Post on 07-Sep-2018
Environmental StatementNon-Technical Summary
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Newfield
Wind Farm
Produced by In association with
9-10 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2AF
T: 0131 718 6086 F: 0131 718 6100
maildesk@torltd.co.uk www.torltd.co.uk
Newfield Wind Farm
Environmental Statement
Non–Technical Summary
10/09
Terence O’Rourke Ltd
creating successful environments
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4 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary5
Introduction
NTS1 Wind Energy (Newfield) Limited has submitted
an application to the Scottish Ministers under Section
36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for consent to construct
and operate a wind farm comprising 21 wind turbine
generators on land at Balgray Hill to the north-east east of
Lockerbie in Dumfries and Galloway. The applicant also
seeks a direction by the Scottish Ministers that planning
permission is deemed to be granted for the proposed
development under Section 57 of the Town and Country
Planning Act (1997), as amended. The application also
seeks deemed consent for a felling licence where trees
may require removal.
NTS2 An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is
required under the Electricity Works (Environmental
Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000,
because of the potential for significant environmental
effects. An environmental statement (ES) has been
prepared to report the findings, according to best practice
guidelines. Its key findings are presented in this non-
technical summary (NTS).
Climate change and the need for renewable power
NTS3 The UK Energy White Paper: Meeting the Energy
Challenge (May 2007) states that renewable energy
generation is key to the UK’s strategy to tackle climate
change and introduce cleaner sources of energy. A
primary target is to see renewables provide 10% of
electricity supplies by 2010, with an aspiration for 20% by
2020. Onshore wind power generation is identified as the
single most efficient way for the UK to meet its renewable
electricity commitments.
NTS4 The Scottish Government supports the UK
Climate Change Programme and has developed
a national programme to reduce the emission of
greenhouse gases in Scotland. The Scottish Energy
Minister announced targets in November 2007 for 50%
of Scotland’s electricity to be generated by renewable
sources by 2020, with an interim target of 31% by 2011.
These targets have been incorporated into the Scottish
Government’s Renewable Energy Framework (October
2008).
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6 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary7
NTS5 The generation of electricity by wind power
displaces conventional fossil-fuel sources of electricity
generation and the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions they
produce. Predicted CO2 savings over the life-cycle of
the wind farm have been calculated and are presented
within the ES. In addition to reducing emissions of CO2,
which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas
emissions, wind power avoids many of the other external
environmental costs of some forms of conventional
electricity generation, including poor local air quality and
the damage to the natural and built environments caused
by acid rain. A diverse supply of indigenous energy,
including renewable sources is an important element in
reducing dependence on imported energy and improving
the security of our energy supply.
The applicant
NTS6 Wind Energy (Newfield) Limited is a renewable
energy company dedicated to the development of wind
farms in Scotland. It is majority owned by subsidiaries
of AES Corporation, one of the world’s largest power
companies.
The application site
NTS7 The site is located towards the eastern end of
Dumfries and Galloway, approximately 5.5 kilometres to
the north-east of Lockerbie. The location of the site in
relation to Lockerbie and the boundary for this application
are shown on figure NTS1.
NTS8 The total area of land within the application
boundary is 1,163 hectares, but less than 5% of this total
area will be developed for the wind farm. The land within
the application boundary is predominantly undulating
moorland, varying between approximately 120 metres
Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) on the western side of
the site to 250 metres AOD at Firtree Hill in the northern
part of the site. In addition to the moorland, there are
also areas of coniferous plantation, and deciduous and
mixed woodland. A network of natural and man-made
watercourses drain the site to Dryfe Water to the west of
the site and Corrie Water to the east of the site. There
are three water bodies within the site: Hallhills Loch in the
north-western area, a small lochan in the north-eastern
area and a small pond in the northern forested area of the
site.
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8 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary9
NTS9 The main land use across the site is for the
grazing of sheep and cattle, although game shooting also
takes place in some of the woodland blocks. With respect
to existing built development, there are two inhabited
dwellings within the application site. A 400 kV power line
and the public road known as the U284a Balgrayhill cross
the site. Vehicular access to the site can be achieved from
the U284a or the public road known as C81, which runs
to the north of the site.
NTS10 Land uses in the vicinity of the application site are
predominantly rural in character; largely based around
grazing and forestry. Other notable land uses close to
the application site include Lockerbie golf course to the
south, the Stevens Croft biomass power station to the
south west and several hotels. Single isolated dwellings
dominate the pattern of residential settlement in the
vicinity of the site, although there are small settlements
close to the site at Sibbaldbie to the west and Boreland to
the north.
NTS11 The town of Lockerbie lies to the south west of
the site and comprises a mix of residential and industrial /
commercial and administrative land uses. There is a major
transport corridor to the south west, which includes the
A74(M) motorway and the West Coast Main Line railway.
Alternatives and design
NTS12 The Newfield site was considered to be suitable
for a wind farm based on the following criteria:
Good wind resource
Few residential receptors
Close to the existing road network
Close to the existing transmission infrastructure
Restricted visibility of supporting infrastructure due to
surrounding topography and land cover
Potential to avoid or mitigate the potential impact of
the scheme on environmentally sensitive areas within
and close to the site
NTS13 Full details of the design of the site and the
alternatives considered by Wind Energy (Newfield) Limited
through the design process are presented in chapter 3 of
the ES.
