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Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd 6 North End Road Stromness Orkney KW16 3AG
Methlick Farmers
Wind Energy Project
Technical Description and Environmental Studies
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 1
Methlick Farmers
Wind Energy Project
Technical Description and Environmental Studies Report OSE/2586 August 2006 Project Developers: Ernest Lee, John Lind and John K Lind Project Coordination: Mike Sobey Overton of Keithfield Methlick Aberdeenshire AB41 7EU Telephone 01651 806412 Email [email protected] Project design: Richard Gauld IEng MInstMC Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd 6 North End Road Stromness Orkney KW16 3AG Telephone 01856 850054 Facsimile 01856 851239 Email [email protected]
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 2
Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project
Report OSE/2586
Technical Description and Environmental Studies
This report is presented in two volumes; Volume 1 contains the non-technical
summary, the project description, the wind turbine technical description, an ecology
assessment, reports on archaeology, transport impacts, electromagnetic
Interference, noise and shadow flicker impact and an assessment of possible
impacts upon geological and hydrological features. Volume 2 contains the Site
Drawings, Maps and Photomontage Images.
Section 1 Non-technical Summary and Project Description
RICHARD GAULD BSC (HONS), IENG MINSTMC
Section 2 Wind Turbine Technical Description
Section 3 Ecology Survey
PAUL CHAPMAN MA PhD CEnv MIEEM, SAC
Section 4 Archaeology Survey
DAVID LYNN, BA (HONS), MSC
Section 5 Geology, Superficial Deposits and Hydrology
GAVIN ELRICK CEnv MIAgrE, SAC
Section 6 Environmental Health Impact Assessment
RICHARD GAULD BSC (HONS), IENG MINSTMC
Section 7 Traffic and Transportation
RICHARD GAULD BSC (HONS), IENG MINSTMC
Volume 2: Site Drawings, Maps and Photomontage Images
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 3
Section 1
Non-Technical Summary and Project Description
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 4
SECTION 1 CONTENTS SUMMARY 5
1 INTRODUCTION 6
2 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION 8
2.1 PROPOSED LOCATION 8 2.2 WIND ASSESSMENT 14 2.3 CARBON EMISSION AVOIDANCE 14 2.4 CONSULTATION AND ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS 14 2.5 PROJECT DESIGN STATEMENT 16 2.6 WIND TURBINE SELECTION 17 2.7 EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION 20 2.8 TRANSPORTATION 20 2.9 ROADS AND FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION SUMMARY 20 2.10 WIND TURBINE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 21 2.11 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 22 2.12 DECOMMISSIONING 22
3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PLANNING ISSUES 23
3.1 LOCAL INVOLVEMENT 23 3.2 GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY 23 3.3 NATIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT 23 3.4 STRUCTURE PLAN CONTEXT 24 3.5 ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN 25 3.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS 26
4 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 28
4.1 VISUAL IMPACT UPON THE LANDSCAPE 29 4.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 34 4.3 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE TO ARCHAEOLOGY 35 4.4 IMPACT UPON GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL FEATURES 36 4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DURING CONSTRUCTION 38 4.6 POLLUTION IMPACT DURING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE 38 4.7 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE FROM NOISE 39 4.8 POTENTIAL DISTURBANCE FROM SHADOW FLICKER 40 4.9 POTENTIAL RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE 41
5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PROPOSED MITIGATION 42
5.1 VISUAL IMPACT MITIGATION 42 5.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT MITIGATION 42 5.3 POLLUTION AVOIDANCE 43 5.4 MITIGATION OF NOISE DISTURBANCE AND SHADOW FLICKER NUISANCE 44 5.5 CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION IMPACT MITIGATION 44
6 CONCLUSIONS 45
7 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 46
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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Summary
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project is a locally owned wind project being developed by
farmers in the Methlick and Oldmeldrum areas of Aberdeenshire, with co-ordination by Mr Mike
Sobey. Orkney Sustainable Energy have been contracted to design the project on behalf of the farms.
It is proposed that up to six wind turbines be installed on land belonging to the farms, between the
communities of Methlick, Fyvie and Tarves, to the north of Oldmeldrum. The preliminary turbine
chosen for the development is the RePower MM70 2MW, manufactured in Germany and the UK. The
turbine model may change, subject to availability, however for the purposes of this report the MM70
has been used to show a typical machine for the development. The electricity generated will be traded
to meet the requirements of the Renewables Order (Scotland) 2002.
The concept of a locally owned wind energy development was initiated by the farmers concerned.
Following consultation with Aberdeenshire Council Planning department, approaches were made to
Aberdeenshire Council archaeology services, Historic Scotland, the Royal Society for the Protection
of Birds, Scottish Natural Heritage, Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, BAA, National
Air Traffic Services, OFCOM and the relevant telecommunications companies. No significant
concerns have been raised during preliminary consultation, although the SNH did indicate that the
project should consider likely impacts upon habitats, species and the landscape.
As a result of the various design studies, the development has been reduced in scale, with the wind
turbines positioned to avoid shadow impact and to have minimal noise impact upon neighbours. In
most cases a single wind turbine will be located at each farm, with the exception of Haddo, where the
greater clearance to neighbours has allowed an additional machine. Visual impact studies have been
completed, including a set of high quality photomontages and maps showing zones of visual influence.
Ecological impact has been considered, including a habitat survey, a mammal survey, and a breeding
bird survey. Detailed assessment on the archaeology of the site and surrounding area has been
completed and analysis of the development includes a geological and hydrogeological survey,
extensive modelling, a description of the wind turbines, detailed maps of the development and a
description of the construction process.
It was concluded that a small locally owned wind energy project is feasible for this part of
Aberdeenshire, with low impacts upon ecology and the local community. Strong social and economic
benefits can be achieved by constructing the windfarm, along with the associated climate change
benefits resulting from renewable energy production.
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 6
1 Introduction Aberdeenshire has the potential to become an important area for wind energy development; a
number of projects have been proposed for the county, primarily as large scale windfarms on
hilltop and forested locations. The Methlick Farmers project is an alternative to this pattern of
development, and has been designed as a small-scale cluster of wind turbines to avoid
dominating the landscape, while providing strong economic benefits necessary for the
economic security of the local farming community. The project shall also provide a further
contribution to the development of clean energy as encompassed within government policy.
Orkney Sustainable Energy were approached by the farmers concerned in the spring of 2006,
leading to a preliminary design and initial consultation. Once overall turbine heights had been
clarified, Defence Estates confirmed that they had no significant concerns, allowing detailed
ecological and environmental studies to begin. These studies reduced the number of wind
turbines proposed for the area, resulting in the detailed design and development of a six wind
turbine project, located on five different farms. The farmers have led the development
throughout the process.
The Methlick Farmers project has been designed around the RE Power MM70 2MW wind
turbine, however the actual turbine model may alter nearer the time of construction; the site
layout and all modelling has used a 55m turbine tower height and a maximum of 35m blade
length. There are 11 and 33 kV electricity transmission lines connecting the communities of
Methlick, Fyvie and Tarves, with the turbines connected to this system using underground
cabling via a switchgear building at each farm.
The average wind speed in this part of Aberdeenshire is predicted to be between 7.8 and 8.2
metres per second (m/s), compared with 10 m/s predicted at the summits of nearby hilltops.
These windspeeds are due to the lower elevation of the sites, chosen with the aim of reducing
visual effects and avoiding radar impact. Based on manufacturers predictions, six 2MW wind
turbines located on these farms will have a capacity factor of around 31% and produce 33,000
MWh of renewable electricity per annum, equivalent to the domestic requirements of 7000
households, assuming an average consumption of 4,700 kWh per annum.(Boardman et al 1997).
Electricity produced from renewable resources avoids the emission of pollution, and the
production of 33,000 MWh of wind electricity is projected to avert the production of around
5,000 tonnes of carbon per annum(Carbon Trust). The Methlick Farmers project provides a very
good contribution towards the Scottish Executive annual carbon reduction targets; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Climate-Change/.
