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22871-G83.indd greec01 Dec 2009 GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary December 2009

GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement · GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Figure 1.2 Site Layout Plan December 2009 22871-G082.indd greec01 Scale

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Page 1: GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement · GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Figure 1.2 Site Layout Plan December 2009 22871-G082.indd greec01 Scale

22871-G83.indd greec01 D

ec 2009

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental StatementNon-Technical Summary

December 2009

Page 2: GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement · GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Figure 1.2 Site Layout Plan December 2009 22871-G082.indd greec01 Scale

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776.

Key

Site location

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 1.1 Site Location Map

December 200922871-G081.indd greec01

Scale 1:250,000 @ A3

0 5km 10km 15km

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776.

Key

Site location

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 1.1 Site Location Map

December 200922871-G081.indd greec01

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� GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary

IntroductionThis Non-Technical Summary (NTS) forms part of the Environmental Statement (ES) to accompany an application by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to construct and operate a three turbine wind project at the GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals plant located approximately 3km southeast of Irvine.

Interest in renewable energy production (such as that produced by a wind project) has arisen in response to growing concern about the rise in atmospheric levels of man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, and the changes in global climate that this is causing. Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing their use and increasing the proportion of power generated from renewable energy sources is viewed as a vital part of reducing these emissions and thereby mitigating the effects of climate change.

In order to meet international obligations, the UK Government and Scottish Government are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Renewables Obligation (Scotland), which was introduced in 2002, is designed to incentivise renewable generation into the electricity generation market.

Scotland has one of the best wind regimes in Europe, giving the country great potential to generate electricity from this renewable resource. In addition to contributing to emissions reductions targets, electricity generated from renewable sources will play an important role in enhancing energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and development of such infrastructure will support economic growth.

The Wind ProjectThe proposed wind energy development is described in detail in the ES. A brief description of the proposal is given below:

The proposed development site boundary, including internal access tracks, occupies a total area of approximately 28ha, though the wind project infrastructure occupies only a small fraction of this. The wind project site is located on the periphery of the existing GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals plant at Irvine, approximately 3km southeast of the town centre;

The site was selected following a thorough evaluation taking account of environmental and technical parameters, planning policy and wind energy development locational guidance;

Three wind turbines, with a maximum height to blade tip of 126.5m, are proposed;

Associated ancillary development comprising new access tracks, control building and temporary construction compound also form part of the application for planning consent;

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Site Location

Page 3: GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement · GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Figure 1.2 Site Layout Plan December 2009 22871-G082.indd greec01 Scale

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776.

Key

Site boundary with turbines

Construction compound

Control building

Site tracks and crane pads

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 1.2Site Layout Plan

December 200922871-G082.indd greec01

Scale 1:7,500 @ A3

0 100m 200m 300m

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776.

Key

Site boundary with turbines

Construction compound

Control building

Site tracks and crane pads

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 1.2Site Layout Plan

December 200922871-G082.indd greec01

Scale 1:7,500 @ A3

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Scale 1:15,000 @ A4

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GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary �22871-G

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Vehicular access to the site will be via the A78 to Newhouse Interchange, then east along the B7080, continuing east along the unclassified road near the southern boundary of the site;

The electrical output of the proposed wind project is anticipated to be 7.5MW, though the output may vary from this depending on the turbines specified and procured for the site through a competitive tendering process;

A wind project of 7.5MW has the potential to generate approximately 19,700MWh of renewable energy per year;

The proposed wind project is designed with an operational life of 25 years and permission is sought for this period of operation only;

Construction, commissioning and site-restoration of the wind project are anticipated to take about 9 months, with potential opportunities for local workforces and companies to be involved.

Environmental Impact AssessmentEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process by which information about the environmental effects of a project is collected, evaluated, and taken into account in its design, the decision as to whether it should be given consent, and if it is given consent, how it is subsequently to be built, operated and dismantled. The developer presents the information on the project and its environmental effects in an Environmental Statement (ES). A Non-Technical Summary (this document) is a statutory requirement of the EIA process which explains the potential environmental effects of the development in a non-technical manner.

The EIA process has been instrumental in informing the design of the wind project. The site layout has undergone a number of different iterations to ensure it was accommodated within the environmental constraints.In addition the EIA has enabled identification of a range of measures, proposed within construction and operational practices, to address the potential environmental effects.

Consultation A key aspect of the EIA is consultation, both to agree the scope of the assessments to be undertaken and to understand public perception of the wind project in order to help inform the design process. Organisations consulted included The Scottish Government, North Ayrshire Council, Drybridge Community Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Historic Scotland and many others.

A public exhibition was held at the Gailes Hotel, Irvine on 16th September 2009, at which members of the public were invited to provide their views and comment on the wind project proposal.

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Proposed Site Layout

Page 4: GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement · GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Figure 1.2 Site Layout Plan December 2009 22871-G082.indd greec01 Scale

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 7.14aViewpoint 4: Dundonald Castle

December 2009 22871-G031a.indd greec01

Viewpoint parameters (GSK Turbines only):Viewpoint 4: Dundonald CastleGrid reference: E236 394, N634 540Elevation: 59m AODDistance to nearest turbine: Turbine 3 @ 2436mDistance to nearest visible turbine: Turbine 3 @ 2436mDirection of centre of view**: 313°

Angle of view: 90°

Viewing distance: 24.8cm @ A3

Number of hubs visible*: 3

Number of blade tips visible*: 3

Notes:The turbines in this figure have been based on the following parameters: Turbine layout file: LGLAXO008.WFL • Hub height: 80m • Rotor diameter: 93m • Height to blade tip: 126.5m*Ignores the screening effects of any intervening objects and forestry.**Direction given as bearing relative to Grid North (BNG).

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Wireframe

Ardrossan Wardlaw Wood

Kelburn Estate

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776. The photomontages aim to provide a realistic representation of the proposed development, based on the current information and photomontage methodology.

Photomontage

Existing View

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 7.14aViewpoint 4: Dundonald Castle

December 2009 22871-G031a.indd greec01

Viewpoint parameters (GSK Turbines only):Viewpoint 4: Dundonald CastleGrid reference: E236 394, N634 540Elevation: 59m AODDistance to nearest turbine: Turbine 3 @ 2436mDistance to nearest visible turbine: Turbine 3 @ 2436mDirection of centre of view**: 313°

Angle of view: 90°

Viewing distance: 24.8cm @ A3

Number of hubs visible*: 3

Number of blade tips visible*: 3

Notes:The turbines in this figure have been based on the following parameters: Turbine layout file: LGLAXO008.WFL • Hub height: 80m • Rotor diameter: 93m • Height to blade tip: 126.5m*Ignores the screening effects of any intervening objects and forestry.**Direction given as bearing relative to Grid North (BNG).

1)

2)3)

2 1 3

Scale 1:50,000 @ A3

0 1km 2km 3km

Wireframe

Ardrossan Wardlaw Wood

Kelburn Estate

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776. The photomontages aim to provide a realistic representation of the proposed development, based on the current information and photomontage methodology.

Photomontage

Existing View

� GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary

Environmental EffectsIntroduction

The following sections provide a brief summary of the main findings of the EIA as set out in the technical sections within the ES (Volume 1 – Main Report).

Landscape and Visual

The landscape and visual study area for the proposed GSK Wind Project includes parts of Ayrshire (where the wind project is located), Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and Argyll and Bute. The proposed wind project site is located within the Ayrshire Lowlands.

The methodology for the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) follows standard guidelines promoted by the Landscape Institute and adopted for use by most practitioners. Consultation was conducted with representatives from North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Natural Heritage to discuss and informally agree the scope of the assessment, choice of assessment viewpoints, design options and mitigation.

The assessment findings indicate that there will be no significant landscape effects on landscape character and there will not be significant indirect effects on nearby landscape designations.

