ATLANTIC ARRAY OFFSHORE WIND FARM PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY Channel Energy Ltd Pre-application Section 47 Consultation Produced September 2011 RWE npower renewables
Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Channel Energy Limited
Copyright (c) 2011 Channel Energy Limited
Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm All pre-existing rights reserved.
Preliminary Environmental Information
Liability Non Technical Summary In preparation of this document Channel Energy Limited (CEL), wholly owned subsidiary of RWE Npower Renewables Ltd, has made reasonable efforts to
ensure that the content is accurate, up to date and complete for the purpose for which it was prepared. CEL makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of material supplied. Other than any liability on CEL detailed in the contracts between the parties for this work CEL shall have no liability for September 2011 any loss, damage, injury, claim, expense, cost or other consequence arising as a result of use or reliance upon any information contained in or omitted from this document.
Any persons intending to use this document should satisfy themselves as to its applicability for their intended purpose. Where appropriate, the user of this document has the obligation to employ safe working practices for any activities referred to and to adopt specific practices appropriate to local conditions.
Front cover image: North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm. This image is not intended to represent Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Table of Contents Figure 12: Atlantic Array Substation Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoint Locations 1 Introduction 1 Figure 13: Location of Designated Sites (Ecology) 2 Consenting Process 12 Figure 14: Location of Designated Heritage Assets 3 Site Selection 14 Figure 15: River Torridge (photo) 4 Potential Offshore Effects 17 Figure 16: Public Rights of Way, Recreational Routes and 5 Potential Onshore Effects 32 Facilities 6 Summary 47
Tables Figures Table 1: Indicative Turbine Dimensions and Numbers Figure 1: Location of Proposed Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Project Figure 2: Construction of an Offshore Wind Turbine (North Hoyle) Figure 3: Onshore Cable Corridor and Substation Locations Figure 4: Indicative Cable Corridor Cross-Section (Construction Phase) Figure 5: Short-Listed Landfall Options Figure 6: Summary of Seabed Sediments Present in the Region of Atlantic Array Figure 7: Atlantic Array Marine Mammal Transects Figure 8: Gannet (photo) Figure 9: UK Offshore Wind License Areas Figure 10: Atlantic Array Wind Farm Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoint Locations Figure 11: Other Marine Users in the Bristol Channel Zone
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Glossary MCZ - Marine Conservation Zone, a new type of marine Protected Area. AONB – Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are nationally MW – Megawatt, unit of measurement used to describe the designated landscapes, originally designated under the 1949 power generated by wind turbines. A megawatt is equal to National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act and now 1,000,000 watts. protected further under The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000. NSIP - Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are large projects which support the economy and vital public services. CEL – Channel Energy Limited. A wholly owned subsidiary of They are defined under Part 3 of the Planning Act 2008. RWE Npower Renewables Ltd and the company developing the Atlantic Array project. PEI – Preliminary Environmental Information, information provided as part of the consultation process outlining the DCO – Development Consent Order is the permission findings of the EIA process to date. PEI is required under the required for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Planning Act 2008 and defined under the Infrastructure EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment is a means of Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations identifying a project’s likely significant environmental effects. (2009). ES – Environmental Statement, a report that sets out the SAC – Special Area of Conservation, a site designated for its findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment. ecological value under the European Habitats Directive. HDD - Horizontal Directional Drilling is a construction method Scour - Erosion of soft surface sediments which can occur that involves drilling under obstructions, such as roads or around the base of marine structures as a result of localised rivers to avoid the use of open trenches. currents. HRA – Habitat Regulation Assessment required to determine Scour protection - Materials placed around marine structures likely significant effects of a development on European to prevent formation of scour. designated sites, including SACs and SPAs. SoCC – Statement of Community Consultation which ICNIRP - International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation describes how the project developer proposes to consult with Protection. the local community about the proposals. IPC – Infrastructure Planning Commission, the independent SPA – Special Protection Area, a site designated for its value body that examines applications for NSIPs and makes for birds under the European Birds Directive. recommendations on the application to the appropriate SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest, a site designated for Secretary of State. its biodiversity or geological value at the national level under Landfall – Where the offshore export cables come ashore. the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Statutory consultee – those bodies, defined under The Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009, whom the IPC must inform of NSIPs and consult with them. Transition Chamber – Where the offshore export cables are joined to the onshore cables. ZTV – Zone of Theoretical Visibility, the area around the proposed development where it may be theoretically possible to see the wind farm.
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1 Introduction the onshore components. Details on how to access the full PEI are provided in Section 6. Introduction The Applicant This document is the non-technical summary (NTS) of the Channel Energy Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of RWE Preliminary Environmental Information (PEI) for the Atlantic Npower Renewables Limited (RWE NRL). Array Offshore Wind Farm (known as Atlantic Array). Atlantic Array is being developed by Channel Energy Ltd (CEL). RWE NRL is one of the UK’s leading renewable energy developers and operators. The company is committed to CEL is proposing to develop a 1500 megawatt (MW) wind developing and operating wind farms and hydro plants to farm (Atlantic Array) within the Bristol Channel. generate sustainable electricity. The company operates 19 Atlantic Array would be located approximately 16 kilometres hydroelectric schemes and 26 wind farms in the UK including (km) from the South Wales coast, 14km from the North Devon two offshore wind farms; North Hoyle and Rhyl Flats. coast and 13km from Lundy Island, at its closest points. It is also currently constructing two larger offshore wind farms; Atlantic Array is defined as a Nationally Significant Gwynt y Môr, off the North Wales coast, and Greater Gabbard Infrastructure Project (NSIP) under the Planning Act 2008. As (in which it holds a 50% share), which is located 25 kilometres such there is a requirement to carry out consultation on off the coast of Suffolk environmental issues prior to the application for development consent for the wind farm. Project Overview
This NTS provides information about the project, the studies Atlantic Array is a proposed Round 3 offshore wind farm with undertaken so far and also a summary of potential effects. a planned installed generating capacity of up to 1500MW. The impact assessment is still underway so any effects The project comprises both the offshore wind farm and identified are indicative at this stage. associated onshore infrastructure. The offshore elements will For more detailed information readers should consult the full be located within the Bristol Channel in water depths ranging PEI which is divided into two volumes, with Volume 1 relating from 25m to 60m, and the onshore elements will be located in to offshore elements of the project and Volume 2 relating to
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 1: Location of the Proposed Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Project
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North Devon. The project comprises the following main Summary of Project Details components: Consenting Approach ▪ Offshore wind turbines, including associated turbine support structures and foundations; The potential effects on the environment which may arise from ▪ Offshore electrical infrastructure (e.g. inter-array cables the construction, operation and decommissioning of Atlantic and up to 5 offshore platforms for substations) and Array will be subject to assessment in accordance with export cables; relevant Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations ▪ Up to three accommodation platforms, which may be and guidance. Cumulative effects with other proposed linked to offshore substation platforms; developments in the area will also be considered. ▪ Offshore meteorological masts and associated foundations; The final detailed design of the proposed wind farm will only ▪ A landfall site with associated jointing between the be confirmed following award of the required consent. Future offshore and onshore cable; changes in the design, availability and cost of wind turbines ▪ Onshore underground cable route; and mean that it is not always possible to predict what the best ▪ Onshore substations. structures and design would be for the offshore wind farm during preparation of the planning application. Therefore, it is CEL is working towards submitting the formal application intended to take forward a flexible planning application by documents for the project in the second half of 2012. If the presenting a design ‘envelope’ for the main offshore application for development is successful, construction is components. A description of the range of options being anticipated to commence in 2015 and is expected to take up considered is presented in the full PEI document. to 72 months to complete comprising consecutive construction periods. If the works are undertaken using a three phased The practice of incorporating flexibility into the project design approach, each module is anticipated to take up to 24 months when applying for development consent for an offshore wind to build, the construction phases may not be continuous. farm is a widely accepted approach which can benefit the project’s economic viability, but can also help to minimise and mitigate the environmental and socio-economic effects of the project. The Atlantic Array onshore substation will also need to use the same ‘envelope’ approach to allow for a flexible design to
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary accommodate the range of choices being considered Table 1: Indicative Turbine Dimensions and Numbers offshore. Indicative Turbine 3.6 MW 5 MW 8 MW capacity Sufficient detail will be provided in the application to ensure Maximum no. to be that effects can be fully assessed. For each topic within the 417 300 188 EIA, the scenario which gives rise to the most significant installed effects will be identified and assessed. If the assessment Lower blade tip 105 110 125 concludes that the scenario is acceptable, then other potential above LAT (m) design, construction and operational techniques which Upper blade tip 165 180 220 present a lesser effect would also be regarded as acceptable. above LAT (m) Maximum rotor Offshore 125 140 180 diameter (m) The final layout of the proposed wind farm will be optimised to Note: LAT = Lowest Astronomical Tide. maximise the energy yield from the site and to minimise Foundations are required to securely support the wind environmental effects. Ultimately the number of turbines turbines, meteorological masts and offshore platforms to the installed and the precise layout would depend on the sea bed, whilst withstanding loads from the wind and the individual capacity of the chosen wind turbines. Table 1 marine environment. They also provide safe access and a provides the dimensions for an indicative range of turbines. safe working environment for operational and maintenance The project would be limited to 1500MW of installed capacity. activities. A range of foundation types are being considered. Therefore, the number of turbines installed would be These include: determined by their rated capacity, i.e. the amount of electrical ▪ Multipile or jacket foundations, which typically consist of power a turbine will produce. The number of turbines which four main legs which are linked by a lattice of cross- would be installed at Atlantic Array will not exceed 417. The braces. Each leg is secured to the sea floor, using a largest turbines that may be installed would have a maximum driven or drilled pin-pile, or may be held in place by a tip height of 220m and a maximum hub height of 125m above suction caisson (similar to an inverted bucket, the sea level. If turbines of a rated capacity smaller than 3.6MW hydrostatic pressure and the seabed properties provide or larger than 8MW are installed, their characteristics would the force required to hold the structure in place). be within the limits defined within Table 1.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
