Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension Environmental Statement · therefore be accessed through that wind farm. Road access to the site will be from the A859 via the Eisgein Estate

n 1 06 June 2013

Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension

Environmental Statement

Non-Technical Summary

Prepared for Uisenis Power Limited by LUC

June 2013

Project Title: Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension Environmental Statement: Non-Technical

Summary

Client: Uisenis Power Limited

Version Date Version Details Prepared by Checked by Approved by

Principal

0.1 18/04/2013 Draft Non-Technical

Summary

Kate Nicholls Catrin Owen Philip Smith

0.2 26/04/2013 Second Draft Non-

Technical Summary

Catrin Owen Catrin Owen Philip Smith

1.0 04/06/2013 Final Draft Philip Smith Philip Smith Philip Smith

S:\5400\5401 Uisinis Power Wind Farm (Onshore)\B Project Working\Environmental Statement\Non

Technical Summary\M'bhal NTS_20130426_v2.docx

Contents

1 Introduction 1 Environmental Impact Assessment 1 Planning Policy 1 Site Description and Location 2 Scheme Description 2 Scheme Design 4 Scheme Benefits 4

2 EIA Process 5 Scoping 5 Cumulative Impacts 5 Consultation 5 EIA Team 6

3 EIA Findings 7 Landscape and Visual 7 Water and Soils 8 Ornithology 8 Ecology 9 Noise 10 Cultural Heritage 11 Traffic and Transport 11 Aviation, Defence and Telecommunications 12 Socio-Economic 12 Recreation and Amenity 13

Figures

Figure 1: Site Location

Figure 2: Site Context

Figure 3: Site Layout

Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension ES 1 Non-Technical Summary

1 Introduction

1.1 Uisenis Power Limited (hereafter referred to as ‘UPL’) is applying to the Scottish Government for

consent to extend the Muaitheabhal Windfarm on the Eisgein Estate, Isle of Lewis (see Figure 1),

which was consented in 2010/11. Known as the Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension, the

proposed development would comprise 12 turbines and other ancillary infrastructure. The

construction of the consented wind farm is expected to commence as soon as Ofgem has

authorised the development of the Western Isles Link, which will provide a connection to the

electricity grid in mainland Scotland.

1.2 In accordance with the relevant legislation1, the application for consent must be accompanied by

an Environmental Statement (ES), a document that describes the methods used and findings of a

process known as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This Non-Technical Summary (NTS)

forms part of the ES, and provides a summary of the ES and its conclusions in non-technical

language.

1.3 The proposed Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension has been developed taking into account

discussions with Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES), statutory bodies such as

Scottish Natural Heritage, other interested organisations and the public.

Environmental Impact Assessment

1.4 The purpose of EIA is to identify potential significant environmental impacts of a proposed

development. This is undertaken through establishing the existing characteristics of the area

likely to be affected by the development, known as the baseline, and then predicting potential

environmental impacts of the development, noting whether they are positive or negative.

1.5 Where possible, impacts are avoided or minimised through the use of mitigation - either by

amendments made to the design of the development, or through the use of specific mitigation

measures. The EIA process results in the identification of those residual environment impacts

that are judged to be significant i.e. those impacts of moderate and major significance remaining

following implementation of the mitigation measures. A summary of the assessment methods

used and findings on a topic by topic basis are described in Section 3.

1.6 The significant residual environment impacts identified will be considered by the Scottish

Government, in the context of relevant planning policy, when determining the application for

consent.

Planning Policy

1.7 The proposed development will be determined in accordance with CnES planning policies, unless

other ‘material considerations’ dictate otherwise. The Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan

(2012) and Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy (ref) and the main CnES policy documents.

1.8 Other material considerations include the National Planning Framework for Scotland 22 (NPF2),

which sets out the environmental, social and economic planning policies for Scotland; Scottish

Planning Policy (SPP)3; Scottish Government Website Policy Subject Guidance – Onshore Wind

Turbines (updated October 2012) and a number of Planning Advice Notes relating to topics such

as noise, archaeology, natural heritage and transport.

1 The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000

2 Scottish Government (2009) National Planning Framework for Scotland 2

3 Scottish Government (2010) Scottish Planning Policy


Site Description and Location

1.9 The location of the proposed Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension is shown in Figure 1. The

site lies immediately south west of the existing consented Muaitheabhal Windfarm site. A central

spine of hills runs up from Harris into South Lewis – this is the ‘Mountain Massif’, a landscape of

high, rugged hills. The south extension site lies within a valley in this ‘Mountain Massif’ landscape.

The land cover of the site is predominantly moorland and rough grassland. The site forms part of

a private estate which is used predominantly for deer stalking and low density grazing.

1.10 There are no existing settlements or roads within the planning application boundary. The pattern

of settlement across the study is largely confined to the valleys and flatter coastal landscapes

while vast expanses of moorland and mountain remain uninhabited.

1.11 The closest individual property to the site is Eisgein Lodge which is located 2.5km from the closest

turbine and is owned by the estate. The closest settlements to the south extension turbines are:

Orasaigh (nearest property lies approximately 6km from the easternmost turbine);

Leumrabhagh (nearest property lies approximately 7.5km from the easternmost turbine).

1.12 The South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area lies just over 300m to the southwest

of the southern-most turbine. A Search Area for Wild Land as defined by Scottish Natural

Heritage lies approximately 50m from the nearest turbine.

Scheme Description

1.13 As shown in Figure 2, the Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension will involve the installation of

12 wind turbines together with associated infrastructure. The maximum height to blade tip of

each turbine will be 150m above existing ground level. Illustration 1 below shows the main

components of a wind turbine. The blades will be made from fibreglass and the tower will be

constructed from steel. The finish and colour of the turbines and blades has yet to be decided,

but following further discussions with CnES, this will be specified as a condition of the consent.

Illustration 1: Main components of a wind turbine


1.14 Infrastructure associated with the wind turbines includes:

approximately 6.5km of onsite access tracks;

two temporary construction compounds;

one permanent anemometry mast and one temporary anemometry mast (used for measuring

wind speeds);

crane hardstanding areas to enable construction and maintenance of the wind turbines;

either internal or external transformers for to each turbine;

substation; and

underground cabling connecting the turbines to the onsite substation.

1.15 Consent is being sought for an operating period of up to 25 years, after which the turbines will be

decommissioned and removed from the site unless consent is granted to do otherwise. It is

anticipated that the wind farm will take up to two years to construct, taking into account difficult

terrain, variable ground conditions, adverse weather, environmental constraints and short winter

daylight hours.

Micrositing

1.16 It is possible that once consent is granted there may be a need to move the position of individual

turbines or elements of the associated infrastructure. This may be required to avoid areas of

deep peat and minimise excavation depths. As such, a micrositing allowance of 75m radius in any

direction is proposed for the turbines, access tracks and other associated infrastructure is part of

this planning application.

1.17 The potential environmental impacts of moving the scheme components by this distance has been

assessed as part of the EIA, together with the identification of any restrictions on the micrositing

distance or direction for a particular scheme component.

Connection to the National Grid

1.18 Due to its limited capacity, the existing electricity connection to mainland Scotland cannot

accommodate the potential export generation from significant wind farm projects within the Outer

Hebrides. For this reason, Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission Ltd (previously SHETL) has

a consented new high-voltage electricity transmission cable connection to the existing mainland

transmission network (known as the Western Isles Link). Currently the Western Isles Link is

expected to be complete in October 2016. An agreement has been signed for the Muaitheabhal

Windfarm South Extension to be connected to the grid.

1.19 A new substation is to be constructed within the South Extension site, which will be connected by

a single wood pole 132kV overhead line to the main substation at Grabhair. The substation forms

part of the consent application for the Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension, whereas the

132kV line will be lodged separately by SHE-Transmission, together with appropriate

environmental information to enable the application to be processed.

Site Access

1.20 The site is located immediately southwest of the consented Muaitheabhal Windfarm and will

therefore be accessed through that wind farm. Road access to the site will be from the A859 via

the Eisgein Estate road, which will be upgraded as part of the consented scheme. Heavy good

vehicles, plant and construction workers, as well as two abnormal load deliveries will use this

route. A new berthing facility on the north shore of Loch Sealg will provide access by sea for the

direct delivery of the turbine tower sections, nacelles and blades.


Scheme Design

1.21 In accordance with best practice, environmental specialists were involved with the scheme design

process from the outset. This ensured that environmental constraints were taken into account in

identifying a site within a wider study area, and in defining the locations for the turbines, access

tracks and other wind farm infrastructure. It also ensured that the final design has integrity in

itself and complements the consented Muaitheabhal Windfarm as far as possible.

1.22 The design process was based on an iterative process of constraints mapping and design team

meetings to discuss the location of site infrastructure in relation to site constraints. Scottish

Natural Heritage was closely involved in the design process, given its interest in many of the key

environmental constraints. Engineering specialists provided information on the technical and

economic feasibility of turbine and access track locations.

1.23 As a consequence of the design process, a number of significant modifications were made to the

scheme design to avoid and minimise environmental impacts. An initial Area of Search and

‘Developable Area’ were defined, which could have accommodated up to 50 turbines. As a result

of consideration of physical constraints such as water bodies, water courses, wind resource and

steep slopes; landscape and visual considerations of impacts on the National Scenic Areas and

Search Area for Wild Land; and avoidance of bird breeding and highest bird activity areas, a final

scheme of 12 turbines was designed.

1.24 The introduction of access tracks and other infrastructure into the scheme design led to further

refinement taking account of engineering feasibility associated implications for landscape and

visual impacts.

Scheme Benefits

1.25 The 12 turbines will generate a maximum of 43.2 Megawatts of electricity per annum. This will

offset around 57,000 tonnes of CO2 per year from the national grid. It will contribute to the

Scottish Government’s target of 100% gross annual electricity demand from renewable sources

by 2020.

1.26 The South Extension is expected to generate, at minimum, an average of £380,000 per annum in

community benefit over 25 years – a total of £9.5 million at current prices. It is anticipated that

80% of this minimum total (£7.6 million) would be channelled through the Western Isles

Development Trust (WIDT) for wider expenditure in the Outer Hebrides, while 20% (£1.9 million)

would be spent local by the Muaitheabhal Windfarm Community Trust. Established in 2010, the

Trust will also benefit from considerable revenues generated by the consented schemes.

1.27 A Natural and Cultural Heritage Regeneration Plan, covering the whole of the Eisgein Estate, was

prepared in support of the applications for the consented schemes. It focuses on ornithological

research, habitat regeneration, biodiversity enhancement and archaeological assessment. The

implementation of the Plan, with annual funding of £1,250 per installed MW indexed linked from

May 2005, an annual amount of £225,000 at current prices, over the 25 year operational lifespan

of the schemes, is a requirement of the planning conditions attached to the consents.

1.28 UPL believes that the Regeneration Plan is already well-funded, so is proposing to make a

financial contribution to the WIDT for archaeological and ornithological research and development

purposes, with a view to making the Outer Hebrides a centre of excellence for archaeological

assessment and bird observation, habitat enhancement and monitoring. This contribution will

amount to £1,250 per installed MW indexed linked from May 2005, an annual amount of £69,000

at current prices. The Eisgein Estate will agree a programme of research and development

activities with WIDT, in consultation with SNH and CnES. It is anticipated that this in turn will

give rise to enhanced visitor numbers throughout the islands, as has been achieved on the

Orkneys and the Isle of Mull, with respect to archaeology and ornithology respectively.


2 EIA Process

Scoping

2.1 Early on in the EIA process, UPL requested a Scoping Opinion from the Scottish Government. The

purpose of Scoping is to agree the scope of the EIA studies with the Scottish Government and

other consultees, together with the methodologies to be used in the EIA process. This ensures

that the EIA focuses on the important issues and avoids those that are not considered likely to

give rise to significant environmental impacts.

2.2 Through the scoping process, it was judged that the proposed Muaitheabhal Windfarm South

Extension would be unlikely to result in significant impacts on a number of environmental topics

listed in the EIA Regulations, therefore these have been ‘scoped out’ of the EIA. The potential

impacts scoped out are impacts on air quality, forestry and shadow flicker.

Cumulative Impacts

2.3 It is important to consider the possible impacts that the Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension

may have in combination with other existing or consented developments or activities. For the

purpose of consideration of operational impacts it has been assumed in the Environmental

Statement that the consented Muaitheabhal Windfarm has been constructed, so information on its

impact on the receiving environment has been incorporate into the baseline against which this

proposed extension has been assessed. However, depending on timings there is the potential for

the consented Muaitheabhal Windfarm and this 12 turbine South Extension to be constructed at

the same time. The impacts that could arise from the simultaneous construction of the schemes

have therefore been assessed within the topic chapters, as appropriate.

2.4 At the time of preparing the ES there were three operational wind farms, six consented wind

farms and one application subject to determination within 35km of the proposed Muaitheabhal

Windfarm South Extension. The appropriate study area for each environmental topic was defined

within each chapter of the ES; therefore the wind farms considered within the cumulative impacts

section of each chapter varied from topic to topic.

2.5 Schemes which are not expected to give rise to significant levels of cumulative impacts in

combination with the Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension have been scoped out i.e. those

schemes that are under 50m tip height and located over 35km from the Muaitheabhal Windfarm

South Extension.

Consultation

2.6 During the EIA process, consultation was carried out with a number of statutory and non-

statutory consultees. The purpose of these consultation exercises was to provide progress

updates on the assessments being undertaken, to enable any potential issues or concerns raised

to be discussed at an early stage, and to ensure that the assessment process was transparent.

Discussions with stakeholders were also useful in feeding into the design of the wind farm

extension, ensuring that potential issues could be considered at an early stage.

2.7 In order to inform and gather the opinions of the local community and other interested parties on

the proposed Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension, UPL organised a public exhibition on 8th

April 2013 at Ravenspoint Café, Kershader, South Lochs. The exhibition was advertised locally

and in the Stornoway Gazette; the advert also gave an opportunity for any interested party to

make written comments.


EIA Team

2.8 The ES was prepared LUC on behalf of UPL. It is based on an outline engineering design produced

by Waterman and GL Garrad Hassan. Whilst LUC had overall responsibility for the ES, specialist

sub-consultants provided support where necessary. LUC provided the introductory chapters,

summary chapter and chapters on landscape and visual impacts, traffic and transport, aviation,

defence and telecommunications, and recreation and amenity. Specialist sub-consultants

provided advice, as follows:

Haworth Conservation provided specialist input on ornithology;

Hoare Lea Ltd. provided specialist input on noise and vibration;

Waterman provided specialist input on water and soils, peat and carbon balance;

Centre for River Ecosystem Science (CRESS) provided specialist input on fisheries;

Alba Ecology provided specialist input on fresh water pearl mussels;

Steve Westbrook provided specialist input on socio-economic impacts;

Archas provided specialist input on archaeology and cultural heritage.


3 EIA Findings

Landscape and Visual

3.1 Impacts on the landscape may result from direct physical changes to the fabric of the landscape,

as well as changes in landscape character and value, while visual impacts relate to changes in

views and the resulting impacts on visual amenity. A key principle of the proposed wind farm

extension design has been to minimise the visibility and landscape impact of the 12 turbines from

the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area (NSA), the Search Area for Wild Land

and A859, and to ensure that, where it is visible, the extension fits within the context of the

consented Muaitheabhal Windfarm, with the turbines generally located on lower slopes in less

visible areas.

3.2 The assessment of landscape and visual impacts was undertaken using a combination of desk-

based research, fieldwork and the creation of photomontages, which show the appearance of the

Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension from 15 representative viewpoints. The consented

Muaitheabhal Windfarm formed part of the baseline for the assessment of landscape and visual

impacts, as construction is expected to progress in the near future. The presence of the South

Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA just over 300m to the south-west of the turbines was a key

consideration in the assessment of landscape and visual impacts.

3.3 It was found that residual significant (major) impacts from both the construction and

decommissioning phases will only occur in relation to a localised part of the Landscape Character

Type within which the wind farm site lies - Mountain Massif 1, which is deemed to have a medium

to high sensitivity to wind energy development. These effects will be mitigated as far as possible

by keeping land clearance to minimum and by limiting the movement of vehicles outside specified

routes. The impacts of the wind farm extension on the Mountain Massif 1 Landscape Character

Type as a whole will be minor.

3.4 Localised major effects on the Mountain Massif 1 Landscape Character Type will also occur during

the operational phase of the wind farm, when there will be moderate-major visual effects at three

of the 15 viewpoints (viewpoints 1: Beinn Mhor, 2: Gormol and 3: Uisinis on the edge of the NSA)

and moderate effects on two further viewpoints (viewpoints 6: Liuthaid (within the NSA) and 12:

Acha Mor (looking towards the NSA)). Mitigation measures, primarily amendments to the layout

of the wind farm, have been incorporated into the scheme throughout the design process.

3.5 The cumulative landscape and visual assessment concluded that there will be a moderate-major

residual cumulative impact on viewpoints 1: Beinn Mhor, 2: Gormol and 3: Uisinis. However,

these effects have already been identified in the LVIA (para. 3.4 above) and are not exacerbated

by the presence of other proposed wind farms.

3.6 The South Extension will not directly impact on Search Areas for Wild Land. It is judged that

there will be a localised significant (major) effect within Gleann Lacasdaihl and a moderate effect

locally on the northern slopes of Beinn Mhor, Gormol and Uisinis. There will be no significant

effects on other parts of the wild land resource and the presence of the South Extension will not

undermine the overall integrity of the Search Area for Wild Land.

Summary

Potential landscape and visual impacts were a key consideration during the design of the

wind farm. Residual significant impacts are predicted in relation to landscape and visual

amenity and on Wild Land during both construction and operation. However, these are

localised impacts. Significant effects on the whole Landscape Character Type and on Wild

Land are not expected.


Water and Soils

3.7 This assessment considered impacts on geology, soils, hydrology and hydrogeology and was

undertaken through a mixture of consultation, fieldwork, desk studies and analysis. Impacts on

water and soils have been considered throughout the design process. At an early stage in the

development of the scheme, hydrological constraints in the form of watercourse buffering and

gradient information was provided to the developer to inform the possible layout of the turbines.

3.8 The potential for impacts on water and soils to occur is greatest during the construction phase,

due to the high levels of activity onsite. Negative impacts of moderate or major significance

during construction were identified in relation to pollution incidents, erosion and sedimentation,

increase in runoff, modification of surface drainage patterns, impediments to surface flows,

modification of groundwater levels, peat instability and compaction of soils. However, the

implementation of a range of identified mitigation measures will mean that the residual impacts in

all cases will be of minor negative significance. Mitigation measures to be employed during

construction include the implementation of an Environmental Management Plan and Pollution

Prevention Plan, general implementation of good construction-related sediment management

procedures, avoidance of construction work during or immediately after heavy rainfall events, use

of good practice methods in watercourse crossing design and construction, careful storage of

excavated peat and soils and the incorporation of flow attenuation measures within the drainage

system.

3.9 During operation of the wind farm extension, impacts of moderate negative significance were

identified in relation to pollution incidents, erosion and sedimentation, increase in runoff,

modification of surface drainage patterns, impediments to surface flows and modification of

groundwater levels. Again, following mitigation, these impacts will all be reduced to be of minor

negative significance.

3.10 During decommissioning, impacts of moderate negative significance in relation to pollution are

identified; however mitigation will be achieved through the implementation of an Environmental

Management Plan and Pollution Prevention Plan, and the residual impact will therefore be of minor

negative significance.

Ornithology

3.11 Birds could potentially be affected by the wind farm extension through direct loss of bird habitats

as a result of construction, indirect habitat loss through disturbance of birds during construction

and operation, and mortality of birds through collision with turbine blades during operation.

These impacts could also be experienced cumulatively as a result of the proposed wind farm

extension and existing nearby schemes during the operational phase.

3.12 Potential impacts on birds were taken into account throughout the design process for the wind

farm extension, which was informed by a series of collision risk modelling exercises aiming to

protect the favourable conservation status of breeding golden eagles in the Western Isles Natural

Heritage Zone (NHZ), and to minimise potential collision mortality to golden eagles, white-tailed

eagles and red-throated divers. Further modifications to the design of the wind farm extension as

part of the iterative design process involved placing a minimum 500m buffer around any red-

throated diver nest locations. Collision risk assessments were undertaken at all stages of design

with a view to minimising potential collision mortality to all species of conservation concern.

3.13 The assessment of ornithological impacts was undertaken through a combination of desk-based

research and field survey, the area for which extended up to 2km from the boundary of the wind

farm site.

Summary

As a result of the commitment to identified mitigation measures, the impacts of the wind

farm extension on water and soils during construction, operation and decommissioning will

be of minor negative significance.


3.14 Mitigation measures to address potential impacts on birds during construction include:

All drilling and blasting is planned to be at distances greater than 1km from any golden eagle

active nests and will take place outside the breeding season (February-August).

Where necessary, vegetation and ground clearance operations together with access track

construction will be undertaken outside the bird breeding season (February-August).

The site working area will be minimised and clearly demarcated on the ground.

An Ecological Clerk of Works will monitor all construction works undertaken during the bird

breeding season to ensure that disturbance to breeding birds is minimised by the

implementation of specific mitigation measures such as the creation of temporary 'no-go'

areas to protect ground nesting birds within the construction site

3.15 Implementation of these measures has resulted in the conclusion that no significant residual

impacts on birds will occur during construction.

3.16 Operational impacts considered include mortality through bird collision with wind turbines and loss

of habitat for bird species. The collision risk assessment for golden eagles and white-tailed eagles

predicts the potential loss of 4 golden eagles to collision over 25 years, and 8 white-tailed eagles

to collision over 25 years; negative impacts of moderate significance. Overall loss of habitat to

breeding golden eagles is likely to be of moderate negative significance. Residual impacts from

habitat loss may involve the permanent loss of a small number of breeding waders, the

permanent loss of one golden eagle range and minor habitat losses to two pairs of breeding

golden eagles. These impacts are considered to be of minor significance.

3.17 The assessment also considered the potential cumulative impacts on golden eagles and white-

tailed eagles of all consented wind farms in the Outer Hebrides. Potential effects on other species

are not considered likely to give rise to significant effects and therefore do not warrant any in

combination assessment at the scale of the Natural Heritage Zone. The operation of the South

Extension will add to the overall cumulative impact of all wind farm developments in the Outer

Hebrides. However, the population modelling and cumulative assessment predict that the

population of golden eagles and white-tailed eagles breeding in the Outer Hebrides will maintain

favourable conservation status.

