Bleak House Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary



Similar documents
23.1 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Development proposals will require to demonstrate, according to scale, type and location, that they:-

Chapter 12: Impacts, Mitigation, Cumulative Impacts and Residual Effects

1. Purpose and scope. 2. SEPA's role in hydropower and planning

National Planning Policy for Waste

Environmental Impact Assessment of Forestry Projects

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE & PROGRAMME

Mark Hill Windfarm Extension

WELCOME TO THE BAD Á CHEÒ WIND FARM EXHIBITION

Chapter 9: Water, Hydrology and Drainage Land West of Uttoxeter

PLANNING & REGULATION COMMITTEE 16 JANUARY 2012

The Roaches Asset Management Review. Draft Objectives for External Consultation. Fundamental Principles

Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Limited Electrical System. Outline Traffic Management Plan

Appendix C. Municipal Planning and Site Restoration Considerations

SCHEDULE 2 TO THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN OVERLAY Shown on the planning scheme map as DPO2 WAVERLEY GOLF COURSE, LYSTERFIELD VALLEY

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE BAHCE WINDFARM PROJECT (135 MW)

LIQUID WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY MENDIS ROAD, HUDSON CREEK DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR A PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

approval of matters specified in conditions; and The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2013

Site Deliverability Statement Development at: Beech Lane, Kislingbury. Persimmon Homes Midlands March 2015

Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant (LETP) Land Clean-Up

London Borough of Waltham Forest LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY. Summary Document

Proposed Terms of Reference for EIA studies

London Borough of Merton Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

Planning and Environmental Policy Group

CHAPTER 24: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Impact Assessment: Planning Guidance for Developers

Basics of Sustainability. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Welcome Welcome to the public exhibition for development at Bowman Field. This exhibition provides an overview of the proposals for the site.

3.0 Table of Development Note: This table must be read in conjunction with the explanation provided in Part 5, Division 1, Chapter 2 Using Domains.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

APPENDIX 4. Risk Tables

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS

2x800 MW Thermal Power Project Near Village Paraspani, Tehsil Pathargama, Godda- District By Adani Power (Jharkhand) Limited

Galloper Wind Farm Project. Traffic Management Plan May 2013 Draft v1 Document Reference GWF/TMP/ Galloper Wind Farm Limited

November General Notes. Tree Protection. Tree Protection and New Development Guidance Note

River Wensum Restoration Strategy Swanton Morley Restoration Scheme Reach 14a

PLANNING POLICY 3.3.5

Wind turbines on your land. Renewable energy development for landowners

Case Study 5 Use of Wind Turbine Technology

Climate Change and Infrastructure Planning Ahead

Recycling & Energy Recovery Facility

E19: SUSTAINABLE PLACEMENT OF SURPLUS EXCAVATED MATERIAL

Who are we? *Based on an average annual domestic household electricity consumption of 4,700KWh (DECC).

London Borough of Croydon Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

K M D Hire Services, LONDON ROAD, NANTWICH, CW5 6LU

A Developer s Guide: Watershed-Wise Development

Construction Phase Traffic Management Plan

APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A SOIL TREATMENT FACILITY AT KINGS CLIFFE LANDFILL SITE, STAMFORD, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Grant Planning Permission - Subject To The Following:-

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING WITH PHOTOVOLTARIC SOLAR PANELS TO SOUTH FACING ROOF

How To Plan A Buffer Zone

Recommendations for future developments

4 Alternatives and Design Evolution

Land at Cofton Lake Road Cofton Hackett

Environmental Assessment Approval. Approval Date: Liverpool Wind Farm Liverpool Wind Energy Storage Project Inc.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement. PORT OF OSWEGO AUTHORITY Lead Agency, State Environmental Quality Review Act

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LAND OFF MACCLESFIELD OLD ROAD, BUXTON. Construction Management Plan

ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CONCRETE BATCH PLANT & ROCK WASHING OPERATIONS

ENVIRONMENT ACT PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT NOVA SCOTIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE RAPID EIA STUDY FOR SHIVKAR LIGNITE BLOCK, DIST. BARMER, RAJASTHAN

The River Ribble is one of the longest rivers in the North West of England

Cathkin Relief Road Planning Statement

COUNTY OF LAMBTON OFFICIAL PLAN UPDATE BACKGROUND REPORT NO.

