Carron Valley Wind Farm

July 2012

Non Technical Summary

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Non Technical Summary

Context

This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) forms part of the Environmental Statement (ES) that has been prepared by RPS on behalf of Partnership for Renewables (PfR) to accompany a planning application to construct and operate fifteen wind turbines at Carron Valley in Stirlingshire. The scheme has been been developed in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS).

The ES presents the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which aims to identify potentially significant effects from the proposed development and where appropriate to propose suitable mitigation measures to address or minimise any effects identified. This document is a ‘non-technical’ summary of the main findings of the ES.

Background

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is the principal scientific body advising governments on climate change, has confirmed the significant influence on the global climate of increases in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases as a result of human activities. The burning of fossil fuels (such as coal and gas) to generate electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. A vital part of reducing these emissions is increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as wind.

The Climate Change Act 2008 sets a legally binding target of at least an 80 % cut in UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In the shorter term it sets a target reduction in emissions of at least 34 % by 2020. In addition, as part of EU-wide actions to increase the use of renewable energy, the UK has a legally-binding commitment to source 15 % of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. These targets form the basis of the UK Renewable Energy Strategy which specifically includes the aspiration to generate 30 % of the UK’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020. In 2010 just 6.8 % of UK electricity came from renewables. In addition targets specific to Scotland have also been identified. Targets to note include an interim target of a 42 % reduction in Scotland’s GHG emissions by 2020, rising to an 80 % reduction by 2050 (based on 1990 GHG emissions), as defined by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. In addition the Scottish Government set a target in May 2011 for the supply of 100 % of Scotland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020, recognising the extent of Scotland’s important renewables resource.

The targets are set in order to combat climate change and provide the UK with a more secure energy supply by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. As the UK has one of the windiest climates in Europe a significant proportion of the electricity required from renewables is expected to come from onshore wind generation. In order to achieve national and regional targets for renewable energy generation to transform the UK to a low carbon economy a range of large and small scale renewable energy installations will be required. As such the proposed 15 wind turbines at Carron Valley will contribute to the attainment of these goals.

Developer and Project Team

PfR was set up by the Carbon Trust in 2006 to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects primarily on public sector land. PfR manages the development of projects through site selection, assessment of site feasibility, layout design process, construction and operation.

Forest Enterprise Scotland is the Forestry Commission Scotland’s (FCS) operating arm delivering the Forest Strategy on the National Forest Estate. Scottish Lowlands Forest District is working with PfR to assist in the delivery of its economic and climate change objectives set by Government. The proposed wind farm is being developed by PfR in partnership with FCS.

The EIA has been managed and co-ordinated by RPS Planning and Development (RPS) on behalf of PfR. The EIA team has extensive experience in both EIA and in the development of wind farm proposals across the UK and worked closely with both PfR and FCS to prepare the Environmental Statement and carry out the technical assessments. RPS is a quality mark registered consultancy under an accreditation scheme run by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) the principal professional body for EIA in the UK.

The Landscape and Visual Chapter and the Noise Chapter have been independently reviewed by RSK and Hoare Lea respectively.

The Development Proposals

Working with FCS, PfR assessed the potential of a number of sites owned by FCS in the Borders and Lowlands Districts for wind energy and a detailed feasibility study identified that Carron Valley had an excellent potential for a wind farm because of the ability of the landscape to accommodate

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Carron Valley Wind Farm

Number of Wind Turbines: 15

Maximum Tip Height (combined height of blade and tower): 126 m

Estimated Total Generation Capacity: 45 MW

Estimated Capacity Factor: 25 %

Estimated Electricity Generated Per Annum: 98.55 GWh

Households Equivalent: 22,081

Estimated CO2 Savings: 42,376 tonnes

Please note that the environmental benefit figures are based upon fifteen 3 MW turbines with a total installed capacity of 45 MW, operating with a 25 % capacity factor, average household electricity use of 4,463 kWh per annum, and the electricity generated displacing electricity generated from CCGT/average fuel mix – approximately 430g CO2/kWh.

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wind turbines, the absence of deep peat from the majority of the site together with adequate separation distances to residential properties, a sufficient wind resource, good access and grid connection routes and a lack of environmentally sensitive areas. A review of relevant planning policy was also undertaken and is set out in the accompanying Planning Statement. This concludes that the proposed wind farm complies with the detailed criteria set out in the Development Plan for renewable energy developments and conforms to other relevant wider policy considerations. Subsequently, after conducting a full EIA, PfR believes the site to be suitable for a maximum of 15 wind turbines.

Although the final choice of wind turbine for this site will depend on which turbine models are available in the UK market and the outcome of a competitive tendering exercise the site has been designed to accommodate turbines of up to 3.0MW and a diagram illustrating the structure of a typical wind turbine is included at the end of this document. Any wind turbine selected for this scheme will have three blades to a maximum length of 45 m. The blades will be mounted to the wind turbine hubs at a maximum height of 85 m and, taking account of the dimensions of the hub, any turbine selected for the site will have a maximum height to vertical blade tip of 126 m irrespective of the final configuration of blade length and hub height.

The Site Location Plan (Figure 1.1 of the ES) and Site Layout of the proposed development (Figure 1.2 of the ES) are reproduced at the end of this NTS as NTS Figure 1 and NTS Figure 2 along with a diagram of the candidate turbine as NTS Figure 3 (Figure 4.1 of the ES) which is a 3.0MW machine with a 126 m tip height.