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NT
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S
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Legend
Permanent metrological mast Turbine location and turning area Access tracks Crane pads Substation Site compound location Temporary laydown area Operation and maintenance building Borrow pits Application boundary
Turbine location
NTS14 A range of alternative site layouts have been
considered through the design process and this has
resulted in the number of turbines being proposed
reducing from a maximum of 28 to the 21 turbines
that are the subject of this application. Environmental
constraints have been an important influence in the final
wind farm layout and wind turbines have been removed
from the proposals for reasons including the predicted
effects of noise, landscape and visual impacts and the
potential effect on the setting of historic monuments.
NTS15 Wind turbine components such as blades and
tower sections are, by their nature, very long and some
other components such as electrical transformers are
very heavy. Assessment of alternative options for the
most appropriate route for heavy goods vehicles and long
vehicles (collectively referred to as abnormal loads) to
access the site has also been an important consideration.
Six potential access routes between the A74(M) were
assessed using a range of techniques including computer
modelling and driving the routes using an articulated
vehicle to represent the actual dimensions of wind turbine
components that will require delivery to the site.
NTS16 The site is within a zone where the introduction of
potential sources of vibration such as wind turbines may
have an adverse effect on the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array,
which is part of the United Kingdom’s commitment to the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. A design solution has
been developed and approved by the Ministry of Defence.
Once implemented, there will be no adverse effects on
the Eskdalemuir facility.
The wind farm proposals
NTS17 The proposed wind farm will include the following
elements (figure NTS2):
21 wind turbine generators
Two permanent meteorological masts
Temporary construction workers’ compound
Temporary turbine component laydown area
Substation
Operations and maintenance building
Access tracks and watercourse crossings
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10 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary11
Disc brakeGeneratorWind measuring system Rotor hub/shaft
Gearbox
Rotor blade
Yaw mechanism
Tower
Nacelle frameNacelle cover Generator
cooling
system
Fig
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NT
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Underground power cables
Six borrow pits for the excavation of rock
Potential requirement for the removal of areas of
forestry
NTS18 The wind farm will have an installed electricity
generation capacity of up to 63 megawatts (MW).
Because of the ongoing development of wind turbines,
the specific model to be used on site has not been
selected at this stage. For the purposes of the impact
assessment, the technical specifications of two current
wind turbines models have been used for reference:
the Vestas V90 machine and the Siemens 2.3MW. The
actual model of turbine used will be the most suitable
available at the time of construction, but will be required
to comply with the assumed parameters and physical
characteristics used in the assessment, such as the
maximum height of the turbines and the assumed noise
levels.
NTS19 The application to the Scottish Ministers is
for operation for up to 25 years. After this period, the
wind farm will either be decommissioned or a new
application will be submitted to retain or modify the
development. Once the wind farm has reached the end
of its operational lifespan, the decommissioning process
will include the removal of the turbines and buildings and
the restoration of the site to its former condition.
Key elements
NTS20 The wind farm will comprise 21 wind turbines
(figure NTS2), each of which comprises a tower, three
blades, a nacelle (the hub that houses the generator,
gearbox and mechanisms) and an electrical transformer.
Figure NTS3 illustrates the main components of a typical
wind turbine. The turbines will have a hub height of up
to 80 metres and a rotor diameter of up to 93 metres,
with a tip height of up to 125 metres above ground level.
NTS21 An area of compacted crushed rock,
approximately 40 metres by 20 metres, will be created
adjacent to each turbine. These ‘crane pads’ are used
as a stable base for cranes and other vehicles during
construction, maintenance and decommissioning.
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12 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary13
the application of mitigation are included in the residual
effects section of relevant ES chapters.
NTS34 Three topics (aviation, communications and noise)
have not completely followed the common approach to
assessment because for these topics, there is either an
impact or no impact.
Environmental effects
Air quality and climate
NTS35 The air quality and climate assessment focused
on:
The savings of greenhouse gases and other pollutants
as a result of the renewable energy that will be
produced at Newfield
Dust arisings that are expected during the construction
phase
NTS36 One of the main benefits of renewable energy
generation is the reduction (or savings) in greenhouse
gas emissions and other pollutants that will occur as
conventional energy sources (eg coal and gas) are
displaced. The global climate element of the study
calculates the extent of emission savings attributable to
the Newfield proposals, particularly in relation to carbon
dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO
2) and oxides of
nitrogen (NOx).
NTS37 The emissions savings calculations considered
each phase of the lifecycle (manufacture to
decommissioning) of wind turbine components. In
addition to the manufacturing, transport, operation and
dismantling phases, the effect of the potential requirement
to fell areas of woodland within the application boundary
has been considered, as this would reduce CO2 uptake
from the atmosphere.
NTS38 It is not possible to predict which energy sources
will be displaced by the power generated at Newfield.
Therefore, the calculations consider three scenarios and
produce a range of values. The first scenario calculates
the displacement of emissions from a modern coal-fired
power station, the second considers displacement of
emissions from a natural gas powered generation and the
third considers displacement of emissions from a mix of
new-build power generation sources. This third approach
is advocated by the Advertising Standards Authority
(2008) with respect to claims about the carbon dioxide
savings from renewable energy projects on the basis that
it will provide a conservative estimate of the amount of
carbon dioxide that will be offset through the generation
of renewable energy. The net emissions savings per year
are summarised in table NTS1:
NTS39 Unmanaged dust emissions from construction
activities have the potential to cause nuisance or affect
ecological receptors. Potential sources of construction
dust include excavation of turbine locations, tracks and
borrow pits and vehicles moving along site access tracks.
The majority of dust emissions occur within 100 metres
of the source. There is one residential receptor within this
zone (at Corsehill), and some of the watercourses on site
and areas of habitat are also considered to be potentially
affected by dust emissions. The nature of geology at the
site and the prevailing wet conditions suggest that there
is not significant potential for dust generation, however
a series of best practice dust mitigation measures have
been proposed for the construction work that will mitigate
the majority of potential effects on these receptors.
NTS40 The only predicted significant residual air quality
effect is associated with sort-term dust emissions on the
residential property at Corsehill.
Aviation
NTS41 Wind farms have the potential to affect aviation,
in the form of military low-flying activities and military and
NTS22 Six borrow pits (excavations that expose rock
surfaces) will be excavated around the site in order to
provide stone for the construction of the site access
tracks, areas of hard surfacing and ballast for the turbine
bases (figure NTS2). Use of stone from within the wind
farm site avoids the need for construction traffic to deliver
this material to the site.
NTS23 A construction compound, approximately 2,975
m2 in area, will be built to accommodate facilities and
equipment for the contractors and site engineers (offices,
toilets, etc) adjacent to the proposed spine track to
the north of turbine 4. A temporary turbine component
laydown area approximately 3,750 m2 in area will be
established opposite the construction compound to store
delivered turbine components prior to their installation.
On completion of construction, the compound and
laydown area will be removed and the land restored.
NTS24 The operations and maintenance building will be
single storey and measure 31.5 metres by 15 metres
by 9 metres high. It will house the control equipment, a
workshop, offices, washrooms and a mess room for wind
farm employees. There will be a requirement for outdoor
storage, including containers approximately 12.5 metres
by 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres along the side wall of the
building and parking for up to ten vehicles.
NTS25 A substation will be constructed to house the
electrical switchgear and metering equipment. The overall
substation compound will be 74 metres by 61 metres and
will include a substation building measuring 33 metres by
14.5 metres by 5.65 metres high. The substation will be
jointly operated by the wind farm operator and Scottish
Power Transmission Limited, which is responsible for the
transmission of generated electricity from the substation
to the national grid. Underground cables will link the
turbines and substation.
NTS26 Approximately 15 kilometres of new compacted
stone access track will be built to provide construction
and operational access to the turbines and infrastructure.
The access track network will comprise a spine track
and a series of spur tracks accessing specific turbines or
groups of turbines.
NTS27 The primary access to the site from the public
road network during the construction phase will be from
the C81 at Corsehill to the north of the site (figure NTS2).
All abnormal loads and other heavy goods vehicles will
use this access. There will be a secondary access to
the site on the U284a, which will only be used by cars or
light vans during the construction and post-construction
phases. All access points for vehicles will be gated.
NTS28 Two guyed, 80 metre high steel lattice
meteorological masts will be erected on site to collect
data on wind speed and direction during the operation of
the wind farm and to enable performance monitoring of
the turbines.
NTS29 Construction of the wind farm is expected to last
approximately 12 months.
Assessment methodology
NTS30 The EIA was undertaken in accordance with best
practice guidelines. The initial stage was the production of
a scoping report that identified the potential environmental
effects to be addressed during the process. This was
issued to a wide range of consultees for comment. All
responses to consultation are presented within technical
appendix A to the ES.
NTS31 The majority of the specialist assessments that
form the ES followed a common approach to assessment
to provide as consistent a document as possible.
NTS32 The common approach to assessment includes
baseline desk and / or field studies, which were
undertaken to establish the existing situation. The effects
of the proposed development were evaluated using a
method that compares the sensitivity and importance of
receptors with the likely magnitude of change to establish
the significance of the effects. Significance is described
throughout the ES on a four-step scale of ‘slight’ to ‘very
substantial’. Any effects that are not considered to be
significant are described as ‘negligible’.
NTS33 The predicted level of significance determines the
resources that should be put in place to avoid or reduce
(mitigate) an adverse effect and identifies the actual
value of a positive effect. It is the combined significance
of the mitigated effects that determines the overall
environmental acceptability of a proposal. Only those
effects that are considered to be significant following
Scenario CO2
NOx
SO2
Total savings gas
scenario (tonnes per
year)
65,091 72.35 -2.2*
Total savings coal
scenario (tonnes per
year)
145,785 431.35 221.8
Total savings long-
term marginal plant
scenario (tonnes per
year)
62,704 72.35 -2.2*
Table NTS1: Net pollutant savings for Newfield
*Note little or no SO2 is emitted from the combined cycle gas scenario or is
assumed from the long-term marginal plant scenario. Some SO2 is emitted
during the course of a wind turbine’s life cycle; this is calculated to be
approximately 2.2 tonnes per year.
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14 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary15
civilian radar and navigation facilities. Consultation was
therefore undertaken with relevant bodies including the
Ministry of Defence (MoD) and National Air Traffic Services
En Route (NATS En Route) and the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA) to determine the potential effects of the wind farm
on these aviation interests.
NTS42 The MoD has confirmed that, while the site lies
within a large tactical training area used for low flying,
the proposed wind farm would not adversely affect these
activities. An assessment undertaken to determine the
potential effect of the wind farm on radar systems used
by the MoD for training concluded that the Newfield wind
farm would be too far from the locations of the radar
systems to have any significant effect.
NTS43 NATS En Route has confirmed that the operational
wind turbines are likely to intermittently appear on its
Lowther Hill radar, approximately 36 kilometres to the
north-west of the Newfield site, potentially making it more
difficult to determine aircraft on the radar screens. This
effect on the Lowther Hill radar is consistent with other
wind farms in this area of Scotland and is not unique to
the Newfield scheme.
NTS44 NATS En Route is in active discussion with wind
energy developers about technical solutions to this
issue, and with the Scottish Government about enabling
consent for wind farms visible to its radars, subject
to conditions specifying implementation of technical
mitigation. No significant effects are predicted on any
aviation operations or facilities after the implementation of
technical mitigation measures for radar.
