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Rooley Moor Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Appendix 4.1: Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)

Rooley Moor Wind Farm

CORONATION POWER LIMITED

Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan

Draft V4

19 Aug 2014


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Rooley Moor Wind Farm

Project no: JE30481

Document title: Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan

Revision: V4

Date: 19 Aug 2014

Client name: Coronation Power Limited

Project manager: Joanne Moran

Author: Hannah Greene

File name: C:\Users\jmoran\Documents\Work\Rooley Moor\Rooley Moor Wind Farm CEMP V4.docx

Sinclair Knight Merz (Europe) Ltd (Jacobs)

1 Potters Quay,

5 Ravenhill Road,

Belfast

T +44 (0)28 9046 3560

F +44 (0)28 9046 0022

www.jacobs.com

COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd (Jacobs). Use or copying

of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright.

Document history and status

Revision Date Description By Review Approved


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Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 2

1.1 Background ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Structure of this CEMP ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Terms of Reference and Figures .................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.5 Status of the CEMP ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.6 Reference Documents and Other Management Plans ................................................................................................................... 4

1.7 Construction Method Statement ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

2. Project Description .................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Location .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Summary Description...................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Key Environmental Designations and Receptors............................................................................................................................ 7

2.3.1 Ecological & Hydrological Designations.......................................................................................................................................... 7

2.3.2 Protected Species ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.3.3 Fisheries Interests........................................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.3.4 Landscape Designations ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

2.3.5 Residential Properties ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.3.6 Cultural Heritage Designations ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.3.7 Public Access................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

2.4 Outline Construction Process ....................................................................................................................................................... 10

2.5 Detailed Design and Micrositing ................................................................................................................................................... 10

3. Roles, Responsibilities, Other Plans and Planning Compliance........................................................ 11

3.1 Roles in Construction .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

3.1.1 Developer Responsibilities............................................................................................................................................................ 11

3.1.2 Principal Contractor ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1.3 Environmental Manager and Ecological Clerk of Works ............................................................................................................... 13

3.1.4 Project team integration ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

3.2 Pre-Construction Surveys ............................................................................................................................................................. 14

3.3 Documentation and Risk Registers............................................................................................................................................... 14

3.3.1 Record Keeping ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14

3.4 Roles, Responsibilities and Contact Details ................................................................................................................................. 15

4. Pre-construction Surveys / Activities .................................................................................................... 16

4.1 Ground Investigation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16

4.2 Archaeology .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

4.3 Ecological Surveys and Activities ................................................................................................................................................. 16

4.3.1 Reptiles ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

4.3.2 Other Species ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17

4.4 Traffic and Access ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17

4.5 Peat and Stockpiling Potential ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

4.6 Borrow Pits.................................................................................................................................................................................... 17


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5. Outline Construction Activities .............................................................................................................. 18

5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

5.2 Programme ................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

5.3 Materials ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

5.4 Traffic ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

5.5 Construction Components ............................................................................................................................................................ 19

5.5.1 Wind Turbine Foundations ............................................................................................................................................................ 19

5.5.2 Crane Hardstandings .................................................................................................................................................................... 20

5.5.3 Wind Turbine Transformers .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

5.5.4 Permanent Anemometry Mast ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

5.5.5 Substation and Control Building.................................................................................................................................................... 21

5.5.6 Cabling .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

5.6 Access – Site Access.................................................................................................................................................................... 23

5.6.1 Internal Access Tracks.................................................................................................................................................................. 23

5.7 Watercourse Crossings................................................................................................................................................................. 24

5.8 Temporary Works ......................................................................................................................................................................... 25

5.8.1 Construction Compounds and Laydown Areas............................................................................................................................. 25

5.8.2 Temporary Welfare Facilities and Services .................................................................................................................................. 26

5.8.3 Temporary Security Office ............................................................................................................................................................ 26

5.9 Borrow Pits / Material Supply ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

5.9.1 Borrow Pit Establishment .............................................................................................................................................................. 27

5.9.2 Borrow Pit Preparation .................................................................................................................................................................. 27

5.9.3 On Site Vehicle Movements.......................................................................................................................................................... 27

5.10 Unstable Ground ........................................................................................................................................................................... 27

6. General Construction Good Practice .................................................................................................... 29

6.1 Emergency Incident and Response .............................................................................................................................................. 29

6.2 General Protection of the Water Environment .............................................................................................................................. 29

6.3 Pollution and Materials Storage / Handling ................................................................................................................................... 30

6.3.1 Concrete ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 30

6.4 Fuel and Other Chemicals ............................................................................................................................................................ 31

6.5 Waste Management ...................................................................................................................................................................... 32

6.5.1 Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) ........................................................................................................................................ 32

6.5.2 Hazardous and Other Wastes....................................................................................................................................................... 33

6.6 Peat and Soil Storage ................................................................................................................................................................... 33

6.7 Stockpiling .................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

6.8 Sediment and Drainage ................................................................................................................................................................ 35

6.8.1 Drainage Management Plan ......................................................................................................................................................... 35

6.8.2 Best Practice for Sediment and Drainage ..................................................................................................................................... 36

6.8.3 Permanent Drainage ..................................................................................................................................................................... 37

6.9 Watercourse Crossings................................................................................................................................................................. 37

6.9.1 Watercourse Crossing Design Philosophy.................................................................................................................................... 37


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6.9.2 Water Crossing Construction ........................................................................................................................................................ 38

6.10 Flooding ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39

6.11 Dust .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 39

6.12 Vehicle Storage ............................................................................................................................................................................ 40

6.13 Temporary Lighting ....................................................................................................................................................................... 40

6.14 Cable Laying ................................................................................................................................................................................. 40

6.15 Temporary Construction Compounds ........................................................................................................................................... 41

6.16 Tracks ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

7. Environmental Controls / Additional Mitigation by Topic Area .......................................................... 42

7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

7.2 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Habitat Management and Birds .................................................................................................. 42

7.3 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Reptiles ...................................................................................................................................... 42

7.4 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Badgers ...................................................................................................................................... 42

7.5 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology ............................................................................................ 43

7.6 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Noise and Vibration .................................................................................................................... 43

7.7 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Traffic and Access ...................................................................................................................... 44

7.8 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Sediment Run-Off to Watercourses ........................................................................................... 44

7.9 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Disturbance / Degradation of Peat ............................................................................................. 45

7.10 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Localised Flooding ..................................................................................................................... 45

7.11 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Water Quality.............................................................................................................................. 46

8. Environmental Controls / Additional Mitigation by Activity................................................................ 47

8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... 47

8.2 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of the Substation ......................................................................................................... 47

8.3 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of Turbine Foundations & Crane Hardstandings ........................................................ 48

8.4 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Concrete Pouring ............................................................................................................................. 49

8.5 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of Watercourse Crossings .......................................................................................... 49

8.6 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of Access Tracks ........................................................................................................ 49

9. Review of the CEMP ................................................................................................................................ 51

9.1 Post-Consent CEMP Review ........................................................................................................................................................ 51

9.2 Pre-Construction CEMP Review ................................................................................................................................................... 51

9.3 Construction / Operation and Maintenance Reviews .................................................................................................................... 51

10. Monitoring, Reinstatement and Enhancement ..................................................................................... 52

10.1 General ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 52

10.1.1 Temporary Construction Compound ............................................................................................................................................. 52

10.1.2 Tracks ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 52

10.1.3 Turbine Foundation and Crane Hardstanding Reinstatement ...................................................................................................... 52

10.2 The Role of the CEMP .................................................................................................................................................................. 52

10.2.1 The Role of the CEMP in Reinstatement and Future Monitoring .................................................................................................. 53

10.3 Water Quality Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................................. 53

10.3.1 Water Quality Monitoring and Contingency Plans ........................................................................................................................ 53

10.3.2 Monitoring of Surface Water Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 54

10.3.3 Private Water Supplies ................................................................................................................................................................. 54


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10.4 Condition of Roads ....................................................................................................................................................................... 54

11. References and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................... 55

11.1 References.................................................................................................................................................................................... 55

11.2 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................................................ 56

Appendix A. Figures


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Important note about your report

The sole purpose of this report and the associated services performed by Jacobs is to identify the likely

construction environmental management processes which will be required for the proposed Rooley Moor Wind

Farm in accordance with the scope of services set out in the contract between Jacobs and the Client. That

scope of services, as described in this report, was developed with the Client.

In preparing this report, Jacobs has relied upon, and presumed accurate, any information (or confirmation of the

absence thereof) provided by the Client and/or from other sources. Except as otherwise stated in the report,

Jacobs has not attempted to verify the accuracy or completeness of any such information. If the information is

subsequently determined to be false, inaccurate or incomplete then it is possible that our observations and

conclusions as expressed in this report may change.

Jacobs derived the data in this report from information sourced from the Client (if any) and/or available in the

public domain at the time or times outlined in this report. The passage of time, manifestation of latent conditions

or impacts of future events may require further examination of the project and subsequent data analysis, and re-

evaluation of the data, findings, observations and conclusions expressed in this report. Jacobs has prepared

this report in accordance with the usual care and thoroughness of the consulting profession, for the sole

purpose described above and by reference to applicable standards, guidelines, procedures and practices at the

date of issue of this report. For the reasons outlined above, however, no other warranty or guarantee, whether

expressed or implied, is made as to the data, observations and findings expressed in this report, to the extent

permitted by law.

This report should be read in full and no excerpts are to be taken as representative of the findings. No

responsibility is accepted by Jacobs for use of any part of this report in any other context.

This report has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of, Jacobs’s Client, and is subject to, and

issued in accordance with, the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the Client. Jacobs accepts no

liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this report by any third

party


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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

This document presents an outline Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for the proposed

Rooley Moor Wind Farm (hereafter referred to as the ‘proposed development’). It has been developed as part of

the application for consent under Section 57 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to build and operate a

wind farm at a site within the administrative boundaries of Rochdale Borough Council in the Greater Manchester

area and Rossendale Borough Council in Lancashire. The towns of Rochdale and Bury lie approximately 5km

and 6km to the southeast and southwest respectively.

The final detailed CEMP will form part of the site induction which will be mandatory for all employees,

contractors and visitors attending the Rooley Moor construction site (hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’). All

employees and contractors will be required to familiarise themselves with the contents of the CEMP.

This CEMP has been prepared to take account of ‘Good Practice During Wind Farm Construction’1 and

‘Guidelines for Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms’2 (as well as other relevant guidance – refer to Section 11)

and has been developed to identify all the environmental management, mitigation and monitoring requirements

during the construction phase for the proposed development.

1.2 Aims and Objectives

Compliance with the CEMP is important as it ensures that any significant environmental effects that have been

identified through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process are mitigated as described. The CEMP

also ensures that should the mitigation proposed be ineffective for any reason, or where issues arise that have

not been foreseen, additional or revised mitigation is developed and implemented.

The CEMP further ensures that appropriate project monitoring and reporting is in place to assist with the

discharging of consenting conditions by the local planning authorities (LPAs), in this case Rochdale Council and

Rossendale Borough Council. The CEMP should also give stakeholders confidence that the proposed

development can be constructed safely, without any damage to the environment. This is achieved by outlining

the environmental protection measures, both best practice and site specific. The outline CEMP also commits the

Contractor to prepare a detailed CEMP for approval.

1.3 Structure of this CEMP

The structure of this CEMP is as follows:

Section 1 – Introduction;

Section 2 – Project Description;

Section 3 – Roles and Responsibilities;

Section 4 – Pre-Construction Surveys and Activities;

Section 5 – Outline Construction Activities;

Section 6 – General Construction Good Practice;

Section 7 – Environmental Controls by Topic Area;

Section 8 – Environmental Controls by Activity;

Section 9 – Review of the CEMP;

Section 10 – Monitoring, Reinstatement and Enhancement; and

Section 11 – Reference Documents and Abbreviations.

1 ‘Good Practice During Windfarm Construction’, Version 1, October 2010.

2 ‘Guidelines for Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms’, Health & Safety in the Wind Energy Industry Sector, 2010.


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1.4 Terms of Reference and Figures

There are also a number of terms of reference used throughout this document. For clarity, the main terms are

defined below:

Method Statements – the Construction Method Statement (CMS) is a separate document from the CEMP

which sets out the controls for works (precautions, mitigation methods, specific actions to prevent harm,

boundaries of working area, plant and equipment requirements etc.) to ensure that project risks (including

environmental) are known and managed;

Work Instructions – the specific methods used to communicate step-by-step tasks to construction

workers, including verbal communication and drawings;

The CDM Regulations – the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007, which places legal

duties on everyone involved in construction work including the Developer, designers, Principal Contractor,

sub-contractors and workers;

The EIA Regulations – the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations

2011 under which the environmental impacts of the proposed scheme has been assessed to support the

application for planning consent;

Planning Conditions – planning applications can be granted subject to one or more conditions by a LPA

which must be satisfied (discharged) before the proposed development can go ahead. These can be

restrictive, suspensive, or require the submission of details and include time limits, providing

supplementary environmental information separate from the EIA and limits on the size and external

appearance;

The Site – the area for which Coronation Power Limited (CPL) has applied for consent to build and operate

the proposed scheme, as determined by the red line boundary plan submitted with the planning application,

defined as ‘the Development Area’ in the ES (Environmental Statement).

References used throughout this outline CEMP are provided in Section 11, along with a list of abbreviations

used throughout the document. It should be noted that instances of the letter ‘M’ followed by a numerical digit

are in reference to areas of habitat, e.g. M23 (generally Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems) that

have specific requirements for mitigation. The drawings and figures provided with the ES indicate the location of

these areas.

Various figures from the Rooley Moor Wind Farm ES are included in this document as references to specific

items of mitigation mentioned within this chapter. These are provided in Appendix A and figure numbers and

titles replicate those which have been included in the ES:

Figure 4.1: Development Layout

Figure 7.1: Hydrological Constraints

Appendix 7.2 Figure 10: Peat Depths

Figure 8.2: Phase 1 Habitat Map

Figure 8.3: NVC Survey

Figure 11.1A: Heritage Assets within the Development Area

Figure 11.1B: Heritage Assets within the Inner Study Area

Figure 14.1: Public Right of Way

1.5 Status of the CEMP

As this outline CEMP has been prepared at an early stage in the design process, the methods, processes and

level of detail in regards to specific site / aspects of the construction work are high level.


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This outline CEMP is intended to be a live document which will evolve during the different phases of the

proposed development as detail emerges with regard to the construction methods of the scheme and as the

various detailed plans evolve and develop. As such it will be subject to constant review to address:

Any conditions required in the planning permission;

Best practice at the time of construction and during the life of the wind farm;

The incorporation of the findings of pre-construction site investigations;

Changes resulting from the construction methods used by the Contractor(s), and

Unforeseen conditions encountered during construction.

It is anticipated that agreement on specific parts of this CEMP will be a condition of planning consent. Relevant

parts, or the whole of the CEMP, will be submitted to the LPA and regulatory / statutory agencies such as the

Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England prior to commencement of works, for approval and to

demonstrate compliance with any pre-commencement planning condition requirements.

All works will be carried out in accordance with the conditions attached to the planning application consent. The

final CEMP will comply with the terms of relevant consents and attendant planning conditions and any other

relevant agreements and commitments made during the planning process. This outline CEMP will form the

basis of a more detailed document which will be agreed with the EA prior to the commencement of construction

activities.

Once the Contractor has been selected, detailed design completed and in advance of any Site preparation or

construction works, the revised outline CEMP included within tender documentation will be reviewed and

updated by the Contractor so that it is specifically tailored to incorporate the construction methods and

programming to be applied to the proposed development. The requirements set out within the ES and any

planning consent should not be removed or altered at this time, with the document being developed further

rather than any significant deletions being made. Where actions have been completed (e.g. a planning condition

discharged), this should be referenced by means of a completion statement.

At this point in time, the CEMP will cease to be an outline document and will be at final draft stage ready for

submission to the appropriate stakeholders for approval. Any stakeholder comments or additional requirements

will then be addressed and the CEMP finalised.

The final detailed CEMP will be a standalone document that will be maintained and updated on Site, and will be

augmented by associated design specifications and Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) 2007

Regulations documentation such as the Principal Contractors Construction Phase Plan.

All Contractors and sub-contractors will be required to adhere to the CEMP in its final approved form.

1.6 Reference Documents and Other Management Plans

This outline CEMP (and in due course) the final detailed CEMP should be read in conjunction with various other

reports and management plans that are yet to be incorporated, though some exist in outline:

The Rooley Moor Wind Farm Environmental Statement 2014 (SKM, 2014) which presents a

comprehensive review of the site setting, the proposed development and required mitigation measures;

Any planning conditions and such other instructions as may be issued by any statutory body and approved

by the CPL Project Manager,

Habitat Management Plan (HMP) – an outline HMP has been prepared as part of the application for

consent (Chapter 8 of the ES);

Peat Management Plan (PMP) – an outline PMP is provided as part of the application for consent

(Appendix 7.3 of the ES);

Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP);


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Drainage Management Plan (DMP) (Appendix 4.4 of the ES);

Construction Phase (Health & Safety) Plan; and

Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) (an outline of what would be required for this document is

contained under Section 6.5.1.

1.7 Construction Method Statement

On obtaining planning permission and prior to construction commencing, the Developer and its appointed

Principal Contractor will produce a detailed Construction Method Statement (CMS) outlining the methods and

procedures which will be implemented during construction. This will be prepared in conjunction with the detailed

CEMP. It is anticipated that the Developer will present both these documents to Rochdale and Rossendale

Borough Councils, Natural England and the Environment Agency (EA) for approval prior to work commencing.


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2. Project Description

2.1 Location

The Site is located approximately 3.5km southwest of Bacup, 4.5km southeast of Rawenstall and 6.5km north of

Heywood. The towns of Rochdale and Bury lie approximately 5km and 6km to the southeast and southwest

respectively. The Development borders the planning boundaries of both Rochdale and Rossendale Borough

Councils

The site is centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 385891, 417861. The Site covers an area of

approximately 101 hectares (1.01 square kilometres) and is located on land comprising acid grassland, marshy

grassland and wet modified bog. A number of watercourses drain the site, with several subcatchments feeding

water supply reservoirs downgradient of the proposed development. The site has an elevation of between

247m AOD and 474m AOD. The land is currently common and private land used for grazing livestock and

crossed by a number of Public Rights of Way (PROW). There are no residential dwellings within the Site.

Section 6 of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail runs through the central section of the Site and is part of a

larger 130 mile recreational trail running through northwest England.

2.2 Summary Description

The construction process for a scheme of this size and detail would typically run over a period of 12 months.

The proposed scheme is shown on Figure 4.1 in Appendix A.

The principal components of the proposed development comprise:

12 three blade horizontal axis wind turbines with a tip height of up to 125m;

Formation of 7.2km of access tracks, including two new and one upgraded culverted watercourse

crossings;

Substation and associated external compound;

Permanent meteorological mast;

Temporary construction compound(s);

Crane hardstandings;

Borrow pits and associated landscaping; and

Associated infrastructure (such as cabling, utility services and external transformers).

Grid references for the locations of the principal components of the proposed development are provided in the

table below.

Table 2.1 : Locations of wind farm components

Component X Y

T1 385185 417943

T2 385556 418153

T3 385916 418431

T4 385193 418274

T5 385525 418467

T6 385847 418721

T7 385454 418748

T8 385417 419027


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Component X Y

T9 384885 419135

T10 385217 419212

T11 385585 419567

T12 385391 419764

Anemometer Mast 386037 418168

Temporary construction compound 386654 416415

Control building and sub-station compound 386600 416401

Site access point 386951 416084

2.3 Key Environmental Designations and Receptors

Since its inception, the proposed wind farm has undergone a number of changes in the design to best take

account of the surrounding environment. This process has been informed by specialist environmental studies,

as reported in the ES, and from consultation with relevant stakeholders including Natural England, English

Heritage, the EA, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Rossendale Borough Councils, United Utilities

and members of the local community. The location of turbines and associated access tracks has been carefully

chosen taking into account various site constraints. These constraints include proximity to residential properties,

proximity to PROW, landscape, visual, ecological and archaeological constraints, proximity to public water

supply reservoirs, as well as the gradient of the terrain for the routing of access tracks. The principal constraints

are presented below, though these have either been mitigated for through pre-application wind farm site design

or by the mitigation measures outlined in this document.

2.3.1 Ecological & Hydrological Designations

No statutory designated sites3 are present within or immediately adjacent to the Site. However, eight statutory

designates sites are located within 10km.

Rochdale Canal Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

South Pennine Moors SAC

Lee Quarry Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Rochdale Canal SSSI

Lower Red Lees Pasture SSSI

Hodge Clough SSSI

South Pennine Moors SSSI

Healey Dell Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

There are two non-statutory sites which lie either within or contiguous with the Site.

Knowl Moor Site of Biological Importance (SBI) overlaps the northwest corner of Site.

Cowpe Moss and Brandwood Moor Biological Heritage Site (BHS) overlaps the northern section of Site.

The reason for the designation is blanket bog habitat and acidic grasslands within the extensive disused

quarries. The site is important for breeding birds.

A further 17 non-statutory designated sites are located within 2km of the Site.

3 Statutory sites include: Special Areas of Conservation (SAC); Ramsar sites; Special Protection Areas (SPA); Site of Special Scientific Interest

(SSSI).


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2.3.2 Protected Species

The desk study and baseline surveys indicate that the Site and surroundings have the potential to support a

number of protected fauna and flora species, including mammals (such as bats and brown hare), reptiles and

amphibians (common lizard and common frog), invertebrates (such as dark-barred twin-spot carpet moth),

plants (red threadwort and dotted thyme-moss) and mire habitats. Mitigation for species evaluated as

ecological receptors of local or greater value4 and/or subject to legal protection, namely reptiles, badger and

bats is presented in Section 7 of this document.

During construction it is anticipated that impacts may arise from:

Habitat loss or damage (permanent and temporary) due to construction of wind farm infrastructure,

including drainage impacts to bog or other wetland habitats;

Possible changes to groundwater flows affecting GWDTEs;

Inadvertent killing or injuring of fauna during construction;

Disturbance to fauna due to vehicular traffic, operating plant and the presence of construction workers; and

Sedimentation or other pollution of watercourses from construction activities and vehicular traffic.

During operation of the wind farm, it is anticipated that impacts may arise from:

Vehicular traffic;

Increased presence of people;

Environmental incidents and accidents (e.g. spillages); and

Moving turbine blades (bats).

The nature conservation importance of the bird species present within the Site boundary and surrounding area

have been evaluated, as well as the designated sites for birds within the wider area. Species recorded during

surveys which form qualifying features of, or are a reason for the designation of nature conservation sites are

assessed in terms of their importance and in terms of the designated sites population and in their own right.

Designated sites with a functional link to the Site are:

Knowl Moor SBI (all species except red grouse); and

Cowpe Moss and Brandwood Moor BHS (all species except redshank and ring ouzel).

The species of at least district value or where a breach of legislation could occur (e.g. damage to active nests)

are:

Peregrine falcon;

Kestrel;

Curlew; and

Dunlin.

In the absence of mitigation, the main effects on birds during construction are likely to include the following:

habitat loss (breeding and foraging);

disturbance/displacement during construction operations; and

damage to active nests.

4 “Local or greater value” is defined as per The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) Guidelines for Ecological Impact

Assessment in the United Kingdom (IEEM, 2006). IEEM became the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) in April 2013.


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2.3.3 Fisheries Interests

There are a number of small watercourses within the Site, and some drains which appear to be modified or

man-made. The majority of the streams are less than 1 metre wide, of peaty substrate and did not appear to

provide suitable habitat for fish species owing to low flow rates and the likely ephemeral nature of some

features. The exception to this is the more established stream, Ding Clough, which flows out of Ding Quarry.

This stream appeared to be a fairly permanent feature, in a steep sided valley with a clear flow of water over

bedrock.

2.3.4 Landscape Designations

The Site is subject to any landscape designations as follows. Two National Parks and one Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty (AONB) lie partially within the study area for the LVIA:

The Peak District National Park is located approximately 16.7km to the south-east of the proposed turbines

at the closest point.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is located approximately 34.25km north of the proposed turbines at the

closest point.

The Forest of Bowland AONB is located approximately 17.75km north-west of the proposed turbines at the

closest point

Several non-statutory landscape designations are present within the study area that may have relevance to the

proposed development, as detailed below. These are not protected by local or national planning policy, nor are

there any criteria underpinning the designations.

The proposed development is located within the South Pennines Heritage Area (SPHA);

West Pennine Moors

Broadfield Park

Falinge Park

Queen’s Park

Rochdale Cemetery

Whitworth Cemetery

The proposed development site is located on land covered by Green Belt but this is not a landscape

designation. The scoping response from Natural England highlighted the need to consider potential significant

effects upon land qualifying for conditional exemption from capital taxes on the grounds of outstanding scenic,

scientific or historic interest. The Development does not affect such land interests.

2.3.5 Residential Properties

There are no properties within 1km of the proposed turbines, and approximately 20 properties within 1.5km of

the turbines. The majority of properties located between 1.5km and 2.5km of the proposed turbines are

concentrated within urban areas at Whitworth and Bacup, or in Cowpe village, with dispersed rural properties

also located at/near Cowpe and to the south of the proposed turbines (north of Rochdale).

2.3.6 Cultural Heritage Designations

There are no designated assets within the Site boundary; Rooley Moor Road was considered for scheduling in

November 2012 but English Heritage concluded that it was not of national significance. There are 11 Grade II

Listed Buildings within the Inner Study Area (which comprises land within the Site and the area up to 1km from

the Site boundary). One Conservation Area lies within 1km, of the edge of the Site; this is Prickshaw and

Broadley Fold Conservation Area.


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2.3.7 Public Access

A number of registered Public Rights of Way cross the Site as shown on Figure 14.1. In addition to these

PRoWs, large areas of the Site are registered as Common Land under the Commons Act 2006, which means

the public have the right to roam across these areas of the Site either on foot or on horse.

2.4 Outline Construction Process

Construction of the wind farm will comprise the following main tasks. These are listed below in sequence,

however, some will overlap and some activities will be undertaken in parallel:

Construct general access roads and protect sections of existing Rooley Moor Road;

Establish the temporary site construction and laydown compound and install the site accommodation;

Obtain aggregate from borrow pits for use in tracks, turbine bases and hardstanding areas;

Construct approximately 7.2km of new access tracks, water crossings and crane platforms, protection to

Rooley Moor Road and construction of temporary bridleways;

Excavate the wind turbine foundations and construct the turbine bases;

Construct control building and substation compound;

Excavate cable trenches and lay the power and instrumentation cables;

Install the grid connection (subject to separate consent process);

Erect and commission the permanent anemometry masts;

Erect and commission the wind turbines;

Carry out reinstatement works; and

Remove temporary accommodation and compounds and clear the site for operation.

2.5 Detailed Design and Micrositing

Following receipt of consent, if granted, intrusive site investigations will be undertaken to inform the detailed

design of the wind farm. This will include, for example, orientation of crane hardstandings and detailed track

construction methods. It is possible that unforeseen ground conditions will require the route of the access tracks

and positions of individual turbines and other wind farm components to be microsited to facilitate construction,

reduce potential environmental impacts or both.

It is proposed that micrositing within 50m from the stated location be permitted by the Consent and will be

overseen by an Environmental / Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) appointed for the Site (see roles and

responsibilities in Section 3). A log of all such micrositing decisions will be maintained by the ECoW.

Any variation in indicated positions over 50m will be submitted to the local planning authorities and will require

to be approved in writing.

Further description of the components and activities required for their construction is provided in Section 5.


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3. Roles, Responsibilities, Other Plans and Planning Compliance

3.1 Roles in Construction

There are a number of roles involved in the construction of the proposed scheme and referenced throughout

this document. These are defined as follows:

Developer – referred to prior to the construction stage as the Applicant;

Project Manager – an individual from the Developer to who will oversee construction of the proposed scheme,

including any specialist roles such as the EM, ECoW and (if required): Geotechnical Engineer, Resident

Engineer, Hydrologist, Archaeologist, Environmental Health Specialist;

Principal Contractor – the successful tenderer selected by CPL to build the proposed scheme;

Site Manager – the individual appointed by the Principal Contractor who monitors the day-to-day management

of the Site, including legal and environmental responsibilities, site health and safety, and ensure adherence to

the CEMP, all approved method statements and the consent;

Environmental Manager – Individual or organisation appointed by the Principal Contractor with responsibility to

oversee and ensure the implementation of the CEMP;

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) – will ensure the implementation of the HMP during the construction period

and the ecological requirements of the CEMP are implemented;

Local Planning Authority (LPA) – Rochdale Borough Council and Rossendale Borough Council;

The Consenting Authority – the organisation who grants consent to the proposed development, in this case

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Rossendale Borough Council;

Regulatory Authorities – statutory authorities such as the EA and Natural England.

The precise nature of the roles, particularly roles of Environmental Manager, ECoW and Project Manager would

be determined in the construction contract between the Developer and the Principal Contractor.

3.1.1 Developer Responsibilities

It will be the responsibility of the Developer to:

Ensure compliance with the CDM Regulations 2007;

Appoint an overall Project Manager (and Resident Engineer, if required) who will have overall responsibility

for ensuring that the action of each party accords with their responsibilities and for implementing corrective

measures as may be needed;

Appoint a suitably qualified, experienced and competent Principal Contractor to build the works;

Ensure that the Principal Contractor's method statements will be reviewed by the Developer’s Project

Manager, the Principal Contactor’s Site Manager, ECoW the LPAs and the EA to ensure that all

operations will comply with the planning consent, best environmental practice and the provisions of the

CEMP;

Establish roles, responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities in advance of the construction phase,

including any requirement for any other environmental specialist roles (e.g. Hydrologist, Archaeologist,

Geotechnical Engineer, Environmental Health Specialist);

Ensure that suitably qualified specialists are in place within the Principal Contractor’s team to carry out

environmental monitoring and reviewing of construction methods and required mitigations measures;


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Employ suitably qualified specialists to develop the outline Habitat Management Plan (HMP) into a

detailed HMP and oversee its implementation by the Principal Contractor with suitably qualified specialists;

and

Work alongside the Principal Contractor to continually update the CEMP prior to and during construction,

as required, including the development of detailed versions of the following plans:

o Sediment and Drainage Management Plan (SDMP);

o Peat Management Plan (PMP);

o Habitat Management Plan (HMP);

o Emergency Incident and Response Plan (EIRP);

o Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP); and

o Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP)

These responsibilities will be embedded within the construction contract performance requirements. The ability

to adhere to the provisions of the CEMP will form a key aspect of the rigorous contractor tendering and

selection process.

The Developer’s Project Manager will require that all Contractors will follow the requirements of ISO14001,

‘Environmental Management Systems - Specification and Guidance for Use’, and will provide the following:

Details of Principal Contractor’s corporate environmental policy;

Procedures and controls for environmental management;

Environmental monitoring details and reporting systems;

Schedule of contractual and legislative requirements; and

Schedule of relevant consents, licences and authorisations.

3.1.2 Principal Contractor

The construction works for the proposed development would fall under the CDM Regulations 2007. As such,

the Principal Contractor will provide a Construction Phase (Health & Safety) Plan in accordance with the CDM

regulations. This plan shall include (but not be limited to) a construction programme, emergency procedures,

site layouts and fire plans, method statements and details of the proposed induction programme. An induction

will be required for all workers (permanent / temporary / contractor / subcontractor), site visitors, client

representatives or other 3rd

parties and all inductions shall be documented. This induction programme will

include both the Principal Contractor’s site specific rules as well as the Client’s requirements, and will include

instructions to all staff regarding the EIRP and relevant procedures in consultation with the Environmental

Manager. Plant operators and construction staff will be trained by the Principal Contractor with regard to spill

prevention / mitigation measures and procedures and in the use of relevant mitigation material (e.g. spill kits).

Prior to commencement of any work the Principal Contractor will:

Appoint a suitably qualified, experienced and competent Site Manager who will monitor the day-to-day

management of the Site, including legal and environmental responsibilities, site health and safety, and

ensure adherence to the CEMP, all approved method statements and the consent;

Implement pre-construction surveys (refer to Section 4);

Initiate a geotechnical risk register to be used dynamically during the contract;

Prepare a detailed CMS including the preparation of activity specific method statements to complement the

method statements for individual works;

Ensure that all method statements are reviewed by the Project Manager, the Site Manager, the ECoW,

LPA’s and the EA to ensure that all operations comply with the planning permission, best environmental

practice and the provisions of the CEMP;


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Prepare a programme of works, including those of sub-contractors for review and comment by the

appropriate authorities and the PM. This will take account of sensitive work activities, wet periods and

ecological, habitat and species protection requirements;

Ensure the plans listed in Section 1.6 are implemented as part of the detailed CEMP;

Work with suitably qualified specialists to implement the detailed HMP;

Employ specialist resources where required to provide advice in preparing and supervising work methods.

These may include a Geotechnical Engineer, Hydrologist and/or Archaeologist, as required;

Work with the ECoW to inspect all works to ensure that all potential ecological, hydrological, geotechnical

and archaeological constraints have been identified, demarcated and/or mitigated for prior to the on-set of

construction in that area;

Ensure construction of the proposed scheme will proceed in accordance with the approved Plan, unless

otherwise agreed in writing by the LPAs; and

Identify a key Site contact to handle and complaints and actions to be taken in response to noise limit

exceedences and/or complaints agreed in advance with the local authority.

It will be the responsibility of the Contractor to:

Provide a Health and Safety Plan as required under Construction Design and Management Regulations

(CDM) 2007;

Ensure that all Contractor employees, sub-contractors, suppliers, and other visitors to the Site are made

aware of the CEMP and are provided with an introduction to the contents and responsibilities contained

therein; and

Draw up detailed arrangements for the induction of construction staff.

The Principal Contractor will also be responsible for liaising with and obtaining all relevant consents, licenses,

authorisations, permits or permissions relating to any potential construction at the Site, including the discharge

all pre-commencement conditions. All construction works on the Site, and specifically construction works to be

undertaken within and in the vicinity of any watercourses, shall be completed in compliance with current

legislation and best practice as detailed within this document.

The Principal Contractor, Environmental Manager and ECoW will inspect all works to ensure that all potential

ecological and archaeological constraints have been identified, demarcated and/or mitigated for prior to the on-

set of construction in that area. The regularity of inspections (hourly, daily, weekly as appropriate) during

construction shall be determined in advance.

All construction personnel will be will be trained in relevant environmental management techniques. A site

representative will be responsible for the environmental management of the Site and the adherence to the

CEMP by site personnel.

3.1.3 Environmental Manager and Ecological Clerk of Works

The Developer will appoint an Environmental Manager (EM) to undertake / manage the following tasks during

construction. This will be done in collaboration with an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), also appointed by the

Developer, particularly for tasks 1 to 5:

1) Implementation of peat minimisation protocol (refer to PMP);

2) Operate permit to dig and permit to pump systems, etc.;

3) Water quality monitoring;

4) Monitor drainage and sediment control;

5) Emergency response;

6) Noise management;


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7) Micrositing; and

8) Monitor and ensure compliance with best practice guidance.