3.18 It is anticipated that the proposed financial contribution to the WIDT for ornithological research

and development purposes will help to offset potential impacts on birds.

Ecology

3.19 Ecological surveys were undertaken to assess the impact of the proposed wind farm on important

habitats and species.

3.20 Prior to mitigation, potential negative significant impacts at the Site level were predicted during

the construction phase in relation to loss of/disturbance to wet heath and blanket bog habitats,

loss of life and degradation of habitats relating to otters, and habitat degradation relating to fish.

Mitigation measures to address these impacts include micrositing of turbines to minimise the loss

of peat during construction, pre-construction otter surveys within all suitable habitat within 250m

of infrastructure, training of onsite staff regarding ecological awareness, directing lighting away

Summary

No significant effects on bird species will occur during construction. A negative impact of

moderate significance is predicted in relation to golden eagle as a result of collision risk and

habitat loss. A negative impact of moderate significance in relation to white-tailed eagles is

predicted as a result of collision risk. Although operation of the South Extension will add to

the overall cumulative impact of all wind farm developments in the Outer Hebrides on golden

and white-tailed eagles, the breeding population of these species in the Outer Hebrides is

predicted to maintain favourable conservation status.


from watercourses and the avoidance of works within 100m of watercourses during dusk, dawn,

or darkness.

3.21 Potential construction impacts on otter and fish can be reduced following the implementation of

this mitigation to not be significant at any level. However, impacts on blanket bog and wet heath

habitats are largely as a result of the extent of habitat loss, and therefore, despite mitigation,

significant negative impacts to wet heath and blanket bog remain, albeit at the Site level only. In

addition, Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension will contribute to the loss of blanket bog and

wet heath in sufficient quantity to represent a significant negative cumulative impact at the Local

level.

3.22 During operation, no significant impacts are predicted for habitats, otter or fish, at any scale, or

for any other ecological receptors.

3.23 Impacts associated with the decommissioning phase will be largely as per those described above

for the construction phase. However, no significant impact is predicted for direct habitat loss as

works will be limited to areas of existing infrastructure and will largely involve increasing the

availability of semi-natural habitats through vegetative restoration. Furthermore, onsite cabling

will be left buried in situ below 0.6m deep and access tracks will be broken up and the surface

spread with suitable top soil to aid re-vegetation. Therefore, no significant impacts are predicted

for habitats and species as a result of decommissioning.

Noise

3.24 An assessment of the potential construction and operational noise impact of the proposed South

Extension on the residents of nearby dwellings was undertaken.

3.25 A number of factors are likely to affect the acceptability of construction noise including site

location, receptor location, existing ambient noise levels, duration of site operations, hours of

work, attitude of the site operator and the noise characteristics of the work being undertaken.

Given the separating distances of at least 2km between the majority of the South Extension

construction works and the nearest receiver location, the worst case construction noise levels

predicted equate to a negligible impact.

3.26 The method used4 to identify appropriate noise limits for both daytime and night time that the

proposed wind farm extension should not exceed, is based on existing background noise levels in

the area. Noise modelling established whether the proposed wind farm extension is likely to

exceed the limits. This modelling demonstrated that the wind farm extension could operate

within the limits identified, and therefore the noise impact of the operational wind farm is

classified as being acceptable. Therefore no significant impacts are predicted. Noise impacts

during decommissioning are predicted to be of negligible significance.

4 The Working Group on Noise from Wind Turbines (1997) ETSU R 97, The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms, Final

ETSU-R-97 Report for the Department of Trade & Industry.

Summary

Residual impacts from the construction phase will include loss of wet heath and blanket bog

habitat, which will be significant at the site level only. The wind farm will contribute to the

loss of blanket bog and wet heath in sufficient quantity to represent a significant negative

cumulative impact at the Local level. There will be no significant impacts on habitats or

species during operation or decommissioning of the wind farm extension.

Summary

During construction and decommissioning, noise impacts are predicted to be of negligible

significance. The noise impact of the operational wind farm is classified as being acceptable.

Therefore no significant impacts are predicted.


Cultural Heritage

3.27 An assessment of heritage assets (i.e. scheduled monuments, listed buildings, Conservation Areas

and designated historic parks and gardens) within and in the vicinity of the wind farm extension

site was undertaken. This was followed by an archaeological field survey to provide additional

information and to assess the potential for the presence of further previously unknown

archaeological sites. Twelve previously unidentified sites were located and recorded during this

survey.

3.28 No direct impacts are predicted on known archaeological sites during construction, as all known

sites have been avoided by the site design. Accidental damage to known cultural heritage sites

during construction will be prevented by fencing off any sites within 50m of the construction

footprint during the construction phase of the project. As the turbines are constructed, there is

potential for the tips of two turbine blades to become visible from the Calanais Stones Scheduled

Monument, which lies 23km away, resulting in a negligible negative impact on the setting of the

Stones. The only possible mitigation measure for this effect is to relocate the relevant turbines.

However, the wind farm extension has been through a detailed design process, which included

consideration of views from the Calanais Stones, which will ensure that the impact is not

considered to be significant.

3.29 There is potential for buried archaeological deposits to be encountered within the site boundary;

however it is very difficult to predict the possible location of such remains, and there is therefore

potential for negative impacts on unknown archaeological sites or deposits that may range from

major to negligible. Mitigation will be provided by monitoring groundworks in accordance with a

Written Scheme of Investigation, resulting in a residual impact of negligible significance.

3.30 During the operational phase, no heritage sites within 10km of the study area are expected to be

impacted in relation to their setting. There are four cultural heritage features of National and

Regional Importance within and beyond the 10km study area; however the overall assessment of

impacts suggests that, in terms of scale, complementarity and permanence, the operational

effects of the wind farm will be unobtrusive, unrelated and temporary. The resulting impact is

considered to be of minor negative significance.

3.31 While unknown features of cultural heritage importance may be present at the site, such features

would almost certainly consist of buried archaeological features not visible above ground level,

and would, therefore, not be sensitive to visual effects on setting during the operation of the wind

farm extension.

Traffic and Transport

3.32 The assessment of traffic and transportation considered the impacts of construction, operation

and decommissioning traffic on existing traffic flows and the local road network. Estimates of

traffic generation have been based on knowledge of construction and operational traffic

requirements of similar wind farm schemes that are either in operation or have been granted

planning consent. Traffic flow data for the A859 recorded during 2011 (the most recent

information available) was obtained from the Department for Transport website.

3.33 During construction there is predicted to be a minor impact on traffic flows on the A859 in relation

to increased traffic volume and changes and traffic composition. Mitigation measures to address

these already minor impacts will include the implementation of a Traffic Management Plan and the

police and CnES will be notified of abnormal loads. Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO)

Summary

Overall impacts on heritage assets as a result of construction and operation of the wind farm

extension, following implementation of appropriate mitigation, are considered to be of minor

negative significance or of negligible significance.


will be confirmed for transport of the transformers. Following this mitigation, the minor impacts

will be reduced to negligible.

3.34 The number of vehicle movements associated with the operational phase of the wind farm is

averaged at two traffic movements per day. This equates to an increase in traffic along the A859

of 0.1%, which falls well below the 10% criteria required for a formal Transportation Assessment,

and impacts are classed as negligible.

Aviation, Defence and Telecommunications

3.35 Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension has the potential to impact existing and planned radio,

television and telecommunications infrastructure and civilian and military aircraft activity with

regard to airspace and radar. Due to the nature of the impacts being considered, the assessment

only needed to address the operational phase.

3.36 The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) raised no issues with the proposed wind farm extension but

advised of the need to install obstruction lighting on the turbines and ensure the turbines are

chartered on civil aviation maps. Therefore, turbine coordinates will be provided to the CAA for

charting on aviation maps and infrared lights will be fitted to turbines. The National Air Traffic

Service (NATS) confirmed there are no safeguarding issues with regards to the proposed wind

farm. Although no response was received from the consultation with Highlands and Islands

Airports Limited (HIAL), the company previously responded to the consented Muaitheabhal

Windfarm with no objection. Therefore the impact on civilian airspace and radar is considered to

be not-significant.

3.37 The Ministry of Defence confirmed that there will be no impact on any military airspace or radar

but advised that all that all perimeter turbines are fitted with appropriate lighting. Infrared lights

will be fitted to turbines, therefore, the impact on military airspace and radar is considered to be

not-significant.

3.38 No communication links end/cross or pass near the site boundary of the Muaitheabhal Windfarm

South Extension and Ofcom indicated that no communication links lie within 500m of the site.

Therefore the impact on the operation of mobile phone communication links is considered to be

not-significant.

3.39 Impacts on fixed microwave link communications, emergency services communications, television

reception, radio reception, maritime traffic control and the meteorological radar were also all

found to be not-significant.

