R34 Yes None None
R35 Yes None None
R36 Yes None None
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R37 Yes None None
R38 Yes None None
R39 Yes None None
R40 Yes None None
R41 Yes None None
R42 Yes None None
R43 Yes None None
R44 Yes None None
R45 Yes None None
R46 Yes None None
R47 Yes None None
R48 None None None
R49 None None None
R50 None None None
R51 None None None
R52 None None None
R53 None None None
R54 None None None
R55 None None None
R56 None None None
R57 None None None
R58 Yes None None
R59 Yes None None
R60 Yes None None
R61 Yes None None
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R62 Yes None None
R63 Yes None None
R64 Yes None None
R65 Yes None None
R66 Yes Yes None
R67 Yes Yes None
R68 Yes None None
R69 Yes None None
R70 Yes None None
R71 Yes None None
R72 Yes None None
R73 Yes None None
R74 Yes None None
R75 Yes None None
R76 Yes None None
R77 Yes None None
R78 Yes None None
R79 Yes None None
R80 Yes None None
R81 Yes None None
R82 Yes None None
R83 Yes None None
R84 Yes None None
R85 Yes None None
R86 Yes None None
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R87 Yes None None
R88 Yes None None
R89 Yes None None
R90 Yes None None
R91 Yes None None
R92 Yes None None
R93 Yes None None
R94 Yes None None
R95 Yes None None
R96 Yes None None
R97 Yes None None
R98 Yes None None
R99 Yes None None
R100 Yes None None
Effects on Road Receptors Appendix H-2 examined a total of 100 road Receptor Points. Analysis of terrain-level screening (using a digital terrain model - DTM) identified that glint and glare is theoretically possible at 82 of the 100 road Receptor Points. Further analysis, taking account of the existing screening inherent across the study area (using a digital surface model - DSM) and on-site verification of the analysis results, determined that just 16 of the road Receptor Points actually have the potential to be materially affected by glint and glare. This indicates that the existing screening afforded by buildings and hedgerows that occurs between receptors and potentially reflecting panels has a significant bearing on the overall glint and glare likely to be experienced. When the proposed mitigation planting measures are accounted for in the DSM analysis, results reveal that none of the road Receptor Points will have the potential to experience residual reflectance following the establishment of the proposed mitigation planting. These 16 road Receptor Points will be examined in further detail below. R13 to R17 These road Receptor Points are located on the local road situated to the west of the site. DTM analysis results show that reflectance could theoretically occur for up to 22 minutes per day over 125 days of the year. In reality, however, screening exists in the form of vegetation between these receptors and the portion of the site likely to result in a glare episode. The DSM-based analysis, which accounts for the existing intervening screening, indicates the potential for up to a maximum of 10 minutes per day across 58 days of the year. The final analysis (DSM with the proposed mitigation screening taken into account) showed that the proposed mitigation measures will substantially screen any potential glare.
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R25 to R33 These road Receptor Points are located on the local road situated to the west of the site. DTM analysis results show that reflectance could theoretically occur for up to 26 minutes per day over 141 days of the year. In reality, however, screening exists in the form of vegetation between these receptors and the portion of the site likely to result in a glare episode. The final analysis (DSM with the proposed mitigation screening taken into account) showed that existing screening and the proposed mitigation measures will substantially screen any potential glare. R66 and R67 These road Receptor Points are located on the local road situated to the east of the site. DTM analysis results show that reflectance could theoretically occur for up to 34 minutes per day over 130 days of the year. In reality, however, screening exists in the form of vegetation between these receptors and the portion of the site likely to result in a glare episode. The DSM-based analysis, which accounts for the existing intervening screening, indicates the potential for up to a maximum of 22 minutes per day across 104 days of the year. The final analysis (DSM with the proposed mitigation screening taken into account) showed that the proposed mitigation measures will substantially screen any potential glare. Furthermore, while there is the potential to encounter some glare at the location of these road receptor points, prior to the establishment of the proposed mitigation planting, in all instances any potential glare will be offset greater than 50 degrees to the direction of travel i.e., may be noticeable but outside of the central field of view (Figure 10-12) therefore unlikely to be hazardous. Figure 10-12: Illustration of a driver's central field of view (blue hatched area) extending approx. 50 degrees to the left and 50 degrees to the right from the direction of travel.
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Conclusion – Road Receptors For the reasons outlined above, glint and glare emanating from the proposed solar PV panels will not prove hazardous for road users. 10.8 Assessment of Aviation Receptors Assessment Methodology - Aviation Receptors There is no guidance in Ireland as yet to specifically address the effects of solar panel reflections upon surrounding receptors, however, the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) produced by Sandia National Laboratories in the US is endorsed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is commonly regarded as the accepted industry standard by aviation authorities internationally when considering the glint and glare effects upon aviation related receptors. For this reason, SGHAT has been used as the default tool for glint and glare of aviation receptors. The process for dealing with aviation receptors differs from that used for ground based receptors and is as follows: 1. Establish an area for consideration: the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) have requested a detailed aviation assessment of all applications for PV solar arrays within 10km of an airport or an aerodrome, for this reason a 10km aviation study area has been adopted as standard. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) separately requested referral of all projects falling within 15km of either of the main Dublin or Cork Airports. 2. Identify aviation receptors such as runway approaches and air traffic control towers associated with airports, aerodromes and airfields within 10km of the proposed solar site Dublin/Cork airport within 15km, then the locations of are identified. 3. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) is used to determine if any of these aviation receptors has the potential to theoretically experience glint or glare. This tool also calculates the intensity of such reflectance and whether it is acceptable by FAA standards. 4. SGHAT does not account for terrain screening or screening provided by surface elements such as existing vegetation or buildings, therefore the results of the SGHAT are considered, in conjunction with an assessment of existing intervening screening that may be present, to establish if reflectance can actually be experienced at the receptors. 5. Finally, if necessary, additional assessment is undertaken using Macro Works’ bespoke model which takes into account any screening provided by any proposed mitigation measures. Magnitude of Impact for Aviation Receptors Within the FAA’s interim policy, a ‘Review of Solar Energy System Projects on Federally Obligated Airports’3 it states that: “To obtain FAA approval to revise an airport layout plan to depict a solar installation and/or a ‘‘no objection’’ to a Notice of Proposed Construction Form 7460–1, the airport sponsor will be required to demonstrate that the proposed solar energy system meets the following standards: • No potential for glint or glare in the existing or planned Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) cab, and
• No potential for glare or ‘‘low potential for after-image’’ (shown in green in Figure 1 [Figure 10-13 below refers] along the final approach path for any
3 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2013). Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration. Interim Policy, FAA Review of Solar Energy System Projects on Federally Obligated Airports. Vol 78 (No 205), 63276-63279.
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existing landing threshold or future landing thresholds (including any planned interim phases of the landing thresholds) as shown on the current FAA- approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP). The final approach path is defined as two (2) miles from fifty (50) feet above the landing threshold using a standard three (3) degree glidepath.” The SGHAT was designed to determine whether a proposed solar energy project would result in the potential for ocular impact as depicted on the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Plot (Figure 10-13 refers). The SGHAT website describes the tool as follows: “This tool determines when and where solar glare can occur throughout the year from a user-specified PV array as viewed from user-prescribed observation points. The potential ocular impact from the observed glare is also determined...” SGHAT analyses ocular impact over the entire calendar year in one (1) minute intervals from when the sun rises above the horizon until the sun sets below the horizon. One of the principal outputs from the SGHAT report is a glare plot per receptor that indicates the time of day and days per year that glare has the potential to occur. SGHAT plot classifies the intensity of ocular impact as either Green Glare, Yellow Glare or Red Glare. These colour classifications are equivalent to the FAA’s definitions regarding the level of ocular impact (10- 12refers) e.g., ‘Green Glare’ in the SGHAT is synonymous to the FAA’s ‘‘low potential for after-image’,’ and so forth. These correlations are illustrated on the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Plot in Figure 10-13. Figure 10-13: Figure 1 from the FAA Interim Policy, FAA Review of Solar Energy System Projects on Federally Obligated Airports
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10.9 Identification of Relevant Aviation Receptors In accordance with IAA and DAA protocol a 10 km and 15 km radius study areas were established for the identification of aerodromes and main airports respectively, that might require testing for glint and glare impacts. There are no aerodromes within the 10 km aviation study area, the nearest aviation receptor is Clonbullogue Aerodrome (Irish Parachute Club), but it is situated beyond the study area at a distance of approximately 13 km southeast of the proposed solar farm. There are no main airports within the 15 km (Figure 10-14). For these reasons no further aviation assessment will be undertaken. Figure 10-14: Showing the centre of proposed PV solar farm (centre icon), the standard 10km study area (blue circle), the wider 15km study area (yellow circle) and the nearest aviation receptor (yellow pin).
Conclusion – Aviation As the Rhode solar farm is not located near any aerodromes or main airports, it is considered that there will not be any nuisance or hazard effects generated from glint and glare effects.
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10.10 Overall Conclusion From the analysis and discussions contained herein, it is considered that there will not be any significant nuisance effects from glint and glare at dwellings within the study area, nor is there likely to be any hazardous glint and glare effects upon either road or aviation receptors resulting from the proposed development.
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11 CULTURAL HERITAGE This chapter of the ER provides a description and assessment of the potential, likely and significant impacts of the Proposed Development on archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage aspects. This aim of this assessment was to evaluate the baseline cultural heritage environment at the Site and the likely adverse effects, if any, that the Proposed Development may have on the environment and to provide mitigation measures as required. 11.1 Introduction This archaeological assessment has been prepared based on site inspection, cartographic and documentary research. Figure 11-1: Site Boundaries
Site Context The Proposed Development is located ca. 2.9 km north of the village of Rhode in the north- eastern corner of Co. Offaly. The village of Rhode is located on the R440 at its junction with the R441 road that leads to Edenderry located 12km to the east and Croghan ca. 5km to the west. Rhode is situated on an area of high ground surrounded by raised bogland which forms part of the Bog of Allen. The county boundary between Offaly and Meath is located ca. 2km to the east of the site boundary and Offaly and Westmeath lies ca. 4km to the north of the site. The landscape in this area is characterised by level agricultural land, mostly well drained and there is no indication that bog had ever developed at any time on this land. The Site under review is characterised today by large, amalgamated fields, most of which are annually cultivated for cereal crops which were at maturity at the time of the site walkover
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental 155 Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly in July 2020, but were free of crops at the time of the walkover surveys completed during the winter period. The Site is made-up of two separate landholdings, each of which have emerged with a distinct field pattern; that on the west, in Srah townland, with square fields now amalgamated into larger rectangular units, that on the east in Wood and Greenhills townlands with long rectangular fields where the former Greenhills House parkland/estate landscape influenced the layout, but few vestiges of this now survive. The underground grid connection will occur within and along the grassy margins of the L1009-2 and L1009-3 local roads within the townlands of Srah, Coolcor and Clonin Co. Offaly. 11.2 Methodology This study is produced to assess the archaeological resource and cultural heritage of the Site in the context of the archaeological and historical environment of the area. The study is also informed by site inspection and is based on the results of documentary and cartographic research and an examination of available aerial photographs. Consulted sources include; • All editions of the Ordnance Survey maps and aerial photographs; • The Record of Monument and Places (RMP). These files are based on the pre- existing Sites & Monument Record (RMP) and information from completed county archaeological inventories. As such it records known upstanding archaeological monuments, their location (in cases of destroyed monuments) and the position of possible sites identified as cropmarks on vertical aerial photographs; • The topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland; • Published and unpublished documentary sources for the area including unpublished field survey and references on archaeological testing and excavation in the vicinity; and, • Field inspections, which were undertaken by Dr Maurice F. Hurley in July 2020, December 2020 and January 2021, to assess the possibility of unrecorded archaeological site being present within and adjacent to the Proposed Development area. On-site works include a photographic survey and examination of the monuments in the Site and vicinity. 11.3 The Receiving Environment General History of the Area Peatland areas interspersed with areas of better drained mineral soil characterise the Irish midlands. Bogland covers about 42,000 hectares (21%) of County Offaly’s total land area and extensive areas of bogland occur to the south and west of the site under review. Topographically, County Offaly is quite varied. The mountainous region of the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the southwest forms a common border with Co. Laois and contrasts with the flat floodplain of the River Shannon. In between these two extremes the topography of the county varies from rolling to gently undulating, the shape and form determined by the effects of Quaternary glaciations. The Yellow River is the dominant drainage feature of the area under review. The site of the proposal appears not to have been reclaimed bogland and the site is centred on what has historically been good quality agricultural land. Eskers (typically long sinuous sand/gravel ridges composed of glaciofluvial sediments that accumulated in subglacial or englacial tunnels or, in part, close to the glacier snout in ice- walled channels) are a characteristic landscape feature of the midlands. Many roads) across the midlands have been built on the eskers which provide an excellent foundation through otherwise boggy or difficult terrain.
