Template No: 01714-001897

Cairn Duhie Wind Farm DRAFT Construction and Decommissioning Method

Statement

Revision History

Issue Date Author Nature And Location Of Change

01 31/05/2013 Craig Smith First Created

02 24/10/2013 Craig Smith Final Issue

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 1

2.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS .................................................................................. 1

3.0 CONSTRUCTION PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................. 1

3.1 Timescale 1

3.2 Archaeological Monitoring 1

3.3 Ecological Monitoring 1

4.0 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................................ 1

4.1 Public Highway Works Design Philosophy 1

4.2 Site Track Design Philosophy 2

4.3 Turbine Foundation Design Philosophy 2

4.4 Crane Pad Design Philosophy 2

4.5 Sub-Station Control Building Design Philosophy 2

5.0 CONSTRUCTION METHOD .................................................................................. 3

5.1 Access Roads 3

5.2 Site Entrance 3

5.3 Site Roads 3

5.4 Management of Surface Water 4

5.5 Temporary Site Compound 7

5.6 Turbine Foundations 7

5.7 Substation Control Building and Compound 8

5.8 Turbine Erection 8

5.9 Site Electrical Works 8

5.10 Grid Connection 8

5.11 Environmental & Waste Management 8

5.12 Pollution Control 9

5.13 Transport Management 9

6.0 DECOMMISSIONING METHOD .............................................................................. 9

6.1 Site Access Roads 9

6.2 Wind turbines 9

6.3 Turbine Foundations 9

6.4 Site Electrical installation 9

7.0 RECORDS ...................................................................................................... 9

8.0 APPENDICES ................................................................................................. 10

APPENDIX 1 – ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTORS ..................................... 11

APPENDIX 2 – DRAFT SuDS DESIGN 1

APPENDIX 3 – WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROCEDURE .................................................... 2

APPENDIX 4 – PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF A CONTAMINENT SPILL ....................................... 4

APPENDIX 5 – WASTE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................ 6

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This document outlines the methodology for the construction and decommissioning of the proposed Cairn Duhie Wind Farm development (hereafter referred to as the Proposed Wind Farm). It is a draft document which will be finalised prior to commencement of construction, in consultation with the relevant authorities.

RES Construction acknowledges, that unless otherwise agreed with the planning authority, the development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans and conditions.

2.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Cairn Duhie Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Environmental Requirements of Subcontractors

Traffic Management Plan

SuDS Design Statement

Water Quality Monitoring Procedure

Procedure in the Event of a Contaminant Spill

The Specification for Highway Works

Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual

Peat Management Plan

Peat Slide Risk Assessment

3.0 CONSTRUCTION PHILOSOPHY

Renewable Energy Systems Construction Ltd (RES) will construct Cairn Duhie Wind Farm in accordance with the Environmental Statement 2013, prepared during the development stage of the project.

Where available the quietest plant and/or machinery will be employed and maintained in good working order with appropriate silencers, mufflers or acoustic covers fitted where applicable. Stationary noise sources will be sited as far away as possible from sensitive developments and, if necessary, shielded by acoustic barriers.

Where appropriate and practicable, RES will use local contractors, plant and materials in order to maximise the benefit of the wind farm project to the local community. Throughout the construction period of the project RES will maintain an open dialogue with local residents and all other interested parties.

3.1 Timescale

The Development will be commenced no later than the expiration of five years beginning on the date on which the permission was granted. In addition, any required works to the access route to the Site will be undertaken before, or at any time, during works on Site.

Typically all work prior to the commissioning, including access to the Site by lorries except for the delivery of turbine parts and the erection of the turbines themselves, shall be restricted to the hours of 07.00 – 19.00 on Mondays to Saturdays with no activities on Sundays

except other than to prevent or remedy any environmental pollution or health and safety risks or where the quality of the project or construction element could be compromised.

If any works are required outside these times, written details will be provided and agreed with the planning authority prior to commencing.

3.2 Archaeological Monitoring

A number of sites of archaeological sensitivity are situated on the Site. A Written Scheme of Works will be prepared prior to commencement of works and agreed with the planning authority. Where necessary, sensitive areas will be fenced off, prior to works commencing under the supervision of an archaeological clerk of works and toolbox talks discussing site specific archaeological sensitivities will be provided to subcontractors. If archaeology is discovered, then the RES Site Manager shall be notified immediately. Written guidelines will be issued for use by all construction contractors containing arrangements for calling upon retained professional support in the event that buried remains of potential archaeological interest should be discovered.

3.3 Ecological Monitoring

An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be appointed to conduct pre-construction protected species surveys and also regular monitoring during construction. Toolbox talks discussing Site specific ecological sensitivities will be provided to subcontractors. Written guidelines will be issued for use by all construction contractors containing the procotol and contact details for calling upon retained professional support in the event that protected species are found.

A Breeding Bird Protection Plan (BBPP) will be produced and approved by the planning authority in consultation with SNH prior to implementation. The BBPP will detail the procedures to be followed to avoid disturbance to breeding birds on the site (with specific reference to Golden Plovers and lekking Black Grouse). Likely measures may include, but will not be limited to, sensitive timing of works to avoid the nesting period/peak activity period (relevant to Black Grouse), together with appropriate buffer distances and site monitoring.

4.0 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

4.1 Public Highway Works Design Philosophy

All works to be carried out within the public highway shall be designed in accordance with appropriate standards. All traffic management associated with the road network improvements shall be in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.

A delivery analysis for abnormal loads including swept path analysis has been carried out from the Port of Inverness via the Longman Roundabout to the A96(T) to Nairn before following the A939 southbound to the Site entrance.

Specific upgrades to these routes such as reinforcement or provision of local widenings will be subject to liaison with The Highland Council Highways Department and Transport Scotland.

Normal construction traffic travelling either eastbound or westbound on the A96 will follow the A939 southwards from Nairn to the Site entrance. A road condition assessment of this route has been carried out as part of the ES, and will be repeated at the pre-construction stage in order to set a baseline.

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4.2 Site Track Design Philosophy

All Site tracks will be designed taking account of the loadings provided by the turbine manufacturer following a site investigation. This will be carried out post-consent.

Peat probing across the site indicates a traditional track design will be utilised on the majority of the site, however floating track methodology has also been described.:

Floating track; and

Traditional track from suitable load bearing strata.

Floating track construction will be adopted where ground conditions are poor or the depth of peat exceeds 1.5 m. This system involves: installing a layer of geo-grid directly onto the existing organic layer; placement of a layer of well graded course stone; application of a further layer of geo-grid; and laying the final layer of a finer well graded stone for the running surface.

The traditional track construction will be used in areas identified within the Site Investigation Report where the depth of the peat layer does not exceed 1.5 m, and the underlying substrate has adequate load bearing properties. This system will consist of either 1 or 2 layers of stone depending on the load bearing capacity of substrate. Where the underlying layer is a competent, glacial material, 2 layers of stone are used; a suitable stone capping layer and the Type 1 running layer. In areas where the load bearing layer is rock, the capping layer may be omitted, and the Type 1 running layer is installed directly onto the rock surface.

Straight sections of the track have a running width of 5 m (running track) with an additional 0.5 m shoulder on each side to give a total width of 6 m (overall width). Local widening may be required at bends to facilitate delivery of abnormal vehicles.

Under track drainage will be incorporated within the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design as set out in section 5.3. Existing drainage ditches will be culverted using an adequately sized pipe at locations where the proposed access track crosses.

4.3 Turbine Foundation Design Philosophy

Wind turbine foundations will be designed in accordance with the RES Basis Of Design - Wind Turbine Gravity Base Foundations which takes account of the guidance provided in EC2 and other relevant standards and has been approved by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The turbine will be anchored to the foundation using a bolt assembly or insert which shall be cast into the concrete.

The foundation geotechnical design will be based on the information contained in the site investigation report which will be carried out post consent and factors of safety will be incorporated in accordance with European design standards. The site specific designs will be within the limits of the typical dimensions detailed on Figure 4.4 – Wind Turbine Foundation drawing.

Depending on the wind turbine supplier the transformer and HV equipment could be housed either adjacent to the turbine on a reinforced concrete plinth or within the turbine tower or the nacelle. Power cables will be buried in HV compatible ducts between the turbine and transformer.

An earth mat will be buried around the turbine and transformer to provide protection to personnel in the event of an electrical fault.

The foundations will be designed in accordance with relevant UK safety legislation and design

regulations. A design risk assessment will be carried out and risk mitigation measures will be incorporated into the design.

4.4 Crane Pad Design Philosophy

All crane pads have been designed taking account of the loadings provided by the turbine manufacturer, and will consist of a compacted stone structure.

All crane pads will be formed from a suitably stiff layer and provide a minimum bearing capapcity of 200kN/m2 at finished level. Typically crane pad formation will consist of either 1 or 2 layers of stone depending on the properties of the underlying load bearing layer. Where the underlying layer is clay, 2 layers of stone formation are used, the 6F2 stone capping layer and, the Type 1 running layer. In areas where the load bearing layer is rock, the capping layer is omitted, and the type 1 running layer is installed directly onto the rock surface. The main crane pads are 40 m x 30 m and have a maximum cross and longitudinal fall tolerance of 1% (1:100). Depending on the final choice of turbine supplier there will be associated temporary areas for the storage of components and a standing area for the tailing crane.

4.5 Sub-Station Control Building Design Philosophy

The substation and adjoining compound has been designed, sized and positioned to be sympathetic with the surroundings and to comply with the requirements set out in the approved layout. The building contains five rooms; Control Room, Wind Farm High Voltage Room, Control Room, Office space and Store Room. In addition, a WC, a Battery Room and a Bunded Store, all with an external entrance will also be incorporated into the Control Room building. This detail is shown on Figure 4.9.

The foundations for the building will be designed based on the site investigation report.

The substructure typically consists of an in situ reinforced concrete raft foundation which supports all the solid block work internal and external walls. Cable trenches will be formed with block work or concrete side walls, and are positioned in accordance with the M&E requirements. Cable ducts will be cast within the slab and/or buried within the soil, and are positioned in accordance with M&E requirements. The ground floor consists of an in-situ reinforced concrete ground bearing slab which is supported by well compacted hardcore depending on soil conditions. The substructure is made water tight by the installation of an approved Damp Proof Membrane which ties in with the Damp Proof Course at ground floor level.

The superstructure consists of a traditional cavity wall construction with an overall typical wall thickness of approximately 300 mm. This may include the use of wind posts or provision of bedded masonry reinforecement. All door openings have been sized to comply with the current M&E requirements.

The ceiling for the switch room consists of pre-stressed pre-cast hollow core concrete units or anti-intruder plaster board. All other ceilings are foil backed plaster board.

The roof is a traditional pitch roof construction consisting of prefabricated timber trusses, 12 mm plywood sheeting, sarking felt, timber battens, and roof tiles.

All doors will be made of steel or timber with steel sheeting for security prefabricated to fit structural openings.

Foul drainage will discharge to the system or treatment plant which will be designed in liaison with SEPA and by adhering to the Controlled Activities Regualtions (CAR). Surface

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water will be taken away by a perimeter drain which will discharge to a soakaway located at a lower level than the lowest point of the perimeter drain.

5.0 CONSTRUCTION METHOD

5.1 Access Roads

Prior to public road works, agreements will be sought from The Highland Council and Transport Scotland as appropriate. All works to public roads including re-construction of pavement, and verge works will be carried out in accordance with the appropriate “Consent to carry out excavation in, or break up the surface of a road”. A detailed programme of all works and any required traffic management proposals shall be submitted to and agreed by The Highland Council Highways Department and Transport Scotland.

Suitable notification shall be given to local residents detailing the full sequence of work and contact details of key site personnel.

Except for the main Site entrance, improvements required for abnormal loads delivery will typically be carried out one month prior to turbine deliveries however this would be agreed with route Stakeholders. A Traffic Management Scheme proposal for abnormal loads will be provided to The Highland Council and Transport Scotland post consent.

5.2 Site Entrance

For the avoidance of doubt, all construction traffic will be required to access the Site area via the Site entrance with appropriate traffic management at this point which will be agreed in liaison with The Highland Council.

Prior to the commencement of any other works, the Site entrance layout will be constructed as detailed on Figure 4.6.

The Site entrance will be constructed in accordance with the contract drawings as follows: -

Obtain necessary permits and approvals from The Highland Council and Transport Scotland.

Inform statutory services & identify any assets to be protected or diverted.

Works will include re-grading / improve visibility and supplementing other signs with additional warnings.

The visibility works at the Site entrance will be checked and approved by The Highland Council prior to the use of the improved entrance.

Existing drainage will not be compromised by the entrance works.

Surfacing works at the Site entrance will all be to the standard required by the Specification for Highway Works.

Great care will be taken to ensure mud from the Site roads does not become a hazard on the route. Wheel washing facilities will be set up at the main entrance to remove mud from the wheels of vehicles leaving the Site. A monthly monitoring regime will be set up and the weekly Site safety checklist will be amended to include a visual check once per week (minimum). The area will be visually inspected daily but recorded weekly.

A full condition survey will be carried out in conjunction with the Highland Council to determine the condition of the route adjacent to the Site prior to works commencing. This will involve a video survey of the proposed route and will identify any existing

defects. This report will be used later to agree if the works have contributed to deterioration above and beyond normal wear and tear.

5.3 Site Roads

The layout and typical construction details of the Site roads are detailed on Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.7 and will be constructed as follows: -

Establish alignment of the Site roads from the construction drawings and mark out the centrelines with ranging rods or timber posts.

Where the road alignment crosses existing drainage channels, pipe bridges will be used. The pipes will be sized according to the width of the crossing and installed in such a manner that will not interrupt the flow of the water course or artificially raise or lower the invert of the bed.

The access tracks will be of single track design with a typical running width of 5m with 0.5 m shoulders on each side. There will be some local widening on the bends, junctions and around turbine bases for the safe passage of large vehicles.

The Site access tracks will be a combination of excavated, cut and, if necessary, floated construction in accordance with the contract drawings. Typically floated construction will be utilised between turbines where the peat depth is greater than 1.5m. Specific sections of floated track will be designed following the post-consent Site investigation campaign.

The excavated section will, where practicable, have turves stripped over the area of the excavation and stored adjacent to the tracks growing side up for reuse. These areas will be oversized to accomodate the excavated subsoil material. The subsoil material will subsequently be capped with topsoil to form an earth bund. Temporary stockpiles shall be stored on a geotextile membrane and covered. Stored soils shall be placed so as to minimise the potential for erosion distributed in flat areas away from watercourses. All excavation works will be carried out in accordance with the Spoil Management and Peat Management Plans following detailed Site investigation post-consent, as agreed with the relevant authorities.

Trenching or excavation activities in open land shall cease during periods of intense rainfall and temporary bunding shall be provided as required, to reduce the risk of sediment transport to the natural drainage system.

All Machinery shall work within the construction corridors as indicated on the contract drawings. Vehicle movement (to include HGVs and plant machinery) will be restricted to Site tracks except during track and base construction. The movement of construction traffic shall be controlled to minimise soil compaction and disturbance.

Generally, excavated material will be used as backfill around building elements. However where this is not possible, re-profiling of the spoil and capping with a layer of topsoil will be undertaken to form areas of permanent landscaping.

The subsoil will be excavated down to a suitable formation layer of either firm glacial material or rock and the spoil deposited on either side of the track to form screening bunds.

The floated sections of track will be constructed by laying Geogrid over the existing surface, Type 1 will be placed by excavator and compacted in accordance with the specification / design.

Well-graded granular fill will be spread and compacted in layers to provide a

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homogeneous running surface. The thickness of layers and amount of compaction required will be decided by the Site Manager based on the design which will take account of the characteristics of the material and the compaction plant to be used.

Drainage ditches will be excavated adjacent to the tracks. Where access roads run parallel to contours regular cross drains will be placed below the road surface to prevent excessive volumes of water collecting in the drainage ditches. The running surfaces of the Site roads will be finished to a cross fall of no less than 1% to reduce ponding. Surface water runoff will not be allowed to discharge directly into existing watercourses and will be routed through the SuDS system.

Batters will have a slope of between 1:1 to 1:2 (depending on depth and type of material) and will be left as cut to re-vegetate naturally with local species.

Screening bunds will be formed along the edge of the Site roads. The bunds will be formed using the excavated peat and subsoil and reinstated with the top vegetative layer set aside during the excavation. Bunds will typically be left to regetate naturally. If seed is planted it will be a native seed mix to ensure alien species of flora are not introduced to the project and agreed with SNH.

The wind farm owner shall take responsibility for the upkeep of the on Site access tracks to the standard required for the operation of the wind farm during the operational life of the wind farm. Monitoring of the condition of the tracks will be carried out by the wind farm owner by visual inspection when using the tracks on site any repairs required would be carried out by a qualified contractor.

5.4 Management of Surface Water

Detailed measures to address surface water management, including methodology for dealing with water pumped from excavations is based upon drainage design criteria and philosophy to be prepared post consent.

The detailed drainage design and philosophy to be prepared will adopt a SuDS approach, using temporary SuDS for the drainage of the temporary works during the construction phase.

The use of swales, check dams and settlement ponds in series will provide a surface water management train that will mitigate any adverse impact on the hydrology of the Site and surrounding areas during the construction phase of the project. Flow rates from tracks will be reduced through use of attenuating check dams “at source”, with pass-forward flow rate reduced by filtration and temporary detention.

5.4.1 General Philosophy

It is proposed that all drainage relating to the Development will be constructed using best practice and in conformance with the requirements of the relevant regulatory authorities.