The point of connection with the electricity network proposed for the project is the existing substation at Bonnybridge some 15 km east of the site via two underground cables at 33 kilovolt (kV) each within the highway. As such no separate planning application is required for new overhead lines and is therefore not described in further detail within the ES.

Assuming an installed capacity of 45MW (15 x 3MW turbines) the proposed development could enable the generation of an estimated 98.55GWh of renewable electricity per year which is equivalent to the amount of electricity used annually by approximately 22,081 average households. This development could also displace approximately 42,376 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year 1. This would help the Government to reduce the carbon footprint.

The site is part of Cairnoch Hill, which forms the northern block of the Carron Valley Forest, approximately 10 km north-west of Cumbernauld and approximately 7 km north of

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Kilsyth, Central Scotland.

The southern boundary of the site is formed by the B818 and then the Carron Valley Reservoir. The remainder of Carron Valley Forest is located to the south of the reservoir and provides a well used recreational resource for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Although the site itself is not the subject of any international or national designations, it is within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) identified by Stirling Council. Endrick Water Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is the closest at approximately 2.2 km to the west of the site boundary and is also designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The elevation of the site varies from approximately 225 m AOD to approximately 413 m AOD at its peak. Cairnoch Hill comprises approximately 505 ha of productive plantation woodland. The area within the proposed wind farm application boundary comprises approximately 340.6 ha.

The Environmental Statement accompanies a planning application for:

“The erection, 25 year operation and subsequent decommissioning of a wind energy development comprising fifteen wind turbines, each with a maximum overall height (to vertical blade tip) of up to 126 meters, and ancillary development including new access tracks, modification to existing tracks and improved site access, temporary construction compound, hard standing areas, control building and cabling, anemometry mast and temporary borrow pits.”

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

EIA is a process that collects information about potential environmental effects of a proposed development and evaluates and presents this information in a way that both assists consultation and enables decision makers to take account of these effects when determining whether or not a project should proceed. If the project does proceed the EIA also helps identify any mitigation measures or controls over the construction or operation that might be required. The content and scope of the EIA was agreed through a scoping process conducted end of 2011 / early 2012 with Stirling Council.

The EIA has identified the likely effects of the proposed development on the environment and an assessment has been made as to whether any of these could be significant. In general terms establishing whether an identified effect is significant is determined by the importance of the receptor (e.g. a particular listed building, ecological designated site or landscape character area) and the magnitude of change that will occur as a result of the construction, operation and de-commissioning of the turbines which, in turn, establishes the significance of effect. Chapter 2 of the ES sets out the EIA methodology employed in more detail.

A number of mitigation measures to reduce potentially significant effects have been incorporated into the design of the proposed development. Additional measures, which are not related to the wind farm design such as construction mitigation, are detailed in Chapter 4 of the ES, and will be set out in a Health, Safety and Environmental Management System (HSEMS) . The HSEMS is an overarching system which will be drawn up in consultation with Stirling Council and other relevant stakeholders prior to construction, and contains the details as described above, and further detailed plans such as Construction Method Statements.

The Environmental Statement (ES) reports the findings of the EIA which has been prepared in accordance with The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. The ES comprises this NTS and three volumes:

Volume 1 – Written Statement; •Volume 2 – Figures; and •Volume 3 – Appendices. •

The assessment of effects has been undertaken in an impartial manner with the findings presented systematically in the ES which will be used by Stirling Council to help inform its decision about whether or not the proposed wind farm at Carron Valley should be allowed to proceed.

1 The Digest of UK Energy Statistics (November 2011) gives 2010 domestic electricity consumption as 118,681 gigawatt-hours (GWh) (Shown in table as 118.68TWh) (http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/statistics/source/electricity/dukes5_1_2.xls) which, when divided by the number of households in the UK – 26,591,600 (http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/statistics/publications/ecuk/269-ecuk-domestic-2010.xls (table 3.3) – gives an average electricity usage of 4,463kWh per year per household in the UK (118,681,000,000 ÷ 26,591,600 = 4,463). Taking into account the candidate turbine for the site, it is expected that fifteen turbines with a total installed capacity of 45MW could generate up to 98.55 GWh of renewable electricity per year (based on a conservative capacity factor of 25 % – for onshore wind the five year average capacity factor (2006–2010 is 26.16 % (Table 7.4 – http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/stats/publications/dukes/2309-dukes-2011-chapter-7-renewable-sources.pdf). These figures are derived as follows in the following example (using a 25 % capacity factor): 45,000kW (15 × 3MW turbine) × 8,760 hours/year × 0.25 (capacity factor) = 98,550,000kWh. Based on the 4,463 kWh household figure and the predicted electricity generation of upto 98.55GWh it is estimated that the yearly output from the wind turbines will be equivalent to the approximate domestic electricity needs of up to 22,081 average households in Britain (e.g. 98,550,000 ÷ 4463 = 22,081). In September 2008, the Advertising Standards Authority endorsed a figure of 430gCO2/kWh, based on the assumption that the energy generated by the wind turbines displaces Combined Cycle Gas Turbines and an average mix generation (430gCO2/kWh). On this basis, and on the assumption that the wind turbines annual output is upto 98.55GWh, a wind energy development of this scale is expected to displace around 42,376 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year. These figures are derived as follows (using an output of 98.55GWh as an example): 98,550,000kW (output) × 430gCO2/kWh ÷ 1,000,000 = 42,376 tonnes CO2.

