environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

Bats
7.70 It is likely that there will be similar short term impacts on bats associated
with decommissioning as are associated with construction.
7.71 Light pollution is likely to occur during decommissioning. Some high
wattage security lights or working lights may be erected and may affect
existing bat flightlines and may even prevent roosting in some areas or
discourage emergence (no roosts were found but potential exists). Light
can however benefit certain species such as pipistrelle as insect prey will
often gather around artificial light, whereas Myotis species tend to be light
shy and are discouraged by light. This will be a direct impact of minor
negative magnitude therefore equating to a slight adverse ecological
impact.
Badgers
7.72 It is likely that decommissioning will lead to the same impacts for badgers
as are associated with the construction phase although the impact period
is likely to be shorter.
7.73 In addition to this, disturbance may arise if new setts are excavated closer
to the turbines and access tracks prior to decommissioning. This is
considered to have an intermediate negative impact and therefore a
significance of slight adverse.
7.74 There will be a temporary loss of habitat caused through the disturbance
of land during decommissioning. This will result in a minor negative
impact and therefore a significance of slight adverse.
7.75 High wattage security lights or working lights may be erected if night
working is undertaken and are likely to affect badger commuting routes
and may even prevent emergence from nearby setts. This will be a direct
impact of minor negative to intermediate negative magnitude therefore
equating to a slight adverse significance.
7.76 If it is necessary for site traffic to operate at night, this may lead to an
increased risk of road related mortality for badgers. This is considered to
have a minor negative impact and therefore a significance of slight
adverse.
Otter, Water Vole and White-Clawed Crayfish
7.77 It is likely that there will be similar short term impacts on otter, water vole
and white-clawed crayfish associated with decommissioning as are
associated with construction.
7.78 No otter, water vole or white-clawed crayfish were recorded within the
study area, however suitable habitat exists. The watercourses within the
study area could potentially become polluted by the materials stored and
used for decommissioning, both during refuelling and during general use.
186
Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement