CRAIGGORE WIND FARM

In the townlands of Moneyguiggy and Craiggore Forest, County Londonderry

Environmental Statement

Volume 4 Non-Technical Summary

RES UK & Ireland Ltd, Unit C1 & C2, Willowbank Business Park, Willowbank Road, Millbrook, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2SF

Craiggore Wind Farm

RES

Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction

Rationale for the Scheme

Project Description

Environmental Assessments

Conclusion

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Preface
This Non Technical Summary (NTS) has been prepared in support of a planning
application for the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm. The proposed Craiggore Wind
Farm is located on privately owned commercial forest to the east of the B190,
approximately 18km from Coleraine and 10km from Limavady, County Londonderry.
A planning application has been submitted to Planning Service in accordance with
the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 2012. The regulations
require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried out and the results
of the EIA to be included in an Environmental Statement (ES) to accompany the
planning application.
This document is Volume 4 of the ES, which comprises:
-

Volume 1 Environmental Statement (main text);

Volume 2 Figures;

Volume 3 Appendices; and

Volume 4 Non Technical Summary.

The ES has been prepared by RES UK & Ireland Ltd (RES) in consultation with DOE
Planning, various consultees, interest groups and in collaboration with the various
specialists outlined below.
ES Technical Support
Technical Specialism

Organisation

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Soltys Brewster
Consulting Ltd

Ornithology Assessment

David Steele

Ecology Assessment

RPS

Fisheries Assessment

RPS

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Assessment

Gahan & Long

Geology and Hydrogeology Assessment

AECOM

Hydrology Assessment

McCloy Consulting

Peat Slide Hazard & Risk Assessment

SKM Enviros

Forestry Management Plan

Premier Woodlands

Planning Policy; Acoustic Assessment; Transport Assessment; Shadow

Flicker Assessment; Electromagnetic Interference & Aviation; Air,
Climate and Renewable Energy; Health and Safety Assessment and
Socio Economic & Tourism Assessment.

RES

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An electronic version of the NTS and other details about the project can be viewed
at www.craiggore-windfarm.co.uk.
Reference copies of the full ES and planning application may be viewed and / or
purchased during normal opening hours at the following location:
Garvagh Community Building
85 Main Street,
Garvagh,
Co Londonderry,
BT51 5AB.
Paper Copies of the NTS are available free of charge, the Main Report, Figures and
Technical Appendices can be purchased on CD for 10 each or in paper form at a
cost of 50 each 1 from the address above or by contacting RES. Cheques should be
made payable to RES UK & Ireland Ltd.
RES UK & Ireland Ltd
Willowbank Business Park
Willowbank Road
Millbrook
Larne
County Antrim
BT 40 2SF
028 2844 0508

1RES

has an Environmental Management System which actively encourages the reduction of paper consumption and recycling where possible. Volumes 1 - 4 of this ES

are Certified Carbon Neutral publications. RES encourages the viewing of this ES via CD where possible to reduce paper use. Volumes 1, 3 and 4 are intended for
printing double sided. Please do so where appropriate.

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Introduction

The Application
1.1

RES UK and Ireland Limited, hereafter referred to as RES, is applying to the

Northern Ireland Department of the Environment (DOE) Planning for permission to
construct, operate and decommission a wind farm known as Craiggore Wind Farm.
The application follows a detailed assessment of the environmental and technical
aspects of the sites suitability for development,

1.2

The proposed Craiggore Wind Farm is located on privately owned commercial forest
to the east of the B190, approximately 18km from Coleraine and 10km from
Limavady, County Londonderry. The centre of the site is located at Irish Grid
Reference 276303E, 417058N. The location of the proposed Windfarm is shown in
Figure 1.1

1.3

The site has been designed to accommodate turbines in the 1.8 2.5MW range with
a maximum height to blade tip of 125m above ground level. The turbines will be of
a horizontal axis type, with a rotor consisting of three blades with a maximum rotor
diameter of 90.0m the dimensions are illustrated in Figure 1.2

1.4

The annual electricity generated would be equivalent to the demand of

approximately 10, 000 homes.2 That equates to the equivalent electricity demand
of approximately 31% of the households in the Local Government Districts of
Limavady and Coleraine.

1.5

The proposal comprises the construction of up to ten turbines (each with an overall
maximum height of up to 125 m above ground level) and associated infrastructure
including an upgraded site entrance, new and upgraded onsite access tracks, an
onsite substation and control building, underground cables, four temporary
monitoring masts, a permanent meteorological mast, a communications mast, a
temporary construction compound, a temporary enabling works compound,
permanent crane hardstandings and road widening and improvement works on
sections of the transport route (road improvement works). The proposed
Infrastructure Layout is illustrated in Figure 1.3.

1.6

A Forestry Management Plan (Appendix 1.1) has been developed with a shorter
rotation and a modified replanting layout scheme. Findings from the Craiggore
Environmental Impact Assessment and associated field work and desktop
investigation works have been fed into the development of this plan. The plan
would commence before wind farm construction begins and is for the lifetime of
the wind farm.

1.7

All trees on site will be felled and replanted during the Wind Farm construction
process. Throughout the lifetime of the wind farm, when the trees reach 12 m in
height, they will be harvested and replanted. This shorter rotation approach will
ensure that the land remains in commercial timber production whilst not

2 The 10,000 homes figure is a conservative estimate based on an 18MW project, the 2010 GB average household electricity consumption of 4370kWh pa and the 2008

UK-average onshore wind load factor of 29.4%, source DECC. The number of homes figure may vary as more site-specific data becomes available.

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interfering with wind flow across the site. Replanting will take place based on:
Proposed Layout of Replanting Drawing Appendix 1.1 Fig.2.0.

The Applicant
1.8

RES is one of the worlds leading wind energy developers. It has constructed or
developed wind farms around the world with a combined capacity of over 6.5 GW
and has a large portfolio under construction and development. RES has been
developing wind farms in Northern Ireland since the early 1990s and has developed
14 operational wind farms in Northern Ireland to date, totalling over 190 MW:
Corkey, Elliotts Hill, Wolf Bog, and Gruig in County Antrim; Rigged Hill, Altahullion
Phases 1 and 2, and Curryfree in County Londonderry; Lendrums Bridge Phases 1
and 2, Lough Hill, Slieve Divena, and Hunters Hill in County Tyrone; and
Callagheen in County Fermanagh.

Rationale for the Scheme

Combating Climate Change
1.9

Change in global and regional temperatures and precipitation patterns is a natural

phenomenon and there have been a number of cooling and warming periods
recorded over the last millennium. However, in the late 1980s a growing concern
emerged that climate change was being influenced by anthropogenic activity
beyond the normal fluctuations. The main contributing activities include emissions
of the so-called greenhouse gases in particular carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur
dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into the atmosphere and other effects
such as land use changes, which reduce the ability of the natural environment to
recycle these gases. A significant proportion (56%) of the increased greenhouse gas
emissions arise from the burning of traditional fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas
for energy generation and transportation.

1.10

One of the principal contributors to the build-up of greenhouse gasses is the use of
fossil fuels in electricity generation. In the UK, 66% of CO2 emissions are
attributable to electricity and heat production. Reducing the extent to which
electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels will reduce the amount of harmful
greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. (RenewableUK 2008).

1.11

Power from the wind can be harnessed and used to generate electricity. Wind farms
offer important advantages. Firstly, the carbon cost of wind power is significantly
smaller than that of other forms of conventional and renewable energy production.
Secondly, they contribute to a reduction in our dependence on finite reserves of
fossil fuels, which are being rapidly depleted and the costs of which are escalating.
Thirdly, they reduce our dependence on oil and gas imports and increase our selfsufficiency in energy production. Additionally, wind farm developments are
reversible and a site can be decommissioned to the extent that no visible trace of
them existing is apparent.

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1.12

In recent years, the UK Government has undertaken a number of studies designed

to inform its renewable energy policies. Key policies to emerge from these studies
include:

Meeting the Energy Challenge: UK White Paper on Energy 2007

1.13

1.14

The UK Governments Energy White Paper, Meeting the Energy Challenge sets out
a framework for action to address the energy challenges facing the UK. It states
that renewables are central to the UK strategy to tackle climate change and deploy
cleaner sources of energy. It also highlights the importance of lowering practical
barriers to renewables investment, such as improved planning inquiry rules, and
sets out four key energy policy goals:
-

to put the UK on a path to cutting CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050, with real
progress by 2020;

to maintain the reliability of energy supplies;

to promote competitive markets in the UK and beyond, and;

to ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated.

This Paper states that renewables are key to the UK strategy to tackle climate
change and deploy cleaner sources of energy. It also highlights the importance of
lowering practical barriers to renewables investment, such as improved planning
inquiry rules.

UK Renewable Energy Strategy (Action Plan) 2009

1.15

The UK Renewable Energy Strategy provides an action plan to ensure 15% of energy
comes from renewable sources by 2020, in implementation of Directive
2009/28/EC. It aims to tackle climate change, reducing the UKs emissions of CO2
by over 750 million tonnes between now and 2030. It also promotes increasing the
security of energy supplies, reducing overall fossil fuel demand by around 10% and
gas imports by 2030%, against what they would have been in 2020.

1.16

The strategy recognises that acceleration of the uptake of renewable energy will
help meet the goal of decarbonising energy production in the UK, while ensuring
secure and safe energy supplies and exploiting the significant economic
opportunities of the move to a low-carbon economy. The strategy will enable the
UK to meet its EU renewable energy target to source 15% of energy from
renewables by 2020. Renewable energy is therefore a key part of the overall UK
Low Carbon Transition Plan, which outlines how the UK will meet the 34% cut in
emissions on 1990 levels by 2020.

1.17

The strategy identifies Northern Irelands potential to make significant progress in

increasing the amount of energy from renewable sources in order to contribute to
policy goals on security of supply, reduction of greenhouse gases, as well as
contributing to business competitiveness, increasing competition in power
generation and presenting opportunities for enterprise activity.

The Challenge for Northern Ireland

1.18

A key policy driver for the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland is
the need to increase security of supply. There are also potential adverse impacts on
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local populations and the economy through high volatile fuel costs, contributing to
fuel poverty and high energy costs for businesses and industry. In addition,
increasing focus on renewable energy can deliver environmental and climate
change gains, reductions in carbon emissions, as well as investment and
employment opportunities. With a lack of indigenous fossil fuel and no nuclear
power stations, Northern Ireland is keen to develop the full range of its available
renewable energy resources to optimise the contribution that renewables make to
the overall energy mix.
1.19

Northern Irelands current renewable energy target is that by 2012, 12% of

electricity consumption should be met from renewable sources, and further that,
40% of electricity consumption should be met from renewable sources by 2020 (DETI
2010). The 40% target is the equivalent of 1600MW. Wind energy will be the main
focus of renewable electricity development on the island of Ireland, and certainly
in Northern Ireland to 2020.