The SuDS design will be implemented to:

Ensure that the impact to existing hydrological patterns including watercourse morphology, overland flow routes and channels, private water abstraction points / catchments and flood characteristics is minimised;

Avoid transporting rainfall runoff in long linear drainage swales by providing regular channel “breakouts”, whereby water is encouraged to flow overland, thus maintaining existing natural hydrological patterns.

Reducing surface water flow rates and volumes by providing stone filtration check-

dams, whereby the flow velocity and rate of discharge is reduced.

Providing settlement ponds at turbine hard standing areas, where runoff from additional impermeable areas is attenuated prior to discharged to the natural environment.

Ensure that all swales, crossings and other hydraulic features will be engineered to ensure that dimensions etc. are suitable to convey predicted flows and so prevent build-up of surface water and/or flooding.

Drainage design will encourage the reduction of silt entrained within construction runoff by providing a “treatment train” of 2-3 stages of pollutant removal to all surface water runoff, nominally by:

Ensuring that drainage swales are designed to convey flows at a low velocity by using a flat bottomed swale profile.

Providing settlement and filtration features in all linear drainage swales (stone check dams, filtration dams) to reduce flow velocity and encourage settlement of silts;

Encouraging vegetation growth in the base of all linear drainage to provide additional filtration to flows;

Providing settlement ponds at turbine hard standing areas;

Discharging surface water runoff over undisturbed vegetated ground, hence allowing flow entrained construction silts to drop out of flows.

Preventing discharge of construction runoff directly to existing watercourses or natural drainage channels. All discharges are to be via a SuDS feature which will provide a treatment train, allowing deposition of suspended silts from construction runoff.

5.4.2 Hydraulic / Water Quality design criteria

Detailed proposals will be designed to ensure the drainage system satisfies both hydraulic and water quality performance criteria.

Any watercourse or drainage feature crossings will be designed for hydraulic performance up to and including a 0.5% AEP (1 in 200 year) rainfall event. In addition, other criteria imposed by SEPA in relation to flood risk, mammal passage requirements and fish passage may be required.

SuDS features incorporating a permanent treatment volume (e.g. settlement ponds) will be designed using the Variable Rainfall Depth Method (CIRIA C697) as detailed in Technical Appendix 11.3 of the ES.

5.4.3 Working in the vicinity of watercourses

None of the wind farm infrastructure works are proposed within the conservative 50 m buffers for natural watercourse on this Site. However, crossings and works in the vicinity of existing artificial drain and peat cuttings will be required as detailed in Technical Appendix 11.3of the ES. The following procedures shall apply in these areas.

Ensure roads are built to the layout design.

Avoid construction near existing drains in wet weather whenever possible.

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Avoid using acidic, metal or sulphide-rich spoil from mine workings for road construction.

Plan so that roadside swales do not discharge directly into existing drains or peat cuttings, but rather through a buffer area of at least 5 mupslope of these areas.

Keep cement and raw concrete out of existing drains and peat cuttings.

Minimize the volume of sediment entering existing drains and peat cuttings.

Equipment, materials and chemicals shall not be stored within 50 m of watercourses.

5.4.4 Working in Private Water Supply catchments

The private water supply abstraction point nearest to this development has been identified approximately 1.5 km north of the nearest construction area as shown in Appendix Technical Appendix 11.3 of the ES. However, the following procedures apply to the general construction activities when working in catchments contributing to water supply abstraction points.

All construction runoff will be directed through the proposed SuDS system prior to dispersal over open vegetated areas.

All refuelling will be undertaken at designated refuelling points. There will be no refueling within catchments contributing to water supply points.

5.4.5 Management of Excavations

The effect of excavation of soil or peat and its effect on the water environment shall generally be managed as followed:

Areas stripped of vegetation to be kept to the minimum feasible;

All areas of exposed clay to be covered over with stockpiled topsoil / vegetation / acrotelm (surface layer of peat) as soon as practically possible in order to reduce runoff of suspended fines;

Bunds/cutoff drains to be utilised in order to prevent inflow of overland flow or other surface water into excavations;

All dewatering of excavations to be subject to treatment in roadside swale which will discharge to a settlement pond, with runoff from the pond dispersed over open vegetation. There will be no direct discharge to water courses.

5.4.6 Management of Silt and Water Pollution

The following pollution control measures will be deployed throughout the site:

Refuelling of vehicles and plant machinery shall be confined to the designated fuelling areas and shall be carefully controlled.

Vehicles, plant machinery and equipment would be cleaned at designated washout areas located conveniently and within a controlled area of the Site.

At storage sites, fuels, lubricants and chemicals shall be contained within an area bunded to 110 %. All filling points shall be within the bund or have secondary containment. Associated pipework shall be located above ground and protected from

accidental damage.

Drip trays shall be placed under standing machinery.

All solid and liquid waste materials shall be properly disposed of in controlled landfill sites away from the Site.

Routine mechanical maintenance of vehicles shall be carried out off-site or in a suitable designated area of the site.

There shall be no unapproved discharge of foul or contaminated drainage from the Site either to groundwater or any surface waters, whether direct or via soakaway.

Silts will be removed at various locations, nominally as follows:

Trackside Drainage

Where linear track drainage swales are utilised, it is proposed that rock filled check dams will be installed at a regular frequency, in order to reduce flow velocities and improve conditions for the settlement of solids in transit, providing treatment at source. This avoids the need for large settlement ponds or silt traps at downstream discharge points.

Check dams will be constructed from 5-40 mm clean crushed rock. On steeper slopes the check dams will be reinforced using larger 100-150 mm stone placed on the downhill side of the check dam to prevent washout of the small stones. It is noted that swales will not be installed along floated sections of road.

There will be regular outflow points (breakouts) from the swales throughout the drainage system to reduce the potential for the generation of large flows at single outflow points. Outflow from the drainage system will be made across natural vegetation and discharge to watercourses will be avoided. This will assist the drainage network in maintaining the natural hydrological response displayed by the natural catchment.

Typical locations of drainage swales are shown on the preliminary drawings 2 and 3 shown in Appendix 2. A detailed drawing of a typical roadside swale and checkdam arrangement is shown on drawing 4 in Appendix 2.

Settlement Ponds

Settlement ponds will be installed at large hard standing areas such as the temporary construction compound, turbine hard standings, and substation in order to attenuate flows to mimic natural runoff patterns, and provide settlement of silts and suspended solids. Indicative locations are shown on drawings 2 and 3 in Appendix 2.

Attenuation will utilise shallow ponds to aid removal of suspended solids. Calculations for the determination of storage requirements will be undertaken at detailed design stage.

The potential for retention of attenuation features at non-temporary site elements (turbine bases etc) to be retained and maintained for the operational life of the project will be considered in order to provide ecological enhancement.

The following shall apply to the construction of settlement ponds at the site:

All flow depths to be kept to a normal depth of 0.3m with a maximum depth of 0.5m maximum (to meet H&S requirements).

Side slopes to be shallow, nominally at a 1 in 3 side slope (maximum).

Install cut-off drains around the working areas to intercept uncontaminated surface

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runoff and divert it around and away from the works; surface water runoff may also be diverted around the excavation using heavy timbers or similar laid on the surface of the ground. Post completion of the scheme the cut-off drains can be infilled and any timbers removed.

A detail drawing of a typical settlement pond arrangement is shown in Drawing 5 of Appendix 2.

Construction of Watercourse Crossings

Watercourse crossings have been avoided as part of the design evolution of the proposed wind farm. No natural water course crossings are required, however crossings of some small field drains will be required. Where crossings are unavoidable, initial design undertaken to date and all future detailed design will ensure that risk to the receiving environment is reduced at construction and operational stages.

Residual risk to watercourses specific to the construction stage will be fully addressed in the Contractor’s construction method statement and will include:

Use of silt fences adjacent to, upstream and downstream of crossing locations in order to intercept polluted runoff during construction and trafficking;

Erection of temporary silt fences within the existing drainage channel if deemed necessary on site, in order to counter a specific perceived risk of pollution;

Program works to coincide with periods of low rainfall and hence low river flows;

Utilise construction methods that avoid or minimise use of cementitious materials in the vicinity of the existing drains and areas of peat cuttings;

Construction of Turbine Bases

The following drainage measures will apply to all works required to construct turbine bases (i.e. excavations, stockpiling, dewatering, concrete works);

Installation of cut-off drains or bunds around the working areas to intercept uncontaminated surface runoff and divert it around and away from the works.

Minimise the stockpiling of materials and locate essential stockpiles as far away as possible from watercourses.

All dewatering of excavations to be pumped at a low flow rate into either the mini-settlement pond or road swale.

The foundation working areas should be re-vegetated as soon as possible after construction.

