Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
March 2013
be intercepted and could cause flooding of the track in the absence of mitigation measures.
Tracks could potentially become preferential drainage paths where runoff is channelled away
from natural flow paths. This could lead to substantial overland flows and could cause erosion
and a reduction in surface water infiltration.
13.5.41 The forestry within the proposed wind farm is currently drained through a large number of
artificial drains. It is, therefore, expected that any effect on runoff and drainage due to the
proposed access tracks is not as significant as it would be if the drainage within the site had
not already been altered.
13.5.42 The potential effect on runoff and infiltration on the low sensitivity rivers and drainage areas is
considered to have a medium magnitude and therefore a slight level of effect without
mitigation.
Effects on River Flows and Flooding
13.5.43 Effects on river flows and flood risk are similar to those expected during the construction
phase. This is considered to have a small magnitude and low sensitivity, resulting in a
negligible to slight or negligible level of effect without mitigation.
Effects on Peat
13.5.44 Effects on peat are considered to be lower than during the construction phase as there is no
further disruption and risk of instabilities. This is therefore considered to have a medium
magnitude and peat is assessed as being of medium sensitivity, resulting in an effect of
moderate level without mitigation.
Erosion and Sedimentation
13.5.45 Levels of erosion and sedimentation are likely to be much lower than during the construction
phase as there are no excavations or bare exposed ground, following post construction
restoration. Some erosion and sedimentation is still possible on the site tracks, hardstandings
and drainage ditches as a result of scouring during extreme rainfall events. Similarly there
could be some minor erosion and sedimentation around new and upgraded stream crossings
as watercourses find a new equilibrium. Potential effects on the ecology of aquatic species
and habitats are discussed further in Chapter 11: Terrestrial Ecology. Hydrological effects on
the low sensitivity rivers are considered to be of small magnitude and slight or negligible
level without mitigation.
Water Quality
13.5.46 The potential risk of pollution is substantially lower during the operational phase because of
the decreased levels of activity. The majority of potential pollutants will have been removed
when construction is complete. However, lubricants for turbine gearboxes, hydraulic oils and
the potential for possible fuel leaks from maintenance vehicles will remain.
13.5.47 The effects on the downstream low sensitivity water bodies arising from these activities are
considered to be of small magnitude and slight or negligible level without mitigation.
Soils
13.5.48 The presence of the concrete turbine foundations, tracks and cable trenches may cause
obstructions for natural drainage and flow patterns within the local soils.
13.5.49 The potential effects of these changes during the operation phase on the medium sensitivity
soils are considered to be of small magnitude and slight level.
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Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Ground Conditions