1.20

As of July 2010 there were 297.6 MW of onshore wind farms operational and 305.4
MW with planning approval in Northern Ireland. This comprises 23 wind farms
operational and 20 consented wind farms. Additionally, there are 736.4 MW
proposed applications, comprising 46 applications (DETI 2010).

1.21

If approved, the proposed Barr Cregg Wind Farm could account for up to 17.5 MW, a
material contribution to achieving the 40% renewable energy target for 2020.

Public Information Programme

1.22

A Public Information Programme was implemented for the proposed Craiggore Wind
Farm to inform local residents, communities and their elected representatives
about the proposal and to provide them with a contact point for information.

1.23

In June 2012, RES undertook door-to-door visits to 25 houses houses along sections
of the Kilhoyle, Plantation, Belraugh, Legavalon and Coolnasillagh roads to provide
local residents with details of the project, to inform them of the public exhibition
dates and times, to provide people with the opportunity to respond, ask questions
or provide feedback.

1.24

In addition to the door-to-door visits, information about the project was sent to the
local community, including elected representatives, councils, community groups,
schools and churches. RES also held a public exhibition in the Garvagh Community
Centre: Thursday 7th June, 3pm-9pm

1.25

The public exhibitions were attended by 7 residents in total, to provide detailed

information, including maps and photomontages, to the local community. The
exhibition provided visitors with an opportunity to discuss the proposals in detail,
to ask questions and provide feedback. Notification of the exhibitions were
publicised through adverts in local newspapers.

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Project Description
Site Selection and History
1.26

RES undertook a Geographical Information System (GIS) search of Northern Ireland

as a first step towards identifying areas of land with the potential to accommodate
wind farm development. The search identified land which:
-

Expected wind speeds would allow the development to be commercially viable.

The site is not located within a designated landscape e.g. Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty (AONB);

Identified that a significant area of land was potentially available for

development, out with a preliminary separation distance of 800 m from
occupied housing;

1.27

Feasibility investigations were undertaken to determine the compatibility with

Planning Policy Statement 18 Renewable Energy (PPS18). This included an
assessment of proximity to road and railways, land designations and dwellings (in
relation to noise and residential amenity).

1.28

The wind farm layout evolved through a series of design reviews whereby
environmental and technical constraints identified during the EIA were taken into
account in the design. The proposed layout for the Craiggore Wind Farm has
evolved in response to a number of policy recommendations, environmental,
technical, engineering and landscape design considerations and as a result of
feedback from key consultees.

Land Take
1.29

The land take for a wind farm development is relatively small. The wind turbines
have a necessity to be spaced apart, so as to not interfere aerodynamically with
one another (array losses). The actual permanent land take is limited to the area of
the towers themselves, the access tracks leading to them, the crane hardstandings,
control building, substation and permanent meteorological mast.

1.30

Only approximately 5 Ha of the land within the planning application boundary will
be utilised by the development due to the relatively small footprints of the
infrastructure and the wind farm design criteria applied in the design process.

1.31

Each turbine would begin generating power automatically at a wind speed of

around 3.0 ms-1 (6.75 mph) and would shut down at a wind speed of around 25 ms-1
(56 mph). A transformer unit would be located at the base of the turbine or within
the turbine tower. It is proposed that the turbines will be a uniform light grey
colour with a semi-matt finish to reduce their contrast with the background sky and
minimise reflections. The turbines will be uniform in colour and will not feature any
company logo.

Grid Connection
1.32

All electrical cabling between the turbines and the wind farm sub-station on the
site would be underground. The offsite grid connection will be provided by
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE). NIE will be responsible for the design, acquisition
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of planning permission, way leaving, construction and operation of the grid

connection line and it will remain in their ownership.

Construction
1.33

It is anticipated that the construction phase will take approximately 12-18 months
from starting on site to commissioning the wind turbines and electrical system.
However the programme is weather dependant and may vary accordingly. HGV
traffic movements will only occur between Mondays and Saturdays (i.e. none on
Sundays) from 07.00 to 19.00. However during turbine erection and commissioning,
and construction of concrete foundations, site working could extend outside these
times but at all times in accordance with the terms of any planning permission
granted for the proposed development.

1.34

The civil engineering works will comprise:

1.35

the upgrading of the site entrance;

the preparation and establishment of temporary site welfare facilities;

construction of watercourse crossings;

the provision of new access tracks to the turbine locations;

construction of the on-site control room and substation;

the preparation of hardstanding areas for cranes;

the preparation and construction of the concrete foundation at each turbine

location to support the turbine structure and the individual turbine transformer;

foundations and hardstanding for permanent mast;

the installation of all associated drainage & Sustainable Drainage System

requirements;

the erection of site fencing, stockproofing and security requirements, and;

public road widening.

A Construction and Decommissioning Method Statement will be prepared in the

event that planning consent is granted for the proposed development. This will be
submitted to and agreed with Planning Service prior to any construction works
taking place. This will describe the detailed methods of construction and working
practices, work to reinstate the site following completion of construction activities,
and methods to reinstate the site post operation.

Health and Safety Assessment

1.36

This assessment examined the potential impacts on health and safety during the
construction and operation on the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm. It also assessed
the potential impacts of health and safety on the environment and identified
mitigation measures that can avoid or reduce impact.

