Quantans Hill scoping report - E.ON UK

Quantans Hill Wind Farm 

Environmental Impact 

Assessment 

Scoping Report 

September 2011

Quantans Hill Wind Farm Project 

Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report 

September 2011 

This Report Has Been Compiled By 

The Natural Power Consultants Ltd. 

The Green House, Forrest Estate, Dalry, 

Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, 

www.naturalpower.com

Contents Page 

1 Introduction 1 

1.1 The Developer 1 

1.2 Proposed Development 1 

1.3 Structure of This Report 2 

2 Project Description 2 

2.1 Initial Site Selection 2 

2.2 Site Location 2 

2.4 Site Description 2 

2.5 Wind farm Components and Installation 3 

2.6 Meteorological Mast 4 

2.7 Site Tracks and Borrow Pits 4 

2.8 Use of Construction Method Statements 4 

2.9 Grid Connection 5 

2.10 Operational Period 5 

2.11 Decommissioning 6 

2.12 Scoping Opinion 6 

3 General Approach to the EIA 6 

3.1 EIA Process 6 

3.2 Temporal Scope 7 

3.3 Spatial Scope 7 

3.4 Establishment of Baseline 7 

3.5 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts and Effects 7 

3.6 Mitigation of Environmental Effects 8 

3.7 Consultation 9 

4 Environmental Assessment 9 

4.1 Compliance with Policies and Plans 9 

4.2 Landscape and Visual Assessment 10 

4.2.1 The Baseline Study 11 

4.2.2 Operational Stage Impacts 11 

4.2.3 Cumulative Visual and Landscape Effects 12 

4.3 Ecology 12 

4.3.1 Phase 1 Habitat Survey 13 

4.4 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology 16 

4.5 Noise and Shadow Flicker 17 

4.6 Archaeology Assessment 17 

4.7 Existing Infrastructure Assessment 18


4.8 Traffic Assessment and Safety 18 

4.9 Socio-economic and Tourism Assessment 19 

4.10 Land Use Change and Management 19 

5 Conclusions 19 

Figure 1: Indicative Wind Farm Development Area 21 

Figure 2: Regional Context Map 22

1 Introduction 

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This document has been prepared by Natural Power Consultants Ltd (Natural Power) on behalf of E.ON 

Climate and Renewables Ltd (ECR) in anticipation of an application under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 

1989 for a wind farm at Quantans Hill, Dumfries and Galloway. 

Under the statutory procedures set out in the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) 

Regulations 2000 and the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 it is proposed that 

any such application is accompanied by a full Environmental Statement (ES). 

ECR’s preferred approach is that the scope for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be agreed with all 

relevant authorities. 

1.1 The Developer 

The application will be prepared by Natural Power on behalf of ECR. ECR is part of the E.ON Group, one of 

the world’s leading power and gas companies. Here in the UK, E.ON supply energy to more than 5 million 

customers and generate enough electricity for around 8million homes and employ 12,000 people. 

In 2007, E.ON set up E.ON Climate & Renewables, a global business that develops new, cleaner ways of 

developing energy. In the UK, ECR are focusing on developing onshore and offshore wind farms, biomass 

plants and marine energy technologies. At present E.ON own and operate 18 onshore wind farms and 3 

offshore wind farms. Together, these produce more than 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity. 

1.2 Proposed Development 

The developers are proposing the construction of a wind farm of up to 90MW, to be located around Quantans 

Hill, near Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway as shown in Figure 2. 

The wind farm would comprise: 

� Between 17-30 turbines; 

� Anemometer masts; and 

� Internal tracks and access to the road network. 

The wind farm will require a connection to the grid network. Although not envisaged at present, any section of 

overhead line associated with this connection would be subject to a separate application under Section 37 of 

the Electricity Act 1989.

1.3 Structure of This Report 

This report is structured as follows: 

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� Section 2 provides a brief description of the proposed development; 

� Section 3 describes the general approach that will be taken in carrying out the EIA; and 

� Section 4 sets out the assessment methodology that will be used to assess the impacts for each 

environmental topic. 

2 Project Description 

2.1 Initial Site Selection 

The proposed development upon Quantans Hill was identified by ECR following a rigorous site selection 

process initiated in 2008. A desktop assessment was initially undertaken to establish the potential for the 

development of wind energy in the area. These studies were followed in spring 2009 with more in depth 

analysis of the potential site along with consultations with the relevant authorities and discussions with 

landowners. 

A series of specific acceptance criteria was applied to the potential site relating to various issues, such as; 

planning considerations, wind resource, ecology considerations, access, grid connection, designations, 

potential noise sensitivities, existing infrastructure and terrain. If any areas failed to meet any of the 

acceptance criteria then it was excluded from further site progression. The ES will include the detailed site 

selection process and justification for the final site selection. 

2.2 Site Location 

The proposal would be sited close to the summit and surrounds of Quantans Hill. The site is located 

approximtaley 1.3km to the east of Carsphairn, just off the B729 in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The 

national grid reference of the site centre is E 259000, N 594000 (NX590940). A site location plan is provided 

as Figure 1. 

2.4 Site Description 

The Quantans Hill site comprises approximately 816 hectares of upland farmland used primarily for sheep and 

cattle grazing. The holding is located on a south facing topographic slope surrounded by several hills. The 

closest two of these are Craig of Knockgray and Knockwhirn, which rise to 383m and 498m AOD. 

There are a number of small burns that run through the site towards the Water of Deugh, located at the 

bottom of the valley, adjacent to the southwest boundary. A large coniferous woodland plantation borders the 

site to the east, while to the south the land slopes away to farmland with more abundant wooded areas (both 

broadleaved and coniferous) which is more lowland in character. To the north and west of the site, the land

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rises steeply to a number of rounded hill tops, with habitats in those adjacent areas appearing relatively 

similar to those within the site. 

2.5 Wind farm Components and Installation 

The final wind farm components would not be finalised until all necessary statutory consents are in place. 

Therefore, the ES will consider all of the likely components and corresponding methods of installation. For the 

purpose of undertaking the environmental impact assessment a worst-case scenario will be considered for all 

aspects of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm. 

Construction of the wind farm would involve the following elements: 

� highway access/vehicle movements on and off-site; 

� temporary construction compound; 

� construction of new site tracks and upgrading of sections of existing tracks; 

� construction of turbine base foundations and crane pads; 

� erection of the structures (turbines, anemometry masts and transformers); 

� laying of on-site cabling; 

� site reinstatement; 

� construction of the control building with septic tank and substation compound; and 

� grid connection. 

2.5.1 Wind Turbines 

The Quantans Hill development could potentially accommodate the installation of approximately 30 turbines. 

The turbines will be of a modern design and will all be of similar size and type with three blades mounted on a 

horizontal axis passing through a nacelle housing the generator, gearbox and other operating equipment. 

The nacelles will be mounted on a tubular tower which allows access to the nacelle. The turbine towers will 

be of a maximum height of 80m, and an indicative diameter of the blades would be 90m giving a total height 

to blade tip of 125m. The final turbine colour would be decided in consultation with the regulatory authorities. 

The rotor blades will start to turn in wind speeds of between 2 and 5 m/s and optimum power output for the 

class of turbines envisaged for this site is generally achieved at around 12-15 m/s. Turbines will generally 

shut down once wind speeds exceed 25 m/s for safety reasons. Power is controlled automatically as wind 

speed varies. All rotor blades on the wind turbines within the wind farm will rotate in the same direction, i.e. 

clockwise when viewed from the windward direction.

2.5.2 Foundations 

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Gravity foundations are envisaged at present for the turbines. This foundation type makes use of a concrete 

base plate, with fill material placed and compacted over the foundation. The base tower section of the turbine 

is connected to the foundation either via an embedded end can which is cast into the foundation or 

alternatively by using holding down bolts that are cast into the upstand section of the foundation. Stability of 

the turbine is provided through the weight of the foundation and the material replaced over it. 

2.6 Meteorological Mast 

Wind farm performance would be remotely monitored using permanent anemometer masts together with a 

Systems Control and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) unit. The masts would be up to 80m free-standing lattice 

towers and would accommodate the anemometry equipment. 

2.7 Site Tracks and Borrow Pits 

Site tracks would be required to link the turbines to the public road network. On Figure 1 the proposed access 

corridor is shown with a hatched area identifying additional survey area. It has been identified that a wider 

access corridor than that envisaged by ECR at the projects inception is now required to access the turbine 

development area at Quantans Hill. 

It is recognised that in order to fully assess the revised access corridor the extent of the ecology study area 

may need to be increased. A meeting was held on the 12th October 2011 with SNH to review the ecology 

studies undertaken to date and establish any additional survey requirements. SNH are currently reviewing 

these studies and if any additional surveys are identified the results would be fed into the EIA assessment and 

reported in the ES. 

The site tracks connecting turbines within the turbine development area would be chosen to minimise 

potential impacts on the environment, and the ES will include rationale for their location. 

The ES will also include details of the proposed locations for on-site borrow pits as well as restoration 

objectives. 

2.8 Use of Construction Method Statements 

Construction method statements would be developed to ensure the impacts from construction are kept to a 

practical minimum. The CMS would be agreed prior to construction with SNH and D&G Council. The 

documents would set out the measures that would be undertaken by Contractors to ensure good site practice

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with regards to the environment. Such measures would include for the transport and storage of potentially 

polluting substances such as oils and lubricants as well as waste management. 

2.9 Grid Connection 

As described above in Section 1.2, the wind farm development would use spare capacity on the local 

distribution system, with negotiations currently underway with Scottish Power. 

On-site cabling linking turbines to on-site substation would be placed in trenches and generally follow the 

route of on-site tracks. 

2.10 Operational Period 

The majority of the operation of the wind farm would be automatic. Each individual turbine would operate 

independently from the remainder of the turbines. Within the operational wind speed range the pitch angle of 

the turbine blades of each individual turbine would be automatically adjusted by the control system within the 

turbine, as appropriate for the measured wind speed. Should sensors, placed within the nacelle of the 

turbine, register any instability in the structure or any other malfunction in operation or should wind speeds 

increase over safe limits, then the turbine would be automatically shut down. If the cause of the shut down 

were high wind speeds then the turbine would automatically begin operation again once average wind speeds 

fell to within the operational range once more. Under other causes of shutdown the turbine would remain 

shut down and in a safe condition until manually restarted by a member of the operations and maintenance 

team. 

The lifetime of the project would be 25 years from commissioning. Turbines are generally designed with a 

warranty life of 25 years. However, to ensure that turbines continue to operate with acceptable availability in 

addition to maintenance in the event of malfunctions, regular pre-planned maintenance and servicing 

programmes are performed at the site on each turbine. Minor scheduled maintenance checks tend to be 

carried out every 6-months with major services being performed annually throughout the lifetime of the 

turbine. Each turbine would contain lubricating and hydraulic oils. These are changed during regular 

maintenance operations. In the unlikely event of a lubricant leak the fully sealed tower bottom would act as a 

bund containing the spillage until it can be cleaned up. 

Storage of other potentially polluting substances at the site during the operational period of the wind farm 

would only take place where agreed with the relevant authorities. 

An operations building will be required throughout the operation phase. The building will consist of office and 

welfare facilities as well as a compound area to store equipment, spares and substances. An indicative

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location, configuration, finish and drainage arrangements of the operations building would be included in the 

ES. 

2.11 Decommissioning 

At the end of the wind farm's useful life it is proposed that the turbines, transformers and other infrastructure 

would be removed. The upper sections of the turbine foundations would be removed and back filled with 

minimum 100-150 mm of appropriate material, peat or topsoil replaced, and the area reseeded. Tracks would 

be left to grass over or covered with soil and reseeded. At least six months prior to the decommissioning of 

the site a Decommissioning Method Statement would be prepared and agreed with Dumfries and Galloway 

Council. 

2.12 Scoping Opinion 

Evolving good practice in the planning system and national level encouragement to focus the content of EIAs 

and ES’s on the key issues identified at the scoping stage means ECR intend to specifically concentrate on 

key issues raised through this scoping consultation process. 

Should any consultees require any further information on the Quantans Hill proposal then ECR and Natural 

Power would be keen to discuss their requirements. 

3 General Approach to the EIA 

EIA is a statutory procedure which ensures that likely impacts of new development on the environment are 

fully appraised and taken into account in the decision making process. It also provides an opportunity to 

‘design out’ adverse environmental effects at an early stage – prevention or avoidance at the outset are 

considered generally preferable to mitigation or remedy at a later stage. 

3.1 EIA Process 

The environmental impacts of the scheme will be predicted for each of the environmental topics by comparing 

the baseline environmental conditions with the conditions that would prevail were the scheme to be 

constructed and operated. The environmental effects of the scheme will be predicted in relation to 

environmental receptors (i.e. people), built resources and natural resources. 

A distinction will be made in the assessments between impacts and effects, where:

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� Impacts are defined as the predicted change to the baseline environment attributable to the scheme; 

and 

� Effects are the consequence of impacts on environmental resources or receptors. 

3.2 Temporal Scope 

The EIA will address the construction phase, the operational phase which would last approximately 25 years, 

as well as the decommissioning phase. 

3.3 Spatial Scope 

The geographical coverage of the EIA will take into account the following: 

� the physical extent of the proposed works; 

� the nature of the baseline environment and the manner in which effects are propagated; and 

� pattern of governmental administrative boundaries which provide the planning and policy context for 

the scheme. 

3.4 Establishment of Baseline 

The assessment team will ensure that sufficient data is obtained to enable a robust assessment, appropriate 

to the nature and scale of the proposed works. The extent of the baseline assessment will be determined 

using both professional judgement and industry best practice. The EIA will also identify areas where the 

baseline may change, prior to the construction and operational phases of the project from current conditions 

(for example, maturation of landscaping). This will be considered as part of the assessment. 

The collection of baseline data will be achieved through desk study, consultation, field survey and monitoring 

and will be clearly reported in the ES. In line with the regulations, the ES will also indicate any difficulties 

encountered in compiling environmental baseline conditions. 

3.5 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts and Effects 

The prediction of impacts examines the change to the baseline environment that could result from the 

construction and operation of the scheme. The effects will be classified into one or more of the following: 

� potential positive effects that might be regarded as having a beneficial influence 

� potential negative effects that might be regarded as having an adverse influence

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� temporary effects that persist for a limited period only, due for example to particular construction 

activities; 

� permanent effects that result from an irreversible change to the baseline environment or which persist 

for the foreseeable future; 

� direct effects that arise from activities that form an integral part of the project; 

� indirect effects that arise from activities not explicitly forming part of the project; 

� secondary effects that arise as a result of an initial effect of the scheme; and 

� cumulative effects that arise from the combination of different impacts at a specific location, the 

recurrence of impacts of the same type at different locations, the interaction of different impacts over 

time, or the interaction of impacts arising from the scheme in conjunction with other development 

projects. 

There is no statutory definition of what constitutes a significant effect. A significant effect may be broadly 

defined as an effect which, either in isolation or combination with others, should be taken into account in the 

decision making process. This general definition will be used as the basis against which the significance 

criteria for environmental disciplines will be developed. The threshold of significance for predicted effects 

tends to vary between the environmental topics. The assessment team will ensure that a consistent approach 

is applied to prevent undue weight being given to a particular discipline to the detriment of another. 

3.6 Mitigation of Environmental Effects 

Mitigation measures will be considered for each significant adverse effect. The ES will include a description of 

the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and where possible remedy any significant adverse effects. In 

line with the regulations, when identifying mitigation measures, the project will take into account the 

practicability and cost effectiveness of the proposals and their efficiency in reducing environmental impacts. 

Where practical, mitigation measures will be set out as commitments which will ensure they are implemented. 

Once the final design has been adopted and account has been taken of any mitigation measures, residual 

adverse effects will be listed. The significance of a residual adverse effect will be determined by correlating 

the magnitude of the change arising from the scheme with the sensitivity of the particular attribute under 

consideration. The magnitude of change will be evaluated in accordance with the following table. 

High Total loss or major alteration to key elements/features of the baseline 

conditions 

Medium Partial loss or alteration to one or more key elements/features of the 

baseline conditions 

Low Minor shift away from the baseline conditions 

Negligible Very slight change from baseline conditions

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Where applicable in carrying out individual assessments, a scale of increasing sensitivity of the resource or 

receptor will be defined. This may be defined in terms of quality, value, rarity or importance and can be 

classed as ‘Low’, ‘Medium’ or ‘High’. For certain assessment areas, guidance will be taken from the value 

attributed to elements through designation or protection under law. Where assessment of this nature takes 

place the correlation of magnitude against sensitivity will determine a qualitative expression for the 

significance of the residual adverse effect. This is demonstrated in the matrix below. 

Magnitude of Impact 

High Moderate Moderate/Major Major 

Medium Low/Moderate Moderate Moderate/Major 

Low Low Low/Moderate Moderate 

Negligible Negligible/Low Low Low/Moderate 

Low Medium High 

Sensitivity of resource/receptor 

Those residual adverse effects indicated as Major and Moderate/Major will be regarded as being significant 

effects in terms of the relevant legislation. However, other factors may have to be considered including the 

duration and the reversibility of the effect. 

3.7 Consultation 

Although there is no formal obligation to consult statutory consultees as part of the EIA, ECR and Natural 

Power consider it an integral element of the iterative process and recognise the benefits in carrying out early 

consultation, to all concerned parties. Preliminary consultation with interested parties has been initiated. This 

consultation process will continue with the circulation of this scoping document. 

ECR and Natural Power believe public consultation is important throughout the development of the wind farm. 

Although as a S36 application there is no formal requirement to follow procedures for major development 

under the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006, the project team propose to generally follow the processes and 

standards set by the legislation and best practice guidelines (PAN 3/2010 - Community Engagement). A pre- 

application consultation report will be submitted with any application. Initial meetings have already been held 

with key consultees and an initial round of community consultation was undertaken in October 2011. 

4 Environmental Assessment 

4.1 Compliance with Policies and Plans

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The compliance of the proposed development with respect to renewable energy, climate change, carbon 

balance and planning policies and plans will be considered throughout the development of the site. These will 

be assessed at a regional, national and international level, where applicable. The documents that will be 

considered include: 

� National Planning Framework for Scotland; 

� SPP: The Planning System, Part 1 &2; 

� PAN 2/2011: Archaeology - The Planning Process and Scheduled Monument Procedures; 

� Specific Advice Sheet: Onshore wind turbines 

� PAN51: Planning, Environmental Protection and Regulation 

� PAN1/2011: Planning and Noise; 

� PAN58: Environmental Impact Assessment; 

� PAN60: Planning for Natural Heritage; 

� PAN68: Design Statements; 

� PAN73; Rural Diversification 

� PAN 3/2010: Community engagement – Planning with People 

� Dumfries and Galloway Structure Plan (1999) 

� Adopted Stewartry Local Plan (2006) 

� Existing and emerging Dumfries and Galloway Local Development Plan 

� Any emerging Supplementary Planning Guidance; 

� Guidelines on the Environmental Impacts of Windfarms and Small Scale Hydro Electric Schemes, SNH 

2001; 

� Good Practice During Wind Farm Construction, SNH, 2010 

The ES will also consider the predicted electricity output of the wind farm to the National Grid and associated 

offset carbon emissions. The Scottish Government publication Calculating carbon savings from wind farms on 

Scottish peat lands and its associated carbon calculator will be applied to the proposal to assess the likely 

carbon balance of the wind farm. 

Given the location of the proposal, parts of the EIA e.g. landscape may also have to consider policies centred 

within the Development Plan for South Ayrshire. 

4.2 Landscape and Visual Assessment 

Landscape and Visual assessments are separate, though linked, procedures. The landscape baseline, its 

analysis and the assessment of landscape impacts all contribute to the baseline for the visual assessment 

studies. The assessment of the potential impact on the landscape is carried out as an effect on an 

environmental resource i.e. the landscape. Visual impacts are assessed as one of the inter-related effects on 

receptors.

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Landscape effects derive from changes in the physical landscape which may give rise to changes in its 

character and how this is experienced. This may in turn affect the perceived value ascribed to the landscape. 

The description and analysis of effects on the landscape resource relies on the adoption of certain basic 

principles about the positive (or beneficial) and negative (or adverse) effects of change in the landscape. Due 

to the inherently dynamic nature of the landscape, changes arising from a development may not necessarily 

be significant. 

Visual effects relate to the changes that arise in the composition of available views as a result of changes to 

the landscape, to people’s responses to the changes and to the overall effects with respect to visual amenity. 

The landscape and visual assessment will follow a standard approach detailed below. 

4.2.1 The Baseline Study 

The baseline study will identify/confirm the type, characteristics and potential sensitivity of visual 

resources/receptors likely to be affected and will include: 

� a landscape character assessment based on SNH landscape character assessments and field survey 

(including reference to the draft Landscape Capacity Study for wind turbine development in Dumfries 

and Galloway; Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2nd Edition); Landscape 

Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland.) 

� an identification of relevant cultural resources that could potentially be affected by development at the 

site including sites listed in the Inventory of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and 

Scheduled Monuments. Liaison will take place between the landscape professional and the 

archaeological/cultural heritage professional in this regard; 

� identification of long distance footpaths and tourist routes in the vicinity of the site; and 

� identification of all statutorily designated and otherwise designated landscapes within 35km of the site 

including NSAs, RSAs, Regional Parks and Sensitive Landscape Areas 

4.2.2 Operational Stage Impacts 

The assessment of operational stage impacts will include: 

� zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) maps of turbines to hub and blade tip going out to 35km on 

1:250,000 background map; 

� analysis of the ZTV’s; 

� a selection of representative viewpoints as guided by ZTV assessment. Approximately 20 full 

assessment viewpoints is considered sufficient for this project: These will be discussed and agreed 

with Dumfries & Galloway Council in consultation with other consultees as required. 

� production of visualisations of the proposal from each key assessment viewpoint including 

photographs of the baseline view in each case, plus computer generated wireframes showing the 

proposed turbines. For the most important viewpoints photomontages of turbines may also be 

included;

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� assessment of the magnitude of visual and landscape effects of the turbine layout, judgement of 

visual and landscape receptor sensitivity (walkers, tourists, road users, residents, landscapes) and a 

derivation of the significance of residual landscape and visual effects for each viewpoint; 

� assessment of the effects on areas designated for landscape heritage; 

� assessment of landscape and visual effects on identified cultural resources including sites in the 

Inventory of Designed Landscapes and Historic Gardens, Scheduled Monuments and Listed 

Buildings; 

� assessment of effects on settlements and main transport corridors; 

� assessment of effects on footpaths and tourist routes; 

� assessment of visual effects on other tourist resources including industrial heritage in the local area; 

. 

4.2.3 Cumulative Visual and Landscape Effects 

The assessment of cumulative visual and landscape effects will include: 

� identification of all wind farm developments (operational, consented or awaiting determination) within 

60km of the site; 

� development (after consultation/discussion with Dumfries and Galloway Planning Department and 

SNH) of a list of wind farms which shall be considered as part of the cumulative assessment; 

� preliminary ZTV consideration of (combined or grouped developments); 

� identification of relevant additional cumulative viewpoints for assessment; and 

� potential cumulative landscape and visual impact assessment. 

4.3 Ecology 

The methodology adopted for the ecological assessment includes a desktop study of relevant and available 

information, consultation with interested parties and field surveys. The ES will take into account the relevant 

legislation including European Council Directives 97//62/EC and 79/409/EEC, commonly known as the 

Habitats and Birds Directives, the 1994 Conservation Regulations, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 

the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. The ES will also consider the Dumfries and Galloway Council Local 

Biodiversity Action Plan. 

The scope of the assessments undertaken so far have been defined through preliminary desk study and 

consultation with SNH and an extended Phase 1 habitat survey. Field surveys for protected species have 

been undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance. 

The following is a summary of the baseline ecology survey findings:

4.3.1 Phase 1 Habitat Survey 

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An extended Phase 1 Habitat survey was undertaken on 27 August, 7 September and 8 September 2010 

following standard JNCC methodology (JNCC, 1993). Particular focus was given to assessing the potential 

for habitats to support species of nature conservation interest, for example protected species, as well as 

mapping habitats and land use. 

Results 

The main habitats on site are marshy grassland, wet modified bog, semi-improved neutral grassland, 

acid/neutral flush, semi-improved acid grassland and conifer plantations along with a number of burns which 

flow towards the Water of Deugh to the south. The area to the east of Marbrack Burn around Furmiston Craig 

and the area immediately north east of Craig of Knockgray were assessed as having greater botanical value 

as these areas of wet modified bog appeared to be less affected by grazing and drainage and have retained 

more botanical diversity than other parts of the site. 

4.3.2 Protected Species Surveys 

Bats 

Bat surveys were carried out in 2010. The methodology used was discussed and agreed with SNH during a 

meeting in August 2009. It involved bat activity surveys based upon guidance provided in the JNCC Bat 

Workers Manual and the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) Bat Mitigation Guidelines. This involved walking 

around pre-determined areas of the site between an hour before and 2-3 hours after dusk, listening for bat 

species using bat detectors (frequency division and heterodyne). Bat calls were recorded during the surveys 

so that the identity of species could be subsequently confirmed using Bat Sound analysis software. 

Four activity surveys were carried out between May and September 2010 (one in each of May, July, August 

and September). A single remote bat detector (Anabat) was also deployed on the woodland edge just outside 

the south east of the site boundary for three nights in August and two in September. 

Results 

A low level of bat activity was recorded across the site during the activity surveys with at least four species of 

bat recorded: soprano pipistrelle and common pipistrelle (including unidentified Pipistrellus species), 

Daubenton’s bat (including unidentified Myotis species) and noctule. Soprano and common pipistrelle were 

the most frequently recorded bat species within the site. The total number of soprano pipistrelle passes 

recorded during all transect surveys was twenty three, whilst common pipistrelle passes totalled twenty. 

Unidentified pipistrelle accounted for twenty one passes during the surveys. 

Low level activity was relatively evenly distributed across the site throughout the survey visits, with seven, 

nine and sixteen bat passes recorded during May, July and August respectively. Species identified during 

these surveys were in the main Pipistrellus species with a single Myotis species recorded after sunset at the 

south end of the site during May and two Daubenton’s bats recorded after sunset along in the south west of

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the site during July. Activity during the September survey was notably higher, with 40 passes of almost 

exclusively soprano and common pipistrelle recorded, though two noctule bat passes were also recorded an 

hour after sunset. 

A total of 440 bat passes were recorded by the Anabat recorder during August and September. The majority 

of passes were by soprano pipistrelles (305 passes), followed by common pipistrelle (81 passes), unidentified 

Pipistrellus species (41 passes), Myotis species (7 passes), unknown bats (4 passes) and noctule bats (2 

passes). 