▪ Gravity base structures, which comprise a large diameter detailed project design. The necessary consent for this base, constructed of reinforced concrete or steel, which structure will be obtained separately from the consent for the sits on the seabed to support the turbine tower. The main wind farm development. gravity base solution relies on the dead weight of the Atlantic Array would include between two and five offshore structure to support the turbine, and to maintain position substations. The location of these would be determined once and verticality. the turbine layout has been decided. The power from the ▪ Floating concepts are being progressed to meet the turbines would be delivered to the substation by sub sea challenges of a growing offshore wind industry, which cables. Transformers housed in the substations would step up seeks to develop projects in areas of deeper water, and the voltage for delivery to the shore via the export cables. greater tides and currents. Floating structures are fixed to the seabed using a number of techniques, such as Further offshore platforms may be installed to provide tension legs, or wires, attached to anchors, or pin piles. accommodation for operations and maintenance crews. The supporting structure may sit completely below, or These would provide sleeping accommodation, rest rooms, across the water line. and shower facilities. Accommodation platforms may be stand ▪ Tripod and braced column structures, similar to alone structures, or may be bridge-linked to the substations. multipile/jacket foundations, these typically comprise a A maximum of three accommodation platforms is being central steel column, braced to three slender legs that considered. are pinned to the seabed. Suction caissons may be used Submarine cables are required to as an alternative to pin-piles. connect turbines together into Further details of the foundation options being considered are groups or strings. Each string is presented in the full PEI document (Volume 1). then connected to an offshore substation. Up to ten higher voltage In addition to the turbines, Atlantic Array would include up to cables would then export electricity five meteorological monitoring stations. Meteorological from the offshore substations stations are essential to provide meteorological and towards the shore, where they oceanographic data from the site. It is anticipated that at least would be jointed to the onshore one meteorological station would be installed in advance of cables. the main construction period to provide data to inform the Figure 2: Construction of an Offshore Wind Turbine (North Hoyle)
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
The length of submarine cable required is dependent upon the Further details of the cable installation options are provided in detailed turbine layout, the number of offshore substation the full PEI document (Volume 1). platforms and the voltage capacity of the cables selected. Onshore The layout will be carefully chosen as part of the final project design, which will include undertaking a cable routing and Atlantic Array would require development onshore, comprising burial risk assessment, that will take account of any electrical infrastructure to allow the electricity generated by obstructions, including sensitive habitats or wrecks. the offshore wind turbines to be transferred into the National The offshore cables would be buried where possible, and Grid transmission system. The onshore development would protected where it is not feasible to do so, to prevent include the cable landfall site at Cornborough Range and the movement of the cables, to limit potential environmental onward cable route from the landfall location to the grid impacts and to prevent any navigational risk to other marine connection point at Alverdiscott (see Figure 3). users. Upon reaching the shore the export cables would be installed Possible cable installation techniques include: within ducts beneath the seabed, emerging on the cliff behind the high water mark at Cornborough Range in buried ▪ Ploughing: The cable is simultaneously laid and buried. transition chambers. This would be undertaken using a The cable plough lifts a section of the seabed deposit technique known as Horizontal Directional Drilling which and lays the cable below it. The seabed deposit is then would be used to pass the cable underground beneath the returned to its original position. following features: ▪ Trenching: A remotely operated vehicle fitted with a cutting attachment is used to cut a trench into the i) The cliffs at Cornborough Range, as these form part of seabed as the cable is simultaneously laid. This option the Mermaid’s Pool to Rowden Gut Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is designated for may be required where stiff clay or rock is present. geological reasons; ▪ Jetting: The cable is first laid on the seafloor. A remotely operated vehicle equipped with high pressure water jets ii) The A39, which represents one of the main routes through the project area for both local and longer then proceeds along the cable route, fluidising the distance traffic; seabed around the cable, allowing the cable to be lowered. iii) River Torridge and its floodplain, the A386 and the Tarka Trail.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 3: Onshore Cable Corridor and Substation Locations
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
The onshore cables would be buried within a 60m wind farm into that suitable for distribution via the national grid construction corridor in individual trenches between transmission system. In addition to this, the existing National Cornborough Range and Alverdiscott. The cable corridor Grid substation would be expanded and upgraded in order to would consist of between six and ten cable circuits, depending adequately accommodate and distribute the electricity on the transmission voltage selected. The onshore cables supplied by Atlantic Array. would be buried at between 1 to 2.5 metres depth in trenches, The upgrade of the National Grid 400kV substation would be except where the route is required to cross beneath features designed, constructed and owned by National Grid. The such as pipelines, highways or rivers, where deeper burial substation developed by CEL would eventually be acquired by may be required. Cables would be supplied in lengths with an offshore transmission owner along with other parts of the cable jointing bays required approximately every 800m to 1km electrical transmission system that extend offshore. along the route. The onshore cable route would be approximately 14.5km in length. Following cable installation, A landscape strategy would be developed for the substation topsoil and hedgerows would be reinstated and replanted. site in order to screen views of the development as far as practicable, whilst also providing ecological habitat. A new onshore substation is proposed adjacent to the existing National Grid 400kV substation at Alverdiscott, which lies Further details can be found in the full PEI document (Volume approximately 5km to the south of Bideford. This substation 2). would be designed to transform the voltage delivered from the
Figure 4: Indicative Cable Corridor Cross- Section (Construction Phase)
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Construction Programme Consultation
The offshore components and onshore substation for Atlantic The Planning Act 2008 sets out CEL’s duty to undertake Array may be installed in a single phase (1500MW) or in up to formal pre-application consultation on the project with three phases of smaller developments (approximately 500MW members of the public and prescribed statutory bodies. The each). If the application for the development is successful, it public are consulted under section 47 of the Act, while is anticipated that construction would commence in 2015. statutory bodies are consulted under section 42. Offshore The Atlantic Array project is a Development Consent Order application which requires EIA under the Infrastructure A single build for the offshore wind farm is anticipated to take Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations up to 72 months to complete, comprising consecutive 2009. construction periods. If the works are undertaken using a Accordingly, CEL has compiled the PEI, which provides a phased approach, each module is anticipated to take up to 24 description of the project and summarises the environmental months to build Construction phases may not be continuous. work undertaken to date and our preliminary view of the key Onshore issues. As part of its pre-application consultation process, CEL is In the event that the Atlantic Array substation is built in a making the PEI available to the public. The production of the single phase, the duration is anticipated to be approximately PEI coincides with the completion of survey work being 36 months. If the works are undertaken using a phased undertaken for the EIA. approach, each phase may take up to 24 months. In line with the offshore build, it is possible that the phases may not be During the section 47 consultation, CEL will be collecting continuous. feedback from the public on the Atlantic Array project. The PEI and this NTS are being published to support the public Construction works for the cable route (including Horizontal ability to make comments on the project during the Section 47 Directional Drilling) would be undertaken in a single phase. It consultation period. is anticipated that this would take approximately 30 months. Section 42 statutory consultees will be consulted separately on a draft Environmental Statement (ES) in early 2012. CEL will incorporate comments collected from the public during the
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Section 47 consultation into the draft ES that is supplied to Renewable Energy Policy Section 42 consultees. The United Kingdom Government has concluded that there is Outside of the period of the formal Section 42 consultation, a strong need for offshore wind generation in order to meet which will commence in 2012, the Atlantic Array project team international climate change obligations and domestic targets has been undertaking informal consultation with statutory for renewable energy, as well as replacing existing generating bodies and stakeholders since 2008, in order to identify and capacity reaching the end of its lifespan and ensuring security agree important issues relevant to the site and define how of supply to minimise reliance on imported energy. those issues should be dealt with via the EIA process. UK energy requirements have traditionally been met by fossil Full details of the proposed approach to Section 47 fuels and nuclear energy. However, the UK government has consultation, including the methods that will be used and set ambitious targets for renewable energy, including offshore groups and organisations that will be contacted have been wind. These targets are intended to help the UK to meet its made public in a Statement of Community Consultation international climate change obligations as well as helping to (SoCC). Section 6 of this NTS provides details of where the deliver increased security of energy supply. SoCC and accompanying documents for Atlantic Array project can be obtained. The 2009 Renewable Energy Strategy confirmed the UK's commitment to source 15% of its energy from renewable Following consultation in line with section 47 and section 42 of sources by 2020. While biomass, hydroelectricity and wave the Planning Act 2008, CEL must subsequently demonstrate, and tidal generation are all considered to have an important via a Consultation Report, how they have responded to the role to play, the strategy anticipates that most of the new comments received from both stages of consultation in capacity will come from wind farms (onshore and offshore), preparing the formal application documents for the project. with offshore wind likely to be the largest single contributor. These will include an ES (which will document the findings of the detailed (EIA) process) and a document presenting The UK’s commitment to renewable energy has been information to support a Habitats Regulation Assessment embodied in the recently designated Energy National Policy (HRA) which will provide information on possible impacts on Statements (NPS), the requirement for which was set out by sites of European nature conservation importance. the Planning Act, 2008. Atlantic Array would contribute up to 1500MW of new renewable generating capacity, sufficient to provide the
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary approximate annual energy needs of 1.1 million homes1. The development therefore represents a significant contribution towards ambitious European, national and regional renewable energy targets.
1 Energy predicted to be generated by the project is derived using long term wind speeds calculated by meteorological models seeded with historic weather data obtained from satellite, surface-based and airborne measurement systems. This enables a calculation to be made to estimate the average annual energy production for the site based on 250 turbines each of rated capacity 6.15MW. The energy capture predicted and hence derived homes equivalent or emissions savings figures may change as further data are gathered. Equivalent homes supplied is based on an annual energy consumption per home of 4700kWh. This figure is supported by recent domestic electricity consumption data available from The Digest of UK Energy Statistics and household estimates and projections from the UK Statistics Authority.
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2 Consenting Process the relevant National Policy Statements. It is expected that Atlantic Array will fall under this new regime, subject to The Planning Act passage of the Localism Bill, which is currently before the House of Lords. Under the legislation in the Planning Act, the development of an offshore wind farm of over 100MW is classified as a Environmental Impact Assessment Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and will The legislative framework for Environmental Impact require a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Assessment (EIA) is set at the European level by European independent Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). A Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended. The EIA Directive Marine Licence for works in English Territorial Waters will be a requires that EIA be undertaken in support of an application deemed Licence within the DCO. In addition to this a separate for development consent for certain types of project. Marine Licence will also need to be obtained from the Welsh Government to cover parts of the development in Welsh Offshore wind farms are listed in Annex II of the EIA Directive Territorial Waters. as ‘installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (wind farms)’. The DCO will replace a number of consents formerly required for a project of this type. The application will provide for the For Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) that project in its entirety, i.e. both the offshore and the onshore require development consent under the Planning Act 2008, aspects, with onshore electrical grid connection works the requirements of the EIA Directive have been transposed comprising ‘associated development’ under the new regime. into UK legislation by the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (2009). It is expected that, in due course, the body responsible for Within this document, these are referred to as the ‘EIA examining DCO applications, the IPC, will become part of the Regulations’. The EIA Regulations apply to offshore wind Planning Inspectorate. For future DCO applications for farms of over 100MW. renewable energy schemes, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation on the application to the Secretary of The Preliminary Environmental Information (PEI) and this NTS State for Energy and Climate Change. The Secretary of State have been produced to provide information about Atlantic will make the final decision on whether or not to grant the Array as a pre-application stage of formal public consultation. Development Consent Order for the project, having regard to The next stage in the environmental assessment process is the preparation of the draft ES, which will present the results
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary of the EIA. This document will provide the basis for formal Section 42 consultation with statutory bodies prior to preparation of the final ES, which will accompany the Development Consent application. CEL is committed to minimising the environmental effects of the project as far as practicable. As a result, CEL will consider all relevant mitigation and monitoring measures and include them in the project, where appropriate. It is expected that consultation with the public and statutory consultees will raise other issues and mitigation methods to consider and CEL is also committed to considering these suggestions.
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3 Site Selection At a strategic level, the selection of the Round 3 development zones has also been supported by the findings of a 2009 Offshore published UK-wide offshore energy Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) by the Department of Energy and Climate The Atlantic Array site has been subject to ongoing site Change (DECC) and an Appropriate Assessment was carried selection and refinement activities since 2005. The initial out at plan level. investigation in to the potential development of a wind farm in In preparation for the tender round, RWE npower renewables the Bristol Channel area was undertaken by a North Devon commenced a programme of surveys and consultation to based Company, Farm Energy. A subsidiary of Farm Energy, further inform their understanding of the zone building on the Channel Energy Ltd (CEL), undertook a preliminary work undertaken by Farm Energy. The result of this assessment of the feasibility of an offshore wind farm in the assessment was the selection of a project area for Atlantic Outer Bristol Channel. Following on from this CEL then Array which is much the same as today, together with a secured a grid connection agreement at Alverdiscott. In smaller project in the North East of the zone which it called September 2008 RWE Npower Renewables Ltd acquired CEL Atlantic East, though subsequent consultation and more and the development assets for the proposed Atlantic Array detailed assessment of constraints has now halted any offshore wind farm including the grid connection agreement. development of this eastern area. The Crown Estate announced a third round of offshore wind Since award of the development rights for the zone, from The leasing in June 2008 which included details of eleven zones in Crown Estate in January 2010, the Atlantic Array offshore site waters off the coastlines of England, Scotland and Wales. The boundary has been refined following consultations undertaken indicative development zones identified were subject to an with key stakeholders as part of the iterative EIA process and extensive consultation process with key stakeholders further investigation into the existing environmental and including representatives from environmental, commercial human parameters of the site. fishing, military and shipping interest groups. This process led to a refinement of the tendering round (which became known Onshore as ‘Round 3’) to focus on nine zones in a second iteration in September 2008. One of these, Zone 8, was located within Onshore site selection activities to connect Atlantic Array to the Bristol Channel. the existing National Grid infrastructure began in 2005 and originally encompassed both sides of the Bristol Channel.
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National Grid considered that, given the significant new consultees and further ecological and engineering studies, in generation activity in South Wales, particularly around November 2010 CEL selected the Cornborough Range Pembroke and Swansea, it would not be possible to connect landfall as the option to progress. Atlantic Array to South Wales for a considerable period. In The project team is currently working with landowners at contrast, National Grid identified that South West England Cornborough Range, Alverdiscott and along the identified was a net importer of power and grid connection capacity was cable route to obtain the rights to lay and maintain cables and available. Having considered where the grid in the South construct the substation, should the project receive West could be accessed in proximity to the wind farm, a grid development consent. These discussions, together with the connection agreement at Alverdiscott was signed between consultation process, are designed to elicit any further CEL and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) in information which may contribute to amendments to the 2006. existing route. There is one area of the route near Littleham A number of landfall options leading to Alverdiscott were where two options have been identified and this process may investigated. The initial shortlist consisted of Cornborough help make a choice between the two if new information can be Range, Instow Sands, Saunton Sands and Woolacombe (see added to the existing survey work. This, along with ongoing Figure 5). For each of these four options, work was survey work means that it is likely that there will be changes to undertaken to consider potential cable route options between the route before the draft Environmental Statement is the landfall sites and the existing substation at Alverdiscott. completed. Instow Sands was dropped from the shortlist following The proposed route between Cornborough Range and discussions with consultees. It was felt that the combination Alverdiscott aims to minimise, where possible, interaction with of technical challenges and environmental sensitivities, settlements and environmentally sensitive areas. At present, together with the interference to other users of the estuary, the current cable route and substation locations are rendered the option significantly inferior to others. considered to represent the most viable location for the The shortlist was therefore narrowed down to three options in onshore development of Atlantic Array from the original short 2010. These three options were presented in the Scoping listed options, taking into account environmental, engineering Report in April 2010 and, following feedback from statutory and operational factors.