Communications
NTS45 A desk-based assessment has been undertaken
to determine the potential for the proposed wind farm to
affect fixed and mobile communications links or television
reception.
NTS46 A single microwave communications link owned
by Orange was identified during early constraints analysis
and this was taken into account in the layout of the site
to ensure that turbines were not within the exclusion
zones defined by Ofcom and the link operator. The
impact assessment has identified one communications
link that has potential to be affected by one of the
proposed turbines (turbine 9). If consent for the wind
farm is granted by the Scottish Ministers a detailed
three-dimensional analysis will be undertaken on this
communications link to determine if the turbine would
have an adverse effect. If an adverse effect is found to be
likely, the turbine will be micro-sited to avoid this effect.
NTS47 The reception of television signals in a zone to the
north of the wind farm site from the Caldbeck transmitter
could be affected by the presence of the wind turbines.
Anecdotal information provided by local residents at the
wind farm exhibitions has confirmed that there are existing
problems with television reception and on the basis that
there are relatively few properties in the zone of potential
effect to the north of the site, the additional impact of
the wind farm on television reception from the Caldbeck
transmitter is not envisaged to be significant. Effects on
other transmitters identified are also not envisaged to be
significant.
NTS48 With the mitigation proposed, there will be no
significant effects on communication links.
Community, tourism and economic effects
NTS49 The assessment of community, tourism and
economic effects included review of the existing patterns
of employment in the vicinity of the site, the levels of
employment and economic benefits predicted during the
construction and operational phases of the development,
surveys of businesses and visitors to the area and an
assessment of the potential effects from turbine shadow
flicker.
NTS50 Unemployment in Annandale and Eskdale has
been below the regional and national averages in recent
years. When compared with the Scottish economy as
a whole, the structure of the economy in Dumfries and
Galloway shows a greater dependence on agriculture.
The tourism-related sector within Dumfries and Galloway
accounts for a slightly larger share of total employee
jobs (10.2%) compared to Scotland as a whole (8.8%).
Growth in tourism related employment has been below
the national average. The relative contribution of other
employment sectors within Dumfries and Galloway is
comparable with patterns for Scotland as a whole.
NTS51 There will be temporary beneficial effects to the
local economy and employment rates during construction
of the proposed wind farm, as set out in table NTS2.
Predicted employment and economic effects during
the operational phase are of a lower magnitude but
substantially longer duration.
NTS52 An independent tourism survey undertaken as part
of the assessment work found that key tourist activities
in the area include walking, individual hobbies and
sightseeing. The majority of respondents were staying
in the area for more than one night, with caravanning /
camping / hostels reported to be by far the most popular
form of accommodation.
NTS53 Local businesses interviewed as part of the
tourism survey identified the importance of tourism to the
area but the majority considered that the presence of a
wind farm at Newfield would not have a significant effect
on business. A comparative survey of businesses close to
two operating wind farms in South Ayrshire found that no
significant negative effects on business activity had been
experienced as a result of the wind farms.
NTS54 The visitor survey undertaken confirmed that most
visitors will be unaffected by the development, however
fewer of those who said that they would be affected
stated that they would be discouraged from revisiting
the area than encouraged. Whilst there may be small
numbers of visitors who would be disinclined to return to
the area because of the presence of the wind farm, this
is considered to be a negligible change in the context
of overall visitor numbers and there are no significant
impacts on tourism predicted as a result of the Newfield
wind farm.
NTS55 The potential for shadow flicker nuisance was also
considered. Shadow flicker occurs when the shadow
of moving turbine blades is cast through the window
of a dwelling. Shadow flicker can only occur within 10
rotor diameters of a turbine (up to 930 metres in the
case of the Newfield application). Three properties have
been identified within this zone, which are predicted
to experience weak shadow flicker events of relatively
short duration at certain times of the year and in certain
conditions. These are of ‘slight’ significance and do not
require any specific mitigation measures.
Cultural heritage
NTS56 The cultural heritage assessment included
consideration of archaeological remains, historic
structures and buildings, designed landscapes and
the historic character and associations of the wider
landscape. Three study areas were included in the
assessment: the site itself, a 5-kilometre radius from the
site and a 15-kilometre radius from the site. There is a
large number of sites and features of potential cultural
heritage interest (c.850 records) within the study areas, as
further described below.
NTS57 There are 26-recorded archaeological sites within
the application boundary. The known resource clearly
indicates how the area has been settled and utilised
since as early as the Bronze Age, and some indication
of continued use into the medieval period, with typical
cultivation marks evident in recent aerial photographs.
The site includes one scheduled ancient monument
(Firtree Hill Fort) and five nationally significant monuments
(all of which are on Sheilstead Hill). There are no buildings
of cultural heritage importance within the application site.
NTS58 Within the 5-kilometre study area, clear and
distinct clusters of archaeological sites are recorded
on the high ground overlooking the river valleys of the
Water of Milk and Dryfe Water. Where conifer plantation
has not directly impacted and consumed clusters of
prehistoric sites, as may have occurred within Castle O’er
Forest to the east, the higher ground possesses ideal
conditions for preservation of settlement sites from the
early prehistoric through to the late medieval period. Built
heritage resources within this study area include a range
of listed buildings, which are mainly farms and planned
steadings, higher status houses, and the planned town
of Lockerbie with its compact centre of 18th and 19th
Local
level
National
level
Construction jobs (full-time
equivalent)
9 44
Economic benefit from the
construction phase
£5.616
million
£17.586
million
Operational jobs created (full-
time equivalent)7 17
Economic benefit from the
operational phase (per year)
£0.815
million
£1.230
million
Table NTS2: Predicted employment and economic
effects of the wind farm
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16 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary17
century buildings. There are important areas of designed
landscape at a number of the country houses, and some
areas of surrounding landscape are of cultural heritage
importance.