1.37

The assessment has determined that if the appropriate legislation and guidance is
adhered to during the design, construction and operation phases of the
development, and the best available technology is utilised in the selection of the
turbine design, there will be no risk to the safety of the operators during
construction and maintenance of the wind farm, or to the general public during the

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construction or operation. RES will ensure that the appropriate legislation and
guidance is followed through the different phases of the project.

Operation and Maintenance

1.38

Routine maintenance of the turbines will be carried out approximately twice a

year. In addition regular site checks will be carried out twice a month, throughout
the life of the project. This would not usually involve any large machinery and site
traffic would be limited to small maintenance vehicles.

1.39

Wind turbines are designed to have a minimum operational life of 25 years and the
design requirements are based on the local climatic conditions of a site. During the
design life of a turbine it is anticipated that the replacement of a major
component, typically a gear box or generator, will be required approximately
twice. If the replacement of a major component is required it would be necessary
to use mobile cranes and heavy vehicles to repair the turbine or replace a major
component, and it is these activities which are defined as Non-Routine Maintenance
Works.

Decommissioning
1.40

One of the main advantages of wind power generation over other forms of
electricity production is the ease of decommissioning and the simple removal of
artefacts from the site. The residual impact on the site is limited to the continued
presence of the foundations and access tracks. All above ground structures can be
removed from the site.

1.41

At the end of the wind farms operational life RES proposes to decommission the
scheme. If the proposed wind farm obtains planning approval it is expected that a
planning condition would be set to provide for the decommissioning of the site in
accordance with a scheme agreed in writing with Planning Service. The wind farm
will be decommissioned in accordance with best practice and/or in compliance with
any planning conditions. Current best practice includes the removal of all above
ground structures; the removal of all underground structures to one metre below
ground level; and reinstatement of disturbed areas. Landowners will be given the
option to retain the access tracks for their own purposes.

Environmental Assessments
EIA and the Design Process
1.42

In accordance with EIA process and best practice the project team employed an
iterative approach to the design of Craiggore Wind Farm. The design evolved
throughout the EIA process as different constraints and adverse/ beneficial effects
were identified and evaluated. This approach allowed mitigation measures to be
integrated into the design in order to alleviate or remove significant effects of the
proposed development. It also allowed measures to enhance beneficial effects of
the proposed development to be incorporated into the design. The illustration
below shows how known constraints influenced the layout design process.

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Key Design Iterations

Iteration
Layout 1:

Layout 2:

Detail of Change
An initial site selection wind turbine layout was established to determine whether
the scheme, within the land under applicants control, had potential for
development. The layout was based on 11 turbines of 90 m rotor diameter and 125
m tip height, and included the following constraints:
-

A preliminary occupied residential property separation distance of 900

m. House 10 is unoccupied and under the applicants control for the
duration of the lifetime of the proposed Development.
T6 lies
marginally inside this indicative buffer at this preliminary stage;

Preliminary avoidance to mapped water courses (50 m buffer);

Avoidance of placement of turbines adjacent to roads (137.5m buffer

(tip height+10%)).

Following completion of the ecological baseline survey, areas identified as

potential ecologically sensitive of blanket bog were avoided.
The resultant impact was the removal of T11 and movement of T10 out with this
identified area. The remaining turbines were then re-configured to ensure
maintenance of adequate inter-turbine whilst maximising energy capture.

Layout 3:

Consultation with Ofcom identified communications links that may be affected by

the proposal. These individual operators (JRC, Arquiva, Northern Ireland Water,
NTL, Orange and PSNI) were contacted directly and the information plotted as
constraints to be avoided. The size of the buffer adopted was either as requested by
the operator or by reference to technical safeguarding advice.
The resultant impact upon the layout of the turbines was the movement of T1 to the
north-east and the subsequent movement of all other turbines to ensure
maintenance of adequate inter-turbine whilst maximising energy capture. This
allowed T7 to move out with the indicative buffer to residential properties.
The line highlighting the Development Boundary was modified to exclude the area
of blanket bog to the north west of the site as highlighted during the initial site
walkover.

Layout 4:

Following completion of detailed surveys, further advice was received from

technical, engineering and environmental specialists on the main constraints to
development, the likely significance of potential environmental impacts and
possible mitigation that could reduce or alleviate detrimental impacts.
The turbine layout was revised to incorporate the following:
-

Additional water courses were identified as a result of detailed survey.

Hydrology buffers were revised to showing results of detailed survey;

Avoidance of areas utilised by bats were avoided as provided by the

ecologist;

Badger sett 100m buffers were provided by the ecologist;

Higher resolution terrain data allowed the steepness of the slope to be

added. Preliminary construction advice was to avoid those areas greater
than 12% slope for the placement of turbines.

As a result:
-

T6, T5 and T10 all moved to avoid immediate proximity to areas of steep
slope.

T1, T2, T3, T4, T7 & T9 all subsequently moved to ensure maintenance of

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Iteration
Layout 5:

Detail of Change
adequate inter-turbine whilst maximising energy capture.
A final technical and engineering assessment was undertaken of the proposed layout
including a site walk over to assess the impacts of the infrastructure layout.
Additionally a search of consented dwelling house sites was undertaken and the
positions of these sites considered as a constraints. As a result:
-

T8 was moved to the north east to be at least 900m from any existing or
proposed dwelling;

T2 was moved to ensure that the ground works associated with the turbine
would not encroach upon the hydrological buffer.

