Renewable Energy Generation 30% by 2013

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1 Severn Trent Water Profile We are the 2 nd Largest Water Utility in the UK. We deliver nearly 2 billion litres of water each day to 7.4M customers We treat the sewage of 8.5M customers. We use a huge amount of electricity to transport and treat the water and waste of our customers. We have energy management plans for all our major sites to ensure we use electricity more efficiently. In 2008/09 we generated 163GWh of renewable electricity. This equates to 17.5% of our electricity needs. We have a Renewable Energy target of 30% self generation by 2012/13. For more information go to You can contact us at renewableenergy@severntrent.co.uk For more information on wind projects go to Renewable Energy Generation 30% by 2013 Combined heat and power (CHP) uses biogas from sewage sludge digestion. 97% of the renewable energy we generate comes from CHP. We are increasing our CHP capacity and optimising our gas production by introducing new technologies and by the importing of high organic wastes. We have identified our first energy crop site at Stoke Bardolph in Nottingham. This technology uses the digestion of maize to produce biogas. The site, which began construction in April 2009, will generate 2MW of renewable electricity. We have hydro-generators at 3 of our large reservoirs with an installed capacity of 1MW. We are increasing our hydro power with larger, more efficient turbines and by looking to harness the energy in treated sewage as well as our clean water. Wind power is just one technology we are looking to harness for renewable energy. We have over 5000 sites and we have identified 12 of these which have the potential to generate wind power. We are currently carrying out feasibility studies at a number of these sites and the following posters discuss what we are doing in this area.

2 The Proposal We have identified the potential for 2 wind turbines at Derby Sewage Treatment Works on the southern edge of Spondon. At present, no particular turbine has been identified as final selection would be subject to the results of a number of surveys and consultation. In order to enable early data analysis, a maximum design envelope is being adopted. The dimensions are as follows: Tower height: up to 80m Blade length: up to 52m Height to tip: up to 132m Capacity: up to 3.3MW Benefits of the Proposal N Based on the turbine specification stated above the wind turbine development will provide the following benefits: The introduction of a local renewable energy generation scheme that will provide enough electricity, on average, to meet the annual electricity needs of up to 3,714 homes.* A reduction in carbon emissions of 7,458 Tonnes annually** by replacing electricity generated by burning fossil fuels with electricity generated by harnessing wind power. The generation of indigenous, secure and reliable electricity reducing the UK s reliance on increasingly expensive imported fuel sources. Contribution towards regional renewable energy targets. An opportunity to raise the profile of renewable energy and the wider issues associated with man s impact on the environment. * Calculated using a capacity factor of 30% and an average annual UK household electricity consumption of 4,670 kwh. (Regional and Local Electricity Statistics, Department for Energy and Climate Change, 2007). ** Calculated based on the figure agreed with the ASA by BWEA of 430g of CO2 per KWH. Landscape and Visual A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will be conducted as part of the planning submission. The photographic visualisations that form part of this exhibition illustrate predicted views of the proposed wind turbines from some of the viewpoints being assessed as agreed with Derby City Council. The map adjacent indicates the proposed turbine location and viewpoint locations displayed at this exhibition. Crown Copyright All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey licence number

3 Impact Assessments Environmental Assessment All potential effects of the proposal are being investigated in assessing the viability of the site to accommodate two wind turbines. The results of studies conducted by independent specialist consultants will form the basis of an Environmental Report that will be submitted as part of any planning application. Findings of these studies, along with consultation responses, will influence the design and layout of the proposed development. Noise Although wind turbines are relatively quiet (i.e. a conversation can be held beneath one without raising your voice) they do emit some noise and therefore should be sited far enough away from noise sensitive properties to ensure local residents are protected. The proposed wind turbines at Severn Trent Water s Derby Sewage Treatment Works in Spondon are located over 450m away from the nearest dwellings in order to ensure any potential noise impacts are acceptable. Noise from wind turbines is controlled using noise limits at the nearest noise sensitive properties such as schools, houses and hospitals. These noise limits are designed to protect residential amenity and are set relative to existing background noise levels in accordance with Government Guidance in the form of ETSU-R-97 The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms. A comprehensive noise assessment will be carried out around the proposed site to measure existing noise levels. These measurements will be used to establish the noise limits for the site. The Environmental Health department at Derby City Council is being consulted regarding the noise assessment. The proposed development must demonstrate compliance with the noise limits established for the site. A copy of the final noise report will be made publicly available should a planning application be made. Source/Activity Indicative Noise Level, db(a) N Threshold of pain 140 Jet aircraft at 250m 105 Pneumatic drill at 7m 95 Truck at 30mph at 100m 65 Busy general office 60 Car at 40mph at 100m 55 Image Courtesy of TNEI Services Ltd Wind Farm at 350m Quiet bedroom The Environmental Impact Regulations only apply to certain types of development including some wind energy schemes. To determine if an Environmental Impact Assessment is required for the turbines at Spondon, Derby City Council undertook screening of the proposal. This confirmed that in this case the development would not require a full Environmental Impact Assessment. However, in order to allow full and proper consideration of the proposal sufficient information will be provided in the form of an Environmental Report. This report will include an assessment of the proposal against relevant planning policies and results of relevant studies. Rural night-time background Threshold of hearing Crown Copyright All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey licence number Noise levels are theoretical based on sound power output levels from the loudest candidate turbine.