Excavated Spoil Management

It is understood that excavated spoil (peat and subsoils) is to be sidecast adjacent to proposed access track alignments. Areas of stored spoil:

will not be permitted within previously denoted watercourse buffer zones;

will not be permitted to obstruct the flow of overland surface water.

will not be permitted within the private water supply exclusion zone

There should be no ponding of surface water on top of spoil. Spoil will be graded to ensure that all direct precipitation will run directly off the surface.

Where areas of spoil storage other than sidecasting are proposed, formal drainage will be designed on a bespoke basis to allow controlled dewatering and prevent washout of suspended solids to the receiving water environment.

Silt fences would be installed downslope of spoil heaps as a precautionary measure.

Concrete Washout area

Concrete shall be brought onto the Site ready mixed and will not be allowed to enter watercourses under any circumstances, and drainage from excavations in which concrete is being poured will not be discharged directly into existing watercourses without appropriate treatment and consent of the SEPA. Delivery trucks, tools and equipment will be cleaned at designated washout areas located conveniently and within a controlled area of the site.

The washout area will be lined to prevent infiltration of high alkaline content flow, and will be covered to minimise the ingress of rainwater to the containment area.

5.4.7 Maintaining Site Hydrology

In order to avoid unnecessary change to the nature of local site hydrology, the diversion of natural drainage paths via water bars, bunds and cutoff drains over extensive distances will be avoided.

In areas of steep cross falls and/or excavations, cutoff drains will be provided to the upslope side of the excavation in order to prevent overland flow scouring the road structure or destabilizing battered excavations. Cutoff drains will run for as short a distance as is reasonably practical, with regular discharge points to the down slope side will be provided in order to prevent buildup of large flows and diversion of overland flows over long distances.

5.4.8 Maintenance / Monitoring of SuDS Performance

A detailed maintenance and monitoring plan, including construction and operation phase maintenance checklist, will be included in the detailed CMS for the site. In summary, maintenance and monitoring of SuDS performance shall include (but will not be limited to) the following:

All check dams, mini-settlement ponds, and other settlement/attenuation features to be checked at least once weekly via a walkover survey during the full period of construction.

Post construction inspection programme be implemented, with a walk over site visit to be undertaken on an ongoing 6-monthly basis.

All excess silts to be removed and disposed of as agreed with SEPA. Where check dams have become full blocked with silt, they should be replaced.

In the event that notable effects of erosion are identified along swales or at discharge points, suitable erosion protection measures such as placement of large stones or erosion protection mattresses should be installed at the area affected.

Water quality monitoring will be undertaken prior to construction, for the duration of the construction and at defined intervals during operational phases to allow early detection of potential pollution incidents. Detection of deterioration of water quality will allow for

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specification of additional mitigating measures, as appropriate, to maintain the performance of the SuDS. This inspection regime will be detailed fully as part of the detailed CMS and will ensure that site drainage does not impact on local water courses or private water supply protection zones.

For further detail on Water Quality Monitoring refer to Appendix 3.

5.4.9 Decommissioning of SuDS

Consideration will be given to retention of permanent settlement ponds post construction phase, should they be deemed to provide ecological and habitat benefit for the Site.

Decommissioning of tracks and associated drainage will comprise covering over with topsoil. Where feasible, topsoil will be overlaid with vegetated peat in order to prevent washoff of silt from exposed topsoil.

Localised specific measures to prevent washoff of silt from exposed soils to watercourses, until such time as natural vegetation has established, will be implemented, including:

Use of silt fences on downslope side of topsoiled areas

Installation of temporary silt traps in existing drains and watercourses

5.4.10 Complementary Sections

Refer to Appendix 1 – Environmental requirements of contractors

Refer to Appendix 2 – SuDS outline design - general arrangement and typical details.

Refer to Appendix 3 –Water Quality Monitoring Procedure

Refer to Appendix 4 – Emergency Procedure in the Event of a Contaminant Spill for the pollution contingency plans.

Refer to Appendix 5 – Waste Management

5.5 Temporary Site Compound

The temporary construction compound will be constructed at the location indicated on the contract drawings as per Figure 5.1 of the ES. The compound is designed to take account of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) “good practice” requirements to avoid the need for large articulated vehicles reversing inside the compound and increased stand-off between pedestrians and vehicles.

The area to be used as the compound will be marked out at the corners using ranging rods or timber posts

The Compound will be established using a similar technique as the construction of the site tracks.

Granular material will be spread and lightly compacted to provide a hard area to site offices and storage containers.

Areas within the compound will be constructed as site roads and used as vehicle hard-standings during deliveries and for parking of site vehicles. The size and location of the hard-standings will be at the discretion of the site manager and the requirements of the contractors.

An impermeable bunded area will be provided within the compound for the storage of fuel oils.

The compound will require to be fenced all round and secured with locked gates.

Upon completion of the project the compound will be decommissioned by backfilling the area with the material arising during excavation, landscaping with topsoil and seeding as required.

5.6 Turbine Foundations

The extent of the excavation will be marked out and will include an allowance for trimming the sides of the excavation to provide a safe working area.

Where practicable the turf will be stripped over the area of the excavation and stored growing side up for reuse, the remaining soil will be excavated as required and stored to one side for reuse during the landscaping around the finished turbine.

No material will be removed from Site. Permanent storage areas will be identified as part of the Spoil Management Plan. These storage areas will typically be located adjacent to the respective foundations to avoid unnecessary moving of material around site and limit disruption to the development area as a whole. Temporary stockpiles shall be stored on a geotextile membrane and covered. Stored soils shall be placed so as to minimise the potential for erosion distributed in flat areas away from watercourses.

The subsoil will be excavated to a typical formation depth of 3.0 m Below Existing Ground Level (BEGL) to extract maximum benefit from the encountered ground conditions and stored in an appropriate location adjacent to the excavation. Structural backfill depth of 1.5 m is typically maintained using the excavated material following confirmation it is suitable following detailed site investigation. Any surplus material will be held in permanent storage areas.

Excavation activities shall cease during periods of intense rainfall. Temporary bunding shall be provided as required, to reduce the risk of oil or chemical spills to the natural drainage system.

A layer of concrete blinding will be laid approximately 75 mm thick directly on top of the newly exposed formation or structural fill depending on specific turbine ground conditions, tamped and finished with a screed board to leave a flat level surface. The concrete should be protected from rainfall during curing and all surface water runoff from the curing concrete should be prevented from entering surface water drainage directly, in accordance with RES document ‘Environmental Requirements for Subcontractors’ found in Appendix 1.

High tensile steel reinforcement will be fixed in accordance with the designer’s drawings & schedules. The foundation anchorage system will be installed, levelled and secured to the blinding.

Ductwork will be installed as required, and formwork erected around the steel cage and propped from the backside as required.

Concrete will be placed using a crane, pump or other suitable device and compacted when in the forms using vibrating pokers to the levels and profile indicated on the drawings, in accordance with good working practises.

Upon completion of the concreting works the foundation base will be covered and allowed to cure.

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Following the curing period any formwork around the foundation will be stripped and stored for reuse. The foundation will be backfilled with a cohesive material, where possible using the material arising during the excavation and landscaped using the soil set-aside during the excavation. A gravel track will be formed from the access track to the turbine door and around the Turbine for maintenance.

5.7 Substation Control Building and Compound

The control building will be constructed in accordance with the following:

The area of the Control Building and Compound will be marked out using ranging rods or wooden posts and the topsoil stripped and removed to a temporary stockpile adjacent to the work site for use in landscaping. No material will be removed from site and storage areas will be stripped of vegetation prior to stockpiling in line with best working practises.

The dimensions of the Control Building and Compound area will be set to meet the requirements of Grid Operator and the necessary equipment to safely and efficiently operate the wind farm.

Control Building finishes to be sympathetic to the local area: -

Doors will be fitted and the external & internal finishing’s applied including any fitted furniture.

The compound area will be re-graded, the electrical equipment plinths constructed and an over site carpet of single size clean granular material will be laid.

A palisade fence will be erected around the compound and the area immediately outside the compound will be landscaped as required to provide some screening. This will be agreed with the local authority at the appropriate time.

PIR operated external lighting will be installed on the building to allow safe access during period of reduced light.

Parking area / crane hardstanding.

5.8 Turbine Erection

The turbine will be supplied with a light grey semi-matt finish and installed with a tip-height not exceeding 110 m measured from existing ground levels to the blade tip in the vertical position. The rotors of the turbines shall all rotate in the same direction.

Turbines are delivered in sections to the site.

The sections are lifted by adequately sized mobile cranes (1 main crane and a smaller tail crane to assist with the initial lift free of the transport) and positioned on the foundations / other turbine sections until the entire turbine is erected.

Upon completion of the erection all fasteners will be tightened to the correct torque and the internal fit out of the turbine undertaken, and finally the mains power will be connected to the turbine controller.

When the controller is ‘booted up’ the turbine commissioning will commence, and following the successful execution of the ‘tests on completion’ the turbines will be handed over as complete.