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Consultation

A vital aspect of the EIA process is consultation both to agree which environmental topics need most attention (including the scope and methodology of the assessment) and to understand public perception of the development in order to help in the design process. Consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies was undertaken through a formal scoping opinion with responses received from (amongst others) officers within Stirling Council, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Scottish Natural Heritage. In addition there has been continued dialogue with relevant statutory and non-statutory consultees both before and after the EIA Scoping Report was submitted to Stirling Council. Details of consultation is set out in Chapter 2 of the ES. Those consulted include: The Scottish Environment Protection Agency; Scottish Natural Heritage; the Ministry of Defence; the RSPB and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

PfR has also undertaken public consultation involving public exhibitions and meetings with community councils with local residents from 2011. Public exhibitions were held in November 2011 and May 2012. PfR has also had meetings with local MPs, ward councillors, and circulated regular correspondence on this project to local interest groups, community groups and residents. As a result of the pre-application consultation, PfR avoided locating turbines to the south of the Carron Valley reservoir, reduced the number of turbines significantly from 77 to 15 turbines, and is has decided to pursue underground cables for grid connection, as opposed to an overhead power line, to minimise visual effects associated with the grid connection.

A separate Pre-Application Consultation Report provides full details of the pre-application carried out and forms part of the planning submission.

Environmental Effects

The scoping exercise identified a range of potential environmental effects. These were subjected to detailed assessments using methodologies specific to the relevant environmental topic. Those considered in this ES are listed as follows:

Climate Change Mitigation and Other Atmospheric • Emissions – Chapter 6;

Traffic and Transport - Chapter 7; •Noise - Chapter 8; •Landscape and Visual – Chapter 9; •Cultural Heritage and Archaeology - Chapter 10; •Terrestrial Ecology - Chapter 11; •Ornithology - Chapter 12; •

Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Ground Conditions - • Chapter 13;

Shadow Flicker - Chapter 14; •Socioeconomics, Tourism, Recreation and Land Use - •

Chapter 15.

The Environmental Statement

Introduction

The ES, which accompanies the planning application to Stirling Council, provides an assessment of identified significant environmental effects resulting from the construction, operation and de-commissioning of the proposed wind farm at Carron Valley.

Chapters 1 to 6 of the ES describe the EIA process, the wind farm site selection and design process, a details of the proposed wind farm, the relevant legislative and policy context and details of climate change and atmospheric emissions. Chapters 7 to 15 detail the technical assessments of the predicted environmental effects of the proposed wind farm. In addition the provide details of the proposed or in-built mitigation measures identified to reduce any negative effects or enhance positive effects as appropriateThe final chapter of the ES, Chapter 16, provides a summary of effects and a schedule of the proposed mitigation and enhancement measures.

The following sections provide a brief, non-technical summary of the main findings of the EIA which are described in detail within the individual chapters of the full ES identified below.

Climate Change – Chapter 6

The assessment of the effects on climate change involved a calculation of the expected renewable electricity that would be produced by the turbines. As set out above, the assessment calculated that the proposed wind turbines could annually generate up to 98.55GWh of renewable electricity per year. This is equivalent to the amount of electricity used annually by approximately 22,081 average households in Britain and could avoid up to 42,376 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Traffic and Transport – Chapter 7

The traffic and transport section focussed on the potential effects of the proposed wind farm in relation to abnormal loads and access (i.e. a vehicle either weighing over 44 tonnes, with a width of more than 2.9 m or a length of more

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than 18.3 m), other construction traffic and access, and effects during operation and decommissioning. The assessment in the ES has been undertaken in accordance with the Institute of Environmental Assessment (IEA, now IEMA) guidance document ‘Guidance Note Number 1: Guidelines on the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic’..

The assessment concluded that the environmental effect of the construction of the proposed wind farm would not be significant and would be further minimised with appropriate traffic management however a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be drawn up and agreed with the Roads Authority. Abnormal loads will be escorted from the port of entry to agreed timings.

Any major development in the area or along the access route that may arise at the same time as construction of the wind farm could result in a cumulative increase in traffic flows on the route. However, the increases in traffic as a result of the proposed wind farm will small and over a limited period of time and thus it is not considered there will be any significant cumulative impact.

Construction

There will be two main stages involved in the construction of the proposed wind farm for which vehicular movements into and out of the site have been assessed. Expected increases in traffic would occur over the 20 month construction period.

During the first stage the site is prepared for construction •activities, the access roads are constructed, the temporary construction compound and control building constructed and works also commence on the turbine hard standing areas and foundations. During the first six months of the construction programme it is not anticipated that any abnormal loads (i.e. loads that are bigger than standard HGVs and therefore the access route must be approved by highways authorities and the police) will be required.

After the initial works are complete following the first • three months of the construction programme the turbines start to be delivered to the site. This second stage of development sees the continuation of works on the turbine hard standing areas and foundations alongside the erection of turbines once the concrete for the turbine foundations has cured. Cranes and turbine components (blades, hub and tower sections) are delivered during this stage of construction on abnormal loads It is anticipated that abnormal loads will be delivered to the site between months 7 to 14 of the construction programme, with a three month break between winter months 10 to 12 (a maximum fourteen abnormal loads per month). It is

anticipated that up to 90 abnormal loads will be required, equating to approximately 14 per month.