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County Offaly appears to have been subject to human settlement form the Mesolithic (7000BC) period onwards. Current evidence indicates that Mesolithic shoreline-settlements occurred on the margins of former lakes which were subsequently covered by peat, examples are known from Lough Boora, Co. Offaly (Ryan 1980, 1981, 1984). Generally, these settlements are located on the upper surface of the mineral soils underlying the bogs which commenced growing since c. 7000BC. The Mesolithic camp sites tend to contain flint artefacts, axe heads as well as burnt mammal fish and bird bones. The large, raised bogs such as those in this part of Co. Offaly may not contain such evidence as these probably had begun to form following the end of the last glaciations some 10,000 years ago. In any case cut-over peat harvesting tends not to impact on the underlying soil levels. Currently there is no evidence for Mesolithic settlement from the mineral-soil agricultural landscapes of Co. Offaly, but this cannot be taken as proof that they did not occur. By Neolithic times (c. 5000BC), the raised bogs of the midlands had grown considerably and appear to have been unattractive to human occupation. Neolithic settlement associated with forest clearance and the development of agriculture appears to have accelerated on the mineral soils of most of Ireland. Evidence for the prehistoric period in proximity to the site under review has come to light through extensive survey undertaken of peatland areas by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit in recent years. Derrygreenadh and Derryarkin Bog were surveyed by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit in 2001/2002, these Bogs are located c3km to the north and west of the site boundary. Sixty-five sites were recorded in the bogs dating to the Neolithic to the middle Bronze Age and a Bann Flake dating to the Mesolithic was also recorded (O’ Carroll 2001). A number of trackways (toghers), wooden platforms and miscellaneous wooded structures have also been discovered in the Derryarkin and Ballybeg Bogs (IAWU, 2003). By the Bronze Age, pressure on the population appear to have resulted in the construction of crannogs or lake settlements (Hencken, 1936) but most of the crannogs appear to have been constructed in lakes and marshes as defended homesteads within the Early Medieval period; as such they are mostly contemporary with ringforts. Ringforts are the most commonly represented settlement type with a strong surface expression identifiable in the Irish archaeological record. An average ringfort consists of a circular, oval, D-shaped or sub- circular area enclosed by one or more banks of earth, stones, drystone walls or a combination of earth and stones. They are generally regarded as enclosed homesteads that afforded their inhabitants and their livestock protection from cattle-raiders and wild animals. Ringforts are variously referred to by the Gaelic names rath, lios or dun. There are relatively few positively identified ringfort in this part of Co. Offaly. A number of the sites in the vicinity are classified as ‘enclosures’ some of these may of course be ringforts where the characteristic circular bank and ditch features have been subject to erosion, alteration or removal by agricultural activity. One such enclosure (RMP 004-008) in the townland of Garr 123m north of the Yellow River may be the site of a ringfort that has been levelled and consequently it is only identifiable in aerial photographs. Similarly, the earthwork in Srah (OF 004-007) within the western part of the site under review may be the site of a ringfort, however there is no morphological features to corroborate this. The Early Medieval period is also characterised by the foundation of a large number of ecclesiastical sites throughout Ireland in the centuries following the introduction of Christianity in the fifth century AD. The early churches tended to be constructed of wood or post-and-wattle. Between the late eight and tenth centuries mortared stone churches gradually replaced the earlier structures. Many of the sites, some of which were monastic foundations, were probably originally defined by an enclosing wall or bank similar to that found at coeval secular sites. This enclosing feature was probably built more to define the sacred character of the area of the church than as a defence against aggression. An inner
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental 157 Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly and outer enclosure can be seen at some of the more important sites; the inner enclosure surrounding the sacred area of church and burial ground and the outer enclosure providing a boundary around living quarters and craft areas. Where remains of an enclosure survive it is often the only evidence that the site was an early Christian foundation. Amongst the features associated with early Christian Monastic sites are bullaun stones, the stone are traditionally associated with monastic enclosures, but many have been scattered and are frequently located in old graveyard. A bullaun stone (OF 004-002) in Derryiron townland was found in the course of field clearance and is located by the roadside fence at a distance of 125m to the northwest of the site boundary; this find is ex situ. The arrival of Anglo-Normans in Ireland towards the end of the twelfth century led to great changes in the following century. Large numbers of colonists arrived from England and Wales and established towns and villages. They brought with them new methods of agriculture which facilitated an intensification of production. Surplus foods were exported to markets all along Atlantic Europe which created great wealth and economic growth. Results of this wealth can be seen in the landscape in the form of moated sites, stone castles, churches and monasteries. The moated site (OF 004-009) standing in Wood townland at a distance of c. 370m from the site boundary is testimony to the colonisation of this area by the newly arrived Anglo-Norman settlers in the early thirteenth century. The site of a Franciscan Convent (OF004-011) is located c. 980m to the south of the site boundary is a later medieval foundation. A portion of a late medieval wayside cross (OF004-011004) originally from Coolcor is now located in the front garden of the Parochial House in the village of Rhode. Field Surveys Data extracted from the National Monument Services was plotted by MOR onto a GIS map of the area to evaluate proximity of any recorded monuments to the Proposed Development. 11.3.2.1 Summer Survey – July 2020 The site of the Proposed Development is flat agricultural landscape (Plates 11-1 – 11-8) with little variations in the topography. The site of the proposed solar farm is particularly level land lying to the south of the sinuous course of the River Yellow that forms the northern boundary of the Site. The Yellow River, flowing from southwest to northeast in this area is a tributary of the River Boyne and as such the landscape in this area can be defined as part of the broader midland’s catchment of the Boyne Valley. Site inspection in early July 2020 did not reveal any evidence of ground anomalies that could be interpreted as sites of potential archaeological significance.
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Plate 11-1: An existing farm road will be upgraded for access to the Site.
Plate 11-2: Looking S from the access roadway (Plate 11-1) over the Site of the monument OF007—004, enclosure.
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Plate 11-3: View of the southern quadrant of the Site. The RMP OF004-008 is located at the west (right) of the photograph. The monument has no surface expression and is not recorded on any O.S. map (Figures 11-2.A & 11-3.A).
Plate 11-4: The proposed site of the substation and battery storage facility looking N from the proposed access laneway.
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Plate 11-5: The proposed access laneway bisects the western part of the site. The land is characteristically flat. The field fences removed in recent years and multiple fields amalgamated.
Plate 11-6: The remaining field are clay banks with deep drainage ditches usually only on one side. The townland boundary between Srah and Wood/Greenhills remains intact but the fence that once defined the townland boundary Wood and Greenhills has been removed from the Eastern part of the Site.
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Plate 11-7: Within the central part of the site looking E. The field fences were in the past (Figure 4) heavily lined with trees and much of Greenhills townland was planted with woods and shelter belts, but the trees have been cleared. An area of forestry defines the SE boundary of the site in Greenhills townland.
Plate 11-8: The site is characterised by extensive amalgamed fields. The Yellow River in the background (line of trees) defines the N boundary of the site.
The examination of available aerial photographs and historic maps was of great value in understanding the evolution of the landscape. Rectilinear patterns apparent in aerial photographs correspond to former field fences that are depicted on the historic Ordnance Survey Maps (Figures 11-2 and 11-3). No other cropmarks or anomalies in the soil pattern or field fences that could equate to relic landscapes or ancient monuments were apparent in the aerial photographs examined or on the ground.
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Figure 11-2. A,B,C: First Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1829 - 1841)
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Figure 11-3 A,B,C: Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1897-1913)
The evolution of the land-use pattern can be read by reference to the historic maps (Figures 11-2 & 11-3). The land to the east was formerly part of the Greenhills House demesne and as such is depicted in the first edition Ordnance Survey map (Figure 11-2) by a grey shading; a convention used by t O.S. to denote parkland. Only a small portion of the south-eastern part of the Site under review falls within this former parkland. The western part of the Site was characterized by well-ordered square to rectangular agricultural fields and the fences were lined with single rows of trees. Many of these fences were removed in recent years and much of the tree covering apparent in later twentieth century aerial photographs has been thinned out. Today, the western fields are characterized by large, amalgamated units defined by the few remaining clay banks with drainage ditches on one side (Plate 11-6). The Greenhills Estate centred on Greenhill townland but appears to have extended through much of Wood townland also. The tree-lined fields, woods and shelter belts depicted on the first edition O.S. map (Figure 11-2) typify an ‘improved estate’ of the mid-nineteenth century. The improvements appear also to have extended to the straightening of a stretch of the Yellow River where a former meander continued to be reflected in the townland boundary even after the channel of the river had been altered (Figure 11-2, 11-2.C and 11-3.C). A double row shelterbelt, which can usually be taken as defining the permitter of a demesne landscape formerly flanked the boundary between Srah and Wood/Greenhills townlands. Within the Greenhill Estate numerous groves, mostly in rectangular units and straight tree flanked avenues are indicative of an early eighteenth-century approach to landscaping that predated the more fluid designs, influenced by Capability Brown, that became popular in Ireland in the second half of the eighteenth century. Two tree rings recorded in the historic O.S. maps (Figures 11-2, 11-2.B and 11-3.B) have been swept away and now no trace of these remain in the landscape other than an anomaly in the fence of the site boundary (Figure 11-3.B). No trace of the second tree ring within the
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental 164 Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly site can be identified in the landscape today. Planting of ancient earthworks (ringfort, enclosures and other archaeological monuments) with trees to define tree rings was frequently the custom in demesne landscaping but many tree rings were simply planted as entities in themselves and therefore do not necessary signify archaeological sites (the tree rings in the townland of Greenhills are not Recorded Monuments). Given the representation of the tree rings by the single-lined convention without hauchers used in the O.S. maps (Figures 11-2.B & 11-3.B) there is no particular reason to suspect that these tree rings were ever archaeological monuments. Investigation by way of geophysical survey and archaeological testing is advised to confirm (see proposed mitigation measures section 11.6). Greenhills House (or Greenhill House) was the dominant estate in the area. It was for many years the home of the Dames Family. The Dames are believed to have arrived in the Tullamore area of Co. Offaly following the Cromwellian wars. The Dames intermarried with the Longworth Family from Athlone and both families are constantly associated with each other. The main residence of the Dames in the Rhode was at Greenhills. Nothing of the house remains today and the only available photograph is of a seven-bay two-storey house with at least one-bow fronted end, with a tripartite venetian-style window above a central fan- lighted doorway (Plate 11-9). Plate 11-9: An old photograph of Greenhills House, the house does not survive today.
The location of the house, outbuildings and demesne landscape are recorded in the first and first edition O.S. maps (Figure 11-2). The house stood c.280m from the nearest point of the boundary of the Proposed Development. A small unit of the proposal lies within the former parkland. Notwithstanding the demolition of Greenhills House some elements of the former demesne are extant, while most of the demesne features have been swept away. The former stable block is the most significant surviving structure, but some other outbuildings also survive. The stable block are listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (Reg: 14904008) as having a ‘Regional’ importance. The stable block is also a Protected Structure (RPS 07-03) in the County Offaly Development Plan. The stable block is characterised by
E1686 - Malone O’Regan Environmental 165 Environmental Report – Volume 1 February 2021 Proposed 110 kV Substation and Grid Connection OBM Solar Ltd. Rhode, Co. Offaly high quality workmanship especially the dressed limestone surrounding the Diocletian windows and the square-headed doorway. The stable block is eight-bay, two-storey but with a replacement galvanised roof (Plate 11-10). The building is dated to between c. 1760 to 1780. The stables stand at a distance of c. 190m from the nearest point of the site boundary. Modern sheds and farm buildings stand between the stable block and the site boundary. Plate 11-10: The former stables of Greenhills Estate, built c. 1780. National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Reg: 14904008 and Protected Structure County Offaly Development Plan, RPS 07-03.
11.3.2.2 Winter Survey - December 2020-January 2021 The stated limitations in the original field survey pertained to the time of year when the field walking was undertaken; this related to the growth/maturity of crops that to some extent restricted visibility of the ground surface. This limitation was stated in the Archaeological Assessment. In order to address this limitation, the Site was again surveyed between December 2020- January 2021 when every field was comprehensively walked by a team of two archaeologists at a time when vegetation was minimal and low Winter light provided ideal conditions for the identification of soil anomalies. The Site is in the ownership of two separate farmers, wherein two different agricultural regimes prevail; that in the west in the townland of Srah is characterised by tillage stubble and that on the east in the townland of Greenhills and Wood is characterised by recently tilled fields wherein an immature sprouted crop allowed clear visibility of the ground surface. The field survey is illustrated with captioned photographs (Plates 11-11 – 11-29 below). Plate 11-11: Looking E, cereal crop had been harvested from the field and the low Winter light highlighted surface anomalies. The area where the monument (RMP OF004-007) is in the
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Plate 11-12: Looking West, the existing farm road is to be utilised as the farm entrance. The road was the only manmade feature apparent in the extensive flat fields.