5.9 Site Electrical Works

Substation and switchgear: - The substation will have a domestic electrical system including lights, sockets, fire alarm and intruder alarm. This would be designed, installed and commissioned by registered electrical contractors. The high voltage switchgear is installed using a truck mounted hydraulic crane, the indoor equipment is then connected, wired, tested and commissioned typically by engineers supplied by the switchgear manufacturer. The operation of this equipment is by suitably authorised operators who have undergone extensive training. The equipment will be decommissioned in the reverse of the above, removed from site, dismantled and disposed of in an approved manner.

Underground Distribution: - All electricity and other service cables between the turbines and the sub-station / control building shall be placed underground. The ground is trenched typically using a mechanical digging machine. These machines will be regularly inspected for safety and condition and will be well maintained. The operators will have the required certification. The top layer of soil is removed and saved so that it is replaced on completion. The cables are bedded with suitable material unless the ground conditions are such that no bedding is required. The depth of the cables is to meet all national and international requirements; a suitable marking tape is installed between the cables and the surface. On completion the ground will be reinstated as previously described above. The cables are terminated on the transformers at each turbine location. The terminations are of an outdoor watertight design. On decommissioning the cables will be cut away below ground level and sealed.

Transformers: - The transformers are delivered by the manufacturer. They are supplied full of oil and will not require topping up or filtering on site. The Units will be placed directly onto the turbine foundation within an enclosure and will be inspected for any damage prior to offloading. The units will be installed using a small mobile all terrain crane and will be tested, commissioned and energised by suitably trained and authorised persons. The accessible MV & LV sections of the transformer will be protected within an enclosure which shall be locked at all times displaying appropriate warning signs. The units will be decommissioned in the same manner, removed from site and disposed of by a company certified to handle such materials. This specialist company will also dispose of any oil or residual waste products.

5.10 Grid Connection

Connection to the utility's system shall be confirmed by the utility in accordance with their recognised standards, planning conditions and any landowner agreements.

All work associated with the grid connection will be undertaken to the utility company’s specifications and requirements.

5.11 Environmental & Waste Management

For details of environmental management measures to be adopted during the construction phase, including details of wheel washing facilities, concrete washout facility and of the designated refuelling areas, refer to Appendix 1 – Environmental Requirements of Subcontractors and Appendix 5 – Waste Management.

The following will be key undertakings of the Environmental and Waste Management on site.

Wheel washing facilities will be provided at the site entrance. These are likely to be the waterless drive through type. These will be regularly maintained and road conditions monitored to ensure public roads are not contaminated with mud or dust.

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A concrete washout facility will be provided at a suitable location and managed in line with Appendix 2 . Fuel on site will be controlled in accordance with the RES Environmental Requirements for Subcontractors (Appendix 1). All works will be carried out in accordance with the relevant noise legislation and good working practise. Signage, as required will be posted at specific locations.

An Outline Habitat Management Plan is provided in the Environmental Statement detailing measures required to enhance blanket bog habitats.

Archaeological monitoring will be undertaken as detailed in paragraph 3.2;

Ecological monitoring will be carried out as detailed in paragraph 3.3;

Tree felling will be carried out in accordance with the UK Forestry Standard and the Forestry Commission Forest and Water Guidelines.

5.12 Pollution Control

Refer to Emergency Procedure in the Event of a Contaminant Spill, Appendix 4 for details of the emergency procedure to be followed and actions to be taken in the event of a hazardous waste spillage such as oil, fuel and chemicals, occurring on a wind farm construction site or an operational wind farm site in order that the environmental impacts that may be associated with a hazardous waste spillage may be mitigated.

5.13 Transport Management

A Transport Management Plan will be finalised post planning in liaison with The Highland Council and Transport Scotland.

6.0 DECOMMISSIONING METHOD

The permission is for a period of 25 years from the date that the electricity from the Development is first connected to the grid, such date to be notified to the planning authority within 1 month of such connection. Within 12 months of the end of the 25 year period all wind turbines, ancillary equipment and buildings shall be dismantled to ground level and removed from the site, and the land shall be restored in accordance with a restoration and after-care scheme to be submitted for the approval of the planning authority.

On reasonable request of the planning authority, the developer will provide appropriate information concerning the supply of electricity to the grid from any turbine. If any turbine fails to supply electricity to the grid for a continuous period of 6 months, then, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the planning authority, a scheme for the decommissioning of the turbine and any other ancillary equipment above ground level relating solely to that turbine, and including the restoration of the Site involved, shall be submitted to the planning authority within 3 months of the end of the 6 months period of non-supply and carried out in accordance with the scheme approved.

6.1 Site Access Roads

At the request of the landowner or other empowered body, the site tracks will be reinstated to the approximate pre-wind farm condition, otherwise the tracks may remain as an access route for other activities. Should the tracks be reinstated the following shall take place:

The granular material that forms the roads will remain in place

The screening bunds along the sides of the tracks will be stripped of topsoil and used as backfill for the tracks

Upon completion of the backfilling the topsoil stripped from the bunds will be used to landscape the backfilled track and reseeded as necessary, and

Backfilling of tracks will be carefully planned to avoid having to travel plant and equipment on freshly reinstated land.

6.2 Wind turbines

The decommissioning of the wind turbines will be the reverse of the erection process involving the same lifting plant and equipment.

It is anticipated that the turbines will be taken down and loaded straight onto the back of transport and removed from site for reconditioning or breaking.

The turbines may be broken down into smaller component parts than during erection, in particular the rotor blades may be cut up into more manageable sections prior to removal from site.

6.3 Turbine Foundations

Following the removal of the wind turbine the concrete foundation will be chopped back to 1 m below existing ground level.

The steel foundation insert or bolt ring and any reinforcement exposed will also be cut back and treated with a proprietary corrosion protection system.

Upon completion of the corrosion protection the foundation will be backfilled with material generated local to the foundation, covered with topsoil/peat and reseeded as required.

There shall be no appreciable effect on the local environment from buried reinforced concrete structures left in-situ over many decades past the 20-25 year working life of the wind farm.

6.4 Site Electrical Installation

The electrical equipment will be decommissioned in the reverse of the installation method described in 5.11 above, removed from site, dismantled and disposed of in an approved manner. Cables may be left in the ground if recovery is not reasonably practicable.

7.0 RECORDS

Records, as-built drawings, specifications, operational maintenance manuals and residual risks will be collated and filed in the Project Health & Safety File based upon the requirements of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing the wind farm operator shall log wind speed and wind direction data continually and shall retain data which has been obtained for a period of no less than the previous 12 months. The data shall include the average wind speed in metres per second for each 10-minute period.

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8.0 APPENDICES

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APPENDIX 1 – ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTORS

OBJECTIVES

This procedure aims to identify environmentally safe working procedures and standards for particular operations that must be implemented by all Contractors when working on a site managed by RES.

EXISTING FEATURES

Contaminated Land

Although not expected on the Site or surrounds, any areas of contaminated land will be identified in the Project Health and Safety Plan. Where the construction works require the disturbance of these areas the procedure to be used shall also be detailed in the Project Health and Safety Plan. Any remediation or disposal of contaminated land will only be carried out following consultation with the local environmental authority.

If it is not necessary to disturb these areas then it is important that any contaminated area is fenced off and all personnel are aware of this hazard through induction and the site rules.

Where any unexpected and potentially hazardous obstacles are encountered, construction in the area should cease until specialist advice is sought.

Underground Services

Existing underground services will be identified in the Project Health and Safety Plan, which will include procedures for the control of risks including the use of a permitting system wher necessary. Assessment of the hazards for underground services shall include an assessment of the environmental impact of damage during construction.

Should the general condition of a buried service appear to be poor, even after being safely exposed, then this should be reported to the relevant authority.

Existing storage tanks

Any old containers found on Site should be checked and emptied by a Licensed Waste Carrier before they are removed.

A copy of the licence certificate and, where waste has been removed, the waste transfer note shall be obtained and handed to the RES Site Manager.

Further information regarding disposal of waste is given in Waste Management section below.

Protection from vandalisim

Vandalism, theft and tipping are common causes of pollution and the project area should be adequately protected by fencing and locked access to discourage unauthorised access.

Any occurrence of tipping on the site should be reported to the site management who will then inform the local environmental authority and the police if necessary.

SITE DRAINAGE

Surface water drains should carry uncontaminated rainwater only and shall be protected from ingress of silt, or any other contaminants. Wet cement and raw concrete shall never be allowed to enter any watercourse.

Refer to the contract drawings for details of the site drainage plan to be implemented and monitored. It is essential that drainage is installed as roads are installed /progressed, thus ensuring that silt is controlled at source.

If working adjacent to a watercourse, ensure that a suitable method for containing any surface water is provided (e.g. cut off ditches and interceptors).

Avoid storing or moving plant within 10 m of a watercourse where no works are required on the watercourse bank.

All methods being implemented to prevent water contamination should be regularly checked and works carried out to ensure full functionality at all times.

Any sign of failing water treatment measures or sight of silted or contaminated water entering a water course should be reported to the site management immediately.

DELIVERIES

Fuel and oil deliveries shall take place within the designated refuelling area only, as detailed in the contract drawings.

A responsible person shall supervise site deliveries to ensure that the correct amount of material is delivered to the correct tank and that the level is checked prior to refilling to avoid spillage.

STORAGE OF FUELS, OILS AND CHEMICALS

Oil is the most common pollutant in the UK, therefore, it is essential that Contractors provide suitable resources to ensure that the risk of pollution occurring is minimised.

All fuels and oils shall be stored in the designated area only, including mobile bowsers when not in use. Fuel bowsers on site must be bunded with a means of checking the bund to ensure there are no fuels in the bund; i.e. visual inspection inside the bund, electrical sensors or dip sticks. The bund check shall be undertaken and recorded at a regular interval, as a minimum at least once a week.

Generators permanently stationed in the site compound (used for powering site cabins) shall be kept in the designated refuelling area. Generators used elsewhere on the site shall be bunded (the bund shall be capable of containing 110% of the fuel tank’s capacity) or shall have a double skinned fuel tank.

The bund shall be kept empty of water, either by emptying/ draining via an oil interceptor or keeping the bunded area covered. The oil interceptor shall be a full retention separator, with the addition of an automatic closure device.

It is highlighted that these are two separate and equally feasible options; i.e. covered refueling area or uncovered refueling area with full retention separator connected directly downstream.

The full retention separator will have the same design capacity as that of the bund.

Chemicals on site must be stored in accordance with their materials safety data sheet and COSHH assessment, which must be readily available and up to date. An appropriate spill kit must be kept and maintained by the Contractor, at a suitable location on site to deal with the event of a spillage, this must be made available at ALL times to all construction personnel.

All chemicals must be stored in a correctly marked container clearly identifying the contents. Where labels are worn off, then they must have a new label placed on them or the contents transferred to a correctly marked container.

Where chemicals are required on site, they must be placed in an appropriate bund to prevent ground contamination.

All bowsers must be stored so as to minimise the risk of collision, run-away and vandalism. They shall not be stored adjacent to watercourses. When not in use, bowsers shall be securely stored in the designated refuelling area.

In addition to the general requirements for primary and secondary containment, the following are requirements for mobile bowsers;

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Any flexible pipe, tap or valve must be fitted with a lock where it leaves the container and be locked when not in use.

Flexible delivery pipes must be fitted with manually operated pumps or a valve at the delivery end that closes automatically when not in use.

The pump or valve must have a lock and be locked when not in use.

All fuel tanks and bowsers on site must be labelled with the fuel type and capacity of the tank.

The contents of any tanks, bottles or containers on site must be clearly marked. Warning notices including “No smoking” and “Close valves when not in use” shall also be displayed.

No tanks or containers may be perforated or dismantled on site. A competent operator shall empty all contents and residues for safe disposal elsewhere.

Any switchgear installation containing SF6 (Sulphur Hexafloride) shall be clearly labelled, both on the equipment itself, and on the door to the substation and/or wind turbine. The contact numbers for the responsible Contractor should be included on the notice.

SF6 will not normally be handled onsite as it is delivered in sealed units, however if any leak or damage to switchgear containing SF6 occurred, it should be treated following the guidance in Appendix 3 - Emergency Procedure in the Event of a Contaminant Spill

COSHH

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all materials ordered or brought to site listed as hazardous under the COSHH Regulations are accompanied with a hazardous information sheet, a copy of which must be given to the CSM.

The CSM is responsible for filing the information sheets in the Construction Environment Plan.

The Contractor is responsible for carrying out a risk assessment of each substance and ensuring that all appropriate storage, protective equipment and if necessary emergency procedures are put in place on site.

All COSHH materials must be stored in appropriate containers, must be indelibly and legibly labelled to identify the contents, hazards and precautions required.

Chemicals on site must be stored in a bunded area and in accordance with their materials safety data sheet / COSHH assessment, which must be readily available and up to date. An appropriate spill kit must be kept and maintained by the Contractor, at a suitable location on site to deal with the event of a spillage, this must be made available at ALL times to all construction personnel.

Where chemicals are required on site, they must be placed in an appropriate bund to prevent ground contamination.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste management should follow the route of; Reduce, Re-Use, Re-Cycle;

Methods to reduce the amount of waste generated in the first place, together with the re-use and recycling of wastes must be considered.

There is scope for significant savings, as the costs of raw materials and waste disposal continue to rise.

Advice on waste minimisation and local initiatives can be obtained from your nearest Scottish EnvironmentProtection Agency Office.

All waste must be stored in designated areas that are isolated from surface drains, prior to removal from site.

Skips must be covered to prevent refuse blowing away and rainwater accumulating. They shall be replaced when full and the contents disposed of in accordance with statutory requirements.

Contractors work areas shall be kept tidy. Burning of waste on site is prohibited.

Chemical containers, used oil and filters, solvents, paints, electrical items, contaminated materials and hazardous refuse are all classified as “special waste” and, as such, must be stored in a bunded area away from watercourses and disposed of by licensed contractors in a controlled manner.

Under the duty of care and waste legislation, producers of waste must ensure it remains under their control until passed to a registered waste carrier.

The carrier shall have a licence issued by the Scottish EnvironmentProtection Agency (SEPA), and shall take the waste to a similarly licensed disposal facility. Current copies of the carrier’s licence certificate, waste disposal facility licence and correctly completed consignment notes / waste transfer notes, shall be handed over to the RES Site Manager for inclusion in the Construction Environmental Plan.

The Contractor shall implement the Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) using the SmartWaste on-line SWMP facility.

EARTHWORKS

All site personnel should refer and work to the site drainage plan being implemented from the project design, any alterations to this must be agreed with RES site management first.

Silt pollution is a major cause of environmental incidents; it can damage and kill aquatic life by smothering and suffocating and can also cause flooding by blocking culverts and channels.

If you can prevent water becoming contaminated in the first place, then it reduces the risk of pollution and the overall cost of your control measures.

To avoid silt pollution you should, whenever possible, use methods of work that reduce or eliminate working in the channel and that do not contaminate surface water.

Silty water can arise from excavations; exposed ground, stockpiles, wheel-washing and site roads and water containing silt shall not be discharged directly into rivers, streams or surface water drains.

Where silty water does occur and presents a hazard to the environment, suitable treatment will be required.

General details of the use of settlement lagoons or tanks or grassed areas are contained in Appendix 2, though reference should always be made to the site drainage design.

Where possible, water shall be prevented from entering excavations. Use of cut-off ditches and well point de-watering may be necessary. Water discharged by any pumping arrangement shall be dealt with according to the site drainage plan.

It is of paramount importance to minimise disturbance to flora and fauna whilst carry out the construction works, and to ensure that disturbed habitats will regenerate quickly after completion of the works.

Topsoil and vegetation (stored separately from subsoil) shall be retained and reinstated over the track shoulders and all other areas of stripped ground, as soon as possible to prevent erosion and leaching.

On wet and marshy ground it may be necessary to store excavated materials on a geotextile in order to minimise disturbance to the vegetation below. Where reasonably practicable, turfs shall be reinstated with the vegetated side facing upwards, in order to speed up the re-generation process, minimise the need for re-seeding, and help maintain the original species mix.

The total quantity of exposed ground and stockpiles, and storage duration shall be minimised in order to minimise generation of silt and dust. If long-term storage is required then stockpiles can be seeded or covered and silt fences constructed from a suitable geotextile. In dry weather dust suppression measures may be required.

The Contractor is responsible for avoiding excessive levels of nuisance dust being created, measures should be taken to eliminate at source, e.g. watering.

The Contractor shall be familiar with and shall execute works in accordance with the guidance provided by SEPA.

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PLANT

Where possible, mobile plant shall be refuelled in the designated area. Where plant is to be refuelled outside this area a double skinned bowser must be used and re-fuelling shall take place over a drip tray.

Refuelling shall always take place away from watercourses or surface drains.

Plant and site vehicles are to be well maintained and any vehicles leaking fluids must be repaired or removed from site immediately. Any servicing operations shall take place over drip trays.

All plant must contain a spill kit and operatives should be suitably trained on immediate actions in event of a fluid spill.

ROAD CLEANLINESS

Site Roads shall be brushed or scraped as required to minimise dust and mud deposits, especially at site entrances and any watercourse crossings. If necessary during dry weather, dust suppression may be achieved by spraying water onto the site tracks to dampen down the airborne dust particulate.

Measures will be undertaken throughout the construction phase of the wind farm to ensure that dust and mud does not migrate onto the adjacent public highways, private roads or accesses.

This may require the establishment of a dry wheel washing station comprising an apron onto which vehicles will drive in order to clear the wheels and undersides using a power washer.

Where necessary, roads shall be cleaned with a mechanical suction brush.

DRIP TRAYS

Where practicable, drip trays shall contain absorbent granules, sheets or fibres, so that these can be disposed of once contaminated.

After use the drip tray shall be cleaned using an appropriate absorbent material which shall be disposed of in accordance with COSHH regulations. Drip trays shall be regularly checked and cleaned.

CONCRETE

Concrete is highly alkaline and corrosive and can have a detrimental impact on watercourses and wildlife. It is illegal to allow cement and wash-out water to enter a watercourse.

Washing-out of concrete wagons on site shall only be permitted when the Contractor has provided a designated, suitably prepared wash-out area with signage identifying the area as suitable for concrete wagon wash-out to the satisfaction of the RES Site Manager.

The concrete ‘washout’ in the lagoon shall not be emptied into any watercourse and shall be disposed of once set in accordance with the Site Waste Management Plan

No tools, equipment or materials may be washed in watercourses. Mortar mixing and material storage areas must be away from watercourses.

Sulphate resistant concrete shall be used where geological conditions dictate, to prevent long term corrosion of concrete (local release of alkaline compounds) due to sulphate attack.

When undertaking construction involving wet concrete in proximity or within a watercourse, consent should be sought from the appropriate agency and work should not commence without agreement from the RES site manager.

EMERGENCIES

Environmental emergencies such as spills shall be dealt with in accordance with the Environmental Emergency Response Plan, and Contractors shall familiarise themselves with this document.

Each Contractor working with controlled substances shall supply an appropriate spill kit which shall be kept on site.

The relevant environmental emergency number shall be posted by RES in all Contractors’ accommodation, and the emergency procedure will be included in the RES site induction.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife shall be protected from entering and becoming trapped in any part of the works on the site. For excavations this may mean that fences, crossings or escape routes are necessary.

In liaison with the Ecoligical Clerk of Works (ECoW)the Site Manager shall identify any ecological / bird habitat constraints on site and/or ensure working time restrictions due to ecological / bird habitat constraints being respected on site.

If unexpected wildlife is encountered during construction (e.g. badger sett or bird nest), work should be temporarily suspended and the ECoW or Site Manager informed.

If required work in the area shall remain suspended until advice is sought from the appropriate authorities.

FENCING AND WOOD

Existing stock proof fencing on the site shall be retained in good order, and all gates shall be kept closed to ensure stock does not stray or escape during construction.

RES will agree a fencing scheme with the landowner, identifying any sections of fencing to be removed to make way for the works, locations of replacement temporary and permanent fencing, and new gates and cattle grids to be installed - refer to the contract drawings.

The Contractor should, whenever possible, only use wood from sustainable sources, both in construction and during temporary works. Typically this wood would be marked as FSC or PEFC.

TRAINING AND AWARENESS

The Contractor will ensure that all site personnel whom they have responsibility for are fully briefed and aware of any on site environmental constraints and sensitivities. The Contractor will provide adequate environmental training and awareness for construction site personnel.

The CSM will initiate tool box talks where necessary and ensure all site personnel are inducted on environmental issues on site.

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APPENDIX 2 – DRAFT SuDS DESIGN

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APPENDIX 3 – WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROCEDURE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

RES Construction Ltd will appoint a suitably qualified consultant to provide water quality monitoring services for the wind farm. The following contains information regarding the proposed procedure, testing regime and legislation to be employed.

2.0 PROCEDURAL APPROACH

Legislation

The key primary legislation currently enforced by the different Environment bodies by Country to protect the quality of water is:

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – Scotland

Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (WEWS Act).

Any surface water or groundwater (where feasible) whose catchment lies wholly or partially within the Site boundary will therefore be considered to be a ‘controlled water’ with respect to this water quality monitoring programme.

Controlled water covers all tidal rivers, all freshwater rivers and watercourses, all lakes and ponds and any water contained in underground strata.

Strategy

During construction works carried out at the Site, there is a potential for contamination, emanating from construction plant or materials to enter the controlled surface and groundwaters either by direct runoff, leaching or infiltration. Consequently, it will be necessary to monitor the concentrations of certain key contaminants (refer to section – “Sample Testing” for full list) at key locations throughout the Site with due regard to the relevant ‘Pollution Prevention Guidelines’ prepared by SEPA. These sampling points will represent a selection of relevant watercourses and available wells, where present.

The exact location of each sampling point will be determined during a walk over survey to be conducted as part of a hydrological desk study. The location of the sample points will reflect the point on all relevant controlled waters closest to the proposed active construction areas. Sampling points up-stream and down-stream of the construction activity area should also be selected to provide a full profile of the controlled waters.

Early consultation with the Environmental Water Quality Officer is recommended to discuss what the most sensitive features are and understand exactly what they would expect from the monitoring. This also provides an opportunity for the developers to demonstrate diligence and build up a relationship in case of future problems.

Sampling Interval

Site sensitivity must be taken into account when deciding on the level and periodicity of sampling that is to be undertaken. Sensitive sites/ areas are normally defined by the local SEPA office, therefore, close co-operation with the SEPA is advisable to ensure that any planned monitoring /

sampling will fulfil our obligations and meet their requirements. As considerable costs may be incurred with a prolonged testing regime the site sensitivity is crucial in identifying which sites may need the additional monitoring. A sensitive site may well require a monitoring programme to be initiated to establish the baseline conditions whereas a non-sensitive site may well find that an initial sampling visit, carried out prior to commencement of site construction mobilisation and activity, is suffice to establish a baseline water quality data set.

Non-Sensitive Site Testing;

An initial sampling visit, carried out prior to commencement of site construction mobilisation and activity, is normally sufficient to establish a baseline water quality data set. On-going monitoring will be carried out during the construction phases and then a post-construction sampling visit will be carried out following cessation of all construction work and demobilisation. Post-construction testing must reflect the needs of the site and replicate what testing was undertaken prior to construction.

The following table summarises the proposed frequency of the on-going water quality monitoring required for non-sensitive sites:

Construction Phase Frequency

Civil Works Monthly

Turbine Erection Bi-monthly

Sensitive Site Testing;

Sensitive sites may require a monitoring programme to be carried out as 4 or 5 visits over an 8 to 10 week period, ideally covering at least one high rainfall event. As water quality conditions can change quickly in response to natural conditions, this program of monitoring will provide a range for comparison during the construction phase. The high rainfall event will provide additional information during high flows, e.g. when there may be more suspended sediment, and may provide extra data to protect developers liability. On-going monitoring will be carried out during the construction phases and then a post-construction sampling visit will be carried out following cessation of all construction work and demobilisation. Again this post-construction testing must reflect the needs of the site and replicate what testing was undertaken prior to construction.

Data from the on-going and post-construction surveys will be compared to the baseline data to check for any anomalies or changes to the water quality.

In the event that an incident (such as a fuel spillage or spoil slip) occurs, that potentially effects on site groundwater or a surface watercourse, or there is justifiable cause for concern, a targeted programme of sampling will be implemented to assess the impact and determine on-going water quality.

It is essential that an ongoing dialogue is maintained with SEPA to ensure that the monitoring regime is suffice to ensure that any planning conditions are not compromised.

Sampling Procedure

The protocol followed at each sample point will comprise:

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i. All samples will be collected by a suitably experienced consultant.

ii. All samples containers used will be fully compatible with the intended analysis as agreed

with the accredited laboratory.

iii. All containers will be provided by the laboratory and comprise 1 x 2000ml plastic bottle and 1

x 500ml amber jar.

iv. All containers will be sterilised and sealed by the laboratory prior to delivery.

v. All containers will be clearly labelled on site with water resistant labels.

vi. River water samples will be collected at a distance as far from the bank as practicable. If it is

necessary for the sampler to stand in the river the container will be placed upstream of the

sampler.

vii. The sample will be taken by immersing an open mouthed vessel to a depth just below the

surface to avoid surface film being sampled.

viii. Care will be taken to avoid disturbance of the bottom sediment close to the sampling point.

ix. Temperature and total dissolved solids are to be measured in the field.

x. In accordance with codes of practice;

BS5930 - Site Investigation, and BS EN ISO 10175:2001 - Investigation of Potentially

Contaminated Sites, groundwater from wells should be purged until consecutive readings

of pH, temperature and conductivity have stabilised within 10% of each other or three

times the volume of standing water within the well has been purged, to ensure a

representative groundwater sample is taken.

xi. Samples will be stored in sealed chilled cooler boxes until delivery to the laboratory.

xii. The sample name, date, weather, flow and visual description will be recorded at each point.

xiii. A series of on-site hydro chemical analyses will be completed using portable, calibrated field

instruments. These will be completed with due regard to the manufacturers specification.

