Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
fatalities caused by vehicles, the likelihood of an otter becoming trapped and killed is
considered to be so low that the impact is predicted to be of negligible significance.
Wildlife (General)
11.4.28 Other species of wildlife such as brown hare (UKBAP) and roe deer (SBL) which are known or
likely to be present within and surrounding the application area are likely to experience visual
and auditory disturbance as a result of construction activities. However, such disturbance is
only expected to affect animals within 100m or so from the construction works. Given the
availability of alternative suitable habitat in the wider area it is expected that these animals will
simply be temporarily displaced to less disturbed areas during the construction programme.
Consequently, the impact of disturbance on such species is predicted to be of negligible
significance.
11.4.29 There is also a potential, albeit extremely low risk of such animals entering the works areas
and being injured or killed as a result of becoming trapped in open trenches, pits or pipelines.
However, as mentioned for otter above, the likelihood of any animal becoming trapped and
killed is considered to be so low that the impact is predicted to of negligible significance.
Cornflower
11.4.30 Three plants of the locally rare and nationally scarce Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were
detected along the coastal stretch of the site access track during the Extended Phase 1 Habitat
Survey (see the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Report 16 and Target Note 1, Figure 11.4) The
location of these plants was sufficiently close to the margins of the access track that there is a
potential for them to be dug up and permanently lost should widening of the track be required.
Given its regional importance, the predicted total loss of this UK and local BAP listed species
from the site is predicted to be of major significance.
Japanese Knotweed
11.4.31 The two stands of Japanese knotweed are located within the eastern arm of the application
area directly beneath and/or in close proximity to the overhead powerlines which traverse this
part of the site (see Target Note 2 and Target Note 3, Figure 11.4). No wind turbines or
associated infrastructure is located in this area, the closest being approximately 300m and
150m respectively from the nearest stand. However, access to this part of the site is still
possible and therefore there is a low potential risk of vehicles or site personnel coming into
contact with Japanese knotweed and spreading it to other uncontaminated areas of the site.
11.4.32 Japanese knotweed is a tall growing shrub with large leaves which outcompetes other plants
for light ultimately leading to a decline in the diversity of underlying ground flora. Although the
floral diversity of the semi-improved grassland which dominates the surrounding area is
generally considered to be low, the spread of Japanese knotweed across the site would result
in a gradual deterioration in the extent and diversity of this semi-natural habitat. As such, the
spread of Japanese knotweed, from an ecological point of view is predicted to be of minor
significance.
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 31
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