3.1.4 Project team integration

To enable the CEMP to be implemented effectively, integrated input from all the above groups will be

necessary. To facilitate this, weekly and monthly environmental management meetings will be held between the

Developer, Principal Contractor, Environmental Manager, ECoW and any other specialists, as required. Other

bodies such as statutory consultees may also attend if considered appropriate. The purpose of these meetings

is to discuss any environmental issues, the implementation and performance of mitigation measures and where

necessary, to identify actions and timescales for improvement. These meetings/inspections will highlight any

further issues/measures which may be relevant either prior to commencement or during the works.

3.2 Pre-Construction Surveys

Detailed design and pre-construction surveys will be carried out for the proposed scheme required in

accordance with any relevant planning conditions, legal requirements or need to inform detailed design and

these are presented in Section 4 of this document. Any pre-construction surveys will be the responsibility of the

appointed Principal Contractor.

3.3 Documentation and Risk Registers

A site plan illustrating the location of all works will be provided in the final CEMP. This will include information on

the boundary of the Site along with the location of individual components.

A detailed programme for the overall construction work will be created and reviewed as an ongoing

requirement. This programme will set out the sequence in which works will be completed and the time period for

each element. The programme should be based on normal working hours and stipulate these. Where the

programme requires work out with normal hours this should also be identified.

3.3.1 Record Keeping

All activities are required to be documented in detail. Record keeping which must be available for inspection at

any time to include:

Pollution prevention measures and pollution incidences;

Geotechnical issues, risk assessments and measurements;

Implementation of mitigation measures;

All permits to pump and dig;

Site inductions;

Tool box meetings and other training;

An inventory of potential pollution sources associated with the construction process and details regarding

the management of these sources; and

Health and Safety inductions and training.

In addition to the above, and to the various detailed Plans outlined in Section 1.6, the following risk registers,

plans and documents will also be prepared and maintained dynamically on site with appropriate implementation

and update procedures:

Communication plan;

Register of relevant environmental consents;

Register of risks to the environment during construction;

Geotechnical risk register;


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List of all those bodies (statutory and non-statutory) that are required to be consulted during construction;

and

Register of relevant environmental legislation.

A copy of the CEMP documents / folders shall be kept in the Site offices for the duration of the works and will be

available for review at all times. The appointed Principal Contractor, in conjunction with the Developer will be

responsible for the continual development of the CEMP as the proposed scheme progresses to take account of

monitoring and audit results and changing environmental conditions and/or regulations.

Work Instructions will be produced for each individual construction element being completed detailing in writing

the type of work required, the plant / equipment requirements and any specific programme / timing

requirements. These work instructions should be clear and detail any specific environmental issues or aspects

that need to be considered. How access should be taken during construction or specific delivery information

should be recorded within these Work Instructions.

3.4 Roles, Responsibilities and Contact Details

This section will be updated as and when project roles are established.

Role Named Contact

CPL Project Manager (Developer) TBC

Principal Contractor TBC

Site Manager / Supervisor / Clerk of Works TBC

Environmental Manager TBC

Ecological Clerk of Works TBC

Any other specialist support identified by planning / regulatory

authorities

TBC


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4. Pre-construction Surveys / Activities

Prior to the commencement of the construction, and depending upon the terms of the consent, detailed site

investigations will be undertaken to inform detail design of the proposed development. These are outlined

below. Any pre-construction surveys will be the responsibility of the appointed Principal Contractor.

4.1 Ground Investigation

A series of intrusive investigations of peat thickness was undertaken by SKM in 2012 and 2013 and details are

included within the PSRA and PMP of the ES. More detailed ground investigations will be required to inform the

detailed project design, amend the peat slide risk assessment and, if necessary, identify any potential to

optimise the layout by micro-siting particular elements. In particular these will facilitate the geotechnical design

of the various foundations and access tracks (including work required to Rooley Moor Road and for its

protection), particularly the vertical and horizontal track alignment and the design of watercourse crossings.

A full Site Investigation prior to the start of the Site construction works will be undertaken, including:

Boreholes, trial pits and materials sampling for foundations;

Geotechnical investigations associated with the precise methods and design, taking account of

potential mining risks; and

An assessment of the degree of weathering or fracturing of bedrock: if the bedrock is highly fractured, it

may be necessary to form a barrier within the excavation to ensure liquid concrete does not come into

contact with underlying groundwater.

In sensitive locations, where concrete may come into contact with groundwater, an intrusive ground

investigation will be undertaken prior to works commencing to determine hydrogeological conditions.

4.2 Archaeology

An archaeologist will be employed to look over the marked out access track routes in the vicinity of identified

features of historical interest in order to identify potential additional mitigation (if necessary) and cordon off

archaeological sites.

4.3 Ecological Surveys and Activities

A pre-construction survey for protected mammals will be undertaken on the Site, covering all watercourses and

ground within 250m of wind farm infrastructure. This survey will be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist.

The survey will aim to identify if (though highly unlikely) otter or water vole have colonised the area since the

initial 2012/2014 survey. The survey will also determine if badger activity is present within the study area. The

results of the pre-construction survey will inform the need to amend this document to include further mitigation

with regards to mammal species.

4.3.1 Reptiles

Given that large areas of suitable habitat will remain unaffected by the works and given also the very large

spatial scale of the works, fencing and translocation are not considered appropriate. Proposed mitigation

therefore involves habitat management and identification of potential refugia and hibernacula such as the

dilapidated stone walls which are present in the centre of the site.

All construction working areas with potentially suitable habitats for reptiles will initially be cut during the active

season for reptiles (April to October), under the guidance of the ECoW (using e.g. a brush cutter or tractor

mounted flail), to reduce the height of vegetation and make it less attractive for reptile habitation. The ECoW will

then move any potential refugia or hibernacula from working areas by hand. Working areas would then be kept

unsuitable for reptiles through regular cutting until construction commences.


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4.3.2 Other Species

Where required, additional mitigation and the need for European Protected Species (EPS) and Wildlife and

Countryside Act (WCA) disturbance licences will be determined in advance of works commencing and agreed

with Natural England.

4.4 Traffic and Access

It is proposed that road condition surveys are completed pre-construction to inform an assessment of whether

additional traffic could create any deterioration to the road infrastructure condition once the development has

been constructed.

4.5 Peat and Stockpiling Potential

The topography, peat depth, peat condition / strength, and proximity to watercourses should be investigated /

considered prior to selection of any area for stockpiling of peat.

4.6 Borrow Pits

Ground investigations will be carried out within the identified borrow pit areas to inform a Borrow Pit Evaluation

Report, which will accurately define the extraction area. Detailed proposals for the borrow pits will be made by

the Principal Contractor after ground investigation is complete. These will include confirmation of excavated

profiles and phasing, locations of plant and temporary establishments, positions of stock piles and over-burden,

and the detail of environmental protections measures.

Prior to any borrow pit works beginning, the proposed borrow pit locations, shall be surveyed and then the

extraction area will be pegged out. Once a proposed borrow pit location has been surveyed and pegged-out,

the EM shall be consulted prior to any further development of the location. Once the EM has given approval for

the demarked location, borrow pit preparation may commence.


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5. Outline Construction Activities

5.1 Introduction

This section outlines the nature of the proposed development and an outline of the main activities required for

its construction. These measures will be developed in more detail in advance of construction and will be

implemented by a CMS.

This section is not intended to be read as an outline CMS, which is a separate document to the CEMP and,

although it notes standard measures to protect the environment, it does not cover the management and specific

mitigation measures required during the construction period which are covered separately in Sections 7 and 8.

5.2 Programme

The construction works are expected to be completed over a period of 12 months. A detailed construction

programme will be provided by the Principal Contractor as part of the final CMS and the Construction Phase

(Health & Safety) Plan.

It is proposed that the hours of construction will be from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and 7am to 1pm on

Saturdays unless otherwise agreed with Rochdale Metropolitan and Rossendale Borough Councils. This

restriction will also apply to the delivery of the majority of materials to site.

Delivery of the towers, nacelles and blades will require the use of abnormal sized and slow moving loads, and

may require to be escorted. It is possible that abnormal deliveries will be made at night to avoid disruption to

road users but this will be done in agreement with Rochdale Metropolitan and Rossendale Borough Councils

and will be under police escort.

It is possible that 24 hour security may also be required on site during the construction phase.

5.3 Materials

It is estimated that 78,000 tonnes of rock aggregate will be required for use in access roads, crane hard

standings and other construction activities (including temporary construction compound and control building

construction).

Approximately 5,500m3 of concrete will be required in the construction of the proposed development. This will

be delivered to the Site ready mixed.

Each turbine foundation will also require steel reinforcement. It is estimated that approximately 63 tonnes of

steel will be required for each turbine’s foundation.

Most of the steel reinforcement will have been fabricated off site, and then delivered to site and stockpiled

adjacent to the respective turbine base with 3-4 deliveries per foundation. The steel reinforcement shall then be

fixed and placed to the required design specification.

All the sand for cable surround medium in the cable trenches will be imported. Up to 550m3 will be required.

Cables will be imported to the Site in 500m cable drum lengths. This will require approximately 38 deliveries.

This will include the delivery of optical cable.

Transformers, switch gear, panels, batteries, steelwork, main building and other ancillaries will be required for

the substation and control building, as well as concrete and steel re-bar for the footings. It is estimated that

approximately 88 deliveries associated with the substation and control building will be required in total.


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5.4 Traffic

Overall, the proposed development is expected to generate approximately 6,626 HGV vehicle movements of

which 145 will be abnormal loads. HGV construction traffic will peak with an average of 75 deliveries (150

vehicle movements) each day during turbine foundation concrete pour days.

There will be ongoing liaison with community and existing users of the upper and lower sections of RMR

throughout the pre construction and construction period.

5.5 Construction Components

5.5.1 Wind Turbine Foundations

The wind turbines will be supported on concrete foundations, measuring up to 3m in depth and up to 20m

across, (see Figure 4.3). Construction of the turbine foundations will involve the excavation of topsoil and

subsoil (including peat where present) and weathered rock, which will either be bunded and stored prior to the

in-situ casting of a steel-reinforced concrete foundation slab. Any turf or vegetation removed will be laid on the

surrounding ground until required for re-turfing. Excavated sub-soil and weathered rock of suitable quality will be

reused elsewhere on site. Further detail on the treatment of excavated peat is included in Chapter 7:

Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geology and Peat and in the draft CEMP in Appendix 4.1.

The depth of the excavation will depend on the need to reach suitable ground but will typically be 3m. Where a

competent bearing stratum is encountered deeper than 3m, rock upfill will be used, compacted in layers, to

create a bearing stratum at the 3m design depth. The sides will be 'battered' back to ensure that they remain

stable during construction. It is estimated each foundation will require approximately 450m3 of concrete and up

to 140kg of steel reinforcing per m3 concrete.

A concrete pedestal will be cast on top of the main slab, to which the turbine tower will later be bolted, and the

excavated area will either be back-filled with compacted layers of graded material from the original excavation,

or using appropriate material sourced from borrow pits on site. This will be capped with approximately 150mm of

topsoil or peat, which will either be flush with the existing ground surface, or will form a raised mound between

300 and 500mm above the existing ground level, depending on the depth of the foundation at each specific

turbine location. Due to the sloping nature of the site, finished ground level may have to be built up on the

‘downhill’ side of the foundation. This could be by up to 1-1.5m depending on the severity of the slope. The

turbine foundations will be covered and reinstated as appropriate, leaving only a narrow area of concrete at the

base of each turbine tower and a stoned access path around the base.

Turbine foundations will be constructed using concrete appropriate to the chemical conditions encountered in

the turbine locations. This will ensure that the concrete will not degrade when in contact with acidic water.

The turbines and their foundations will be designed with containment systems to prevent accidental releases

from leaving the turbine tower.

The limits of each of the foundation excavations will be surveyed and pegged in advance of any proposed

works, and the EM shall be consulted to ensure all necessary pre-construction checks have been completed.

The typical construction activities associated with the turbine foundation are detailed below:

Stripping of surface vegetation (turves) and careful stockpiling of this material for restoration purposes.

Erosion and the generation of sediment will be limited by the appropriate placement of the material, the

placement of excavated peat or turves on the materials and the control of surface water runoff.

Excavating the remaining superficial soil and rock materials and stockpiling of this material.

Soil will be excavated until a suitable formation can be achieved. Where rock is encountered this will most

likely be removed by mechanical excavation to the required depth and material stockpiled as described

above.


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The foundation design is based on the most efficient use of materials and local ground conditions. From

geotechnical investigations it has been shown that bedrock is at or near the surface for most of the

proposed wind turbine locations.

If groundwater is encountered, then the extracted water would be pumped into a temporary sediment trap,

constructed from such materials as sand bags and geotextiles or straw bales, prior to final discharge to

ground.

The formwork will be pre-fabricated of sufficient quality and robustness to allow repeated use. Sulphate

resistant concrete or other suitable concrete, as appropriate for the prevailing ground conditions, would be

used in the turbine base.

Pouring will follow best working practice procedures and fresh concrete will be protected from hot and cold

weather as required.

A checklist for each foundation will be prepared to show compliance with the documents of each step of the

installation process. These lists, once completed, will be stored in the contractor’s QA file along with relevant

cube test results, and be available for inspection at all times.

The ground disturbed for the foundations will be reinstated at the end of the construction period in accordance

with the CMS, CEMP and PMP and will be approved by the EM.

5.5.2 Crane Hardstandings

Crane platforms will be required adjacent to each turbine base to accommodate cranes and their outriggers.

These will be of similar construction to the tracks, but with an area of approximately 25m x 45m (or 33m x 45m

where platforms are at the end of the internal site road) adjacent to the turbine foundation. The design and

layout will be determined by the turbine supplier according to their specification.

The crane platforms will be excavated and backfilled with stone to a suitable depth. Surplus peat will be used for

habitat restoration, and to batter the edges of the tracks and platforms, or landscaping local to each turbine.

The orientation of the crane platforms will be optimised to make best use of the existing topography, prevailing

wind conditions (to enable safe lifting) and the erection procedure. The location of crane platforms in Figure 4.1

is indicative only. Where ecological or other constraints are identified pre-construction, the crane platform will be

orientated to avoid these constraints.

The crane hardstandings will remain in situ for the operational life for use during operation and maintenance

purposes.

The ground disturbed in constructing the hardstandings will be reinstated at the end of the construction period in

accordance with the CMS, CEMP and PMP and will be approved by the EM.

5.5.3 Wind Turbine Transformers

An electrical transformer will either be located outside of, and adjacent to, the turbine base, or within the nacelle

which sits at the top of each turbine tower. The external transformer will be placed within steel or glass

reinforced plastic housing approximately 3m x 2.5m x 2.5m (high). The transformers will either be oil-filled with

a bunded footing to remove any risk of spillage or a solid cast resin type which is effectively non-polluting.

5.5.4 Permanent Anemometry Mast

A permanent 70m high anemometry mast will be installed to inform wind farm operations and performance

monitoring. Figure 5.1 below illustrates the lower section of a typical wind farm met mast.

The mast will require a concrete foundation, measuring approximately 4m x 4m and 2.5m deep and a crane

platform measuring approximately 15m x 15m. A lattice construction has been chosen due to its ease of access

for maintenance purposes. The masts are erected in sections using a small crane.

Access to the masts will be along a 5m wide track connected to the main network of site tracks.


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Figure 5.1 : Typical lower section of a wind farm met mast

The ground disturbed for the mast will be reinstated at the end of the construction period in accordance with the

CMS, CEMP and PMP and will be approved by the EM.

5.5.5 Substation and Control Building

The cables from each of the turbines will be routed to the control building, which will comprise a 12m x 24m

single story building with a pitched roof. The building will contain transformers and switch-gear.

The control building will be situated within a 35m x 25m compound which will contain an emergency generator,

substation building and communications equipment. The compound will be surrounded by fencing. There will

also be car parking facilities and a storage yard. An example control building is shown in Figure 5.2 below.

The control building will also house welfare room and facilities, workshops, site communications, office and a

storage area.

Foul drainage from the control building will be disposed of to a septic tank which will be regularly emptied by an

approved contractor. A rainwater collection and purification system will be installed for the welfare room subject

to technical feasibility, and electricity will be provided from the Development or stand-by generator.

The building will be constructed in keeping with the local built environment. The final designs for the building

and compound will be agreed with Rochdale Metropolitan and Rossendale Borough Councils.


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Figure 5.2 : Example Control Building

.

The ground disturbed for the substation and control building will be reinstated at the end of the construction

period in accordance with the CMS, CEMP and PMP and will be approved by the EM.

5.5.6 Cabling

The wind turbines will be linked together with underground cabling, which will normally be buried immediately

adjacent to and approximately 1m from the new access tracks. The cables will be 33kV single-phase cables and

will be laid in trenches approximately 1.8m wide by 0.9m deep.

The cables will be laid directly into the trench on a base of sand with further sand backfilled to surround the

cables. Excavated subsoil and peat or topsoil with original vegetated turves will then be replaced. To prevent

water tracking along trenches, clay plugs or appropriate plugging material will be used in short (typically 1m)

sections, with the distance between plugs dependent on the track slope. The trenches will also include

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) cables or fibre optic cables to allow interrogation and control

of individual turbines and remote monitoring. A copper cable will also be located in the trench to provide an

earthing system to protect the Development from lightning strikes and electrical faults. An underground power

supply and SCADA cable will also connect to the meteorological mast.

