Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Consultation
8.2.27 Prior to undertaking the background surveys a summary of the proposed monitoring locations
was forwarded to the Environmental Health Department of Clackmannanshire Council for
comment, and was subsequently agreed to be representative for the purpose of an
ETSU-R-97 assessment. As some potential sensitive residences are located within Falkirk
Council, Hoare Lea requested that the Environmental Health Department of
Clackmannanshire Council consult Falkirk Council with details of the proposed wind energy
development. Subsequently Falkirk Council expressed no concerns. The consultations were
based on a preliminary project layout which was of a similar form to the layout currently
proposed. The agreed noise monitoring locations are shown on the plan in Figure 8.1. Further
information about the equipment used and pictures of the locations are presented in Appendix
8.2.
8.3 Baseline information
8.3.1 The proposed wind energy development will cover an area extending approximately 1000 m
north to south and 850 m west to east. The proposed wind energy development is located in
an area of relatively low population density. The noise environment in the surrounding area is
generally characterised by ‘natural’ sources, such as wind disturbed vegetation, birds and
farm animals. Other sources of noise include distant traffic and agricultural vehicle
movements in the area. For further detail refer to Chapter 4. Project Description of this ES.
Sources of Data
8.3.2 A total of three noise monitoring locations were agreed with the Environmental Health
Departments of Clackmannanshire and Falkirk Councils as being representative of the
background noise environment around the proposed wind energy development. These
locations were selected as being representative of the noise environment for the nearest
residences to the proposed wind energy development. The three locations are shown on the
plan in Figure 8.1 and listed in Table 8.2.
Table 8.2 Background Noise Monitoring Locations (approximate Easting/Northing)
No. Property Easting Northing
1 Dunmore Home Farm 288655 690090
2 Park Farm 290485 690979
3 12 Riverside View 288874 691985
8.3.3 The assessment has considered the effect of the proposed wind energy development at the
monitoring locations noted above as well as other residential properties located further away
from the proposed wind energy development. The range of assessment locations are listed in
Table 8.3. In some instances the results obtained from the survey positions have been used to
represent the background environment expected to occur at other nearby assessment
locations. The use of the data in this way is justified by the relatively flat nature of the terrain
and the dominant influence of ‘natural’ sources on background noise levels throughout the
area (particularly at increased wind speeds). This approach is consistent with the guidance
provided by ETSU-R-97. Locations where such representations have been made, and the
source of the representations, are represented in Table 8.3. It is noted that where such
representations have been made, the distance between the assessment location and nearest
November 2010 Chapter 8 Page 7
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