SP Transmission Ltd Black Law Windfarm Extension Grid Connection Environmental Statement Written Statement, Figures and Appendices October 2012 Black Law Windfarm Extension Grid Connection Environmental Statement Prepared by LUC on behalf of ScottishPower Transmission Ltd October 2012 Preface This Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared in support of the applications for the development of a grid connection for the proposed Black Law Windfarm Extension in South Lanarkshire. The Environmental Statement comprises one volume and consists of the following: Written Statement (principal document) Figures Appendices In addition to the above, the Environmental Statement is accompanied by a Non-Technical Summary. Further copies of Environmental Statement will be available for viewing at: ScottishPower Energy Networks New Alderstone House Dove Wynd Strathclyde Business Park Bellshill ML4 3FF The Non-Technical Summary is available free of charge. A hard copy of the Environmental Statement costs £250. In addition, all documents are available in an electronic format (as PDF for screen viewing only) on CD/DVD for £25. The Environmental Statement is available for viewing by the public during normal opening hours at the following locations: South Lanarkshire Council West Lothian Council Planning and Building Standards Services Development Management Clydesdale Area Office County Buildings South Vennel High Street Lanark Linlithgow ML11 7JT EH49 7EZ North Lanarkshire Council Forth Library / Forth Primary School Planning Offices Main Street North Lanarkshire Council Forth 303 Brandon Street ML11 1AE Motherwell ML1 1RS Carluke Library Carnthwath Road Carluke ML8 4DR Any representations to the application should be made by completing the online representation form on The Scottish Government, Energy Consents website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-Consents/Support-object or by email to The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit mailbox at [email protected] or by post to The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, Scottish Government, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU Written Statement Construction Impacts ................................................................................................. 7-9 Operational Impacts ................................................................................................ 7-14 Further Survey Requirements and Monitoring ............................................................. 7-14 Summary of Impacts ............................................................................................... 7-14 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1-1 The Need for the Project ............................................................................................. 1-1 8. Ecology..................................................................................................................... 8-1 The Applicant and Legal Framework ............................................................................. 1-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 8-1 The Development and Consenting Process .................................................................... 1-1 Assessment Methodology ........................................................................................... 8-1 The Environmental Impact Assessment......................................................................... 1-1 Planning Policy .......................................................................................................... 8-4 Structure of the Environmental Statement .................................................................... 1-2 Existing Conditions .................................................................................................... 8-4 References ................................................................................................................ 1-2 Routeing and Design Considerations ............................................................................ 8-6 Ecological Value of the Study Area ............................................................................... 8-6 2. Approach to the EIA ................................................................................................. 2-1 Potential Impacts ...................................................................................................... 8-7 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 2-1 Impact Assessment ................................................................................................... 8-7 The EIA Process ......................................................................................................... 2-1 Construction Impacts ................................................................................................. 8-7 Scope of the Environmental Statement ......................................................................... 2-2 Further Survey Requirements and Monitoring ............................................................... 8-8 Identification of Impacts ............................................................................................. 2-6 Summary of Impacts ................................................................................................. 8-9 References ................................................................................................................ 2-7 References ............................................................................................................. 8-10 3. The Design Strategy ................................................................................................ 3-1 9. Ornithology .............................................................................................................. 9-1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 3-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 9-1 Consideration of Alternatives ....................................................................................... 3-1 Assessment Methodology ........................................................................................... 9-1 EIA Phase Modifications to Scheme Design .................................................................... 3-3 Planning Policy .......................................................................................................... 9-4 References ................................................................................................................ 3-4 Existing Conditions .................................................................................................... 9-4 Routeing and Design Considerations ............................................................................ 9-6 4. Development Description ......................................................................................... 4-1 Impact Assessment ................................................................................................... 9-6 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 4-1 Construction Impacts ................................................................................................. 9-6 The Proposed Grid Connection ..................................................................................... 4-1 Operational Impacts .................................................................................................. 9-7 Construction Details ................................................................................................... 4-2 Cumulative Impact Assessment................................................................................. 9-12 Health and Safety ...................................................................................................... 4-5 Further Survey Requirements and Monitoring ............................................................. 9-13 Environmental Management ........................................................................................ 4-5 Summary of Impacts ............................................................................................... 9-13 Waste Management.................................................................................................... 4-5 References ............................................................................................................. 9-13 References ................................................................................................................ 4-5 10. Cultural Heritage ..................................................................................................... 10-1 5. Planning Policy Context ........................................................................................... 5-1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 10-1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 5-1 Assessment Methodology ........................................................................................