The position of trenches will be marked out and the vegetation layer and peat / topsoil will be removed and

segregated from the removed subsoil for use in reinstatement. If necessary where depth allows, further

segregation of the vegetation layer and peat / topsoil will be undertaken to prevent burying of the upper

vegetation layers in deeper soil upon replacement. To mark the location of cables, markers will be placed at

regular intervals along the track edge.


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The cabling will be delivered to site in large drums, carrying varying length of cables (length dependent upon

cable diameter). Three phases of cabling will be required for each circuit. An allowance has also been made for

the sand which will surround cables in cable trenches.

Following testing, the trench will be backfilled and compacted in layers with suitable material and reinstated with

previously excavated surface soils (from which stones will have been removed). Sand will be imported to site,

or quarry dust from the borrow pit used, and will be placed around the cables as protection. Suitable duct

marker tape will be installed in the trench prior to backfilling.

The ground disturbed for cabling will be reinstated at the end of the construction period in accordance with the

CMS, CEMP and PMP and will be approved by the EM.

5.6 Access – Site Access

The Development will be accessed from the south via the existing Rooley Moor Road. This Main Access will

serve all construction and delivery vehicles including abnormal load vehicles. From this point, the access track

will be utilised up to the Site boundary as shown on Figure 4.1.

The Main Access point will be utilised during both the construction and operational phases of the Development.

5.6.1 Internal Access Tracks

The layout of internal access tracks has been designed to avoid sensitive environmental constraints including

habitats and natural watercourses.

It is estimated approximately 7.2km of new track (both excavated and floating) will be required to access and

link the turbines. Tracks will have a minimum running width of 5m with widening on bends as necessary. Local

widening will be required on corners, with the amount of land required depending upon the angle of slope and

the severity of the bend. Passing places will be required along the length of the track system at 500m intervals,

each being circa 70m by 4m width.

All tracks will be constructed from stone sourced from onsite borrow pits and will not be tarmacked (i.e. un-

metalled). Track material will comprise good quality stone with less than 15% fine (less than 6mm) aggregate

material.

Tracks that cross areas of deeper peat (more than 1m depth) will be of "floating road" construction. This

construction method will permit unimpeded flow of water within the peat under the track. Based on peat depth

and other peat survey work undertaken to date it is estimated that approximately 1.8km of floating track will be

required. Floating road construction involves imported rock fill being laid to a minimum depth of 600mm, on a

geotextile mat that has been laid directly onto the peat surface. A geotextile grid is then placed over the top and

further stone laid down to a minimum of 200mm. This creates a very short step stone batter to a road which is

raised proud of the peat surface. Surplus peat and soil from the turbine foundations are laid in a gentle batter at

roadside verges.

All other tracks will be constructed on the cut road principle, where peat or topsoil is excavated down to the

underlying strata. Imported rock is then laid to an approximate depth of 0.5m and width of 5.5m. The excavated

peat and soil will be used to dress the sides of the road once backfilled, or ‘battered’ back and landscaped,

taking care to protect undisturbed peat habitats.

Typical track cross sections for floating and excavated tracks are illustrated in ES Figure 4.5.

Hydrology flow paths will be maintained with small, frequent, drainage built into the track construction and

extending where appropriate across cable trenches.

Where necessary, risk from run-off will be mitigated by directing drainage to settlement areas. Erosion

processes on roadside embankments and cuttings will be mitigated by ensuring that gradients are below

stability thresholds, which would also enable effective regeneration of vegetation. Check dams within trackside


24

drainage channels will also reduce flow velocities, reducing erosion and promoting sediment deposition.

Sediment traps will remain in place until the ECoW has reviewed the water quality sampling data and

established that the run-off has reached an equilibrium comparable to that which was evident prior to

construction.

The ground disturbed for access tracks will be reinstated at the end of the construction period in accordance

with the CMS, CEMP and PMP and will be approved by the EM.

5.7 Watercourse Crossings

There are a total of two new and one upgraded watercourse crossing proposed to be constructed over surface

watercourses and drainage channels within the Site, shown in Figure 7.1 and described in Table 5.1. These

crossings are proposed in the following catchments:

Table 5.1 : Proposed and upgraded water crossings

Crossing

ID

Type Location

(NGR)

Catchment Description

1 Upgraded 386948

416085

Spring Mill and

Prickshaw

Upgraded watercrossing beneath existing Rooley

Moor Road. No direct discharge to reservoir.

2 New 385631

418048

Naden and

Greenbooth

New crossing over stream which discharges

directly into the Naden and Greenbooth Reservoir.

3 New 385665

418086

Naden and

Greenbooth

New crossing over stream which discharges

directly into the Naden and Greenbooth Reservoir.

Upgradient of crossing 2.

Watercourse crossings for the locations described in Table 5.1 above will be constructed in accordance with the

EA and Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) good practice guidance5 and will

be agreed in advance with the EA. It is proposed that reinforced concrete or plastic circular piped culverts will

be used with culvert sizes based on a calculation of peak flow from the upstream catchment. The design of

these crossings will take into consideration overland flow routing in the event of a blockage and will be designed

to direct flow back into the watercourse downstream of any obstruction.

The EM shall be consulted on all watercourse crossing works. Surveys will be carried out prior to the

commencement of construction works – these are described further in Section 4. Examples of typical water

crossing points on wind farm access tracks are shown in Figure 5.3 and Figure 5.4 below.

5 CIRIA 1997, Report C689: Culvert Design and Operation Guide, CIRIA, London


25

Figure 5.3 : Indicative Water Crossing Point Beneath Site Construction Access Track

Figure 5.4 : Indicative Water Crossing Point Beneath Access Track

5.8 Temporary Works

5.8.1 Construction Compounds and Laydown Areas

During the construction period a construction compound and a laydown area will be required.

An indicative layout for the construction and laydown compounds is shown in Figure 4.10. The compound will

have dimensions of approximately 100m x 56m and excavated to a depth of approximately 7m at the ‘uphill’ end

and filled to approximately 1-2m at the ‘downhill’ end. The excavation depth combined with bunding will screen

this area from surrounding views. The area will be prepared by carefully stripping soil and peat in accordance

with best practice guidance. Sub-soil and rock will then be excavated to the required formation depth before

placing geotextile material and then a stone platform. The stripped soil material will be stored adjacent to the


26

site for subsequent use in reinstatement and screening. The excavated rock of suitable quality will be reused

elsewhere in the works. It is currently anticipated each compound will include:

temporary portacabin type structures to be used for the security and site offices;

welfare facilities, including portacabin toilet with provision for sealed waste storage and removal;

parking for construction staff, visitors and construction vehicles;

security office;

secure storage for construction materials, small plant, tools, small parts and oils;

waste storage facilities; and

a receiving area for incoming vehicles.

The temporary construction compound will be reinstated at the end of the construction period.

5.8.2 Temporary Welfare Facilities and Services

Welfare facilities will be provided in accordance with the CDM Regulations 2007 during the construction period

and will include mobile toilets with provision for sealed waste storage and removal. Sewage waste will be

tankered off site by a licensed approved waste contractor.

Potable water will be supplied using imported bottled water. The water will be used for messing purposes during

the construction phase.

5.8.3 Temporary Security Office

During the construction period, a temporary security office will be located close to the Site entrance for all

visitors to the Site to report into the proposed wind farm. A passing place will be located opposite the security

office to avoid congestion when vehicles stop at the office.

In addition, a wheel-wash facility will be located in the compound or at a location close to the main access point

to reduce the amount of mud deposited on local roads before vehicles exit the Site.

5.9 Borrow Pits / Material Supply

Crushed rock is required in order to construct the access tracks, passing places, and for the formation of new

hardstanding areas such as crane hardstandings, site construction compounds and laydown areas. Borrow pits

are proposed to obtain stone to do this. The location of these borrow pits has been informed through the EIA

and design process. A Borrow Pit Report has been included in Appendix 4.2 of the ES. It includes details of

the dimensions and depths of borrow pits and estimated calculations for the volume of rock to be extracted from

the borrow pits.

The estimated calculations for the rock volume required take into account the main site access roads, smaller

access roads (including those for borrow pit access and met mast), rock up-fill at gravity turbine foundations,

construction and sub-station compounds and crane hardstandings and also takes into account the stone volume

obtained from other necessary excavations, such as at the construction compound location. It has been

calculated that 50,000m3 rock is required to be won from on-site borrow pits and when applying the 100%

volume increase to allow for processing losses this equates to a volume requirement of 100,000m3. Two areas

of extraction have been identified as shown on Figure 4.1.

Borrow Pit 1 should be capable of producing up to 40,000m³ of rock; this could be achieved by an approximate

250m by 68m excavation with a typical maximum excavation depth of 3.5m. Borrow Pit 2 should be capable of

producing up to 60,000m³ of rock; this could be achieved by an approximate 137m by 105m benched

excavation with a typical maximum excavation depth of just over 7m. Due to the size of the excavation and the

topography of Borrow Pit 2, the excavation will be benched with two levels to achieve the required volume of

stone without one excessively deep face.


27

The Quarry Regulations (1999) state that any excavations undertaken for the sole purpose of supplying

materials for use on Site are excluded from the Regulations. Therefore, the proposed development of the

borrow pits and their reinstatement will be agreed through the planning process.

5.9.1 Borrow Pit Establishment

Ground investigations will be carried out within the identified borrow pit areas to identify more accurately the

extraction area. Prior to any borrow pit works beginning, the proposed borrow pit location shall be surveyed and

the extraction area required then pegged out.

Once a proposed borrow pit location has been surveyed and pegged out, the EM shall be consulted prior to any

further development of the location. Once the EM has given approval for the demarked location, borrow pit

preparation may commence.

5.9.2 Borrow Pit Preparation

Surface vegetation / peat shall be cut and placed to one side. This material shall be retained for reinstatement

purposes once the borrow pit workings are completed.

The removal of the existing superficial soil materials (“overburden”) would typically be transported to designated

stockpile locations adjacent to the worked area and retained for restoration purposes. Where different

overburden materials are present these will be stored according to type. Overburden shall be stockpiled

carefully, with consideration given to slope gradient and proximity to watercourses or other sensitive receptors.

Care will be taken not to traffic undisturbed soils unnecessarily, and to limit the working area as far as possible

to avoid unnecessary ground excavation and disturbance.

The borrow pit may require a temporary hardstanding to be created (within its footprint) in order to provide an

initial working platform for storage of plant and vehicles or for direct access to the working face. This area will

also serve as an initial platform for setting up any crushing equipment deemed necessary for the removal and

preparation of rock material. Surface water / drainage mitigation will be implemented to prevent ingress of

surface water runoff into the working areas and to control potential pollution or silt run-off to downgradient

areas..

5.9.3 On Site Vehicle Movements

Tracks will be designed to be single track, a minimum of 5.0m wide including the provision of specific inter-

visible passing places at appropriate locations taking account of horizontal and vertical track alignments.

Additional widening will be provided on bends to facilitate the movement of the large delivery vehicles

associated with turbine tower and blade delivery, and these will double as passing places where appropriate.

During the periods of delivery of the large components, the Principal Contractor will use appropriate Site

communications and access control techniques to enable safe one way operation of the roads.

The presence of crane pads and laydown areas will assist with traffic movement on Site. Internal track junctions

will also be locally widened to facilitate multiple options for construction traffic movement. This will allow vehicles

to move more directly between construction locations and double as passing places.

5.10 Unstable Ground

Unstable ground is considered to be any ground conditions that has insufficient strength in its existing state to

support the proposed load conditions or to remain in-situ for the duration of the construction works. If any

unstable ground is encountered during access track construction, the geotechnical risk register will be updated

appropriately and the following procedure shall be adopted:

Access track construction in the immediate area of the unstable ground shall cease with immediate effect;

The Principal Contractor shall immediately consult a suitably qualified and experienced geotechnical

engineer; and


28

If relocation within approved micro-siting allowances of the proposed access track alignment is possible

and acceptable to the EM, without potential for further ground instability to occur, then construction may

recommence along the newly agreed alignment, and any stabilisation / mitigation measures that may be

required of the unstable ground shall occur in parallel.

A Peat Slide Risk Assessment Report has been prepared as part of the suite of documents to support the

planning application for the proposed development. The Peat Slide Risk Assessment presents a number of

mitigative actions to reduce the risk of peat slide occurrence. Those actions are generally implemented at

detailed design or immediately prior to the construction phase where the peat has not yet been impacted upon.

The PMP also provides a number of best practice recommendations which may be considered by the contractor

when directly handling peat to prevent instability (local and slide) of the natural peat and any peat stockpiles.

A Mining Risk Assessment undertaken indicates there has been extensive past mining of coal as well as

surface quarrying of sandstone in and around the site, although currently there is no mining of any kind taking

place. It also indicates the site is underlain by workings in two seams of coal which could affect the stability of

any proposed development. There are a number of mine entries such as shafts and adits within the site

boundary, most of which have not been treated and capped to a standard which would allow construction to be

carried out over or near them. There has been extensive quarrying of sandstone with the quarries partially or

completely infilled, or left open. It is not known which materials have been used to infill these quarries but it is

unlikely they have been infilled to a standard which would be suitable to allow development to proceed above

them.


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6. General Construction Good Practice

6.1 Emergency Incident and Response

A Site Emergency and Incident Response Plan (EIRP) will be developed by the Principal Contractor and agreed

with the LPAs. This plan will detail the events and levels that constitute an incident that will require an

emergency response and the procedures for dealing with it.

Potential pollution incidents may include:

Fuel leaks or spills from plant, containers or during refuelling;

Chemical leaks or spills;

Sediment laden water discharging to a water body or water dependent habitat; and

Wind-blown dust, etc.

The EIRP will be developed based on current best practice and EA PPG21, Pollution Incident Response

Planning. This will include:

Identification of staff responsible for implementing environmental management and emergency response;

An inventory of equipment and materials for implementation of emergency response spill kits and sediment

control materials;

Detailed procedures for the response to an incident and the personnel responsible for their implementation;

Plans of all sources of potential pollution such as the Site compound, refuelling areas, fuel or chemical

storage areas;

Summary and plans of local environmental sensitivities, e.g. watercourses, water dependent habitats,

designated habitats and water users;

Plans of the location of spill kits and other pollution control or emergency response equipment; and

A summary sheet of procedures and key contact details and display at prominent locations and on all

machinery around the Site.

This Plan must be communicated to all Site staff and in addition all Site personnel will be provided with key

contact details for staff responsible for the implementation of the plan. Staff will be trained in environmental

incident and response procedures and made aware of environmental risks. All staff will be aware of the

procedures to be followed in the unlikely event of a spillage and will be instructed in the use of all items of safety

equipment upon first arrival on Site, including recovery from incidents. All vehicles on Site will be fitted with oil

spill kits. All vehicles delivering hydrocarbons to Site will be fitted with oil spill kits and will ensure that sand trays

are placed below any oil of fuel filling activities. Spare oil spill kits will be held in the Site office at all times.

The Principal Contractor’s Site Manager shall have overall responsibility for ensuring that all emergency

procedures are understood by all Site staff and sub-contractors and carried through as specified, and that all

preparations for and reports of any incidents are fully documented and reported to the Site Manager. They shall

also ensure that the Site Manager is fully briefed regarding the arrangements which have been made, including

making available current inventories of all safety-related equipment held on Site including its whereabouts at

any time.

6.2 General Protection of the Water Environment

Good working practices and measures to protect the water environment in accordance with those set out within

CIRIA guidance and EA PPG notes will be implemented. The Principal Contractor will be responsible for

ensuring that plans are adhered to during construction. As well as a commitment to and details of best practice,

this will address specific mitigation measures (in addition to best practice measures). These may be annexes to

the CEMP but this will be determined as the project progresses. This CEMP document will be presented to


30

Rochdale Borough Council and Rossendale Borough Council, the EA and Natural England for their approval,

prior to construction commencing.

A Site Emergency and Incident Response Plan for any pollution events / spills;

An inventory of pollution sources associated with construction and specific pollution prevention;

Measures to reduce the likelihood of contamination from identified sources to downgradient surface

watercourses from fuels, oils and other contaminants – control measures described in EA PPG notes and

CIRIA guidance will be formalised within the detailed CEMP;

A Site Waste Management Plan;

A Sediment and Drainage Management Plan;

Watercourse crossing plans; and

Details of excavation and reinstatement.

6.3 Pollution and Materials Storage / Handling

The Principal Contractor and any sub-contractors will be required to conduct their activities in accordance with

the relevant EA PPG guidance, in order to prevent pollution by potential contaminants. An inventory of potential

pollution sources associated with the construction process and details regarding the management of these

sources will be documented by the Principal Contractor and updated as construction progresses if new potential

pollution sources are identified.

Contaminants associated with wind farm construction may be:

Chemical: such as fuels, oils, lubricants, surfactants and other cleaning chemicals, and flocculants; or

Physical: such as dust and other airborne particulates, silts and sediments.

Potential sources and pathways of pollution from wind farm construction works may include:

Direct disturbance of the banks and bed of channels during watercourse crossing construction, repair

and/or upgrade works;

Dust, peat disturbance and spoil management at a borrow pit;

Pumping of standing water required for de-watering of excavations such as turbine bases, or as required

for drainage management purposes;

Run-off entering watercourses from:

o Exposed ground, excavations and material stockpiles (aggregate and excavated/overburden peat and

soil), tracks and haul routes;

o Tracks and culverts at watercourse crossings;

o Recently reinstated areas (road verges, borrow pits, etc.);

o Areas of disturbed peat and peat landslides;

Cement and cement wash where cement grout or concrete is being applied;

Plant washing and vehicle wheel-wash areas;

Fuel and chemical storage/refuelling areas;

Leaking/vandalised plant and equipment; and

Sewage and waste water from the temporary construction compound.

