Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Land Management
4.11.12 It is anticipated that land management practices will continue unaffected by the proposed wind
energy development with normal landfill monitoring practices continuing unimpeded.
Predicted Traffic Movements During Operation
4.11.13 Traffic movements predicted within the operational period are provided and assessed within
Chapter 7, Traffic, Access and Transport.
4.12 De-commissioning
4.12.1 The proposed wind energy development is designed to have an operational life of 25 years. At
the end of this period, if the operational period is not extended, the wind energy development
will be de-commissioned and the site reinstated as approved by Clackmannanshire Council
and relevant statutory consultees.
4.12.2 The turbines would be dismantled and removed from the site in a manner similar to that of their
erection. Where possible turbine components would be recycled. Turbine foundations will be
broken out to below ground level. Typically this will involve the removal of the upstand plinth to
the top surface of the main foundation base. The removal of the turbine components may or
may not generate a number of abnormal loads during de-commissioning. However, it is
expected that the number of loads would be equivalent or lower than the number of
movements generated during the construction period.
4.12.3 Demolition of the control building will involve removal of the internal equipment, followed by
demolition and removal of the building. Access tracks will be left for use by the landowner or
covered with topsoil. No stone will be removed from the site.
4.12.4 The cables will be cut at depth below ground level and left in the ground. This approach is
considered to be less environmentally damaging than completely removing foundations and
cables.
4.12.5 The de-commissioning works are estimated to take six months. Information relating to decommissioning
will be outlined within the De-commissioning Plan, which will be submitted to
the appropriate authorities prior to cessation of operations and de-commissioning. This would
set out how the turbines and other infrastructure would be removed and the site restored.
Alternatively, a Planning Application could be made to extend the duration of the wind energy
development or to replace the turbines with a new turbine model to take advantage of changes
in technology. Any new Planning Application would be subject to further environmental
appraisal.
4.13 Mitigation
4.13.1 Mitigation measures have been outlined in the technical assessments in this ES. The majority
of mitigation has been “built in” to the design of the proposed wind energy development. Other
mitigation measures will involve use of “best practice” in construction and site management.
November 2010 Chapter 4 Page 16
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