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Plate 11-13: Looking South across the expansive tillage land in Srah townland.
Plate 11-14: The soil surface was visible through the tillage stubble. The soil was generally a mixture of mineral soil and peat with grit/gravel in places.
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Plate 11-15: Areas of standing water commonly occurred on the surface in the period of wet weather in December 2020.
Plate 11-16: Only one area in the southern part of the site in Srah townland was in pasture. The grass was low revealing a very level land surface.
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Plate 11-17: The agricultural use of the land is made possible by a series of drains that flank each field fence of the Site. The water drains to the Yellow River (northern site boundary). The field system was in existence from at least the mid- 19th century (1st E Ed O.S. Map) but was probably laid out in the later 18th century. Many of the field fences recorded in the 1st edition O.S. map are now gone but the regular upkeep (by mechanical excavation) of the drains is necessary to maintain the land.
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Plate 11-18: The drain profiles were examined to reveal a gritty clay subsoil, occasionally a thin band of peat (that can be seen in the righthand side of the photo) and mixed clay and peat topsoil created by regular cultivation.
Plate 11-19: The southern boundary of the Site in Greenhills townland is defined by a farm road. The road signifies a significant division of the landscape, an esker ridge to the south (left) where Greenhills House once stood (see below) and the flat fields to t to the north (right) where the solar farm is proposed.
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Plate 11-20: Looking South from the southern site boundary towards the farmyard of the former Greenhills House. The esker ridge is in sharp contrast to the flat fields to the north.
Plate 11-21: Looking Northwest; the flat lands lie between the esker ridge (south) and the Yellow River (north). This field is in fallow with the decayed remains of summer vegetations.
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Plate 11-22: The site of the former tree ring shown on the 1st ed O.S. map. No surface features are apparent today. The drainage of the flat land is maintained by deep drains flanking the fields and without these the area would not have been conducive.
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Plate 11-23: The remains of a tree-ring by the western boundary (outside) of the site. The ring is defined by a drainage ditch and has now surface bank, other than the straight field fence on the eastern side. The salient features are characteristic of a tree ring (feature of a designed landscape and not an archaeological monument).
Plate 11-24: The north-south rectangular fields are divided by drainage ditches flanked on one side by low banks.
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Plate 11-25: The long rectangular fields are aligned NW-SE stretching from the banks of the Yellow River (northern site boundary). At the time of inspection, a crop of kale was emerging in the freshly tilled fields.
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Plate 11-26: The fields are generally flat with a dark brown topsoil of mixed peat, grit and mineral soil. Areas of standing water indicate areas of poor surface drainage
Plate 11-27: A system of drains flanked by low banks maintains the viability of the land. The profile reveals the original late 18th/early 19th century level of the drains which have been recut in modern times. Recutting and maintenance of the drains is undertaken regularly.
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Plate 11-28: The drains lead to the Yellow River that forms the northern boundary of the site and the main drainage feature of the area. The river has been subject to straightening and deepening. The first ed O.S. map shows that straightening of the channel had taken place before the mid-19th century (Figure 11-3.C) and further work on the river appears to have taken place in the mid-20th century.
Plate 11-29: Items observed in the surface of the land included ceramic drainpipes and perforated red brick. The density of these items suggest that a system of ceramic land drains was laid throughout the fields in the 19th or early 20th century.
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Archaeological Monuments of the Site and Surrounding Area One Recorded Monument was identified (Appendix I-1) within the boundary of the development site. This monument has been excluded from direct impacts through the design layout to exclude 180m diameter area surrounding the monument from any element of the development (Figure 11-4). Many sites were identified in the wider vicinity. Their locations are marked by red dots on Figure 11-5. Figure 11-4: Detail of the western part of the site. RMP OF004-007 has been excluded from all elements of the development, together with a surrounding buffer zone, 180m in diameter (‘Archaeological Exclusion Zone’).
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Figure 11-5: Locations archaeological monuments in the vicinity as presented on the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) (a unit of the National Monuments Service).
The nearest known monuments are listed in the Table 11-2 below. The RMP number, monument classification, townland name and approximate distance boundary. A brief description of each site is also presented. Table 11-1: Monuments shown on the SMR RMP No. Classification Townland Distance from the Site Boundary
OF004-007 Earthwork Srah c. Within the site Not visible at ground level. Of doubtful archaeological interest. Potential site identified as a cropmark on GSI aerial photograph taken in 1973 (GSI N 588/9).
OF004-022 Bullaun Stone Derryiron c. 125m Boulder (2.30m x 1.4m) with depression (D 0.20m, Diam 0.35m) lying beside field fence as a result of land clearance.
OF004-008 Enclosure Garr c. 123m Located on good pastureland beside the Yellow River. No surface remains visible. Potential enclosure site identified as a cropmark from GSI aerial
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photograph taken in 1973 (GSI N 588/9). Of doubtful antiquity.
OF004-009 Moated site Wood c. 370m Large trapezoidal shaped enclosure (c. 65m NE-SW x c. 110m SE-NW) defined by a scarp with slight traces of a bank in places and a wide shallow fosse of the N. Evidence of a gap and causeway at SE. Situated in low lying area on slight rise. System of banks and fosses to S and E of enclosure
OF004-011001 Religious Coolcor c. 150m house - Appears now as a grass-covered Franciscan mound with no evidence of any nuns (Poor masonry. Situated on a slight rise on Clares) high ground. Fragment of cross (OF004- 011004-) said to have come from this site now at Rhode Parochial house (OF011-056) (Comerford 1883, 324).
Not visible at ground level. According to Comerford (1883, 324), this was the site of a Franciscan Convent which was a dependent of the nearby Franciscan monastery at Monasteroris (OF011- 011----). A portion of a late medieval wayside (OF004-011004-) cross originally from Coolcor is now located in front garden of the parochial house in the nearby village of Rhode. The cross shaft consists of four carvings one on each face depicting the Crucifixion, Virgin and Infant, a Bishop and a Monk with inscription below reading 'Blessed are the poor in spirit'.
