Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
13.2.6 Effects are identified by comparing the baseline hydrological, hydrogeological and ground
conditions and how these would change over time without the project occurring (the “donothing”)
scenario and how the baseline would likely change as a result of the development.
Effects can be either positive (improving the baseline scenario) or adverse (detrimental to the
baseline scenario).
13.2.7 Having identified and characterised the potential effects that may arise during the
construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm, the significance of effect can
be assessed by taking into consideration the magnitude of effect predicted in relation to the
sensitivity of the baseline.
13.2.8 To determine the likely magnitude of effects, it is necessary to consider the timing, scale, size
and duration of the potential activities. For the purposes of this assessment the magnitude
criteria are defined as follows in Table 13.2.
Table 13.2 Criteria for Defining Magnitude of Effect
Magnitude Criteria Description and Example
Large
Medium
Small
Negligible
Results in loss of
attribute
Affects integrity of
attribute or partial
loss of attribute
Results in minor
effect on attribute
Results in an effect
on attribute but of
insufficient
magnitude to affect
the use/integrity
• Fundamental (long term or permanent) changes to geology,
hydrology, water quality and hydrogeology;
• Loss of designated Salmonid Fishery;
• Loss of national level designated species/habitats;
• Changes in WFD water quality status of river reach;
• Loss of flood storage/increased flood risk; and
• Pollution of potable source of abstraction compared to predevelopment
conditions
• Material but non-fundamental and short to medium term
changes to the geology, hydrology, water quality and
hydrogeology;
• Loss in productivity of a fishery;
• Contribution of a significant proportion of the discharges in the
receiving water, but insignificant enough to change its water
quality status; and
• No increase in flood risk.
• Detectable but non-material and transitory changes to the
geology, hydrology, water quality and hydrogeology; and
• No increase in flood risk.
• No perceptible changes to the geology, hydrology, water
quality and hydrogeology;
• Discharges to watercourse but no reduction in quality, fishery
productivity or biodiversity; and
• No increase in flood risk.
13.2.9 Once the magnitude of any potential effects are assessed, the results can be compared with
the sensitivity of the baseline environment and used to define the Level of the effect as
outlined in Table 13.3.
March 2013
13-5
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2013 ©
Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Ground Conditions