An assessment was undertaken during the development of the site in order to identify a suitable route to the site for the abnormal loads (ES Figure 7.1). Computer generated ‘swept path assessments’ were used to model how the abnormal loads would negotiate the roads and junctions.

The assessment assumes that the wind turbine components would travel to the proposed wind farm from Grangemouth or Rosyth, depending on what port is available at the time of construction. The transportation of the wind turbine components would constitute an abnormal load. The route proposed has been successfully used by the neighbouring Earlsburn Wind Farm to deliver turbine components and includes the M9, A872, and the B818.

It is anticipated that all HGVs and cars associated with the construction phase would route to the proposed wind farm via the A872 and B818.

The maximum number of vehicle movements generated during the construction of the proposed wind farm over a day is estimated at 38 two-way movements (19 vehicles entering and leaving the site). It should be noted that rockfill is being won on the site as will concrete batching. and these will both result in fewer vehicle movements being required to the site. The greatest increase in total traffic would be on the B818 which would experience a maximum daily increase of 10.8 % over a twelve hour day over the construction phase of the project as a result of the construction traffic.

Within the site, the existing access routes would be upgraded to each turbine location or created where necessary.

Operations and Decommissioning

Traffic generated during the operational phase of the development is considered to be so minimal that it was not necessary to assess the environmental effects of the traffic generated during this phase. Traffic generated during the decommissioning of the proposed wind farm is anticipated to be similar or lower than those required during construction therefore the construction phase assessment of effects is broadly relevant to that for decommissioning.

Noise – Chapter 8

Two types of noise are emitted from wind turbines. Aerodynamic noise is produced by the movement of the blades through the air often characterised as a ‘swish’ and mechanical noise can come from the components within the turbine itself such as gearboxes and mechanisms to change the direction of the turbine. Recent progress in reducing the

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noise from turbines has been considerable particularly in relation to mechanical noise.

The noise assessment established the difference between wind turbine noise and the naturally occurring noise level at homes (residential properties) nearest to the proposed development and measured these against levels required by planning guidance. Government guidance for this assessment procedure is called ETSU-R-97, The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms and specifies that noise limits should be set relative to existing background noise levels and reflect a variation in wind speeds. In general terms during the daytime noise from wind turbines needs to be no more than 5 decibels above existing background noise except where back ground noise levels are exceptionally quiet in which case permissible noise from turbines is fixed at between 35 decibels and 40 decibels. During the night time noise from turbines needs to be no more than 43 decibels or 5 decibels above background whichever is the greatest.

The assessment methodology also took account of cumulative noise emissions from the existing wind energy developments within the vicinity of the site.

As set out above the exact model of the wind turbine for this site will depend upon which machines are available in the UK. However, any turbine installed will comply with the noise limits identified in the assessment.

During construction there may be noise that at times will be audible at the closest residential properties. This would primarily result from routine construction activities, deliveries and any pilling required for the turbine foundations. However, in order to ensure the protection of residential amenity working hours and HGV deliveries would be limited and any turbine deliveries outside of this time would be agreed with Stirling Council and the Police. All construction activities would adhere to good practice set out in BS 5228. The ES states noise emissions during de-commissioning are considered to be less than during the construction phase.

Results of the noise modelling demonstrate that, during the operational phase of the development, noise from the wind turbines would be below the levels required by Government guidance (ETSU-R-97) at all residential properties both during the daytime and at night. The ES therefore concludes that, overall, there would be no significant noise effects from the construction, operation and de-commissioning of the proposed wind turbines.

Landscape and Visual – Chapter 9

The Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) chapter identifies and assessed the potential effects of the proposed

development and determines the significance of these effects. There is a clear distinction between effects on landscape resources and visual effects:

Landscape receptors include physical elements, features •and characteristics, or areas defined by a designation, that may be affected by the proposal.

Visual receptors include the public or community at large, •residents and visitors to the area.

The methodology used within the LVIA takes into consideration published guidance on landscape and visual assessment, including The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (2002).

Before the submission of the proposed wind farm application, consultation was carried out with Stirling Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Falkirk Council, East Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority in order to determine sensitive receptors and representative viewpoints. A final list of 22 candidate viewpoints was established following the consultation process. The locations were visited and photography undertaken to establish their relevance within the assessment process.

For these locations baseline panoramic photographs, wire line representations and photomontages have been generated as appropriate to be used as a tool to demonstrate how the proposed turbines may appear. These visuals are included within the figures for the LVIA chapter. The LVIA methodology sets out that only those effects indicated as being of substantial or major significance may be regarded as significant effects in EIA terms. An accumulation of individual ‘moderate’ effects may also be regarded as significant in terms of the EIA regulations.

The study area for the proposed wind farm is defined by a 35 km radius from the closest wind turbine, as recommended for wind turbines over 100 m, as set out in ‘Visual Representation of Windfarms’, Good Practice Guidance, Scottish Natural Heritage (2007).

The scale of the proposed wind farm and its layout have been designed to relate well to the scale and shape of the Carron Valley Reservoir and the landform of Cairnoch Hill. Turbines have been located on lower ground within the site to be discrete in the wider landscape and to conceal the wind farm in views gained in the context of distinctive hill edges. Due consideration has also been given throughout the site design to the existing wind farms adjacent to the site, Earlsburn and Craigengelt.

