Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Identification of Mitigation Measures
2.3.11 Mitigation is defined as measures envisaged through the consideration of alternatives, physical
design, project management or operation to prevent, reduce and where possible offset any
significant adverse effects on the environment. This definition takes cognisance of Planning
Advice Note (PAN) 58 (Scottish Executive, 1999). PAN 58 presents mitigation as a hierarchy of
measures ranging from prevention of environmental effects by avoidance, to measures to
offset any effects that cannot be remedied.
2.3.12 Generally two types of mitigation measures are considered during the EIA process:
• measures identified and adopted during the design stage of the proposed wind
energy development in order to avoid effects wherever possible and ensure that the
development achieves the best possible fit into its environment; and
• measures identified during the EIA process and adopted during the construction,
operation and de-commissioning phases of the proposed wind energy development
in order to avoid or minimise possible significant adverse environmental effects of
transportation, construction, operational and de-commissioning activities.
2.3.13 Mitigation has been considered as an integral part of the overall design strategy of the
proposed wind energy development, including ‘embedded’ mitigation (e.g. altering and refining
the site layout to avoid fixed microwave links interference) as well as during the construction
and post-construction stages of the proposed wind energy development to prevent or reduce
significant environmental effects. The final design of the wind energy development has
therefore been refined over the project cycle, systematically being optimised in response to
increasing knowledge of the site and potential environmental effects, described in Chapter 3.
2.3.14 Where complete avoidance of potential effects was not feasible during refinement of the site
design, additional measures are identified in the individual assessments to reduce effects.
These include a range of mitigation proposals such as the use of construction methods,
avoidance of sensitive habitats, landscaping, and site operation activities. Mitigation measures
follow standard techniques and best practice and are therefore considered to be effective for
the purposes of assessment.
Identification and Assessment of Residual Effects
2.3.15 Following incorporation of mitigation measures, the reassessment of the effects of the
proposed wind energy development, considers these remaining “residual effects”. As the
environmental effects as reported in this ES take into account best practice and all proposed
mitigation, they are therefore residual effects.
Proposed Monitoring
2.3.16 Monitoring is a potentially useful tool to measure the actual environmental effects of a wind
energy development in comparison to what was predicted by the EIA. They also ensure that
any mitigation measures perform as expected. Proposed monitoring procedures are specified
where appropriate in each technical assessment chapter in this ES and will be normally
November 2010 Chapter 2 Page 7
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