In addition to the activity survey, an external roost assessment was carried out of potential roost habitat such 

as mature trees and farm buildings within and surrounding the turbine area. Buildings with potential for 

roosting bats were identified outside the site to the south and these were subject to a dusk emergence survey 

in August 2010. The presence of relatively small soprano and common pipistrelle roosts were confirmed 

during this survey. 

Badger 

A badger survey was undertaken in April 2010. The survey aimed to identify and examine areas where 

badgers might occur by noting any evidence of badgers observed. This included mammal paths/runs, 

identification of badger guard hairs caught on fences or at sett entrances, paw prints, evidence of foraging, 

dung pits and latrines and badger setts. As the majority of the site is relatively wet, and thus unsuitable for 

badger sett building, the search for badger setts focussed on the lower reaches and wooded areas. 

No signs of badger activity were recorded within the site. 

Otter/Water vole 

An otter and water vole survey was carried out in September/October 2010 on watercourses within the site 

that were deemed to be potentially suitable for these species. Standard survey methodology for both species 

was followed. Evidence for otter presence includes: spraints (faeces) – which are often located on prominent 

features within the channel or on the bank (including weirs, bridges, rocks, tree roots, confluences of streams 

etc); and footprints – located in soft mud, silt or sand banks. Evidence for water vole presence includes: 

droppings and latrines, marking territories, footprints, feeding stations with characteristic cut vegetation close 

to the water’s edge; and burrows. 

While no signs of water vole activity were recorded within the site, evidence of the presence of otter was 

recorded. This included several fresh otter spraints along the length of Marbrack Burn and two fresh otter 

spraints on boulders on Poldores Burn. 

Other species

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In addition to the above, an assessment was made of the potential for the site to support protected species 

such as great crested newt, reptiles, red squirrel and pine marten. An assessment of the quality of on-site 

water courses for salmonids was also undertaken while carrying out the otter/water vole survey. 

Great crested newts are relatively uncommon in this area and as ponds within the site were primarily 

considered to be of low suitability for this species, presence/absence surveys were considered unnecessary. 

Given the nature of the proposed development, further surveys for protected or otherwise notable species is 

considered unnecessary. 

4.3.3 Ornithological Studies 

An extensive programme of bird surveys was carried out during winter and the breeding season, a summary 

of which is as follows: 

Vantage point (VP) surveys: following the ‘Madders’ methodology from four locations during winter 2009/10 

(36hrs of observation from each location between 05 October 2009 and 23 March 2010) and the 2010 

breeding season (45hrs of observation from each location between 16 April and 28 August 2010). As winter 

2009/10 and the early part of winter 2010/11 were particularly ‘harsh’, a further 36hrs of VP observation was 

undertaken from each of the four VPs between 15 Dec 2010 and 22 March 2011; 

Territory mapping surveys: these were based on the Brown & Shepherd (1993) methodology, though while 

this methodology was designed for two visits during the breeding season, three visits were carried out in line 

with SNH recommendations. The survey visits were undertaken on a monthly basis in April, May and June 

2010; 

Raptor surveys: the Brown and Shepherd survey area was extended to include surrounding ground out to 

c.2km from the site boundary (access permitting) to search for evidence of breeding by protected raptor s. 

These additional survey visits were undertaken on a monthly basis in May, June and July 2010; 

Results 

During winter 2009/10, several protected raptor species were recorded, including merlin, red kite, hen harrier 

and golden eagle (single flight of a sub-adult bird), though merlin alone were recorded in winter 2010/11. 

However, the low level of flight activity suggests wide ranging individuals making occasional use of the site for 

foraging, rather than birds resident throughout the winter. Relatively few wintering wildfowl or waders were 

recorded within the site or in the surrounding area. Occasional skeins of greylag geese (two: n = 31 and 36) 

and pink-footed geese (three: n = c.200, c.80 and 54) flew over the site, mainly in the western part during 

winter 2009/10. While the desk study indicated use of water bodies to the south and west of the site by 

whooper swan and white-fronted goose neither species was observed during surveys. No geese were

Page 16 of 22 


recorded during winter 2010/11. The only wader species considered to be of conservation concern recorded 

during winter VP watches was curlew (during both winter seasons) . A single black grouse was observed 

during winter 2010/11. 

The level of flight activity during the breeding season VP watches was also relatively low, with three target 

species recorded: greylag goose, osprey and merlin. Three greylag goose flights (2-3 birds) were observed in 

the western part of the site while the single merlin flight was observed outside the site boundary. A single 

osprey flight within the site boundary was recorded. 

The majority of species recorded during the territory mapping surveys were passerines; notable species 

included skylark, song thrush and very small numbers of tree pipit, grasshopper warbler, house sparrow, 

linnet, lesser redpoll and reed bunting. In addition, small numbers of curlew and snipe also attempted to breed 

on site, while two barn owl nest sites were recorded south of the site boundary. 

Two black grouse were recorded east of Quantans Hill during the April 2010 walkover surveys, though there 

was no evidence of lekking and none were recorded in subsequent surveys. However, two black grouse were 

recorded following a VP survey in March 2011 and two males were recorded lekking during a dedicated 

survey undertaken at dawn on March 23 rd . The lek site is located approximately 150m from the site boundary, 

to the northwest of Quantans Hill. Discussion with RSPB is on-going to determine whether this is a known 

black grouse lek or a new record. 

The range of species recorded at Quantans Hill is typical of this type of habitat in southern Scotland. No 

species were recorded in exceptional numbers or densities and it is unlikely that the site would be of greater 

than local importance for the species recorded. 

4.4 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology 

The majority of watercourses on the site are headwater streams but there are also a number of artificial 

drainage channels located within the site boundary. The main watercourses draining the proposed site are 

the Knockgray Burn, Polhay Burn and Marbrack Burn these all drain to the Water of Deugh. The SEPA River 

Basin Management Plan (RBMP, Interactive Map indicates that the Water of Deugh (Carsphairn Lane to 

Water of Ken) – is classed as being of “Moderate Ecological Potential (Heavily Modified).” 

A desk study and site walkover will be carried out as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. Detailed 

information will be gathered on the site hydrology, water resources (public and private water supplies), flood 

risk, climate, soils and peat, geology and hydrogeology and how these are all interlinked. The ES will also 

outline if there are any designated areas within and within 5km of the site boundary. The ES will also indicate 

if the hydrological environment is likely to be impacted by the infrastructure of the proposed development 

during construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project and steps which can be taken to 

avoid and or mitigate any impact.

4.5 Noise and Shadow Flicker 

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The nearest noise sensitive receptors in the area are located along the B769 which runs along the southern 

edge of the site, ranging approximately 1 - 2 km from the proposed development area. An assessment 

including modelling exercise will be conducted and will include: 

� summary of the current noise conditions in the vicinity of the site; 

� outline of the recommendations given in “The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms”, by 

the Working Group on Noise from Wind Turbines (WGNWT) (ETSU -R-97, September 1996), 

recognised as the relevant noise assessment guidelines by PAN1/2011: Planning and Noise 

� identification of inhabited noise sensitive properties in the vicinity of the site; 

� noise modelling in the vicinity of the site using the worst case turbine being considered for the site; 

� map of noise contours around the site; 

� assessment of noise impact at closest properties following WGNWT guidelines for all turbines in the 

development; 

� an assessment of the risk of shadow flicker and reflectivity at closest residential properties in the 

vicinity of the proposal according to accepted recommendations. 

4.6 Archaeology Assessment 

The objectives of the assessment will be to: 

� assess the proposed study area and environs in terms of its archaeological potential; 

� identify archaeological sites and monuments present within the study area and environs through 

desk-based assessment and site visits where appropriate; 

� consider the potential effect of the construction and operation of the proposed wind farm on the 

cultural heritage resource; and 

� propose measures, where appropriate, to mitigate any adverse effects. 

The assessment will be undertaken by a qualified archaeologist in accordance with the Institute of Field 

Archaeologists standards. The scope of assessment will include: 

� desktop baseline surveys of all relevant documentation, maps, historical references with particular 

reference to industrial heritage, national monument records etc; 

� review of planning guidance and best practice documentation; 

� summary of the historical use of the site, if appropriate; 

� assessment of national, regional or local importance and therefore sensitivity of each site; 

� assessment of magnitude and significance of effects of the development on any identified site; 

� the assessment will include a description of mitigation measures, if required; and

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� recommendations for post consent works including further field survey of all elements of the wind 

farm, if required. 

4.7 Existing Infrastructure Assessment 

The potential impact on any existing infrastructure in the vicinity of the development will be assessed. The 

approach to the assessment will be to consult with statutory undertakers and other relevant organisations to 

ascertain if the proposed development will have an impact on their service. The impact assessment will 

cover: 

� water, gas and power; 

� microwave fixed links; 

� telecoms; and 

� television and radio reception. 

An assessment will also be made of the potential impact on any roads, footpaths, or tracks in the vicinity of 

the proposed development to determine the effect on Rights of Way (RoW). The location of all RoWs will be 

considered during the site design phase of the proposal and, where possible, an exclusion zone will be 

proposed from all RoWs ensuring that the presence of turbines will not interfere directly with the use of RoWs. 

Scottish Water 

The Scottish Water operated water supply pipe for Carsphairn is routed within the access corridor. At this 

stage it is envisaged that the access track will be routed so as to avoid any interactions with this supply pipe. 

However, should this not be the case Scottish Water’s technical team have been consulted regarding any 

potential access crossing. They have confirmed that the localised engineering works required to support an 

access track can be carried out without disruption to their consumer’s water supply. Further consultations with 

Scottish Water will be required to discuss the impact on turbine locations on the pipe. 

Aviation 

ECR have consulted both Prestwick and the MOD. Both have no concerns and have raised no objections to 

the proposal. Consultation with NATS also confirmed that they would be unlikely to object to any 

development at this site. 

4.8 Traffic Assessment and Safety

Page 19 of 22 


At this stage the port of delivery of the turbine components has not been established however it is considered 

that major roads would be utilised up to the A713 at Ayr. The A713 has been identified as suitable for wind 

turbine component delivery. 

If consultees consider impacts on this route are potentially significant an assessment of traffic issues with 

respect to the proposal would be undertaken. This would include: 

� baseline conditions on the adjacent public highways including suitability for construction traffic, 

estimated or recorded current traffic flows of ordinary and HGV traffic and identification of bottlenecks; 

� traffic movements generated during construction, operation and decommissioning, need for road 

improvements and/or traffic management; 

� magnitude and significance of impact of traffic movements and traffic management; and 

� management or mitigation measures, as applicable. 

An assessment of the safety aspects of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm 

would consider the health and safety of construction workers and risks to safety of members of the general 

public. Dumfries and Galloway Council will be consulted with regard to the location of any hazardous sites 

within the vicinity of the proposed development. 

4.9 Socio-economic and Tourism Assessment 

An assessment of the overall socio-economic impact of the proposal would include an impact assessment on 

tourist and recreation resources such as footpaths, cycleways, popular tourist attractions and trails near to the 

proposal. This would include consideration of baseline characteristics and potential effects stemming from the 

construction and operation of the wind farm. 

The evaluation of impacts on tourism would be undertaken in co-operation with the landscape consultant in 

order to identify the magnitude of potential visual impacts at known tourist locations. 

4.10 Land Use Change and Management 

An assessment of any significant land use change could be undertaken. The developers would intend to build 

on the land management principles and methodology developed specifically on other wind farms in ECR’s 

portfolio and Natural Powers experience of consenting and operating wind farms in Scotland. 

5 Conclusions 

The general approach to and the proposed scope of the EIA is described. Natural Power's preferred approach 

is that the scope for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be agreed with all relevant authorities and

Page 20 of 22 


this document aims to facilitate that. This approach is in line with good practice in the planning system and 

steps at a national level to focus the content of EIAs and ES’s on the key elements identified at the scoping 

stage.

Page 21 of 22 


Figure 1: Indicative Wind Farm Development Area

592000 593000 594000 595000 596000 597000 

257000 

257000 

258000 

258000 

259000 

259000 

260000 

260000 

261000 

261000 

262000 

262000 

Project: 

Proposed Wind Farm at 

Quantans Hill, Dumfries & 

Galloway 

Title: 

Figure 1: Indicative Wind 

Farm Development Area 

Key 

Approximate Scale @ A3: 1:20,000 

Based upon Ordnance Survey digital data with the permission of the 

¯ 

Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright. 

Licence No. AL 100020693. 

0 250 500 1,000 m 

Date: 15-09-11 Prepared by: DH Checked by: AP 

Drawing No: Revisions: 

763_M_025 

Drawing by: 

Site boundary 

Additional study area 

Notes: 

a) Information on this map is directly reproduced from digital and other material 

from different sources. Minor discrepancies may therefore occur. Where further 

clarification is considered necessary, this is noted through the use of text boxes 

on the map itself. 

b) For the avoidance of doubt and unless otherwise stated: 

1. where a line recorded in the key demarcates a boundary on this plan, the 

boundary edge is the outside edge of the line. 

2. where a line or feature recorded in the key of this plan is also shown as a 

line or feature by the Ordnance Survey, and that line or feature is located 

in a different position on the ground than shown by the Ordnance Survey, 

then the line or feature shall be deemed to follow the position as existing 

on the ground. 

3. this plan should be used for identification purposes only, unless specifically 

stated above or in accompanying documentation. 

Natural Power Consultants Ltd 

The Green House 

Forrest Estate, Dalry 

Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, UK 

Tel: 01644 430008 

Fax: 01644 430009 

Email: post@naturalpower.com 

www.naturalpower.com

Figure 2: Regional Context Map 

Page 22 of 22 

Quantans Hill Wind Farm

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280000 

DRAFT ONLY 

280000 

Project: 

Proposed Wind Farm at 

Quantans Hill, Dumfries 

& Galloway 

Title: 

Figure 2: Regional Context 

Key Indicative site boundary 

Approximate Scale @ A3: 1:150,000 

Based upon Ordnance Survey digital data with the permission of the 

¯ 

Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright. 

Licence No. AL 100020693. 

0 1,250 2,500 5,000 m 

Date: 12-10-11 

Prepared by: IW Checked by: LC 

Drawing No: Revisions: 

763_M_026 

Drawing by: 

Regional boundary 

Micropaths 

National cycle network (4) 

} } 132 kV UK grid line 

Southern Upland Way 

Scheduled Ancient Monuments (2) 

Scottish Wildlife Trust reserves (3) 

Gardens & Designed Landscapes (1) 

Special Areas of Conservation (1) 

Special Protection Areas (1) 

Regional Scenic Areas (2) 

Sensitive Landscape Area (4) 

RAMSAR (1) 

Geological Conservation Review site (1) 

National Scenic Area (NSA) (2) 

National Nature Reserve (1) 

Semi-natural Ancient Woodlands Inventory (1) 

Ancient Woodlands Inventory (1) 

Site of Special Scientific Interest (1) 

Source data reproduced with the permission of: 

(1) Scottish Natural Heritage 

(2) Historic Scotland 

(3) Scottish Wildlife Trust 

(4) Sustrans 

Notes: 

a) Information on this map is directly reproduced from digital and other material 

from different sources. Minor discrepancies may therefore occur. Where further 

clarification is considered necessary, this is noted through the use of text boxes 

on the map itself. 

b) For the avoidance of doubt and unless otherwise stated: 

1. where a line recorded in the key demarcates a boundary on this plan, the 

boundary edge is the outside edge of the line. 

2. where a line or feature recorded in the key of this plan is also shown as a 

line or feature by the Ordnance Survey, and that line or feature is located 

in a different position on the ground than shown by the Ordnance Survey, 

then the line or feature shall be deemed to follow the position as existing 

on the ground. 

3. this plan should be used for identification purposes only, unless specifically 

stated above or in accompanying documentation. 

Natural Power Consultants Ltd 

The Green House 

Forrest Estate, Dalry 

Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, UK 

Tel: 01644 430008 

Fax: 01644 430009 

Email: post@naturalpower.com 

www.naturalpower.com 

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E.ON Climate & Renewables UK Limited 

Westwood Way 

Westwood Business Park 

Coventry 

CV4 8LG 

T +44 (0) 2476 424000 

eon-uk.com/renewables 

Registered in England and Wales No. 3758407 

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Quantans Hill scoping report - E.ON UK

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