4 Impact Assessments Radio and Telecoms Ofcom and individual microwave link operators have been consulted during the early stages of the design process to ensure that telecommunication and radio links will not be affected by the proposal. TV Reception Wind turbines have the potential to cause interference to local TV reception. Terrestrial television transmissions for domestic reception within the UK are the joint responsibility of the BBC and Ofcom who have both been consulted regarding this proposal. If television reception is affected by the proposed turbine Severn Trent Water Limited will carry out any remedial work as necessary. Wind Monitoring Desktop Studies indicate that there is the potential at the site for the proposed turbine development. In order to more accurately assess the potential for wind turbine development at the site a 60m tall tubular steel meteorological mast has been temporarily installed. The mast is measuring the wind speed and direction at various heights along the mast using anemometers and wind vanes. The photograph on the right shows a meteorological mast and measuring equipment. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage A specialist study of the site and surrounding area is being conducted considering potential impacts on all cultural assets within the vicinity of the proposed development. Consultation is being conducted with English Heritage and Derby City Council. Traffic Routes for both turbine components and Heavy Goods Vehicles delivering construction materials will be assessed to ensure impacts on the local road network are acceptable. A Traffic Management Plan will be submitted to the highways officer for approval. Good working practices will be employed to minimise the effects of potential pollution including noise, dust and accidental fuel spillage. Shadow Flicker It is possible, under certain combinations of geographical position and time of day, for wind turbines to lead to a phenomenon known as shadow flicker. This is when the sun passes behind the rotor blades. A detailed assessment will be carried out to identify any potential for this to occur in the vicinity of the proposed turbines and allow mitigation measures to be prepared if required. Ecology and Ornithology It is important to accurately assess the potential impacts on wildlife interests in and around the site. Assessment work began in October 2008 and surveys have been/ will be conducted by independent ecological specialists to investigate the potential impact on wildlife within and surrounding the site. In addition to this work consultation is ongoing with Natural England and the RSPB. Assessment results will be included within the Environmental Report should a planning application be submitted. Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology A detailed assessment will be conducted into potential effects on the geology and water regime to ensure that the proposed development has no significant adverse effects. Aviation Consultations have been conducted with the Civil Aviation Authority. Following their guidance, consultation is ongoing with East Midlands Airport. The Ministry of Defence have been consulted and have confirmed that they have no objection with the proposal.

5 OS Height date: Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data Crown copyright All rights reserved. License number Photograph 0 0.5km 1km Wireframe Photomontage View from Alvaston OS reference: , Angle of view: 90 degrees Distance to nearest turbine: 1.3km Date of photograph: Direction from site: South No. of Hubs Theoretically Visible: 2 Viewpoint elevation: 41m No. of Tips Theoretically Visible: 2 Approx. viewing distance: 50cm Turbine Details: Height to Blade Tip: 132m Height to Hub: 80m Rotor Diameter: 104m Spondon Wind Farm Visualisations

6 OS Height date: Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data Crown copyright All rights reserved. License number Photograph 0 0.5km 1km Wireframe Photomontage View from Spondon 3 OS reference: , Angle of view: 90 degrees Distance to nearest turbine: 982m Date of photograph: Direction from site: North East No. of Hubs Theoretically Visible: 2 Viewpoint elevation: 63m (+10m bridge) No. of Tips Theoretically Visible: 2 Approx. viewing distance: 50cm Turbine Details: Height to Blade Tip: 132m Height to Hub: 80m Rotor Diameter: 104m Spondon Wind Farm Visualisations

7 OS Height date: Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data Crown copyright All rights reserved. License number Photograph 0 0.5km 1km Wireframe Photomontage View from Spondon Railway Station OS reference: , Angle of view: 90 degrees Distance to nearest turbine: 527m Date of photograph: Direction from site: North East No. of Hubs Theoretically Visible: 2 Viewpoint elevation: 46m (+10m bridge) No. of Tips Theoretically Visible: 2 Approx. viewing distance: 50cm Turbine Details: Height to Blade Tip: 132m Height to Hub: 80m Rotor Diameter: 104m Spondon Wind Farm Visualisations

8 OS Height date: Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data Crown copyright All rights reserved. License number Photograph 0 0.5km 1km Wireframe Photomontage View from Pride Parkway OS reference: , Angle of view: 90 degrees Distance to nearest turbine: 1887m Date of photograph: Direction from site: West No. of Hubs Theoretically Visible: 2 Viewpoint elevation: 43m No. of Tips Theoretically Visible: 2 Approx. viewing distance: 50cm Turbine Details: Height to Blade Tip: 132m Height to Hub: 80m Rotor Diameter: 104m Spondon Wind Farm Visualisations