Outline Construction Method Statement · PDF file1.1. This document is an Outline Construction...

Annex 3.1: Outline Construction Method Statement

Annex 3.1: Construction Method Statement CF/AppDoc04/ES

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Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. Project Description 3 3. Access Track Construction 6

3.1. Description 6 3.2. Procedure 6 3.3. Widening of Existing Roads 7 3.4. New Access Track and Spurs Construction 7 3.5. Reinstatement 9

4. Site Compound Construction 10 4.1. Description 10 4.2. Procedure 10 4.3. Reinstatement 11

5. Culverts and Watercourses 12 5.1. Description 12 5.2. Procedure 12 5.3. Reinstatement 12

6. Borrow Pits 13 6.1. Description 13 6.2. Procedure 13 6.3. Reinstatement 14

7. Crane Hardstandings 15 7.1. Description 15 7.2. Procedure 15 7.3. Reinstatement 15

8. Cable Laying 17 8.1. Description 17 8.2. Procedure 17 8.3. Reinstatement 18

9. Turbine & Anemometry Mast Foundations 19 9.1. Description 19 9.2. Procedure 19 9.3. Reinstatement 21

10. Turbine & Anemometry Mast Erection 22


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10.1. Description 22 10.2. Reinstatement 22

11. Control of Water 23 11.1. Description 23 11.2. Reinstatement 24

12. Reinstatement 25 13. Pollution Prevention Measures 27

13.1. Fuel and Oils 27 13.2. Concrete 27 13.3. Silt 28 13.4. Waste and Litter 28 13.5. Site Induction and Training 28

14. Emergency Response Plan (ERP) 30 15. Private Water Supplies 31 16. Prohibited Activities 32

16.1. Description 32 16.2. Procedure 32

17. Environmental Monitoring 33 17.1. Description 33

18. Working Hours 34 19. Staff Movements 35 Appendix A Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan Appendix B Outline Waste Management Plan Appendix C Outline Emergency Response Plan


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1. Introduction 1.1. This document is an Outline Construction Method Statement (CMS) for the proposed

Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm.

1.2. It provides an overview of the proposed construction methods relating to construction activities required for the development of Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm (hereafter referred to as the Project). The following aspects are presented in Sections 3 to 19 of this outline CMS:

Access tracks (Section 3); Site compounds (Section 4); Culverts and watercourses (Section 5); Borrow pits (Section 6); Crane hardstanding (Section 7); Cable laying (Section 8); Turbine foundations (Section 9); Turbine erection (Section 10); Control of water (Section 11); Reinstatement (Section 11); Pollution prevention measures (Section 13); Emergency response (Section 14); Private water supplies (Section 15); Prohibited activities (Section 16); Environmental monitoring (Section 17); Working hours (Section 18); and Staff movements (Section 19).

1.3. Construction methods associated with pre-development tree clearance and the proposed grid connection (Chapter 15, Grid Connection) are excluded from this outline CMS, given that:

pre-development tree clearance1 will be undertaken by FCW prior to the commencement of Phase I (construction) of the development and therefore does not form part of the authorised development for which the DCO is being applied2; and

RWE Npower Renewables Limited (RWE NRL) is submitting their DCO application for the wind farm and on-site infrastructure only. The supporting grid infrastructure, for this Project and three other wind farm schemes (Brenig, Nant Bach and Derwydd Bach wind farms) in North Wales, will be subject to a separate DCO application which will be made by SP Manweb. The construction methods proposed for the grid connection will therefore be detailed within SP Manweb’s application.

1 Pre-development Tree clearance will be undertaken pursuant to Schedule 8, 2(1), Planning Act 2008, which amends Section 15 (trees subject to preservation orders under Planning Acts) of the Forestry Act, 1967. 2 Chapter 3, Section 155, Planning Act, 2008


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1.4. In support of this outline CMS, outline plans for a number of key areas are presented as Appendices to this document as follows:

Appendix A Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP); Appendix B Outline Waste Management Plan (WMP); and Appendix C Outline Emergency Response Plan (ERP).

1.5. These documents will be finalised post-consent but pre-construction, between RWE NRL

and their appointed Principal Contractor, along with a number of other plans as follows:

Outline Habitat Management Plan (OHMP) (outline provided in ES Annex 9.10); Relevant Species Protection Plans (SPP); Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) incorporating Sustainable Drainage

Systems (SUDS) (an outline SWMP is included in ES Annex 8.1); Soil and Peat Management Plan (SPMP); Borrow Pit Design and Site Restoration Plan; and Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) (outline provided in ES Chapter 12

Traffic and Transport). 1.6. All plans will be developed and finalised in consultation with Denbighshire County Council

(DCC) and Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC), Environment Agency Wales (EAW), Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW). DCC and CCBC will formally approve the plans under the terms of the requirements.


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2. Project Description 2.1. The Project is located in Clocaenog Forest approximately 13 km south of Denbigh and 10

km west of Ruthin (centre point grid reference of the Application Site OS SJ 014 537). The northern site boundary is located 1 km south of the B4501. The site extends 8 km south of this, 1.5 km beyond the summit of Craig Bron–Banog hill in the south. The site is hereafter referred to as the Application Site. The eastern and western Application Site boundaries are located just west of the River Clwyd and east of Llyn Brenig reservoir respectively. The Application Site covers an area of approximately 1,581ha and is depicted on Figures 1a and 1b of the Environmental Statement (ES).

2.2. The Application Site comprises an upland plateau with an altitude of between 380 and 502 m. Craig Bron-Banog is the highest point with an altitude of 502 m. The majority of the land is predominantly conifer forest with some open areas of heather moorland. There is no settlement across the Application Site itself, but there are scattered farmsteads and buildings outside of this within the wider Clocaenog Forest area including Isgaer-wen, Ty-uchaf, Tal-y-cefn Uchaf, Tal-y Cefn Isaf, Tai’n-y-Waens, Hafotty Hendre, Brynhyfryd, Bron-Bannog, Waen Uchaf, Waen Ganol, Cruglas, Nilig, Nant Uchaf, Trawsnant, Tai Ucha and Brynbach. .

2.3. The Llyn Brenig Reservoir lies approximately 3 km to the west of the Application Site. The Afon Clywedog, Afon Alwen and a number of unnamed tributary streams flow through the north-east and south-west of the Application Site.

2.4. The main components of the proposed wind farm include:

32 wind turbines (maximum blade tip height of 145 m) and external transformer units including construction of turbine foundations and crane hardstandings;

2 anemometry masts (max height 100 m); A permanent access route to the Application Site and tracks between wind turbines

consisting of approximately 4km of existing public roads, 20.3km of existing forestry track and 2.6 km of new track, and 5.6 km of spur roads. There will also be 8.2km of secondary access tracks3 prepared as part of the Project4;

Underground cabling between turbines within the Application Site. A substation compound (which also includes a building with an enclosed control

room, welfare facilities and an external compound). The location of the substation is dependent on a separate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and planning process, which is being undertaken by Scottish Power (SP) Manweb. It is understood that the location will be in the north of the Application Site to enable connection to the St Asaph substation (see Chapter 3 (Project Description) and Chapter 15 (Grid Connection) of the ES for further detail and explanation). RWE NRL is submitting their DCO application for the wind farm and on-site infrastructure only. The supporting grid infrastructure, for this Project and three other wind farm schemes (Brenig, Nant Bach and Derwydd Bach wind farms) in North Wales, will be subject to

3 Secondary access tracks are existing forestry tracks that will be used for general construction vehicles, including HGVs, vans, 4x4s and cars. As these tracks are not intended for abnormal indivisible loads, they will not be widened. They are located wholly within the Application Site red line boundary. 4 Secondary access tracks are intended for HGVs, vans, 4x4s and cars and do not require widening or cable-trenching alongside. Secondary access tracks are an alternative access route if the primary access routes are not usable for whatever reason.


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a separate DCO application which will be made by SP Manweb. This application will be subject to the same requirements, as it will be subject to EIA and the relevant public consultation procedures.

Four borrow pits (Borrow Pit A (BPA), Borrow Pit B (BPB), Borrow Pit C (BPC) and Borrow Pit D (BPD)); and

Two civil and one electrical construction compounds during construction.

2.5. The total area of land which will be permanently occupied by structures and hard surfaces relating to the wind farm will be approximately 12.21 ha, with an additional temporary land take of approximately 12.74 ha that will be made available for restoration after construction.

2.6. The main construction period is likely to last 24 months, depending on favourable weather conditions. Specifically, construction will consist of the following elements:

Borrow pit excavation (including blasting); Preparation of the site access and internal access roads which will involve

improvement of existing tracks and construction of new; Establish the temporary site construction compounds and works area; Construct crane hardstandings; Excavate the wind turbine foundations and construct the turbine bases; Construct sub-station and associated compounds; Excavate cable trenches and lay the power and instrumentation cables; Erect and commission the wind turbines;

Carry out reinstatement works; and

Remove temporary compounds and clear the site.

2.7. The most favoured access route for abnormal loads will be:

Ellesmere Port Docks to Junction 9 of the M53; M53 and A55 around the south of Chester as far as it junction with A483; A483 past Wrexham as far as its junction with the A5 at Halton Roundabout; West along the A5 to the junction with A543 east of Pentrefoelas; A543 to the junction of B4501 at Llyn Bran; B4501 to just beyond the crossroads with the B5435 at the Bryn Glas Depot; and

then Continue along the unclassified road leading into Clocaenog Forest, from where

existing forestry tracks will be utilised to access each turbine location.

2.8. This preferred route is consistent with the route outlined in the Welsh Government Strategic Route Report

5.

5 Welsh Assembly Government Transport & Strategic Regeneration / NWTRA, Clocaenog Forest (Strategic Search Area A) Access Routes Study. Final November 2009 Document reference number - CS/29197/D/07


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2.9. Other construction traffic movements will follow the most direct route to the Application Site from their origin, but will be restricted to the major roads (taken here to be all A roads likely to be used by construction traffic) as far practicable until they approach the Application Site. As the majority of contractors and material sources are yet to be finalised, specific routes for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) trips cannot be identified at this stage.

2.10. Details of the access and traffic routes are contained in the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) which is provided in outline form in Chapter 12 (Traffic and Transport) of the ES, and details of abnormal loads within the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which will accompany the DCO submission.

2.11. Following pre-development tree clearance the Project will span three phases of development. The three phases and their predicted year of occurrence are as follows:

Phase 1 Construction – commencing Quarter 2 2015 for 24 months; Phase 2 Operation – commencing Quarter 2 2017 for 25 years; and Phase 3 Decommissioning – commencing 2042.

2.12. Further detail of each of these phases of work is provided in Chapter 3 (Project

Description) of the ES.


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3. Access Track Construction 3.1. Description

3.1.1 Excavation, construction and maintenance of access roads to the wind turbines will minimise disturbance to ecological habitats and hydrology at the Application Site. All tracks required for the Application Site will need to be at least 5 m wide on straight sections and wider on bends to allow the delivery of large and heavy turbine components and transformers and as a consequence widening will be required in some areas. In addition to this some of the tracks will require upgrading. Details of mitigation measures and protection of environmental receptors during construction activities are provided in the outline CEMP (See Appendix A).

3.2. Procedure

3.2.1 The roads within the Application Site will take the routes agreed in the ES. The tracks will be surfaced and designed to standards that will ensure control of surface water runoff and integrity of the road surface, in line with the SWMP (outline provided in Annex 8.1 Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Surface Water Management Plan)

3.2.2 The design requirements are for a road capable of carrying large vehicles approximately 50 m long with axle weights of up to 20 tonnes. The surface will be of water-bound gravel or crushed rock. Geometric parameters for the site roads are:-

Maximum gradient of 10 %, although short lengths (< 200m) of steeper gradient (up to 12.5 %) can be accommodated on water-bound surfaces in good conditions;

Minimum running surface width of approximately 5 m on straight sections with widening on curves; and

Minimum inside radius on bends 20 m.

3.2.3 The road width will be increased proportionately for bends and passing/turning places.

3.2.4 Roadside drains shall have a depth of not less than 250 mm below the formation edge and a longitudinal gradient of not less than 2 %. Catch-pits, settlement ponds and filters will be provided in and adjacent to the drains to avoid pollution and sedimentation of watercourses. Roadside drains will not be lead directly into watercourses. Further description of track drainage appears in Section 11 (Control of Water) and is also covered in Appendix A. Further detail will also be provided within the formalised SWMP (outline provided in Annex 8.1).

3.2.5 The road alignment and gradients will be set out to fit existing landforms as far as possible and shall be marked out prior to commencement of the works. Cut and fill operations will be designed to achieve a good balance where possible and will be designed to cause the minimum amount of impact to the area. Surface soils will be used to dress the slopes and verges if required.

3.2.6 Sections of track through soft or peaty ground will be assessed by first trial pitting to establish the depth to suitable formation. The appropriate course of action, will be defined in the formalised SPMP (outline provided in Annex 8.1), will be determined based on the results of these trial pits.


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3.3. Widening of Existing Roads

3.3.1 Existing typical road width is up to 5 m, with some between 2.5 m and 3 m. The wind farm access tracks will be required to be at least 5 m on straight sections and wider on bends and, therefore, widening will be required in some areas.

3.3.2 Where widening is required of existing tracks, pre-development tree clearance will take place on one side of the existing track. The selection of which side to felled will be based on whichever side is the least sensitive side for red squirrels and other species and design specifications, as required, to minimise the impact on their habitat, plus any verge or open space that exists on the non-felled side of the track. Further details will be provided within FCW’s Tree Clearance plan.

3.3.3 A walk-over survey will be completed to assess ground conditions, and any soft or rutted areas identified and dealt with prior to any large construction plant arriving. Sections of track requiring minor widening will be excavated to a suitable formation. The arisings will be either stockpiled in bunds adjacent to the tracks or transported to the borrow pit areas to be used for final reinstatement. The excavation, storage and reinstatement of both soil and peat will be covered in the SPMP. Stockpiling of peat will however be avoided where possible.

3.3.4 Rock will be transported from the borrow pit to the point of deposition and widening undertaken in line with the specification set out in the Forestry Civil Engineering Handbook. Information regarding waste management practices on-site is detailed in the WMP (Appendix B). Selected smaller material from the crushing operations will be used to finish off the tracks to the required profiles and to provide a smooth watertight running surface. Several sections of track will require widening in areas with steep cross falls. Areas requiring fill to be placed to comply with longitudinal gradients will be designed to minimise the overall footprint of the embankment. Site-won material will be placed and compacted in layers to the required profiles. Areas in cuttings will be designed to cut more into the high side to minimise the impact of the road widening.

