Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Restoration and Enhancement
11.6.32 Although there are no specific ecological enhancement measures for the site it is considered
that some very simple measures could be taken to enhance the biodiversity value of the site
without affecting the impact of the proposed wind energy development on the ecology. For
example it is recommended that the floral diversity of the semi-improved neutral grassland,
particularly the large open area surrounding the cluster of 3 turbines, could be enhanced by
sowing a species-rich grass and wild flower seed mixture consisting of natural and locally
occurring species. The establishment of a more diverse botanical community would in turn
encourage the colonisation of a wider variety of invertebrates to the site, thus enhancing its
overall biodiversity value.
11.6.33 With regard to the post-operational restoration and enhancement of the application site, this
will be planned prior to the de-commissioning of the wind energy development. Such plans
should be in line with the relevant guidance at that time and consistent with the habitats and
ecological features associated with the site.
Residual Effects
11.6.34 The mitigation measures described above are expected to reduce residual effects for all VERs
to negligible significance in the short and long term.
11.6.35 Providing the mitigation measures proposed are fully implemented, it is predicted there will be
no long-term negative effects on any of the locally occurring habitats or species of importance.
11.7 Summary of Effects
Table 11.8 Summary of the Potential Effects on the Valued Ecological Receptors (VERs)
and Residual Effects Following Mitigation
VER
Construction
Firth of Forth SSSI
Black Devon
Wetlands Wildlife
Site
Alloa Inches SWT
Reserve
Semi-improved
Neutral Grassland
Saltmarsh
Intertidal Mudflat
River Forth and
River Black Devon
Otter
Potential
Effects
Pollution,
contamination.
Pollution,
contamination.
Pollution,
contamination.
Pre-Mitigation
Effect
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Mitigation
Preparation and implementation of
Method Statements detailing pollution
prevention measures
Preparation and implementation of
Method Statements detailing pollution
prevention measures
Preparation and implementation of
Method Statements detailing pollution
prevention measures
Residual
Effects
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Habitat loss Negligible None Negligible
Pollution, Minor
Preparation and implementation of Negligible
contamination.
Method Statements detailing pollution
prevention measures
Pollution,
contamination.
Pollution,
contamination.
Pollution,
contamination.
Negligible
Negligible
Moderate
Preparation and implementation of
Method Statements detailing pollution
prevention measures
Preparation and implementation of
Method Statements detailing pollution
prevention measures
Preparation and implementation of
Method Statements detailing pollution
prevention measures
Negligible
Negligible
Negligible
Disturbance Negligible None Negligible
Collision Negligible Implementation of on-site vehicle Negligible
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 39
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©