Socio-Economic

3.40 The assessment of socio-economic impacts was undertaken by considering the nature of the

Outer Hebrides’ economy and existing land use in the vicinity of the site to establish existing

socio-economic circumstances. In the main, socio-economic data (latest available and recent

Summary

No significant effects on traffic and transport have been identified. Implementation of the

identified mitigation measures will reduce the minor impacts during construction relating to

increased traffic volume and changes to traffic composition to negligible.

Summary

No significant impacts were found to result from the wind farm extension in relation to

aviation, defence and telecommunications during the operational phase, and no specific

mitigation measures were therefore required.


trends) were taken from official national statistics and interpreted on the basis of knowledge of

the Outer Hebrides economy and liaison with economic development staff of CnES and Highlands

and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

3.41 In total, the proposed development (including the construction and eventual decommissioning

phases) is expected to result in the creation of 76.5 direct, indirect and induced FTE jobs (766 FTE

job years) in the Outer Hebrides. This level of job creation will, in total, have a moderate positive

impact on the local economy of the Outer Hebrides.

3.42 A minor positive impact was identified in relation to employment generation during construction,

which will be maximised by ensuring that fabrication of turbine towers to take place on the island,

if possible, and the developer will endeavour to source workers from the local area and to

encourage local training initiatives. There will also be a further minor positive effect relating to

induced/indirect employment, which the developer will maximise by endeavouring to ensure that

services and materials are sourced from the local area.

3.43 These minor positive effects on employment generation (both direct and indirect) will also be

experienced during the operational phase of the wind farm extension, when it is estimated that

3.5 full time equivalent jobs will be created over 25 years. Further minor and moderate

employment benefits will be achieved as a result of employment through archaeological and

ornithological research, development and enhancement measures (described under those topics

above) and employment through the WIDT and the Muaitheabhal Community Windfarm Trust.

Moderate in-combination benefits relating to a contribution to economic development in the Outer

Hebrides are also expected.

3.44 A minor negative impact on tourism during both construction and operation has also been

identified, due to perceived changes in the landscape. However, this will be changed to a minor

positive effect by the implementation of the archaeological and ornithological measures, which will

offer the potential to attract additional visitors and extend stays.

Recreation and Amenity

3.45 Impacts on recreation and amenity during construction of the wind farm extension are associated

with restricted accessibility, visual impacts affecting recreation areas, increased noise and

increased traffic movements affecting amenity.

3.46 Impacts on accessibility are judged to be negligible, as access restrictions during the construction

phase will be temporary and there is no formal or regular use of the site for recreation which

would be prevented. Noise and traffic-related impacts resulting from construction have been

assessed separately (see above) and the results of the assessments have been considered in the

context of recreation and amenity. In both cases the impacts were considered to be of negligible

significance, due to the relatively small increases in noise and vehicle traffic and the low levels of

existing recreational use of the site. Visitors will be made aware of any restrictions on vehicular

or pedestrian access to the site through onsite signage

3.47 Construction of the wind farm will be temporary and will not prevent people from visiting or taking

part in recreational activities around the site. As such, it is considered that construction of the

wind farm will have a negligible impact on recreational activities.

3.48 Once operational, the visual impact of the development on the recreational experience of

individual users will depend on a number of factors including the type of activity, the reason for

undertaking the activity and the location of the individual with respect to the proposed

development. People’s personal perceptions of the development will also vary. There is limited

scope for the mitigation of the visual impacts of the turbines; therefore visual impacts on

Summary

Residual impacts of moderate and minor positive significance are predicted as a result of

direct and indirect employment generation, as well as in relation to tourism. All other

residual impacts are judged to be of negligible significance.


recreational users are considered to range from major in the immediate area contained to small

remote parts of the Eisgein Estate, overall impacts are relatively insignificant and are therefore

considered to be negligible.

3.49 During the operational phase there will be no additional access restrictions to those currently in

place. As such, it is considered that the operation of the wind farm will have a negligible impact

on access provision for recreation. Other recreational activities which take place within the

surrounding area such as sailing, cycling, sea kayaking and fishing will not be directly affected

and impacts will therefore be of negligible significance. The noise impacts of the wind farm on

recreational users during the operational phase have been considered through a separate noise

assessment, which concluded there will be a negligible impact on the surrounding area due to

noise from the wind farm, including in relation to recreation. The impact of traffic movements

during operation are also assessed separately and it was concluded that the low level of vehicle

generation will have a negligible impact on local recreation.

Summary

There will be no significant residual impacts on recreation during the construction or

operation of the wind farm.

Documents

Muaitheabhal Windfarm South Extension Environmental Statement · therefore be accessed through that wind farm. Road access to the site will be from the A859 via the Eisgein Estate