3.4. New Access Track and Spurs Construction

3.4.1 The new access track construction will follow the same design principle as the road widening. Areas of cut-and-fill will be designed to achieve a suitable balance. The depth of peat does not warrant the use of floating roads, and therefore all new tracks will be of conventional ‘cut’ road design which requires the excavation of topsoil to a depth no greater than 1 m. The track footprint will be designed to cause the minimum of disruption.

3.4.2 Where the removal of trees is required the area will be felled according to the FCW Tree Clearance Plan and in line with FCW standard procedures, which require a new track to lie in a 25 m felled corridor, and where appropriate, the stumps will be removed. In many cases new spur roads will lie wholly within the 100 m tree clearance radius for the turbine. The topsoil will be stockpiled for use during reinstatement. In areas clear of trees the area will be cleared of all vegetation and surface soils and set aside for reinstatement. Material removed from cuttings will be hauled to fill areas where suitable. Suitable rock from either cut-and-fill or quarry/borrow pit will be spread and compacted in layers. Final profiles will typically be completed with up to 500 mm of compacted granular stone over a permeable geotextile liner and graded to form the required profile. Selected smaller material from the crushing operations will be used to finish off the tracks to the required profiles and to


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provide a smooth watertight running surface. The excavation, storage and reinstatement of both soil and peat will be covered in the SPMP.

3.4.3 During road construction, where possible, excavated peat will be placed in areas identified as suitable to receive it in order to minimise any permanent loss. These areas may include former forest drains, or areas that are wet enough to maintain the hydrological integrity of the peat, without damaging any underlying mire vegetation. Attention will be paid to ensure that the peat is not allowed to drain freely. Where peat is exposed by excavations, it will be kept wet by use of water bowsers to ensure its structure is maintained. The excavation, storage and reinstatement peat will be covered in the SPMP. Appropriate construction techniques, such as frequent cross drains, will be used to ensure hydrological connectivity remains in any areas of peat crossed by new access tracks. New access tracks have been routed to avoid peat deposits where possible. Vertical baffles may be incorporated within the road design to prevent the permeable road materials acting as a drainage pathway from the peat. Where there is a tendency for water to flow along the edge of roads such that erosion of the peat may occur, flow may be impeded by the use of semi permeable baffles to constrain the flow.

3.4.4 Drainage ditches will be provided on either side of the tracks, if required, and tracks will have a camber to encourage the runoff of track drainage (see also Section 11) and cross culverts will be used where necessary to minimise flow. There will be no direct discharge of construction drainage to existing watercourses. The requirements for the management of surface and drainage waters will be formally outlined in the SWMP (outline provided in Annex 8.1).

3.4.5 Culverts will either be upgraded or replaced at these locations, and any other locations along existing access tracks where existing culverts are found, in the event that the tracks at the culverts need upgrading, including widening to accommodate the required track width. On new tracks, culverts will be installed on any additional channels that are not large enough to be shown on 1:25,000 scale OS mapping. However, these additional culverts will only be installed where there is a need to prevent significant disruption to the natural drainage pattern.

3.4.6 The principal means of minimising scour and silt runoff from steep roads lies in the choice of surfacing material and crossfall, as well as limiting the gradient of the road to 10 %. The stone specification will be as set out in the Forestry Civil Engineering Handbook and will have a fine content to bind the surface. Where the bed of the ditch is not on rock, small rock “arrester” dams will be placed at regular intervals to slow down flow and retain granular material.

3.4.7 Cross-carriageway drains will be provided during track construction and, where necessary, culverts extended or replaced. Ditches will be designed around the existing layout to minimise the effect on the existing site hydrology. In areas of cuttings with high batters, cut-off ditches will be formed where required. Where steep gradients are present then the ditches will be designed to prevent erosion, including the provision of check dams.

3.4.8 The location of cable tracks and crossings will be considered and sections of ditch piped where required. During the construction period, the road drainage will be planned in such a way so as to minimise the production of silty runoff water. Check dams and/or filtration fences will be erected as and when required.


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3.5. Reinstatement

3.5.1 Where applicable, turf cut from the surface of the access track routes will be stored during construction and reinstated as soon as each section of track is finished to minimise turf storage time and potential for erosion, in line with the SPMP.

3.5.2 Specific measures, outlined in the SPMP, will be adopted for the handling, storage and management of any soil or peat excavated for the access tracks. Further details are provided in Section 12 (Reinstatement).

3.5.3 Safety considerations during operation of the wind farm mean that it is not feasible to develop vegetation cover over the width of the track. Tracks on land managed by FCW will be maintained to forestry standards.


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4. Site Compound Construction 4.1. Description

4.1.1. During the construction period, two civil engineering construction compounds and one electrical construction compound (substation and associated compound) will be required; these will include a laydown and storage area for components of the wind farm awaiting installation and for equipment required for that installation.

4.2. Procedure

4.2.1. The construction compound areas will be felled and stumps removed. Surface soils will be excavated and set aside in storage bunds for reinstatement on completion of the project. These soils will be separated following best practice for re-use in line with the WMP presented in Appendix B and the SPMP. Significant watercourses as mapped on OS 1:25,000 mapping have been avoided, in the siting of the compounds. However, any existing minor drainage ditches will be diverted around the extent of the compound where necessary. Unsuitable soils and peat will be excavated and stockpiled until a suitable formation is reached. Soil and peat excavation, storage and reinstatement will be covered in the SPMP prepared for the site.

4.2.2. The two civil engineering compounds are located as follows with one in the north at grid reference approx. 300940, 358340 and one in the south at approx. 301810, 351123. Depending on the final grid connection route selected by the distribution network operator, SP Manweb, then the electrical construction compound will be located either in the north of the Application Site at approx. 301345, 358795, or the south of the Application Site at 302180, 350450. Dependent upon civil Principal Contractor design, geotextile or geo-grids may be placed where required to ensure optimal weight distribution. Rock excavated from the on-site borrow pit and/or the cut–and–fill operations will be spread and compacted in layers. Finer crushed rock will be used in the final layers to provide an adequately smooth running surface. Appropriate pollution control measures will be used as determined by the civil Principal Contractor.

4.2.3. Welfare facilities will be provided in accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and will be constructed in keeping with the local built environment. The final designs for the building and compound will be agreed with the relevant consultees. Facilities for waste management, refuelling, wheel washing, power, water supply and chemical storage will be provided. All welfare facilities will be provided for the duration of the construction, during the operational phase of the project welfare facilities will be provided in the permanent control building at either grid reference 301345, 358795, or 302180, 350450 depending on the final grid connection and hence substation location.

4.2.4. The storage of oils and other potentially polluting substances will be within the construction compound. Storage will be within impervious storage bunds with 110% capacity, so that any spills or leaks are contained. Further details will be provided in the ERP (Outline ERP provided in Appendix C).

4.2.5. Construction machinery will be checked regularly. Any maintenance required would occur over hard standing within the construction compound or on an alternative suitable impermeable ground cover. Drip trays will be mandatory beneath all stationary construction vehicles and spill kits comprising absorbent mats or absorbent sands will be


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available on-site at all times. All relevant staff will be trained in their appropriate use. Any spills will be cleaned up as soon as possible with any contaminated sands bagged up and disposed of correctly.

4.2.6. The compound locations are away from all main watercourses and waterbodies. However, any surface water runoff from the construction compound will be managed through discharge to ground through the permeable surface cover, or managed using other SUDS techniques such as infiltration drains. A SWMP will include details of surface water management for the site (including the construction compound). It will be prepared in full prior to commencement of the Project. This plan will assess the requirement for any attenuation of surface water runoff from the compound and will promote attenuation solutions to control runoff where required. An outline SWMP is provided in Annex 8.1.

4.2.7. Throughout the construction phase good working practices will be adopted and measures to protect the water environment will be incorporated in accordance with those set out within EAW PPG notes. Adherence to this best practice guidance will ensure minimal risk to receiving environments from development of the construction compound and general site activities.

4.3. Reinstatement

4.3.1. Material used to construct the compound, and aggregate won to ensure a level surface, will be excavated and both used to restore the area to its original form and any excess used for the reinstatement of the borrow pit. Stockpiled subsoil and topsoil will then be replaced and turfs, removed during installation, will be re-laid. Topsoil replaced will be consistent with that which is already present within Clocaenog Forest pre-development. The excavation, storage and reinstatement of soil and peat will be covered in the SPMP.


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5. Culverts and Watercourses 5.1. Description

5.1.1. Ten water crossings have been identified (see Chapter 8 (Hydrology and Geology) of the ES). Current proposals do not require additional watercourse or drain crossings to be constructed, however, assessment of existing crossings will be made as part of the detailed design of the wind farm. Where crossings are deemed inappropriate and require upgrade, including widening to accommodate the required track width, culverts will either be upgraded or replaced at these locations.

5.2. Procedure

5.2.1. A detailed method statement for work in and around watercourses will be provided by the Principal Contractor to EAW prior to works being undertaken and the method included in the finalised CMS. Detailed environmental procedures will be incorporated within the design and construction to minimise soil erosion, siltation and their effects on water quality and ecology. The CEMP will detail mitigation measures to minimise impacts on environmental receptors (see Outline CEMP in Appendix A).

5.2.2. On new tracks, culverts will be installed on any additional channels that are not large enough to be shown on 1:25,000 scale OS mapping. However, these additional culverts will only be installed where there is a need to prevent significant disruption to the natural drainage pattern.

5.2.3. Where existing crossings are deemed inappropriate and require upgrade, including widening to accommodate the required track width, they will be designed and constructed in accordance with EAW and CIRIA good practice guidance and will be agreed in advance with EAW. Culverts will be sized to pass the 1 % Annual Exceedence Probability (AEP) flow, including an allowance for climate change on future rainfall intensities. Design of these crossings will take into consideration overland flow routing in the event of a blockage and will be designed to direct flow back into the watercourse downstream of any obstruction.

5.2.4. The impacts of the crossings on the drainage channels will be lessened by minimising the disruption to the banks. The use of cofferdams and over-pumping will be considered if the drainage channels to be crossed exhibit potential for high flows during the construction period.

5.2.5. The construction of any drainage channel crossing will be bound by the protocols of the CEMP to avoid polluting watercourses with soil or sediment.

5.3. Reinstatement

5.3.1. Where applicable, turf cut or soil excavated to install culverts will be stored and utilised, as soon as possible to minimise turf storage time and potential for erosion, for backfilling, elsewhere in the Application Site. The excavation, storage and reinstatement of soil will be covered in the SPMP.


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6. Borrow Pits 6.1. Description

6.1.1. RWE NRL aim to use the borrow pits to source stone for new tracks, widening of existing tracks and hardstanding areas. Excavation and operation of the Application Site borrow pits will be carried out with minimal disturbance to ecological habitats and hydrology at the Application Site.

6.1.2. Alternatively, it is possible stone may be sourced from quarries offsite.

6.2. Procedure

6.2.1. Four potential borrow pits will be developed across the Application Site and are located as below:

BP A (301880, 357550); BP B (302470, 354100); BP C (301850, 351500); and BP D (300780, 350630).

6.2.2. Initial activities will include the removal of topsoil in order to expose the bedrock for

extraction. The borrow pits shall be worked in strips, to ensure that only enough aggregate for the project is obtained, and to limit the impacts of the borrow pit to as small an area as possible. A borrow pit design and restoration plan will be produced prior to commencement of the work. Any topsoil and subsoil will be separated and progressively stored in a temporary storage area away from drains and watercourses, and stockpiles will be located and battered so as to limit instability and erosion. Silt fences and mats will be used to minimise sediment levels in runoff from the stockpiles. The storage mound should also be terraced, where possible, to ensure stability. All temporarily stored materials shall be utilised in the restoration of the borrow pit. The excavation, storage and reinstatement of soil and peat will be covered in the SPMP, while any restoration of the borrow pits will be covered in the Borrow Pit Design and Restoration Plan.

6.2.3. The majority of the rock shall be ripped using an excavator, however it is anticipated that some rock extraction from borrow pits by means of blasting operations may be required in some instances.

6.2.4. The borrow pit floor level shall be at the entrance level and shall have a very shallow gradient down to the entrance to allow for free drainage out of the borrow pit, both during active extraction and after final restoration. This overall gradient shall not exceed 1 in 100 to ensure that runoff is not too rapid, which would result in erosion and excessive particulate transmission out of the borrow pit excavation.

6.2.5. Temporary interception bunds and drainage ditches will be constructed upslope of the borrow pit to minimise ingress of surface runoff. These ditches will be of minimum length, depth and gradient required to be effective; silt traps and buffer strips will be used to minimise erosion, sedimentation and peak flows. All interception bunds and drainage ditches will be fully reinstated once extraction from the borrow pit is completed. Excess runoff from the borrow pit floor shall be directed to a settlement pond located in the floor


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level, towards the access. After restoration, drainage from the borrow pit will continue to infiltrate into the borrow pit floor, but in addition a soakaway should be constructed using single-size aggregate across the borrow pit entrance. Surface water runoff from areas of extraction activity will be routed to settlement ponds. Discharge from the pond systems will be to ground infiltration or vegetated buffer areas through agreement with EAW. Full details will be defined in the SWMP (outline provided in Annex 8.1).

6.2.6. Extraction of bedrock is typically to a level of 3 m bgl (below ground level), depending on ground conditions. This is likely to be below the prevailing groundwater table. Groundwater inflows to the excavation areas will be managed through pumping to a settlement pond system. Groundwater inflows will be controlled largely by the transmissivity of the aquifer (i.e. permeability and aquifer thickness).

6.2.7. There will be no direct discharge of runoff from the borrow pit areas to surrounding watercourses.

6.3. Reinstatement

6.3.1. Following extraction of stone, the floor of the pits will be built up with surplus material excavated during the construction of the access tracks, wind turbine foundations and hard standing areas. . Any topsoil replacement will be consistent with that which is already present within Clocaenog Forest pre-development and will be covered in the SPMP


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7. Crane Hardstandings 7.1. Description

7.1.1. Crane pads are required to provide a suitably robust and level area, upon which cranes are used to lift turbine components into place.

7.2. Procedure

7.2.1. The location of the crane pads will be optimised through micro-siting to make best use of the existing topography, prevailing wind conditions (to enable safe lifting) and erection procedure. Where ecological or other constraints have been identified, the crane hardstanding will be orientated to avoid these constraints. As with access tracks, areas will be felled where necessary and stumps removed. The subsequent topsoil and subsoil will then be excavated and stored in separate bunds for later reinstatement.

7.2.2. Surplus peat will be used for habitat restoration (see Annex 9.10 OHMP), or in restoration around edges of the tracks and crane hardstandings, or landscaping local to each turbine. No peat will be removed from site or will remain unrestored across the site. Peat excavation, storage and reinstatement will be covered in the SPMP prepared for the site.

7.2.3. The area for each crane hardstanding will cover approximately 50 m x 25 m. The actual design and layout will be determined by the turbine supplier according to their specification. The area will be set out to the required dimensions and excavated to a suitable formation. Plate bearing tests will be conducted at regular intervals across the excavation to prove the bearing capacity of the underlying strata. Coarse rock fill will then be placed and compacted in layers using compaction equipment. Gradings are likely to be carried out to determine the compaction methodology. Geotextile matting, to facilitate better distribution of weight, may be used depending on the suitability of the underlying strata. The final surface will be formed from selected granular material and trimmed to allow surface water runoff, to either drainage ditches or soakaways (see also Section 12).

7.2.4. Crane pads will be formed as the construction of site tracks progress. However the pads may be formed initially to provide lay-down areas for materials associated with the wind turbine foundation materials and finalised closer to the lifting operations.

7.2.5. Construction of crane hardstandings at turbine locations will generally be similar to the road construction. However, the large cranes required will not tolerate floating flexible platforms, therefore, the areas where the outriggers will be placed will require excavation down to a competent stratum and backfilling with competent engineered granular fill. Drainage water may still occur across these areas and will need to be controlled and returned to the peat environment in a controlled manner as to ensure the stability of peat is maintained at all times. The outflow of water onto the peat will be protected by natural material such as coir matting to protect the peat from erosion.

7.3. Reinstatement

7.3.1. On completion of the lifting operations and following successful commissioning of the turbine, the area around the crane pads will be covered with topsoil. Topsoil will be consistent with that which is already present within Clocaenog Forest pre-development and its reinstatement will be covered in the SPMP.


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7.3.2. Specific measures, as outlined in the SPMP, will be adopted for the handling, storage and management of any peat excavated for the crane pad foundations. Further details are provided in Section 12 (Reinstatement).


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8. Cable Laying 8.1. Description

8.1.1. Cables are required between the turbines and the substation (at 301345, 358795, or 302180, 350450 depending on the final grid connection and hence substation location) and the anemometry mast, and will be located alongside the access tracks. The cables will be laid with minimal disturbance to ecological habitats and hydrology at the Application Site.

8.2. Procedure

8.2.1. The electric cables for the Project will be installed within small trenches (approximately 1.1 m deep and 3.6 m wide) that will fall within the envelope of tree clearance for the access track. The position of trenches will be marked out and the line stripped of surface soils which will be set aside for reinstatement. The trench will be excavated, where possible during dry weather conditions to prevent runoff, to the required dimensions and the spoil set aside for backfill if suitable. Trenches will be excavated to follow the profile of the existing ground where practical, to ensure that the peat can be restored once the cables are in place. Typically, sand bedding will be placed and levelled following insertion of earth conductors (if required). The cable will be laid onto the sand bedding and a further layer of sand installed to provide suitable protection to the cable. Following testing by the electrical works Principal Contractor, the trench will be backfilled and compacted in layers with suitable material and reinstated with previously excavated surface soils.

8.2.2. The handling of peat will require special attention to protect its structure and avoiding it drying out. In areas of trenching, the vegetation layer and peat/topsoil will be removed and segregated from the removed subsoil for use in reinstatement. If necessary where depth allows, further segregation of the vegetation layer and peat/topsoil will be undertaken to prevent burying of the upper vegetation layers in deeper soil upon replacement. The excavated peat will be placed in areas identified as suitable to receive it in order to minimise any permanent loss during storage prior to backfilling. These areas may include former forest drains, or areas that are wet enough to maintain the hydrological integrity of the peat, without damaging any underlying mire vegetation. Attention will be paid to ensure that the peat is not allowed to drain freely. Where peat is exposed by excavations, it should be kept wet by use of water bowsers to ensure its structure is maintained. This is addressed in Chapter 8 Hydrology and Geology, Annex 8.2 Peat Depth Survey Report. Peat excavation, storage and reinstatement will be covered in the SPMP prepared for the site.

8.2.3. Cable ducts will be used over watercourse crossings, under sections of track and hardstandings.

8.2.4. Cable markers will be used to mark the route of cables.

8.2.5. Cable crossing points will be provided to allow FCW machinery & vehicles safe access to forest from tracks over cable routes.


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8.3. Reinstatement

8.3.1. Peat will be replaced as quickly as possible to avoid these trenches becoming drainage pathways and to minimise damage to the peat. Clay or other appropriate soils will be used as an impermeable barrier at intervals along each trench to ensure the excavations do not become preferential flow paths and thus changing land drainage regimes.


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9. Turbine & Anemometry Mast Foundations 9.1. Description

9.1.1. Large reinforced concrete foundations are required to support the large turbine structures and anemometry masts (mast). The bases need to be constructed with minimal disturbance to ecological habitats and surrounding hydrology.

9.2. Procedure

9.2.1. The position of each wind turbine and mast will be set out to the agreed co-ordinates and will be microsited to avoid identified peat deposits where possible. Additional peat probing will be carried out during the construction phase to inform the design process and to confirm ground conditions prior to excavation.

9.2.2. The extent of the foundation will be marked on the ground and an allowance made for working space and shuttering. Any adjacent ditches which would convey surface water towards the area will be diverted in advance of any excavations. The required area will have been felled and stumps removed where necessary, then topsoil and subsoils will be set aside for reinstatement. Any turf or vegetation removed will be laid on the surrounding ground until required for re-turfing. The area will be excavated to a suitable formation with the sides ‘battered’ back and cleared of all loose, fractured rock to ensure that they remain stable during construction.

9.2.3. Where peat is to be excavated, it will be placed in low height bunds around the turbine and mast excavation for reuse. Peat turves cut from the surface shall be placed upright, furthest from the excavation, with the underlying body of peat material placed closer forming the bulk of the bund. This will enable the peat to be backfilled in the reverse manner, when construction is complete. Considerable guidance already exists in the technical literature on the procedures for design and construction of subsoil and peat storage mounds6 and is not reiterated herein. However, it is proposed that peat repository sites are selected on the basis of geotechnical criteria and design and construction of subsoil storage mounds should be supervised by a geotechnical engineer. Peat excavation, storage and reinstatement will be covered in the SPMP prepared for the site.

9.2.4. Dewatering of turbine and mast foundations will be avoided where possible to prevent the additional drawdown of water levels in the surrounding soil and peat deposits. The potential for peat slippage during excavation within peat deposits will be adequately assessed in accordance with current guidance and through further geotechnical investigation, design and assessment. Where it is considered that wet or potential mobile peat will be encountered during the excavation work, a cofferdam solution may be considered using either rock fill or piling methods, although this is not considered likely at this Application Site. Further detail on the treatment of excavated peat is included in Chapter 8 (Hydrology and Geology) and Annex 8.2 Peat Depth Survey Report. Peat excavation, storage and reinstatement will be covered in SPMP prepared for the site.

6 (e.g. Garrard and Walton, 1990; Geoffrey Walton Practice, 1991)


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9.2.5. Where necessary, drainage ditches will be excavated around the perimeter to keep the excavation dry. Where de-watering is unavoidable, an outfall ditch will be created where possible or a sump formed for pumping out of the excavations. Batters will be formed where appropriate and in cases where these are adjacent to site tracks, bunds will be formed along the top edge. In some instances, it may be the case that site tracks need to be widened to allow safe passage of construction plant and vehicles, where bunds are present.

9.2.6. A plate bearing test will be carried out to prove the bearing capacity of the strata below and work only allowed to continue on a successful result. Failure of the test will result in either further excavation or placement of rock fill and retesting of the bearing capacity.

9.2.7. Blinding concrete will be placed and levelled to the required dimensions and level and finished with a vibrating power screed. The base will be set out to the required dimensions and offered for inspection prior to steel fixing. The remaining excavated area will then be back-filled with compacted layers of graded material from the original excavation. This will be capped with topsoil or peat, which will either be flush with the existing ground surface, or will form a raised mound above the existing ground level, depending on the depth of the foundation at each specific turbine and mast location. Where a raised mound is required the use of peat in reinstatement will be avoided as it would become subject to drainage leading to its degradation over time. All reinstated peat will be kept flush with the surrounding ground surface.

9.2.8. Reinforcement bars will be delivered to the Application Site and stored adjacent to the excavation. A telehandler will deposit the largest bundles of bars onto the blinding concrete to cut down on manual handling. Steel fixers form the reinforcement cage to the required dimensions and levels as indicated on the design drawings and schedules. All steel will be adequately supported on chairs, cover blocks and tied securely. The area will be cleared of all debris prior to edge formwork being inserted.

9.2.9. All ducts, earth connectors, drainage pipes and bolt assemblies will be inserted in accordance with the engineering drawings.

9.2.10. Edge formwork will be positioned to the required dimensions and adequately shored. Height checks will be set where necessary and on completion the base will be offered for inspection in advance of the concrete pour.

9.2.11. Prior to the concrete pour, accurate local weather forecasts will be obtained and checked for temperature, wind speed and general outlook. The decision to pour will be based on this information. This data will also be used to determine the curing agents and protection measures required for the pour.

9.2.12. The concrete will be delivered to the turbine and mast locations, pre-mixed, in truck mounted mixers and discharged through a mobile concrete pump into the formwork until the required profile and level is achieved. Concrete deliveries will be slump tested and cubes taken at the required frequency for later testing. The exposed faces will be finished and an appropriate curing agent applied in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Covers will be applied when necessary. Formwork will be removed on satisfactory curing and care taken so as not to damage any ducts or inserts.

9.2.13. Temporary bunds will be placed around concrete pouring operations to contain spillages and an ERP will be developed as part of the CEMP. An outlined ERP is provided in Appendix C.


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9.3. Reinstatement

9.3.1. Voids around the turbine and mast foundations will be backfilled as required to facilitate cabling and earthing works and completed on successful testing. Following the concrete pour and removal of the shuttering from the excavation, the land will be reinstated so that the finished footprint will comprise only the tower and crane hardstanding and access path.

9.3.2. Reinstatement of the turbine and mast foundation area will comprise back filling the foundation area over the subsurface foundations with excavated peat, in accordance with best practice guidance, or sub-soil/topsoil and re-vegetating to allow for the natural infiltration of surface water. Subsoil excavated from the existing location will be used and topsoil spread to tie to existing ground levels. Topsoil will be consistent with that which is already present within Clocaenog Forest pre-development. Soil and peat excavation, storage and reinstatement will be covered in the SPMP prepared for the site. Proposed peat repository sites would be selected on the basis of geotechnical criteria and design and construction of subsoil storage mounds would be supervised by a geotechnical engineer. Specific measures will be adopted, in line with the SPMP, for the handling, storage and management of any peat excavated for the turbine and mast foundations.


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10. Turbine & Anemometry Mast Erection 10.1. Description

10.2.1. This section describes how the components of the wind turbines and anemometry masts (mast) and the infrastructure used to erect them will be undertaken with minimal disturbance to ecological habitats and surrounding hydrology. Procedure.

10.2.2. The components of the wind turbine (towers, nacelles and blades) and the masts will be delivered directly from the highway network via the access tracks (and possible storage at the civils construction compounds) to the working area at the prepared wind turbine and mast bases.

10.2.3. The cranes will be brought to the Application Site in a disassembled condition. The crane body is expected to be a self-propelled unit when driving to the Application Site. All counterweights and boom sections will be delivered by articulated lorries. The tail cranes will be smaller, hydraulic, telescopic, rough-terrain cranes that may also require one or two articulated lorries to supply the counterweights and other parts. Before moving on the Application Site the main cranes will require disassembling to reduce the overall weight and the axle loading to a maximum of the 20 tonnes.

10.2.4. The crane hardstanding areas adjacent to each turbine and mast base to will be used to accommodate cranes and their outriggers required for the erection of turbines and masts.

10.2.5. The towers will be erected from the delivery trailer onto the foundation bolts. The HGVs and cranes will operate from the track and the hardstanding at each base location.

10.2.6. The nacelle will be unloaded from its trailer and laid adjacent to the base within the base working area prior to erection on the tower using the crane. Some minor work on the nacelle will be required on the ground prior to the lift. Upon delivery, the blades will be fitted onto the rotor. The rotor assembly will then be lifted onto the previously erected nacelle by crane. Alternatively the hub may be lifted and attached to the nacelle followed by a one-at-a-time installation of the blades.

10.2.7. The construction programme will make allowance for an amount of weather downtime during turbine and mast installation.

10.2. Reinstatement

10.3.1. Following the successful completion of the turbine and mast erection, the crane hardstandings will be cleared and the area reinstated. Further information regarding this is provided in Section 7.3.


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11. Control of Water 11.1. Description

11.2.1. Control of water is of great importance during construction to prevent exposed soils eroding and silting up surrounding watercourses. It is essential that the works have little or no impact on the existing hydrology due to the sensitive ecology of the surrounding countryside. Procedure

11.2.2. During the construction phase of the wind farm, measures will be adopted, in accordance with the SWMP (outline provided in Annex 8.1), in order to prevent silt, chemicals and/or other contaminants from being washed into existing watercourses. Areas exposed due to the removal of vegetation are more susceptible to erosion during heavy rainfall so areas will be reinstated as soon as possible to minimise this effect. Where areas are disturbed, the following measures may be implemented to minimise these effects:

a. All storage of soil will be away from any identified watercourses or drains. Where possible, infrastructure has been located a minimum distance of 50 m from main drainage channels and watercourses.

b. The level of silt in runoff during construction shall be monitored and if it is excessive in any area this can be managed by providing straw bales locally around the problem areas. These will filter the runoff and trap silt.

c. During construction of the turbine bases, hardstandings, and inter-turbine roads drainage will be affected by ditches draining either to mini settlement ponds (where practicable) or to infiltration trenches. These will either infiltrate the water to the ground or discharge over open vegetated areas across the Application Site. Any watercourses where there is a risk of being contaminated by silty runoff water will be protected by silt fences as a precautionary measure.

d. During the construction phase, small infiltration drains, flow attenuation measures or vegetated buffer strips adjacent to access tracks will ensure that any runoff is adequately controlled in terms of quality and quantity. There will be no direct discharge into any drainage channel or watercourses as the runoff rates will be relatively small and the use of buffer zones and/or soakaways will ensure that runoff filters into surrounding vegetation. The track drainage design will ensure that runoff rates are not increased and will be sized to accommodate runoff flows for the life of the Project, taking into account increases in peak rainfall intensity due to climate change. Drainage provisions beneath access tracks that run perpendicular to slopes will ensure continuity of surface water flows to downslope catchments.

e. Silt runoff from stockpiles and excavated spoil heaps will be contained through the placement of geotextile silt fences, mats or straw bales on the downhill side of the stockpile.

f. All check dams and mini-settlement ponds will be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their effectiveness. All excess silts will be removed and disposed of within site earthworks. Where check dams have become fully blocked with silt, they shall be replaced in accordance with the following procedure:

i. Silt deposits to be removed from the upstream side of check dams. ii. Removed silt to be disposed of by spreading in an area of the site where

surface run-off will not convey silt deposits back to a water course.


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iii. The 20 mm stone check dams are to be removed and disposed of in the nearest borrow pit. Stone materials removed from the check dams should not be disposed of over vegetated areas of the Application Site.

iv. Replacement check dam to be installed using 20 mm stone. v. Where there are regular incidents of check dam blockage further check

dams to be installed (every 15-20 m intervals) within the swales. vi. Throughout the construction phase good working practices will be adopted

and measures to protect the water environment will be incorporated in accordance with those set out within EAW PPG notes.

Chapter 8 (Hydrology and Geology) of the ES contains further details on mitigation measures to minimise impacts on environmental receptors during the construction phase, while the SWMP (outline provided in Annex 8.1) will include details of surface water management for the site..

11.2. Reinstatement

11.2.1. Ditches will remain in place to convey surface water flows during the operational life of the wind farm. The ditches will therefore be seeded or turfed as soon as they have been formed to ensure their maximum effectiveness. Check dams and any settlement pools will also be retained to remove silt and reduce the velocity of surface water flows.


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12. Reinstatement 12.1. A detailed Restoration Plan either included in the final CMS or as a separate document,

will be:

Agreed with the construction Principal Contractors for the Project; Subject to consultation with FCW, CCW, EAW, DCC and CCBC; and Provided before the commencement of construction.

12.2. For the purposes of this outline CMS, and ahead of the necessary preparation of the

Restoration Plan, the broad restoration measures proposed are described below and, where they relate to specific elements of the project, in the preceding and following relevant sections.

12.3. General restoration will be required at turbine bases, crane pads and the construction compound together with the edges of new or widened tracks and cable routes. Specific restoration will also be required around watercourse crossings, the control building and borrow pits. This is described in their respective sections in this outline CMS.

12.4. Specific measures, as outlined in the SPMP, will be adopted for the handling, storage and management of any peat excavated for the access tracks, turbine and crane pad foundations, which will take into account:

The method of excavation and the location for placing and storing excavated material to ensure that these operations do not give rise to slope or site instability;

Surface vegetated scraghs / turves will be laid out and stored, for re-sodding bare areas, and watered in dry weather; and

Details of how excavated materials will be prevented from falling onto the adjacent peatland surface in areas other than designated as safe side-cast or stockpile zones.

12.5. Measures to be adopted for the handling, storage and management of excavated peat include:

Avoidance of stockpiles where possible. Any temporary stockpiles will be located and battered so as to limit instability and erosion;

Silt fences and mats will be employed to limit sediment levels in runoff from temporary stockpiles;

Temporary stockpiles will be located away from watercourses; Any bunding of peat disposal areas will have bunds that extend to a level above the

toe of the spoil to provide resistance to runoff; Any water discharged from peat excavations or stockpiles will be monitored as part

of the CEMP water quality monitoring plan; and Where bunding is not used, peat will be spread in a thin layer over a large area.


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12.6. As detailed in the various construction activities, areas will be carefully cleared and then turfs will be excavated and stored locally. Subsequently topsoil and subsoil layers will be excavated and stockpiled for use during reinstatement. The stockpiles will be located away from surface water flows and their surfaces smoothed or covered to prevent erosion through rainfall. Excess subsoil will be transported for uses at other areas on-site, i.e. reinstatement of borrow pits.

12.7. Peat excavated will be reused on-site and significant long term stockpiling will be avoided where possible. Most of the stored peat will be re-used around the turbine bases and crane hardstanding foundations, with any remaining peat being used for peat habitat restoration purposes. A temporary shallow peat stockpile will be constructed within which the peat can be stored. For deeper peat deposits, the excavation will ensure that the top vegetation and fibrous layers are kept separate from the deeper humic peat. When storing peat, the peat profile will be maintained. These peat stores will be bunded using impermeable material (most likely soils sourced from non-peat soil turbine excavations). The bunds will extend to a level above the top of the stockpiled material to provide restraint to surface runoff. A SPMP will be prepared to ensure soil disturbance is minimised. Following implementation of the strategy, residual effects on soil will not be significant.

12.8. The areas will be restored with the materials previously set aside as soon as reasonably practical.

12.9. Turbine bases will be reinstated once all cables and transformers are installed. The crane pads will be left in position for future lifting operations and if required will receive a cover of subsoil and turfs where possible. A turning head will be left for maintenance vehicles.

12.10. Site tracks and access roads will be dressed off once the drainage ditches and cable trenches are complete. Turfs and soils previously set aside will be used to reinstate the verges and batters. Soils and vegetation will generally be kept within their natural habitat and any excess used to cover areas where available soils are minimal.

12.11. The Application Site compound will be removed to the original formation level with all imported rock, geogrids and geotextile removed. All slabs and drainage facilities will be removed and backfilled. Previously set-aside materials will be used to backfill the area.

12.12. The works will be carried out to follow progress as much as possible. The reinstated areas will be protected so as to prevent any erosion while vegetation re-establishes.


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13. Pollution Prevention Measures 13.1. The CEMP will include details of pollution prevention measures during construction works

(an outline CEMP is provided in Appendix A), and the ERP (see Appendix C) will detail measures to be taken in the event of a spillage / leak impacting environmental receptors.

13.1. Fuel and Oils

13.1.1. All construction plant will be in good condition with no excessive emissions of exhaust, oil, fuel or coolants. Plant operators will check machines daily for oil/fuel leaks and take appropriate action. All re-fuelling will be by an approved mobile fuel bowser using a suitable pump and hose. Absorbent material (spill kits) will be available on-site and will be deployed to contain drips and small spillages. All other fuels, oils and potential contaminants will be stored within the site compound in secure, fit for purpose containers within bunded containment as appropriate and in accordance with EAW guidance.

13.2. Concrete

13.2.1. All concrete will be delivered, pre-mixed, directly to the location of the foundation and transferred to the formwork by truck mounted concrete pump or by crane and skip method. Optionally direct discharge from the delivery truck into the formwork may be used or excavator bucket as appropriate.

13.2.2. Formwork will be constructed to ensure that no concrete loss occurs at joints. Any concrete loss will be either removed or contained.

13.2.3. Prior to pouring of concrete within turbine excavations, the degree of weathering or fracturing of bedrock will be assessed. It may be necessary to form a barrier within the excavation to ensure liquid concrete does not come into contact with underlying strata and groundwater. Either a geotextile liner or a sand layer would line the excavation in order to restrict the flow of concrete into the surrounding groundwater. This would only be necessary if there was evidence of significant fracturing which could give rise to a potential for vertical groundwater flow. This will be determined by an intrusive ground investigation prior to works commencing, although geological mapping for the site does not indicate a high potential for this situation to be present.

13.2.4. The preference will be for all vehicle washouts to take place off-site. In the event that on-site washing is required, all vehicles, tools and buckets will only be cleaned within a designated area. The wash out water from trucks carrying concrete to construction areas will be discharged into a lined pit, remote from any watercourses. The wash out water will be removed from the Application Site for appropriate disposal.

13.2.5. Temporary bunds will be placed around pouring operations to contain spillages. If a concrete spillage occurs during transfer it will be cleared immediately in accordance with the requirements detailed in the ERP (Appendix C).


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13.3. Silt

13.3.1. A number of silt- and sediment specific measures are detailed above in the respective sections, particularly where they refer to tracks or quarrying activities.

13.3.2. There is to be no discharge or disposal of any material directly into any river, stream or drainage ditch.

13.3.3. All discharges will be via settling tank or lagoon prior to discharge to the nearest watercourse. Where silty water is to be pumped out of excavations, the water will be pumped out from a sump within the excavation in order to avoid disturbance to sediments.

13.3.4. Settling lagoons will typically be made from straw bales lined with a suitable textile membrane or follow other best practice guidance (such as CIRIA Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects). The settling lagoons will be constructed to an appropriate size to suit local requirements. Where necessary a series of settling lagoons will be used to ensure that no silty water is discharged. Pumps will be small-bore and will operate continually to prevent large volumes of silty water building up in the excavation. Settled silt will be emptied into the excavation when the lagoon is removed.

13.3.5. Water will be prevented from entering excavations by the use of cut-off ditches where appropriate.

13.3.6. All site roads will be kept free of soil and mud deposits, weather permitting. Small dams will be placed in roadside ditches to aid silt retention. Fording of rivers and streams will not be permitted.

13.3.7. Surface water will directed away from construction activity to avoid silty runoff entering watercourses or ecologically sensitive areas. Where there is a high risk of fines or silt washing off stockpiles their size and the duration for which they will be in such a location will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.

13.4. Waste and Litter

13.4.1. The Principal Contractor will be required to provide a WMP which will include details on waste minimisation, recycling and disposal of all waste streams. The requirements of this plan will be implemented on site as required. An Outline WMP is provided as Appendix B.

13.4.2. With respect to the control of ‘litter’ on site, all such waste will be collected and stored within sealed containers within the site compound and serviced by a registered waste carrier. No disposal of litter will be permitted at other locations.

13.5. Site Induction and Training

13.5.1. All employees and contractors will undergo a site induction to ensure that they are familiar with the site rules prior to any work commencing on site. In addition, the Principal Contractor will ensure that all operatives and contractors responsible for handling fuel, oil, concrete or cement or other potential pollutants undergo a thorough induction programme with respect to the proposed pollution control measures. The programme will include, as a minimum, the following:


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Avian and protected species mitigation measures including Species Protection Plans (SPPs);

Habitat protection, Soil and Peat Management; Waste management (Appendix B); Surface water management (outline SWMP provided in Annex 8.1); Potential sources of pollution and their effects on the environment; Requirements of the contract and legislation with respect to pollution; The Principal Contractor’s pollution avoidance plan; Traffic management and routing, including areas where access is not permitted; The Emergency Response Plan (outline provided in Appendix C); Training in the use of pollution control equipment.


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14. Emergency Response Plan (ERP) 14.1. An outline ERP is presented in Appendix C of this outline CMS.

14.2. The Principal Contractor will provide and maintain, on-site, suitable oil spill response kits to deal with pollution emergencies. In addition, individual items of plant including mobile fuel bowsers will carry an oil spill kit. The Principal Contractor will replenish materials which are removed or expended as soon as possible.

14.3. In the event that a spill occurs on-site, the following immediate action will be taken to limit the amount of spill by isolating and controlling/stopping the source. The spill will be contained by applying absorbent material and, in the case of spillage to a watercourse, by the use of booms. Action will be taken to ensure that no ecologically sensitive area can be contaminated.

14.4. Clean-up operations can proceed by either excavation and removal of contaminated ground and mop-up material and removal from the Application Site in a skip, for controlled disposal of hazardous waste. Consultation with EAW for further instructions would follow.

14.5. The site manager, RWE NRL and EAW will be informed of the incident as soon as possible. A spill/incident report will be made out and copied to RWE NRL.


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15. Private Water Supplies 15.1. A number of properties which utilise private water supplies (PWS) have been identified

and these are potentially at minor risk of deterioration during construction. An assessment of risk to PWS is detailed in Annex 8.5 Private Water Supplies Report of the ES.

15.2. Residents with a PWS considered to be potentially ‘at risk’ will be consulted prior to commencement of construction to inform them of the works that will be undertaken and how their water supplies will be safeguarded during construction.

15.3. Residents will be provided with a suitable point of contact through establishment of a Communications Protocol, should they experience any problems with their PWS. Regular progress updates will be provided to inform residents when works are likely to be undertaken in their PWS catchment area.

15.4. In the unlikely event that construction works lead to the temporary deterioration of a PWS, an alternative temporary supply of water will be provided (e.g. water tankered to property and provision of temporary drinking water storage tanks). Damaged filters will be replaced in the unlikely event that a PWS becomes contaminated with sediments.


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16. Prohibited Activities 16.1. Description

16.1.1. Addressing and highlighting prohibited activities ensures the sympathetic development of the Application Site, and restricted practices which could have a negative effect on the ecology of the Application Site following construction.

16.2. Procedure

16.2.1. The following activities will be prohibited:

Entry of plant to or trampling of marked sensitive zones; Entry of plant to areas outside of designated working areas; Unauthorised construction work near protected species sites; Disposal of waste materials on-site; Spreading of non-recommended seed mixes; Lighting of fires; The presence of pets; Vehicles parking outside of designated parking areas; and Fuelling outside of designated area.

16.2.2. In addition, a set of site rules will be developed based on previous experience and introduced to all authorised persons working on the Application Site. Visitors will be escorted. A suitable site passport carrying the site rules and authorising the person carrying the passport will be available.

16.2.3. In accordance with best practice, disturbance of protected species sites will be avoided. Areas supporting protected species will be carefully demarcated during the construction phase. Demarcation will be by the placement of coloured plastic fencing or tape to mark out areas where protected species are present and that are not to be disturbed during construction. No construction work, no vehicles or machinery and no storage of materials or spoil will be permitted within the marked off area.


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17. Environmental Monitoring 17.1. Description

17.1.1. The environmental monitoring that will be undertaken during the construction phase is set out in the Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan Appendix A.


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18. Working Hours 18.1. The construction programme will be based on a working week of 5.5 days, 0700 to 1900

on weekdays and 0700 to 1300 on Saturdays. Generally, night time or Sunday work will not be permitted. However, working extended hours after 1900 and before 0700 and on Sundays may be required to disassemble, move and re-assemble the main cranes, if for any reason this work is not completed within normal working hours. It is essential that the crane movement takes place as programmed in order not to slow down turbine erection work. Furthermore, critical operations, (e.g. a foundation concrete pour that cannot be stopped before completion or the lifting of turbine parts where the work has to continue to a safe condition) may require working outside of standard hours.

18.2. The work potentially to be carried out outside normal working hours will involve operation of generators, machines and cranes.

18.3. Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) access to the Application Site will also be restricted to these hours where possible.

18.4. Floodlighting may be provided during extended working hours or periods of early darkness to ensure safe working conditions. The floodlights will be positioned in such a way as to limit light pollution in the direction of local residents. Lighting will be powered by mobile generators which will have drip traps and will be re-fuelled by an approved mobile fuel bowser using a suitable pump and hose.


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19. Staff Movements 19.1. It is generally necessary for a security guard to be present on the Application Site. Other

than the security guard, there will be no overnight presence on the construction site. All personnel will meet in the morning and depart after completing their work. It is assumed that most workers will use minibuses to travel to the Application Site, although there may be a number of private cars used to reach the Application Site along with various contractors’ four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles.

Annex 3.1 Appendix A: Construction Environmental Management Plan CF/AppDoc04/ES

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Appendix A Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan


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Contents Appendix A Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan 1 1. Introduction 1

1.1. Project Description 1 1.2. Key Construction Activities 2

2. Summary of Environmental Setting and Risk 3 2.1. Receptors 3 2.2. Sources 3 2.3. Risks 3

3. Roles and Responsibilities 5 3.1. Introduction 5 3.2. General Responsibilities 5 3.3. RWE NRL Project Manager 5 3.4. Application Site Manager (Principal Contractor) 5 3.5. Ecological Clerk of Works 6 3.6. Technical Specialist Advisors 7 3.7. Audits 7

4. Environmental Policy 8 5. Pre Construction Activities and Approvals 9 6. Mitigation of Identified Environmental Effects 11

6.1. Landscape and Visual 11 6.2. Cultural Heritage 14 6.3. Geology and Hydrology 14 6.4. Ecology 18 6.5. Noise and Vibration 21 6.6. Traffic and Transport 22


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1. Introduction 1.1 This document presents an outline Construction and Environmental Management Plan

(CEMP) for the proposed Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm project (hereafter referred to as the Project) which is to be located at Clocaenog Forest, North Wales (hereafter referred to as the Application Site) on land owned by the Welsh Government (WG) and managed by Forestry Commission Wales (FCW). The CEMP outlines the principles and procedures for the construction environmental management of the Project.

1.2 The methods and processes provided in this document are draft only and will be expanded upon and finalised prior to construction, when RWE Npower Renewables Limited (RWE NRL) has selected a main Contractor. The formalised CEMP will be appended to the formalised Construction Method Statement (CMS).

1.3 Management practices and mitigation measures have been developed for those aspects of the construction works that could potentially affect the environment – these are detailed in Chapter 6 (Archaeology and Cultural Heritage) of the outline CEMP.

1.1. Project Description

1.1.1. The key elements of the project will comprise:





room, welfare facilities and an external compound). The location of the substation is dependent on a separate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and planning process, which is being undertaken by Scottish Power (SP) Manweb. It is understood that the location will be in the north of the Application Site to enable connection to the St Asaph substation (see Chapter 3 (Project Description) and Chapter 15 (Grid Connection) of the ES for further detail and explanation) RWE NRL is submitting their DCO application for the wind farm and on-site infrastructure only. The supporting grid infrastructure, for this Project and three other wind farm schemes (Brenig, Nant Bach and Derwydd Bach wind farms) in North Wales, will be subject to a separate DCO application which will be made by SP Manweb. This application will be subject to the same requirements, as it will be subject to EIA and the relevant public consultation procedures.

1 Secondary access tracks are existing forestry tracks that will be used for general construction vehicles, including HGVs, vans, 4x4s and cars. As these tracks are not intended for abnormal indivisible loads, they will not be widened. They are located wholly within the Application Site red line boundary. 2 Secondary access tracks are intended for HGVs, vans, 4x4s and cars, so do not require widening or cable-trenching alongside. They will only be required for the primary access tracks for the abnormal loads. Secondary access tracks are an alternative access route if the primary access routes are not usable for whatever reason.


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1.1.2 The Project will have a lifespan of approximately 25 years, after which time the Application Site will be decommissioned..

1.1.3 The majority of the land within the Application Site is currently predominantly conifer forest with some open areas of heather moorland. The Llyn Brenig Reservoir lies approximately 3 km to the west of the development area. The Afon Clywedog, Afon Alwen and a number of unnamed tributary streams flow through the north-east and south-west of the development area. There is no settlement across the Application Site itself, but there are scattered farmsteads and buildings outside of this within the wider Clocaenog Forest area including Isgaer-wen, Ty-uchaf, Tal-y-cefn Uchaf, Tal-y Cefn Isaf, Tai’n-y-Waens, Hafotty Hendre, Brynhyfryd, Bron-Bannog, Waen Uchaf, Waen Ganol, Cruglas, Nilig, Nant Uchaf, Trawsnant, Tai Ucha and Brynbach

1.1.4 Clocaenog Forest as a whole spans approximately 4,231 ha. The Application Site covers an area of approximately 1,581 ha within the Forest, The total area of land which will be permanently occupied by structures and hard surfaces will be approximately 12.21 ha3, with an additional temporary land take of approximately 12.74 ha4 that will be available for restoration after construction.

1.2. Key Construction Activities

1.2.1 Key construction activities in connection with the CEMP are:


improvement of existing tracks and construction of new; Establish the temporary site construction compounds and works area; Construct crane hardstandings; Excavate the wind turbine foundations and construct the turbine bases; Construct sub-station and associated compounds; Excavate cable trenches and lay the power and instrumentation cables; Erect and commission the wind turbines; Carry out reinstatement works; and Remove temporary compounds and clear the site.

3 This is made up of turbine foundations for each of the 32 turbines, electrical substation and compound, two anemometry masts, widening of existing tracks and secondary access tracks by 2 m, and creation of spur roads and new tracks to 5 m in width. The figures quoted are estimated, and are indicative rather than definitive at this stage. 4 This is made up of crane hardstanding for each of the 32 turbines, two construction compounds, and borrow pits A, B, C and D. The figures quoted are estimated, and are indicative rather than definitive at this stage.


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2. Summary of Environmental Setting and Risk 2.1. Receptors

2.1.1 The main potential receptors of any impacts and environmental constraints associated with this project are listed below. All receptors are fully described in the Environmental Statement (ES) in Chapter 3 (Project Description), and Chapters 5 to 17. The receptors include:

Neighbouring land uses; General public / amenity; Ecological and landscape designations and sensitivities; Underlying peat deposits; Archaeological designations and sensitivities; Surface water quality; Water dependent designated sites; Groundwater; Private Water Supplies; Fisheries; Licenced abstractions; and Public highways and rights of way.

2.2. Sources

2.2.1 The main potential sources of any impacts associated with this project during construction activities will be identified. All sources are fully described in the ES and are likely to include:

Construction plant operation; Construction plant storage and refuelling; Construction materials and storage; Chemicals, oils and fuels; Contaminated soils; Waste materials; Construction and other Application Site traffic; and Application Site lighting.

2.3. Risks

2.3.1 The main potential risks of environmental pollution or harm that could occur in relation to the construction works based principally on the sources and receptors identified above and other environmental considerations are detailed below with the proposed management measures for mitigation of these risks being detailed in Section 6 of this outline CEMP.


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2.3.2 Potential risks include:

Construction plant operation (emissions e.g. dust, noise); Construction plant presence (Health & Safety, damage) Construction materials and storage; Storage and use of oils, fuels and chemicals; Working in proximity to sensitive areas; Contaminated soils / groundwater; Waste materials; Traffic; and Application Site lighting.


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3. Roles and Responsibilities 3.1. Introduction

3.1.1 RWE NRL will establish roles, responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities in advance of the construction phase and these will be embedded within the construction contract performance requirements. All works will be carried out in accordance with the Planning Requirements attached to the Development Consent Order (DCO). Following a rigorous selection process, RWE NRL will appoint a Contractor to build the works.

3.2. General Responsibilities

3.2.1 Contact details for the following roles and responsibilities will be clarified following appointment of a contractor:

Application Site Manager (Principal Contractor); Project Manager (RWE NRL); Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW); Technical Specialist Advisors (geotechnical, hydrology, cultural heritage, noise and

traffic and transport specialist).

3.2.2 A number of other documents including the Health and Safety Plan and Method Statements for the project will also be completed following appointment of the Principal Contractor.

3.3. RWE NRL Project Manager

3.3.1 An RWE NRL Project Manager for the works will be appointed who will have responsibility for the following:

a. Overall management of construction in line with planning, land and grid requirements. b. Ensuring that all operational requirements are integrated into the project design and

build. c. Providing leadership and assigning responsibility to a multi-discipline team of

engineering, construction and environmental staff. d. Ensuring effective communication is maintained within the internal team and also with

external partners and consultee e. Overall responsibility for the maintenance of the construction quality and

environmental plans.

3.4. Application Site Manager (Principal Contractor)

3.4.1. An Application Site Manager for the works will be appointed who will have responsibility for the following:

a. Regular review and update of the CEMP to ensure all activities included for in the CEMP are implemented and achieved;

b. Identifying the environmental competence of contractors;


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c. Monitoring and auditing construction activities for compliance with agreed objectives and statutory requirements;

d. Provision of Application Site specific environmental training as required (to be provided separate to this CEMP);

e. Undertaking on-site Environmental Audits against the CEMP; f. Environmental auditing of the material supply chain; g. Implementation of all management plans (where relevant to construction):

i. Species Protection Plans (SPP); ii. Recreation and Access Management Plan (AMP) – ES Annex 7.2; iii. Waste Management Plan (WMP) (outline provided in Appendix B) iv. Emergency Response Plan (ERP) (outline provided in Appendix C); v. Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) (outline provided in ES Annex

8.1)Soil and Peat Management Plan (SPMP); vi. Borrow Pit Design and Restoration Plan; and vii. Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) (outline provided in ES Chapter

12 (Traffic and Transport)).

h. Ensuring that the contractor’s duty of care is carried out regarding the responsible disposal of any waste arisings, including that derived from contaminated land;

i. Gaining the appropriate environmental licences; j. Reporting of Environmental Key Performance Indicators (EKPIs); k. Providing monthly environmental reports; l. Producing detailed environmental working plans m. Producing Health and Safety Plans; and n. Acting as a point of contact between RWE NRL contractors and stakeholders /

regulatory bodies on environmental issues.

3.5. Ecological Clerk of Works

3.5.1. An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be employed for the duration of the construction period. The duties of the ECoW will include:

a. providing advice with respect to the micro-siting of turbines or other infrastructure; b. ensuring suitable measures are in place to protect retained and created habitats; c. undertaking any necessary pre-construction protected species surveys and

supervising the implementation of any mitigation measures required; d. undertaking the necessary surveys and providing advice to ensure legal compliance

with respect to nesting birds; e. ensuring that the terms of the CEMP are adhered to by all contractors working on

site; f. supervising the implementation of habitat creation and management outlined in the

OHMP (ES Annex 9.10) (where such works take place during the construction period);

g. undertaking the required monitoring of created and managed habitats as outlined in the OHMP (where this is required during the construction period);


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h. providing regular reports and maintaining regular contact with nature conservation organisations and any other relevant stakeholders; and

i. providing advice with respect to any other ecological or ornithological issues that arise.

3.6. Technical Specialist Advisors

3.6.1. Technical Specialist Advisors (potentially including geotechnical, hydrology, cultural heritage, noise and traffic and transport specialists) will be appointed, either by RWE NRL or the Principal Contractor as required and will be able to be called upon for the duration of the construction period. The duties of the specialists will include:

a. providing advice with respect to the micro-siting of turbines or other infrastructure; b. undertaking any necessary pre-construction surveys and supervising the

implementation of specific mitigation measures, where required; c. undertaking any required monitoring related to their specialism; d. providing reports and maintaining contact with relevant stakeholders, as required;

and e. providing specific advice with respect to any issues that arise.

3.7. Audits

3.7.1. Periodic environmental audits of the construction site will be carried out by the Site Manager, supported by the ECoW and any relevant technical specialist advisors, to monitor and record compliance with the CEMP and to identify any areas of improvement, thereby maintaining the highest degree of environmental management of the construction site.


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4. Environmental Policy 4.1 RWE NRL’s Environmental Policy will be presented in this section as part of the final

CEMP.


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5. Pre Construction Activities and Approvals 5.1 Prior to the commencement of construction works on the Application Site, the RWE NRL

and/or the Application Site Manager will liaise with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and any relevant consultees to discharge all pre-commencement Planning Requirements.

5.2 A detailed CEMP, of which this is a preliminary outline, will be prepared and submitted to the LPA in consultation with relevant regulatory authorities. Construction of the development will proceed in accordance with the approved CEMP, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the LPA.

5.3 Where applicable, the CEMP will follow the requirements of ISO14001 - ‘Environmental Management Systems - Specification and Guidance for Use’, and will include the following:

Details of main contractor’s corporate environmental policy; Assessment of environmental impacts during construction; Procedures and controls for environmental management; Environmental monitoring details and reporting systems; Schedule of contractual and legislative requirements; and Schedule of relevant consents, licences and authorisations.

5.4 Detailed arrangements for the induction of construction staff will be drawn up in

consultation with the ECoW, relevant Technical Specialist Advisors and any other relevant personnel.

5.5 A programme of works will be prepared for approval by the appropriate authorities. This will take account of sensitive work activities such as wet periods, ecological, habitat and species protection requirements and traffic management.

5.6 The following documents will also be prepared with appropriate implementation and updated procedures:

Register of risks to the environment during construction; Geotechnical risk register; List of those bodies that are required to be consulted during construction; Register of required environmental consents; Communication plan; Register of relevant environmental legislation; Liaison with consultees; Induction of construction staff; Pre-construction survey work – site investigation, geotech work (etc); Traffic Management Plan (Abnormal Loads); Relevant Species Protection Plans (SPP); Recreation and Access Management Plan (AMP) (outline provided in ES Annex 7.2); Waste Management Plan (WMP) (outline provided in Appendix B) Emergency Response Plan (ERP) (outline provided in Appendix C);


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Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) (outline provided in ES Annex 8.1); Soil and Peat Management Plan (SPMP); Borrow Pit Design and Restoration Plan; and Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), prepared in outline form in Chapter

12 (Traffic and Transport) 5.7 Details of any micro-siting of turbines or other infrastructure will be agreed with the

relevant Local Authorities.


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6. Mitigation of Identified Environmental Effects 6.1 During production of the ES a number of on-site activities have been identified which will

have an impact on the surrounding environment. Management measures to be implemented by the contractors / sub-contractors to minimise and control these impacts have also been determined.

6.2 The contractor / sub-contractor must agree to the requirements set out in the CEMP, and review and update it as is necessary. When changes occur on-site, the CEMP will be amended to reflect this.

6.3 On the basis of the ES, environmental actions and mitigation on the Application Site have been identified under the following topic headings:

Landscape and Visual. Cultural Heritage and Archaeology; Geology and Hydrology; Ecology (avian and non-avian)Noise and Vibration; and Traffic and Transport.

6.4 The remainder of this section provides outline details of mitigation measures to be

employed in relation to each of the topic headings listed above. Further details will be provided in the detailed CEMP.

6.1. Landscape and Visual

6.1.1. The Project effects on Landscape and Visual are set out in the ES (see Chapter 5 Landscape and Visual Impact). The principal aspects and impacts associated with construction are direct visual impacts on landscape resource and character; and direct impacts on visual amenity from:

Road network creation; Plant activity Creation of borrow pits; Establishment of substation; Turbine construction

Mitigation

6.1.2. Construction of turbines and tracks will follow an agreed construction method statement (see outline CMS, Annex 3.1); this will include arrangements for implementation of various aspects of the works such as turf and soil removal, storage and replacement and stream crossings, which will help to mitigate local negative impacts during the works. Mitigation measures during the construction phase will include:


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a. limiting land clearance and land take to the minimum necessary for the works;

b. reducing the necessity for vegetation removal associated with the construction of the wind farm unless this is specifically planned for habitat enhancement (see Chapter 9, Non-Avian Ecology);

c. protecting valued features, such as peatland, wetland, heath, historic features and field boundaries, and using fencing to keep contractors out of areas where damage may result;

d. control of after dark construction lighting so that it does not impinge into sensitive views, for example from residential windows;

e. maintenance of tidy and contained working compounds, and control of mud etc. upon local roads to reduce visual impacts; and

f. spreading of any remaining peat and topsoil, and replacement of turf as soon as possible after sections of work are complete, to reduce visual impacts and to enable surface vegetation to recover.

6.1.3. In addition:

a. trees will be protected and will not be removed, unless they are scheduled to be cleared as part of pre-construction tree clearance (see ES Chapter 7, Land Use, Access and Forestry), or if required due to health and safety. Where pre-development tree clearance is required, trees will be removed to a suitable wind firm edge (see ES Chapter 7, Land Use, Access and Forestry);

b. widened and new tracks will be constructed at the beginning of the construction period to reduce disturbance to other ground. Movement of vehicles will not be permitted outside of these routes, thus avoiding soil compaction from vehicles due to tracking over other undisturbed areas, and consequent impacts on landscape resources due to changes in vegetation;

c. trees and other vegetation will be removed prior to construction. Turf, peat and topsoil will be excavated and stored in accordance with the SPMP. Topsoil and subsoil could potentially be positioned to help screen views where appropriate;

d. forestry tracks which are used for recreation and as part of a promoted cycle route, and which will be utilised by the scheme, will either be maintained open for use (subject to measures to protect users from construction traffic (see ES Chapter 12, Traffic and Transport)), or alternative routes will be promoted so as to maintain the visual amenity of recreational users;

e. after construction, remaining disturbed areas will be smoothed to blend with the surrounding landform. They will be covered with available remaining topsoil and left to regenerate with appropriate native vegetation;

f. where possible the surfaces or edges of crane hardstandings, turbine foundations, tracks and locations where roads or tracks will be widened, will be also returned to their original condition once erection of the turbines is competed so that they are less visible during the operational life of the scheme;

g. borrow pits will be tidied up, spare soil or soft materials used to help smooth them if material is available, and left for vegetation to recolonise naturally once they are finished with post construction. Those which are existing FCW borrow pits, one of which is in use today (the most northerly borrow pit), may continue to be used by FCW in the future. Mitigation measures are described below.


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6.1.4. The following specific measures will be carried out at the borrow pit areas prior to, and during their operation. Note that the rock stratigraphy at each location will determine the exact nature of extraction at each site:

a. turf, peat, topsoil, and the associated seedbank within it will be carefully stripped from all areas of proposed expansion or new borrow pit areas, and stored in accordance with BS 3882, and other specific requirements in relation to peat. Details will be provided in the SPMP;

b. excavation, breaking up of rocks and other works will be undertaken within the operational curtilage of borrow pits. This will contain associated visual effects;

c. materials and machinery will be stored tidily during the rock extraction and processing work. Tall machinery will not be left in place for longer than required, in order to reduce its effect in views.

6.1.5. The following measures will be carried out to restore the borrow pits post construction:

a. borrow pit operations will be planned so that progressive restoration of finished areas can occur where appropriate, and so that stored soils can be replaced on graded areas as these are finished;

b. the objective of restoration will be to create a naturalistic landscape profile (e.g. reduction of cliff height by backfilling, softening or rounding of engineered or artificially created edges and slopes), once the borrow pit works are complete;

c. the final form of the borrow pits will be designed to reduce the extent of unnatural engineered profiles, and to avoid ponding of water, please refer to ES Chapter 8 (Hydrology and Geology) for further details. Irregular concave and convex slopes mimicking natural contours, which match with the scale of the slopes and rocky bluffs, will be created, using techniques such as backfilling with left over materials excavated as part of the works. No materials will be imported to the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm site for restoration purposes;

d. where appropriate, rock faces and embankment slopes will be graded to tie in with existing natural slopes, and sharp edges will be avoided, except where rock faces are part of the existing character of the area, and where they will provide opportunities to enhance landscape and habitat diversity;

e. the edge of the borrow pits, in particular will be treated so that scarred and eroded tie-ins are graded out and can be soiled and vegetated;

f. remaining boulders and rocks will be distributed so as to look irregular and natural in the landscape;

g. man-made rock slope reinforcement such as gabions, concrete, geotextiles and mesh will not be used to avoid associated visual effects: the finished gradients will be designed and engineered so that such measures are not required;

h. any remaining disturbed areas will be regraded to blend with the surrounding landform. Overburden and soils, for example from turbine foundations, are likely to be used where extra material is required for regrading, but this will be covered with topsoil containing seedbank so that it revegetates and blends back into the landscape;

i. all defunct machinery, clutter, fencing and manmade objects will be removed after work is completed. Fencing may be left in place for public safety at locations where steep drops may remain.


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6.2. Cultural Heritage

6.2.1. The project’s effects on cultural heritage are set out in the ES (see Chapter 6 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage). The principal aspects and impacts associated with construction are:

Potential impacts on peat deposits containing paleoarchaeological materials during groundworks for turbine bases and crane hardstandings; and

Potential for inadvertent damage to protected archaeological sites.

Mitigation

6.2.2. The scope of the mitigation programme, its methodology and reporting, will be agreed through consultation with the Development Control Archaeologist of Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT).

6.2.3. Two protected sites: the Twr yr Hill round barrow (SAM DE088), and Maen Cred standing stone (PRN 100745/ NPRN407541) will be fenced off prior to construction. Fencing will be put in place in order to avoid accidental damage by construction vehicles. The fencing will be placed outside the scheduled area, avoiding interference with the site and removing any need for scheduled monument consent.

6.2.4. A walkover survey will be carried out following pre-development tree clearance but prior to construction. This will apply to all areas where pre-development tree clearance takes place in advance of construction. This will comprise a targeted recording exercise within the cleared ground, to search for all known sites and to examine the area for any other remains which have not been identified;

6.2.5. A watching brief will be undertaken during soil stripping and excavation, unless scoped out during consultation with CPAT;

6.2.6. In the event that the watching brief reveals archaeological remains, time for excavation and recording will be provided, thus ensuring preservation by record; and

6.2.7. Peat core samples will be taken from all locations where significant depths of peat are to be disturbed or removed during construction. The peat cores will be assessed for palaeoarchaeological and radiocarbon-dating potential. The results of this assessment will indicate whether full carbon dating and palaeoenvironmental analysis is merited, at which point a detailed strategy for analysis and reporting will be determined.

6.3. Geology and Hydrology

6.3.1. The Project effects on geology and hydrology are set out in the ES (see Chapter 8 Geology and Hydrology). The principal aspects and impacts associated with construction are:

Loss of soil (including peat); Loss of rock and drift deposits; Loss and degradation of peat;


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Erosion and sediment pollution; Chemical pollution; Modification to drainage conditions and flow; Flooding; Abstractions and discharges; and Cumulative impacts.

Mitigation

6.3.2. Most of the potential construction impacts have been addressed in the design and layout of the Project’s infrastructure and presented in ES Chapter 8 (Hydrology and Geology), by avoiding certain features, such as watercourses and peat deposits, where possible, and observing appropriate buffer zones. However, a number of other specific mitigation measures will be incorporated into the construction phase to ensure that risks are minimised. These are set out in the outline SWMP (ES Annex 8.1) and outline CMS and summarised below:

a. Trackside drainage will be provided and tracks will have a camber to encourage the runoff of track drainage;

b. Trackside drains will discharge into a swale or buffer area or infiltration trenches of adequate capacity to prevent discharge directly into any watercourse, drain or water body;

c. Upgrading of crossings will be designed and constructed in accordance with EAW and CIRIA good practice guidance and will be agreed in advance with EAW;

d. Culverts will be sized to pass the 1 % Annual Exceedence Probability (AEP) flow, including an allowance for climate change on future rainfall intensities;

e. The use of cofferdams and over-pumping will be considered if the drainage channels to be crossed exhibit potential for high flows during the construction period;

f. The construction of any drainage channel crossing will be bound by the protocols of the CMS and SWMP to avoid polluting watercourses with soil or sediment;

g. Water quality will be tested prior to works commencing in order to ascertain the baseline conditions. Further testing will then be completed during and after the construction of watercourse / drain crossings;

h. Water quality will be tested upstream and downstream of any construction works so that the impact of the works can be determined. The programme of water testing will be included within the detailed CEMP;

i. Potential for turbid runoff to enter watercourses will be controlled and limited through measures set out in the SWMP and will be localised and short term only;

j. Concrete will be brought to the Application Site ready mixed;

k. Temporary bunds will be placed around concrete pouring operations to contain spillages;

l. All vehicle washouts will preferably take place off-site. Any drainage or water used for on-site washing will need to be collected and directed to a sump located in a suitably lined and contained area for treatment prior to discharge;


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m. Any discharge will be in agreement with EAW or in accordance with EAW discharge licensing conditions;

n. Either a geotextile liner or a sand layer would line the excavation in order to restrict any potential flow of concrete into the surrounding groundwater;

o. Excavations for electric cables will be dug during dry weather conditions to prevent runoff;

p. Electricity cables will be placed within a sand sub base. Peat will be replaced as quickly as possible to avoid these trenches becoming drainage pathways;

q. Clay or other appropriate soils will be used as an impermeable barrier at intervals along each electricity cable trench to ensure the excavations do not become preferential flow paths and thus changing land drainage regimes;

r. Rainfall runoff from the substation will be managed through discharge to infiltration drains or other SUDS techniques, appropriate for the scale of the substation development;

s. Storage of oils and other potentially polluting substances will be within the construction compound. Storage will be within impervious storage bunds with 110 % capacity, so that any spillages or leaks are contained;

t. Construction machinery will be checked regularly

u. Any maintenance to machinery would occur over hard standing within the construction compound or on an alternative suitable impermeable ground cover;

v. Drip trays will be mandatory beneath all stationary construction vehicles and spill kits comprising absorbent mats or absorbent sands will be available on-site at all times;

w. All relevant staff will be trained in the use of spill kits;

x. Any spills will be cleaned up as soon as possible with any contaminated sands bagged up and disposed of correctly (all procedures will be outlined within the ERP;

y. Good working practices will be adopted and measures to protect the water environment will be incorporated in accordance with those set out within EAW PPG notes;

z. Mitigation including sediment traps will be required around construction activities, when excavation or extraction is commencing, and turbine bases during construction to reduce the likelihood of sediment entrainment;

aa. Sediment control activities will be detailed within the detailed SWMP;

bb. The potential for fuel or oil spills to contaminate the shallow aquifer supplying these springs will be managed through good site practices and the ERP;

cc. Sediment controls and site drainage plans, as set out within the outline SWMP for other construction activities, will ensure no sediments entrained in surface runoff directly enter surface watercourses;

dd. Silt fences and mats will be used to minimise sediment levels in runoff from any stockpiled material;

ee. Routine working and emergency procedures for the control and mitigation of erosion and dust generation during excavations and soil handling;

ff. Temporary interception bunds and drainage ditches will be constructed upslope of borrow pits to minimise ingress of surface runoff;


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gg. Silt traps and buffer strips will be used to minimise erosion, sedimentation and peak flows in relation to borrow pits;

hh. All interception bunds and drainage ditches will be fully reinstated once extraction from the borrow pit is completed;

ii. Surface water runoff within the borrow pit area will be routed to settlement ponds detailed within the detailed SWMP;

jj. Surface water runoff from areas of extraction activity will be routed to settlement ponds. Discharge from the pond systems will be to ground infiltration or vegetated buffer areas through agreement with EAW;

kk. Groundwater inflows to excavation areas will be managed through pumping to the settlement pond system;

ll. Specific measures will be adopted for the handling, storage and management of any peat excavated for the access tracks, turbine and crane pad foundations. The inal CMS and SPMP will detail the exact construction methodology to be used for each specific foundation location, taking into account:

i. The method of excavation and the location for placing and storing excavated material (for access tracks and crane pad foundations) to ensure that these operations do not give rise to slope or site instability;

ii. Surface vegetated scraghs / turves will be laid out and stored, for re-sodding bare areas, and watered in dry weather;

iii. Details of how excavated materials (for access tracks and crane pad foundations) will be prevented from falling onto the adjacent peatland surface in areas other than designated as safe side-cast or stockpile zones;

mm. Management of handling and storage of excavated peat, as outlined in the SPMP will include:

i. Avoidance of stockpiles where possible. Any temporary stockpiles will be located and battered so as to limit instability and erosion;

ii. Silt fences and mats will be employed to limit sediment levels in runoff from temporary stockpiles;

iii. Temporary stockpiles will be located away from watercourses;

iv. Any bunding of peat storage areas will have bunds that extend to a level above the top of the spoil to provide resistance to runoff;

v. Any water discharged from peat excavations or stockpiles will be monitored as part of the Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) (Outline provided in Annex 8.1);

vi. Where bunding is not used, peat will be spread in a thin layer over a large area; and

vii. Finally, replacement of stripped peat turves in areas of bare peat.

nn. A water quality monitoring programme will form part of the detailed CEMP and will assess the ongoing quality of the watercourses throughout the construction period; and

oo. An appropriate monitoring regime for PWS with potential to be impacted by the proposed development will be agreed with Local Authorities, in consultation with EAW, prior to commencement of construction works.


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6.4. Ecology

6.4.1. The Project’s effects on ecology are set out in the ES (see Chapter 9 Non Avian Ecology and Chapter 10 Avian Ecology). The detailed CEMP will ensure:

That the construction process will comply with the RWE NRL’s environmental policy in relation to the natural environment;

Compliance with all agreements and commitments within the application documents and the planning process;

Compliance with current environmental legislation, and Provide a benchmark for best practice such that all practicable preventative measures

will be taken to avoid harm to the terrestrial and aquatic habitats of the Application Site area and the species they support, together with downstream ecosystems.

6.4.2 The indicative sub headings and text below will be fully developed within the CEMP before commencement of works.

Species to be protected, including SPPs; Habitats to be protected; Construction activities which might damage sensitive species and habitats; ECoW role and tasks; Protected species surveys and procedures; Habitat protection procedures; and SPMP, soil stripping, temporary peat and vegetation storage areas and management

to prevent environmental impact.

6.4.3 The construction mitigation measures proposed for the species to be protected and which will be included in detailed SPPs are outlined below:

Common Lizard and Adder

6.4.3.1. Common lizard and adder would be protected during construction through habitat management and removal of potential hibernacula within open areas. Open areas to be impacted will be cut during the active season for reptiles (April to October) under the guidance of the ECoW (using eg a brush cutter or tractor mounted flail) to reduce the height of vegetation, and make it less attractive for reptile habitation. Wherever possible potential refugia or hibernacula would be moved out of working areas at the same time as cutting and these areas would then be kept unsuitable for reptile through regular cutting until construction commences.