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Figure 5: Short Listed Landfall Options
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4 Potential Offshore Effects water and deposition onto the seabed. During operation, tidal action could lead to the localised depletion of seabed Potential Effects on the Physical Environment sediment around the base of offshore wind farm structures, commonly know as scour. This action could necessitate The existing environment has been described using mitigation by the use of scour protection such as the information collected by CEL (such as ecological surveys) and deposition of rock material around the foundations. a review of the existing knowledge about this area and the The potential effects of several foundation types on Bristol Channel generally. The information collected by CEL suspended sediment levels, tides, waves, the movement of has been found to be broadly consistent with existing seabed sediments, scour and adjacent banks and coastlines knowledge, including scientific research, government research will be investigated using computer simulations. and statistics, and consultation with statutory bodies. The impact assessment will also investigate how Atlantic Atlantic Array lies within an area of large tidal range (up to Array may add to effects on waves, tides and sediments approximately 10 metres in the east of the site) and strong arising from other developments or activities in the region currents (up to 1.5 m/s in parts of the site). The proposed (cumulative effects). Currently, it is considered that during the development site is also relatively exposed to waves construction phase there is potential for interaction between originating in the North Atlantic. The maximum significant sediment plumes arising from foundation installation within the wave height recorded during the collection of on-site data array and sediment plumes created by marine aggregate during 2010 was 5.5 m, although wave heights are found to dredging activities in existing nearby operational aggregate reduce from west to east across the site. Large (up to ~20 m) extraction areas. In addition to this a potential future sand waves are present on the seabed in the north and north- aggregate extraction area is located adjacent to the north west of the site. eastern margin of the proposed Atlantic Array site. The Atlantic Array development has the potential to affect waves and tides, which in turn control the movement of Potential Effects on the Biological Environment sediments and features such as sandbanks and shorelines. Seabed and Intertidal Habitats and Animals During the construction and decommissioning phases, foundation installation and other construction activities could Samples of the seabed in and around the Atlantic Array site, lead to a temporary increase in suspended sediments in the and the animals living on and within it have been collected
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary and analysed. Three main habitat types characterise the protection. Rocky areas, where these occur, are also likely to area. The majority of the area comprises coarse gravelly be affected, principally by increased levels of suspended seabed, with sandy sediments dominating the centre of the sediment and sediment deposition during construction and development site and areas of rocky seabed occurring decommissioning activities. primarily across a wide area outside the development site to Intertidal areas have been characterised during a walkover the east and southeast, as well as an area to the north of survey, which identified a wave cut platform of rock at the Lundy. landfall location of Cornborough Range. This platform The gravel areas support a relatively wide range of animals supported a relatively wide range of seaweeds, a tube- including worms, molluscs, barnacles and other species building worm of ecological interest, and various crustaceans growing on the surface of pebbles and stones found in these and mollusc species. areas. Sandy areas have been found to support relatively few No effects are anticipated to occur to intertidal habitats or animals. Rocky areas were found to have a range of animals species since the project is proposing to avoid any works living on the surface of the seabed including tube-building directly in this area by drilling (using HDD) underneath the worms, crustaceans, echinoderms (starfish/urchins), shoreline to connect the electrical cables. anemones and various other encrusting species. Fast currents were evident across the site, generally reducing the Although the assessment process is at an early stage, variety of animals which occurred, including variety in some of potential cumulative effects may include habitat loss, the rocky areas. increases in suspended sediment concentrations and sediment deposition as a result of other construction projects Coarse and sandy sediment communities are likely to be and aggregate extraction operations in the region. directly affected by the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Atlantic Array offshore wind farm Temporary habitat loss in these areas is likely to occur during construction and decommissioning and permanent (project life time) habitat loss will occur during operation of the wind farm due to the presence of offshore foundations and cable
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 6: Summary of Seabed Sediments Present in the Region of Atlantic Array
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Fish and Shellfish Marine Mammals
The fish and shellfish that are found in and around Atlantic The distribution of marine mammals in and around the Atlantic Array have been described by reviewing existing information Array site has been described using available information and and by sampling the site using commercial fishing trawls, by surveys conducted over a 12 month period. This included scientific trawls, potting surveys and fish larvae and egg monthly visual observations made from boats, underwater surveys. The studies identified a fairly wide range of fish sound recordings taken using hydrophones towed behind the species, as expected for the Bristol Channel area, including boat during these surveys, and data collected from static species of commercial and/or conservation value. Several sound recorders deployed underwater in four locations species are reported to have spawning and/or nursery areas in throughout the period of the surveys to record the calls of the vicinity of Atlantic Array, with five key species highlighted dolphins and whales. Additional data was also collected over as being of importance; plaice, sole, cod, herring and sprat. a 24 month period during bird surveys conducted from boats However, the site-specific egg/larvae surveys suggested that and aeroplanes across the site. of these, only sprat was likely to spawn in the study area. Sandeel eggs and larvae were also found frequently and in high numbers across the study area. Sandeel is commercially important and represents an important prey species for other commercially and ecologically important fish, as well as for seabirds. The assessment for fish and shellfish will consider potential effects arising from increases in suspended sediment, temporary disturbance or longer term loss of seabed habitats, construction noise (particularly from the piling of foundations), electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by the subsea cables, and the potential for new fish and shellfish habitat to be created. Cumulative effects from other projects in the wider area will also be considered.
Figure 7: Atlantic Array Marine Mammal Survey Transects
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Harbour porpoise, short-beaked common dolphin and grey Birds seal occur year-round at Atlantic Array. Minke whales use the The use of the Atlantic Array area, and indeed that of the area during the summer, and a range of scarcer species have wider Bristol Channel Zone, by birds has been determined by previously been recorded. Grey seal sightings were widely surveys from boats and aerial distributed. surveys from aeroplanes over a The primary potential effect on marine mammals identified two year period. The species during the construction phase is associated with construction recorded include a range of true related noise. This noise, mainly from driving steel piles into seabirds such as petrels, the sea floor, has the potential to harm or disturb marine shearwaters, gannet, skuas, mammals via the transmission of noise through the water gulls, terns and auks. column. Other effects may also occur through effects upon The sensitive species identified the distribution or local abundance of prey and the potential for through the baseline injury to occur from collision with construction vessels. These characterisation work comprise effects will be fully assessed in the ES and appropriate Figure 8: Gannet Manx shearwater, guillemot, mitigation measures will be built into the project. The Balearic shearwater, razorbill and storm petrel, fulmar, gannet, assessment will be informed by the results of project surveys, cormorant, common gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull, regional data sets, as well as knowledge and understanding great black-backed gull, kittiwake, common tern and Arctic gained from monitoring undertaken at other wind farms during tern. construction and operation. Potential direct effects are anticipated to include avoidance/ Cumulative effects, such as those from the construction of displacement, collision risk and migration/movement barrier other projects (including non-wind farm developments), could effects, together with potential indirect effects on bird prey arise and will be considered for the EIA. CEL is in discussions (fish). Effects associated with the phases of construction, with the statutory agencies to agree how best to complete the operation and decommissioning will be assessed using the detailed assessment of potential effects on marine mammals. data gained from the field surveys and the knowledge of species activity within the region, study area and from data at other operational offshore wind farm sites.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 9: UK Offshore Wind Licence Areas
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
The cumulative assessment is likely to include the Irish Sea wind farm. The only currently existing MCZ in the region (and and West of Wight Round 3 zones and potentially the Rounds the entire UK) is Lundy, located just southwest of the Atlantic 1 and 2 offshore wind farm sites off north west England Array development site and formerly a Marine Nature Reserve (Figure 9). The assessment scope will also include Hinkley (MNR). Other potential MCZs (pMCZs) in close proximity to Point C nuclear power station and potentially port and harbour the Atlantic Array site include Morte Platform (with which there development and associated shipping activity. CEL is in is some overlap with one of the export cable corridors), discussions with the statutory agencies to agree how best to Bideford to Foreland Point, Taw-Torridge Estuary and complete a detailed assessment of possible effects on birds in Hartland Point to Tintagel. the Bristol Channel. An MCZ network in Welsh Territorial Waters is also being Nature Conservation developed by the Welsh Government. The approach here is to use the MCZ mechanism to designate existing Marine The Bristol Channel region encompasses a large number of Protected Areas with higher levels of protection. Options for sites that are designated as being important for nature Highly Protected MCZs are currently being drafted. None of conservation. These include a number of Special Protection these sites will directly overlap the project site or cable route. Areas (SPAs) designated for certain bird species and Special A wide array of other sites ranging from international to local Areas of Conservation (SACs) which protect certain types of level designations occur across the region and the data seabed habitats and species. The project area does not collection programme undertaken under the specific topics, for coincide with any currently designated site, although a example marine mammals, birds and marine ecology, will be potential Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) has been identified used to identify features of specific importance within all areas for co-location with the Atlantic Array project area. CEL has likely to be affected by the Atlantic Array proposal. been in discussion with Finding Sanctuary, Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee with regards to With the exception of the pMCZs, the project site and cable this co-location and is supportive of these proposals, which route have been designed to avoid direct overlap with were developed by Finding Sanctuary to form part of an designated sites, so potential effects on such sites would be efficient network of protected areas, providing ecological gain expected to be indirect only. Where sites might be affected at the least socio-economic cost. Current advice received through interaction of Atlantic Array with mobile species from from the relevant nature conservation bodies involved is that the sites, these will be included in the impact assessments the MCZ is compatible with being co-located over the offshore and reported in the ES. The effects on the important nature
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary conservation sites will be assessed in detail as part of the During the operational phase, there is the potential for some application to the IPC (a process known as Appropriate loss of fishing grounds along with effects on fish stocks arising Assessment). The ES will contain sufficient information to from ecological effects (which will be addressed in the fish and enable the IPC to make a judgement on the importance of any shellfish ecology section of the ES). A potential beneficial effects on those sites. effect of the development includes increased fish and shellfish aggregation effects arising from the presence of the Potential Effects on the Human Environment foundations and associated rock armouring put in place for Commercial Fisheries scour protection. Potential cumulative effects on commercial fishing may arise The commercial fisheries assessment work undertaken to date due to displacement of fishing effort from several areas at the has enabled a characterisation of the baseline environment same time, for example from dredging licence areas, MoD with regard to fisheries in the wider Bristol Channel region and practice areas and/or areas closed to fishing during some the site itself. This has identified that the site is fished by months of the year. These will be further assessed and commercial vessels, although it does not represent a unique reported in the assessment within the ES. fishing area for any one vessel or vessel type, rather part of wider grounds that are fished at various times of year. Seascape and Visual
UK vessels dominate the fishery, although Belgian and French The project lies approximately 16km from the coastline of vessels also fish the area, with key species being sole, bass, south Wales, 13km from Lundy Island and 14km from North rays, squid, lobster, crab and whelk. The fishery is seasonal, Devon at its closest points. The offshore turbines are with a peak of landings in summer months. therefore expected to be visible from locations along the coast Potential effects on these fisheries during the construction in clear weather conditions. phase include loss of access to fishing grounds and direct A computer generated Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) has displacement onto adjacent grounds, leading to increased been produced. This identifies locations within a 50km radius fishing pressures in these areas, increased steaming times to of the offshore wind farm where it may be theoretically avoid the construction works, indirect displacement of target possible to see the wind farm. The ZTV is based on displaced fish species and potential obstructions from dropped topographical height data only and does not take account of objects or changed seabed character. structures or vegetation which may obscure views of the wind
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary farm. There will also be some limitations as to the degree of In order to assess visual effect of the project representative visibility of the turbines due to the distance of the development sample view locations around the adjacent coast are currently from the coastline. These limitations arise for a number of being agreed through consultation with planning authorities reasons, including: and other relevant consultees. These discussions are ongoing ▪ The curvature of the earth; and have so far generated a list of potential viewpoints which ▪ Atmospheric refraction; have formed the basis of field survey work carried out to date. ▪ Visual acuity threshold, below which an object will go Photographs taken from some of the agreed/potential undetected. The threshold varies from person to person; viewpoints will be used to generate photomontages. These ▪ Prevailing atmospheric and weather conditions. are optically accurate, static, computer-generated images The ZTV defines the study area for the visual impact which are superimposed onto real photographs and illustrate assessment (see Figure 10). how the wind farm will look at different points along the coast. There are a range of sites covered by landscape and/or From other locations computer generated wireline drawings seascape designations within the area of land and seas may be used to illustrate the effect of the final wind farm surrounding Atlantic Array, including nationally designated design. landscapes: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park; Exmoor For agreed viewpoints photomontages and wirelines will be National Park; Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; included in the ES. A sub-sample of photomontages are and the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. included in the PEI for illustration and initial comment. A Given the importance of the area, detailed seascape analyses sample will also be presented at public exhibitions, including will be completed to assess the significance of the project’s wirelines showing comparison of the visual effect of different effects on the landscape, seascape and visual resources of turbine sizes under consideration. the area, as well as effects on the settings of historic landscapes and monuments. This assessment work will include consideration of all phases of Atlantic Array, construction, operation and decommissioning in addition to cumulative assessment in combination with other relevant developments in the region.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 10: Atlantic Array Wind Farm Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoint Locations
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Marine Archaeology detail during EIA and presented in the Environmental Statement. Measures will be put in place to minimise impacts, Features of archaeological interest, including known and including minor adjustments in the location of foundations to unknown wreck sites and historic, submerged landscapes that avoid known sites and the implementation of a ‘finds protocol’ might once have been occupied have been described using which will outline the process to be followed by field workers historic data and a literature review. Further understanding, should items of archaeological interest be discovered during particularly of any previously unknown wreck sites and other works. potential archaeological features, will be gained following analysis of high resolution seabed imaging data gathered Shipping and Navigation across the wind farm site. This process is currently ongoing. Shipping in the Bristol Channel comprises commercial Based on existing data there is a relatively low number of shipping serving important ports such as Port Talbot, Newport, known features of archaeological interest in the project area, Swansea and Cardiff along the coast of South Wales, with only shipwreck sites known to be present. There is the Ilfracombe and Appledore in North Devon and Bristol and potential for submerged prehistoric archaeological features to Avonmouth in the Severn Estuary. Other shipping activity be encountered, and this potential will be better understood includes commercial fishing, recreational craft and marine following analysis of site-specific survey data. In the shallower aggregate dredging. areas closer to the North Devon coastline around the cable landfall location there is also little known archaeology but here To assess the effects on shipping a number of surveys have there is a higher potential for unknown archaeological features been undertaken to gain an understanding of the numbers and to be encountered (primarily associated with military sites and types of vessels that use the area together with the routes that prehistoric settlement/activity). they follow. An assessment of the effects of the Atlantic Array development on shipping and navigation is currently being Potential effects, if any, upon archaeological resources are undertaken with the aid computer modelling, a ship simulator most likely to arise during the construction phase of Atlantic facility and the views of marine stakeholders. Array. Intrusive seabed works may cause damage to and loss of the archaeological resource, including maritime and aviation In addition to the charting, marking and lighting of the project it wreck sites and submerged prehistoric features. There is also is anticipated that a number of other measures will be required a potential for cumulative impacts on the archaeological to provide an acceptable level of risk to shipping and resource to arise. Potential impacts will be considered in navigation. These may include a system by which the
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary movement of vessels serving the wind farm is controlled and Marine aggregate extraction activities occur in proximity to may be informed by a monitoring system utilising modern Atlantic Array and a further area which may be licensed in the radar and radio equipment. future occupies an area on the northern border of the site. A management system will be put in place to manage marine Discussions are underway with the dredging company to activities throughout the project’s life. Detailed arrangements reach agreement on the separation of dredging activity from agreed with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will be the wind farm in order to ensure navigational safety. established to deal with emergencies that may arise in, or in The Bristol Channel is used for a variety of military practice the proximity of, the wind farm. The project’s environmental and exercise activities (PEXA); with the closest being the firing management plan will include provision for dealing with any danger area at Manorbier, which lies less than 2 km from the pollution that might occur in such situations. northern edge of Atlantic Array. There are also several ranges along the North Devon coast that overlap with the export cable Other Marine Users corridor. Discussions are ongoing to establish agreement on The sea around the Atlantic Array is subject to use by a variety separation distances to avoid disruption to the ranges and to of other human users and is occupied by existing ensure maritime safety. infrastructure (Figure 11). This includes: In addition to PEXA areas, desk-based research has indicated ▪ Existing subsea cables; that there is some potential for unexploded ordnance (UXO) ▪ Marine aggregate dredging; and within the project area, with military activity during World War ▪ Military practice and exercise areas. II activities the likely source of this. The findings of the desk- based assessment will be supported by the analysis of The project area is crossed by several telecommunications geophysical survey outputs, which will identify any suspected cables. Exclusion zones will be put in place along these routes UXO targets within the project area. to protect the cables. Agreement will also be reached with the owners of the cables to allow wind farm cables to cross them All of these effects will be further investigated as part of the where necessary. Discussions with the operators of these EIA, with the findings presented in the ES. links are ongoing to agree a solution that would maintain their capacity and reliability.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 11: Other Marine Users in the Bristol Channel
