Proposed Rising Main, Findrassie, Elgin Hydrological Assessment June 2021 Proposed Rising Main, Findrassie, Elgin Hydrological Assessment Client: Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland Document number: 9610 Project number: 675020 Status: FINAL Author: Eleanor Morrison & Jennifer Smith Reviewer: Martin Nichols Date of issue: 24 June 2021 Filename: 675020_Findrassie Rising Main Route_GWDTE Assessment EnviroCentre Limited Office Locations: Glasgow Edinburgh Inverness Aberdeen Registered Office: Craighall Business Park 8 Eagle Street Glasgow G4 9XA Tel 0141 341 5040 [email protected] www.envirocentre.co.uk This report has been prepared by EnviroCentre Limited with all reasonable skill and care, within the terms of the Contract with Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland (“the Client”). The report is confidential to the Client, and EnviroCentre Limited accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known. No part of this document may be reproduced or altered without the prior written approval of EnviroCentre Limited. Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland June 2021 Proposed Rising Main, Findrassie, Elgin; Hydrological Assessment Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Terms of Reference ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Scope of Report ................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Report Usage ....................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Baseline Information .................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Site Location ......................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Topography .......................................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Geology ................................................................................................................................................. 6 2.4 Environmental Designations ............................................................................................................... 7 2.5 River Basin Management Plan Waterbody Classification ............................................................... 7 2.6 Historic Review..................................................................................................................................... 8 2.7 Flooding ................................................................................................................................................ 9 2.8 Consultation .......................................................................................................................................... 9 2.9 Site Walkover ....................................................................................................................................... 9 2.10 Loch Spynie ........................................................................................................................................ 10 2.11 Conceptual Understanding............................................................................................................... 12 3 Proposed Development ............................................................................................................................. 14 4 Potential Impacts of Development ........................................................................................................... 15 4.1 Hydrology and Hydrogeology .......................................................................................................... 15 4.2 Water Quality ...................................................................................................................................... 17 5 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 18 6 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................................ 19 References .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 Appendices A Topographic Survey B Site Photographs C Design Drawings D Cross Sectional Profiles Figures Figure 2-1: Site Location Plan ............................................................................................................................. 4 Figure 2-2: Topography ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Figure 2-3: Superficial Geology .......................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 2-4: Bedrock Geology .............................................................................................................................. 7 Figure 2-5 Roy Highland Map, 1747-1752. ...................................................................................................... 8 Figure 2-6: Catchment Areas ............................................................................................................................ 11 Figure 2-7: Hydrological Features .................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 3-1: Cross Sectional profile of the proposed excavation into the railway embankment .............. 14 Figure 4-1: Cross Sections ................................................................................................................................ 16 i Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland June 2021 Proposed Rising Main, Findrassie, Elgin; Hydrological Assessment 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Terms of Reference EnviroCentre Ltd was commissioned by Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland to undertake a hydrological assessment for a proposed rising main route to the east of the Findrassie E1-E4 housing development site in Elgin, Moray. The proposed rising main route extends approximately 5.2km from the east side of the A941 road towards Inchbroom Road (B9103) in the north east. Part of the route is in close proximity to Loch Spynie and the associated wetlands which are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and RAMSAR site. As recommended by NatureScot, the assessment will focus on the potential hydrological impacts of the development on potential Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTE), which are highlighted as fen, swamp, and wet woodland habitats associated with Loch Spynie. The current study has been undertaken with reference to the Ecological Constraints Report for the development (EnviroCentre report 9514, dated March 2021), and both will inform the ongoing Habitats Regulations Appraisal for the site. 1.2 Scope of Report The aim of the study is to appraise the potential impacts of the proposed development on local groundwater conditions, with a focus on the potential GWDTE which have been highlighted as fen, wet woodland and swamp surrounding Loch Spynie. A review of baseline information will be undertaken together with topographic analysis, in order to develop a conceptual understanding of the local hydrological environment and influences on the potential GWDTE understood to be present. Design information will be reviewed to assess the potential impacts of the development on local hydrology and potential GWDTE, and outline recommendations for potential mitigation will be made as appropriate. It is essential that the design and construction of the development should avoid negative impacts upon the functioning and status of these features. The assessment is made with reference to relevant guidance, particularly Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Land Use Planning System Guidance Note 31 (Guidance on Assessing the Impacts of Development Proposals on Groundwater Abstractions and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems). 1.3 Report Usage The information and recommendations contained within this report have been prepared in the specific context stated above and should not be utilised in any other context without prior written permission from EnviroCentre. If this report is to be submitted for regulatory approval more than 12 months following the report date, it is recommended that it is referred to EnviroCentre for review to ensure that any relevant changes in data, best practice, guidance or legislation in the intervening period are integrated into an updated version of the report. Whilst the Client has a right to use the information as appropriate, EnviroCentre Ltd retain ownership of the copyright and intellectual content of this report. Any distribution of this report should be 1 Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland June 2021 Proposed Rising Main, Findrassie, Elgin; Hydrological Assessment controlled to avoid compromising the validity of the information or legal responsibilities held