6.3.1 Concrete

During construction there is potential for pollution and subsequent degradation of the surrounding

environment. In particular, fresh concrete or cement entering watercourses has the potential to kill fish.

Concrete is highly alkaline and corrosive and any spillage can adversely affect water quality. Migration of


31

concrete in groundwater can occur in highly fractured and fast flowing groundwater environments.

However, once concrete is poured it is only mobile for a short period of time before it sets and therefore the

potential for migration of concrete into surface water or groundwater will only occur for a short duration of

time. Measures to reduce the likelihood of concrete spillages include the following: Temporary bunds

placed downslope of pouring operations to contain any spillages;

Prior to pouring concrete within turbine excavations, the degree of weathering or fracturing of bedrock will

be assessed. If the bedrock is highly fractured, it may be necessary to form a barrier within the excavation

to ensure liquid concrete does not come into contact with underlying groundwater. In sensitive locations,

either a geotextile liner or a sand layer will restrict the flow of concrete into the surrounding groundwater to

inhibit the production of suspended solids;

Groundwater extracted from concrete pouring locations will be pumped into a temporary sediment trap,

constructed from such materials as sand bags and geotextiles or straw bales, prior to final discharge to

ground. The collected sediment will be then disposed in a controlled manner. Pumps will be located to

remove water from the surface rather from the base of the excavation;

In the event of a spillage, the actions outline in the EIRP will be initiated; and

All vehicle washouts will take place off site.

6.4 Fuel and Other Chemicals

There is potential for spillages of hydrocarbons and other chemicals that could potentially migrate to surface

water or groundwater and adversely affect water quality. Spillages could be associated with delivery vehicles

and mechanised construction plant or from any areas where fuels or other materials are temporarily stored on

the Site. To reduce the likelihood of contaminants impacting migrating to surface or groundwater, hydrocarbons

and other chemicals such as fuels will be located away from sensitive environment receptors such as surface

watercourses and will be stored appropriately:

The storage of potentially polluting materials will be kept to a minimum and, where less hazardous or inert

materials are reasonably available, these will be specified;

Any obvious potential pollutant sources such as mobile plant, materials storage, and temporary waste

storage facilities will be located away from watercourses and where practicable, operation of construction

plant will observe a buffer distance from watercourses (50m);

All fuels, oils and potential contaminants, as well as waste oils, will be stored within the construction

compounds in secure, fit for purpose containers within bunded containment as appropriate and in

accordance with EA guidance (PPG 2: Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks, August 2011). The bunded

containment shall have a capacity of 110% of the volume to be stored and will have impervious, secured

walls and base. There shall be no fuel storage outside the construction compound;

All materials stored within the Site will be checked regularly for containment integrity, quantity stored and

security of storage;

Generally, re-fuelling and maintenance of mobile plant and machinery will be carried out at a designated

location within the construction compound only, at a dedicated impermeable refuelling pad and shall

comply with EA guidance (PPG7: The Safe Operation of Refuelling Facilities, July 2011). The pad will be

bunded and equipped with a collection sump. Refuelling will be carried out using an approved mobile fuel

bowser with a suitable pump and hose.

Drip trays will be mandatory beneath all stationary construction vehicles and spill kits, absorbent mats and

absorbent sands will be available on Site and will be deployed to contain drips and small spillages and all

relevant staff will be trained in their appropriate use. Any spills will be cleaned up as soon as possible with

any contaminated sands bagged up and disposed of correctly;

The wheel-washing facility will also comprise an impermeable bunded area enabling wash water to be

collected and stored to prevent runoff of polluted water to down gradient watercourses. This will also

ensure that mud and debris from the Site is not transferred to roads outside the site boundary and

potentially polluting substances such as fuels, oils and other chemicals are captured. The water will either

be treated and tested prior to discharge in accordance with the terms of a discharge license or disposed of


32

off-site. The method of disposal of all waste water will be agreed with the EA prior to construction

commencing; and

All vehicles on site will be fitted with oil spill kits. In addition, all vehicles delivering hydrocarbons to site will

be fitted with oil spill kits and will ensure that sand trays are placed below any oil of fuel filling activities.

Spare oil spill kits will be held in the site office at all times and will also be available at the borrow pits.

6.5 Waste Management

6.5.1 Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP)

The Principal Contractor will provide a SWMP in line with relevant guidance which will include the components

addressed in the sub headings below. These will be fully developed into detailed requirements within the CEMP

before commencement of works.

Classification of waste materials;

Generated and excavated materials;

Waste minimisation including use of waste materials;

Mobile plant license and recovery of waste;

Waste management license exemptions;

Waste storage, disposal and transport;

Hazardous waste;

Waste documentation and compliance – to include plans, procedures, waste transfer and consignment

notes and waste inventory; and

Monitoring, training and auditing.

Preliminary commitments include the following:

All reasonable steps to ensure that all waste from the Site is dealt with in accordance with the requirements

under the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 (and amendments) and that materials

will be handled efficiently and waste managed appropriately. All surplus materials will be classified and

dealt with accordingly;

Activities will be managed in order to reduce the use of resources, and, where possible, resources will be

re-used, recycled or recovered, in accordance with best practice in waste management;

Suitably marked and secured temporary waste storage facilities will be located out of the 50m buffer zone

from watercourses in a safe and secure designated area;

The Principal Contractor is responsible for:

o Transporting the material on a regular basis to a covered skip;

o Making arrangements for the proper servicing of welfare facilities, including the disposal of waste

water from any welfare and toilet facilities provided temporarily for the workforce; and

Identifying waste on the Site which will require to be registered with the EA as an exempt activity under the

Environmental Permitting Regulations;

Waste will be stored in such a manner as to prevent its escape or scavenging by vandals, thieves,

trespassers or children. Waste may only be carried by a person either registered with the EA as a carrier of

controlled waste or who is exempt from holding such registration;

Appropriate waste management, disposal and waste carrier documentation and licences will be obtained;

When waste is transported from one person to another a ‘Transfer Note’ must be completed. This note

contains information about the waste and about the people involved in the transfer. Transfer notes are to

be kept for two years and made available to regulatory officers on request; and


33

The Principal Contractor must identify wastes hazardous to human health or the environment. In these

cases a ‘Consignment Note’ must accompany the movement of waste. As stated earlier, a SWMP will be

produced. The principal objective of the plan is to provide details on the minimum requirements to be

incorporated within the Contractor’s detailed SWMP;

Waste streams will include wastes generated by plant, machinery and construction workers over the period of

the works, for example waste oils, sewage, refuse (paper, carton, plastic etc.), wooden pallets, waste batteries,

fluorescent tubes etc. Excavated materials will include materials generated by the excavation / extraction works

during construction of roads, lay down compounds and turbine foundations, mainly comprising excavated

excess turf / peat and sub-soils. Any materials excavated on Site in the course of the construction works will be

stored on site and re-used during reinstatement. As such, off Site disposal of this material is not anticipated.

6.5.2 Hazardous and Other Wastes

Hazardous wastes have been classified by the European Commission (European Waste Catalogue (EWC) List

of Waste, 2002). Although some waste types may be generated in locations other than the construction

compound (for example if absorbent spill kits are used in the borrow pit or at foundation/road locations) such

waste materials will be stored within the construction compound only. Waste materials generated outside the

construction compound will be taken to the compound on a daily basis to be managed thereafter.

Foul water from the on Site facilities at the construction works compound will be removed from Site by an

appropriately licensed contractor. Portable toilet facilities will be provided out with the compound near road /

turbine construction locations.

6.6 Peat and Soil Storage

Peat depth varies across the Site, and the proposed turbine locations, tracks and infrastructure locations have

been selected to avoid pockets of deeper peat where possible. The total calculated volume of excavated peat

as a result of the proposed development is approximately 44,000m3. Careful handling is essential to retain any

existing structure and integrity of the excavated materials and thereby maximise the potential for excavated

material to be reused and there are a number of opportunities for reusing peat on site including: peat shoulders,

backfilling of cable trenches adjacent to roads, infrastructure coverings, borrow pit restoration / habitat

enhancement, peatland restoration / habitat enhancement. An outline PMP has been prepared as part of the

suite of documents to support the planning application for the proposed development (Appendix 7.5 to the ES)

providing further recommendations on these measures which include, but are not limited to:

Should any road have anticipated peat depths greater than 1m then the construction should be by floated

techniques where possible;

All items should be confirmed as suitable by the geotechnical representative responsible for peat matters

and may be amended to suit site conditions as they are found. The Principal Contractor, or other, may

propose alternative methodologies and these may be considered at that time by the geotechnical

representative responsible for peat matters provided a similar level of mitigation was delivered;

Wherever peat is encountered, and unstable conditions potentially exist, peat probes should be undertaken

in advance of the excavation at maximum 10m intervals unless otherwise advised by the geotechnical

representative responsible for peat matters.

Tracking of plant on undisturbed peat should not be permitted outside of the construction boundaries;

All unsupported excavations in peat should be inspected by the Principal Contractor at maximum one week

intervals, and following heavy rainfall or thaw conditions;

Wherever floating roads are constructed the performance of the road, type of road construction, and

behaviour of the adjacent peat mass should be assessed by the Principal Contractor at maximum one

week intervals. All areas where excavated arisings or imported materials are to be stockpiled should be

stripped of peat beforehand, with the exception of areas where peat is to be deposited, unless instructed by

the geotechnical representative responsible for peat matters; and

All areas of stockpiled arisings should be inspected by the Principal Contractor at maximum one week

intervals and following heavy rainfall or thaw conditions.


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The risk of water pollution from peat excavation in terms of sediment loss and discoloured runoff will be

prevented / mitigated by the following measures:

Careful location of turbine bases and track line to minimise peat excavation where applicable;

Temporary storage of peat will be minimised, but where required temporary storage locations, to be agreed

with the EM, ECoW and geotechnical representative, and will be appropriately located and designed to

minimise the impact to sensitive habitats and species, prevent risks from material instability and run-off into

watercourses.

Stripped peat will not be stored adjacent to or in close proximity of watercourses, where a construction area

requiring peat stripping is close to a watercourse or drainage channel the peat will be stored a suitable

distance from the watercourse or drainage channel;

Peat will be stored in accordance with best practice in order to remain intact as the peat would be essential

to the Site reinstatement;

Where turf / peat requires excavation for track construction an excavator will lift turf and place it to the side

leaving space between the edge of the track and the embankment to be constructed. The excavator will

then lift out the peat and will place it to the side of the proposed track. The peat stored by the side of the

access track will be graded by an excavator and the peat turfs will be replaced by the excavator over the

graded peat beside the track. The timescale for this operation is short and the methodology has been

successfully applied at other wind farms;

Excavated peat will not be placed onto water reservoirs (within peat), or placed where it would block

established surface or sub-peat drainage channels; peat will be spread carefully to avoid point overloading

of underlying peat layers; and

Mitigation such as silt traps to minimise sedimentation will be used.

In order to mitigate against a peat slide occurring, the following mitigation measures will be included, but not be

limited to:

The use of check dams and erosion protection to limit flows and prevent contamination of watercourses;

Ensure drainage systems are well maintained to include the identification and demarcation of zones of

sensitive drainage or hydrology in areas of construction i.e. inclusion of maintenance regimes for drainage

systems;

Minimisation of ‘undercutting’ of peat slopes, but where this cannot be avoided, a more detailed

assessment of the area of concern by the appointed geotechnical representative will be required;

The use of floating track solutions in areas of deep peat (greater than 1m depth);

Concentrated loads, such as excavated material from turbine foundation excavations shall not be placed

on marginally-stable ground.

The stripping of superficial deposits (peat, topsoil and subsoil) to expose a suitable formation level such as

glacial till or rock, where necessary; and

Excavated peat will not be stacked at the top edge of the convex slope.

Notwithstanding any of the above comments, detailed design and construction practices will need to take into

account the particular ground conditions and the specific works at each location throughout the construction

period.

6.7 Stockpiling

Stockpiles of Site won stone material will generally be limited to the borrow pit areas and then taken directly to

the point of use. Any imported stone materials may be stored within the site compound or borrow pits and will

then be transported and deposited directly to the point of use from these areas. Therefore, track stone will

generally not be stockpiled around the Site.


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Stripped topsoil / subsoil will be stockpiled in suitable locations close to the point of re-use away from the area

of movement of heavy vehicles, machinery and equipment, to minimise compaction of soil. Stockpiling of

excavated material shall be managed such that the potential contamination of down slope natural drainage

systems is mitigated and minimised. Low mound stockpiles will be formed from excavated material, adjacent to

access tracks, turbine areas and compound areas, away from open drains.

Stockpiles of material will be located at least 50m away from mapped surface watercourses and impermeable

mats (plastic sheeting) will be provided to cover mounded excavated material and open excavations during

periods of heavy rainfall. These areas should be monitored during rainfall events and additional mitigation such

as straw bales and silt fences put in place if there is potential for leaching to downgradient surface

watercourses.

Further detail on reinstatement is provided in Section10.

6.8 Sediment and Drainage

There is potential for the generation of turbid or discoloured runoff from works areas throughout the Site

including the construction of turbines, tracks, watercourse crossings, borrow pits, buildings and other

infrastructure to enter surface watercourses and waterbodies particularly via drainage channels or watercourses

that are directly adjacent or downgradient of works. Therefore a SDMP plan will be put in place, which will form

part of the detailed CEMP. This will provide a range of Site-wide measures to reduce the generation of sediment

laden or coloured runoff and transport of any runoff to watercourses. Further specific mitigation measures which

are in addition to best practice measures outlined in this section will be included in the detailed CEMP.

It is not the intent of this outline CEMP to go into detail regarding drainage design; this will be expanded upon in

full within the SDMP, the final CEMP and a series of associated documents and drawings etc., however some

standard procedures and controls are given below.

6.8.1 Drainage Management Plan

An outline DMP has been prepared in support of the ES (Appendix 4.4). This plan will be developed following

consent to provide more detail in support of the detail design of the wind farm. The drainage plan will provide

assistance to those in charge of water management on a daily basis to help them make decisions on drainage

control, particularly during high rainfall events, to provide an indicative drainage plan for the Site, presenting

areas of current drainage, areas of sensitivity and proposed drainage structures. The actual layout of drainage

arrangements, structure sizing and other designs will be determined in the field once detailed engineering is

available.

The DMP will seek to prevent movement of pollutants and surface water runoff from hard surfaces and

structures, to protect the quality of the surrounding watercourses, water dependent habitats and aquatic

species.

The Plan will give detailed guidance against which the Principal Contractor will develop further method

statements. In particular, it will require specification details for:

Construction compound drainage (including the need for geomembrane, oil water separators and any

sensitive receptors in the vicinity);

Turbine drainage including potential areas for discharging abstracted water;

Drainage of temporary excavated material storage areas;

Drainage around borrow pits;

Sediment and drainage control measures around watercourse crossings;

Habitat maintenance drainage; and

Access track drainage – these will include guidance on the location of diversion ditches, drainage

channels, infiltration trenches and culverts.


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The DMP will contain:

A series of plans presenting the Site infrastructure, existing natural drainage patterns and man-made

drainage structures;

Geology for assessment of likely permeability and infiltration;

Sensitive receptors including distance to watercourses, fisheries issues, water supply catchment;

A description of topography;

A description of the drainage considerations, sensitive areas of the Site, procedures and control structures

to be employed for the various sections of the Site;

A layout of the required drainage arrangements, upgradient diversion channels, culvert frequency, H bars

on tracks, check dams, silt fencing and other sediment control structures; and

An appendix of the methodology for the installation of the sediment control structures.

At detailed design stage, existing site drainage, including runoff routing will be mapped in detail and drainage

design will take appropriate account of this to avoid any construction drainage connecting to the existing surface

flow regimes without mitigation.

6.8.2 Best Practice for Sediment and Drainage

The mobilisation of sediment into the water environment will be mitigated by the following measures:

Preventing runoff flowing across exposed or excavated ground through the provision of diversion drains to

channel runoff from up gradient areas, around any construction areas or areas disturbed as a result of

construction works;

Channel any silty water generated from areas of disturbed ground into separate down slope drains and

direct to buffer areas, infiltration trenches, settlement lagoons or swales;

Create settlement lagoons for runoff from larger works areas where the level of runoff is likely to exceed

levels normally contained within a silt trap, to allow suspended sediment to settle. Pass treated water either

to a nearby drainage channel or through a buffer area of vegetation allowing infiltration back to the ground.

Locations will be chosen to limit any potential effect upon ecology and slope stability;

Minimising the area of exposed ground through measures such as not undertaking excavations

significantly in advance of construction, particularly for linear elements of the project such as access tracks;

Re-vegetating, or otherwise stabilising disturbed areas as soon as possible following completion of works;

Providing impermeable mats (plastic sheeting) as covers to mounded excavated material and open

excavations during periods of heavy rainfall;

Locating stockpiles of material at least 50m away from watercourses;

Providing silt fences at the toe of any significant areas where excavated material is stored and in particular

where drainage channels or watercourses are located down gradient;

Wheel-washing at the exit to prevent soils being spread onto public roads beyond the boundary of the Site;

Drains constructed alongside infrastructure have the potential to carry entrained sediment mobilised during

rainfall events. Drains will be directed to outlets at appropriate locations, erosion protection measures (e.g.

hessian / copra mats) placed at the outfalls in order to minimise erosion during periods of heavy rainfall and

will discharge into a swale or buffer area of adequate capacity to prevent discharge directly into any

downgradient surface watercourse or water feature;

Cut off ditches will be used at the perimeter of foundation excavations to divert the clean water away from

the work areas thereby reducing the volume of water potentially requiring pumping / treatment in silt traps /

settlement lagoons. It is not anticipated that large scale dewatering will be required;

Settlement lagoons will be employed in areas where the level of runoff is likely to exceed levels normally

contained within a silt trap, although it is considered unlikely that these will be required, settlement lagoon

locations will be chosen to limit any potential effect upon ecology and slope stability; and


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The risk of additional suspended solids loading to receiving watercourses will be avoided by minimising the

period at which soil is exposed, prior to construction.