There are expected to be significant visual effects on residents in the two settlements of Drybridge and Dreghorn and significant effects in relation to the views from approximately ten residential properties within 3km of the wind project. However, the proposed wind project is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the overall visual amenity of these properties.

Significant visual effects would be experienced by visitors to Dundonald Castle. Whilst there would be a notable change, taking into consideration the total visitor experience, the wide panoramic views from this location and the nature and context of the surrounding landscape, it is not considered as a negative effect. A significant visual effect would be experienced by road users travelling along the B7080.

The proposed wind project will make a low contribution in terms of cumulative visual effects when considered alongside other existing and consented wind energy developments in the area.

Noise

A noise assessment was carried out for the development and operation of the wind project. The assessment considered noise from construction, operation and decommissioning of the site.

No significant effects are envisaged for the construction phase. The distance from the turbines and other infrastructure (such as access tracks) to neighbouring properties is sufficient to ensure that any construction or decommissioning noise effects in the local area, and particularly at residential properties, will be minimal.

Operational noise was assessed in accordance with standard guidance recommended for use by the Scottish Government. The design of the scheme is such that worst-case predictions of operational noise levels sit within noise limits, complying with guidance from the Scottish Government, based on the background noise at the surrounding properties and the expected noise of the wind turbines. Any turbine installed will be required to meet the noise limits set by the assessment. Consequently, it is concluded that the wind project will have no significant effects in relation to noise during the operational period.

Ecology

The ecological assessment was based on:

desk studies to identify existing nature conservation features of value; and

field surveys to establish the presence of any protected animals and habitats.

The site comprises primarily habitats of limited nature conservation interest, such as improved grassland and arable fields, interspersed with more ecologically valuable woodland, watercourses and standing water bodies. The site and study area provides habitat for otter, bats, badger and amphibians.

Computer Generated Wireframe view from Dundonald Castle

Wireframe produced for illustrative purposes only

Photomontage of proposed GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project from Dundonald Castle

Photomontage produced for illustrative purposes only

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GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary �22871-G

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The overall effects of the proposed wind project on habitat interests and protected species will not be significant. Potential impacts upon the designated features of non-statutory nature conservation sites will be avoided through the adoption of appropriate mitigation measures.

Mitigation is proposed to minimise disturbance to protected species and includes pre-construction surveys for bat roosts (where trees require to be felled), otters and badger. This will ensure that any changes, since the surveys carried out as part of the EIA, are identified.

Birds

The two key issues relating to birds and wind energy projects are the effects of development within the habitat which they use and the potential for collision with rotating turbine blades. Although the site and surrounding area is used on occasion by notable bird species, the relatively infrequent use and low numbers of notable birds means that no significant effects on any species are predicted as a result of constructing an operating a wind project at GlaxoSmithKline.

Traffic and Transport

The main transportation impacts will be associated with the movements of commercial Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to and from the site during the construction phase of the development.

The maximum traffic impact associated with the construction of the wind project during months excluding concrete delivery is predicted to occur in the first month of the construction programme. During this month an average of 38 HGV movements (19 in and 19 out) are predicted to be generated on each working day. During days involving concrete deliveries (three days out of the nine month programme), it is predicted that there will be 140 HGV movements (70 in and 70 out) per day over three days.

A detailed assessment of effects has been undertaken and has concluded that this additional HGV traffic would not have a significant impact on the traffic and transport related environmental effects identified, i.e. severance; driver delay; pedestrian delay; pedestrian amenity and fear and intimidation.

The Historic Built Environment (Cultural Heritage)

Two sites of cultural heritage interest, associated with the former Shewalton Colliery, have been identified within the proposed wind project site and are of no more than local importance. The scheme has been designed to avoid any direct effects on known features of cultural heritage, although there is the possibility that unrecorded archaeological remains may be present across the area and, as such, it is proposed that archaeological monitoring is undertaken during construction works, where necessary.

A study was also undertaken to establish what effect the wind project would have on the setting of more distant cultural heritage features. No significant effects on the setting of designated features were identified as a result of the proposed wind project.