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The site lies within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLVs) which comprises the western end of the Campsie Fells and the plateau landscape of the Fintry, Gargunnock and Touch Hills. The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park lies approximately 20 km to the north west. In addition, there are two National Scenic Areas (NSAs) within the landscape and visual study area: the Loch Lomond NSA and the Trossachs NSA. The NSAs lie within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. There are also three Regional Scenic Areas (RSAs) currently identified within the study area, the Kilpatrick Hills (within West Dunbartonshire), the Campsie Fells (within East Dunbartonshire) and the Kilsyth Hills (within North Lanarkshire). The latter two RSAs lie adjacent to each other and abut an AGLV to the north.

Areas from which views of the proposed wind farm would be theoretically possible have been determined by means of Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) analysis. The ZTV for the proposal is relatively limited due to the location of the wind farm in a valley between areas of upland to the north and south. Significant effects on visual receptors would be confined to this area.

29 residential properties were identified within 2 km of the site boundary, however only 1 property (which is currently derelict and uninhabited) lies within 1 km of the nearest proposed turbine. Occupiers of three of the 29 residential properties within approximately 2 km of the site would experience significant adverse effects during the day. One property would experience substantial effects during the operation of the proposed wind farm. Occupiers of vehicles or walkers using two of the seven routes assessed (travelling east and west on the B818) would experience significant adverse sequential effects during the day. Receptors at two of the viewpoints within the study area would also experience significant adverse effects during the day at Todholes Bridges and the south of the Carron Valley Reservoir. However no visual receptors would experience significant night time effects on views.

There would be no significant effects on the character of the Upper Carron Lowland River Valleys character area, in which the wind farm would be located, or any other landscape character area within the study area.There would be no significant effect on views from within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park or from gateway routes into or out of the Park. None of the special qualities of the Park would be significantly affected. In addition, overall effects on the AGLV, NSAs and RSAs would not be significant.

There would be no views of the wind farm from Stirling Castle and no significant effects on views from the Wallace Monument.

To minimise cumulative effects the turbine size and the scale of the wind farm is consistent with neighbouring schemes at Earlsburn and Craigengelt. The visual separation between the three schemes would be maintained.

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology – Chapter 10

In order to inform the assessment of the potential for known and unknown remains on the site which may be physically disturbed by the proposed wind farm, a thorough desk-based assessment and site walk over was undertaken. This information was fed into the design process and the final proposals have, to the greatest extent possible, avoided direct effects on known archaeological sites. The cultural heritage and archaeology assessment was also informed by consultation with Historic Scotland and Stirling Council’s Archaeology officer as well as current best practice and policy guidance such as Scottish Planning Policy, PAN 2/2011 ‘Planning and Archaeology’ and Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting published by Historic Scotland.

Scheduled Monuments within 3.5 km of the proposed wind farm include Sir John de Graham’s Castle (0.48 km away from the closest turbine), Lower and Upper Todholes Cairn (1 km and 1.5 km from the closest turbine respectively), Dundaff Hill Mound (3.4 km away). The Listed Building, Bentend Steading, lies 3.5 km from the closest turbine. The most significant effects of this proposed wind farm on the historic environment is the effect on the setting of Sir John de Graham’s Castle which lies immediately to the south-west of the proposed wind farm and is surrounded by forestry. There is no longer a standing building on the site and the Scheduled Monument can now only be seen from the B818 at one point as it passes across the relatively narrow unplanted section of ground running south from the Castle. From the other side of the reservoir, the site can only be recognised as a clearance in the forest. Thus during the design of the development the focus has been to ensure that the effects on the setting of the castle are minimised. The proposed wind farm layout has gone through several design iterations, including the removal of one turbine. The results of these changes has increased the distance of the nearest turbine to Sir John de Graham’s Castle from 200 m to 480 m. In terms of turbines that affect views from the castle looking along the valley the nearest turbine will now be more than 1 km away.

Overall, following detailed redesign of the layout and proposed mitigation measures the effect of the proposed wind farm is considered to be of moderate significance with respect to the setting of Sir John de Graham’s Castle. A key

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element of the mitigation proposals, is to remove the square plantation of Norwegian spruce that currently lies between the Castle and Carron Valley Reservoir. This will significantly open up views both from and towards the castle, going some way to restoring its position within the wider local landscape that has been obscured in recent decades. No further significant effects on cultural heritage and archaeology were identified.

The decommissioning of the wind farm would take place at the end of the anticipated operational life of 25 years. The turbines would be dismantled and removed from site and the site fully restored, On this basis, any significant effects would be reversible.

Ecology – Chapter 11

In accordance with current guidance the ecological assessment comprised data gathered from desk-based studies, consultation and field surveys from April 2011 to September 2011,. Field surveys undertaken include a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Protected Species Surveys and National Vegetation Classification Surveys. These surveys were used to highlight ecological constraints and inform the layout of the proposed wind farm to minimise impacts through selective positioning of infrastructure.

There are four statutory designations (Endrick Water SAC and SSSI, Denny Muir SSSI, Double Craigs SSSI and Carron Glen SSSI) and four non statutory designations (Carron Valley Reservoir (proposed LNCS), Upper Endrick Water LNCS, Ballochleam Crags LNCS and Double Craigs LNCS) within 5 km of the site boundary. Due to the proximity of the proposed Carron Valley Wind Farm to the Endrick Water SAC in particular (2.2 km west of the site boundary) and its reason for designation (river lamprey, brook lamprey and Atlantic Salmon), a separate document outlining the potential impacts has been prepared to inform a Habitat Regulations Appraisal. This is included within the ES as an Appendix.