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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This report is presented in eight sections: Section 1 is a project description of the
development, including non technical summaries of the environmental impacts, Section 2 of
the report is the specification of the RE Power MM70, Section 3 is the ecology report
completed by the SAC Conservation Services, Section 4 is an archaeology survey, Section 5
is a geology and hydrology report, Section 6 contains the results of noise and shadow flicker
assessment, Section 7 describes impact upon the road network and the construction of the site
tracks, and Volume 2 of the report contains the site plans and drawings, maps, wireframe
images and photomontages.
Figure 1.1 – Site location and turbine positions
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey Data, Crown Copyright Reserved. License No. 0100031673
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 8
2 Development description
This part of the report describes the activities involved in delivering and constructing the wind
energy project. The activities considered include civil engineering, transport of the equipment,
installation of the wind turbines, operation and maintenance of the project and eventual
decommissioning of the turbines.
2.1 Proposed location
The site for the development is on farmland between the communities of Methlick, Fyvie and
Tarves, north of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire. Single wind turbines are proposed at
Courtstone, Balgove, Hattonslap and Denhill, with two turbines proposed for Haddo. Each
location is a managed and farmed field, with the positions chosen to be on hard, metamorphic
underlying rock, figures 2.1 – 2.5. The grid references are as listed below, Table 2.1, with a
note of the base elevation and overall height of each installation above sea level, including
maximum wind turbine blade tip height. There will be a requirement for an external
switchgear housing at each farm with approximate dimensions of 5m by 3m by 3m, located
next to the overhead cables, where possible.
There are various sets of overhead wires travelling across this part of Aberdeenshire, mainly
used for the supply of farms and domestic properties in the area. The project will require
connection to this system, at either 11 or 33kV, and all site cabling will be underground. The
switchgear housing is designed to resemble a small garage or outbuilding, finished to match
nearby buildings.
Turbine Easting Northing Position elevation Tower top
elevation
Maximum
elevation
WT1 – Courtstone E384320 N833255 77m 132m 167m
WT2 – Hattonslap E380795 N833715 119m 174m 209m
WT3 – Denhill E379310 N835695 101m 156m 191m
WT4 – Haddo E381600 N837715 121m 176m 211m
WT5 – Haddo E381945 N837675 124m 179m 214m
WT6 – Balgove E382215 N833565 89m 144m 179m
Table 2.1 Wind turbine locations and heights
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 9
Figure 2.1 – Turbine 1, Courtstone
License No. 0100031673
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OSE/2586 10
Figure 2.2 – Turbine 2, Hattonslap
License No. 0100031673
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 11
Figure 2.3 – Turbine 6, Balgove
License No. 0100031673
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 12 Figure 2.4 – Turbine 3, Denhill
License No. 0100031673
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 13 Figure 2.5 – Turbines 4 and 5, Haddo
License No. 0100031673
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
OSE/2586 14
2.2 Wind assessment
Wind resource has been assessed using NOABL, the national wind speed database,
www.bwea.com. The square kilometre containing the Balgove turbine has an annual mean
windspeed of 7.8ms-1 at a height of 45m above ground level, and the square kilometre at
Haddo, the highest elevation, has a mean windspeed of 8.2 ms-1. Assuming a mean
windspeed across all five sites of 8 ms-1, six Re Power MM70 wind turbines will produce an
annual energy yield of approximately 33,000 MWh, equivalent to that consumed by at least
7,000 households in one year.
2.3 Carbon emission avoidance
In Scotland electricity is mainly produced by a mixture of nuclear, hydro, wind and fossil fuel
power stations, and in 2006 the increasing cost of gas has increased the use of coal, with a
corresponding increase in the volume of greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 emissions have been
identified as the primary cause of climate change, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
emissions are a cause of acid rain. Generation of this electricity by a mixture of conventional
fuels including oil, gas, coal and nuclear would result in pollution at a rate of 0.43T CO2 per
MWh of generation (Carbon Trust); a six turbine development in this part of Aberdeenshire will
therefore avoid the production of the following emissions (Boyle 1996):
• CO2 14,200 tonnes per annum
• SO2 550 to 800 tonnes per annum
• NOx 120 to 160 tonnes per annum
2.4 Consultation and alternative locations
The proposed layout of the project has evolved from consultation with statutory and local
organisations, and assessment of possible impacts upon neighbours. From an initial proposal
of fourteen wind turbines spread over eight farms, the layout and scale of the project has
evolved to become six 2MW wind turbines located on five farms, providing renewable energy
equivalent to that used by the surrounding communities, while at the same time
accommodating environmental and social constraints. Preliminary consultation on the
proposed wind turbines has been favourable, and there have been no significant concerns
raised by the statutory consultees. Initial concerns from SNH on the bird interests at the
Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie, MeikleLoch and Loch of Strathbeg Special Protection Areas
have been addressed, a mammal survey has been completed the visual impact of the
development has been addressed. Ecological studies have been undertaken by Dr Paul
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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Chapman of SAC, encompassing a breeding bird survey and assessment of impact upon
mammals and vegetation. Extensive photomontage modelling has been completed, along
with analysis of zones of theoretical visibility and possible cumulative impacts.
The following organisations have been consulted at various stages of the development:
• Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Archaeology • Historic Scotland, Edinburgh • RSPB, Aberdeen • SNH, Aberdeen • BAA and National Air Traffic Services, Aberdeen Airport • Ministry of Defence, Sutton Coldfield • Civil Aviation Authority, London • Ofcom, the radiocommunications agency, London • JRC on behalf of Scottish and Southern Energy • National Grid Wireless • British Telecom • CSS Spectrum Management Services Ltd; Scottish Water • Orange • T-Mobile • Grampian Fire Brigade communications
Wind energy development has been encouraged in Aberdeenshire, however there are
constraints to be considered. The wind turbines should not impact upon radar and
radiocommunications systems, should not be a nuisance to neighbours and should be far
enough away from properties to minimise noise and shadow effects. Other constraints
considered are impact upon ecological concerns, mainly birds, and to ensure that any
archaeological concerns are identified and impact avoided.
The general principal used when identifying the sites was to only consider non-designated
farmland for each development, to identify all neighbours and ensure minimal nuisance
levels, then to conduct detailed environmental assessment of the chosen area. Archaeological
surveys were conducted at each location, resulting in a change to the proposed siting of the
Courtstone and Hattonslap turbines. Ofcom, the radiocommunications agency indicated that
there is a major communications hub at Core Hill, to the west of the area, and following
consultation with all affected organisations and identification of all relevant microwave links,
the turbine positions were adjusted to provide a minimum of 100m clearance.
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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2.5 Project design statement
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project has been designed by identifying all ecological,
social and technical constraints in the area, then completing a range of detailed studies to
ensure that each site was generally suitable for a wind energy development. Through an
iterative process the turbine positions were then adjusted to produce an optimum layout.
Given the proximity of the Core Hill radiocommunications hub and the RAF Buchan,
Aberdeen Airport and Allans Hill radar stations, care has been taken to ensure that the
turbines are not visible to the aviation interests, and are positioned to ensure 100m clearance
from microwave links.
The wind turbines are to be positioned at varying elevations between 80 and 125m, in a
widely spaced layout. The wind turbine locations consist of areas of hardstanding nominally
25m by 40m, with the turbine foundations located below ground level. A temporary trench
will be excavated next to the track to accommodate the high voltage and telecommunications
cabling. The area of hardstanding is required for the construction and assembly process. The
cabling from each site is all underground, connecting to the National Grid at a switchgear
buildings, erected adjacent to existing overhead wires and farm buildings where possible.
To avoid shadow flicker nuisance, planning guidelines recommended that wind farm layouts
should consider the relative geometry of turbine positions and be positioned to a minimum of
10 rotor diameters from neighbouring properties where possible (PAN 45). Each turbine position
has been considered in turn, and shadow impact has been largely avoided by considering the
location of the turbine and the pattern of sun movement throughout the year. Noise from
wind turbines disperses naturally with distance, and reaches acceptable levels at around 450m.
Sound emissions and shadow flicker impacts are all within planning guidelines, as detailed in
Section 6 of this report.
The overall layout of the development has been chosen to reflect the pattern of scattered low
density housing and relatively small fields in the area, with single turbines located in fields
between neighbouring properties and communities. By ensuring wide spacing between
turbines overlapping rotors are avoided and the turbines can be considered as separate
developments from most viewpoints. The Haddo site is slightly different, given the much
greater clearances to neighbours and radio links, allowing a dual turbine development at this
location. Figure 2.6 is one of the project photomontages, clearly showing the low density
nature of the project layout.