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Aviation population is of working age, while the corresponding average figure across South Wales is 63%. Unemployment averages The Bristol Channel region and the area around Atlantic Array approximately 6.1% in North Devon and 7.9% across South supports existing civil and military aviation activity. The Wales. The percentage of people with NVQ or NQF military and civil aviation assessment will encompass potential qualifications of level 4 or above is 21.1% in North Devon and effects on the interests of the National Air Traffic Services 26.7% across South Wales. Limited (NATS), NATS (En-Route) Limited (NERL), the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Civil Aviation Authority A study undertaken by RenewableUK estimated that the UK (CAA). wind industry jobs will be in the region of 57,000 by 2020. A study jointly commissioned by RenewableUK and EU Skills, Consultation and assessments have identified that the main the Sector Skills Council for the Power Sector, from Warwick potential issue for Atlantic Array relates to interference with University’s Institute for Employment Research (IER) and Primary Surveillance Radars. The potential for the turbines to Cambridge Econometrics in 2011 showed a 91% increase in comprise an aviation obstacle is also being discussed with full-time employment in the offshore wind sector between relevant stakeholders, including the National Air Traffic 2007/8 and 2009/10. This increase was in contrast to the Management Advisory Committee. Suitable aviation lighting overall UK employment level, which has shrunk during the will be placed on selected turbines, in-line with the Civil same period by 3.4%. Aviation Authority guidelines. While precise figures for likely employment generated by The results of the detailed discussions, assessments and Atlantic Array will not be available until the approach to mitigation solutions for effects identified arising from Atlantic construction, operations and maintenance for the wind farm Array, either alone or cumulatively with other developments, has been defined, using these studies it has been possible to will be presented in the ES. estimate indicative numbers of jobs that could be created Socioeconomics, Recreation and Tourism during the construction and operation of Atlantic Array. Current estimates indicate that approximately 3,000 jobs could The North Devon and South Wales coastal local authorities be created during the construction phase of the wind farm are home to approximately 759,200 people, with the majority throughout all levels of the supply chain. It is likely that a of this figure made up of those in the larger local authority proportion of these temporary roles would be sourced outside areas of South Wales. Approximately 61% of the North Devon of the local area. Depending on how much manufacturing is
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary attracted to the region, the predicted numbers of jobs during impact assessment, CEL plan to ensure that the interests of all the construction period could vary dramatically. concerned parties are accommodated and mitigated wherever Following the construction of Atlantic Array, it is estimated that possible. approximately 200 jobs could be created in operations and maintenance. A high proportion of these permanent roles could be sourced from within the local area. Detailed employment modelling to demonstrate the likely scenarios for North Devon and South Wales will be completed as part of the socio-economic assessment for Atlantic Array. Tourism is an important aspect of both the North Devon and South Wales regions. The regions are recognised as centres of excellence for water sports, including surfing, kayaking, sailing, boating, fishing and swimming, as well as being home to many popular daytrip tourist destinations due to the natural beauty and coastal/rural atmosphere. Potential effects upon recreation and tourism in the area may include disturbance and/or displacement of marine recreational activity during construction. Potential benefits of the Atlantic Array project may arise through increased local employment or increased tourism opportunities to view the offshore structures. Cumulative effects may occur if other large developments are undertaken in the region. Mitigation measures, designed to reduce any adverse effect of the Atlantic Array project on the local socio-economics, recreation or tourism will be further developed upon completion of the baseline assessment. In conducting its
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
5 Potential Onshore Effects of the existing access road. The land use is currently a combination of arable and pasture. The village of Alverdiscott Landscape and Visual Resources is situated due east of the site. Other nearby settlements include Gammaton, Haddacott and Woodtown. There are a number of sites covered by landscape It is anticipated that the proposed landfall and cable route designations within the onshore study area, including the construction works would be localised and short term with North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and hedgerows and fields reinstated after construction is complete. the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. Effects on nationally designated landscapes, such as the The landfall site and approximately the first 3.4km of the cable North Devon AONB will be considered during the EIA process, corridor lie within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural including any temporary effects arising from construction Beauty. The landfall site is located within a largely activities associated with the first part of the cable route and undeveloped coastline of steep rocky cliffs of varying heights. the HDD activities. Potential effects on views from designated The exposed cliff face is designated as a Site of Special areas, public rights of way and residential properties will also Scientific Interest (SSSI) for geological reasons. be considered. The proposed cable route passes through a remote landscape During the operational phase, the main effects on the of predominantly pastoral land use, with occasional arable landscape will be those at the substation sites. No operational fields and patches of rough grazing land. Devon hedges are a effects are anticipated in relation to the cable route after the locally distinctive landscape feature throughout the Devon vegetation affected has been re-established, due to the cable countryside and are a highly valued resource for their being buried. ecological benefits and for aesthetic reasons. The route skirts With respect to the designated areas, the Zone of Theoretical the built up areas of Abbotsham, Bideford, Littleham and Visibility (ZTV) mapping (see Figure 12) and initial consultation Landcross. indicate that significant effects on views from the AONB as a The existing National Grid substation is located within a result of the substations are not anticipated. A landscape grassland field used as grazing land and is sited centrally planting scheme will be prepared for the proposed substation within this field, with a variety of overhead lines crossing the sites, to include areas of native woodland and shrub planting land. The proposed Atlantic Array substation is located to the and the provision of new hedgerows. west of the existing substation in adjacent fields on either side
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 12: Atlantic Array Substation Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoint Locations
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Ecology and Nature Conservation been designed to avoid direct contact with hedgerows, woodland and vegetated watercourses where possible. No internationally designated sites are present on or within Surveys have been undertaken for hedgerows on the route 2km of the cable route or the substation location. As far as and for a range of species groups including aquatic and possible, such designated sites and their main features of terrestrial invertebrates, reptiles, breeding and overwintering interest have been avoided in the identification of the birds, bats, dormice, otters, water voles and badgers. proposed cable route and substation location. Surveys indicate that a range of species are present, including With respect to nationally designated sites, the cable route some common reptiles, dormice, otters and a number of bird crosses beneath the River Torridge approximately 1km to the and bat species. Interim results suggest that there are very south of the Taw/Torridge Estuary Site of Special Scientific few active badger setts along the proposed cable route or in Interest (SSSI). At this point, the river is designated as the the vicinity of the substation. Torridge Estuary County Wildlife Site (CWS). In addition, a Local Nature Reserve is proposed in this area (Kynoch’s Effects relating to wildlife are most likely to occur during the Foreshore Proposed Local Nature Reserve). HDD would be construction phase. Potential effects during construction may used in this area to allow the cables to pass beneath the include temporary effects on hedgerows and the species they designated areas. Figure 13 indicates the location of support, other temporary habitat loss (e.g. grassland and designated sites in the area. arable) and disturbance to species (such as during drilling works). A range of measures will be proposed to avoid and Habitats along the proposed cable route and at the substation minimise such effects. site are primarily agricultural in nature, with arable and heavily improved grassland fields dominating, although some During operation, effects would primarily relate to the localised areas of higher value grassland are present in the substation site. Permanent habitat loss would be limited to this area. Small woodlands are widespread within this landscape, area. Other effects, such as disturbance, are likely to be together with a strong network of Devon hedges. Small limited. As set out above, a planting plan will be provided. This watercourses, often with well wooded banks forming further will include suitable habitat for locally important species, such field boundaries, are also fairly common. The cable route has as dormice.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 13: Location of Designated Sites (Ecology)
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Historic Environment as cropmarks visible on aerial photographs. Wherever possible, the proposed cable route has been designed to Two Scheduled Monuments have been identified within the avoid these features. The only Roman site known within the area around the project and have been avoided by the area is the marching camp that forms part of the Scheduled proposed route (see Figure 14). One is a limekiln at Monument at Higher Kingdon. Hallsannery, on the western edge of the River Torridge A small settlement of probable later medieval date was approximately 440m to the south east of the cable route. The recorded during the construction of the Cornborough Sewage other one is at Higher Kingdon; this is located approximately Treatment Works towards the landfall end of the proposed 380m from the cable route on the approach to the substation. cable route. In addition, a number of listed buildings are present within the Within the area, a number of notable post-medieval to modern area, including two Grade 1 buildings (the closest of which is features have been identified. These include; a hoard of post- approximately 270m from the cable route), three Grade II* medieval coins at Gammaton Moor Cross; a watchtower at listed churches and a number of Grade II listed buildings. The Cornborough Range; several pairs of boundary stones; a construction corridor avoids these buildings. number of limekilns; pottery of 17th and 18th century date; and The earliest known archaeological evidence for human activity a rifle range aligned along the valley at Cornborough Range in the area is mainly limited to findspots of lithic material (stone which became the site of the former Shebberton Racecourse. tools). There is one key site of prehistoric date within the area. Just to the north of the cable route near Cornborough Range This is located just to the south of the proposed landfall site at is the line of the former Bideford, Westward Ho! and Cornborough Range and comprises an extensive scatter of Appledore Railway. Opened in stages between 1901 and 1908 lithic (stone) material. it was never connected to the rest of the railway network. The To the east, there are three ring ditches that have been railway was requisitioned in 1917 by the War Office and the recorded as cropmarks on aerial photographs. Each of these line never reopened. may represent the ploughed-out remains of a Bronze Age Further information will be added to the baseline position round barrow. following a detailed review of the results of a recently There are a number of small enclosures within the area that completed geophysical survey and any further exploratory may be from the Iron Age. Most of these have been identified work.