The site almost completely comprises of dense or recently felled plantation woodland. Other habitats recorded were semi-improved acid grassland, marshy grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland and quarried areas. The site is 0.4 km north of Carron Valley Reservoir which is a proposed Local Nature Conservation Site (LNCS).

Protected species surveys found no sign of, or suitable habitat for, great crested newts, red squirrels or water voles within the proposed development area. Evidence of otter activity was detected within the study area, however the majority of the evidence was concentrated on the Endrick Water, to the west of the proposed site boundary. Soprano and common pipistrelle bats detected across the site in low

numbers. One wildcat sighting 30 m to the west of the site was identified during the consultation process, however no evidence of wildcat activity was identified during any of the surveys. Evidence of badger activity was detected within the survey area but absent from the site. One pine marten record relating to a predated nest in the northwest corner of the site was reported during the consultation process. No evidence of pine marten activity was identified during any of the surveys. The forest edges clearings and quarries within the forest were identified as suitable habitat for reptiles. A pregnant common lizard was recorded to the west of the site boundary.

Atlantic salmon is known to occur and spawn approximately 4 km downstream of the site within the Endrick Water SAC however the falls at the Loup of Fintry downstream of the site acts as a natural barrier to migratory salmonids. As such, Atlantic salmon were not found within any of the waterways within the site boundary. The closest record of this species was from 2.5 km downstream and represents a population of fish translocated by local fishing groups. Brown / sea trout were recorded within the Endrick Water and its tributaries, Earl’s Burn and two tributaries of the Carron Valley Reservoir.

Aspects of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm (such as construction and dismantling of the temporary works compound, and construction of access tracks, erection of wind turbines and electrical cable connections) have the potential to adversely affect the protected species and habitats identified.

Potential effects include:

Pollution of terrestrial habitats, sources of prey, food •plants, and freshwater habitats through for example chemical spills;

Damage and disturbance to terrestrial and freshwater •habitats/species, for example physical damage in areas of construction;

Disturbance, displacement and injury for example due to •construction activities and maintenance activities;

Direct habitat loss through for example the installation of •wind farm infrastructure;

Indirect changes to habitats due to changes in hydrology •and soil chemistry.

The potential effects have been reduced ,through the careful design of the proposed wind farm and site infrastructure. This has included minimisation of new road infrastructure; avoidance of deep peat in the site design; development of buffer zones around sensitive areas and the use of

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best-practice construction techniques. Pre-construction surveys will be carried out to check for changes in baseline conditions and enable any refinements to be made. An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will also be present on site should the proposed wind farm get consent, to oversee enabling works and construction.

By applying effective mitigation measures, the ES concluded that there will be no significant residual effects on habitats of ecological importance or protected species resulting from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm.

Ornithology – Chapter 12

The assessment methodology was based upon guidance from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Consultation was carried out with Scottish Natural Heritage, Stirling Council and the RSPB concerning the studies required and the appropriate issues to be addressed in the assessment of notable bird species.

In order to determine the ornithological baseline, a desk study and a range of site field surveys were conducted and subsequent collision modelling to assess the effects of the wind turbines on bird species was undertaken.

Contacts were made with nature conservation bodies to obtain any relevant data to inform the baseline situation of bird usage at Carron Valley. A desk-based study was carried out to obtain information on all statutory and non-statutory designated sites with ornithological interests within 20 km (SPAs and Ramsar sites), 10 km (SSSIs, LNRs and other national-level designations) and 5 km (LCNSs).

Two (SPAs) are located within 20 km of the site, The Firth of Forth Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Ramsar site, which hosts a wide variety of waterfowl during the winter period is located 15 km to the east of the site; and Slamannan Plateau SPA which at the time of citation held over 53 % of the Great British population of Taiga bean goose, is 13 km to the south east of the site.

No SSSIs or other national-level sites with an ornithological interest are located within 10 km of the site. Only one LNR, Dumbreck Marsh, is within 10 km of Carron Valley, and although no specific information is available it is likely to contain a lowland grassland/marshland assemblage of birds.

Four LCNSs with noted ornithological interest can be found within 5 km of the site: Carron Valley, Loch Coulter and North Third Reservoirs, and Gargunnock Hills. The first three of these sites consist primarily of freshwater and wetland habitats with associated wildlife, with the

Gargunnock Hills LCNS comprising mainly moorland habitat with an assemblage influenced by red grouse management. Ornithological surveys included a wintering survey, breeding bird survey, vantage point and flight activity surveys undertaken throughout the course of a year. Baseline surveys identified an ornithological assemblage typical of plantation and upland habitats of Central Scotland, with usage within the site boundary confined mainly to relatively common breeding passerines (song birds) and raptors. Although a number of species were identified as being of conservation concern, most were not considered significant within the context of their respective regional or national populations, and further consideration was not required within the EIA. As such, a total of 28 species were identified as Valued Ornithological Receptors (VORs) of which four were taken into account in the impact assessment: greylag goose, barn owl, the general breeding bird assemblage and osprey, A full list of species recorded can be found in Chapter 12 of the ES.

The impact assessment identified potential effects on these VORs associated with the development during the construction and operational phases (habitat loss, disturbance, displacement, collision risk and barrier effects).

With regards to greylag goose, collision risk and barrier •effects were considered as part of the assessment. No significant effects were identified and therefore no specific mitigation measures were required for this species.