NTS59 Within the 15-kilometre study area, nationally
designated sites illustrate the rich prehistoric resource
in this part of eastern Dumfriesshire. A number of sites
are significant landscape features because of their
relationship to topography such as Burnswark Hill Fort,
and the large numbers of individual settlements and forts
in the landscape indicate the extent of former prehistoric
settlement in this area. With respect to built heritage,
the focus of the assessment is on the category A listed
buildings, mainly tower houses and later country houses,
and their designed landscapes. The assessment also
covers the conservation areas at the royal burgh of
Lochmaben, approximately 8 kilometres from the site
boundary, and a very small area at Dalton, which is
approximately 15 kilometres south-west of the site. The
distribution is biased to the south and west of the study
area, as the northern and eastern part is predominantly
former moorland that is now dominated by the conifer
plantations of Eskdalemuir Forest and Forest of Ae.
NTS60 There is the potential for ground disturbance
during construction to affect any archaeological
remains on site. A programme of archaeological works
will be undertaken during the site preparation and
construction phase to offset any adverse effects by
recording any archaeological features found. A Written
Scheme of Investigation will be prepared in consultation
with the Dumfries and Galloway Council to enable an
archaeologist to monitor all intrusive phases of the
construction process and to record and document any
features found. An archaeological mitigation strategy
will also be prepared. Direct adverse impacts on the
archaeological resource can be fully mitigated through the
programme of archaeological investigation and recording
detailed above.
NTS61 Predicted residual effects to cultural heritage are
all associated with the effect of the Newfield development
on the setting of sites such as monuments and listed
buildings (as opposed to direct effects), and the effect of
the wind farm on the character of historic landscape. The
predicted significance of these effects range from ‘slight’
to ‘substantial’ and includes features within each of the
three study areas considered.
Ground conditions
NTS62 The ground conditions at the site have
been examined including the soils and geology and
consideration has been given to stability and risk of
erosion of any peat areas present at the site. Previous use
of the site for grazing suggested that there would be no
significant potential for land contamination.
NTS63 The assessment of ground conditions included
desk-based research using sources such as the British
Geological Survey (BGS) and The Macaulay Institute for
Soil Research and site walkover survey by a qualified
geologist.
NTS64 The findings of the baseline assessment were
that the site is predominantly underlain by Boulder Clay
deposits and that bedrock outcrops at or close to the
surface over a large proportion of the site. Very little
peat is present across the application site as a whole.
Much of the ground on the site is generally wet, which is
influenced by the impermeable nature of the underlying
Boulder Clay and bedrock.
NTS65 In response to the survey findings, it was
concluded that there was no need for further ground or
peat stability investigations on this site. There is potential
for contamination of soils during the construction and
post-construction phases of the wind farm, predominantly
associated with the use of machinery and vehicles.
Working practices to minimise the potential for such
contamination and manage any contamination events
will be used by contractors and employees working on
the site. No significant effects are predicted to ground
conditions.
Land use
NTS66 The potential effects of the proposed development
on land use both on and around the site were examined.
Public access was also considered. The site is mostly
covered by improved and coarse grassland that is used
for sheep and cattle grazing. Land uses in the wider area
include coarse grazing, conifer plantations, and a mix
of residential, industrial, commercial land uses in nearby
Lockerbie.
NTS67 As the majority of the site is grassland or
woodland it is subject to the right to roam under the Land
Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Access for recreational
purposes (including walking, cycling, riding, canoeing and
wild camping) is permitted over the majority of the site.
There are several more footpaths in the wider vicinity of
the site.
NTS68 The construction phase will affect the use of
parts of the site for cattle and sheep grazing. Grazing
will be restricted as reasonably necessary during the
construction phase such that there is no interference
with construction work and to ensure that livestock are
safeguarded. The construction work will be phased
and coordinated with the landowners and this will be
for a limited duration. Rights to roam access across the
site may be affected during this phase, but this is not
considered to be significant in the context of the land
available in the surrounding area.
NTS69 A small amount of grazing land will be lost as a
result of the proposals, but grazing activities will be able
to continue on the majority of the site. The proposals
will introduce renewable energy generation as a new
land use on site. This is considered to be a beneficial
effect in terms of the diversification of land use. If tree
felling is required as part of the development proposals,
this would remove the majority of commercial plantation
woodland within the application boundary before its
scheduled felling date. The area of felling will be kept to
an operational minimum and with replanting the predicted
impact is of ‘slight’ significance.
NTS70 There will be no direct effect on any of the land
uses in the surrounding area; however, the experience of
those using the land and local footpaths will be affected
as a result of the proposals. The nature of the change
is highly subjective and may not result in a change in
footpath use.
NTS71 Issues associated with health and safety during
the construction and post-construction phase have been
considered. Contractors will be required to comply with
all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance,
personal protective equipment will be used at all times
and appropriate training will be provided to construction
personnel. Whilst wind farms have a very good
operational safety record, potential hazards to people
using the land on the site have been identified and the
ES has explained how these potential hazards will be
effectively managed.
Landscape and visual
NTS72 Field and desk studies were used to evaluate the
landscape in and around the site to identify views and
visual receptors that could potentially be affected by the
proposals. Twenty-nine representative viewpoints were
agreed with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish
Natural Heritage.