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 14: Location of Designated Heritage Assets
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Potential effects during the construction phase have been The mudstone, siltstone and sandstone units that lay beneath reduced through the design of the route to date, which has the proposed cable route are designated by the Environment been amended to avoid known features, where practicable, Agency as a secondary (formerly minor) aquifer unit unlikely such as the Scheduled Monument at Higher Kingdon and an to be significant at the strategic scale. area identified on the Historic Environment Record to the west A shallow groundwater system, characterised by relatively low of the River Torridge. There may be direct effects on permeability, is expected. Deep groundwater flow paths are prehistoric features close to landfall at Cornborough Range not expected to be an important feature of the bedrock and on a medieval or post-medieval settlement close to underlying the proposed cable route. Tennacott Lane. No licensed groundwater abstractions have been identified A watching brief will be maintained during construction works within or near to the proposed route or substation and no in order to identify and protect any further finds of historic source protection zones have been defined in this area. importance. Numerous private water supply sources are marked on the Assessment of potential effects resulting from the operation of Ordnance Survey base map, most appear to be shallow wells the project will be limited to the substation site and will include that will be dependent on shallow groundwater and a small, consideration of effects on the setting of heritage assets and localised groundwater catchment area. The widespread overall effect on historic landscape character. occurrence of shallow wells used for private water supply indicates reasonable water quality within shallow Hydrogeology, Geology and Ground Conditions groundwater.
The coastal cliffs at Cornborough Range form part of a Site of The area generally comprises open agricultural land with Special Scientific Interest (Mermaid’s Pool to Rowden Gut) limited potential for significant contamination. A single historic designated for geological reasons. This area is also part of the landfill site has been identified to the west of the cable route Abbotsham Coast (Westphalian) Geological Conservation on the western side of the River Torridge. The cable route Review site. has been designed to avoid this site. The cable route and substation site are underlain by Effects on features of geological interest such as the coastal Carboniferous bedrock that comprises mudstone, sandstones geological Site of Special Scientific Interest will be considered and siltstones. in the assessment, although such effects are anticipated to be avoided through the use of Horizontal Directional Drilling
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary beneath the exposed geology. The assessment will also the effects on this watercourse); and a small watercourse on consider effects on private water supplies and on groundwater the approach to the substation site. quality during the construction phase. The proposed landfall site at Cornborough Range is located Potential operational effects include effects on groundwater within the catchment of Barnstaple/Bideford Bay. Bideford quality and ground contamination arising from operational Bay is subject to one of the highest wave energy inputs on the activities at the substation site. Such effects would be UK coast. controlled through mitigation measures designed to control The Flood Map indicates that the proposed substation location the rate of flow and the quality of runoff from the site. No lies outside any areas identified on the Flood Map and is effects are anticipated in relation to the cable route during the therefore an appropriate location in flood risk terms. operational phase, following completion of construction and restoration works, with the exception of any maintenance There would be some direct effects during the construction works at jointing bays if required. phase associated with temporary works at minor watercourses/ditches located on the route. A management Water Resources and Flood Risk plan will be developed in consultation with the Environment Agency to minimise effects during this temporary operation Most of the project falls within the catchment area of the River and to ensure that these features are restored following Torridge which is joined by the River Taw before discharging construction. into the Bristol Channel. The catchment is essentially rural, No effects are anticipated in relation to the operation of the with agriculture covering a large proportion of the land area. cable connection, following completion of construction and Through the site selection process, effects on key surface restoration works, with the exception of any maintenance water resources in the area have been avoided as far as works at jointing bays if required. possible. Watercourses that would be crossed by the project A flood risk assessment will be undertaken for the permanent include; a seasonally wet ditch to the south east of the landfall works at the substation site. The assessment will consider site; a tributary of the River Kenwith near Combe Walker; a effects on surface water runoff and alterations in flow field ditch to the south of Abbotsham; two arms of a drainage direction. channel/watercourse near Littleham (for the northern cable route option); the River Torridge (the cable route would pass beneath this utilising Horizontal Directional Drilling to minimise
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Measures to control runoff and drainage during all phases will A review of available information in relation to soil types has be developed to ensure that any risk of pollution or flooding is been undertaken, together with an augur boring survey. This controlled. has identified five main types of soils in the area, primarily relating to the Denbigh 2 and Manod Associations. Agricultural land quality is conventionally assessed by applying the MAFF Agricultural Land Classification system. This places land into one of 5 grades, with Grade 1 the highest and Grade 5 the worst quality, according to the degree to which its physical characteristics impose long-term limitations on its agricultural use (range of crops, yields, consistency of performance, inputs required etc.). Survey work has found that the majority of the land within the study area should be graded a mixture of grade 3a or 3b on the basis of soil stoniness/soil depth/soil wetness limitations, with isolated soil profiles eligible for Grade 2 where light textured, deeper soil profiles are identified.
Visits to the area found the land in the western part of the route to be dominated by grassland used for a variety of Figure 15: River Torridge livestock based enterprises. To the east of the estuary, much Soils, Agriculture and Land Use of the land on the higher flatter ridge running west to east towards the substation location is currently being used for The local bedrock geology consists of various layers of the arable crops, with grassland fields restricted to more sloping Culm Measures of Carboniferous age. This consists mainly of areas of land and also in the fields adjacent to the estuary. alternating beds of mudstones, shales, siltstones and The main disturbance to soils and agricultural land use is sandstones. The three main geological formations crossed by likely to occur during the construction phase of the project, the proposed cable route are the Bideford Formation, the where soils would be stripped, temporarily stored and Crackington Formation and the Bude Formation. subsequently reinstated. Other potential effects include those
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary on agricultural land quality and possible temporary loss of A39 on the eastern side of the river. In order to access the land from landholdings. Measures would be put in place for cable route immediately to the east of the river, vehicles are soil handling and restoration as part of the project to reduce likely to be required to travel along Torrington Street through the effects on soil and agricultural land quality. East-the-Water towards Kynochs Industrial Estate. The main effect during operation would be at the substation It would be possible to access the cable route east of East- site where there would be a permanent loss of agricultural the-Water via Gammaton Road which forms a priority junction land. Operational effects in relation to the cable route would with Manteo Way. An alternative route from Manteo Way to be limited to the areas affected by joint pits and transition the cable west of the substation site would be via Alverdiscott bays. Road.
Traffic and Transport In addition to light and heavy vehicle movements associated with construction activities, a limited number of heavier The route to the project from the strategic road network for (abnormal) loads are likely to be required. Such loads would most vehicles is likely to be via junction 27 of the M5 and the be required for the largest substation components, such as A361 to the A39. Three junctions on the A39 could provide transformers. A suitable route for abnormal loads would be access to the cable route between landfall at Cornborough agreed with the local highways authority. Range and the A39. The exact specification of the components is not yet The cable route would cross beneath the A39 and the A386 confirmed. However, Appledore has wharf facilities close to utilising Horizontal Directional Drilling west of the Abbotsham the mouth of the Torridge that may be suitable for bringing in Cross roundabout. This would avoid any direct effects on transformers by boat. Given its proximity to the substation these routes from construction activities. site, this would limit the length of the road network affected. In order to reach the cable route it would be necessary to A number of local roads and accesses are crossed by the travel along narrow local roads and the routes to the route. It is expected that most of these roads and accesses construction sites would be selected taking local conditions would be affected on a temporary basis. For most of the into account. Possible route options to the substation and routes, temporary diversions are available to maintain access. cable route compounds are currently being considered. It is An analysis of the records of personal injury road traffic possible to approach the cable route east of the River accidents within the study area revealed no obvious locations Torridge by travelling southwards down the A386 from the
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary where existing highways conditions contributed towards a Predicted levels of construction and operational traffic will be poor accident record. reviewed but at this stage no significant effects from noise The assessment will consider effects during construction, associated with traffic are anticipated. including temporary effects on local roads used to access the The assessment of operational effects will concentrate on cable route; temporary diversions or closures of some minor those arising from the substation site. No operational effects road; and effects from the transport of slow moving abnormal are anticipated in relation to the cable connection during the loads. operational phase, following completion of construction and Levels of operational traffic are anticipated to be very low. restoration works, with the exception of any maintenance Predicted levels of traffic will be reviewed but at this stage works at jointing bays if required. there are not expected to be any significant transport The project will incorporate mitigation measures such that environmental effects during the operational phase. effects due to noise and vibration from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the project will be avoided Noise and Vibration or minimised.
A baseline survey has found the most significant contributors Community Effects to the baseline noise environment in the area are those typical of rural locations. These include bird calls and wind through The landfall site and cable corridor up to the A39 are located trees and bushes, light road traffic and agricultural activities. within the North Devon AONB. The beach at Cornborough Range is publicly accessible via the coastal path and is used The noise assessment will consider any disturbance to people by the local population and tourists. Surfers also use the in residential, commercial, leisure and recreational areas near coastal path to access the beach. Land at Kipling Tors to the to proposed construction sites. This would include effects north and at Abbotsham Cliff to the south is under the arising along the cable route and at the substation site, ownership of the National Trust. together with effects arising at identified construction worksites. Consideration will be given to effects in relation to Recreational or tourist facilities located within the area the need for 24 hour working at the Horizontal Directional comprise the section of beach described above and an Drilling sites near the River Torridge and at Cornborough extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways. In Range. addition, there is an area of land to the east of the Wings
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Business and Training Centre at Lendon Barn, Abbotsham, The main settlement near to the onshore components of the through which the cable route passes. project is Bideford, with other villages located near the cable route corridor including Abbotsham, Littleham and Near the landfall, the cable route would pass beneath the Alverdiscott. These settlements provide a range of community South West Coast Path, a National Trail route running for 630 facilities for the local population, none of which fall within the miles along the coast. The cable in this area would be landfall site, cable corridor or substation site. constructed using Horizontal Directional Drilling such that the path would not be directly affected. Potential effects on recreation and tourist resources are likely to be greatest during the construction phase of the project and The district of Torridge, within which the onshore components relate to the temporary effects arising from the laying of the of the project are located, has a broad economic base with onshore cables where they cross land which has a tourism related employment forming an important element in recreational use, such as the Wings Business and Training the local area. The economy in the area includes hotel and Centre or a public right of way. During operation there are other tourist accommodation, camp sites and caravan parks, unlikely to be any potential effects on these resources. country parks, historic gardens, fishing facilities and visitor attractions. In addition, there are a range of uses associated with the Taw-Torridge estuary, including the Appledore shipyard, local lifeboat station, summer ferry and vessel moorings. A review of employee jobs by industry highlights that there is a higher percentage of jobs in manufacturing, construction and tourism related industries in Torridge, compared to the wider South West and Great Britain and lower percentages overall in the service industries except distribution, hotels and restaurants2.
2 Nomis official labour market statistics
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Figure 16: Public Rights of Way, Recreational Routes and Facilities
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
Air Quality A review of the likely construction traffic levels will be undertaken. Based on this information, an assessment of the Air quality in the district of Torridge is generally very good and air quality emissions from traffic will be undertaken if required. Torridge District Council has not designated any Air Quality For the operational phase, there are no significant sources of Management Areas as concentrations of all pollutants are atmospheric pollutant releases. below the relevant objectives and limit values. The National Air Quality Information Archives provides Electric and Magnetic Fields estimates of pollution concentrations across the UK. The average of the annual mean concentrations of particulates Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) will be assessed as part of within 1km of the landfall, cable route and substation locations the EIA process for the onshore elements of Atlantic Array. has been calculated. The estimated background All equipment that generates, distributes or uses electricity concentrations are all well below the relevant national Air produces electric and magnetic fields. Quality Strategy objectives. Electric fields are measured in volts per metre (V/m) and In the event that a detailed assessment of the air quality diminish rapidly with distance from the source. Typical values effects of traffic is required, information for other relevant of electric field in a house in the UK are in the range 1 to pollutants will also be identified. However, as stated above, 20V/m. there are no known areas where any pollutants exceed the As a consequence of their design, some types of equipment relevant objectives within Torridge district. do not produce an external electric field. This applies to The main effect on air quality during construction would be underground cables which are enclosed in a metal sheath (a generation of dust. Dust control measures would be protective metal layer within the cable). implemented as part of the project. It is likely that dust Magnetic fields are measured in microtesla (μT). They are deposition levels could be controlled such that there would be not significantly shielded by most common building materials no perceptible nuisance to humans. Furthermore, levels of or trees. Magnetic fields also diminish rapidly with distance dust are anticipated to be below the level at which ecological from the source. receptors may be affected. The assessment will be carried out in line with the Department of Energy & Climate Change ‘Codes of Practice’, which set out the principles for demonstrating compliance with EMF
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary exposure guidelines. A significant effect will be defined as levels which exceed the public exposure limits. The cable route has been designed using good routing practice to avoid residential properties. The southern route option near Littleham would be the closest point to residential properties on the cable route. At this point, the nearest cable would be at least 15m from the nearest property. Given the design of substations and the rapid decrease in electric and magnetic field strength with distance from source, the highest fields at the substation boundary are likely to be caused by the cables entering and exiting the substation and possibly reactive compensation equipment. The distance to the closest residential property from the substation is approximately 480m. It is CEL and National Grid policy to comply, as a minimum, with electric and magnetic field guidelines in all of their operations. The proposed onshore connection infrastructure will be assessed with respect to electric and magnetic fields to ensure that it complies with UK Government guidelines
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Channel Energy Ltd Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm Preliminary Environmental Information-Non-Technical Summary
6 Summary The construction and operation of Atlantic Array is likely to generate economic benefits through the creation of new jobs This NTS provides a summary of information presented in the and opportunities throughout all levels of the supply chain. PEI and is published as part the pre-application section 47 The potential effects of Atlantic Array on the environment will public consultation. be subject to detailed EIA in accordance with relevant When built, Atlantic Array would have a capacity of up to regulations and guidance. As part of this EIA process, 1,500MW and provide new renewable generating capacity, informal consultation has already been carried out with a wide sufficient to provide the approximate annual energy needs of range of stakeholders and this will continue with both the local 3 1.1 million homes . The project would provide a notable community and statutory bodies as part of the planning contribution to the UK’s renewable energy targets. application process. The Atlantic Array project area has been selected after some More detailed information on the Atlantic Array project is six years of assessment. The current site is considered to included in the full PEI document of which this document is represent the most viable location for the development of a the summary. Details of where you can obtain the PEI wind farm of this size within the Bristol Channel Zone when document, along with the other materials that have been taking into account environmental, engineering, operational, produced to support our public consultation are available in social and commercial factors. the Atlantic Array Consultation Guide September 2011. The Consultation Guide document is available:
▪ Online via – www.npower-renewables.com/atlanticarray 3 Energy predicted to be generated by the project is derived using long term wind speeds ▪ By post (upon request): calculated by meteorological models seeded with historic weather data obtained from satellite, surface-based and airborne measurement systems. This enables a calculation to be Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm, made to estimate the average annual energy production for the site based on 250 turbines RWE npower renewables, each of rated capacity 6.15 MW. The energy capture predicted and hence derived homes Auckland House, equivalent or emissions savings figures may change as further data are gathered. Equivalent Lydiard Fields, homes supplied is based on an annual energy consumption per home of 4700 kWh. This Swindon, figure is supported by recent domestic electricity consumption data available from The Digest Wiltshire, SN5 8ZT of UK Energy Statistics and household estimates and projections from the UK Statistics Authority. ▪ By email – [email protected] ▪ By telephone: 01793 474100
47 RWE npower renewables Head Office RWE npower renewables Auckland House Lydiard Fields Great Western Way Swindon SN5 8ZT T +44 (0)8456 720 090 F +44 (0)8456 720 050 I www.npower-renewables.com Registered Office: RWE Npower Renewables Ltd Auckland House Lydiard Fields Great Western Way Swindon SN5 8ZT Registered in England & Wales: No. 2550622