Background
ESB is developing proposals for Millmoor Rig Wind Farm (Dykeraw) in the Scottish borders, where up to 13 turbines (ranging in height from 180 m to 230 m) could generate in excess of 50 MW of electricity. The proposal was submitted for planning in November 2022. The land use within the project area consists almost entirely of rotation forestry plantation with a small area of deciduous trees.
Scope of services
To support this, we carried out:
- Desk studies.
- Stakeholder consultations.
- Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey, National vegetation Classification, Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems, and Protected Species surveys.
We integrated this information into EIA Chapters and Technical Annexes, the schedule of mitigation measures, outline Habitat Management Plans, Peat Management Plans, Species Protection Plans, and Construction Environment Management Plans.
Because wind turbines have the potential to cause bat deaths due to collisions, we have used innovative methods to collect baseline data for assessing impact risks. This included using British Trust for Ornithology’s Acoustic Pipeline auto-ID software, the Ecobat online data processing tool, and the most recent 2021 NatureScot Guidance to assess the potential impact from turbines on bats. We found that 84% of the bat activity was common and soprano pipistrelles. The overall Ecobat risk scores for common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle were ‘Medium’ while the overall risk score for Nathusius pipistrelle and Nyctalus spp. were ‘Low’.
We also found bog habitat likely to be growing on a peat substrate, two active badger setts and an otter couch. There are four statutory designated sites within 2 km of the Proposed Development site. This information and other survey results has been used to assess the likely impacts of the current plan for turbine placement, via the EIA process. Taking into account mitigation measures, no significant effect is expected on any ecological receptors.
Impact
Our survey work supports the relevant EIA Scoping and Planning Application documents required by ESB for their proposed 50 MW+ wind farm in the Scottish Borders.