West Garty Wind Farm CC Documents[1]

7/27/2019 West Garty Wind Farm CC Documents[1]

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The West Garty Estate (centre) from the A9 north of Brora

WEST GARTY WIND FARM

The West Garty Estate is located 5km south west of Helmsdaleand 10km north east of Brora. The proposed wind farm would

be situated within the elevated hills of the sporting estate.

The area chosen for the wind farm development is predominantly heather moorland and

covers the eastern slopes of Creag Riasgain, Beinn Mhealaich and Culgower Hill. This land is

currently run as a sporting estate and is defined by three watercourses: the Culgower Burn, the

West Garty Burn and the Garbh Allt.

West Garty has a number of attributes that contribute towards a potentially successful site for

wind energy:

- Very high average wind speeds- Significant landform screening to visibility from the western and northern mainland- Large separation distances from residential properties (over 1km)- Good proximity to grid network- No part of the site is a designated area of ecological value- Good existing local transport network (A9)

Consequently, Muirden Energy LLP would like to create a proposal that is both directly and

indirectly sensitive to the environment and the surrounding landscape. In order to achieve this

aim; the eventual wind farm plans will be the result of environmental studies and feedback

received from the local communities of the area.


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A candidate 2.3MW Enercon E70 wind turbine in Aberdeenshire

WIND ENERGY AT WEST GARTY

The West Garty Wind Farm would contribute in the growth ofScotlands largest renewable energy technology by developing

a further 22 wind turbines.

- The wind turbines proposed would generate electricity for a period of 25 years- Each wind turbine would have a generating capacity of between 2MW and 3MW- Based on a 31% capacity factor a 3MW wind turbine would generate 8,146 MWh* of

electricity each year

- The development would generate sufficient electricity to meet the average annualdemands of up to 28,000 households

*1MWh is equal to 1000kWh. For example, 1kWh is the approximate equivalent to doing 3 loads of

laundry in a washing machine.

Turbine specifications

HUB HEIGHT 57-76m

TIP HEIGHT 100-120m

ROTOR BLADE DIAMETER 71-82m

INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY 2.3-3MW

OVERALL CAPACITY 50-66MW


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PROJECT TIMELINE

PastSeptember 2012 Present Ornithological, ecological and hydrological surveyscarried out

February 2013 Scoping response received from Highland Council

May 2013 Planning Permission granted for 40m wind monitoring mast

July-August 2013

Noise impact assessment carried out at four residential houses inagreement with Highland Council Environmental Health Team

Future

September 5th 2013 Helmsdale Community Council Meeting

September 11th 2013 1st Public Exhibition at Helmsdale Community Centre

October 2013Pre-application meeting with Highland Council

November 19th 2013 Brora Community Council Meeting

November 2013 2nd Public Exhibition at Brora Community Centre

December 2013

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rd

Public Exhibition at Helmsdale Community Centre

January/February 2014 Section 36 Planning Application submitted to EnergyConsents Unit at the Scottish Government

July 2014 Section 36 Addendum submitted to Energy Consents Unit for consideration

Winter 2014/Spring 2015 Planning decision issued

Summer/Autumn 2015 Wind farm construction begins


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Helmsdale Railway Signal Box (Photo courtesy of Richard Gennis)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be submitted

to the Scottish Government with the planning application for

consideration. These documents will include studies on the

proposals compliance with national and local planning policy,

relevant environmental regulations and considerations, and

the potential for effects on residential amenity.

The following studies have been underway since Autumn 2012 and are influencing the site

design evolution process:

Landscape and Visual Ecology Ornithology Noise Hydrology Peat and Geology Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Transport and Access Shadow Flicker Communications and Aviation Infrastructure

The current site design has already incorporated many key aspects of the studies; however,

further studies over the Autumn and Winter will further enhance the sensitivity of the proposal

to the surrounding environment.


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ASSESSMENT REVIEW TO DATE

Planning PolicyThe project has been designed and assessed against all relevant national and local planning

policy, in particular the current Highland Wide Local Development Plan (2012) and the

Sutherland Local Plan (2008).

Shadow FlickerShadow flicker can be caused by rotating wind turbine blades that periodically cast shadows

over nearby properties as they turn. Shadow flicker will not occur when wind turbines are sited

over 10 rotor diameters from residential houses as the blades do not cover the sun, butpartially mask it at greater distances. All residential properties would be over 1km from the

nearest wind turbine and therefore no effects will occur. A shadow flicker map will be included

within the environmental statement.

Ecology and OrnithologyNo ecological or ornithological designations have been given to any area of the wind farm

site. However, the nearest designated sites have been considered throughout a ecological and

ornithological impact assessment. The site lies within close proximity of the Moray Firth

Special Area of Conservation and within 15km of the Caithness Peatlands SPA. Also part of the

proposal drains into the Garbh Allt, which flows through the Garbh Allt SSSI, which isdesignated for upland birchwood.Ecological and ornithological surveys are currently being undertaken to determine the use of

the site by Schedule 1 and other sensitive bird species; to identify habitats present within the

development area; to look for protected animals within the development area (European

Protected Species, Schedule 5 Species and Badgers) and to assess the potential impacts of the

development on nearby designated sites.

To date no significant impacts have been predicted to habitats and species. Mitigation

measures will be introduced to ensure best practice during construction.

Cultural and Heritage FeaturesPotential direct and indirect effects on cultural and heritage features have been identified and

assessed in depth. The current layout has been constructed to minimize any impact to cultural

and heritage features.

HydrologyPotential effects to the geological, hydrological and hydrogeological environment during the

construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind turbines has been identified,

assessed and where possible mitigation measures have been suggested. Analysis of all PrivateWater Supplies in the area has also been carried out to ensure that no significant effects are

experienced.


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Helmsdale Railway Signal Box (Photo courtesy of Richard Gennis)



NoiseA noise impact assessment has been carried out to ensure that any noise emitted by the

turbines complies with the Highland Council standards. A comprehensive and robust

assessment methodology has utilised guidance from the Highland Council, ETSU-R-97 and the

recently published Institute of Acoustics good practice guide. The assessment has been

undertaken by measuring the background noise levels at four local properties that are

representative of the nearest noise sensitive properties. The recorded background noise levels

have then been used as the basis of the assessment. By assessing the worst-case scenario a

thorough and conservative assessment has been undertaken on the potential effects to the

amenity of nearby residential areas. The study has identified that noise levels would be within

acceptable limits at all surrounding properties.

TransportA transport route assessment has been undertaken and will be submitted as part of the

Environmental Assessment. The route used by the abnormal loads transporting the turbine

components to the site is likely to be from Invergordon through the settlements of Golspie and

Brora.

Electromagnetic InterferenceThere is the potential for wind turbines to interfere with electromagnetic signals that transmit

telecommunication signals and television broadcasts. There would be no interference with

telecommunication signals and interference effects to television broadcasts and radio

reception are not anticipated. Details of these studies will be provided within the full planning

submission.

Aircraft safety and radarPreliminary consultation has advised that there will be no adverse effects to aircraft safety.

During the planning process further consultation will take place with BAA, NATS and the

Ministry of Defence to ensure that there are still no potential adverse effects.


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Landscape and VisualThe suitability of the wind farm design and location is being assessed against the current

existing landscape character of the surrounding areas. The assessment methodology is utilising

guidance by The Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and The Landscape Institute.

An assessment of relevant viewpoints from local dwellings, viewpoints and key transport

corridors is being undertaken. A number of viewpoints representing the project from the

closest receptors, as well as covering a range of angles and distances from the turbines have

been selected and agreed with The Highland Council. Viewpoints include settlements, roads

and recreational features such as those listed below:

0-10kmo Helmsdale, representing local residentso Portgower Inn Road- Gartymore (Core Path) representing residents and walkerso Kildonan Lodge, representing local residents and visitorso A9 (between Lothbeg and Gartymore), representing road users

10-20kmo Brora Links Dalchalm (Core Path), representing road users and residentso A9 - south of Brora, representing road userso Ben Horn, representing hill walkerso Dunrobin Castle, representing tourists

20-30kmo Embo Caravan Park, representing tourists, views from the Moray Firth and also views from Little

Ferry picnic area

o Dornoch, representing local residentso Loch Fleet, representing the nature reserve

30-40kmo Tain, representing views from local residentso Glen Morangie Distillery, representing views from the A9 and touristso A839 (Lairg), representing road users

40-50kmo Cromarty Bay, representing the nature reserveo Burghead Bay, representing views from the Moray Firth and local residents

50-60kmo Califer View Point, representing views from the Moray Firth and touristsPhotomontages are been prepared from each of the agreed viewpoints and provide an

impression of how the wind turbines would appear if constructed. Cumulative effects with

other wind turbine developments and the potential for effects to wild land will also be

considered within this assessment.