KRUGER ENERGY CHATHAM WIND PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING REPORT / ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT. Appendix E. Environmental Noise Impact Assessment

SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Carmarthenshire LDP Site Assessment Proforma

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Hydropower

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR SCOPING OF EIA STUDY

LANDSCAPE AND DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST FOR MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

1 Introduction. 1.1 Key objective. 1.2 Why the South Esk

Development Management Officer Report Committee Application. Summary

FLOOD RISK AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE ASSESSMENT HILLHOUSE RESTORATION SITE, OFF JAMESON ROAD, THORNTON CLEVELEYS ON BEHALF OF NPL ESTATES

AGENT(S) / APPLICANT(S): AGENT Dave Dickerson, DK Architects. APPLICANT Halton Housing Trust. DEVELOPMENT PLAN ALLOCATION: Greenspace.

1.7.0 Floodplain Modification Criteria

As a minimum, the report must include the following sections in the given sequence:

Eldorado-Ivanpah Transmission Project WELCOME To Southern California Edison Company s Eldorado-Ivanpah Transmission Project OPEN HOUSE

Defence College of Technical Training. Former RAF Lyneham Geo-Environmental Report Appendix D: Preliminary Qualitative Risk Assessment

Draft New Museums Site Development Framework Supplementary Planning Document SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL SCREENING REPORT

Didcot Further Expansion

Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Luton Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

2010 Salida Community Priorities Survey Summary Results

Mechanical Biological Treatment Facility

Advice can also be sought from specific specialist officers in the Council.

Project Management of Environmental Impact Assessments

Acton Quarry Extension. Halton Region June 11, 2014

THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 Grant of Planning Permission

Tree Management Guidelines

How To Conduct An Environmental Impact Assessment

UNDERGROUND TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLES ACROSS PRIVATE LAND

Sustainability Appraisal of the Lichfield Local Plan: Strategy

Rural Flooding: The Potential Role of Forestry

MBJ Environmental Programmes

Living & Working Managing Natural Resources and Waste

Our approach to the design and routeing of new electricity transmission lines

Key Themes for Langham s Neighbourhood Plan

Transcription:

Bleak House Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary December 2007

Non Technical Summary Preface The Environmental Statement has been prepared in support of a planning application to Cannock Chase District Council for the development of a wind farm at Bleak House, near Heath Hayes. The Environmental Statement includes a Non-Technical Summary (NTS), which provides an executive summary of the statement and its findings presented in a nontechnical manner. The NTS is also available as a separate document free of charge for Harworth Power Ltd. This Environmental Statement comprises the following documents: Non-Technical Summary The Environmental Statement The Environmental Statement is supported by the following documents (available on request): Technical Appendices The Environmental Statement can be viewed, along with the other documents referred to in this section, at the following locations during the statutory consultation period: Cannock Chase District Council Civic Centre PO Box 28 Beecroft Road Cannock WS11 1BG Burntwood Library Sankeys Corner Bridge Cross Road Burntwood WS7 2BX 01543 682447 Heath Hayes Library Hednesford Road Heath Hayes Cannock WS12 3EA 01543 279675 Further copies of the NTS are available free of charge and the Environmental Statement may be purchased for 250 per hard copy or 10 for a CD-ROM from: Harworth Power Ltd Harworth Park Harworth Doncaster DN11 8DB 01302 751751 Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page i

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION... 1 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT... 1 SITE SELECTION... 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION... 2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS... 2 Landscape and Visual Effects... 3 Ecology... 4 Ornithology... 4 Hydrology and Hydrogeology... 5 Cultural Heritage... 6 Noise... 7 Traffic... 8 Socio-economics, Tourism and Recreation and Land-Use... 8 Telecommunications and TV Reception...9 Shadow Flicker... 10 Health and Safety... 10 Air Quality and Climate... 11 Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page ii

Non-Technical Summary Introduction This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) forms part of an Environmental Statement for the proposed Bleak House Wind Farm located near Heath Hayes, Cannock. The Environmental Statement contains the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a process whereby an assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of the development has been carried out. These findings are summarised in a non-technical manner within this document. The proposed wind farm comprises three wind turbines with an installed capacity in the region of 6 6.9 MW at the location shown on Figure NTS1. The wind farm would operate for a period of 25 years after which the turbines would be decommissioned. Harworth Power Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK COAL PLC, with the remit of developing a number of their operational and disused colliery and mining sites for renewable energy. Harworth Power has also been active in the capture of mine gas and subsequent conversion of this gas to electricity. The company is dedicated to becoming a market leader in mines gas capture and generation, and to develop a strong portfolio of renewable energy projects. Environmental Statement The Environmental Statement comprises two separately bound documents: Volume I - An A3 document containing the Environmental Assessments and accompanying figures, and Volume II - An A4 document containing the Technical Appendices. For ease, the Non-Technical Summary has been included in the A3 document containing the Environmental Statement. The NTS is also available as a stand-alone document. A Planning Statement has also been prepared for submission to Cannock Chase District Council. Site Selection The Bleak House Wind Farm has been through a detailed iterative site design process. The final proposed layout has been influenced by various factors including wind yield and minimising the potential for significant environmental effects. The principal environmental issues influencing design of the wind farm have been the potential effects on landscape and visual amenity, noise, ecology, telecommunications and aviation. The final layout, as shown in Figure NTS2 represents the best environmental fit within the technical parameters of the development. Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 1

Project Description Construction of the wind farm would follow a rolling programme over an anticipated 6- month period, with an extra month for testing and commissioning. The main components of the proposal include: 3 wind turbines (comprising three-bladed rotor, nacelle and tower) with a total height to blade tip of up to 102 m; Temporary contractors compound and turbine laydown area; Power performance anemometer mast; New and upgraded site tracks; Crane pads; Underground cabling; and Control building. The site is primarily agricultural land with the central part of the proposed site located on the site of the disused restored Bleak House surface mine. The total land take would be approximately 4 ha. The following activities would take place on site during the construction period: Construction of access tracks: 2.5 km of existing site tracks will be upgraded where practical. There will be approximately 1.7 km of new track; Laying of turbine foundations: It is anticipated that foundations will be piled to achieve the required stability; Construction of control building; Preparation of the contractors compound, laydown areas and crane pads; Sourcing of stone: Stone for site tracks would be sourced from offsite operational stone quarries; Cement batching: Concrete would either be brought in from a local batching plant or a temporary batching plant would be established on site; and Turbine delivery: The turbines would be delivered to the site via a site access off the B4154 or alternatively the A5190 which forms part of the trunk road network. Turbines would be delivered on semi-low extendable trailers and erected using a large crane in conjunction with a smaller crane. Ongoing maintenance would be carried out throughout the 25-year operational life of the wind farm. Decommissioning of the wind farm would involve dismantling and removal of the turbines and on-site control building. Tracks and foundations would either be retained on site or dismantled where appropriate. Environmental Assessments As a result of the wide-ranging series of consultations, the following issues have been identified as being of particular relevance to the proposed wind farm at Bleak House, and were subject to particular scrutiny during the EIA process: Landscape and Visual Effects; Ecology; Ornithology; Hydrology and Hydrogeology; Cultural Heritage; Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 2