Otter

6.4.3.2. All proposed extended stream crossings will be surveyed for otter (200m upstream and downstream of the proposed crossing locations) prior to construction work on the relevant crossing taking place. If micro-siting is not possible then works would be delayed until an EPS licence had been obtained and mitigation measures agreed, such as the timing of works to avoid sensitive periods.


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6.4.3.3. All potentially dangerous substances or materials within the temporary construction compounds will be carefully stored to ensure they could not cause any harm to otters that may enter the compound at night. During construction, all excavations greater than 1m depth will either be covered at night or designed to include a ramp to allow otters (and other animals) a means of escape should they fall in.

6.4.3.4. During construction, site speed limits of 15 mph will reduce the likelihood of accidental injury/killing of otter by construction traffic.

Water Vole

6.4.3.5. All proposed extended or newly proposed stream crossings will be surveyed for water vole (50m upstream and downstream of the proposed crossing locations) prior to construction work on the relevant crossing taking place. Surveys for water voles can only take place during the period April to October and therefore careful planning of surveys will be required. In the event that any water vole nests or burrows are found within 20 m of the proposed new crossing point, the impacts will be assessed and construction and design updated or crossing point micro-sited, to avoid potential disturbance impacts. If construction design or micro-siting is not possible to avoid potential disturbance impacts (e.g. streams are occupied by water voles for some distance up and down stream) then works would be delayed until mitigation, such as temporary exclusion, had been agreed with CCW.

Badger

6.4.3.6. Should any setts be located within 30m of any construction operation, to avoid impacts on badger setts, works will be delayed until assessed for potential impacts on badgers. Impacts will be dependent on the construction operation and if required mitigation measures will been agreed with CCW, and if necessary the relevant licence obtained. Mitigation measures are likely to include timing works to avoid periods of maximum sensitivity (ie December to June) and avoiding the use of certain types of machinery within close proximity of sett entrances.

6.4.3.7. During construction, all excavations greater than 1m depth will either be covered at night or designed to include a ramp to allow badgers (and other animals) a means of escape should they fall in. In addition, all potentially dangerous substances or materials stored within temporary construction compounds will be carefully stored to ensure they could not cause any harm to badgers that may enter the compounds at night.

6.4.3.8. During construction, site speed limits of 15 mph will reduce the likelihood of accidental injury/killing of badger by construction traffic.

Pine Marten

6.4.3.9. Should any evidence suggestive of pine marten presence be found at any point during construction, field signs should be investigated by a suitably qualified ecologist and potential scats should be sent to an appropriate laboratory for identification. Subsequently the need for any further surveys or mitigation, such as timing of works to avoid disturbance should be determined.

6.4.3.10. During construction, site speed limits of 15 mph will reduce the likelihood of accidental injury/killing of pine marten by construction traffic.


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Polecat

6.4.3.11. Should any evidence of polecat presence be found at any point during construction, field signs should be investigated by a suitably qualified ecologist and potential scats should be sent to an appropriate laboratory for identification. Subsequently the need for any further surveys or mitigation, such as timing of works to avoid disturbance should be determined.

6.4.3.12. During construction, site speed limits of 15 mph will reduce the likelihood of accidental injury/killing of polecats by construction traffic.

Goshawk

6.4.3.13. No construction works will take place within 400m of occupied goshawk nests (although this distance may be reduced to 200m as breeding progresses). To provide up to date information, update surveys for goshawk will be undertaken during the year prior to forestry operations commencing and then on an annual basis during the construction phase using methods similar to those used during baseline studies.

Peregrine

6.4.3.14. No construction works will take place within 600-1000m of the peregrine nest in the north of the Application Site while the nest is occupied (with the distance reduced as breeding progresses, with a greater exclusion distance required while birds are nest building and a reduced distance needed when birds are feeding young).

6.4.3.15. No blasting will take place at Borrow Pit A from mid-March to July to prevent disturbance to breeding peregrine.

6.4.3.16. To provide up to date information, update surveys for peregrine will be undertaken during the year prior to forestry operations commencing and then on an annual basis during the construction phase using methods similar to those used during baseline studies.

Black Grouse

6.4.3.17. During construction, the access track to T17 will not be built or used until two hours after sunrise and then again from two hours before sunset, from mid-March to late-May to prevent disturbance to displaying black grouse. Similarly, blasting at Borrow Pits B and C will not be permitted during the same times if black grouse are known to be displaying at Foel Frech or Craig Bron-banog respectively. No blasting will take place at borrow pits B or C during the nesting season (1st May – 30th June).

6.4.3.18. Finding nests is difficult and surveying for them would be impracticable. To avoid damaging nests, vegetation clearance in potentially suitable nesting areas will be avoided from 1st May to 30th June. These comprise open ground with tall (40 cm), fairly dense vegetation, usually mature heather or rushes and will be identified by the ECoW.

6.4.3.19. If a brood (hen with chicks) is disturbed, all workers will withdraw to a distance of 200 m from the brood for at least two hours. The brood will be provided with an escape route to tall (40 cm) vegetation.


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6.4.3.20. Disturbance of parts of the Application Site used by black grouse and where construction is not actively in progress will be kept to a minimum. This will be done by minimising the area where construction activities are occurring at any one time, and by ensuring that site workers and other visitors remain where they are working and do not roam unnecessarily.

6.4.3.21. To provide up to date information to inform mitigation requirements, surveys for black grouse will be undertaken during the year prior to forestry operations commencing, and then on an annual basis during the construction phase using methods similar to those used during baseline studies. Furthermore, incidental records of black grouse during construction, from construction personnel, will be reported to the ECoW to provide information on the response of black grouse to disturbance from construction.

Nightjar

6.4.3.22. During construction, in order to protect nests of nightjars, potentially disturbing construction activities will be restricted in areas occupied by breeding nightjars between mid May and September. Restrictions will be based on the most up to date survey information and the advice of the ECoW.

6.4.3.23. To provide up to date information to inform mitigation requirements, surveys for nightjar will be undertaken during the year prior to forestry operations commencing and then on an annual basis during the construction phase using methods similar to those used during baseline studies.

6.5. Noise and Vibration

6.5.1 The projects effects on noise and vibration are set out in the ES (see Chapter 11 Noise). The principal aspects and impacts associated with construction are:

a. Noise and vibration from all construction activities; b. Noise and vibration from vehicle movements; and

c. Cumulative impacts

Mitigation

6.5.2 Mitigation measures for noise and vibration impacts will be mitigated by implementing best practice on the Application Site under reasonable costs. The mitigation measures will follow the generic guidance of British Standard (BS) 5228-1:2009 Noise control on construction and open sites, and guidelines produced by CIRIA including CIRIA CR650 (2nd Edition) ‘Environmental good practice on site’ (2005). In addition to these, Application Site specific measures will be used to account for the complexities of the project. These are as follows:

a. Those activities that may give rise to audible noise at the surrounding properties and heavy goods vehicle deliveries to the site would be limited to the hours 07:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Turbine deliveries would only take place outside these times with the prior consent of the Council and the Police.

b. Those activities that are unlikely to give rise to noise audible at the site boundary, such as concrete pours or turbine erections, may continue outside of the above hours.


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c. All construction activities shall adhere to good practice as set out in BS 5228.

d. All equipment will be maintained in good working order and any associated noise attenuation such as engine casing and exhaust silencers shall remain fitted at all times.

e. Where flexibility exists, activities will be separated from residential neighbours by the maximum possible distances.

f. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), see ES Chapter 12 (Traffic and Transport) for outline, will be developed to control the movement of vehicles to and from the Development site.

g. Construction plant capable of generating significant noise and vibration levels will be operated in a manner to restrict the duration of the higher magnitude levels.

h. Blasting should take place under strictly controlled conditions with the agreement of the relevant authorities, at regular times within the working week, that is, Mondays to Fridays, between the hours of 10.00am and 16.00pm. Blasting on Saturday mornings should be a matter for negotiation between the contractor and the local authorities.

i. Vibration levels at the nearest sensitive properties are best controlled through on site testing processes carried out in consultation with the Local Authorities. This site testing based process would include the use of progressively increased minor charges to gauge ground conditions both in terms of propagation characteristics and the level of charge needed to release the requisite material. The use of onsite monitoring at neighbouring sensitive locations during the course of this preliminary testing can then be used to define upper final charge values that will ensure vibration levels remain within the criteria set out previously, as described in BS 5228 2 and BS 6472 2:2008.

j. Blasting operations shall adhere to good practice as set out in BS 5228 2, and in MTAN1, in order to control air overpressure.

k. A scheme will be submitted to the mineral planning authority, for approval of blasting details, which will outline the mitigation measures to be adopted.

6.6. Traffic and Transport

6.1.1 The project effects on traffic are set out in the ES (see Chapter 12 Traffic and Transport). The principal aspects and impacts associated with construction are:

The movement of Abnormal Loads ; and Civil, mechanical HGV traffic movements.

6.1.2 Impacts include:

Delays due to slow moving large vehicles; Road safety concerns Driver intimidation due to the increased proportion of heavy traffic; and Deposit of mud and dirt on the public highway


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Mitigation

6.1.3 A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) (see outline in Chapter 12 (Traffic and Transport)) and Traffic Management Plan (TMP) (outline accompanies DCO application) will be prepared in agreement with all of the relevant authorities. This CTMP will consider all elements of construction traffic, and the TMP will specifically address abnormal load movements. It is intended that the CTMP and TMP will reflect feedback from the relevant authorities and will be consistent with any planning conditions attached to consent.

6.1.4 As part of the CTMP and TMP a number of general and specific traffic mitigation measures will be implemented as best practice to minimise the effect of the above impacts including:

Reinstatement measures to the disturbed roads and verges; Detailed project programme, which will seek to minimise cumulative impacts; and A routing strategy to ensure that construction vehicles travel to/from the Application

Site using the agreed routes.

Annex 3.1, B: Outline Waste Management Plan CF/AppDoc04/ES

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Appendix B Outline Waste Management Plan


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Contents 1. Introduction 1

1.1. Project Description 1 1.2. Purpose of WMP 2 1.3. Key Waste Generating Activities 2 1.4. Key Legislation 3 1.5. Duty of Care 3

2. Roles and Responsibilities 4 3. Management of Wastes 5

3.1. Waste Arisings 5 3.2. Waste Types 5 3.3. Waste Hierarchy 6 3.4. Treatment and Disposal 6 3.5. Offsite Transport 6 3.6. Monitoring, Reporting and Auditing 7


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1. Introduction 1.1 This document represents an outline Waste Management Plan (WMP) for the proposed

Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm project (hereafter referred to as the Project) which is to be located at Clocaenog Forest, North Wales (hereafter referred to as the Application Site) on land owned by the Welsh Government (WG) and managed by Forestry Commission Wales (FCW). The outline WMP outlines the principles and procedures for waste management during construction of the Project. It will comply with the terms of any consent and attendant planning conditions and any other agreements and commitments made during the planning process.

1.2 The methods and processes provided in this document are for guidance only and will be expanded upon and may be amended prior to construction, when the RWE Npower Renewables Limited (RWE NRL) has selected a Principal Contractor.

1.1. Project Description

1.1.1. The key elements of the project will comprise:





room, welfare facilities and an external compound). The location of the substation is dependent on a separate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and planning process, which is being undertaken by Scottish Power (SP) Manweb. It is understood that the location will be in the north of the Application Site to enable connection to the St Asaph substation (see Chapter 3 (Project Description) and Chapter 15 (Grid Connection) of the ES for further detail and explanation) RWE NRL is submitting their DCO application for the wind farm and on-site infrastructure only. The supporting grid infrastructure, for this Project and three other wind farm schemes (Brenig, Nant Bach and Derwydd Bach wind farms) in North Wales, will be subject to a separate DCO application which will be made by SP Manweb. This application will be subject to the same requirements, as it will be subject to EIA and the relevant public consultation procedures.



1 Secondary access tracks are existing forestry tracks that will be used for general construction vehicles, including HGVs, vans, 4x4s and cars. As these tracks are not intended for abnormal indivisible loads, they will not be widened. They are located wholly within the Application Site red line boundary. 2 Secondary access tracks are intended for HGVs, vans, 4x4s and cars, so do not require widening or cable-trenching alongside. They will only be required for the primary access tracks for the abnormal loads. Secondary access tracks are an alternative access route if the primary access routes are not usable for whatever reason.


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1.1.2. The Project will have a lifespan of approximately 25 years, after which time the Application Site will be decommissioned.

1.1.3. The majority of the land within the development area is currently predominantly conifer forest with some open areas of heather moorland. The Llyn Brenig Reservoir lies approximately 3km to the west of the development area. The Afon Clywedog, Afon Alwen and a number of unnamed tributary streams flow through the north-east and south-west of the development area. There is no settlement across the Application Site itself, but there are scattered farmsteads and buildings outside of this within the wider Clocaenog Forest area including Isgaer-wen, Ty-uchaf, Tal-y-cefn Uchaf, Tal-y Cefn Isaf, Tai’n-y-Waens, Hafotty Hendre, Brynhyfryd, Bron-Bannog, Waen Uchaf, Waen Ganol, Cruglas, Nilig, Nant Uchaf, Trawsnant, Tai Ucha and Brynbach.

1.1.4. Clocaenog Forest as a whole spans approximately 4,231 ha. The Application Site covers an area of approximately 1,581 ha within the Forest, The total area of land which will be permanently occupied by structures and hard surfaces will be approximately 12.21 ha3, with an additional temporary land take of approximately 12.74 ha4 that will be available for restoration after construction.

1.2. Purpose of WMP

1.2.1 The impact of the Project will have a waste dimension that will largely be felt during the construction phase, and to a much lesser extent during the operational phase. The purpose of the WMP is to establish processes, procedures and tools which will enable all personnel engaged in the Project to have a common understanding of the requirements of waste management. The document will highlight the regulations and guidance relevant to the Application Site in terms of waste management.

1.3. Key Waste Generating Activities

1.3.1 Key construction activities in connection with the Project which have the potential to generate waste are as follows:


improvement of existing tracks and construction of new; Establish the temporary site construction compounds and works area; Construct crane hardstandings; Excavate the wind turbine foundations and construct the turbine bases; Construct sub-station and associated compounds; Excavate cable trenches and lay the power and instrumentation cables; Erect and commission the wind turbines and Anemometry masts; Construction of and improvement to access tracks within the Application Site;

3 This is made up of turbine foundations for each of the 32 turbines, electrical substation and compound, two anemometry masts, widening of existing tracks and secondary access tracks by 2 m, and creation of spur roads and new tracks to 5 m in width. The figures quoted are estimated, and are indicative rather than definitive at this stage. 4 This is made up of crane hardstanding for each of the 32 turbines, two construction compounds, and borrow pits A, B, C and D. The figures quoted are estimated, and are indicative rather than definitive at this stage.