In the event of the above measures not being sufficient, owing to the concentration of suspended solids within

the excavation, no water will be pumped from the operations until either the sediment has settled or the water

has dissipated.

All drainage will be inspected periodically and maintained as required and drainage discharge will be routed to

general systems for managing sediment pollution.

6.8.3 Permanent Drainage

Permanent drainage arrangements will be designed by the Principal Contractor and agreed with the Project

Manager and the regulatory / statutory authorities. These permanent drainage arrangements will use the

temporary drainage installed for the construction period in so far as is possible.

At detailed design stage, existing Site drainage will be mapped and drainage design will take appropriate

account of this to avoid any construction drainage connecting to the existing drainage network. Where existing

artificial drainage identified falls within the footprint of infrastructure, drainage will be blocked using an

appropriate barrier (either structurally stable peat, or an artificial barrier), to isolate a working area from which no

run-off can escape.

Construction drainage systems will provide the primary means for containing and treating runoff from working

areas. The blocking of drainage provides a secondary barrier to ensure runoff from working areas cannot

connect directly to watercourses. The requirement for ditch blocking will require more detailed assessment and

it will be balanced with the requirement to maintain drained working areas and measures require integration into

the detailed drainage design to ensure that working areas are appropriately drained.

6.9 Watercourse Crossings

Crossings will be built in the following catchments:

Spring Mill and Prickshaw (1 upgraded crossing)

Naden and Greenbooth (2 new crossings)

All watercourse crossings on site are considered to be minor crossings (i.e. narrow watercourse, relatively flat

gradients, low velocity flows), all of which will be crossed via culverts. It is proposed these crossings will be

formed from pre-cast concrete or plastic culverts, with the size based on the calculation of peak flow from the

upstream catchment to enable a 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flow (including an allowance for

climate change on future rainfall intensities) to be passed through the culvert. The actual design of each culvert

will be agreed at the detailed design stage, with all culverts designed and constructed in accordance with EA

and CIRIA good practice guidance. The design of each crossing will take into consideration overland flow

routing in the event of a blockage and to enable flow to be directed back into the watercourse downstream of

any obstruction.

Disruption to channel banks during the construction of crossings will be minimised by the use of cofferdams and

over-pumping if the channel exhibits potential for high flows during the construction period. Pollution prevention

measures as outlined above will be implemented to reduce the likelihood of sediment or other contaminants

entering adjacent watercourses.

6.9.1 Watercourse Crossing Design Philosophy

General good practice in watercourse crossing design will ensure that various conditions will be taken into

account during the works, and are summarised below:

All watercourses over which the access roads cross will be routed through appropriately sized culverts, and

designed not to impede the flow of water. (i.e. the crossings will have a capacity well in excess of the

design flow, as outlined above);


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The design of each crossing will take into consideration overland flow routing in the event of a blockage

and will facilitate the routing of flow back into the watercourse downstream of any obstruction;

When installing culverts, care will be taken to ensure that the construction does not pose a permanent

obstruction to migrating species of fish, or riparian mammals e.g. water voles (i.e. the crossings will make

provision for fish and wildlife migration);

Culverts will be sized so that they do not interfere with the bed of the stream during construction (i.e. the

crossings will leave the watercourse in as natural condition as possible);

Culverts with a single orifice will be used in preference to a series of smaller culverts that may be more

likely to become blocked with flotsam and create erosion (i.e. the crossings will not constrict the channel);

If any fish are found during the construction of any culverts they will be removed from the immediate

construction Site to a place of safety if deemed necessary after consultation with the EM / ECoW and

relevant fisheries interest;

To minimise impacts on breeding of any fish found, where possible, any in-stream works in these areas will

be conducted during months which have less impact on their breeding and development;

Circular culverts have been proposed in locations where there is no defined watercourse, but there is a

requirement to maintain an indistinct or ephemeral flowpath;

Ease and speed of construction are important to minimise disruption to the watercourse and surrounding

habitat;

Designed for the life of the project;

Low maintenance; and

Visually in keeping with the surroundings.

A number of factors, both environmental and engineering will influence the selection of structure type and the

design of the crossing.

If a stream diversion is considered necessary to minimise the impact when developing and constructing the

crossing of a watercourse at a particular location, the EA and the EM / ECoW will be consulted.

All watercourse crossings shall include splash boards and run-off diversion measures to prevent direct siltation

of watercourses from tracks. This is of particular importance for those crossings at the bottom of slopes, where

significant drainage volumes may occur.

6.9.2 Water Crossing Construction

The appropriate water crossing type will be identified from the EA’s best practice guidance and will take into

account any ecological and hydrological constraints. Crossings will be sized and designed to minimise impact

upon flood risk. Crossing will be constructed in accordance with the EA and CIRIA guidance and will be agreed

in advance with the EA and will, where possible, not be constructed during periods of higher water levels e.g.

after rainfall.

Appropriate care would be given to the construction of the crossings and all loose materials left from

construction would be collected and disposed accordingly.

Site track crossings would be constructed with granular materials, which will limit the production of surface

runoff and the direct discharge of sediment into the watercourses.

The methods of drainage proposed for the Site tracks prevent the significant discharge of surface runoff and

suspended solids into the watercourses adjacent to the tracks. This is owing to the runoff being collected within

the upslope ditch, the presence of check dams and culverts at appropriate intervals so as to limit longitudinal

flow and the discharging of water to the downslope ground. There will therefore be no long runs of ditches that

directly discharge into watercourses.


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All watercourse crossings will be designed to avoid disruption and / or habitat loss to aquatic systems or to

affect free passage of fish.

6.10 Flooding

Indicative flood mapping published by the EA6 shows all of the construction compounds are completely within

areas of low risk of fluvial inundation. However, there may be localised surface water flows that may need to be

diverted around these areas. This will be particularly important because oil, fuel and other substances will be

stored within the buildings. Drainage management outlined under Section 6.8 above details the control of runoff

in these areas. Surface water flows in these areas will be further managed by the use of crushed and

compacted granular stone in the foundations. This will allow water to infiltrate the foundations, thereby reducing

peak surface water flows from the area.

6.11 Dust

Good practice measures will be adopted during construction to control the generation and dispersion of dust

such that significant impacts on neighbouring habitats should not occur. The hierarchy for mitigation will be

prevention – suppression – containment.

The low volumes of projected daily HGV movements to and from the Site are not predicted to create a

significant effect in terms of the generation of dust and dirt. However, to ensure that a dust nuisance is avoided,

wheel cleaning facilities for lorries will be provided at the Site access near the temporary laydown area to further

prevent mud and dust being brought out from the Site onto the Rooley Moor Road The Site entrance and the

Rooley Moor Road will also be monitored and swept clean as necessary.

The Contractor will be responsible for carrying out daily visual inspections to ensure that dust control measures

are effective. In the event of significant dust generation, the Contractor will immediately review their dust control

measures.

Table 6.1 : Dust mitigation measures

Task Mitigation measures

Excavation and earthworks - Working areas will be stripped as required in order to minimise exposed areas;

- During excavation works drop heights will be minimised to control the fall of materials reducing dust escape; and

- Temporary cover may be provided for earthworks if necessary, and completed earthworks and other exposed areas will be covered with topsoil and re-vegetated as soon as it is practical in order to stabilise surfaces.

Stockpiling of loose materials

- Ensure that stockpiles exist for the shortest possible time;

- Material stockpiles will be low mounds without steep sides or sharp changes in shape;

- Wherever possible, stockpiles will be kept securely sheeted;

- Material stockpiles will be located from the Site boundary, sensitive receptors, watercourses and surface drains;

- Material stockpiles will be sited to account for the predominant wind direction and the location of sensitive receptors; and

- Any long term stockpiles will be seeded or turfed to stabilise surfaces.

6 Data from Environment Agency, available online at http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiyby Last Accessed 20th March 2014.

http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?x=357683.0&y=355134.0&scale=1&layerGroups=default&ep=map&textonly=off&lang=_e&topic=wfd_rivers


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Task Mitigation measures

Roadworks / traffic movements - Water bowsers will be available on Site and utilised for dust suppression during roadworks / vehicle movements when and where required;

- Daily visual inspections will be undertaken to assess need for use of water bowsers;

- Wheel cleaning facilities will be provided at the site entrance. This will prevent any mud or dust from the Site to be transferred to the public road network; and

- Daily visual inspections will be undertaken to assess the condition of the junction of the Site track with the Rooley Moor Road and its approaches.

6.12 Vehicle Storage

Appropriate areas will be provided adjacent to or within the Site compounds to allow staff and visitor vehicles to

be parked. In addition, appropriate provision will be made for the layover of HGV traffic e.g. concrete trucks, to

ensure that the adjacent track remains clear and available for use at all times. The track design incorporates

laydowns and crane hardstandings which from time to time may be used to temporarily store vehicles.

6.13 Temporary Lighting

Given the proposed size and scope of the proposed development, it is most likely that the construction timetable

will require elements of the works to be undertaken during periods of the year when natural daylight is limited.

Temporary Site lighting maybe required for specific activities to ensure safe working conditions, but will be

carried out within the limits of the permissible working hours (7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 1pm

Saturday). Control of lighting to minimise impacts on sensitive views will be required. It is intended the type of

lighting will be non-intrusive and specifically designed to negate or minimise any affect to local properties and

any other sensitive or valued environmental features.

The use of artificial lighting may therefore be required in order to facilitate the works, these may include vehicle

and plant headlights; compound lighting; office complex lighting; and localised floodlights / mobile lighting units.

There will be fewer requirements for artificial lighting in the summer months when natural lighting will be present

during normal working hours. It is not known of any issues with regards to the limit of lighting levels in this area,

but lighting will be provided to meet the required lighting levels for the respective works which are being

undertaken, especially where there is plant and machinery involved. Any issues identified with regards to

limiting the lighting levels, either the lux values, or the time / duration of the lighting will be taken into

consideration in the detailed CMS.

6.14 Cable Laying

To prevent trenches transporting turbid water to drainage channels and surface watercourse, trenches where

possible will be dug during dry weather. This will reduce the likelihood of any excavated material being

mobilised in the trenches. Sand will be placed in the trenches, with the cables placed overtop. Excavated

material will then be replaced as quickly as possible to reduce the period of time that trenches are open. While

the trenches are open, impermeable barriers (made of clay or other impermeable material) will be placed at

intervals along the open length of the trench. This will reduce the likelihood of trenches becoming preferential

flow paths and their capacity to transport turbid runoff to downstream surface water receptors.

In areas of trenching, the vegetation layer and peat / topsoil will be removed and segregated from the removed

subsoil for use in reinstatement. If necessary where depth allows, further segregation of the vegetation layer

and peat / topsoil will be undertaken to prevent burying of the upper vegetation layers in deeper soil upon

replacement. To mark the location of cable, markers will be placed at regular intervals along the track edge.

The majority of cable run installation will be undertaken adjacent to and within the track construction zone, to

minimise intrusion into the surrounding areas. Where topography or ecological constraints dictate (over limited

sections), the cables will be installed in ducts within the existing track corridor. Where the depth of the original

topsoil / peat layer is very thin there may be insufficient material for reinstatement. Where the use of peat,


41

especially deep peat with little or no seed bank, from another area of the Site is proposed, the method of

reseeding will be agreed with Natural England.

6.15 Temporary Construction Compounds

The area will also be used as a base for refuelling of equipment and oil, fuel and other substances will be stored

in a storage area within the compound. Works will be undertaken in accordance with current best practice

guidance to prevent water pollution, as outlined under Section 6.4, and any spillages within the temporary

construction compound areas will be managed in accordance with the detailed CEMP.

It is proposed that uncontaminated surface runoff from the temporary construction compound is accommodated

in a shallow swale or soakaway which will be constructed as a perimeter ditch to avoid contamination of

watercourses should there be a spillage and from fines washout. All other runoff from the Site will follow natural

drainage patterns and newly installed drainage routes. The proposed wheel wash facility will operate as a

closed system.

6.16 Tracks

Tracks will be constructed according to best practice guidance including ‘Construction Tracks in the Scottish

Uplands (2013), ‘Floating Roads on Peat’ (2010) and ‘Good Practice during Wind Farm Construction’ (2010).

The following best practice measures will also be used. Further detail on specific requirements for this Site is

provided in Sections 7 and 8 of this document:

Tracks will have a camber to encourage runoff adjacent to trackside drains. Trackside drains will be

provided to control runoff from construction areas especially during heavy rainfall events. Trackside

drainage will comprise either buffer strips or infiltration trenches which will be unlined to allow the standing

water to infiltrate back into the ground;

The drains will have the potential to convey entrained sediments within runoff and will discharge into a

swale or buffer area of adequate capacity to prevent discharge directly into any surface watercourse,

drainage channel or waterbody surface water features;

The creation and management of settlement lagoons to which runoff from larger works areas such as the

construction of turbine foundations and tracks can be directed to prior to discharge. The aim of this is to

encourage suspended sediment to settle and thus be removed from the water;

Providing silt fences at the toe of any significant areas where excavated material is stored;

Minimising the area of exposed bare ground through measures such as not undertaking excavations

significantly in advance of construction, particularly for linear elements of the project such as access tracks;

Any excavated soil / peat that will be used in the construction of access tracks (e.g. to dress the sides of

the track once backfilled) will be temporarily placed on the furthest side away from any identified

watercourse or drain; and

The provision of buffer strips around watercourses or drainage channels on sections of track adjacent to

watercourse crossings.


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7. Environmental Controls / Additional Mitigation by Topic Area

7.1 Introduction

The following sections describe the additional mitigation control measures – that is, measures in addition to

those standard / good practice measures outlines in Section 5 above – to protect the environment. These

control measures fall into two categories: those that are related to specific environmental topics such as habitat,

species, ecology, noise, archaeology etc., and those that relate to specific construction activities such as the

construction of watercourse crossings, borrow pits, cables, construction compounds and so on. Controls by

topics are dealt with first in this section, followed by controls by activities (Section 8). There is, however, some

overlap between the two and these sections should therefore be read in conjunction and in their entirety.

7.2 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Habitat Management and Birds

Outline habitat management proposals have been produced for the wider survey area, with two key aims: to

restore blanket bog habitats and enhance the habitat resource for curlew. Management will be delivered across

land within the Site boundary. In summary, works will include the following:

Nest damage or destruction will be avoided by removing or making otherwise unsuitable potential nesting

habitat within the working area. This will be done out-with the breeding season of March to July inclusive or after

an inspection by an independent ecologist (the ECoW) has confirmed that no breeding birds are present. Prior

to works commencing in an area during the breeding season, the affected area will be checked by an

appropriately qualified ecologist (the ECoW) for the presence of nesting birds to ensure that works avoid

damage or destruction of active nests. The ECoW will oversee such measures and ensure compliance with all

legislation relating to the protection of bird species.

In order to minimise the effects of construction (e.g. disturbance from works), all activity will be limited to clearly

defined working areas, and the storage of surplus materials will be confined to areas of hardstanding.

All works be undertaken during daylight hours and avoid the night-time when many protected species are

active. However it may be necessary on occasion to undertake work at night. Where this is unavoidable, night

working and the need for artificial lighting will be kept to a minimum.

All works relating to the movement or transport of soils (that contain animals, such as earthworms etc.) will

follow good practice guidance and will follow the guidance outlined in the Code of Practice to Prevent the

Spread of Non-Indigenous Flatworms to ensure that non-native flatworms (such as the New Zealand flatworm)

and flatworm eggs are not transported to new areas.

VER habitats (Valued Ecological Receptor) and GWDTE habitats which are to be subject to temporary loss (e.g.

construction compound / borrow pits) will be re-vegetated as soon as possible after construction, to help restore

the habitat that was temporarily lost.

7.3 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Reptiles

For the duration of any earthworks during the active reptile season (generally accepted as being late March until

the end of October) any trenches or excavations which are left open overnight will be inspected for reptiles prior

to in-filling. Any reptiles found will be removed from the trench and placed in suitable habitat away from the

construction work.

7.4 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Badgers

If new setts are built by badgers in the intervening period between the 2012-2014 surveys and the pre-

construction surveys, every attempt will be made to preserve any new badger setts that are located under the

planned infrastructure footprint. Where possible, infra-structure will be micro-sited away from setts; and if this is

not feasible, setts will be excluded under licence temporarily and re-opened after destruction, rather than being


43

permanently closed and destroyed. Where setts need to be destroyed, the potential need for artificial setts(s)

will be discussed with Natural England, particularly where active annexe or main setts are involved.

Chemicals will be stored as far away from the setts and badger paths as possible;

A suitable means of escape (e.g. a long wooden or metal plank) from any exposed trenches and other

excavations will be provided (checked at the end of each working day by the ECoW). Deeper excavations will

be fenced off to prevent wildlife access.

7.5 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

Mitigation of adverse impacts to Rooley Moor Road and an associated moorland trackway, will take the form of

recording of the current road surface followed by archaeological monitoring of Ground Investigations (GI) to

investigate the stability of the cobbled sections and inform the protection measures necessary for these

sections. It will also include archaeological monitoring of works to reduce the level of a section of Rooley Moor

Road at the southern end and of the temporary removal of a length of the flagstone surface of Rooley Moor

Road.

There remains some potential for currently unknown heritage assets of prehistoric date (most likely Mesolithic

flint scatters and less likely associated remains) to be present within the Site. A programme of archaeological

investigation to inform micro-siting would avoid any impacts. Where avoidance is not possible, mitigation of any

adverse impact on any such currently unknown archaeological features will be achieved through an appropriate

programme of archaeological works which will offset the adverse effect.

A specification for a suitable programme of archaeological works will be prepared and submitted to GMAAS

(advisors to Rochdale Borough Council) for approval prior to the commencement of construction works. This

will make provision for the investigation of the impact areas to inform micro-siting and the excavation and

recording of any features of archaeological interest that are revealed where micro-siting is not possible. It will

also make provision for the investigation and recording of any sections of Rooley Moor Road which will be

disturbed by the construction of the new access track, cable runs and permanent crossings.

Construction impacts on any heritage assets will be avoided by micro-siting where this is possible and

proportionate to the sensitivity of the asset. Where construction effects are unavoidable these will be mitigated

by excavation and recording of the remains in accordance with the guidance in PAN2/2011, sections 25-27.

Known assets which are deemed at risk of accidental damage, due to their proximity to construction works, will

be marked with a visible barrier during construction. Appropriate measures will be put in place to prevent

uncontrolled plant movement which could otherwise damage heritage assets located further away from the

construction footprint.

7.6 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Noise and Vibration

The construction noise assessment has determined that associated levels are expected to be audible at various

times throughout the construction programme, but remain with acceptable limits such that their temporary

effects are considered minor significance.

The Principal Contractor will ensure that:

Those activities that may give rise to audible noise at the surrounding properties and heavy goods vehicle

deliveries to the site would be limited to the hours 07:00–19:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00–13:00 on

Saturdays. Turbine deliveries may take place outside these times, with the prior consent of Rochdale

Borough Council and Rossendale Borough Council, as they will be dependent on route timings being

approved by highways authorities and the Police, and depend on weather conditions. Those activities that

are unlikely to give rise to noise audible at the site boundary will continue outside of the stated hours.

All construction activities shall adhere to good practice as set out in BS 5228 (construction noise).

All equipment will be maintained in good working order and any associated noise attenuation such as

engine casing and exhaust silencers shall remain fitted at all times.


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

distances.

A management scheme will be developed to control the movement of vehicles to and from the proposed

development site.

Construction plant capable of generating significant noise and vibration levels will be operated in a manner

to restrict the duration of the higher magnitude levels wherever practical.

7.7 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Traffic and Access

The delivery of AILs will result in some drivers being held at junctions or constrained sections of the route whilst

AILs are delivered. Delivery of AIL components will be scheduled to avoid peak times and will typically occur at

very early hours of the morning to minimise disruption to other road users. The AIL vehicles will be escorted

along the route by the Police or by dedicated escort vehicles. This standard practice will ensure that other road

users are appropriately held clear of the AILs and released once it is safe to do so. The escort vehicles can

travel ahead to ensure that junctions and narrow sections of road are clear from vehicles shortly before the AIL

vehicles.

The escort vehicles will provide a traffic management function at junctions and constrained points of the route

and allow vehicles to overtake where necessary.

Timing of the deliveries will be outlined within the construction management plan to ensure AIL vehicles avoid

potentially congested networks at peak hours.

Whilst there are no particular road safety issues identified along the proposed delivery routes, a moderate

impact on road safety has been identified as a result of the increased potential for accidents due to the increase

in traffic on the network of interest. In order to minimise the potential for accidents at the access to the site and

along the delivery route, it is also proposed that temporary signing be used to highlight the presence of works

traffic. Direction signs for delivery vehicles will be provided to ensure that HGVs stay on the appropriate route

and are not required to reverse or undertake U-turns etc.

A construction traffic management plan will be implemented by the construction contractor and agreed with

RBC prior to works commencing. The scope of this plan is yet to be agreed but is likely to include details of

timings for deliveries, driver training scheme, staff parking facilities and other matters related to safety on the

highway and within the Development site.

Furthermore, additional safety measures will be implemented such as wheel washing facilities to ensure that the

road surface does not become muddied and slippery and sheeting of loaded vehicles to reduce the risk of

debris on the road.

As noted above, AIL deliveries will be undertaken with Police or authorised vehicle escort. As well as ensuring

traffic is held clear, the escort team will hold pedestrians and cyclists clear of the vehicle where appropriate. The

areas where pedestrian safety is at risk are limited to a small number of key constraints, and whilst some delay

may be incurred, the escort team will seek to minimise any inconvenience whilst ensuring that pedestrian safety

is not be compromised.

7.8 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Sediment Run-Off to Watercourses

The construction of any infrastructure has the potential to result in the mobilisation of sediment and any loose

material. Additional mitigation is therefore required to reduce the impact of turbid runoff with high suspended

solids (including peat fines) and/or colour content from access tracks, watercourse crossings, turbines and

crane pads, laydown areas, substation and control buildings and construction compounds.

Trackside drains will be provided to control runoff from construction areas especially during heavy rainfall

events. Trackside drainage will comprise either buffer strips or infiltration trenches which will be unlined to allow

the standing water to infiltrate back into the ground. Tracks will have a camber to encourage runoff adjacent to

trackside drains. The drains will have the potentially to convey entrained sediments within runoff and will


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discharge into a swale or buffer area of adequate capacity to prevent discharge directly into any surface

watercourse. There will be no direct discharge of construction drainage to any existing watercourse.

To mitigate any potential reduction to groundwater recharge from track construction and to allow the passage of

any sub-surface flows, constructed tracks will comprise a semi-permeable surface to allow some infiltration.

To limit potential pollution impacts from either hardcore and/or excavated material entering watercourses, or

increased sediment levels within surface water runoff, the principle contractor will be required to adhere to the

following measures and controls as a minimum:

Any excavated soil or peat that will be used in the construction of access tracks (e.g. to dress the sides of

the tracks once backfilled) are to be temporarily placed on the furthest side away from any identified

watercourse or drain;

The provision of buffer strips around watercourses or drainage channels on sections of track adjacent to

watercourse crossings;

Procedures during excavations and soil handling for both routine working and during any environmental

emergencies to control and mitigate both erosion and dust generation; and

Trackside ditches will be unlined to allow water to soak back into the ground resulting in no significant loss

to groundwater recharge.

When excavating for construction of the turbine foundations, it is possible that groundwater will be encountered.

If this occurs, excavations will be dewatered to lower groundwater levels and ensure that wet working and direct

contact of cement material with the groundwater does not occur. This will mean that there is potential for loss of

recharge and interruption of existing groundwater regimes in the immediate locality, potentially affecting

sensitive peat habitats. Any water will be pumped out and passed to a settling lagoon to allow suspended

sediment to settle. Treated water will be discharged to an area of vegetated ground designated for drainage

allowing seepage into the ground. There will be no direct discharge of pumped groundwater to adjacent

watercourses or drainage channels.

Close compliance with the Sediment and Drainage Management Plan is also necessary to plan works in accord

with seasonal timeframe and the relevant flow conditions and measures in the event of a flood / high flow.

7.9 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Disturbance / Degradation of Peat

In order to mitigate against disturbance and degradation of peat resources due to change in hydrology including

loss of areas from infrastructure including buildings, access tracks and borrow pits, a detailed Peat

Management Plan (PMP) will be produced and agreed with the LPAs, in consultation with Natural England and

EA, prior to construction. A pre-application PMP has been prepared as part of the suite of documents to support

the planning application for the proposed development.

Mitigation measures to be carried out before (as preventative measures) and during construction to reduce

impacts on peat resources and the likelihood of peat slide risk have also been included in the Peat Stability Risk

Assessment (PSRA). The aim of these mitigation measures is to maintain existing hydrological conditions in the

peat, prevent the degradation of existing peat habitats and to ensure that peat is stored and handled

appropriate for re-use. The PMP includes further detail on how peat is to be managed during construction

including Site-wide recommendations and specific measures to be undertaken around earthworks and

excavation areas, cable trenches, where material is to be stockpiled and drainage measures to control the

quantity of surface water especially in areas of peat. It will include a peat disturbance minimisation protocol.

7.10 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Localised Flooding

Indicative surface water flood risk mapping published by the EA suggests the risk of flooding is generally very

low. Areas of medium and high surface water flood risk do occur within the Site and wider study area; these

areas are concentrated along existing surface water flow paths and topographic lows such as gullies or former

quarry areas.

During rainfall events, flows pass overland following topographic grades to gullies in peat, watercourse channels

or tributaries down-slope and eventually into the receiving catchment watercourses as defined in the surface


46

water section above. It is likely that once flows are in these channels, they will travel relatively quickly off the

steep hillsides. Potential exists for localised surface ponding of water during or following these conditions;

however, flooding is likely to be shallow and only inundate some isolated low lying areas, for instance in the

areas directly adjacent to watercourses.

During construction of the compounds, a surface layer of vegetation and topsoil will be removed and a shallow

foundation will be dug. The cleared area will be filled with aggregate and then a temporary surface (e.g.

geotextile) placed on top. During construction, oil, fuel and other substances will be stored in a storage area

within the compound. The area will also be used as a base for refuelling of equipment.

7.11 CONTROLS BY TOPIC AREA: Water Quality

To reduce the potential for turbid runoff or other contaminants such as fuels or oils (used in construction) from

entering surface watercourses, wind turbines and associated crane hardstandings have all been located a

minimum distance of 50m away from all OS mapped watercourses

There is potential for concrete spillages during turbine foundation construction, which could migrate into

groundwater or surface water. Concrete is highly alkaline and corrosive and any spillage can have adversely

affect water quality. To minimise the likelihood of spillages, concrete will be brought to site ready mixed and the

wagons will enter and leave the site through a designated site entrance, and all vehicle washouts will take place

off-site. Temporary bunds will be placed downslope of pouring operations to contain any spillages. In the event

of a spillage, an incident and emergency response plan will be initiated. This will be detailed in the CEMP.

It is understood that migration of concrete in groundwater can occur in highly fractured and fast flowing

groundwater environments (Environment Agency, 2001). Prior to pouring concrete within turbine excavations,

the degree of weathering or fracturing of bedrock will be assessed. If the bedrock is highly fractured, it may be

necessary to form a barrier within the excavation to ensure liquid concrete does not come into contact with

underlying groundwater. Either a geotextile liner or a sand layer would restrict the flow of concrete into the

surrounding groundwater. This will be determined by an intrusive ground investigation prior to works

commencing. It should be noted that once concrete is poured it is only mobile for a short period of time before it

sets and therefore the potential for migration of concrete in such groundwater conditions would only occur for a

short duration until it begins to set.

During construction, oil, fuel and other substances will be stored in a storage area within the construction

compound. The area will also be used as a base for refuelling of equipment.


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8. Environmental Controls / Additional Mitigation by Activity

8.1 Introduction

The following sections describe the additional mitigation control measures – that is, measures in addition to

those standard / good practice measures outlines in Section 5 above – to protect the environment. These

control measures fall into two categories: those that are related to specific environmental topics such as habitat,

species, ecology, noise, archaeology etc. (dealt with in Section 7 above), and those that relate to specific

construction activities such as the construction of watercourse crossings, borrow pits, cables, construction

compounds, and so on. Controls by topics are dealt with in Section 7, followed by controls by activities (dealt

with in this section). There is, however, some overlap between the two and these sections should therefore be

read in conjunction and in their entirety.

8.2 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Borrow Pit Excavations

A system of drainage ditches or temporary interception bunds will be constructed to intercept any surface run off

from entering the borrow pit areas. Intercepted surface water runoff will be diverted away to open ground and

allowed to discharge. No intercepted/dewatered water will be allowed to discharge directly to surface

watercourses.

Consideration will be given to the stability of surface soils where collected surface water/groundwater is diverted

and water collected within borrow pit areas would be treated in the same way. Furthermore, consideration will

be given to ensure that water is not discharged to ground directly up gradient or within the sub-catchment of

sensitive PWS.

Where necessary, surface water and groundwater will be passed through temporary settlement or silt traps

before being discharged to ground (e.g. silt busters or settlement tanks). All interception bunds and drainage

ditches will be fully reinstated once extraction from the borrow pits is completed. Water entering the borrow pits

will need to be removed by either gravity drainage design or pumping depending on the overall morphology of

the pit. The general topography in the areas identified is conducive to gravity drainage owing to the moderate to

steep slopes. All discharges of groundwater will follow advice set out in PPG 6: Working at Construction and

Demolition sites. If, following detailed design, dewatering of any of the borrow pits is considered necessary, all

dewatering would be designed in accordance with CIRIA guidance C532 entitled “Control of Water Pollution

from Construction Sites (2001)”

It is not anticipated that there will be widespread groundwater present when the borrow pits are being excavated

due to the elevation of the proposed structures relative to local springs. Any collection and discharge of

groundwater would be dealt with in a similar way to surface water; being passed through a settlement trap

before being discharged to ground. Prior to excavation of the rock all surface soils and peat will be removed and

stockpiled for use in the reinstatement of the borrow pits. The stockpiles will be located and battered so as to

limit instability and erosion. Silt fences and mats will be used to minimise sediment levels in runoff from the

stockpiles.

8.3 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of the Substation

The construction of the substation compound will require excavation of rock to a depth of approximately 7m.

The measures to control and protect surface and groundwaters will be as described for Borrow Pit Excavations.

Indicative flood mapping published by the EA7 shows the area of the control building and substation – and

indeed of the entire Site - is located outside the mapped floodplain, indicating that the fluvial flood risk is

negligible.

7 Data from Environment Agency, available online at http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiyby Last Accessed 20th March 2014.

http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?x=357683.0&y=355134.0&scale=1&layerGroups=default&ep=map&textonly=off&lang=_e&topic=wfd_rivers


48

However, due to the sensitive nature of equipment to be placed within the substation control building, regard for

risk from flooding is required within the design including the use of suitable water resistant construction

materials, an appropriate design level for sensitive equipment and the creation of interception ditches to divert

surface water flows around the substation.

It is expected that the small quantity of sewage arising from the infrequent visits of maintenance staff will be

discharged into a septic tank connected to a septic tank and subject to off Site disposal by a licensed operator.,.

A rainwater collection system will be installed to provide water for flushing which, if necessary, will be topped up

with water brought to Site by tanker delivery in dry periods. Excess rainwater falling on the roof of the building

will be discharged to an infiltration drain or other Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) around the substation.

The building will be constructed in keeping with the local environment. The final designs for the building and

compound will have to be approved, with external finishes to be agreed in consultation with Rochdale Borough

Council and Rossendale Borough Council.

8.4 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of Turbine Foundations & Crane Hardstandings

Turbines are proposed to be constructed in the following surface water catchments:

Naden and Greenbooth catchment (9);

Watershed of Naden and Greenbooth and Spring Mill and Prickshaw catchment (1); and

Greens Moor catchment (2).

It is recognised that not all turbines are situated on topographical high points and some turbine locations will be

subject to ephemeral surface runoff pathways which will convey runoff during rainfall events during construction.

An outline DMP has been prepared as Appendix 4.4 of the ES. This document describes how to manage flows

across the Site during construction and this will include management of flows at each turbine location, during

and post construction. This plan will take into account the potential for flows from up gradient areas as well as

managing runoff from the turbine location.

When excavating for construction of the turbine foundations, it is possible that groundwater will be encountered.

Excavations may need to be dewatered to lower groundwater levels and ensure that wet working and direct

contact of cement material with groundwater does not occur. This will mean that there is potential for loss of

recharge and interruption of existing groundwater regimes in the immediate locality. Any water will be pumped

out from the excavation areas and passed to a settling lagoon to allow suspended sediment to settle. Treated

water will be discharged to an area of vegetated ground designated for drainage, allowing seepage into ground.

There will be no direct discharge of pumped groundwater to adjacent watercourses or drainage channels.

Excavations will remain open for the shortest time practical to limit the effect of any dewatering. There will be no

discernible overall loss of recharge to groundwater; however some areas will experience minor localised change

to flow regimes through excavations and the introduction of turbine foundations. Recharge from drainage

channels will compensate for localised reduction in infiltration as a result of the presence of the foundations

acting as a barrier to groundwater flow.

Formwork will be cleaned after each use and re-sprayed or painted with mould oil within the blinded foundation

excavation prior to being fixed in place. The placement of containers with mould oil will be strictly monitored to

ensure that storage is only in bunded areas (i.e. in the construction compound) on sealed hardstanding.

Spraying of mould oil and storage of such sprayed materials will be undertaken in such a way as to avoid

pollution. Environmentally friendly oils such as water based mould oils could be considered.

Backfilling to the turbine base will proceed in layers of approximately 0.3m with compaction as necessary.

Further layers of material will be laid until the original till/subsoil level is attained where required. Peat or soil will

be replaced from storage until the original ground level is reached, or a shallow mound (up to 500mm above

existing ground level) is formed. In the event that there is limited onsite material to compact above the turbine


49

foundation, then imported material may be required. However, this would typically be a well graded granular

product that should be available from the onsite borrow pits.

The potential impacts associated with the use of hydraulic breakers or other such vibratory equipment in the

vicinity of sensitive ecological receptors or watercourses shall be assessed and appropriate mitigation

measures implemented where required in consultation with the EM / ECoW.