OF004-011003 Redundant Coolcor c. 150m Record No visible surface remains. The earthworks at Coolcor form part of Coolcor monastery (OF004-011001-) which is already listed in the SMR, this entry is a duplicate entry and has been reclassified as a redundant record.
OF004-011004 Cross - Coolcor c. 100m Wayside cross Portion of late medieval wayside cross (H 1m; T 0.4m) located in the front garden of the parochial house in Rhode Village (OF011-056). According to the
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priest this cross came from the monastic site of Coolcor (OF004-011----) which is now destroyed. The cross is described by Comerford (1883, 324) as having four sculpted figures in relief one on each face. These figures according to Comerford are (1) the Crucifixion; (2):the blessed Virgin; (3) a Bishop (maybe St Patrick); (4) a monk (maybe St Francis). Below one of the Bishops there is an inscription in relief written in English which reads 'Blessed are the weak in Spirit'. According to the local priest there was a hole on top of the shaft of the cross with a metal spike attached, this was probably the method for attaching another piece onto the cross. This cross appears to belong to the 16th/17th-century.
OF004-011002 Building Coolcor c. 55m Not visible at ground level. Grave-slab in W wall of church at Ballyburly see SMR 11:56 for portion of cross said to have come from this site (SMR 4:13) said to be from here.
Buildings & Structures of Architectural Merit There are no features of architectural merit listed in the National Inventory of Architecture Heritage (NIAH) within the Site or the PR 20/494 site boundary. The nearest features of architectural merit are a range of stables (Plate 11-10) and outbuildings (Reg 14904008) associated with Greenhills House (now demolished, Plate 11- 9) and noted as having a ‘Regional Rating’ located c. 190m from the southern boundary of the PR 20/494 Site. The stable block is characterised by high quality workmanship especially the dressed limestone surrounding the Diocletian windows and tooled limestone block and start surround of the square headed doorway. The stable block is eight-bay, two-storey but with a replacement galvanised roof. The building is dated to between c. 1760 to 1780. Other sites listed in the NIAH include Garr Bridge (Reg. No. 14904005), noted as having a ‘Local’ rating located in the townland of Derryiron at a distance of c. 350m north from the site boundary. A ‘house’ dated 1780-1820 (Reg. No. 14904006) is listed as having a ‘Regional’ rating and is located c. 25m west of the Site boundary. A ‘thatched house’ dated 1780-1820 (Reg No. 1490416) is also in the townland of Derryiron and listed as having a ‘Regional’ rating is located c. 10m to the east of the Site boundary. No buildings are recorded in the historic maps within the site boundary other than the house and sheds located by the site entrance (Plates 11-11 & 11-12); one farmhouse stood in the farmyard and another house stands just to the north of the site entrance, but it is now disused. An examination of the historic maps (Figures 11-2) revealed the site of another small building stood close to the southern site boundary, but no trace of this building is visible on the landscape today. The building stood in Srah townland c. 20m to the south (outside) of the site boundary.
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Plate 11-30: The proposed site entrance will via an old farmyard (now levelled). The house in the adjoining property to the north is now disused. A farm shed stands to the S.
11.4 Potential Impacts Proposals such as the development of a solar farm and associated infrastructure can have both direct and indirect impacts on the archaeological heritage of the site and area. Direct impacts tend to be mainly physical impacts resulting from the construction process and indirect impacts tend to be mainly visual. Direct impacts on the archaeological heritage are permanent as archaeology is a non-renewable resource. Visual impacts are confined to the life of the development and are therefore reversible in the longer term. Direct Impact It is proposed to upgrade the existing farm road from the entrance (Plate 11-1) to give long- term connection between the site entrance and the substation, battery storage area. The entrance will lead from the roadway in the western side of the site through a former farmyard (now levelled and covered in hardcore, Plate 11-11) to the substation and associated buildings. The roadway will skirt the northern limit of the buffer zone of RMP OF004-007, enclosure which is set out as a 180m diameter exclusion area (Figure 11-4) designed to protect the monument and any associated features from impact by the development. The largest likely impacts on the existing ground surface will be from the construction of small-scale building units namely; Transformer Stations, Auxiliary Transformer Stations, Inverters, Client Building, Storage Building, Communications Building, DNO building and Perimeter Security fence. The buildings associated with the Proposed Development are all small in scale. (Figure 11-4). The entrance track will be an upgrade of the existing farm road (Plates 11-11 & 11-2) and development therefrom based on the removal of a thin layer of topsoil, the track will not be tarred but consist of compacted gravel. The machinery utilised in the course of the works will be a 13-tonne digger, 6 tonne piling rig with tracks of 600mm to minimise ground disturbance or alternatively a tractor mounted piling rig will be used. These machines are no heavier than those used in modern agricultural practices.