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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2.6 Wind turbine selection
A range of alternative models has been considered, figure 2.7. It is intended that the project
should attempt to maximise generation within the identified constraints, with visual impact,
shadow effects, noise impact, transportation and grid capacity all important issues. All
turbine models are installed and operational in different parts of Scotland.
Figure 2.7 – Alternative wind turbines
Figure 2.6 – View from west of Tarves
75m 50m 25m
100m 75m 50m 25m
RE Power MM70 2MW Vestas V52 850 kWNordex N80 2.5MW
100m 125m NM 92 2.75MW
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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Vestas V52 – 850kW
Vestas has a range of machines available rated from 600 kW to 3 MW. The Vestas V52 is
rated at 850 kW and is partially manufactured in Scotland. This machine is an upwind design,
with a 52m diameter rotor, and variable operational speeds of 14 to 30 rpm. Tower height for
the V52 is 44m to 55m. Noise levels are low, and can be set at 100 dB(A) at a windspeed of 8
m/s. These turbines are IEC class 1A and can be recommended for sites where the annual
mean windspeed reaches 10 m/s. They are recommended for locations requiring low noise
emissions and good power quality, and the V52 was chosen for the nearby wind energy
project adjacent to Core Hill.
RE Power MM70 - 2MW
RE Power are relatively new manufacturers, and are concentrating on both the large offshore
and onshore markets. RE Power have recently constructed the two 5MW wind turbines for
the Beatrice offshore project in the Moray Firth. By using advanced technology, they have
produced machines which are relatively more efficient for the size of the rotor, with this
2MW turbine having a 35m blade rather than the more typical 40 to 42m. Noise levels are
also low, and can be set at 100 dB(A) by reducing rotor speed. This machine is an upwind
design, with a 70m diameter rotor, a tower height of 55m, variable speed operation of 12 to 19
rpm. Parts for this turbine are manufactured by Peter Brotherhood Ltd, in Peterborough.
Nordex N80 – 2.5MW
Nordex are a German/Danish company producing a small range of wind turbines between 1.3
and 2.5MW, primarily for the onshore market. The N80 is a 2.5MW wind turbine, and by
allowing the machine to run slightly faster than competing machines they have been able to
use a 40m blade rather than the more typical 42m. This machine is an upwind design, with an
80m diameter rotor, a tower height of 60m, variable speed operation of 15 to 20 rpm. Noise
levels are slightly higher than other equivalent machines due to the higher rotational speeds.
NEG-MiconNM92 – 2.75MW
The largest wind turbine operating onshore in the UK is the NEG Micon NM92, a 2.75MW
wind turbine. A 46m blade is used and although initially considered, the scale of this machine
was deemed to be too large for this type of farmland location, due to access difficulties. This
machine is an upwind design, with a 92m diameter rotor and a tower height of 60m.
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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Selection process
Each wind turbine has its own specific application. The Vestas V52 is manufactured in
Scotland, is very robust and quiet, and has very good installed costs per kW. The RE Power
turbine is also quiet with good installed cost per kW, with much higher power levels. The
Nordex N80 was a possibility, however the higher operational speed results in greater noise
emissions and delivery of the larger components can be difficult in this part of Scotland.
Given the design requirements of maximum power production while avoiding major road
construction, reducing visual impact, and the need to ensure minimal influence on neighbours,
the REpower MM70 was identified as being the most appropriate, providing more than twice
the power of the V52 along with a 40% reduction in rotational speed, from a 9m increase in
blade length. To match the output using the smaller V52 would require a windfarm of 15
wind turbines, compared with the 6 now proposed. Machine availability may change at the
time of construction, and accordingly the planning application has allowed for a standard
turbine with a blade length of 35m and a tower height of 55m, giving a maximum overall
height of 90m.
Figure 2.8 – RE Power MM70 2MW
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2.7 Equipment specification
Item Specification RE Power MM70 Wind turbine Structure:
Colour of machine Tower type Tower base diameter Hub height Total height
Light grey, matt finish, RAL 7035 Tubular conical steel 4 m 55 m 90 m
Rotor: Number of blades Blade material Rotor diameter Swept rotor area Rotational speed
3 GRP monocoque 70 m 3,850 m2
Variable 12 - 19 rpm Switchgear building Dimensions Material Finish Total height
Rectangular building 3 m by 5 m Concrete block Pebble dash, to be agreed 3.5 m
Table 2.2 Main specifications
2.8 Transportation
Section 7 of this report contains an assessment of transportation to site, including analysis of
corners, turns and bridges. The turbine components will be delivered by sea from the German
factory to Aberdeen then delivered by extended trailer along the A947 past Dyce and
Oldmeldrum to the project location. It is intended that turbines 1, 4 and 5 will follow the
minor B9170 road to the north of Oldmeldrum, with 2 and 6 delivered along the minor road
to Barthol Chapel past Tulloford, before travelling on to each separate site. Turbine 3 will all
be delivered along the minor road to the north of St Katherines. There will likely be the need
for some minor corner widening at the junctions off the A947, at the minor road leading to
Barthol Chapel and at the entrances to each farm. The RE Power MM70 has a 34m long
blade, while the largest tower section would be 30m long, and no wider than 4m. Maximum
weight is 30T for the bottom tower section, 60T for the nacelle, and the blades weigh a total
of 16T.
2.9 Roads and foundation construction summary
The road and track material will be extracted during construction of the turbine tracks
foundations and from existing quarries in Aberdeenshire. Stone and concrete will be supplied
locally where possible, and the foundation construction must be completed a month in
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advance of turbine delivery and assembly. Each farm will have improved access roads to
allow delivery of the components, all shown in figures 2.1 – 2.5, using existing tracks where
possible. The track layouts have been designed to minimise visual impact where possible by
following field boundaries.
a. Establish widened entrances to the site access tracks from public roads.
b. Fill and level the existing tracks.
c. Used crushed stone to provide hard standing, graded to match existing slopes.
d. Site office, mess, toilets and any materials storage to be sited on hard standing adjacent
to the location of the switchgear buildings.
e. Roadways to be constructed with crushed rock from suitable excavated foundation
material, with sub-base and bottoming layers of quarried stone as required.
f. Excavate top soil and glacial till and cast foundation block on hard strata and bedrock.
g. Roadways and hardstanding are to be unsurfaced and porous with filter strips, and will
not require active drainage.
h. Reinstatement of site tracks - no side slopes and track to be flush with existing ground.
i. Topsoil fill - finish to merge with existing slopes and reseed to match adjacent land.
2.10 Wind turbine construction programme
The detailed turbine construction programme will be issued at the time of construction, but
can be summarised as follows. The components for the turbines will be delivered to site
using extending trailers. Cranes will be needed to offload from the transporters and to lift and
assemble the components. A 500T telescopic crane will be required:
1 Deliver and install the transformers into foundations.
2 Erect the lower tower sections directly off the trailer onto the foundation;
3 Deliver the upper tower sections and nacelles to the site;
4 Erect the upper tower sections and nacelles;
5 Deliver three sets of blades to the site and assemble on hubs into rotors;
6 Lift and install rotor assemblies on the turbine nacelles.
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This would be the optimum and most efficient construction sequence, though it should be
recognised that the weather at the time of construction may impact upon the erection
programme. Full consultation will take place with the local community to minimise
disruption.
2.11 Operation and maintenance
Operations and maintenance will be under the control of the operational company to be
established by the farms concerned. Over the operational lifetime of the project the wind
turbines will require periodic inspection to maintain the condition of the machinery and
structures. There will be an initial period during which it is expected that fault-finding and
system fine-tuning will take place on a weekly basis, leading to a once per month inspection
and maintenance programme. In addition, there will be an annual service to check and inspect
the blades, fastenings and oil quality. Every five years there will be an extended service and
maintenance period, with every subsystem inspected, and overhaul of the turbines carried out.
The turbine gearbox is self-contained, requiring an annual inspection; an oil change should
only be needed if there was sign of degradation in quality. The blade and main brake
activation systems are under hydraulic control, with this oil recycled on a five-yearly
sequence.
Modern wind turbines are well engineered and are designed to operate on extreme sites for
over twenty years. Consequently major failure of the turbine components is not predicted
during normal operating conditions and accordingly the possibility of blade or tower failure is
extremely unlikely to occur. In any event the project is located well away from housing and
public roads, with only limited access to the site. The probability of members of public being
at risk from a turbine during operations and maintenance is therefore extremely low and
insignificant.
2.12 Decommissioning
The expected operational lifetime of the project is 25 years, with the structures then removed
from site. The steel, other metals and oils within the structures will be recycled. The blades
are classed as standard waste and would be handled through the normal disposal system. It is
proposed that the areas of stone forming the hard-standings would be removed, and the
foundations soil covered and landscaped at the end of the project. The access tracks will be
left in place.
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3 Socio-economic and planning issues
3.1 Local involvement
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project was initiated by the farmers concerned and has
been designed and developed to provide environmental, economic and social benefits to the
farming community in this part of Aberdeenshire. A renewable energy project was
considered ideal for developing the viability of the farms by providing sustainable economic
diversification, and assessment of the area indicated that the site would be appropriate for a
scattered wind energy cluster. Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd were retained to provide
advice to the farms, and have become responsible for design and planning.
3.2 Governance and sustainability
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project is a viable mechanism of diversification, and is to
be locally owned and controlled. The project developers have taken an open approach to the
development and have conducted preliminary consultation with a broad range of statutory
agencies. By consulting at an early stage of the development and by adjusting the
development to take into account sensitive habitats, birds, landscape and proximity to
neighbours, the project partners have demonstrated good governance, and it is felt that the
wind project is a good example of sustainable development.
The project is economically viable and is considered to be of key significance in ensuring the
future vitality of the farms, with financial benefits accruing from electricity production. The
financial returns from the development will compensate each farm for the loss of land
required for tracks and foundations, and the project has been structured to provide meaningful
revenue, while at the same time offering an alternative to the large scale exploitation of
commercial windfarms.
3.3 National planning context
The project has been designed and planned using the recommendations and advice contained
within Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments (BWEA), NPPG 6: Renewable
Energy Developments(Scottish Executive 2000), Planning Advice Notes PAN 45: Renewable Energy
Technologies (Scottish Executive 2002), PAN 56: Planning and Noise (Scottish Executive 1999), PAN 58:
Environmental Impact Assessment (Scottish Executive 1999) and PAN 68: Design Statements (Scottish
Executive 2003), the SNH Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of Windfarms (SNH Publications),
Final Report Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project August 2006
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the DTI Final Report on the Assessment of Noise from windfarms (ETSU 1996) and the
Guidelines on Wind Energy and Aviation Interests from the Defence and Civil Aviation
Interests Working Group(ETSU 2002). The project has also considered Scottish Planning Policy
15: Planning for Rural Development, and PAN 73: Rural Diversification(Scottish Executive 2006).
The overarching aim of the Scottish Executive, as detailed in the above policies and advice
notes is to have a prosperous rural economy, with a stable or increasing population that is
more balanced in terms of age structure, and where rural communities have reasonable access
to good quality services. SPP15 and PAN73 in particular indicate that planning authorities
should take a more welcoming stance to development in rural Scotland and proactively enable
and help create opportunities for development in sustainable locations, and in addition rural
diversification should be embraced to help businesses and farmers start new enterprises in
appropriate circumstances and at an appropriate scale.
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project is a rural diversification scheme: “Rural
Diversification helps to broaden the economic activity of rural areas, providing opportunity
and creating a more balanced and stable economy.” (PAN73) This Advice Note goes on to
further discuss the diversity of the rural economy, “There are many activities that make a
valuable contribution to the rural economy that are less immediately obvious such
as…quarrying, waste disposal, hydro-electric schemes and wind turbines”.
3.4 Structure Plan context
In December 2004 Aberdeenshire Council published a Renewable Energy Strategy for the
county (Aberdeenshire Council 2005). In section 1.1, the strategy states: “The generation of electrical
energy from renewable sources has considerable potential in Aberdeenshire. The generation
of renewable energy is increasingly being seen as a necessary component of strategies to
address climate change, fuel poverty and in promoting sustainable development.” and in
section 1.9 the strategy suggests that the Council should “…promote actions, principally
through the land use planning system, which will promote an increase of renewable energy in
Aberdeenshire.”
The Renewable Energy Strategy document has the following vision statement, section 2.5:
“Aberdeenshire Council will encourage the Aberdeenshire community to work towards
generating its own energy requirements using renewable energy technologies, and to make a
net contribution to national and global energy needs through the use of renewable energy
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sources for the benefit of the environment, the economic health of the area and to promote
sustainable communities.” In section 3, the aims of the strategy are clarified:
• Efficient resource use to reduce reliance on fossil fuel;
• Make the most appropriate use of land and infrastructure in the generation and
transmission of renewable energy;
• Minimise global and long term impacts, maximising natural benefits and promoting
sustainable communities through the application of local solutions to energy needs;
• Promote economic development through the expansion of a developing renewable
energy industry;
• Safeguard sites and ensure that land use planning decisions are made in the holistic
consideration of lifetime energy use and all potential benefits;
• Promote diversity and access to sustainable fuel types, meeting the need for security
and continuity of supply now and in an uncertain future.
These aims are to be achieved through a series of strategic objectives, principally providing
favourable consideration of renewable energy projects in the planning system, particularly at a
local level.
3.5 Aberdeenshire Council Local Plan
Aberdeenshire Council have produced a set of guidelines for developers of renewable energy
projects, (Aberdeenshire Council 2005), and the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Structure Plan 2001-
2016, adopted on 21st December 2001, favourably considers renewable energy facilities
subject to ecological, transportation, landscape and amenity considerations. Policy 26 of the
Structure Plan sets out a sequential exploration of tiered planning designations, which all
wind farm proposals are assessed against. The tiered approach is used as a basis for deciding
planning applications and identifying areas of search. Policy Inf\7 of the finalised
Aberdeenshire Local Plan relates specifically to wind energy development, and indicates that
wind energy developments in Tier 4 areas should be approved if designed in accordance with
the following criteria:
• The proposal should be set back from roads and railways to at least the height of the
turbines proposed;
• There should be no electro-magnetic interference to communications systems, radar,
air traffic control systems, or adversely affect radio or TV reception;
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• It has been demonstrated that no part of the development will have a detrimental
impact upon airports, aircraft flight paths or MoD low-flying areas;
• The proposal has acceptable impacts on sites of importance to natural heritage,
national and local landscape designations, and areas of local ecological importance;
• The proposal does not have an adverse effect on public access for walking, cycling or
horse riding;
• The proposal should be appropriate in terms of the scale and nature of the setting of
listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeological sites and historic gardens and
designated landscapes;
• The proposal should be sited to minimise adverse impact, and turbines should be
located more than 400m from dwellings to minimise risk from ice throw, shadow
flicker, visual intrusion and the likely effects of noise intrusion;
• The proposal should not result in the material loss of amenity to other sensitive
receptors, such as those involved in leisure or recreation;
• The proposal should consider cumulative effects of neighbouring wind turbines or
wind farm developments.
The Methlick Farmers wind energy project is a small scale development, as defined by
Aberdeenshire Council, located in a Tier 4 area, and has been designed in accordance with the
above recommendations. It is felt that the project fits well within the aims and vision of the
Aberdeenshire Council Renewable Energy Strategy, and is a good example of a sustainable
development, and important rural diversification.
3.6 Socio-economic benefits
Development of a wind energy industry is predicted to have significant economic and
environmental benefits. With Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire both strongly committed to
encouraging community renewable energy developments, it is felt that the Methlick Farmers
project is particularly appropriate and relevant to the socio-economic development of this part
of Aberdeenshire. Although the wind turbines will be manufactured in England and
Germany, there will be additional design, civil and electrical engineering requirements,
approaching one third of the total project costs. The development team intends to ensure that
much if not all of this work is completed by local organisations. New long term employment
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opportunities will also arise from the project, with local support necessary for the long term
operation and maintenance of the site.
Wind energy projects in Scotland have been mainly developer-owned, with project profits
diverted from local economies. Exceptions to this have been the Burray wind energy project
in Orkney, where there has been a commitment to encourage local investment in wind energy
developments, and the community wind energy project on Gigha. The Methlick Farmers
project will be a locally-owned project, ensuring continuing capital investment in the area,
and maintaining and creating new employment opportunities in a rural economy.
The project partners have developed the Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project to
substantially improve the social and economic conditions for the farming community in this
part of Aberdeenshire. This is a typical rural community, with high out-migration of young
people and a general lack of social and economic opportunities, particularly for the young.
Overall, the project aims to tackle these problems by considering a range of measures,
detailed below:
• Construct a low density cluster of up to six locally-owned wind turbines;
• Develop and establish a local renewable energy company;
• Invest in community social and economic development projects;
• Provide a community fund to be administered by the local community associations;
• Invest in Scottish companies during project design, development and construction;
• Broaden and strengthen the local economic base to maintain and provide new full time
employment over the next 25 years.
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4 Summary of environmental impacts The environmental impacts and benefits of wind energy projects are largely recognised,
however both the specific implications of constructing a wind energy project in this part of
Aberdeenshire and the possible cumulative effects of other wind energy projects in the area
require consideration. The Methlick Farmers wind energy project is located in an area of
rolling farmland, situated between the communities of Fyvie, Methlick and Tarves. The area
has a long history of cultivation, land improvement and grazing, evident by the scarcity of
nature reserves or other designated sites. The turbines are to be positioned on field
boundaries on five different farms, on underlying metamorphic bedrock. The following
concerns have been addressed in detail, summarised below:
• visual impact upon the landscape
• ecological impact
• geological and hydrology impact
• environmental impact during construction and operation
• pollution impact during construction and operation
• disturbance from noise
• shadow flicker nuisance
• impact on archaeology
• radio communications interference
From the outset the landowners expressed the desire to minimise the environmental impact of
the project, with independent studies completed as part of the assessment. Consideration of
the Aberdeenshire Council supplementary planning guidance indicated that this project can be
considered as a small scale development, with the turbines becoming an integral part of, but
not dominating, the surrounding countryside. Assessment of the ecology across the five
farms was completed by the SAC Conservation Services, and includes breeding bird surveys,
an assessment of mammals and analysis of soil and rock at each turbine location. An
assessment of the risk to archaeology has been conducted, noise impact has been predicted
using a cumulative geometric spreading calculation, and the risk of shadow impact at
neighbouring properties has been assessed.
Impact upon sensitive habitats has been avoided, impact upon bird species will not be
significant, and although there is archaeology in the area, the turbine positions and the access
tracks have been located to avoid known sites. Noise, shadow flicker and pollution impacts
will not be significant and the wind turbines have been positioned to avoid interference with
radio-communications systems.
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4.1 Visual impact upon the landscape
To aid assessment of the visual impact of the development, a series of wireframe images and
photomontages has been produced, Volume 2 of the report. Maps showing the Zone of
Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) of the project have also been produced, showing the theoretical
locations where the turbines can be seen.
The turbines present a simple, clear relationship to the landform and other existing features;
cluttered, overlapping, unbalanced and partial views have been avoided by using a low
density layout. Unlike other developments in the area the turbines are not located on hill tops,
ridges or other exposed areas, allowing the use of longer blades and taller towers. The
turbines have been positioned back from roads, and site access has been designed to use the
existing tracks where possible. The project switchgear buildings are mainly located away
from the turbines and positioned adjacent to farm buildings, near to existing overhead cables.
There are no National Scenic Areas in this part of Aberdeenshire, and no areas of Great
Landscape Value. The wind turbines have been located to achieve minimum impact, giving a
logical relationship with field boundaries. This area is on the border between Formatine and
Banff and Buchan, and the visual impact has considered the South and Central Aberdeenshire
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) (SNH 1998), and the Banff and Buchan LCA (SNH 1997).
All turbine locations are in Formantine, with the landscape defined as Agricultural Heartland,
and the area described as Northern Rolling Lowlands, figure 4.1. The LCA indicates that this
type of landscape can be considered appropriate for wind energy development.
Zone of Theoretical Visibility
Zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) diagrams were generated using the WindFarm
programme along with Ordnance Survey gridded topographic ‘Panorama’ data, figure 4.2.
This shows the theoretical extent of visibility of the project, measured to uppermost tip height,
assuming very clear weather conditions. A 30km boundary has been chosen, in accordance
with the recommendations in ‘Visual Assessment of Windfarms: Best Practice’, though it
should be considered that in very clear conditions the site may be seen from areas beyond this
boundary, and similarly no account has been taken of the reduction of views through
obstruction by the extensive forested area and buildings in local communities. The ZTV is
largely contained within 5 to 10km from the site, reflecting the largely flat and rolling nature
of the countryside, with Core Hill to the west blocking views. Single turbines will mainly be
seen from Tarves and Fyvie, and partially from Oldmeldrum and Methlick.
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Figure 4.1 – Landscape Character, SNH
Wind project
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Figure 4.2 – Maximum Zone of Theoretical Visibility Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Licence number 0100031673
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Impact on Visual Resource
The significance of the impact of the development on the area was considered from 20
viewpoints, selected from the ZTV, with 27 separate photomontages produced. Only
viewpoints from which the turbines should be visible have been used, however at many
locations extensive tree cover blocks the view.. The factors used when selecting viewpoints
included the quality of the landscape, whether or not there are any discordant or prominent
features, the type and number of possible viewers and any historical context. Due the low
density nature of this development, the nearer viewpoints have a range of viewing angles to
show all wind turbines visible at each location.
Wireframe images and photomontages have been produced using the WindFarm software
programme, a recognised tool used to help design wind energy projects. Photographs were
taken from each of the following viewpoints, mainly on clear or slightly cloudy days to show
maximum visibility. A digital camera was used to produce the images, however a
conventional SLR camera with a 50mm lens was initially used to determine the correct focal
length, ensuring the images matched that seen by the human eye.
1: Barthol Chapel, looking SE and SW 11: Auchmaliddie
2: Ardmeddan, N, NNE and NE 12: A948 north of Ellon
3: St Katherines, looking NE and E 13: Forvie sands
4: Fyvie 14: Brimmond Hill
5: Gight crossroads 15: West of Tarves
6: B9170 east of Methlick, W and SW 16: Woodhead, SE and SSE
7: Haddo House Gardens 17: Bellmuir S.A.M.
8: A947 south of Oldmeldrum 17A: Above Bellmuir
9: Bennachie Mither Tap 18: Gight Castle
10: Towie Barclay Castle entrance 19: Haddo Deer Statues, W & NW
Cumulative Impact
Cumulative impact is not an important issue for the Methlick Farmers project. Figure 4.3
shows the ZVT of the Mackies wind turbine erected next to Core Hill, and figure 4.4 shows
cumulative impact analysis. Although the Mackies development uses a smaller V52 wind
turbine, this machine is located on a much more prominent location, and is visible over a
much greater area than any of the Methlick turbines. It can be seen that only the farms
concerned and the community around Methlick itself have the potential for cumulative impact
from the Methlick Farmers turbines.
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Figure 4.3 – ZTV of Mackie’s wind turbine, Core Hill
Figure 4.4 – Cumulative assessment of Methlick Farmers and Mackie’s wind turbines
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4.2 Ecological Impact
Analysis of the Aberdeenshire planning guidance for wind development suggested that there
were no designated ecological areas within the boundary of each site, and consultation with
SNH revealed three Sites of Special Scientific Interest, all outwith the farms concerned.
Breeding bird and mammal surveys were completed by Dr Paul Chapman of SAC
Conservation Services on 22/23 June 2006 and 21/24 July 2006 to determine the birds present
within a 500 m radius of the wind turbine sites, and the protected mammals within a 200m
radius of the sites and their access routes. Section 3 of this report includes the full
assessment, along with details of all adjacent SSSIs.
A total of 29 species of bird showed evidence of breeding within the survey areas over the
two visits, including eight red-listed species of conservation concern. Balgove held the
highest number of red-listed species and territories, while Haddo and Courtstone held the
least.