NTS73 The study area covers a 35-kilometre radius from
the site. There are several designated areas within the
study area, including the Nith Estuary National Scenic
Area (NSA), the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty (AONB), Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage
Site (WHS), seven Regional Scenic Areas (RSAs), one
Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and several
historic gardens and designed landscapes. The site
itself is not within or adjacent to any specific landscape
designations.
NTS74 The site is situated on an undulating area of
ground and the western edges are more visible to the
surrounding area; however there are small blocks of
woodland and localised dips in the undulations that help
to reduce visibility locally. The undulations of the land
also tend to reduce views throughout the wider study
area. Close range intermittent views are most likely to
be experienced from the A74(M) corridor from the north
and west, as well as local motorists on the minor roads
surrounding and running through the site. There will also
be views from isolated cottages and houses surrounding
the site including elevated locations, such as Corrie
Common picnic spot and Castle O’er fort, and also the
higher areas further afield to the east on the slopes of the
Annandale Valley. Figures NTS4 shows the predicted view
of the wind farm from Corrie Common.
NTS75 The development will have a moderate effect
on the landscape character of the site. Within the wider
study area no landscape types will experience a very
substantial effect, but four will potentially experience a
substantial effect: Intimate Pastoral Valley, Lower Dale,
Middle Dale and Foothills. Of the other 16 landscape
types in the study area, 10 would not experience
significant effects.
NTS76 Of the 29 agreed viewpoints, 16 will experience
no significant effect. Of the remaining 13 views, only six
will receive a substantial visual effect. These are from
Corrie Common (viewpoint 1), the B723 to Eskdalemuir
(viewpoint 4), the B7068 at Bankshill (viewpoint 5), Hart
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18 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary19
Figure NTS4 Photomontage and wireframe of the predicted view from viewpoint 1: Corrie Common
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20 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary21
Fell (viewpoint 6), Burnswark Hill (viewpoint 8) and Glebe
Terrace in Lochmaben (viewpoint 12). These are close
proximity views between 2.89 and 7.95 kilometres from
the nearest turbine. Six viewpoints will experience a
moderate visual effect and one a slight visual effect.
NTS77 No significant effects are predicted on
internationally or nationally designated areas and the
only sites to experience substantially significant effects
are ones that are not listed on the inventory of historic
parks and gardens and designed landscapes. These are
not designated at present, but are candidate sites for
potential inclusion on the inventory in the future. The only
locally designated sites that will experience a moderately
significant effect are the Torthorwald Ridge RSA,
approximately 10 kilometres to the south west of the site,
and Dalton conservation area.
NTS78 The only settlements that will experience a
significant effect are areas of Lockerbie and Lochmaben,
where an effect of ‘substantial’ significance is predicted.
Kirk Loch caravan and camping site / golf course is
the only recreational receptor from which views will be
significantly affected. It is relatively close to the site and
so will experience an effect of ‘substantial’ significance.
NTS79 The cumulative impact of Newfield in conjunction
with other relevant wind farms has been assessed.
There are several other wind farms within 60 kilometres
of the site that are either operational, in construction,
approved or within the consenting system, including
Minsca, Harestanes and Clyde. The cumulative impact
of Newfield in conjunction with other relevant wind farms
has been assessed. No conservation areas, non-inventory
historic gardens and designed landscapes, settlements
or recreation and tourist destinations will experience
cumulative effects. Only approximately one-third of
the viewpoints will experience any cumulative effect,
and the majority of these changes will be of moderate
significance. Only eight of the 25 landscape character
types will experience any cumulative effects.
NTS80 The landscape in this area of southern Scotland is
constantly evolving and has recently experienced change
with the development of wind farms such as Minsca
and Dalswinton. Future changes are expected with
the construction of other substantial projects including
Harestanes and Clyde. The landscape character is
now one of a landscape with wind farms, which have
an existing cumulative effect. The development of the
Newfield site will add to this effect but the project is not
considered to significantly contribute to the cumulative
effect of wind farms compared to the baseline and future
baseline situations.
Birds
NTS81 Birds are often perceived to be at particular
risk from wind turbines due to the risk of collision with
moving blades, as well as possible habitat loss and
disturbance effects. Baseline studies commenced at the
site in February 2005 to survey breeding, wintering and
migrating birds within and close to the site. These surveys
concluded in August 2006. Specific surveys for certain
sensitive species have been undertaken in 2008 and
2009 to ensure the baseline information is up-to-date.
NTS82 A total of 67 species of birds were recorded with
territories throughout the breeding bird surveys and a
total of 76 species were recorded during the wintering
bird surveys. Birds recorded breeding on site were mostly
common or widespread species. Species of conservation
interest recorded during the breeding season within the
study area included barn owl, curlew, skylark, song thrush
and lapwing.
NTS83 During the construction phase, loss of breeding
bird habitat is not predicted to be significant due to
the relatively small footprint of development and the
availability of comparable habitat close to the areas
of development. The potential short-term disturbance
effects to breeding birds have been identified during the
construction phase, which is anticipated to last for only
one breeding season.
NTS84 Once the wind farm is operational, there is
potential for breeding bird species that use the site to be
displaced to other areas due to the presence of the wind
farm and associated human activity. To date studies of
other operational wind farms for the species that use the
Newfield site have shown that there is minimal risk of
significant displacement and hence no significant effects
are predicted in this respect.
NTS85 Vantage point surveys were used to gather
data for calculating the theoretical risk of collision to
birds on site. Rotating wind turbine blade sets (rotors)
present potential for collision with birds in flight and a risk
assessment has therefore been undertaken to determine
the potential effect of the proposed development in
this respect. The assessment takes a precautionary
approach, using conservative parameters, to ensure that
a worst-case scenario is used.