Noise; Traffic; Socio-economics, Tourism and Recreation and Land-use; Miscellaneous issues such as TV/Radio reception, Telecommunications and Aviation; Shadow Flicker; and Health and Safety Landscape and Visual Effects A landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) has been undertaken of the proposed Bleak House Wind Farm, which considers the effects of the development on landscape features, landscape character and visual amenity. The assessment was carried out using a methodology based on established best practice for the assessment of wind farms. The LVIA has demonstrated that there would be effects on the landscape character of the surrounding area and views of it, ranging from low to high. An iterative design process was adopted to minimise landscape and visual effects. The landscape of the wider study area is extremely varied, with densely populated areas, such as Birmingham and Walsall to the south and more open rural areas found within the nationally designated Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB), just to the north of the site. The landscape of the immediate study area of the site is predominantly arable fields, with occasional blocks of deciduous woodland and is surrounded by small, yet densely populated, local settlements such as Hednesford, Burntwood and Heath Hayes. Particular landscape values are associated with Cannock Chase AONB, which is the focus of recreational activity. The woodland within the AONB is reasonably robust to the extent that it is subject to a constant felling and re-planting regime for commercial purposes. The Castle Ring Fort SAM falls within the AONB boundary. Bleak House Wind Farm would introduce three tall structures into the landscape, of which there are no others within a 30 km study area. There are few landscape features within the study area that are visually similar to the turbines, with occasional lines of pylons and single radio masts located within the study area the most likely to be comparable in size and appearance to the turbines. The primary effects on views would mostly be on residential areas within 2 km of the site. The undulating landform and the screening effect of vegetation and buildings within the study area would limit views of the turbines. Views from within a 10 km to 30 km distance from the site are likely to experience at most a small effect due to the distance from the site and the visual distractions caused by the densely developed urban areas within this distance from the site. The development of the site would result in limited effects upon physical features due to the nature of wind farm development. The primary landscape effects relate to effects on the landscape character of the immediate site and the wider landscape character type that the site falls within. The principal landscape effects upon the site and its immediate surrounding area would arise as a result of the introduction of the three turbines. At this local scale, the landscape character would be dominated by their presence. Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 3

There would be temporary construction and deconstruction effects on the landscape and on views. However, these are considered to be temporary in nature, localised in terms of extent of the impact and, hence, of only minor additional significance. Ecology Ecological surveys carried out included a Phase 1 habitat survey, badger, amphibian, bats and riparian mammal surveys. A desk study was undertaken to identify ecologically important sites and records of protected or rare species. The type of habitat, which will be affected by the construction and installation of the proposals, is considered to be of low ecological value being predominantly arable and poor semi-improved grassland. Four species of bat were recorded from the field surveys. No suitable locations that could support a bat roost were recorded in any part of the assessment area directly affected by the construction phase of the proposals. Bats were found to be most strongly associated with woodland blocks and the old and new hedgerows. The woodlands would not be affected during development phase, however some of the old hedgerows are likely to be removed during track construction, and the new hedgerows are to be removed under mitigation plans. All other existing habitat links (woodland edges, tree-lines) will be managed to encourage bats to use corridors away from the turbines rather than cross the open fields and turbine locations Great crested newts have been found in 11 ponds on the site. None of the locations for turbines, storage compounds, new tracks and meteorological mast falls within 500 m of natal ponds. Part of one of the existing stone tracks to be upgraded falls within a 500 m zone for much of its length. The trackside verge habitat contained within the 500 m terrestrial zone for great crested newts will be surveyed pre-construction to determine the required mitigation. The presence of other more common species of mammal was also noted where seen, e.g. fox, deer and brown hare. The results of the badger survey are available in a confidential annex. This assessment concludes that there will be no effects of greater than minor significance on the identified valued ecological receptors. Ornithology The Impact Assessment included comprehensive ornithological surveys and review of the ornithological conservation value of the site and its surroundings. It considered the degree of existing ornithological importance of the site and assessed the likely impact of the development on species found both within the boundary and those located beyond the site boundary that may be affected by the development. The assessment identified that no species listed on Annex 1 of the Birds Directive were breeding within the site or the surrounding survey area. Four species listed on Annex 1 of the Birds Directive were identified as passage migrants or wintering within the site or the surrounding survey. One species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) was identified as possibly breeding within the site or the surrounding survey area. Eleven species included on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) Red List, six on the UK BAP priority species list and two on the Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 4

Staffordshire LBAP priority species list were present during the breeding season. Eleven species included on the BoCC Red List, seven on the UK BAP priority species list and two on the Staffordshire LBAP priority species list were identified as passage migrants or wintering within the site or the surrounding survey area. Four breeding species (Skylark, Stonechat, Grasshopper Warbler and Reed Bunting) were identified as being present at levels of local importance. Two wintering species (Grey Partridge and Skylark).were identified as being present at levels of local importance There is no possibility that the site would be designated on ornithological grounds as internationally or nationally important. The effect of habitat loss on all bird species is likely to be negligible in both the short and long-term. The effect of construction and decommissioning activities would be adverse moderate in the short term for Merlin, Peregrine, Golden Plover, Short-eared Owl and Nightjar; and adverse low in the short term for Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Snipe, Skylark, Song Thrush, Grasshopper Warbler, Willow Tit, Starling, Linnet, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. The effect of construction and decommissioning activities on all species in the longer term would be negligible. The effect of operational disturbance would be adverse low in all terms for Merlin, Peregrine, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Short-eared Owl, Nightjar, Grasshopper Warbler and Starling; adverse low / negligible for Linnet and Yellowhammer; and negligible for all other species. The assessment modelled the predicted bird collision risk of turbines to be constructed at the site. The assessment concluded that the potential effects on Buzzard, Kestrel and Golden Plover as a result of collision was adverse low / negligible in both the short and long-term; and negligible for all other species. Mitigation measures are outlined and potential residual effects noted. In summary the assessment concluded that the potential effects of the Bleak House Wind Farm construction, operation and decommission would be restricted to a short-term moderate adverse impact on a limited number of species (Merlin, Peregrine, Golden Plover, Short-eared Owl and Nightjar). It is concluded that the likely effects of the proposed development on birds is not significant. Hydrology and Hydrogeology A desk study and a site walkover were carried out to assess the site in terms of geological, hydrological and hydrogeological conditions. The site lies within the catchment of River Trent. Surface runoff on site flows by gradient into the drainage ditches and ponds across the site, draining to Chasewater Reservoir and a network of canals and brooks. Chasewater Reservoir and a number of the canals and brooks are important for recreational activities and coarse fishing. The groundwater dependent Biddulph s Pool and No Man s Bank Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lies downstream of the site. The protection of the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater is considered the key issue in the proposed mitigation methods. Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 5

The main risk to the water environment will occur during the construction phase and the following potential effects have been identified: Chemical pollution from storage and use of fuels, unset concrete and chemicals on site; Increased flood risk due to excavations, compaction of soils, increased hard standings and tracks and flow impediment in watercourses; Erosion and sedimentation due to excavations, ground disturbance, and stripping of vegetation and topsoils; and Change in soil drainage and groundwater levels due to dewatering of excavations, piled turbine foundations and other deep excavations and groundwater controls. Mitigation measures have been integrated within the design of the wind farm such that watercrossings have been minimised, site infrastructure was located in areas of relatively level ground to minimise erosion rates, and the wind turbine layout was designed to avoid mineshafts. In addition, appropriate best management practices will be implemented during construction including: Use of silt traps / buffer systems and settlement/ filtration systems; Storage of fuels / chemicals in designated bays with 110% bunding; Construction of suitably designed culverts under the drainage ditch crossings; Flood risk alleviation in the form of appropriate use of storage pond systems to store runoff, act as settlement systems, attenuate flow and allow controlled release of runoff; and Provision of an incident plan outlining actions to be taken in the event of accidental chemical or waste water spills, localised flooding and erosion. With the implementation of mitigation measures as detailed in the Environmental Statement, it is anticipated that effects on the hydrological and groundwater regime will be of minor significance or less. Cultural Heritage Desk studies, site visits and a walkover survey have been carried out to assess the likely effects of the proposed development on the cultural heritage resource in the vicinity of Bleak House. These studies have indicated that the proposed development area has largely been subject to surface mining and there is therefore little, if any, potential for below ground archaeological remains within the proposed development area. The proposed development will not cause any direct effects upon known cultural heritage resources within or beyond the site boundary and no mitigation is considered necessary or proposed. There are a number of sites of cultural heritage interest surrounding the proposed development area. These include Scheduled Ancient Monuments, listed buildings, Conservation Areas and Registered Parks and Gardens. The most prominent Scheduled Ancient Monument in the wider area is the Iron Age hillfort at Castle Ring. The view from the Scheduled Ancient Monument towards the proposed wind farm site is currently effectively screened by primarily planted woodland, entirely screening the proposed turbines. There will therefore be no Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 6

virtually effect on the setting of the Scheduled Ancient Monument given the current baseline. It is noted, however, that Forest Enterprise has indicated that there may be removal of trees currently screening the Scheduled Ancient Monument. This will reduce the screening effect, although how many, if any trees will be left in this area is unknown. Assuming that the area was clear felled, the effect on the setting of the Scheduled Ancient Monument would be major. Indirect effects upon other cultural heritage features may be expected in terms of visual intrusion, and this is assessed as having a minor to medium effect, dependant on the designation status of the features concerned. The actual effects experienced at the sites are likely to be less than predicted, since the assessment has been conducted against a Zone of Theoretical Visibility based on contours, and without taking into account buildings, settlements, trees etc. that may provide screening. No specific mitigation is proposed for these effects, nor is mitigation considered practicable. Any effects will last only for the duration of the operational life of the wind farm (that is, 25 years), and will be easily reversed during decommissioning. Noise In order to assess the potential impact of noise associated with the proposed Bleak House Wind Farm on the surrounding, existing, sensitive residential receptor locations a noise assessment was required to be undertaken. The full details of the assessment conducted are contained within the Environmental Statement Chapter 11 Noise and within the associated Technical Appendix 11.1. In order to quantify the potential noise impact associated with the operational wind farm a predictive assessment was required to be undertaken in line with the requirements and protocols contained within the relevant guidance document, namely ETSU R97 The Assessment & Rating of Noise from Wind Farms. In order to undertake the required ETSU R97 assessment background noise levels were required to be undertaken over a prolonged period (approximately 1 to 2 weeks). The background noise climate of the area for both daytime and night-time was established at 7No. locations as agreed with Cannock Case District Council (CCDC) and Lichfield District Council (LDC) during October and December of 2005. To quantify the noise levels associated with the proposed 3No. turbines within the wind farm a noise model was constructed within the Braunstein + Berndt GmbH commercially available noise mapping software SoundPLAN 6.4. The model was constructed based upon scaled OS topographical data, 3D elevation data and the noise characteristics of the wind turbine, with all calculation protocols conforming with ISO9613. Worst-case assumptions have been made in this modelling process, the most important of which is that all prediction points are assumed to be down-wind of all of the noise sources (wind turbines). In order to undertake the required noise prediction calculations the candidate turbines used was the Vestas V80 (105.1dB) unit. From the comparison of the results of the predicted noise levels to the limits contained within the ETSU-R97 guidelines it is apparent that the proposed 3No. turbine wind farm as proposed, assuming noise characteristics of the Vestas V80 105.1dB wind turbine, will operate wholly within the guidelines proposed. Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 7