8.5 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Concrete Pouring

The concrete pour will commence after the blinding concrete has been cleaned of debris and other loose

material. Any potential leaks through the shuttering will be clearly visible. Such leaks could be captured and

contained (e.g. by using temporary bunding). If these measures do not sufficiently control concrete leaks, then

the pouring of concrete would cease and the appropriate remedial actions as set out within the contingency

plans would be initiated. Any spillages or leakages of concrete or incidents of sediment contamination would be

managed in accordance with the EIRP. No concrete will be directly discharged either onto in situ peat, or into

surface watercourses.

Shutters will be carefully loosened, removed and cleaned no earlier than 24 hours from the finish of the pour.

8.6 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of Watercourse Crossings

All watercourse crossings on site will be crossed via culverts. It is proposed that the culverts will be embedded

so that the base is at grade with the streambed or lower to maintain bed form processes and minimise

disruption to wildlife migration. The need for ledges to enable the movement of mammals through the pipe will

be assessed at the design stage and incorporated as necessary.

Disruption to channel banks during the construction of crossings will be minimised by the use of cofferdams and

over-pumping if the channel exhibits potential for high flows during the construction period.

8.7 CONTROLS BY ACTIVITY: Construction of Access Tracks

Tracks are proposed to be constructed within the following catchments:

Spring Mill and Prickshaw;

Naden and Greenbooth;

Cowm; and

Greens Moor;

Tracks that cross areas of deeper peat (more than 1.0m depth) will be of "floating road" construction, This

construction method will permit unimpeded flow of water within the peat under the track. Based on peat depth

and other peat survey work undertaken to date it is estimated that approximately 1.8km of floating track will be

required.

As the true groundwater situation is encountered during construction, the EM will be able to change the road

design to ensure hydraulic continuity is maintained (e.g. by using a greater density of cross drains).

The extent of construction disturbance will be limited to within the working perimeter of, and adjacent to, access

track alignments, including associated earthworks, and shall be monitored by the EM as required. During the

construction and decommissioning of the Site, all tracks will be kept as free as reasonably possible from

excessive mud deposits.

All Site tracks will be constructed using granular materials that promote the infiltration of direct rainfall and limit

the generation of surface runoff. This granular material will also be much less susceptible to erosion than finer

materials such as quarry dust.


50

Prior to construction, section specific drainage plans will be produced, taking into consideration any existing

drains. Drainage ditches located on the upslope side of the Site tracks will prevent surface runoff from flowing

over the Site tracks and causing erosion. Drainage will be intercepted by peat dams at appropriate intervals

directed under the road via appropriately sized culverts and discharged to ground onto some form of erosion

protection. This dispersed method of discharging surface water will limit erosion, provide localised attenuation of

any suspended solids present within the water and prevent the direct discharge of sediment into existing

watercourses. It will also limit the potential for slope instability.

The Site track surfaces will have a nominal cross fall to allow any surface water to discharge into the upstream

ditch, which will allow settlement of solids within the ditch (if necessary) and its dispersed down slope discharge.

All drainage provision will be designed in detail with the objective of minimising the risk of ponding of water,

exacerbating peat drying and erosion of peat from water draining from hard engineered surfaces.

Drainage ditches will not cross surface water catchment boundaries, ensuring there is no transfer of water

between catchments;

During the construction phase, all drainage measures will be subject to Site inspection at a suitable frequency,

and after rainfall events to ensure their efficiency. Following the construction phase, any accumulations of silt

relating to the works will be cleared and suitably disposed.

For the construction of tracks, peat and topsoil, where present, will be stored beside the track for use in

reinstatement of shoulders at the end of the construction period.


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9. Review of the CEMP

9.1 Post-Consent CEMP Review

As this document is an outline CEMP its content will be reviewed, updated and elaborated upon once any

planning consent has been granted for the proposed scheme. At this point, the planning consent should be

reviewed, particularly in relation to any planning conditions that need to be met / discharged. This document will

then be updated and revised to ensure that all conditions and their required timescales are incorporated into the

contents and registers as appropriate.

By undertaking a review at this time, the revised outline CEMP can also be provided to any sub-contractors that

are subsequently invited to tender for elements of the construction / operation & maintenance phases of work.

This will allow consideration of environmental commitments and environmental management requirements to be

incorporated within contractual documents and pricing proposals from an early stage and ensure that they are

given due consideration.

9.2 Pre-Construction CEMP Review

Once the Principal Contractor has been selected, detailed design completed and in advance of any Site

preparation or construction works, the revised outline CEMP included within tender documentation will be

reviewed and updated by the Principal Contractor so that it is specifically tailored to incorporate the construction

methods and programming to be applied to the proposed scheme. The requirements set out within the ES and

any planning consent should not be removed or altered at this time, with the document being developed further

rather than any significant deletions being made. Where actions have been completed (e.g. a planning condition

discharged), this should be referenced by means of a completion statement.

At this point in time, the CEMP will cease to be an outline document and will be at final draft stage ready for

submission to the appropriate stakeholders for approval. Any stakeholder comments or additional requirements

will then be addressed and the CEMP finalised.

9.3 Construction / Operation and Maintenance Reviews

The construction of the proposed scheme will take approximately 12 months. During construction, the CEMP

will be updated every 6 months. In addition, the CEMP will need to be updated when there is a change in

Contractor, or when the Contractor identifies a need (e.g. through non-conformance reports).


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10. Monitoring, Reinstatement and Enhancement

10.1 General

Compliance with the CEMP ensures that appropriate project monitoring and reporting is in place and assists

with the discharging of consenting conditions by Rochdale Borough Council and Rossendale Borough Council.

Monitoring will be overseen by a suitably qualified, experienced and competent Site Manager / Supervisor /

Clerk of Works who will monitor the day-to-day management of the Site, including legal and environmental

responsibilities, Site health and safety, and ensure adherence to the CEMP, all approved method statements

and the consent.

The appointed EM will also be appointed to ensure that methods and good working practice detailed in the

CEMP are adhered to and that any unforeseen risks to the environment encountered during construction are

managed appropriately.

The specific requirements for monitoring should be established prior to the start of construction and should build

upon the measures indicated in this outline CEMP. Periodic environmental audits of the Site will be carried out

by the EM to monitor and record compliance with the CEMP and to identify any areas of improvement, thereby

maintaining the highest degree of environmental management of the Site.

10.1.1 Temporary Construction Compound

Reinstatement will involve removal of the imported material and underlying geotextile. The exposed substrate

will be carefully ripped and the stored subsoil and topsoil replaced. The surface will be re-seeded as required

using a suitable seed mix.

10.1.2 Tracks

The restoration of vegetation on the bunds and embankments adjacent to the tracks will limit surface runoff and

the erosion and suspension of solids. Any disturbed ground situated along the edges of tracks will be reinstated

to match adjoining ground as soon as practicable to avoid unsightly scarring of the landscape, particularly along

the main access track.

10.1.3 Turbine Foundation and Crane Hardstanding Reinstatement

Following the completion of all construction activities, the area surrounding the foundation base and

hardstandings shall be reinstated. Hardstandings will be covered with peat / topsoils and seeded with a local

seed mix and the final ground level will be profiled to suit the surrounding ground.

10.2 The Role of the CEMP

The CEMP will be developed to provide environmental management measures related to the excavation and

reinstatement of materials arising from on Site activities. The excavation, handling, storage and reinstatement of

excavated materials will be undertaken in such a manner as to avoid or minimise environmental impacts. All top

soil and turf will be stored separately and replaced accordingly where possible. Non-indigenous species will not

be introduced and re- colonisation of vegetation from the seed banks existing in the topsoil will be allowed to

take place naturally.

The Principal Contractor will be required to produce a CMS for excavation and reinstatement works for each

component of the works. These will be required upon final design and/or construction method to demonstrate

and gain approval for the environmental management of these activities.

The Principal Contractor will be required contractually to address the detailed requirements for the outline

requirements identified below. These can only be generated from detailed design and method statements for

excavated material management nominated by the Principal Contractor.

Plans and drawings to support excavation and reinstatement works;


53

Programmes for each phase of work and/or for particular construction areas indicating the timescales for

excavation, temporary storage and reinstatement works for that particular phase or area of the Site;

Plans and details of working areas for all infrastructure;

Proposed excavation methods;

Anticipated excavated material type(s), physical description, classification and estimated volumes;

Intended end-use(s) for each type of excavated material;

Minimisation of bare, disturbed earth;

Current best practice in hydropower scheme construction and in accordance with current legislation and

published guidance documents;

Proposed methods for reinstatement, landscaping and re-profiling of all disturbed areas including track

verges; construction compounds; cable trenches; redundant drainage ditches, settlement ponds or other

sediment control measures;

Specific requirements for the excavation, handling, storage and reinstatement of materials likely to generate

silt;

Potential instability issues;

Pollution prevention control measures required for any temporary storage sites or stockpiles of excavated

materials adjacent to tracks or other excavation areas;

Wet working plans; and

A method statement for reinstatement, backfilling and re-profiling the Site.

10.2.1 The Role of the CEMP in Reinstatement and Future Monitoring

As the remit of the CEMP can only cover the end of the construction activities up to the end of reinstatement of

the site and cannot, by nature, ensure the implementation of long-term monitoring, it has a role in ensuring that

the reinstatement activities are set up to ensure the successful. The following sections are therefore included

insofar as they ‘set the scene’ for long-term management of the site following construction and are should be

known by all parties in advance of all construction and reinstatement activities.

10.3 Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality will be monitored upstream and downstream of key construction works prior to, during and

following construction. Monitoring locations will take account of the construction of watercourse crossings,

access tracks, turbine foundations and borrow pits and will also take place at control sites (outside the influence

of works). A robust baseline of water quality in surface watercourses / drainage channels downstream of

construction works will be established prior to construction commencing. The purpose of this is to provide a

comparison of ‘natural’ conditions against conditions potentially impacted by construction. Regular monitoring

during construction and in the early phases of operation will be used to ascertain whether there are impacts

occurring to watercourses and whether implemented mitigation measures are being effective. During the early

phase of operation, monitoring will continue to assess the quality of watercourses, comparing against baseline

data. The detailed CEMP will include specific actions to be taken upon triggering environmental sentinel

standards.

10.3.1 Water Quality Monitoring and Contingency Plans

Under the planning condition process the Principal Contractor will monitor all surface waters at the point at

which they leave the Site. This is required by the LPAs to confirm that surface waters are not being

compromised by any Site activities.

With regard to the potential pollution of surface waters the following risks will be addressed:

Siltation of watercourses;


54

Discolouration of raw water;

Potential pollution from construction traffic due to diesel spillage or similar;

Alteration of raw water quality resulting from imported track construction material (impact from borrow pit);

Excavation of turbine bases and use of large quantities of concrete; and

Site compound and associated drainage/foul drainage and diesel spill issues;

The Principal Contractor shall compile a monitoring and maintenance plan for the drainage system and surface

water runs which would include visual monitoring / inspections. During Site works including track and

watercourse crossing construction works, the relevant drainage or surface water runs potentially being impacted

by these works would be inspected as required by the ECoW.

For the period of the construction works, visual inspections of the drainage system will be carried out at least

once a week comprising the following:

Regular visual inspections of installed drainage systems, especially after heavy rainfall, checking for

blockages and integrity, and ensuring there is no build-up of standing water;

The cleaning out of silt traps during dry periods; and

Allowing controlled release of clean water from top levels of settlement ponds to keep potential capacities

available.

During the visual inspections of watercourses the ECoW will log all findings and maintain a record of issues and

required actions which will be passed on to the Principal Contractor. The EM will ensure that recorded issues

are tracked and monitored to ensure that these are closed out by the Principal Contractor.

10.3.2 Monitoring of Surface Water Quality

In-situ analysis of selected determinants will be undertaken during the construction phase at the point where the

watercourse crosses the Site boundary, or as close as is practical. The location, frequency and parameters will

be confirmed with the EA, following appointment of the Principal Contractor.

10.3.3 Private Water Supplies

Private Water Supplies (PWS) have been assessed as part of the ES under Appendix 7.1. PWS sources

drawing from a surface water or subsurface flows are considered to be most vulnerable. During the construction

phase, PWS will be visually monitored, and water quality monitoring locations will be established at some or all

of the identified PWS. Regular monitoring during construction and in the early phases of operation will be used

to ascertain whether there are impacts occurring to PWS and whether implemented mitigation measures are

being effective.

10.4 Condition of Roads

It is proposed that road condition surveys are completed post-construction to identify whether additional traffic

has created any deterioration to the road infrastructure condition. Any deterioration agreed as attributable to the

wind farm will be repaired and returned to the condition observed prior to construction.


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11. References and Abbreviations

11.1 References

Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, Guidance for Consultants and Contractors, CIRIA 532 (2001).

CIRIA Culvert Design and Operation Guide (RP901).

Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects, Technical Guidance, CIRIA 648 (2006).

Non-Statutory Guidance for Site Waste Management Plans (April 2008).

Health and Safety at Quarries. Quarries Regulations 1999. Approved Code of Practice, HSE (1999).

River Crossings and Migratory Fish: Design Guidance (2000):

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/Publications/publicationslatest/rivercrossings

Engineering in the Water Environment, Good Practice Guide, Construction of River Crossings, First Edition (WAT-SG-25) (April 2008).

Mineral Extraction Code of Practice for the Owners and Operators of Quarries and Other Mineral Extraction Sites, Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations, 2005, Version 1 (July 2006).

Prevention of Pollution from Civil Engineering Contracts: Special Requirements, Version 2 (June 2006).

Prevention of Pollution from Civil Engineering Contracts: Guidelines for the Special Requirements, Version 2 (June 2006).

The Water Environment (Controlled Activities), (Scotland) Regulations 2011, A Practical Guide, Version 6 (August 2011).

PPG1 General Guide to the Prevention of Pollution: PPG1.

PPG2 Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks: PPG2 (April 2010).

PPG3 Use and Design of Oil Separators in Surface Water Drainage Systems: PPG 3 (April 2006).

PPG4 Treatment and Disposal of Sewage where no Foul Sewer is available: PPG4 (July 2006).

PPG5 Works and Maintenance in or Near Water: PPG5 (October 2007).

PPG6 Working at Construction and Demolition Sites: PPG6 (July 2010).

PPG7 ‘The Safe Operation of Refuelling Facilities’ (July 2011).

PPG8 Safe Storage and Disposal of Used Oils: PPG8 (February 2004).

PPG21 Incident Response Planning: PPG 21 (March 2009).

PPG26 ‘Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers’ (May 2011)

Technical Flood Risk Guidance for stakeholders (section 4.3) [SEPA, 24/4/11].

BS60311981: Code of Practice for Earth Works (BSI, 1981)

Good Practice Guide for Handing Soils (MAFF, 2000)

BS 3882:2007: Specification for Topsoil and Requirement for Use (BSI, 2007)

Engineering in the Water Environment: Good Practice Guide, Intakes and Outfalls (SEPA, 2008)

Engineering in the Water Environment: Good Practice Guide, Temporary Construction Methods (SEPA, 2009)

Engineering in the Water Environment: Good Practice Guide, Sediment Management (SEPA, June 2010)

Engineering in the Water Environment, Good Practice Guide: Construction of River Crossings, First Edition (SEPA, April 2008)

SEPA Regulatory Method WAT-RM-02: Regulation of Licence-Level Engineering Activities, V5 (SEPA, February 2013)

SEPA WAT-SG-26 replacing WAT-PS-06-03 Sediment Management Authorisation V1 (SEPA, December 2012)

SEPA Regulatory Method WAT-RM-02 (Regulation of Engineering Activities)

SEPA WAT-SG-26 (Sediment Management) and SEPA Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs), in particular PPG1 and PPG5 for general guidance and for works in or near water respectively.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/Publications/publicationslatest/rivercrossings


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Good Practice During Windfarm Construction, Version 1 (October 2010).

Guidelines for Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms, Health & Safety in the Wind Energy Industry Sector (2010).

Fence Making to Reduce Grouse Collisions, Forestry Commission (December 2012): http://www.forestry.gov.uk/PDF/FCTN019.pdf/$FILE/FCTN019.pdf

Restoration of Degraded Blanket Bog (NEER003) Natural England (May 2013).

Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Upland Habitats, Version July 2009. ISSN 1743-8160 (JNCC, 2009).

Code of Practice to Prevent the Spread of Non-Indigenous Flatworms (DEFRA)

Statement on ‘Ditch Drain Blocking with Plastic Piling Dams’, Scottish Government: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/Options/WoodlandImprovementGran/Ditchdrainblocking

11.2 Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

BHS Biological Heritage Site

BPAR Borrow Pit Assessment Report

CDM Construction (Design and Management)

CMS Construction Method Statement

CTMP Construction Traffic Management Plan

EM Environmental Manager

ECoW Ecological Clerk of Works

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIRP Emergency Incident and Response Plan

EPS European Protected Species

ES Environmental Statement

HGV Heavy Goods Vehicle

GWDTE Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem (also: specific areas referenced by the letter ‘M’ followed by a numerical digit e.g. M23)

LNR Local Nature Reserve

LPA Local Planning Authority

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

PPG Pollution Prevention Guidance

PMP Peat Management Plan

QA Quality Assurance

RE Resident Engineer

SAC Special Areas of Conservation

SBI Site of Biological Importance

SPA Special Protection Area

SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency

SNH Scottish Natural Heritage

SPA Special Protection Area

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/PDF/FCTN019.pdf/$FILE/FCTN019.pdf

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/Options/WoodlandImprovementGran/Ditchdrainblocking

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/Options/WoodlandImprovementGran/Ditchdrainblocking


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Abbreviation Description

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

SWMP Site Waste Management Plan

WTGs Wind Turbine Generators


Appendix A. Figures