Water (Hydrology)

The assessment has highlighted a number of potential impacts on the water environment, mostly during wind project construction. The impacts are associated with a range of activities, including access track construction and wind turbine erection where, for example, soil or other materials can potentially enter watercourses. Mitigation measures embedded in scheme design have been proposed to reduce the likelihood of a pollution event resulting from the development. These mitigation measures have been defined for each element of the on-site development and will be undertaken in accordance with current best practice, thereby ensuring that there are no significant effects on water resources.

Other Potential Impacts

No significant effects in terms of infrastructure, telecommunications, television, air quality, shadow flicker and ground conditions have been identified at this stage.

Uncertainty over ground conditions on site will be resolved through conducting a ground investigation prior to construction, whilst technical solutions exist to mitigate any potential effects on telemetry links in the vicinity of the site.

Page 6: GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement · GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Figure 1.2 Site Layout Plan December 2009 22871-G082.indd greec01 Scale

10km

20km

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35km

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776.

Key

Site boundary with turbines

Landscape and Visual Study Area

10km radius indicator from wind farm centre

20km radius indicator from wind farm centre

30km radius indicator from wind farm centre

35km radius indicator from wind farm centre

1 turbine may be visible

2 turbines may be visible

3 turbines may be visible

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 7.2Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) to Blade Tip Height

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Note: This figure has been based on the following turbine parameters:Turbine layout file: LGLAXO008.WFLHub height 80mRotor diameter 93mHeight to blade tip 126.5m

Scale 1:300,000 @ A3

0 5km 10km 15km

10km

20km

30km

35km

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776.

Key

Site boundary with turbines

Landscape and Visual Study Area

10km radius indicator from wind farm centre

20km radius indicator from wind farm centre

30km radius indicator from wind farm centre

35km radius indicator from wind farm centre

1 turbine may be visible

2 turbines may be visible

3 turbines may be visible

GlaxoSmithKline Wind ProjectEnvironmental Statement

Figure 7.2Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) to Blade Tip Height

December 200922871-G002b.indd greec01

Note: This figure has been based on the following turbine parameters:Turbine layout file: LGLAXO008.WFLHub height 80mRotor diameter 93mHeight to blade tip 126.5m

Scale 1:300,000 @ A3

0 5km 10km 15km

Scale 1:600,000 @ A4

0 10km 20km 30km

6 GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary

Printed copies of the ES (Volumes 1 and 2) can be purchased from GlaxoSmithKline for £225 per copy. All Volumes are available on a CD for a cost of £30. To obtain a copy, please contact:

GlaxoSmithKline

Shewalton Road

Irvine

KA11 5AP

Tel. 01294 274 200

Socio-Economics

The development constitutes a large investment in the existing pharmaceuticals plant by GSK and also provides opportunities for indirect positive economic effects. Whilst companies bidding for the work will do so through an open tender it is anticipated that many will sub-contract to local companies employing local people. Local businesses should also benefit from increased spend by the construction workforce during the construction period.

Whilst some local residents may have reservations about the proposed development, previous surveys at operational wind projects show that any concerns are rarely realised when the development becomes operational. No adverse effects on existing businesses, either in the immediate vicinity or more widely in the tourism industry are envisaged.

The proposed wind project will generate up to 19,700MWh of renewable energy per year, reducing emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contributing to the UK and Scottish Governments’ greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and renewable energy generation targets which will in turn contribute to efforts to mitigate climate change. Overall it is expected that the GSK Wind Project will have a positive socio-economic impact.

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Zone of Theoretical Visibility to Blade Tip Height

North Ayrshire CouncilLegal and Protective ServicesCunninghame HouseIrvineKA12 8EE

Dreghorn Library21 Main StreetDreghornKA11 4AQ

Dundonald LibraryFullarton AvenueDundonaldKA2 9DT

Further InformationFurther information on the GlaxoSmithKline Wind Project EIA is contained in the ES, which can be inspected at the following locations: