areas are likely to be susceptible to erosion and potential landslip, resulting in raised silt levels in water bodies which can have an impact on aquatic species while deposition of material can affect vegetation. (SNH, 2011)
2.5.3 Peat Instability and Landslide Impacts
Peat instability, either naturally or caused by human activity, can have a major impact on peatlands integrity. Assessing the likely impacts is extremely important for several reasons, not least that the hydrology of the wider peat body and the vegetation depending on it relies on the peat body remaining intact. Large scale movement of peat has been attributed to wind farm development, most notable during wind farm construction in Derrybrien, Ireland in 2003 (RTE, 2003). …show more content…
Peat which has been excavated during construction of turbine foundations and access roads is often stockpiled temporarily. The stockpiled peat is susceptible to peat landslides which can result in the peat descending into adjacent watercourses which increases the carbon content in water. Furthermore, when peat becomes very dry, it can form a water repellent barrier which in turn makes the peat difficult to rewet which increases surface water run off which can cause flooding (Dekker and Ritsema, 2000).
2.6 Scottish Planning Policy
Proposals to construct new onshore wind farms in Scotland with generation capacity under 50MW must be submitted to the Local Planning Authority. Under section 36 of the 1989 Electricity Act, onshore proposals in excess of 50 MW require consent from the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) for renewable energy sets out how “the planning system should manage the process of encouraging, approving and implementing renewable energy proposals when preparing development plans and determining planning applications”. The SPP is important in ensuring that the Scottish Government meets their renewable energy targets as outlined within section …show more content…
2.6.1 Environmental Impact Assessment
As part of a planning application for wind farm development in Scotland, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is undertaken in accordance with The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000. The EIA is defined within the Scottish Planning Policy as “a process which identifies the environmental effects (both negative and positive) of development
2.5.3 Peat Instability and Landslide Impacts
Peat instability, either naturally or caused by human activity, can have a major impact on peatlands integrity. Assessing the likely impacts is extremely important for several reasons, not least that the hydrology of the wider peat body and the vegetation depending on it relies on the peat body remaining intact. Large scale movement of peat has been attributed to wind farm development, most notable during wind farm construction in Derrybrien, Ireland in 2003 (RTE, 2003). …show more content…
Peat which has been excavated during construction of turbine foundations and access roads is often stockpiled temporarily. The stockpiled peat is susceptible to peat landslides which can result in the peat descending into adjacent watercourses which increases the carbon content in water. Furthermore, when peat becomes very dry, it can form a water repellent barrier which in turn makes the peat difficult to rewet which increases surface water run off which can cause flooding (Dekker and Ritsema, 2000).
2.6 Scottish Planning Policy
Proposals to construct new onshore wind farms in Scotland with generation capacity under 50MW must be submitted to the Local Planning Authority. Under section 36 of the 1989 Electricity Act, onshore proposals in excess of 50 MW require consent from the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) for renewable energy sets out how “the planning system should manage the process of encouraging, approving and implementing renewable energy proposals when preparing development plans and determining planning applications”. The SPP is important in ensuring that the Scottish Government meets their renewable energy targets as outlined within section …show more content…
2.6.1 Environmental Impact Assessment
As part of a planning application for wind farm development in Scotland, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is undertaken in accordance with The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000. The EIA is defined within the Scottish Planning Policy as “a process which identifies the environmental effects (both negative and positive) of development