It is estimated that one pair of Linnets, two pairs of Yellowhammers and two pairs of
buzzards are at risk of disturbance or displacement if all six turbine sites are developed. One
pair of Skylarks, two pairs of lapwing and three pairs of curlew are also at risk of
displacement although the distribution of these species is likely to vary from year to year
depending on the crop rotation. The combinations of species’ sensitivity and impact
magnitude involved in these potential changes all represent low significance impacts.
The ground nesting species (skylark and waders) showed a strong preference for naturally
regenerated set-aside. Ensuring that this type of habitat is kept away from the immediate
vicinity of the wind turbines will ensure that the impacts remain low.
Twenty species of birds were observed flying over the survey areas including four red-listed
species which were observed in very low numbers and are at low risk of impact. The species
at consistently greatest risk of bird strike are the wood pigeon and rook, which are low
sensitivity species and thus the overall significance of any impact will be low. The risk of
bird-strike for some flocking species could be reduced by avoiding the creation of attractive
feeding areas in the immediate vicinity of the turbine sites, such as naturally regenerated set-
aside or, in the case of gulls, outwintered pigs
As the survey was a breeding season survey only, it is not possible to assess the risk of bird
strike or displacement at other times of the year, although the nearest main goose roost is at
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the Meikle Loch, 18 km to the east, which would suggest that large numbers of geese are
unlikely to feed in the area.
There is no evidence that protected mammals are present in close proximity to the turbine
sites, although it is possible that bats may roost within the woodland to the south east of the
Courtstone site.
4.3 Potential disturbance to archaeology
A walkover surveys of the sites and the track routes was conducted by the project
archaeologist, Section 4. The objectives were to identify and describe any known sites and to
anticipate the potential for unknown archaeology within the immediate environs of each site,
to assess the potential impacts of the developments, and to identify measures to mitigate any
adverse impacts. The following information resources were used:
the National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS), compiled by the Royal Commission of Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), and accessed through the on-line CANMORE database (www.rcahms.gov.uk)
the PASTMAP on-line database of sites and monuments with statutory protection, also compiled by RCAHMS and accessed at www.rcahms.gov.uk
the regional Sites and Monuments Record, compiled by Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus Archaeology Service, accessible at [email protected] and the PASTMAP online database.
maps, with particular emphasis on the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 County Series first edition of 1878 (accessed at www.old-maps.co.uk ), and the current OS 1:25000 Explorer series map of the area (no. 426, Banff, Macduff & Turriff, issued 2002).
The walkover survey of the development area and the immediate surroundings was made in
July 2006. Any archaeological features which were encountered were located in relation to
the site plans and their locations confirmed by hand-held GPS, and recorded by written
description and digital photography. Weather conditions were mainly dry, although with
murky visibility.
In terms of physical impact on currently recorded archaeological sites and features, there
appears to be no major obstacles for the project proceeding to construction. Only one
location, Hattonslap, requires significant mitigation in the form of a watching brief on
construction activity, although a minor ancillary element of the Courtstone location should
also receive a watching brief. Repeat field visits will be needed for four of the five turbine
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fields which were in crop at the time of the main site visits, although the results are not
expected to create substantial change to the recommendations due to successive ploughing
regimes.
Analysis of indirect impacts on nationally important sites near to the wind turbine locations
has also been completed, including the Scheduled Ancient Monuments at Bellmuir, Gight and
Fyvie Castle, and possible impact upon visitors to the Historic Garden & Designated
Landscapes of Haddo House, Fyvie Castle and Pitmedden Gardens, figure 4.5. From visual
analysis it is clear that there is no turbine visibility at Fyvie Castle and Pitmedden Gardens,
and no loss of Public Amenity Value is predicted. At Haddo House the dense forestry
obscures visual impact for all but one location, near to the deer statues at the elevated area to
the SE of the estate. At this one location only fleeting glimpses of two turbines is predicted,
however the deer statues location is not featured in any suggested walks in the estate, and is
only rarely visited; loss of Public Amenity Value is predicted to be minimal.
Figure 4.5 – Designated archaeological and historical sites
4.4 Impact upon Geological and Hydrological features
An assessment of the geology and the hydrogeological features of the area was conducted
with reference to maps produced by the British Geological Survey, Section 5. This survey
identified the extent of superficial deposits in the area, mainly glacial till soils, along with
sand and gravel along the Ythan. The bedrock geology in this part of Aberdeenshire is mainly
Upper Dalradian quartz-mica-schist and slate metamorphic at the development sites, figure
4.6. The turbines have been positioned upon the areas of hard metamorphic quartzite schist.
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Figure 4.6 – Bedrock geology and superficial deposits
Gavin Elrick of SAC Environmental completed a soil and hydrological investigation of the
six turbine sites on the 14th of August 2006, including trial excavations at each turbine
location, with reference to the following resources:
‘Soil Survey of Scotland’, 1: 25000 Scale map Sheets NJ73 and NJ 83.
‘Land Capability for Agriculture’, Map No. 30.
‘The Design of Field Drainage Pipe Systems’ MAFF Ref. 345.
‘The Climate of the Agricultural Areas of Scotland’, Met. Office, Ref. 108.
FEH CD-ROM 1999 – CEH Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford.
Flood Studies Report – Winter Rain Acceptance Potential.
The site investigations confirmed 300 to 500mm of topsoil at each turbine location, then
varying depths of stony material. Pit depths of around 3m were achieved at each location,
with the exception of T5 – Haddo, where hard rock was found at a depth of 1.7m. All
excavations were also dry with the exception of T4 – Haddo, where water seepage was found
at a depth of 2.7m. The main hydrological features in the area are the river Ythan, which
travels west – east, around 1km north of turbines T3,T4 and T5, the Den Burn to the west of
T3, and the various tributaries and drains that feed into Keithfield lake, east of Courtstone.
The soils throughout the area are described as till derived from slate, andalusite-schist and
schistose grit, reflecting the underlying geology, and is free draining at each turbine location.
The main concern raised by the hydrology assessment was to ensure that the construction of
the roads and hardstanding areas should not alter run-off, and that the mitigation should
incorporate buffer zones to ensure water courses are not affected – part 5, below.
Haddo
Denhill
HattonslapBalgove Courtstone
Till - diamicton
Glacial sandand gravel
Alluvium – clay, silt and sand
Haddo
Denhill
Hattonslap
BalgoveCourtstone
Quartz-mica-schist, grit, slate and phyllite(Upper Dalradian) - metamorphic
Quartzite grit,interstratified quartzose-mica-schist- metamorphic
Quartzose-mica-schist -metamorphic
Gabbro -igneous
Granite- igneous
Granite- igneous
Superficial deposits Bedrock geology
Haddo
Denhill
HattonslapBalgove Courtstone
Till - diamictonTill - diamictonTill - diamicton
Glacial sandand gravelGlacial sandand gravelGlacial sandand gravel
Alluvium – clay, silt and sandAlluvium – clay, silt and sandAlluvium – clay, silt and sand
Haddo
Denhill
Hattonslap
BalgoveCourtstone
Quartz-mica-schist, grit, slate and phyllite(Upper Dalradian) - metamorphicQuartz-mica-schist, grit, slate and phyllite(Upper Dalradian) - metamorphicQuartz-mica-schist, grit, slate and phyllite(Upper Dalradian) - metamorphic
Quartzite grit,interstratified quartzose-mica-schist- metamorphic
Quartzite grit,interstratified quartzose-mica-schist- metamorphic
Quartzite grit,interstratified quartzose-mica-schist- metamorphic
Quartzose-mica-schist -metamorphic
Quartzose-mica-schist -metamorphic
Quartzose-mica-schist -metamorphic
Gabbro -igneousGabbro -igneousGabbro -igneous
Granite- igneousGranite- igneousGranite- igneous
Granite- igneousGranite- igneousGranite- igneous
Superficial deposits Bedrock geology
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4.5 Environmental impact during construction
The maximum volume of topsoil that could be disturbed is approximately 2750 m3, consisting
of access tracks and hard standing areas, a total area of 11,000 m2 at an average depth of
0.25m. Assuming that the soils in this area have 0.069 tonnes of carbon per cubic metre of
soil Chapman et al, the carbon content of this volume of soil is estimated to be 190 tonnes. The
carbon emission factor of grid electricity is 0.117 T/MWh (Carbon Trust) therefore six 2MW wind
turbines in this area provides on average 90MWh per day, and a positive carbon balance of
10.5 T per day; 18 days of generation are required to compensate for the potential carbon
released from the soil. It should be noted that the construction process will endeavour to
retain the integrity of the soil systems to avoid the release of carbon, and it is intended that all
soil will be reused in other parts of the farms.
The foundation manufacture will require approximately 1200m3 of concrete. It is recognised
that the production of concrete is responsible for the emission of CO2, from both the energy
required and from the calcining of limestone when producing cement; 1200 m3 of concrete
requires 540T of cement, and assuming 1.25T of CO2 per tonne, IPCC Working Group II, p661, 675 T
of CO2 would be emitted. Using a CO2 avoidance factor of 0.43T CO2/MWh, the wind
turbines provide a positive CO2 balance of 38T per day; 18 days of generation is required to
compensate for the carbon dioxide released during concrete manufacture.
There will be an increase in traffic levels during foundation construction and upgrading of the
access track, and during mobilisation and installation of the turbines. This will however only
occur over a short period of time. 30 loads of turbine components will be transported to site,
with up to 5 loads of components for a 500T telescopic crane. A total of approximately
1.25km of new tracks and 1.85km of upgraded access tracks are to be constructed, all to be
4m wide. A maximum of around 6300 m3 of stone will be required for the track and hard
standing construction. It is expected that some stone will be recovered during foundation
manufacture, with the remainder coming from Aberdeenshire quarries.
4.6 Pollution impact during construction and maintenance
The construction activities during mobilisation and installation of the turbines represent the
greatest risk of pollution. This may be through operational discharges or as the result of an
unplanned or accidental event. Measures will be taken to protect against the release of any
material with the potential to leach into the soil or water courses. All temporary welfare
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facilities will be located away from the site, within the substation locations or adjacent
farmyards. Details of proposed pollution prevention measures are included in Part 5, below.
4.7 Potential disturbance from noise
Section 6 of this report is the Environmental Health Impact Assessment, which addresses
potential noise effects, along with shadow throw and flicker impact. Noise is generated by the
turbine blades passing through the air as the hub rotates, along with mechanical noise from
the gearbox and generator. Noise from the turbine blades is reduced by good design,
particularly of the blade tip. Noise is measured in decibels (dB) and is a measure of the sound
pressure level; a 1dB change in noise level is just perceptible, a 3dB change in noise level is
clearly perceptible and a 10dB change in noise level is heard as a doubling or halving of the
perceived level. Environmental noise measurement is made in dB(A) which more fully
represents sounds heard by the human ear. Background noise levels naturally increase with
windspeed, PAN 56, and it should be considered that noise levels from the turbines will decrease
further due to ground affects and barrier attenuation. Table 4.1 shows the predicted impact at
the neighbours to individual turbines along with other indicative environmental noise levels.
Source/Activity Indicative noise level dB (A)Threshold of hearing 0
Rural night-time background 20-40 Methlick wind turbines 32-40 Quiet bedroom 35 Busy road at 5km 35-45 Car at 65 km/h at 100m 55 Busy general office 60 Conversation 60 Truck at 50kmh at 100m 65 City traffic 90 Pneumatic drill at 7m 95 Jet aircraft at 250m 105 Threshold of pain 140
Table 4.1 – Indicative noise levels in the environment
The Planning Advice Note on Renewable Energy Technologies, PAN 45 provides
information on noise from wind turbines. Paragraph 65 states: "Well designed wind turbines
are generally quiet in operation". The document goes on to discuss the sources of noise and
the effects of increasing wind speed on wind turbine noise and background noise. It notes that
the report “The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms” ETSU-R-97, describes a
framework for the measurement of wind farm noise and gives indicative noise levels thought
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to offer a reasonable degree of protection to windfarm neighbours, without placing
unreasonable restrictions on wind farm development or adding unduly to the costs and
administrative burdens on wind farm developers or planning authorities.
The impact of noise from these wind turbines is not expected to be significant. The noise
levels from the RE Power MM70 is adjustable, and can be set at a range of levels from 100
dB(A) to 104 dB(A). This value decreases with distance from the turbine and with
atmospheric absorption. When considering the impact from a windfarm, the noise levels from
individual wind turbines must be combined, and calculations should consider all wind
turbines operating at maximum speed and power.
The turbines are located between 410 and 665m from the nearest neighbours to each site, and
with extensive tree cover at the properties and a low density layout, it is suggested that a
simplified assessment is sufficient. The predicted sound levels achieve the ETSU-R-97 limits
of 35 to 40 dB(A) at residential locations and these noise levels are below the recommended
amenity hours noise limits.
4.8 Potential disturbance from shadow flicker
Under certain combinations of geographical position, time of day and time of year, the sun
may pass behind the rotor of a wind turbine and cast a shadow over neighbouring properties.
This would normally occur in late evening or early morning when the sun is at low elevations.
When the wind turbine blades rotate the shadow appears to flick on and off, creating an effect
known as shadow flicker, and is noticeable only in buildings when viewed through narrow
window openings.
Planning advice note PAN45 recommends 10 rotor diameter separation between the wind
turbines and the nearby dwellings to avoid shadow nuisance, and the Methlick project
achieves this recommendation at most locations. Nevertheless the potential for shadow
effects was checked for a selection of neighbouring properties around each site using the
WINDFARM software tool, regardless of the distance, with full results and graphs shown in
Section 6. It has been presumed that windows face directly on towards the turbines to
produce worst case examples. For locations where neighbours are nearer than 700m, and are
in locations subject to shadow effects, a mechanism of automatically shutting down the
turbine at the correct times on sunny days will be installed, Section 2 – Wind Turbine
Description.
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4.9 Potential radiocommunications interference When a wind turbine is positioned near to a radar, radio, television, or microwave transmitter
system, it may reflect some of the electromagnetic radiation in such a way that a reflected
signal interferes with the original signal as it arrives at the receiver; this can cause the
received signal to become distorted and lead to interference. The extent of any
electromagnetic interference caused by a wind turbine, beyond positioning, depends mainly
on the blade materials and the surface shape of the tower. Electromagnetic interference may
also occur if a wind turbine is close to a radio communications service. Consultation with the
Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, and National Air Traffic Services indicated
that there will be no objections provided there are no impacts upon their radar systems.
The Radiocommunications Agency, now OFCOM, indicated that there is a major
telecommunications hub at Core Hill, to the west of the areas, and consultation with all
organisations using transmitters on this hill has been completed. It was agreed that 200m
wide exclusion corridors should be established on all microwave links to avoid interference,
and the turbine positions were adjusted to ensure adequate clearance, figure 4.7.
The potential for interference with analogue television systems has also been considered,
using a service provided by the BBC, http://windfarms.kw.bbc.co.uk/rd/projects/windfarms/.
This indicated that the main transmitter of terrestrial television channels for the area is located
at Durris, and that there is a minor interference risk. Should interference occur, the project
developers will provide an alternate service using satellite or digital technologies
Figure 4.7 – Radiocommunications microwave links
Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Licence number 0100031673
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5 Environmental management and proposed mitigation
This report has described a proposal to erect a small wind energy project on farmland to the
west of Methlick, in the Formantine area of Aberdeenshire, together with an assessment of the
related activities. This part of the report describes proposed environmental practices and
mitigative measures.
5.1 Visual impact mitigation
To manage the visual impact of the development, it was decided that turbines should be
located off the highest part of the farms to reduce overall visual impact and that landscaping
of the foundations be considered to hide the lower part of the turbines. It was also decided
that the access tracks should be designed to present a simple feature in the landscape, running
along field boundaries and following the line of existing tracks where possible. Similarly it
was decided that the project switchgear buildings should be designed to fit in with the
surroundings, matching adjacent farm buildings where possible.
The planning advice note on Renewable Energy Technologies, PAN 45, states “Turbines in
wind farms are likely to be tall, frequently located in open land, and therefore likely to be
highly visible” and “It will normally be unrealistic to seek to conceal them. Developers
should seek to ensure that through good siting and design, landscape and visual impacts are
limited and appropriate to the location”, and “Although wind farms may be complex, they
should not appear confusing in relation to the character of the landscape. Ideally they should
be separate from surrounding features to create a simple image”.
It is believed that this wind project achieves these aims by ensuring that the turbines are
separate and distinct features in the landscape, positioned away from the highest ground. The
only additional infrastructure will be a small building at each farm, mainly located at some
distance from the turbine sites.
5.2 Ecological impact mitigation
Impact avoidance has already occurred within the project development to date, in the
selection of cultivated and drained farmland for the potential sites (distant from the SSSIs and
away from topographical features attractive to birds) and also in the choice of access routes
(existing tracks used on four farms).
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The main potential impacts from construction on the selected site relate to disturbance during
construction, habitat loss and possible displacement and collision risk for skylarks and waders
Of these, the significant impacts on birds arising from disturbance during construction can be
successfully avoided by careful planning of the timing of construction work at different points
of the development.
Detailed routing of the tracks, and construction practices that re-deploy excavated soil and
vegetation on degraded land could go some way to avoiding or offsetting losses of habitat.
Bird displacement is less easy to avoid, although it is possible that improvements to
vegetation away from turbine sites might increase its attractiveness to breeding waders. Such
an effect would not be expected to increase bird numbers at the turbine locations.
5.3 Pollution avoidance
The construction of the access track and the areas of hardstanding have the highest likelihood
of pollution, and SEPA’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG1, PPG5, PPG6, PPG8 and
PPG21 have been adopted by the project. To combat the potential risk of run-off from these
areas, it is proposed that the mechanisms used to construct Sustainable Urban Drainage
systems be adopted, using a permeable surface on the access tracks to allow water to pass
through the upper layer, along with filter strips and bunds of vegetated land to providing
filtering and flow attenuation of water run-off.
The construction of foundations of the wind turbines involves pouring fresh concrete. The
nearest river, the Ythan, is over 1km from turbine locations T3,T4 and T5, reducing the risk
of pollution run-off and it is proposed that all concrete be brought onto site as a dry mix to
minimise the risk of spills. Cleaning of shutters and the washing of equipment will only be
done away from the site.
To minimise risk of pollution from oils and fuels during project construction, all work will be
to COSHH regulations and any machinery, equipment or construction material will be located
on areas of hardstanding away from water courses. Any waste will be transported away from
the work area and disposed of using standard waste handling procedures. Refuelling activities
for construction vehicles and equipment will be restricted to contained areas of hard standing
at fuel storage areas adjacent to the substation locations to restrict the potential for
contamination of land; any spills would be contained during fuel transfer, and a store of
absorbent material will be provided.
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5.4 Mitigation of noise disturbance and shadow flicker nuisance
The sites have been designed to ensure that the wind turbines are well away from individual
properties, ensuring that noise is reduced to the levels recommended by PAN45 and ETSU-R-
97. The extensive tree cover around neighbouring properties and a number of large farm
buildings all act to attenuate and reduce sound from the turbines. Moreover further reductions
in turbine noise emissions can be achieved through changes in operational speed, if required.
The sites have been designed to ensure that most turbines are positioned more than ten rotor
diameters from neighbours, largely achieving the recommendations of PAN45. The risk of
shadow flicker has been calculated for each location and in one case there is the possibility of
47.9 hours of impact spread across the full year, although it is noted that in the case of this
particular property the impact will be nil due to the barrier effect of the large farm buildings
and trees that surround the house. To prevent such impact becoming a nuisance it has been
agreed that automatic switch-off of the relevant turbines will occur at the times and days
when shadows could occur.
5.5 Construction and Transportation impact mitigation
There will be construction noise during the road and foundation manufacture, mainly from
lorries delivering stone and concrete over a 12 to 20 week period, however no blasting of rock
is expected. The community and authorities will be consulted about suitable times for lorry
movement and a construction schedule will be published.
Before any wind turbine components are transported to site, the project owners and designers
will consult with the Scottish Executive, Aberdeenshire Council Roads Department and the
Police to ensure acceptability of the routes to site. Existing public road culverts, bridges,
verges and street furniture will be surveyed by the project developers in conjunction with the
Roads Department. A schedule of loads and a timetable will be prepared and circulated prior
to delivery.
Road warning signs and lights will be located at all areas of road works and any items such as
fence posts and road signs that have been temporarily removed will be re-erected following
transportation. The local community and all affected neighbours will be notified in advance
of transportation.
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6 Conclusions
This study has described a project to install a small wind turbine development on farmland
west of Methlick, in Aberdeenshire. The environmental impact of the project has been
considered, with emphasis on visual impact, impact upon habitats, potential disturbance to
birds, pollution control and potential nuisance impact upon neighbours. Life-cycle analysis of
the development has considered the location, the sustainability of the project, the type and
size of wind turbines to be installed, and the installation, operations and eventual
decommissioning of the site. The study has further addressed the environmental and socio-
economic benefits of the project.
The visual impact upon the landscape has been considered and the project has evolved into a
low density layout of six machines. Although any wind energy project involving modern
wind turbines will be seen from the surrounding area, the installation of wind turbines at these
sites would only have visual impact on the immediate surroundings, mainly the scattered
housing surrounding the farms involved in the project. Over greater distances the wind
turbines are largely hidden by topography.
Impact upon the ecology of the area is not predicted to be significant. The general area for the
development was selected to maximise distances to any ecologically sensitive areas, and the
turbines have been located in drained and intensively managed farmland; the overall potential
impact upon habitats, mammals and bird species is predicted to be minor. Impact upon
neighbours has been controlled by ensuring that any wind turbine is well away from
dwellings, reducing the noise impact to low levels, and restricting and controlling any shadow
flicker impact.
The Methlick Farmers Wind Energy Project has been designed to provide a commercially
viable wind energy development, with strong local economic benefits, owned by members of
the local farming community. The project respects the environment in the area, while
minimising impacts on the neighbouring communities. Constructing the wind energy project
will give a positive message on the importance of renewable energy to this part of
Aberdeenshire, demonstrating the benefits of local ownership of wind energy, while at the
same time allowing diversification and a more viable and sustainable use of farmland.
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7 References and bibliography
Aberdeenshire Council (2005). Supplementary planning guidance on Policy Inf\7: Renewable Energy Facilities, and Renewable Energy Strategy: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/supplementary/wind_energy.asp
BWEA (1998). Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments. Website www.bwea.com/
Boardman, B et al. (1997) 2MtC: Two Million Tonnes of Carbon, Environmental Change Unit, University of Oxford.
Boyle, G (1996). Renewable Energy; Power for a Sustainable Future. Oxford University Press.
The Carbon Trust. Guidelines on measuring carbon and CO2 emissions from electricity. http://www.thecarbontrust.co.uk/carbontrust/low_carbon_tech/dlct2_1_6.html
Chapman, S.J., Towers, W., Williams, B.L., Coull, M.C., Paterson, E. (2001) Review of the Contribution to Climate Change of Organic Soils Under Different Land Uses. Scottish Executive Central Research Unit.
Defence and Civil Aviation Interests Working Group (2002). Wind Energy and Aviation Interests – Interim Guidelines. ETSU W/14/00626/REP
DTI Noise Working Group (1996). The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Windfarms. ETSU-R-97.
National Planning Policy Guideline NPPG6 (2000). Renewable Energy Developments. Scottish Executive Development Department. ISBN 0 1-84268-684-4
Planning Advice Note PAN 45 (2002). Renewable Energy Technologies. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7559 0372 2
Planning Advice Note PAN 56 (1999). Planning and Noise. Scottish Executive Development Department.
Planning Advice Note PAN 58 (1999). Environmental Impact Assessment. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7480 8912 8
Planning Advice Note PAN 68 (2003). Design Statements. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7559 0862 7
Planning Advice Note PAN 73 (2005). Rural Diversification. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7559 4425 9
Scottish Natural Heritage. Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of Windfarms and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes. SNH Publications
Scottish Natural Heritage (1998). South and Central Aberdeenshire Landscape Character Assessment. SNH Publications
Scottish Planning Policy SPP15 (2005) Planning for Rural Development. Scottish Executive Development Department.
SEPA pollution prevention guidelines http://www.sepa.org.uk/guidance/ppg/
SEPA recommendations on drainage systems in Scotland - Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). http://www.sepa.org.uk/publications/leaflets/suds/?lang=_e