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

Flooding via overland flow from adjacent land; and
Flooding from surface water drainage.
FLOODING FROM GROUNDWATER
13.29 The proposed development site is underlain by Coal Measures strata of
Carboniferous age consisting of inter-bedded sandstone, siltstones and
mudstones with associated coal horizons. It is understood that overlying
drift deposits are relatively thin and laterally inconsistent. The
Mexborough Rock, one of the more significant sandstone units in the Coal
Measures, outcrops in the Ulley area. Coal Measures sandstone typically
form poor aquifers with limited potential for groundwater storage or
conveyance.
13.30 Numerous springs and issues are present in the vicinity of the proposed
development site suggesting the presence of shallow groundwater. Issues
present within the site itself which are situated at a significantly higher
elevation and form part of the headwaters of Ulley Brook, appear to
represent the outfall from field drainage systems that extend eastwards.
There is no direct evidence to suggest the presence of shallow
groundwater beneath the site. The occurrence of springs close to the
route of the Ulley Brook e.g. directly due north of Ulley Village, is likely to
be a consequence of near surface variation in drift deposits rather than
emergence of deeper groundwater.
13.31 Other springs in the area are located at a range of surface elevations with
no clear trend. This is typical of Coal Measures derived groundwater
systems where surface emergence of groundwater is generally related to
the random distribution of geological discontinuities or man-made
structures. It is considered likely that limited groundwater resources are
present in Coal Measures sandstones beneath the site.
13.32 The proposed development site incorporates higher ground than the
surrounding area. The site is not a natural discharge point for
groundwater. Due to the topography of the site, any groundwater
emerging at surface, either as a consequence of intensive recharge or
groundwater flow from surrounding areas would drain rapidly to the
surface water drainage channels and away from the site. On this basis it
is considered that the site is not at risk of groundwater flooding.
FLOODING VIA OVERLAND FLOW FROM ADJACENT LAND
13.33 The surrounding land is all agricultural land with well established drainage
pathways to the field drainage channels connected to Ulley Brook.
Surface runoff from higher ground to the south of the southern part of the
site currently drains into the site towards the southern branch of the brook.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that such overland flow results in
flooding of land within the site and hence no basis for assuming that there
is any risk of flooding associated with overland flow.
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement