WEST GARTY WIND FARM

The West Garty Estate is located 5km south west of Helmsdale and 10km north east of Brora. The proposed wind farm would be situated within the elevated hills of the sporting estate.
The area chosen for the wind farm development is predominantly heather moorland and covers the eastern slopes of Creag Riasgain, Beinn Mhealaich and Culgower Hill. This land is currently run as a sporting estate and is defined by three watercourses: the Culgower Burn, the West Garty Burn and the Garbh Allt. West Garty has a number of attributes that contribute towards a potentially successful site for wind energy: Very high average wind speeds Significant landform screening to visibility from the western and northern mainland Large separation distances from residential properties (over 1km) Good proximity to grid network No part of the site is a designated area of ecological value Good existing local transport network (A9)

Consequently, Muirden Energy LLP would like to create a proposal that is both directly and indirectly sensitive to the environment and the surrounding landscape. In order to achieve this aim; the eventual wind farm plans will be the result of environmental studies and feedback received from the local communities of the area.

The West Garty Estate (centre) from the A9 north of Brora

WIND ENERGY AT WEST GARTY

The West Garty Wind Farm would contribute in the growth of Scotlands largest renewable energy technology by developing a further 22 wind turbines.
The wind turbines proposed would generate electricity for a period of 25 years Each wind turbine would have a generating capacity of between 2MW and 3MW Based on a 31% capacity factor a 3MW wind turbine would generate 8,146 MWh* of electricity each year The development would generate sufficient electricity to meet the average annual demands of up to 28,000 households
*1MWh is equal to 1000kWh. For example, 1kWh is the approximate equivalent to doing 3 loads of laundry in a washing machine.

Turbine specifications
HUB HEIGHT TIP HEIGHT ROTOR BLADE DIAMETER INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY OVERALL CAPACITY 57-76m 100-120m 71-82m 2.3-3MW 50-66MW

A candidate 2.3MW Enercon E70 wind turbine in Aberdeenshire

PROJECT TIMELINE
Past September 2012 Present Ornithological, ecological and hydrological surveys
carried out

February 2013 Scoping response received from Highland Council May 2013 Planning Permission granted for 40m wind monitoring mast July-August 2013 Noise impact assessment carried out at four residential houses in
agreement with Highland Council Environmental Health Team

Future September 5th 2013 Helmsdale Community Council Meeting September 11th 2013 1st Public Exhibition at Helmsdale Community Centre October 2013 Pre-application meeting with Highland Council November 19th 2013 Brora Community Council Meeting November 2013 2nd Public Exhibition at Brora Community Centre December 2013 3rd Public Exhibition at Helmsdale Community Centre January/February 2014 Section 36 Planning Application submitted to Energy
Consents Unit at the Scottish Government

July 2014 Section 36 Addendum submitted to Energy Consents Unit for consideration Winter 2014/Spring 2015 Planning decision issued Summer/Autumn 2015 Wind farm construction begins

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be submitted to the Scottish Government with the planning application for consideration. These documents will include studies on the proposals compliance with national and local planning policy, relevant environmental regulations and considerations, and the potential for effects on residential amenity.
The following studies have been underway since Autumn 2012 and are influencing the site design evolution process: Landscape and Visual Ecology Ornithology Noise Hydrology Peat and Geology Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Transport and Access Shadow Flicker Communications and Aviation Infrastructure

The current site design has already incorporated many key aspects of the studies; however, further studies over the Autumn and Winter will further enhance the sensitivity of the proposal to the surrounding environment.

Helmsdale Railway Signal Box (Photo courtesy of Richard Gennis)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW TO DATE

Planning Policy The project has been designed and assessed against all relevant national and local planning policy, in particular the current Highland Wide Local Development Plan (2012) and the Sutherland Local Plan (2008). Shadow Flicker Shadow flicker can be caused by rotating wind turbine blades that periodically cast shadows over nearby properties as they turn. Shadow flicker will not occur when wind turbines are sited over 10 rotor diameters from residential houses as the blades do not cover the sun, but partially mask it at greater distances. All residential properties would be over 1km from the nearest wind turbine and therefore no effects will occur. A shadow flicker map will be included within the environmental statement. Ecology and Ornithology No ecological or ornithological designations have been given to any area of the wind farm site. However, the nearest designated sites have been considered throughout a ecological and ornithological impact assessment. The site lies within close proximity of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation and within 15km of the Caithness Peatlands SPA. Also part of the proposal drains into the Garbh Allt, which flows through the Garbh Allt SSSI, which is designated for upland birchwood. Ecological and ornithological surveys are currently being undertaken to determine the use of the site by Schedule 1 and other sensitive bird species; to identify habitats present within the development area; to look for protected animals within the development area (European Protected Species, Schedule 5 Species and Badgers) and to assess the potential impacts of the development on nearby designated sites. To date no significant impacts have been predicted to habitats and species. Mitigation measures will be introduced to ensure best practice during construction. Cultural and Heritage Features Potential direct and indirect effects on cultural and heritage features have been identified and assessed in depth. The current layout has been constructed to minimize any impact to cultural and heritage features. Hydrology Potential effects to the geological, hydrological and hydrogeological environment during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind turbines has been identified, assessed and where possible mitigation measures have been suggested. Analysis of all Private Water Supplies in the area has also been carried out to ensure that no significant effects are experienced.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW TO DATE

Noise A noise impact assessment has been carried out to ensure that any noise emitted by the turbines complies with the Highland Council standards. A comprehensive and robust assessment methodology has utilised guidance from the Highland Council, ETSU-R-97 and the recently published Institute of Acoustics good practice guide. The assessment has been undertaken by measuring the background noise levels at four local properties that are representative of the nearest noise sensitive properties. The recorded background noise levels have then been used as the basis of the assessment. By assessing the worst-case scenario a thorough and conservative assessment has been undertaken on the potential effects to the amenity of nearby residential areas. The study has identified that noise levels would be within acceptable limits at all surrounding properties. Transport A transport route assessment has been undertaken and will be submitted as part of the Environmental Assessment. The route used by the abnormal loads transporting the turbine components to the site is likely to be from Invergordon through the settlements of Golspie and Brora. Electromagnetic Interference There is the potential for wind turbines to interfere with electromagnetic signals that transmit telecommunication signals and television broadcasts. There would be no interference with telecommunication signals and interference effects to television broadcasts and radio reception are not anticipated. Details of these studies will be provided within the full planning submission. Aircraft safety and radar Preliminary consultation has advised that there will be no adverse effects to aircraft safety. During the planning process further consultation will take place with BAA, NATS and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that there are still no potential adverse effects.

Helmsdale Railway Signal Box (Photo courtesy of Richard Gennis)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW TO DATE

Landscape and Visual The suitability of the wind farm design and location is being assessed against the current existing landscape character of the surrounding areas. The assessment methodology is utilising guidance by The Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and The Landscape Institute. An assessment of relevant viewpoints from local dwellings, viewpoints and key transport corridors is being undertaken. A number of viewpoints representing the project from the closest receptors, as well as covering a range of angles and distances from the turbines have been selected and agreed with The Highland Council. Viewpoints include settlements, roads and recreational features such as those listed below:
0-10km o Helmsdale, representing local residents o Portgower Inn Road- Gartymore (Core Path) representing residents and walkers o Kildonan Lodge, representing local residents and visitors o A9 (between Lothbeg and Gartymore), representing road users 10-20km o Brora Links Dalchalm (Core Path), representing road users and residents o A9 - south of Brora, representing road users o Ben Horn, representing hill walkers o Dunrobin Castle, representing tourists 20-30km o Embo Caravan Park, representing tourists, views from the Moray Firth and also views from Little Ferry picnic area o Dornoch, representing local residents o Loch Fleet, representing the nature reserve 30-40km o Tain, representing views from local residents o Glen Morangie Distillery, representing views from the A9 and tourists o A839 (Lairg), representing road users 40-50km o Cromarty Bay, representing the nature reserve o Burghead Bay, representing views from the Moray Firth and local residents 50-60km o Califer View Point, representing views from the Moray Firth and tourists

Photomontages are been prepared from each of the agreed viewpoints and provide an impression of how the wind turbines would appear if constructed. Cumulative effects with other wind turbine developments and the potential for effects to wild land will also be considered within this assessment. In addition to the viewpoint study the assessment will be supplemented with Zone of Theoretical Visibility maps and detailed baseline landscape character assessments. Emphasis is being placed on reducing any alterations to the existing landscape, whilst still maximising energy output from the wind turbines.

TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS

Construction traffic impacts will be minimised and mitigated where possible. In order to achieve minimal disruption and to highlight potential issues a full survey of the access route along public roads is being undertaken and will be submitted as part of the planning application submission.
It is envisaged at this time that the wind turbine manufacturer will deliver wind turbine components to the port at Invergordon. A trial run will be undertaken prior to the first delivery to demonstrate that the route between Invergordon and West Garty along the A9 is suitable for the abnormal load vehicles. Access to the site will be directly from the A9 minimising the requirement for disruption and reinforcements to minor roads. Muirden Energy are very keen to keep members of the local communities up to date with the schedule for all activities and consequently would like to invite members to join the team at regular Community Liaison Meetings. At these meetings attendees would hear about the programme of works have the opportunity to ask any question regarding the process.

Timescale for key transportation and construction works Activity Timescale Discharging planning conditions Before site works commence Arrive at site to setup compound and commence Month 1 work on site infrastructure Completion of sub-station and turbine access roads Month 6 Sub-station build completed Month 8 Turbines delivered and installed Month 8 Grid connection Month 9

Wind turbine blades being transported through Aberdeen with escort vehicles

CONSTRUCTION PHASE
If planning permission is granted the wind farm will be constructed in various stages with the majority of work undertaken onsite before the arrival and installation of the wind turbines. Site works will include the construction of access tracks, laying of underground cables, the construction of a sub-station and control building and a temporary site compound.
Planning conditions will be agreed with the Highland Council and relevant statutory consultees to ensure that minimum impacts occur during the construction process. To ensure compliance with these conditions and best practice construction methods, a Construction Method Statement will be created with input and review by Highland Council, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. On commissioning of the wind farm the majority of the site will then be restored to allow regeneration of the environment. However, the access tracks will be retained to enable maintenance to be carried out and the eventual decommissioning of the site. In order to ensure safety to the general public the site will have access restrictions during the construction period.

Construction phase at Newton of Fortrie, Aberdeenshire

COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Throughout the lifespan of the wind farm Muirden Energy are committed to working with the community to ensure the benefits of the wind farm are maximised. We will be adopting the Highland Council three tier benefit policy and contributing the suggested contribution (5000/MW) towards local community benefit.
Community Benefits Package If granted planning permission the substantial community benefits package would be set up to provide an annual fund available to the community. We are keen to ensure that surrounding communities gain meaningful benefits from the West Garty Wind Farm. At present, suggestions on the most suitable management structure and uses of the fund are welcomed. Examples of previous funds Muirden Energy have been involved in have included projects that:
o o o o Involve local community groups or sports clubs Involve community buildings or regeneration Enhance the environment or wildlife Involve local residents or events

In addition to the Councils suggested benefit fund Muirden Energy would like to discuss other options for the local community to become involved in the project.
Community Ownership Muirden Energy have experience in setting up regulated co-operatives that allow local communities and individuals to invest varying amounts in a project in order to own a share in a wind farm development. Using this approach a co-operative would share its income from the electricity generated evenly throughout its members. Alternatively, Muirden Energy are happy to look into the possibility of community ownership of one of the wind turbines at West Garty. Previous examples of this strategy have allowed trusts to use income to support community projects and work within the local aera (e.g. Fintry Development Trust). Other Local Benefits If the proposal is granted planning permission a local procurement strategy will be used to ensure that local businesses are given the opportunity to offer their services during construction and operation of the turbines. It is expected that approximately 75 jobs will be created locally during the construction of the wind farm with 2 jobs sustained over the operational life of the site (SAC, 2010).

Muirden Energys Dave Green with Deveron Youth Football Club