Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
through bat surveys that Nathusius’ pipistrelle was not present on the site, which could have
required a greater standoff – as discussed in Chapter 11: Terrestrial Ecology. The diameter
of the buffer depends upon the height of the surrounding trees, and the hub height and blade
length of the turbine under focus. The buffer selected for this project was 86 m radius –
based on a 52 m blade, 80 m hub and 25 m canopy height.
4.6.5 Work will commence with the clearance of forestry and land, construction of the entrance to
the construction compound access road and the formation of the temporary construction
compounds. Construction of the access to the turbine tracks, turbine foundations, associated
infrastructure and subsequent erection of the wind turbines will then be carried out in a
sequential basis, progressing through the site. Table 4.4 shows the typical construction
sequence.
4.6.6 Enabling works will be required prior to commencement of the main construction works.
These works will be phased in the pre-construction period, and include:
• Detailed site investigation works;
• Surface and groundwater monitoring;
• Consultation with the appropriate authorities regarding turbine deliveries.
4.6.7 The temporary construction compound will be constructed to provide a secure area for
storage of materials, plant maintenance and refuelling, concrete batching, welfare facilities
and vehicle parking. Temporary utilities connections, in the form of electrical supply and
potable water supply, will be established. The compound will be formed from compacted
hardcore laid over a geo-membrane, and will be enclosed by post and chain-link fencing.
4.6.8 The existing forest access tracks will be upgraded to provide access for the wind farm
construction by widening to approximately 5 m. New tracks, also 5 m wide, will lead to each
turbine location.
4.6.9 Passing places will be provided to facilitate the safe movement of traffic. The passing places
are designed to be suitable for the anticipated large turbine delivery vehicles and lifting
cranes as well as the forestry maintenance vehicles.
4.6.10 As peat is present over the majority of the site, turbines and access tracks will take account
of this. Turbine foundations will be excavated through the peat until a suitable formation is
exposed. This will either be natural compact mineral soil or weathered rockhead. From the
peat probing survey (see Appendix 13.2) it is anticipated that the excavation will be no
greater than 5 m. The concrete foundation will be formed and backfilled with excavated soil
and/or suitably sized rock aggregate. The excavated peat will be used to reinstate the
disturbed area around this turbine.
4.6.11 Hard standings will be formed adjacent to each turbine along with turbine laydown area to
facilitate the erection of the turbine mast, nacelle and blades using high lift cranes.
4.6.12 Trenches will be excavated parallel and adjacent to the access track for turbine power,
control and monitoring cables. All electrical transformers (except the turbine transformers
which are located outside the turbine bases) and control equipment will be installed in the
substation switchroom.
March 2013 4-14 ES Chapter 4
Description of the Proposed Development
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