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Reinstatement works, i.e. habitat management; and Removal of temporary compounds and clearance of the construction areas.

1.4. Key Legislation

1.4.1 The Project will need to comply with a range of environmental legislation, the exact nature of which will depend upon the source, type and end use of materials excavated from on-site and off-site sources; ultimately this will be governed by final design specifications. However, as an overview, key legislation that is likely to need to be adhered to is detailed below:

The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (SI 988); Waste (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Wales) Regulations 2011 (SI 971); Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 (c. 14); The Public Health Act 1961 (c. 64) (Section 34 & 73); The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/588) as amended; The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE) 2006 (SI

2006/3289) as amended; The Hazardous Waste (England & Wales) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/894) as

amended by Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/57), List of Wastes (Wales) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1820), Hazardous Waste Regulations (Wales) 2005 SI 1806, Hazardous Waste (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 SI 2861; and

The Environment Act 1995 (Commencement No 23) (England and Wales) Order 2006 (SI 2006/934).

1.5. Duty of Care

1.5.1 Under the Duty of Care requirements, all waste contractors that handle waste must be in possession of valid and appropriate authorisations. These include waste carrier registrations for waste carriers, and appropriate licenses, license exemptions and environmental permits for waste treatment and disposal facilities. The movement of waste materials off-site will be subject to the Duty of Care.

1.5.2 To ensure integrated management of all wastes produced on-site, the Principal Contractor may be registered as a waste broker for all wastes generated on the Application site by sub-contractors.


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2. Roles and Responsibilities 2.1 RWE NRL will establish roles, responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities for waste

management aspects of the project which will be defined and communicated to all personnel involved in the project.

2.2 Relevant training for anyone involved in waste management activities at the Application Site will be completed as required and documented within the WMP.

2.3 The WMP will form a live document and must be kept on-site at all times, and updated and amended as appropriate.


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3. Management of Wastes 3.1 Minimum waste management procedures to be adopted on-site will be detailed to ensure

that wastes are handled, stored, transported and treated in accordance with relevant legislation. Through the adoption of the waste hierarchy5, the effects of the development on the environment will be minimised and financial costs associated with generation and disposal will be reduced.

3.1. Waste Arisings

3.1.1 At this stage, the volumes / tonnages of waste arisings from construction of the Project are not known. However, as an overview, waste arisings are likely to include, but not be limited to, the following:

Excavated soils; Access road aggregates; Concrete; Metals; Wood; Cabling; Packaging; Paints, oils and thinners; Paper, cardboard; Food; Plastic; Aluminium; Machinery and vehicles; and Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

3.2. Waste Types

3.2.1 This section defines the three main waste types that all the waste arisings will be classified under: inert, hazardous, or non-hazardous waste. Each of the waste types listed in Section 3.1 will be classified under one of these waste types.

Inert Waste

3.2.2 The European Directive 1999/31/EC on the Landfill of Waste (Landfill Directive) defines "inert waste" as waste that does not undergo any significant physical, chemical or biological transformations. Inert waste will not dissolve, burn or otherwise physically or chemically react, biodegrade or adversely affect other matter with which it comes into contact in a way likely to give rise to environmental pollution or harm human health. The total leachability and pollutant content of the waste and the ecotoxicity of the leachate

5 The waste hierarchy refers to the four Rs – ‘reduce, reuse, recycle, (and recover)’ which classify waste management strategies according to their desirability in order of importance.


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must be insignificant, and in particular not endanger the quality of surface water and/or groundwater.

Hazardous Waste

3.2.3 The Hazardous Waste Directive (HWD, European Directive 91/689/EC) provides a precise and uniform European-wide definition of hazardous waste. It defines hazardous waste as wastes featuring on a list drawn up by the European Commission, because they possess one or more of the hazardous properties set out in the directive. There are 14 hazardous properties set out in Annex III of the HWD1 as follows: explosive, oxidising, highly flammable, flammable, irritant, harmful, toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, toxic for reproduction, mutagenic, substances and preparations which release toxic or very toxic gases in contact with water, air or an acid, substances and preparations capable by any means, after disposal, of yielding another substance, e.g. a leachate which possesses any of the characteristics listed above, or ecotoxic.

3.2.4 Waste types, volumes and potential disposal routes will be confirmed once final design specifications for the project have been confirmed.

Non Hazardous Waste

3.2.5 The European Directive 1999/31/EC on the Landfill of Waste (Landfill Directive) defines “non-hazardous waste" as any waste that is not covered by the above definition of hazardous waste.

3.3. Waste Hierarchy

3.3.1 The waste hierarchy will be detailed within the document as follows:

Prevention (Reduce); Re-Use; Recycling (including composting); Energy recovery; and Landfill.

3.4. Treatment and Disposal

3.4.1 Current facilities available for processing waste will be listed and the most viable, and preferred, option for each of the waste streams will be determined. It is the responsibility of the Principal Contractor to identify and ensure that the most appropriate legitimate waste management approach or disposal route for each individual waste stream is undertaken. This is to include periodic inspections.

3.5. Offsite Transport

3.5.1 Suitable disposal routes for the waste must be identified before start up and should be regularly reviewed. The waste must be taken off-site either as soon as the receptacle has reached its capacity or, in the case of hazardous waste, within 90 days after it has started accumulation in the waste receptacles. The treatment routes should be chosen to maximise the position in the waste hierarchy.


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3.5.2 Further details on the containment, transportation, labelling and documentation for wastes will be included in the updated WMP.

3.6. Monitoring, Reporting and Auditing

3.6.1 Continuous monitoring of the processes and management of the waste should be implemented to ensure that the Application Site is compliant with waste guidelines and regulations.

3.6.2 A schedule summarising the waste monitoring and auditing will be included in the various stages of this WMP. Evidence of any audits must be kept on-site during the construction phase.

3.6.3 This document is currently an outline WMP which will be amended and adapted following consultation post consent

Annex 3.1 Appendix C: Emergency Response Plan CF/AppDoc04/ES

Appendix C Outline Emergency Response Plan


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Contents 1. Introduction 1

1.1. Objectives 1

2. General Information 2 2.1. Environmental Incidents 2 2.2. Contractor Obligations 2 2.3. Reference Documentation 2

3. Plans 4 3.1. Application Site Layout Plans 4 3.2. Application Site Drainage Plan 4

4. Emergency Procedures and Reporting 6 4.1. Spillage Response 6 4.2. Incident Reporting 6 4.3. Training 6 4.4. Construction Activities 6 4.5. Reporting 6 4.6. Post Incident Procedures 7 4.7. Auditing and Reporting 7


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1. Introduction 1.1 This document presents an outline Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for the proposed

Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm project (hereafter referred to as the Project) which is to be located at Clocaenog Forest, North Wales (hereafter referred to as the Application Site) on land owned by the Welsh Government (WG) and managed by Forestry Commission Wales (FCW). The outline ERP contains procedures to be adopted in the event of an environmental emergency during construction of the wind farm. This document, once formalised, will form an Appendix to the final Construction Method Statement (CMS).

1.2 The methods and processes provided in this document are for guidance only and will be expanded upon and may be amended prior to construction, when RWE Npower Renewables Limited (RWE NRL) has selected a Principal Contractor.

1.1. Objectives

1.1.1 The objectives of the ERP are to provide guidance and information on action to be taken by personnel involved in the construction process in the event of an environmental incident. The plan will identify procedures to be followed in the event of an incident with the potential to cause environmental harm.

1.1.2 Guidance and procedures for all health and safety related incidents will be contained in the Construction Health and Safety Plan for the project, which is expected to be prepared by RWE NRL’s appointed Principal Contractor.


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2. General Information 2.1. Environmental Incidents

2.1.1 Environmental incidents at the Application Site may include the following:

Fuel drips or spills during refuelling; Leaking plant or equipment; Spillages of fuels, oils or chemicals; Contaminated water or sediment entering controlled waters or private water supplies; Flooding; Riverbed disturbance; Operational failures of pumps and pipelines; Damage to underground services; and Poor waste disposal and storage.

2.2. Contractor Obligations

2.2.1. The Principal Contractor will be required to formalise this ERP prior to the commencement of construction activities. Within this plan, the Principal Contractor will provide emergency response contacts, reporting procedures, and procedures for dealing with all potential pollution incidents during the construction of the wind farm.

2.2.2. Specific emergency plans will be incorporated into the Principal Contractor’s Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CMS). These plans will be made available to all operatives / staff and visitors as part of the Application Site induction with regular top-up toolbox talks (i.e. discussions led by supervisors / managers to staff on specific topics relating to the project).

2.3. Reference Documentation

2.3.1 The Principal Contractor’s formalised ERP, as opposed to this outline, will take into account the requirements of current legislation as well as published guidance documents, including but not limited to, the following:

Statutory and General Guidance Welsh Assembly Government (July 2004): Planning Policy Wales: Technical

Advice Note 15 (TAN15)– Development and Flood Risk (; Environment Agency (EA) Pollution Prevention Guidance Notes (PPG):

PPG1 General Guide to the prevention of water pollution; PPG5 Works in, near or liable to effect watercourses; PPG6 Working at construction and demolition sites; PPG21 Pollution incident response planning;

CIRIA publications: C532 Control of water pollution from construction sites (2001); C650 Environmental good practice on site (2005);

EA, Groundwater protection: policy and practice (GP3)(2008);


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DEFRA Good practice guide for handling soils (MAFF 2000); and DEFRA draft Code of Practice for the sustainable use of soils on construction

sites (2009). Legislation

Control of Pollution Act 1974 (c. 40); Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43); Environment Act 1995 (c. 25); Water Resources Act 1991 (SI 57) as amended; EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC); The Groundwater Regulations 1998 (SI 2746); The Private Water Supplies Regulations, 2009 (SI 3101); EC Freshwater Fish Directive (2006/44/EC); and Land Drainage Act 1991 (c. 59).


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3. Plans 3.1. Application Site Layout Plans

3.1.1 An Application Site layout plan will be drawn up to include the following information:

The location of potentially environmentally harmful substances to be used and stored during construction activities;

Location of spill kits and other pollution control or emergency response equipment; The location of environmentally sensitive receptors; Areas of the Application Site with limited means of communication (e.g. lack of

mobile phone reception); Application Site access routes; and Detailed Application Site drainage plans.

3.2. Application Site Drainage Plan

3.2.1 The Application Site drainage plan (which will sit within the Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) and will be produced following detailed design) will provide a clear diagram of the Application Site showing layout and access details, along with schematic representations of all Application Site drainage arrangements. The following details will be covered:

Use of red to mark foul drainage and blue for surface water drainage - indicating the direction of flow clearly;

Use of a similar approach for drain covers on-site; Marking off-site discharge points for surface water and trade effluent clearly; Showing any watercourse, spring, borehole, well, or other water feature located

within or near the Application Site; and Indicating the direction of flow (or depth for boreholes and wells), surface water

outfalls from the Application Site and suitable points for installing pollution control booms or a dam.

3.2.2 The following items will also be shown on the Application Site drainage plan:

General layout of works; Application Site access routes for emergency services; Location of process areas and any on-site treatment facilities for trade effluent or

domestic sewage; Areas or facilities used for storage of raw materials, products and wastes (include

details of tank sizes); Any bunded areas together with details of products stored and estimated retention

capacity; Any potentially sensitive areas of porous or unmade ground; Location, depth and construction details of any soakaways receiving surface water

discharges; Location of pollution prevention materials (e.g. spill kits);


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Facilities such as inspection points for the detection of pollution; and locations and sources (groundwater or surface water) of any means of water

abstraction (by means of pumping or gravity via a surface water intake, excavation pit, or borehole / well / audit system).

3.2.3 In response to Section 42 consultation, an outline Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) incorporating a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) (Annex 8.1 of Chapter 8 (Hydrology and Geology) in ES). The SUDS contains an outline design for a SUDS treatment system for the treatment of construction runoff from the Application Site.


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4. Emergency Procedures and Reporting 4.1. Spillage Response

4.1.1 A spillage response document will be prepared detailing the procedures to be followed in the event of an incident. This will include:

Communication – internal and external; Identification of potentially contaminative substances; Assessment of extent of spillage and potential impacts on environmental receptors; Measures to be taken to avoid / reduce environmental impact; and Completion of incident report including measures to be implemented to avoid a

recurrence.

4.2. Incident Reporting

4.2.1 A reporting system will be implemented detailing how incidents should be reported including lines of communication with the client, Principal Contractor and other parties involved in construction works. Emergency contact numbers for relevant authorities (e.g. EAW, fire service, local hospital) will be documented within the ERP.

4.3. Training

4.3.1 Arrangements for the provision of training will be detailed within the ERP including incident reporting and spillage response for personnel involved in construction activities, especially those with specific responsibilities for the supervision / management of environmental incidents during construction works.

4.4. Construction Activities

4.4.1 Following the finalisation of plans for the construction project, the ERP will detail all construction activities to be undertaken on the Application Site with the potential to cause environmental harm. This will be aligned with the Construction Method Statement (CMS). (The detail regarding the construction activities will be informed by the Principal Contractor, once commissioned by RWE NRL.

4.5. Reporting

4.5.1 All environmental incidents and near misses will be reported to the Application Site Manager and recorded appropriately. A full investigation of the incidents will be completed so that any failures can be addressed and recurrence can be prevented. The following information will be included in the report of any environmental incidents and near misses:

Nature of spill / leak / incident; Time and date; Exact location; Type of material released; Approximate volume released;


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Environmental receptors impacted / affected; Actions taken to prevent contamination; Individuals contacted; External bodies contacted (e.g. Environment Agency, local authority); and Mitigation measures implemented to prevent recurrence.

4.6. Post Incident Procedures

4.6.1 Following the incident, all clean-up materials must be disposed of appropriately and any spill kits which have been contaminated with hazardous materials must be bagged and disposed of appropriately (see Appendix B – Outline Waste Management Plan, WMP).

4.6.2 If contamination from impacts other environmental receptors, then expert advice on remediation will be sought in conjunction with the relevant authorities (e.g. EAW, local authority).

4.6.3 All spillages / incidents impacting environmental receptors should be reported to the relevant authority through appropriate means as soon as possible following the occurrence being made known to site workers.

4.7. Auditing and Reporting

4.7.1 Regular environmental audits should be completed during construction works and any potential environmental incidents should be reported and recorded. A template reporting form will be drafted for this purpose.

Outline Construction Method Statement · PDF file1.1. This document is an Outline Construction...

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