Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
11.4.33 Advice regarding the legal issues and the avoidance or control of Japanese knotweed is
presented in Section 11.5. Mitigation.
Giant Hogweed
11.4.34 The two areas where giant hogweed was identified to be growing are located at the western
end of the application area, near to the recycling facility and site entrance. One of these
stands is located along the seawall immediately adjacent to the site access track, while the
other is situated in the proposed location of turbine no.1 (see Target Note 4 and Target Note 5,
Figure 11.4). As such, is extremely likely that uncontrolled site preparation works for the
installation of this turbine and the widening of the access track would result in the movement of
contaminated soils spreading this invasive plant to unaffected areas of the site.
11.4.35 Like Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed also affects the underlying ground flora by depriving it
of light the spread of which would lead to degradation of the floral diversity of the surrounding
semi-improved grassland. Consequently the spread of giant hogweed from an ecological point
of view is predicted to be of minor significance.
11.4.36 Advice regarding the legal issues and the avoidance or control of giant hogweed is presented
in Section 11.5. Mitigation.
Operation
11.4.37 Once it has been constructed, the effects on ecological receptors associated with the operation
of the proposed wind energy development are expected to be limited to the following;
• low level visual and /or auditory disturbance or accidental mortality of wildlife
through the operation of the turbines (i.e. the sweeping rotor blades) and routine
maintenance operations; and,
• potential collision of non-avian flying animals (i.e. bats) with the turbines
(particularly the sweeping rotor blades).
11.4.38 The following provides an assessment of the likely effects of these impacts on the various
ecological receptors identified in the study area.
Designated Sites
11.4.39 Issues relating to the disturbance and collision risk of birds associated with the Firth of Forth
SPA, Ramsar site and SSSI, Gartmorn Dam SSSI and other sites designated for their wetland
bird populations will be discussed in Chapter 12. Ornithology.
11.4.40 No other impacts are predicted to affect any of the designated sites (statutory or non-statutory)
within 2km during the operation of the proposed wind energy development.
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 32
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