The proposed wind farm may affect at least one barn •owl breeding pair due to the removal of a next box, or excessive disturbance associated with nearby construction activities. Mitigation measures be put in place and include the provision of alternative nest boxes located away from disturbance. No significant effects are predicted following mitigation.

With regards to breeding birds, measures are proposed •to help prevent nest destruction during the breeding season, for example, site clearance and construction activities will be timed to take place outside the main breeding season, if feasible. No significant effects are predicted following mitigation.

The number of osprey predicted to collide with turbines •was calculated to be once every 11.6 years, the equivalent of 0.086 collisions per year or two birds during the proposed 25 year operational life of the wind farm. The loss of two birds represents an additional annual mortality of 1.6 % on baseline rates and therefore would be an impact of small magnitude effect over a 25 year period. This would result in an effect of moderate or slight significance on the regional population, which

11

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Ornithology – Chapter 12 continued >

is likely to be tolerable due to the upward trend of the regional population. The cumulative number of predicted collisions at Carron Valley, Earlsburn, Earlsburn North, Craigannet and Rullie is a total annual mortality of 0.15 birds per year, which equates to one bird every 6-7 years. This loss is the equivalent of a 4.0 % increase in background mortality in the West Central Belt Natural Heritage Zone breeding population of Osprey (assuming all collisions would be on breeding birds), which is a moderate but tolerable adverse cumulative effect at a regional level. If ospreys occupy a site within or close to the proposed wind farm footprint, this may be subject to removal by tree-felling between September and late-March to avoid disturbance to breeding birds and their nest. The effect of this will be mitigated by creation of alternative nest sites away from the wind farm’s influence prior to any nest removal (e.g. within forestry on the south side of the reservoir). Following mitigation, effects on Osprey reduced to Negligible.

It was concluded that when mitigation and enhancement measures were considered, there were no predicted significant effects due to the Carron Valley Wind Farm on any VOR, either alone, or cumulatively with other projects.

Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Ground Conditions – Chapter 13

Potential effects of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm on hydrology, hydrogeology and ground conditions were assessed.

Cairnoch Hill is drained by forestry drainage systems and by a number of small unnamed watercourses. The southern hill slopes drain towards Carron Valley Reservoir. Towards the north-east small watercourses discharge into the Earl’s Burn which confluences with the River Carron downstream of Carron Valley Reservoir. The River Carron discharges into the Firth of Forth near Grangemouth. The north-western hill slopes drain via an unnamed burn to the Endrick Water. The Endrick Water flows west and discharges into Loch Lomond near Balmaha.

Fluvial System

Run-off rates and drainage patterns could be affected during the construction of the proposed wind farm due to excavation works and the construction of tracks and hard standing areas. However, this will be effectively mitigated by providing an adequately designed drainage system.

The hydrological impact on the peat has been minimised

by the design of the development layout which avoids areas of deep peat. Where tracks are near deep peat, drainage systems will be adapted to minimise lowering of the water table and to prevent draining of the peat or barriers to natural flow paths in the upper and lower peat layers.

Effects on river flows and flooding are predicted to be very limited.

Surface Waters

Water quality within nearby waterbodies is classified as “poor” (River Carron, Carron Valley Reservoir, classed as a Heavily Modified Water Body) and “moderate” (Endrick Water).

Pollution of surface water could potentially occur during the construction activities. A range of mitigation measures are proposed to prevent pollution and these measures will be detailed a Health, Safety and Environmental Management System (HSEMS).

Soils

The impact assessment has identified that the main effects on soils are changes to drainage patterns as a result of compaction of soils and construction of foundations/infrastructure. These effects are limited to the proposed access tracks and turbine locations and would be mitigated through proposed drainage measures.

Superficial Deposits & Geology

The impact assessment has identified that the main effects on superficial deposits and geology are disturbance as a result of foundation excavations. With mitigation in place the effect is not predicted to be significant.

Hydrogeology

Pollution of groundwater could potentially occur during the construction and operational activities. A range of mitigation measures have been presented in this chapter to prevent pollution and these measures will be identified in the HSEMS. The residual risk of chemical pollution of groundwater is not predicted to be significant.

The impact assessment has identified that the main effects on hydrogeology are likely to be changes to groundwater flow patterns in the area of proposed excavations. The shallow groundwater is however of low resource potential and any residual effects are likely to be of limited to the proposed turbine locations and is not predicted to be significant.

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Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Ground Conditions – Chapter 13 continued >

Water Resources

Information on the location of both private and public water supply systems has been collected to assess whether these could be affected. None are predicted to be affected by the proposed development, however there is a risk of affecting the water quality of public water supply sourced from the Carron Valley Reservoir and the Endrick Water. Following proposed mitigation the residual effect is not predicted to be significant.

The assessment also concludes that flow rates within the watercourses are not significantly affected and that downstream abstractions are therefore not impacted by the development.

Overall, the effects of the proposed wind farm development on the site’s hydrological, hydrogeological and geological regime are not considered to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations.

Shadow Flicker – Chapter 14

Shadow flicker is the effect that can arise when rotating blades of a wind turbine cause a shadow on neighbouring properties and receptors. As the blades rotate, shadows on the ground or nearby properties move, resulting in a flicker effect. The effect occurs under certain combinations of factors including geographical position and time of day.

In line with the Scottish Government factsheet ‘Onshore Wind Turbines Information’ (May 2012) a study area of ten times the maximum turbine rotor diameter of 90 m, 130 degrees either side of north of each turbine location was identified to obtain the Zone of Potential Shadow Flicker. No inhabited properties fall within this zone and therefore significant shadow flicker effects associated with the proposed wind farm are not predicted to arise.

Socio-economics, Tourism, Recreation and Land Use – Chapter 15

Potential effects of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm on socio-economics, tourism, recreation and land use have been assessed. The assessment was carried out taking into account scoping responses, relevant advice/guidance and research documents. Baseline data included several statistics such as populations, economic activity, labour market, tourism and local authority data.

Construction of the proposed wind farm will directly support around 40 to 50 full time equivalent jobs for a period of approximately 20 months. The operational

phase of the proposed wind farm will also directly support two to three operational manager jobs for the duration of the 25-year operational life of the wind farm. Whilst it cannot be guaranteed that services will be provided locally, key opportunities for local firms and businesses during the construction work will include site preparation and establishment.

Indirectly, further employment opportunities may be created for those companies providing services to the contractors during the construction and decommissioning phases of the proposed development. Workers may also select to stay in local accommodation and this would have a positive economic effect on other local services such as shops, pubs, cafes, takeaways etc.

The proposed wind farm is a large construction project with significant total capital costs. During the construction phase, site preparation works will provide opportunities for materials and construction equipment to be sourced within the local area and Stirling.

The proposed wind farm will also contribute to the local economy through provision of a community fund. A market-leading community benefit offering will be provided alongside any future development. This will consist of a Community Benefit Fund, which will receive an annual payment at the rate of £5,000 per installed megawatt. If fifteen 3MW turbines are constructed, the fund would receive £225,000 on an annual basis (index linked) for the operational life of the project of between 20-25 years, amounting to over £5m in donations. The fund would be independently administered with decisions on funding allocations made by representatives of the local community.

In addition to the Community Benefit Fund, PfR has agreed with FCS that eligible community groups will be able to invest in the project if they desire up to a limit of 10 % at financial close. Further discussion will take place with community groups throughout the planning period, during which more information and guidance will be provided on the Forestry Commission Scotland website (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/communitiesandrenewables).

In terms of land use construction and operation of the proposed wind farm will require the felling and permanent loss of 33.52 ha of commercial forestry land. Direct loss of forestry as a result of the footprint of the proposed wind farm will be offset where possible by restocking additional areas in the main Carron Valley Forest and if possible within the Cairnoch Hill forest block. Following decommissioning of the wind farm, some of the area lost to the development footprint will be available to return to commercial forestry.

In relation to tourism, there are relatively few tourist attractions within 20 km of the proposed wind farm which

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could have theoretical visibility. It is notable that the most popular tourist attractions are located within Stirling where there would be no theoretical visibility of the proposed wind farm. With regards to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the lengths of gateway routes over which the visual amenity would be affected would be relatively small in relation to the total route.

There is also very limited tourist accommodation within the immediate Carron Valley area for the proposal to result in a detectable change to visitor numbers and the economy of the area in general. It is possible that some potential visitors may be deterred from staying in tourist accommodation at Carronbridge and Fintry if there was a possibility that their view would be compromised. It is expected that any losses incurred in this way would be compensated for by an increase in accommodation demand during the construction and decommissioning periods and from those visitors who are attracted to the Carron Valley by new access opportunities and facilities created as a result of the proposed wind farm.

With regard to recreation and outdoor access, the majority of access and recreational activity in the Carron Valley Forest takes place to the south east of the Carron Valley Reservoir where the mountain biking, waymarked trail and car parking facilities are located. There is lower and less formal visitor access to the site of the proposed wind farm. During the construction and decommissioning phases of the proposed wind farm it will be necessary to restrict access to the site for public safety reasons.

However during operation, the site will become more accessible through the use of constructed access tracks, in particular two new link routes, and it is likely that the western end of the Carron Valley reservoir will become more popular for recreational uses.

Recreational/outdoor access users may experience views to the proposed wind farm from locations within the vicinity of the site, however due to the short duration of the predicted views, it is considered unlikely that the proposed wind farm would deter walkers or cyclists from using recreational routes within the area.

Further Information

Printed copies of the non-technical summary and ES (including figures and appendices) may be obtained from Partnerships for Renewables, 12 Melcombe Place, Station House, London, NW1 6JJ. The non-technical summary is available free of charge and a limited number of hard copies of the environmental statement are available for £500 per copy. CDs containing PDF files of the Environmental Statement are available for £15 per CD. Alternatively these electronic files can be downloaded from our website at http://www.pfr.co.uk/carronvalley

Copies of the ES may be consulted at the following locations during normal opening hours:

Stirling Council Planning DepartmentViewforthStirlingFK8 2ET

Fintry Sports and Recreation ClubKippen RoadFintryGlasgowG63 0YA

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Station House 12 Melcombe Place London NW1 6JJ t: +44 (0)207 170 7000 f: +44 (0)207 170 7020 e: info@pfr.co.uk

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Partnerships for Renewables Limited is a private limited company Registered in England and Wales, number 06526742 Registered at Station House, 12 Melcombe Place, London, NW1 6JJ Partnerships for Renewables Limited is a private limited company Registered in England and Wales, number 06526742 Registered at 4th Floor, Dorset House, 27-45 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9PY