Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Groundwater Flooding
13.3.28 Flooding can also result from high groundwater levels if the water table rises above the ground
level. Groundwater flooding is difficult to predict as it rarely follows a consistent pattern. The
response time between rainfall and groundwater flooding is relatively long.
13.3.29 There is no recorded history or evidence associated with groundwater flooding within the site.
The site is also raised some 2m above the surrounding topography and therefore it is unlikely
that groundwater will affect the development.
Flooding from Artificial Drainage Systems
13.3.30 The only drainage systems located within the site boundary are those associated with the
leachate management system of the former landfill. These drains are situated at the toe of the
landfill cap and should they surcharge will not affect the wind turbines or other critical site
infrastructure.
Water Quality
13.3.31 The Black Devon, as it passes through the proposed wind energy development site, to the
east, has been classified under SEPA’s current Water Framework Directive (WFD)
classification scheme as ‘Moderate’. Identified pressures associated with this water body are
point source pollution related to sewage disposal and diffuse pollution associated with farming
activities.
13.3.32 The River Forth, passing by the proposed wind energy development site to the west, has also
been classified under SEPA’s current WFD classification scheme as being of ‘Poor ecological
potential’. Identified pressures associated with this water body are abstraction associated with
farming, point source pollution related to sewage disposal and food production, and
morphological alterations due to the construction of embankments.
Soils
13.3.33 Soils data has been collated from Soil Survey of Scotland maps (Sheet 7, 1:250 000 scale,
1982).
13.3.34 Soils in the south-eastern part of the site will have been removed from the landfill footprint.
Soils may also have been removed from the north-western part of the site during the historical
development of the site. The distribution of remaining soils is dependent on the geology,
topography and drainage regime of the area.
13.3.35 The predominant soil type expected at the site consists of noncalcareous gleys and some
peaty gleys and peat (map unit 488). The parent materials are listed as estuarine and
lacustrine raised beach silts and clays. The soil type is associated with arable and permanent
pastures, rush pastures, sedge mires and blanket bog.
November 2010 Chapter 13 Page 13
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