Parameter to be analysed will include temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC),

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Oxidation / Reduction Potential (ORP).

xiv. The samples will be dispatched to the accredited laboratory to arrive no later than 48hours

after sampling.

xv. Samples were accompanied with laboratory specific Chain of Custody documentation.

A general description of the sample point will be completed using a standard Sample Visit Log Sheet, sample point locations should be identified on a map of the site.

Sample Testing

It is proposed that the following analyses will be carried out on the water samples collected:

Heavy metals (10 elements);

Fuels and Oils;

Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs);

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD);

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD);

pH;

Total Suspended Solids;

Total Dissolved Solids;

Field Readings (observation of visible oils, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen,

temperature, pH and oxidation reduction potential.

Note: Depending on the site, undertaking hydrocarbon and metal analysis may not be required for each monitoring visit. For example, if there are no know sources of metals or if construction works with the potential for hydrocarbon leaks are distant from water bodies.

Additionally, Turbidity analysis may be required as a precaution if construction works are undertaken that may alter the natural flow of a watercourse, e.g. pillars supporting a watercourse crossing.

Reporting

A baseline report will be prepared 2 weeks following initiation of the baseline water quality monitoring programme. This report will provide details of any contamination concentrations recorded and will be used to depict “uncontaminated background pollution levels” for the site.

The analytical results will be compared to the most relevant Environmental Quality Standards appropriate.

Following each of the on-going monitoring visits a brief report including a discussion of the analytical results with respect to the most relevant Environmental Quality Standards will be prepared within 2 weeks of submission to the laboratory. A series of rolling graphs of water quality would be included in the report. Any environmental deterioration illustrated by the results would be highlighted.

In the event of a potential pollution incident, all relevant monitoring points will be visited and re-sampled to determine any changes relative to baseline data. A report detailing the findings will be prepared for each incident and recommendations provided for any further monitoring and/or requisite mitigation measures.

Following completion of the construction of the wind farm, all sample points will be visited, re-sampled and analysed for the full suite of analytical parameters and a further report prepared, assessing and discussing any impacts upon water quality throughout the construction process.

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All information, recovered during the monitoring process, will be collated and an assessment made regarding the impact on the surface and groundwater of the construction activities.

3.0 PERSONNEL & EQUIPMENT

Personnel

All personnel taking samples, analysing and reporting will be suitably qualified.

Equipment

Sample containers and cool box

Disposable gloves

Submersible pump

Hanna Instruments HI98128 Waterproof pH and Temperature meter

Hanna Instruments HI98311 Waterproof Electrical Conductivity and Temperature meter

Hanna Instruments HI98120 Waterproof ORP and Temperature meter

Hanna Instruments HI9146 Waterproof Dissolved Oxygen Meter

4.0 CONSULTANT’S EXPERIENCE

The contractor will be appointed based upon evidence of previous relevant experience within the UK, Ireland and the EC, their ability to commit appropriate resources to the project and the qualifications and competency of the personnel charged with completing the work.

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APPENDIX 4 – PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF A CONTAMINENT SPILL

OBJECTIVES

This procedure details the emergency procedure to be followed and actions to be taken in the event of a hazardous waste spillage such as oil, fuel and chemicals, occurring on a wind farm construction site or an operational wind farm site in order that the environmental impacts that may be associated with a hazardous waste spillage may be mitigated.

SCOPE

This procedure covers all wind farms (and stand alone turbines) for which RES are the Construction or Operation & Maintenance Contractor.

PROCEDURE

Wind farm construction site

The Construction Site Manager (CSM) shall ensure that the relevant contact numbers for the Environmental Government body are displayed where they can be accessed by all Contractors.

The Contractor shall provide MSDS and COSHH assessments for all substances controlled under COSHH that are to be used or stored on the site.

Substances with hazardous properties such as cement, concrete and curing agents are all controlled by the COSHH.

The CSM shall file MSDS & COSHH assessments in the Construction Health & Safety Plan Appendix 14.

The Contractor shall provide a secure impervious bund for all fuel, oil and chemicals stored on site which should be of adequate capacity i.e. 110% of the volume of substances stored.

The CSM shall check that the oil interceptor installed is a full retention separator, with the addition of an automatic closure devise. In the event that this facility is not installed, the bunded area must contain a drain cover seal to be used in the event of a major spill.

The Contractor shall provide spill kits of appropriate form and size as detailed in “Environmental Requirements of Contractors” - 01226R00016, this provides details on the minimum quantities of spill control products for the controlled substances that will be used or stored on the site, the contractor shall train personnel in the use of these spill kits

The CSM shall ensure that the Contractor provides the appropriate spill kits and stores these in an appropriate accessible location on site.

The Environmental Manager (EM) will provide oil spill training and awareness material to the CSM, and Contractor, summary spill procedure and Environmental Government Body emergency details will be provided and should be displayed on site at all times.

The CSM shall post spill summary procedures to be provided by the EM in visible locations around the construction compound and attached to Spill kits on site.

The CSM shall ensure that a designated area away from known watercourse is provided for washing out of concrete lorries to prevent contamination of roads and water courses.

If the site is within a ground protection zone the concrete washout must be removed from

the site for treatment as liquid waste.

In the event of a liquid spill occurring on a wind farm construction site the Contractor shall cease work in the vicinity immediately.

If spillage is flammable, extinguish all ignition sources.

Identify source of pollution and rectify the problem.

The Contractors trained personnel shall immediately deploy the spill kit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Contractor’s personnel shall don appropriate PPE and clean up the spill.

All used spill kit materials should be disposed of in the proper manner

In the event of a concrete spillage into a water channel or surface water, the waste is highly alkaline and regarded as Hazardous Waste. The CSM or Contractor should contact the relevant Environmental Regulator immediately. Every effort should be made to contain the movement of the liquid cement in the watercourse or drainage channel.

In the event of a Peat / Spoil Movement / Slip into a water course the following steps should be considered;

Notify the following agencies; SEPA, local Fisheries.

Remove any peat or clay material which has entered the watercourse and transport to a location where it will no longer be a source of pollution.

Place geotextile silt fences/stone barrages at downstream points in the river as laid out in Water Pollution Mitigation Measure Drawing.

Constant monitoring should be maintained not only of the water quality (clarity) downstream of the check dams, but also of the excavated peat or clay material.

Consideration should also be given to the subsequent movement of the spoil / peat and any preventative / containment measures required.

The Contractor shall inform the CSM of the incident as soon as possible and no more than 1 hour after the spill.

The CSM shall inform the relevant Environmental Government body of the incident – contact detailed in Appendix 1 of the Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan 01226R00010 and on the spill summary sheet on display on site.

The CSM is responsible for completing an Environmental Incident Summary Record Sheet – 01157R00002. This must be completed ASAP and within 48 hours of the incident occurring.

The CSM is responsible for informing the EM ASAP of the incident and must submit the completed and signed form to the EM within 48 hours of the incident occurring.

The EM is responsible for checking all completed incident forms which are received and for logging them in accordance with the Environmental - Reporting and Recording - 01276R00002.

The Contractor is responsible for replacing the used spill kits as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after use.

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that used spill kits and any other oil/fuel soaked material e.g. rags, used during the incident are disposed of in accordance with the Environmental Waste Management Regulations in operation.

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As such oil / fuel contaminated materials shall be bagged up, and disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste disposal site e.g. taken away by a licensed oil / fuel disposal / broker company, as detailed in the Site Waste Management Plan.

The Contractor shall submit copies of the receipt or waste oil certificate to the CSM within 48 hours.

Where the site drainage plan has identified a possible risk of silt ingress into drainage channels during earthworks or unstable strata.

Straw bales and geotextile silt fences should be sourced prior to this work being commenced, so that in the event of a spoil slide or silt ingress they can be placed across the channel immediately to prevent excessive silt entering the watercourse, however, the effects can be minimised by ensuring that adequate drainage is properly instigated during installation of tracks.

In the event of a leak or damage to switchgear containing SF6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) the CSM shall notify the Contractor responsible for the installation and maintenance of the switchgear.

Personnel should not enter area where an SF6 leak is suspected or handle equipment contaminated with SF6. Only trained personnel from the Contractor should handle the equipment contaminated with leaked SF6 in accordance with guidance within manufacturer’s guidance or IEC Technical Report 1634 as an example of procedural advice.

Warning signals are in the form of a pungent and unpleasant odour, irritation occurs within seconds of contact.

The CSM shall file hazardous waste transfer notes and certificates with project documentation, the Contractor shall provide fully completed waste transfer documentation for all items treated as waste and removed from site.

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APPENDIX 5 – WASTE MANAGEMENT

RES shall ensure waste is minimised on the construction site by reducing, re-using and recycling waste. A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will be created prior to construction which identifies all waste streams and responsibilities. The SWMP would also identify methods of managing the wastes and act as a checklist to ensure each waste is disposed of correctly.

The SWMP will be periodically reviewed and amended as required. All waste disposal records will be retained and copies provided, where necessary.