Assessment of the construction operations associated with the wind farm development has been undertaken based upon a qualitative basis, with methods to control noise should they become an issue being proposed. With the inclusion of the proposed control measures, as and when appropriate, it is concluded that noise associated with the construction phase of the development should be controllable to within acceptable levels. Traffic A desk-top route appraisal was undertaken to provide information on the proposed route for delivery of the turbine components and structural agencies were consulted on the suitability of the route. The route proposed is from Ellesmere Port, continuing south on the M6 onto the A5. From the A5 continuing north on the A460, then proceed east on the A5190 or proceed south on the B4154 to the site entrance. Traffic count data were obtained from Staffordshire County Council Highways Departments to provide a baseline from which to assess the effect of increased traffic levels during construction of the development. A six month construction programme is proposed. Vehicle movements will vary according to activities being undertaken on site and will include movements of site personnel, deliveries of turbines components, construction vehicles, deliveries of stone for access track foundations and fuel deliveries. Maximum construction traffic volumes are anticipated to occur during months 2-3. The traffic volumes are assessed as the worst possible case associated with off site deliveries of materials for cement batching (or ready-mixed concrete) for the turbine foundations and all a conservative estimate for exporting of excavated material, some of which may be re-graded into the landscape. During the peak month daily mean HGV traffic is estimated at around 106 vehicle movements (53 deliveries). The increases in traffic volume on the A5 and A460 are assessed as a non-significant increase in traffic. The increase in traffic volume on the A5190 is considered notsignificant to non-sensitive receptors; however the increase in HGV traffic along this road is considered to have a significant short-term adverse effect on sensitive receptors. Traffic volumes along the B4154 are considered smaller but are also assessed as a significant short term adverse effect. There are predicted to be up to 43 movements of abnormal loads delivering turbine components over two months, equating to approximately 1 movement per day. The presence of abnormal loads has been assessed as a short-term adverse effect that may cause localised disruption whilst the movement takes place. Mitigation measures will include the adoption of a traffic management plan, police notification of abnormal loads, temporary diversions and signage. Traffic generation during the operational phase will be significantly lower and predicted to have a negligible impact on the local traffic network. Socio-economics, Tourism and Recreation and Land-Use The EIA has considered the potential social and economic impacts, tourism and recreation impacts and impacts on land-use from the development. Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 8

There is expected to be a beneficial impact occurring from the construction of the wind farm due to the opportunity for local employment and construction contracts on the site. It is expected that the capital cost of Stonish Hill Wind Farm would be approximately 6 million. Information relating to tourism and recreational activities in and around the site was collated. Tourist attractions in the area include Chasewater Country Park, Hazelslade Nature Park, Mill Green and Hawks Green Park, Castle Ring, Hednesford Hills Common Local Nature Reserve, Heart of England Way and Beacon Way National Walks, Hednesford Hills Raceway and National Cycle Route 5. It is important to note that the potential impact of the proposal on tourism and recreation is closely related to public attitudes to wind turbines in the landscape and a number of studies have been conducted on the subject. The relevant conclusions from the most recent of these are discussed later in the chapter. These suggest that the development of the wind farm at Bleak House would not result in any adverse impact on the local tourist industry. Footpaths and bridleways within the site boundary would be diverted during construction and decommissioning, but would be fully restored following the completion of construction and decommissioning operations. All temporary diversions and re-routing of paths would be clearly signposted, adhering to construction guidelines. It is expected that public rights of way around the site would not be significantly impacted. Land use on the site is primarily agricultural, with restored land following surface mining operations to the south. The farming activities on site will continue to be used during the operation of the wind farm. The construction of the wind farm will result in a long-term loss of approximately 2 ha of agricultural land to laying out of access tracks and turbine bases. This loss is considered insignificant in the context of the available agricultural land locally and on a wider scale. Telecommunications and TV Reception Signal power loss is the primary effect of concern for telecommunications links. These effects can avoided by appropriate siting of turbines outside a specified buffer distance (Fresnel Zone) of the link. BT, T-Mobile and JRC operate links which cross the site, but none come within 100 m of the turbine blade tips in the final application layout. There is approximately 234 m between the blade tip of Turbine 2 to the closest link path. The potential exists for interference of TV signals in the vicinity of the wind farm, although these are very difficult to accurately predict before they are built. The only potential effects predicted are interference with individual household reception. These effects are relatively straightforward to mitigate and options are outlined within the Chapter 14 of the Environmental Statement. Due to the presence of several transmission towers in the area to provide alternative transmission and the availability of alternative off-air services, it is predicted that that the wind farm would not cause any significant negative effects on television and radio broadcasting in the area. There are no significant effects predicted on civil aviation. Birmingham International Airport had raised a concern, but changes to the scoping layout including a reduction in height and number of the turbines have ensured that there is unlikely to be any Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 9

significant impact on air traffic control. In regard to military aviation interests, Defence Estates raised an initial objection which has subsequently been withdrawn. Shadow Flicker Shadow flicker may occur when the sun passes behind the rotors of a wind turbine and casts a shadow over neighbouring properties. As the blades rotate, the shadow flicks on and off, an effect known as shadow flicker. The effect occurs inside buildings, where the flicker appears through a window opening. In the UK, only properties within 130 degrees either side of north, relative to the turbines, can be affected, as turbines do not cast long shadows on their southern side. A preliminary desk-based assessment identified approximately 6 main receptors within the shadow flicker zone of influence. Two of the receptors were identified as groups of properties within larger settlements. The date, times and durations of shadow flicker have been predicted for each property using ReSoft WindFarm software. The software calculates the dates and times when the shadow of a wind turbine s rotor will fall onto a window and makes worst-case assumptions about weather conditions and turbine alignment. The results show that all but two of the receptors sampled would potentially experience shadow flicker. Shadow flicker will potentially occur for less than 30 hours at three of the receptors. This includes the properties representative of the houses along Kingsdown Road in Burntwood and the significance of the effect at this location has been assessed as minor. Shadow flicker will potentially occur for more than 30 hours at Bleak House Farm located to the south east of the turbines. Taking into account the modelling assumptions and also the effects of any screening vegetation between the turbines and the properties, the resultant shadow flicker effects at this property has been assessed as of moderate significance. It is possible that factors such as the location of bedrooms within properties, or the presence of intervening structures blocking the lines of sight to turbines would reduce or eliminate the significance of effects. The most likely mitigation measure is to shut down specific turbines at times when they are predicted to cause shadow flicker at these properties. Following mitigation the predicted shadow flicker effects have been classified as negligible. Health and Safety During construction the site would be managed and operated in accordance with Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and comply with relevant Health and Safety Regulations. As a number of public rights of way cross the site, a variety of security measures, including warning signage and security infrastructure will be in place around the control building, individual turbines and the substation to ensure public safety and security of the wind farm. There is no evidence to indicate that a wind farm would cause effects on driver concentration or road safety anymore than any other feature adjacent to a road and driver distraction is not considered a significant effect. Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 10

Air Quality and Climate Potential air quality impacts associated with construction of the wind farm include dust generation from traffic movements, earthworks and exhaust emissions from plant equipment and vehicles. Exhaust emissions during construction and decommissioning would be localised and short-term. Effects on local air quality would be negligible. As such, the effect of such emissions is assessed as not significant. Dust nuisance at nearby properties could only occur in dry, windy conditions. In this event water sprays will be used. Due to the effective mitigation, the specific conditions of occurrence and the short-term nature of the construction period, residual effects are assessed as negligible. Displacement of other forms of generation will reduce national emissions of pollutants resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. This will have a positive long-term effect on national emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants which cause acid rain. This effect is classified as significant and positive. It is estimated that the capacity of 6-6.9 MW at Bleak House would generate sufficient renewable electricity every year to serve the equivalent demand of between 2250 to 3310 households. This is sufficient to supply approximately 6-9% of the households within the Cannock Chase District Council area. Bleak House Wind Farm NTS Page 11

Legend: Drawing Ref: J:\SGP 5496 Bleak House Windfarm EIA\GIS\MXD files\sgp5496_fig1.1_site_location Site Location Status: Final 7 Clairmont Gardens! Glasgow G3 7LW T 0141 332 0373 F 0141 332 3182 E rpsgw@rpsgroup.com W www.rpsgroup.com Client: Harworth Power Project: Bleak House Wind Farm Title: Site Location Plan ± Scale: A3 @ 1:250,000 0 3 6 km Date: 11/12/07 Datum: OSGB36 Projection: BNG Drawn: KW Checked: DL Job Ref: SGP5496 Figure No: NTS1 Revision: 1 www.rpsgroup.com Crown copyright, All rights reserved. Licence number AL100020414