In addition to the viewpoint study the assessment will be supplemented with Zone of

Theoretical Visibility maps and detailed baseline landscape character assessments.

Emphasis is being placed on reducing any alterations to the existing landscape, whilst still

maximising energy output from the wind turbines.


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Wind turbine blades being transported through Aberdeen with escort vehicles

TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS

Construction traffic impacts will be minimised and mitigatedwhere possible. In order to achieve minimal disruption and to

highlight potential issues a full survey of the access route along

public roads is being undertaken and will be submitted as part

of the planning application submission.

It is envisaged at this time that the wind turbine manufacturer will deliver wind turbine

components to the port at Invergordon. A trial run will be undertaken prior to the first delivery

to demonstrate that the route between Invergordon and West Garty along the A9 is suitable

for the abnormal load vehicles. Access to the site will be directly from the A9 minimising the

requirement for disruption and reinforcements to minor roads.

Muirden Energy are very keen to keep members of the local communities up to date with the

schedule for all activities and consequently would like to invite members to join the team at

regular Community Liaison Meetings. At these meetings attendees would hear about the

programme of works have the opportunity to ask any question regarding the process.

Timescale for key transportation and construction works

Activity TimescaleDischarging planning conditions Before site works commenceArrive at site to setup compound and commencework on site infrastructure

Month 1

Completion of sub-station and turbine access roads Month 6Sub-station build completed Month 8Turbines delivered and installed Month 8Grid connection Month 9


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Construction phase at Newton of Fortrie, Aberdeenshire

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

If planning permission is granted the wind farm will beconstructed in various stages with the majority of work

undertaken onsite before the arrival and installation of the

wind turbines. Site works will include the construction of

access tracks, laying of underground cables, the construction

of a sub-station and control building and a temporary site

compound.

Planning conditions will be agreed with the Highland Council and relevant statutory

consultees to ensure that minimum impacts occur during the construction process. To ensure

compliance with these conditions and best practice construction methods, a Construction

Method Statement will be created with input and review by Highland Council, the Scottish

Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage.

On commissioning of the wind farm the majority of the site will then be restored to allow

regeneration of the environment. However, the access tracks will be retained to enable

maintenance to be carried out and the eventual decommissioning of the site.

In order to ensure safety to the general public the site will have access restrictions during the

construction period.


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Muirden Energys Dave Green with Deveron Youth Football Club

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Throughout the lifespan of the wind farm Muirden Energy are committed to

working with the community to ensure the benefits of the wind farm aremaximised. We will be adopting the Highland Council three tier benefit policy

and contributing the suggested contribution (5000/MW) towards local

community benefit.

Community Benefits Package

If granted planning permission the substantial community benefits package would be set up to

provide an annual fund available to the community. We are keen to ensure that surrounding

communities gain meaningful benefits from the West Garty Wind Farm. At present,

suggestions on the most suitable management structure and uses of the fund are welcomed.Examples of previous funds Muirden Energy have been involved in have included projects that:

o Involve local community groups or sports clubso Involve community buildings or regenerationo Enhance the environment or wildlifeo Involve local residents or events

In addition to the Councils suggested benefit fund Muirden Energy would like to

discuss other options for the local community to become involved in the project.

Community Ownership

Muirden Energy have experience in setting up regulated co-operatives that allow local

communities and individuals to invest varying amounts in a project in order to own a share in a

wind farm development. Using this approach a co-operative would share its income from the

electricity generated evenly throughout its members. Alternatively, Muirden Energy are happy

to look into the possibility of community ownership of one of the wind turbines at West Garty.

Previous examples of this strategy have allowed trusts to use income to support community

projects and work within the local aera (e.g. Fintry Development Trust).

Other Local Benefits

If the proposal is granted planning permission a local procurement strategy will be used to

ensure that local businesses are given the opportunity to offer their services during

construction and operation of the turbines. It is expected that approximately 75 jobs will be

created locally during the construction of the wind farm with 2 jobs sustained over the

operational life of the site (SAC, 2010).

West Garty Wind Farm CC Documents[1]

Documents

Transcript of West Garty Wind Farm CC Documents[1]