NTS86 The majority of species recorded using or passing
through the site are considered to be at no or minimal risk
because of their behaviour (eg low flight) or scarcity on
the site. Risk assessment models were run for the key
species at potential risk: pink-footed goose, goshawk,
merlin, peregrine, hen harrier, red kite, short-eared owl
and golden plover. The collision risk assessment has
demonstrated that there will be no significant impact to
any of the species modelled.
Habitats and other wildlife
NTS87 There are no designated areas at local, national
or international level within or adjacent to the application
area. The nearest designated site is Perchhall Loch Site
of Special Scientific Interest, which is approximately 3.7
kilometres south-west of the site. In common with many
of the other assessments in the ES, the assessment of
potential effects to habitats and other wildlife has included
a combination of desk-based research and field survey.
NTS88 Field surveys undertaken on the proposed wind
farm site confirmed that while the predominant habitat
was grassland, there were a total of 21 different habitat
types present. All of the habitat types identified on
the site have been assessed to be of local importance
because these habitats are relatively abundant.
NTS89 Species, or evidence of species, identified
on and in the vicinity of the site during the surveys
includes badgers, red squirrel, bats and otter.
Surveys of tributaries of the River Annan within the
site revealed young Atlantic salmon and brown trout.
The watercourses on site support a high density of
invertebrate communities, but only two of the species
identified are of more than local or regional importance.
NTS90 The construction of the wind farm will result in
the loss of areas of habitat of local importance including
grassland, bog and pasture. In view of the availability of
comparable habitat both within the application site and
locally, this loss is a relatively small change. The potential
requirement for felling of woodland will not include areas
of mature deciduous trees that have been identified to be
of potential habitat value to bats and red squirrel.
NTS91 The design of the wind farm aims to ensure
that there is minimal potential for adverse effects to the
protected watercourses within the wind farm area by
locating all turbines, buildings and borrow pits at least 50
metres from watercourses wherever reasonably possible.
The only potential significant effect to the protected
watercourses (and their relevant species) is predicted
in relation to the construction of crossing points. This
process has the potential to temporarily increase
concentrations of sediment in the burns downstream
of works, which may affect aquatic insects and fish
populations.
NTS92 Where bridges are not used, the channel of
burns will be transferred to sections of pipe know as
culverts, which will be laid under the new tracks. Culvert
dimensions have been designed to be appropriate to
the size of the burn that they are replacing and to enable
migratory fish (eg salmon and trout) to continue to pass
upstream. With the design of the crossings, timing of
works and installation of mitigation such as sediment
barriers there are no significant effects predicted to
watercourses.
Noise
NTS93 A baseline survey of existing noise levels was
undertaken at the nearest residential properties to
the site, the location of which are shown on figure
NTS5. The assessment considered changes in noise
levels compared to baseline monitoring and guidance
noise levels during construction, operation and
decommissioning of the wind farm.
NTS94 Noise levels are expressed in decibels and noise in
the environment is measured using the dB(A) scale, which
includes a correction to take account of the sensitivity of
the human ear.
NTS95 The main sources of noise generated by
wind turbines are from the blades rotating in the air
(aerodynamic noise) and from internal machinery
(mechanical noise). The blades are carefully designed to
minimise noise whilst optimising electricity generation.
Mechanical noise is created by the gearbox and, to a
lesser extent, the generator. The nacelle at the top of
the tower is insulated to minimise the production and
transmission of noise.
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Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary23
NTS96 The operational noise assessment was carried
out in accordance with standard government guidance.
Operational noise limit criteria were derived from the
baseline survey results (table NTS3).
NTS97 The assessment compared the noise levels
predicted to arise at the residential properties closest to
the proposed wind farm with the relevant criteria in table
NTS3 and concluded that none of the properties will be
subject to noise levels above the appropriate criteria.
NTS98 Noise generated during the construction and
decommissioning of the wind farm was considered. There
will be temporary periods when noise may be audible
at properties close to construction activities. However,
a range of measures will be agreed with Dumfries and
Galloway Council Environmental Health Department in
place to reasonably minimise construction noise.
NTS99 No significant residual noise effects are predicted
to result from the proposed development.
Traffic and transport
NTS100 The traffic and transport assessment considered
the potential effects of the proposals on local traffic
movements and sensitive receptors, such as pedestrians
and residents. The assessment mainly focused on
the construction phase, which will generate the most
vehicular traffic. The issues addressed include:
Severance (ie creation of a new road that separates a
community)
Driver delay
Pedestrian amenity
Pedestrian fear and intimidation associated with
increases in traffic movements
Accidents and safety
Hazardous loads
NTS101 An assessment of potential alternative routes
has been undertaken to determine the most appropriate
means of accessing the site by road. Three main
categories of construction vehicles were considered
within the assessment. The first two were the routine
day-to-day movement of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)
and construction workers’ cars and vans. The third was
the movement of large, abnormal loads to bring the
turbine components and other equipment to the site.
Assessment of potential route options was undertaken
using a combination of computer modelling and a driven
exercise using a vehicle of the correct length to represent
long turbine components.
NTS102 Of the six potential route options available, the
preferred route for all abnormal loads and other HGVs
during the construction phase is via the A74(M), B7076
to Stevens Croft, U282 via Greenburn, C97 / B723 via
Boreland and accessing the site from the C81 at Corsehill.
Through to Boreland, this is an agreed, well-established
timber extraction route that is already used regularly by
HGVs and is therefore suitable for use by temporary
construction traffic. A potential secondary access for
cars and light vans will follow the U282 via Greenburn and
Lammonbie Bridge, entering the site from the U284a.
NTS103 When considered in terms of total traffic (cars,
vans and HGVs), the increase in vehicle movements will
have no significant effects on sensitive receptors. When
the proportional increase in HGV movements during
Period Noise criteria Notes
Day time
hours (07:00
to 23:00)
35-40 dB(A) or
5 dB(A) above
the prevailing
background
noise during
quiet day
time periods*,
whichever is
greater
*Defined as
evenings from
18:00 to 23:00,
plus Saturday
afternoons from
13:00 to 18:00
and Sundays from
07:00 to 18:00
Night time
hours (23:00
to 07:00)
43 dB(A) or 5
dB(A) above
the prevailing
night time
background,
whichever is
greater
The 43 dB(A)
limit is based on
sleep disturbance
criteria
Limits at
properties
with financial
involvement in
the wind farm
45 dB(A) or 5
dB(A) above
the prevailing
background
noise,
whichever is
greater
Table NTS3: Operational noise criteria
Balgray Hill Farm
Hallhills Farm
River Cottage
Hutton Lodge
Mast 1
Mast 2
Heithatpark
Stobohill
Cumstone Farm
Gillenbie
North Corrielaw
Fruid
Fig
ure
NT
S5
N
ois
e m
onito
ring
lo
catio
ns
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24 Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary
Newfield Wind Farm
Non-Technical Summary25
the peak phase of construction is considered this will
be noticeable, however this proportional increase is
attributable to very low baseline traffic flows on local
roads. An associated increase in fear and intimidation
for pedestrians and cyclists along the proposed delivery
route could similarly arise during this period. This route
is not well used by pedestrians and cyclists and all
abnormal loads will be slow moving and supervised.
NTS104 The movement of abnormal loads during
construction may cause some short-term driver delays
along the proposed delivery route, although these
are unlikely to be significant and consultation with the
transport company, police and Roads Authority to agree
arrangements that minimise the extent and likelihood of
such delays will be undertaken. These impacts will be
temporary with no long-term effects.
NTS105 When the site is operational it will generate very
little traffic. There will be periodic visits by vans for routine
maintenance and monitoring. Very occasionally there
may be the need for equipment (such as nacelles and
blades) to be replaced and large transporters and cranes
would need to enter and leave the site.
Water environment
NTS106 The site is divided into two hydrological
catchments: the western part of the site drains into
Dryfe Water via Hewke Burn and Kirkcroft Burn; and
the eastern part drains into Corrie Water via the burns
of Stobohill, Hope, Cumstone and Slodahill, and Thiefs
Cleuch.
NTS107 There are several areas of the site with boggy soil
and unmapped drainage channels, including the lower
slopes of Bow Hill around Gillenbie Hope. There are three
open water bodies within the site; these are Hallhills Loch
in the north of the site, a man-made lochan to the west
of Hogg Hill and a small pond within the forested area
in the northern section of the site. To the south of the
application boundary the Water of Milk joins the River
Annan approximately 11 kilometres downstream and to
the south of the site.
NTS108 The Hydrogeological Map of Scotland indicates
that the site lies within a region of impermeable rock,
which is generally without groundwater, except at shallow
depths. There are several private water supplies within
3 kilometres of the site, but none will be affected by the
proposed development because no activity is proposed in
their catchment areas.
NTS109 A range of mitigation measures have been
designed, based on Scottish Environment Protection
Agency best practice guidelines, to minimise the potential
for adverse effects on the water environment. These
include silt traps to capture suspended solids generated
during construction, handling soils in accordance with
good practice guidance, designing and scheduling
construction activities to minimise the area and period
of time that soil will be exposed, secure storage of fuels
and chemicals in a bunded compound and the use of
sustainable drainage systems where appropriate. The
layout of the site infrastructure has also been designed to
minimise adverse effects on the water environment (see
design evolution section above).
NTS110 Following mitigation, it is possible that there
may be moderately significant temporary effects on
watercourses as a result of disturbance at crossing
points and generation of silty runoff during construction.
Monitoring of water quality and aquatic invertebrates
in the watercourses to which the site drains will be
undertaken before and during construction, to ensure
that no significant adverse effects are occurring. Routine
monitoring of access track and river crossing condition
will be undertaken during construction and operation, and
remedial action taken if necessary.
Further information
NTS111 This non-technical summary has outlined the
findings of the EIA for the proposed Newfield wind farm.
Further details are set out in the ES and accompanying
technical appendices.
NTS112 Copies of this ES and the technical appendices
have been sent to the Scottish Government Energy
Consents Unit and consultees, both statutory and non-
statutory.
NTS113 The full ES with its technical appendices may be
inspected during the statutory consultation period at the
Dumfries and Galloway Council offices in Lockerbie and
Dumfries and at Lockerbie library.
NTS114 Comments should be addressed to the Scottish
Government Energy Consents Unit case officer, Ms Lesley
McNeil, at the following address:
Ms Lesley McNeil
Section 36 Consents Officer
Energy Consents and Deployment Team
Renewable Energy Division
Scottish Government
4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LU
NTS115 Comments should be copied to Terence O’Rourke at
the address below. Additional copies of the ES (paper copy
or DVD) and any further information about the project may
be obtained at a reasonable charge to reflect printing and
distribution costs, by contacting:
Terence O’Rourke
9-10 St Andrews Square Edinburgh EH2 2AF
T: 0131 7186086 F: 0131 7186100
E: maildesk@torltd.co.uk
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