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The grid connection will be via underground cables installed within and along the margins of the L1009-2 and L1009-3. There are no known archaeological features of interest within the grid connection boundary. A group of four 4No. National Monuments (OF004-011001, OF004-011002, OF004-011003 and OF004-011004) are at distances of ca. 55m – ca. 150m from the Site and therefore the excavations for the cable trenches will have no impact on these monuments. The majority of the underground cabling works will occur within areas where the ground has already been disturbed. Indirect Impacts Indirect Impacts tend to be mainly visual. As the only known archaeological monument (RMP OF 004-007) within the site boundary has no surface expression (known only from aerial photographs) and the development has been designed to protect the monument by an appropriate buffer zone (Figure 11-4) there will be no indirect impact on this either physically or visually. All identifiable monuments in the immediate vicinity of the site are at considerable distances from the site boundary, therefore no indirect impacts on the known archaeological resource of the area are likely to arise. Some of the sites are also identifiable only from aerial photographs e.g., OF 004-008, enclosure, or are small, isolated features e.g., OF 004-022, bullaun stone, and therefore issues of visual impact on the monuments do not arise. Visual impacts on known archaeological monuments in the wider vicinity of the proposal under review are unlikely to be significant as the site subject to the solar panels is located on flat ground. The distance to other monuments in wider vicinity also serves to reduce issues of potential visual impacts. 11.5 Proposed Mitigation Measures There is one known Recorded Monument near the site boundary (OF004-007, earthwork). The monument is known only form aerial photograph and in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland description is stated to be ‘Of doubtful archaeological interest’. The design of the proposal to exclude 180m diameter area surrounding the monument from any element of the development is considered adequate mitigation to preserve and protect any potential subsurface archaeological resource that may be present. Elsewhere on the site the risk of inadvertent impact on hitherto unknown buried archaeological material can be mitigated by archaeological monitoring of any significant areas of ground disturbance, in particular the soil removal for the access track, all the proposed buildings, and the cable trench. Such a requirement for monitoring may form a condition of any grant of planning permission. 11.6 Cumulative Impact There will be no cumulative impact arising from the proposal. 11.7 Assessment Conclusions and Recommendations A request for Further Information issued under PR 20/494, in relation to archaeology. A response prepared by Dr Maurice F. Hurley in relation to this RFI is attached in Appendix I- 2. Geophysical survey A geophysical survey was not included in the Archaeological Assessment submitted with Solar PV planning application PR:20/4949, as it is not a requirement nor is it normal practise to undertake large scale geophysical survey in advance of solar farm developments; this is in line with guidelines from Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, National Monuments Service that states:
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‘FI request should not take the form of blanket requests for geo-physical survey across the whole development area or request testing across the whole development on the sole grounds that the development is large-scale. Any request for FI by way of geo-physical survey or archaeological testing should be based on specific and verifiable indicators of archaeological potential (e.g., close proximity to known archaeological monuments, presence in the area proposed to be development of potential archaeological features identified from aerial photographs or potential features identified in the course of field walking).’ Recommendation for geophysical survey as one possible means of investigating a specific feature. In the original Archaeological Assessment, it was recommended that ‘specific investigation targeted on the location of a former tree-ring is recommended to take place in advance of the commencement of construction. The scope of this investigation might involve geophysical survey and archaeological testing focused on the site of a former tree-ring within the site boundary (Figure 11-2.B & 11-3.B) with a view to verifying/eliminating any potential risk of impact on a buried archaeological feature’. This recommendation was specific to the site the former tree ring and did not refer to any other part of the site. In the light of the Winter-time field survey, the location of the tree rings is considered to reflect nothing other than the landscaping associated with Greenhills House and the low-lying poorly drained ground is now considered a highly unlikely site for an ancient monument such as a ringfort or burial enclosure. Summary of the findings The monument OF 004-007, earthwork, is only apparent from aerial photographs and even this is defined by the National Monuments Service as ‘of doubtful archaeological interest’, i.e., the feature apparent in the aerial photograph may not be an archaeological monument at all. Notwithstanding the feature is a listed monument (RMP) and therefore has been excluded from the proposal together with a substantial buffer zone. The two tree-rings depicted on the 1st and 2nd editions of the O.S. maps to have some potential for an origin as enclosures, has in the light of a comprehensive winter field walking survey been re-evaluated as tree-rings, i.e., landscape features within sight of Greenhills House which stood on the esker ridge to the south. The grid connection will be via underground cables installed within and along the margins of the L1009-2 and L1009-3. There are no known archaeological features of interest within the Site and the majority of the unground cabling works will occur within the existing road where the ground has already been disturbed. The two NIAH sites within close proximity to the Site boundary along the L1009-2 (Reg. No. 14904006 and 14904016) will not be impacted by these works. In conclusion, the understanding of the landscape obtainable in the course of the winter-time field walking survey points to a negligible archaeological potential throughout the site.
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12 CONCLUSIONS 12.1 Cumulative Impacts Based on the localised nature of the Proposed Development, the justification for the need for the addition of nodes on the power grid, battery storage and renewable energy, which is in line with national actions plans, along with a review of the planning history for the surrounding area, no cumulative impacts are anticipated as a result of the proposed works. The Proposed Development will not give rise to any in combination impacts on ecological, landscape and visual, hydrological or cultural heritage receptors. 12.2 Assessment Conclusions The key conclusions of this ER remain unchanged and are that the Proposed Development (110kV substation, grid connection, Solar PV farm and battery storage) will not result in any likely or significant environmental impacts based on the following: • The proposed design has taken full cognisance of all requirements of the Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020; • The Ecological Assessment concluded that the Site is currently of low ecological value, and that the Proposed Development will not have any direct or indirect adverse impacts on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 sites or on any notable / protected flora and fauna. Overall, the proposed landscaping and biodiversity measures will result in an overall positive impact for local biodiversity; • A Preliminary Site-Specific Flood Risk assessment confirmed the absence of any notable flood risks on the Site or in the immediate vicinity of the Site, therefore the Proposed Development will not result in any increased flood risk. • The Proposed Development will not require any alternations to the existing drainage network and no specific drainage infrastructure will be required; • There will be no likely noise nuisance during both the daytime and night-time operation of the Proposed Development at nearby receptors; • The Site is located in an area characterised to be of low landscape sensitivity. There will be no impacts, direct, indirect or residual on receptors in regard to visual amenity of the area; • The landscaping proposed as part of the Proposed Development will ensure that it will not result in any significant residual impacts on receptors in regard to direct visual impacts or impacts associated with glint and glare; • Sufficient setbacks will be implemented from all sensitive receptors- adjacent dwellings, transport route receptors (road), on-site tree / hedge lines and drains and therefore no adverse effects either during construction or operational phase will occur; • No protected archaeological sites will be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the Proposed Development. There is one archaeological monument near the boundary of the site, however, no works are proposed for the area overlying the Recorded Monument; • A separate Construction Traffic Management Plan has been submitted in support of this application which confirms that construction traffic accessing the proposed development will not result in any significant traffic impacts; • A Preliminary Construction Environmental Management (pCEMP) has been submitted in support of the planning application. This pCEMP will be used by the
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appointed contractor to prepare an updated and comprehensive CEMP prior to the commencement of any on-site works. It is proposed that this plan will be agreed with the Council in advance and will be fully implemented during the construction of the Proposed Development; and, • The Proposed Development will have a design life of approximately 35 years at which time it will be fully decommissioned, and lands reinstated.
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13 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
Commitment
General
• Construction works will comply with all relevant legislation and best practice to reduce any potential environmental impacts; • A comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be submitted to the Planning Authority for approval prior to the commencement of construction works; • A comprehensive Construction Traffic Management Plan will be submitted to the Planning Authority for approval prior to the commencement of construction works; • The contractor shall ensure that all personnel working on-site are trained and aware of the mitigation measures detailed within the ER; • Sufficient setbacks will be implemented from all sensitive receptors- adjacent dwellings, transport route receptors (road or rail), on-site tree / hedge lines and drainage ditches; and, • Construction works will be restricted to normal working hours, 07:00-19:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00-14:00 on Saturday with the exception of essential activities such as repairs. No construction activities will take place on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Biodiversity
General Measures – Construction • An ecological clerk of works (ECoW) will inspect the Site before works commence and will undertake Site inspections as required during the works; • Any removal of vegetation will be scheduled to take place outside of the nesting bird season, typically considered to be between the 1st of March to 31st August (weather dependant). Should works be required within this season, they will need to approved by the appointed project ECoW; • In advance of works, all Site personnel will receive an induction which will include reference to mitigation measures in relation to protected species; • If amphibians are encountered during operations at the Site, works will stop within the specific area and a suitably qualified ecologist will be contacted for advice; • During construction, all boundary trees and treelines that are to be retained will be protected from unnecessary damage;
• All works and solar farm infrastructure will be undertaken in a manner to ensure that no impacts occur on existing drainage ditches / streams or hedge / treeline. • A 10m setback from Yellow River will be maintained throughout the lifetime of the Proposed Development; • Should construction works be required outside of daylight hours, the appointed project ECoW will be consulted as required; • Protected Species posters will be erected on the Site notice board and maintained throughout the duration of the works; and,
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Commitment • All vehicles, machinery and any other equipment that may be used for the works will be washed and cleaned as required prior to being used on the Site to prevent the import of plant material / seeds.
Protection for Mammals: As detailed in the Biodiversity Management Plan (Appendix E) will be submitted within the Planning Application to enhance the Site’s overall biodiversity. Badgers • Where deep excavations will be required on-site, appropriate measures to protect mammals from ingress will be installed; • Obvious mammal paths will be left clear of obstruction to allow for the free movement of smaller mammals throughout the landscape; and, • If unidentified burrows are identified within the works area during construction, the project ECoW will be contacted for advice. Otters • A confirmatory pre-construction survey will be carried out to check for otter holts within or close to the works areas. Based on the dynamic nature in otter breeding sites and locations along with the likely timeframe between the otter survey date and the date upon which approval for planning may be granted, a confirmatory pre- construction survey will be undertaken; • All perimeter fencing will be fitted with mammal gates; • Riparian enhancement planting will be undertaken within the 10m setback from Yellow River; • Where excavations will be required onsite, appropriate measures to protect mammals from ingress will be installed; • No construction works will take place outside of daylight hours during the site clearance works, the appointed project ECoW will be consulted as required
Water Quality
Pre-Construction The Applicant will return the land from arable land to pasture / grassland at least 12 months in advance of any construction works commencing, allowing the installation of the solar panels to be undertaken on an established grassed surface. This will minimise the potential for soil erosion during the construction phase. Construction
• All construction works associated with the Proposed Development will be setback a minimum of 10m from the Yellow River and 6m from onsite drains / streams, and separated by existing hedge / treeline. The only exception will be the temporary works associated with the grid connection where drainage ditches will be in closer proximity, but all best practice procedures will be implemented during these works;
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Commitment • Preventative maintenance and relevant maintenance logs will be kept for all on-site plant and equipment; • Excavations will be left open for minimal periods to avoid acting as a conduit for surface water flows; • All materials shall be stored at the main contractor compound and transported to the works zone immediately prior to construction; • Any chemical / oils to be stored on Site will be placed within a bund on an area of hardstanding to ensure there is no seepage of pollutants into groundwater or surface water; • All bunds will have the capacity of the largest tank volume plus 10 percent, at a minimum, with additional capacity to hold 30mm of rainfall; • Adequate spill kits including absorbent booms and other absorbent material will be maintained on-site; • All contractor workers will be appropriately trained in the use of spill kits; • Weather conditions will be considered when planning construction activities to minimise risk of runoff from Site; • Any pouring of concrete will only be carried out in dry weather. Washout of concrete trucks will not be permitted on the Site; • Any spillage of cementitious materials will be cleaned-up immediately; • Any sediments impacted by contamination will be excavated and stored in appropriate sealed containers for disposal offsite in accordance with all relevant waste management legislation; • All drainage from bund areas must be directed to secure containment prior to suitable disposal; • Fuel will be delivered on site by a dedicated tanker or in a delivery bowser dedicated to that purpose; • The Appointed Contactor will put in place a specific, step-by-step refuelling procedure which will be communicated to all relevant employees on-site; • Fuels, lubricants and hydraulic fluids for equipment used in the construction phase will be carefully handled to avoid spillage, properly secured against unauthorised access or vandalism, and provided with spill containment according to current best practice; • Vehicle or equipment maintenance work will be carried out in a designated area on the Site. In the event that refuelling is required outside this area a spill tray will be employed during the refuelling operation; • Prior to any works commencing, all construction equipment will be checked to ensure that they are mechanically sound, to avoid leaks of oil, fuel, hydraulic fluids and grease; • Where drainage ditches are crossed with underground cables, the release of sediment over baseline conditions will be prevented by the use of silt traps, check dams and / or bunds. These will be put in place in advance of construction works and monitored on a regular basis; • No surface water runoff will be discharged onto public roads, foul sewers or adjacent property; and, • Measures will be implemented to minimise waste and ensure correct handling, storage and disposal of waste.
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Commitment
Operational • Throughout the operation phase of the Proposed Development, monitoring and maintenance of the grassland beneath the panels will be undertaken to ensure excess runoff or soil erosion / compaction does not occur. If required, the ground will be cultivated and re-seeded; and, • A riparian woodland strip will be planted within the 10m buffer zone along the Yellow River. Riparian vegetation will act as a sediment trap and reduce erosion.
Noise and Vibration
Construction • Activities and deliveries to the Site to occur only during permitted hours; • The following noise limits will apply the façade of dwellings during construction activities (BS5228 ABC Method for assessing Construction Noise Impact); and,
Day & Times LAeq, dB
Daytime (07:00-19:00) and Saturday (07:00-13:00) 65
• A Site Representative will be appointed to receive and respond to any noise complaints received from local residents, the Local Authority and any other regulatory body. Grid Connection - Construction • Selection of quieter equipment; • Utilising acoustic screens and enclosures; • Machinery and equipment powered off/throttled down when not in use; • Start-up plant sequentially rather than all together; • Regular maintenance of machinery and equipment; • The duration of noisier machinery will be reduced when in proximity to a NSR; and
• Where possible loading and unloading will occur away from NSRs.
Landscape and Visual & Glint and Glare
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Commitment
• A comprehensive landscape plan will be implemented on-site (See Appendix B).
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