Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
13.4.57 The magnitude of these impacts is considered to be moderate on this site.
Potential Operational Effects on Hydrogeology
13.4.58 Should cast in-situ piles be required at the turbine locations, the piles may have localised ongoing
impacts on the groundwater regime in the bedrock aquifer during the operation of the
proposed wind energy development.
13.4.59 During the operational phase of the proposed wind energy development, there will be
considerably less on-site activity than during construction. As the underlying bedrock aquifer is
dominated by fracture flow, the leaching of hydrocarbons, chemicals, transformer oils and fuel
leaks from maintenance still present a potential source of contamination to the site. The low
permeability superficial deposits on the site (Boulder Clay and Carse Clay) is expected to
provide protection to the groundwater in the bedrock.
13.4.60 The potential risk of pollution is substantially lower during the operational phase because of the
decreased levels of activity. The majority of potential pollutants will have been removed when
construction is complete; however, lubricants for turbine gearboxes, hydraulic oils and the
potential for possible fuel leaks from maintenance vehicles will remain. Such impacts are
considered to be of minor magnitude.
Private Water Supplies
13.4.61 There were no private water supplies identified by Clackmannanshire Council within 3km of the
site. Therefore the magnitude of the risk to private water supplies is negligible.
Public Water Supplies
13.4.62 There were no public water pipes identified by Scottish Water on the site. Therefore the
magnitude of the risk to public water supplies is negligible.
Potential Operational Effects on Made Ground
Landfill
13.4.63 Placing foundations through landfill material may result in the stability of the turbines bases
being impacted during the operational phase.
13.4.64 The foundations in the landfill may be impacted by aggressive ground conditions, in particular
the presence of landfill leachate. This may impact on the integrity of the turbine foundations.
13.4.65 Accumulation of landfill gas may occur at the turbine foundations on the landfill site. Trenches
for cabling may create preferential pathways for landfill gas migration. This could cause a risk
of explosion at the site.
November 2010 Chapter 13 Page 28
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