1.43

The following sections provide summaries of the findings of the technical

investigations of the EIA.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)

1.44

An LVIA has been carried out to establish the full extent of likely landscape and
visual effects arising from the proposed wind farm at all stages of its development
within a Study Area that extends in a 30km radius from the site, cumulative effects
within a 60km study area. Following detailed baseline assessment and field survey,
where the nature of the existing landscape and visual character was established
and the potential impacts of the proposed development analysed, conclusions on
landscape and visual impacts have been reached.

1.45

The assessment concluded that the direct impacts on landscape character will be
restricted to within the development area boundary, whereas indirect impacts will
extend to location immediately surrounding the proposed development including
parts of the Binevenagh range, the Roe Basin and the eastern Binevenagh slopes.
From the wider study area and more distant locations, including the majority of
locations from Sperrins and Binevenagh AONBs, impacts are not predicted to be
significant. This assessment concluded that the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm is
acceptable development in terms of its impacts on landscape character and visual
amenity.

1.46

For any development to be acceptable in terms of landscape and visual effect, it

must be capable of being appropriately integrated within the receiving landscape
without detriment to the distinctive physical characteristics and visual amenities of
the study area. The assessment considers the proposed scheme acceptable and not
detrimental to landscape character and visual amenity within the study area due to
the limited effects resulting from the scheme.

Ecology
1.47

An assessment has been undertaken to assess the potential impacts on ecology

within the site and the wider landscape was undertaken. Surveys for bats were
extended to 200 m outside the development area, as required by Northern Ireland
Environment Agency (NIEA) guidance.
Sites designated for their nature
conservation features within a radius of 2 km of the site boundary were also
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considered in order to assess potential remote effects on valuable ecological sitebased receptors.
1.48

Consultation was undertaken with the following statutory and non-statutory

organisations listed below regarding the proposed scope of the EcIA; the location of
any statutory or non-statutory designated nature conservation sites that have the
potential to be impacted by the proposed wind farm; identification of potential
ecological receptors; the existence of any ecological records within 2 km of the
site; and the existence of bat records within 15 km of the site.

1.49

Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI);

Butterfly Conservation;
Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR);
Council for Nature Conservation & the Countryside (CNCC);
Loughs Agency;
National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway;
Northern Ireland Bat Group (NIBG);
Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum (NISF);
The Derry and Strabane Squirrel Group;
NIEA Natural Heritage;
Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT).
The likely significance of effects of the proposed wind farm on the ecological
environment and its receptors have been assessed and it is concluded that with the
implementation of appropriate mitigation measures the effects would be reduced
to either a Slight Adverse Effect or a Neutral Effect that would not adversely
affect the conservation status of the ecological receptors or the integrity of the
ecological environment

Fisheries Assessment
1.50

The site of the proposed wind farm is drained by the headwaters of two
watercourses, the Castle River and Coolnasilagh River, where the primary landuse
in the upper parts of these catchments is agriculturally based. Water quality in
these watercourses is good and spawning and nursery areas for salmonids also
occur, with brook lamprey also being found in the Castle River. There are no
significant watercourses within the site of the proposed wind farm however, so the
potential for direct impacts on fish is therefore lessened.

1.51

The potential for impacts to fish are primarily related to water quality impacts
including suspended solids associated with soils and hydrocarbon pollution. The
risks of such impacts are low considering the absence of watercourses within the
site of the proposed wind farm. Furthermore, a Construction and Decommissioning
Method Statement will be drawn up at the post consent design stage and followed
by the contractor, which will be additionally informed by peat stability risk
assessments at the site at the pre-construction stage. Appendix 13.4: Drainage
Management (SuDS) Design Statement outlines forestry clearance works,
temporary spoil management and foul drainage as well as the design of watercourse
crossings, check dams and buffer zones. Mitigation for soils will also reduce the

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risk of suspended solids pollution, as detailed in the Chapter 13: Hydrology

Assessment.
1.52

It is considered that the proposed wind farm has the potential for impacts on fish
only at construction phase. In the absence of mitigation these impacts are assessed
as Intermediate Adverse but that these impacts will be reduced to Negligible with
the best approach planned. With implementation of measures outlined above to
protect water quality, the residual impacts on fish and their habitats would be
reduced to Minor Adverse, with impacts being localised and short-term in nature.
Residual impacts on areas further downstream such as the River Roe and the
Mettican River are evaluated as Negligible. Residual impacts are not predicted at a
scale that would affect the conservation status of salmon or lampreys.

Ornithology Assessment
1.53

An assessment has been undertaken to assess the potential impacts on bird species
utilising the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm site 3. The assessment is based primarily
on the results of dedicated surveys commissioned by the applicant, extending over
two consecutive years of fieldwork covering breeding, winter and migration
seasons. Other information sources (published and unpublished) are very limited
but have been utilized where available. The assessment covers the site and also
surrounding buffer areas (i.e. likely zones of possible influence of the proposed
wind farm on birds) which vary in extent depending on the bird species / species
groups concerned.

1.54

For breeding and wintering birds, surveys were carried out on the site and a
surrounding buffer of 500 m around the proposed wind farm infrastructure (but
extended to 800 m around the proposed infrastructure for breeding curlew). For
raptors (which may visit the site to forage even though their nests might be located
some distance away) it was necessary to survey for nesting activity in a wider
surrounding area ranging from 1 km from the site for buzzard and kestrel up to
3 km from the site for hen harrier. Assessment of flight activity by raptors (e.g.
hen harrier) and other species (e.g. migratory waterfowl such as whooper swans
and geese) was carried out for the site and surrounding visible areas up to a
maximum 2 km from the vantage points.

1.55

Summary of consultations;

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

From the preliminary baseline reporting supplied NIEA were satisfied that an adequate
level of ornithological survey had been completed for the site. Their principal concerns
related to the possibility of increased activity by raptors on the site (especially by hen
harrier) following clearance of the tree cover and that this could possibly lead to an
increased risk of collisions with the turbines.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
In an informal discussion RSPB felt that because of the nature of the site (commercial
forestry) there were unlikely to be any significant issues concerning effects on moorland
and woodland breeding birds. The main discussion was around the use of the area by
raptors, notably hen harriers. Following a data request RSPB provided details of hen harrier
3

SNH Guidance Note (November 2005, revised December 2010)

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Northern Ireland Environment Agency
breeding records within 3 km of the site. On a more general point, RSPB expressed a
preference for the use of a 98% avoidance rate in the collision risk model.
Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group
Individuals within Raptor Study Group were approached with regard to any additional
information that might be available on breeding activity by the three Schedule 1 raptor
species recorded in the area - hen harrier, merlin and peregrine.

1.56

The bird communities on the site and in surrounding buffer areas have been
surveyed over two consecutive years covering the breeding, winter and migration
seasons. Three Annex 1 raptor species were found by the surveys - hen harrier (one
pair probably breeding within 2 km in the first baseline year, though evidence was
minimal), peregrine (one pair confirmed breeding within 2 km) and merlin
(breeding possible but no further evidence found). For hen harrier, no further
evidence for breeding was found in the second baseline year and therefore an
established breeding territory (breeding confirmed in at least one year) was not
present during the baseline period. Two Red-listed species (red grouse and curlew)
and five Amber-listed species (kestrel, snipe, skylark, wheatear and grasshopper
warbler) were found breeding in the buffer areas but not on the site.

1.57

Possible effects on birds of the proposed wind farm have been assessed using
defined criteria and where possible quantified. In most cases effects have been
assessed as negligible. Where adverse effects have been identified and are likely
to be significant then mitigation measures have been recommended and the
resulting residual effects have been assessed as negligible. It is also possible that
over the life of the wind farm the shorter rotation time of the tree crop compared
to the baseline situation could result in an increased diversity of breeding bird
species on the site, which would therefore be a slight beneficial effect.

1.58

Collision risk for hen harrier has been quantified for both the baseline and postfelling scenarios. Collision risk is increased post-felling but is still very low at one
collision every 69 years (so it is very unlikely that there would be a collision during
the life of the wind farm).
Furthermore, implementation of the Forestry
Management Plan (whereby during the life of the wind farm the trees will be felled
earlier than under baseline conditions) is expected to have a beneficial effect of
increased foraging opportunities that will offset any effects of increased collision
risk. A survey of harrier foraging activity over the site would be of interest in order
to assess whether activity increases following clearance of the trees.

1.59

The possibility of disturbance of nesting harriers by construction work during the

breeding season has also been assessed and based on the results of the baseline
surveys is considered to be negligible. In view of the results of the baseline surveys
and assessment of effects presented here, and assuming implementation of the
Forestry Management Plan during the life of the wind farm, then it is concluded
that the proposed development would not have any significant adverse effects on
bird populations in the area, including hen harrier, peregrine, merlin, breeding
birds and wintering and migratory species.

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Acoustic Assessment
1.60

An assessment of the acoustic impact from both the construction and operation of
the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm was undertaken taking into account the most
sensitive receptors.

1.61

The operational noise impact was assessed according to the guidance described in
the The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms, referred to as ETSU-R97, as recommended for use in relevant planning policy. The methodology
described in this document was developed by a working group comprised of a cross
section of interested persons including, amongst others, environmental health
officers, wind farm operators and independent acoustic experts. It provides a
robust basis for assessing the noise impact of a wind farm and has been applied at
the vast majority of wind farms currently operating in the UK.

1.62

The acoustic impact for the operation of the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm on
nearby neighbours has been assessed in accordance with the guidance on wind farm
noise as issued in the DTI publication The Assessment and Rating of Noise from
Wind Farms (ETSU, 1996), otherwise known as ETSU-R-97, as recommended for
use by relevant planning policy.
To establish baseline conditions, background noise surveys were carried out at four
nearby properties and the measured background noise levels used to determine
appropriate noise limits, as specified by ETSU-R-97.
Operational noise levels were predicted using a noise propagation model, the
proposed wind farm layout, terrain data and assumed turbine emission data.
The predicted noise levels are within derived appropriate noise limits at all
considered wind speeds.
The proposed wind farm therefore complies with the relevant guidance on wind
farm noise and the impact on the amenity of all nearby properties would be
regarded as acceptable.

1.63

A construction noise assessment has been carried out in accordance with

BS 5228-1:2009 Noise control on construction and open sites Part 1 Noise, and,
with due regard to mitigation outlined, indicates that predicted noise levels likely
to be experienced at representative critical properties are below relevant
construction noise criteria.

1.64

A cumulative operational acoustic assessment was completed for the potential

impact of Craiggore Wind Farm alongside the consented Smulgedon Wind Farm and
the proposed Ballyrogan Wind Farm. The predicted noise levels are within derived
appropriate noise limits at all considered wind speeds for all occupied properties
and properties with planning consent, and therefore cumulatively the appropriate
limits as recommended by the ETSU-R-97 guidance shall not be breached.
Therefore the acoustic impact on the amenity of all nearby properties due to the
cumulative impact of the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm, the consented Smulgedon
Wind Farm, and the proposed Ballyrogan Wind Farm would be regarded as
acceptable.

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Archaeology & Heritage Assessment

1.65

An assessment of the potential impact on the known and potential archaeological

and cultural sites within the sites itself and its wider landscape was undertaken.
To facilitate the assessment of the wider landscape a 5 km search radius has been
utilised. The assessment of the proposed wind farm will look at both the potential
physical impact upon any known or potential sub-surface archaeological features
within the development boundary and will further assess the impact upon the
setting of those monuments of regional importance within the 5 km search area.

1.66

Consultation was held with Paul Logue of NIEA:Protecting Historic Monuments on

13th December 2011. The purpose of this consultation was to identify any potential
risks to the development through the presence of archaeological or cultural
heritage features within the development boundary or its environs. NIEA were also
consulted on the scope for the assessment of the potential impact upon the setting
of monuments of regional importance.

1.67

The desktop survey and site inspection have determined that there are no known
sites of archaeological interest located within the proposed development site. The
desktop survey has however indicated that the development site is situated within
a wider area of archaeological interest, with a total of 65 recorded archaeological
sites situated within a 5km radius of the development site, 7 of which area of
regional importance. The earliest of the known archaeology located within the
5km search radius dates to the Neolithic (4000BC to 2500BC) and Bronze Age
(2500BC to 300BC) periods, whilst the majority is either known or thought to date
to the Early Christian period (400AD to 1177AD). This illustrates that the area
within which the development site is located has been experiencing human activity
and settlement from around 4000BC, with an increase in activity from around
400AD to around 1177AD. This, coupled with the fact that the proposed wind farm
site represents a large area of land which, while previously development as a
commercial forest, gives rise to the potential for previously undiscovered, subsurface archaeological remains to exist within the development site boundaries.

1.68

Given the nature of the proposed development, should such remains exist within
the areas proposed for the wind turbines and associated infrastructure, they may
be adversely impacted upon. A number of recommendations to mitigate such
adverse effects has therefore been suggested.

Geology & Hydrogeology Assessment

1.69

An assessment of the likely potential geological and hydrogeological impacts was

undertaken and includes a peat slide risk assessment due to the presence of peat
on-site. An assessment of the likely potential geological impacts is considered
necessary due to the presence of peat on-site. Also the site has been identified as
being in an Area of Constraint on Mineral Developments (ACMD) 4.

1.70

Assessment of the likely potential hydrogeological impacts is considered necessary

due to the risk of pollution of the groundwater and watercourses on-site.

Draft Northern Area Plan 2016 website: http://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/policy/dev_plans/devplans_az/northern_2016.htm

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1.71

The assessment involved:

1.72

Analysis of current policy and guidance in relation to wind energy and the
effects of development on the geological and hydrogeological environment;
Desk study to establish the existing baseline geological and hydrogeological
conditions at the site;
Site walkover survey to verify the accuracy of the baseline information;
Evaluation of the potential effects of the proposed wind farm on the geological
and hydrogeological environment;
Identification of measures to mitigate against any potential adverse effects; and
Assessment of the significance of residual effects following mitigation taking
into account the sensitivity of receptors, magnitude of effects and the
probability of these effects occurring.

A site visit was undertaken on 1 July 2011 and included site walkover survey to:

Note features of geological and hydrogeological interest; and

Assess the topography of the site.

1.73

The site is underlain by superficial deposits of peat and glacial till overlying
Tertiary Basalt rocks. Alluvial soils are present along the course of the Evish Burn.
The soils within the site consist primarily of peat and humic gley soils which have
developed downslope of the peat mass. A Peatslide Hazard Risk Assessment has
been undertaken and the results for the site are low risk; three principal design
constraints are identified. The likely residual effect on the peat is considered to be
neutral/slight adverse and, therefore, not significant.

1.74

The site is located within an Area of Constraint of Mineral Development. The likely
residual effect of the proposed Wind Farm on this designated area is considered to
be neutral/slight adverse and, therefore, not significant.

1.75

Tertiary basalts, identified as locally important aquifers on the Hydrogeological Map

of Northern Ireland 5, underlie the superficial deposits on-site. The development
and drainage in this area would be designed with consideration of the bedrock
aquifer. The likely residual effect on this aquifer is considered to be neutral/slight
or slight adverse for certain activities, and, therefore, not significant.

1.76

In conclusion no significant residual effects are predicted on the geological and

hydrogeological environment as a result of the proposed Wind Farm.

Hydrology Assessment

1.77

The assessment techniques used are aimed at identifying hydrological constraints

on the layout of the proposed development, including areas in which development
should be avoided and areas in which mitigation measures are required.

1.78

This assessment demonstrates the potential effects of the development of a wind

farm on the receiving hydrological environment, including surface water quality. It
summarises the relevant legislation and guidance and provides appropriate baseline
information, enabling the potential effects to be identified.

British Geological Survey (BGS). (1994): 1:250,000 scale Hydrogeological Map of Northern Ireland.

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1.79

Aspects of the design, construction and operation of a wind farm that may
potentially impact on the receiving surface water environment have been identified
and the pathways for adverse effects assessed. It has been determined that without
mitigation the proposed development has the potential to cause adverse changes of
major significance.

1.80

Mitigation provided includes (but is not limited to):

1.81

Avoidance based on baseline constraints mapping;

Design of site elements to minimise impact on the water environment;
Implementation of a surface water management plan comprising the use of SuDS
(drainage) and silt management;
Water quality monitoring;
Construction phase pollution prevention procedures.

Implementation of the mitigation proposed would result in no significant residual

effects to the receiving hydrological environment as a result of the proposed
development.

Transport Assessment
1.82

An assessment of the predicted levels of traffic movements associated with the

proposed wind farm has been undertaken. The main transport effects will be
associated with the movements of commercial Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and
Abnormal Loads to and from the site during the construction phase of the
development. Once the wind farm is operational, it is envisaged that the amount of
traffic associated with the scheme will be minimal, comprising service and
maintenance visits.

1.83

The proposed access route for large turbine components (abnormal loads) will be
from Belfast before taking the M2. From the M2 the vehicles would be taking the
A26 to Ballymoney and then Coleraine before turning left onto the A29 towards
Garvagh. They would then turn right onto the Craigmore Road before turning left at
Ringsend onto the Boleran road. The delivery would then turn right onto the
Belraugh road. The site entrance is on this road to the right. The proposed return
route is the same as the delivery route. Once the turbine components have been
delivered the vehicles will be shortened so they are no longer than a typical
articulated HGV.

1.84

The associated traffic flows will vary over that time as different elements of the
site are developed and constructed, and will depend on the chosen contractors
preferred method of working. A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared
by the developer or the chosen contractor once the construction schedule, plant
requirements and the turbine model have been defined. This will ensure impacts
to the delivery route are minimised where possible. The TMP will be submitted to
Planning Service for approval prior to the start of construction. This TMP will be
completed post planning consent.

Electromagnetic Interference and Aviation Assessment

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1.85

An assessment has been undertaken of the likely effects of the proposed Craiggore
Wind Farm upon communication systems that use electromagnetic waves as the
transmission medium and aviation systems.

1.86

The study area differed according to the type of medium being investigated: the
study area for civil fixed links was set at 1km from the proposed turbines; & the
study area for television reception was set at 10 km from the proposed turbines.

1.87

The proposed wind farm development has been assessed through study and
consultation as to its potential impact on aviation and military interests. Through
applied and proposed mitigation the residual effect on such systems will be
minimal.

Shadow Flicker Assessment

1.88

Under certain combinations of geographical position, time of day, time of year &
meteorological conditions, the sun may pass behind the turbine rotor and cast a
shadow over neighbouring buildings openings (i.e. windows and doors) where the
contrast between light and shade is most noticeable. To a person within that room
the shadow, depending on its intensity, may appear to flick on and off, giving rise
to an effect referred to as shadow flicker.

1.89

A shadow flicker analysis has been undertaken assuming shadow flicker to occur up
to or equal to 10 rotor diameters distant (based on best practice guidelines) from
turbine locations (900m). It has been shown that for the worst case conditions,
there are no instances of shadow flicker at dwellings within this distance.

Socio Economic and Tourism Assessment

1.90

An assessment has been undertaken to assess the potential social and economic
impacts of the proposed development. It details the likely employment generation
and business related opportunities which will result from the proposal, and
predicted impacts on the current land use and recreational users of the site and the
surrounding area.

1.91

The construction is expected to provide local employment opportunities for

contractors with a workforce of between 10-40 persons over a period of 12-18
months with an average of 20 jobs expected to be provided.

1.92

RES accepts that economic benefits to the local community are largely indirect,
whilst environmental benefits, in terms of combating climate change, can be
perceived as somewhat intangible and of more regional or national consequence.

1.93

Once operational the wind farm would pay current rates of 4,000 per MW. For the
proposed 18 MW wind farm this will equate to rates of 72,000 per annum with the
total value of the fund over the lifetime of the project equating to 1,800,000
being paid to Limavady Borough Council/Department of Finance and Personnel,
which will be used to pay for a wide range of services. The impact is therefore
beneficial and considered to be of slight significance.

1.94

RES believes that the Community Fund is the most equitable and effective method
of ensuring local benefit. It is most likely that the proposed Craiggore Community
Fund would comprise a specially constituted Charitable Trust Fund.
The
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Community Fund will be based on 2000 per MW for the 25 year lifetime of the
project. Based on a 18 MW project this equates to a community fund of 36,000 per
annum, with the total value of the fund over the lifetime of the project equating to
900,000. The impact is therefore beneficial and considered to be of minor
significance.
1.95

Whilst the wind farm will not directly prevent the public from visiting the area
surrounding the wind farm, there is the potential for indirect impacts on recreation
and tourism due to perceived changes in the landscape and personal opinions
relating to this type of development, however impacts upon tourism are not
considered to be significant.

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Conclusion
1.96

The potential effects of the proposed Craiggore Wind Farm have been assessed in
accordance with regulatory requirements and good practice. The ES incorporates
technical assessments of the proposed development based on the requisite
legislation and the relevant planning policy framework. The EIA has demonstrated
that significant environmental effects associated with the construction, operation
and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm have been avoided or minimised
through the use of the iterative design process and with the application of
mitigation measures.

1.97

The Craiggore Wind Farm will provide a number of benefits. The scheme will result
in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generating industry
by harnessing wind as an alternative to the burning of fossil fuels, in line with the
governments energy goals. It will also make a significant contribution to the
Northern Ireland government target that 40% of electricity consumed should be
sourced from renewable energy by 2020 (DETI).

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