Environmental Impact Assessment

Sheriffmuir Wind Farm Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary 1st December 2014 1912671

Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22

Table of Contents 1.0

The Need for the Development

Page 4

2.0

The Context of the Development

Page 5

3.0

Project Description

Page 5

4.0

Introduction

Page 6

5.0

Legislation and Planning Policy Context

Page 6

6.0

Assessment Methodology

Page 7

7.0

Significance Criteria

Page 8

8.0

Baseline

Page 9

9.0

Assessment of Impacts

Page 9

10.0

Mitigation Measures

Page 11

11.0

Summary

Page 12

12.0

References

Page 13

13.0

Appendices

Page 15

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List of Tables 1.0

Table One

Page 8

2.0

Table Two

Page 9

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1.0

The Need for the Development

1.1

It is becoming increasingly evident that present modes of energy production and consumption are contributing towards global warming. As a result, we have witnessed great political and economic commitment towards the reduction of the impact upon global warming at a local, national, and international level. Renewable energy is integral to these commitments. The use of renewable energy will ensure our continued energy security whilst lessening our dependence upon finite resources which contribute towards environmental degradation.

1.2

At a European level, the UK government has committed to receiving 15% of its energy supply from renewable energy under the Renewables Directive (European Parliament, 2009). In line with this the UK government introduced the Climate Change Act (Great Britain, 2008) which sets a target for reducing the emission of six greenhouse gases by at least 80% by 2050. In the Scottish Government introduced the Climate Change (Scotland) Act. This sets out an “interim target” (Scotland, 2009) for reducing emissions by 42% lower than the baseline by 2020. In addition to this, the Scottish Government has also set an ambitious target for meeting 100% of Scotland’s electricity demands through the use of renewable energy by 2020 (The Scottish Government, 2011). At a local level, Stirling Council aims to “reduce the cause and effects of climate change in line with national targets” (Stirling Council, 2006) as part of its 2006 Sustainable Development Strategy.

1.3

The contribution of the use of fossil fuels towards greenhouse gas emissions is highly significant. For this reason, the UK’s commitment to the aforementioned legislation is contingent upon the development of the means of renewable energy production. Given that renewable technologies such as “tidal and wave power are in the early stages of development” (The University of Saint Andrews, 2011: 2), it is imperative that wind technology is harnessed so as to ensure the further reduction of our reliance upon environmentally degrading fossil fuel energy sources and their emissions of greenhouse gases. [The above section of an Environmental Impact Assessment would not normally be found in the chapter concerning noise. It’s inclusion here is used as a means of providing the reader with an idea of the context of this assessment]

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 2.0

The Context of the Development

2.1

In 2009 the University of Stirling signed up to the Carbon Management Programme (The University of Stirling, 2011). This programme outlined several targets which sought to reduce the energy consumption of the university and minimise its carbon footprint (The University of Stirling, 2009; 1912671, 2014). Within this context, the University also launched the Environmental Management System (Safety, Health and Environment Committee, 2014) in accordance with the 6 phase sustainability guidance system: IEMA Acorn Scheme (Safety, Health and Environment Committee, 2014; 1912671:2014).

2.3

In September 2014 the University of Stirling was awarded the Phase Three BS8555 certification, which acknowledges its commitment to environmentally sustainable objectives, targets and programmes (Institute of Environment Management and Assessment, 2003). With this in mind, the University proposes the development of a wind farm so as to (1912671:2014): 

Further reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, in accordance with the objectives outlined within the Carbon Management Programme (1912671: 2014)



Achieve full ISO 14001 certification and registration for the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (Institute of Environment Management and Assessment, 2003).

3.0

Project Description

3.1

The proposed development will be situated upon the north eastern slopes of the Dumyat, a hill on the western boundary of the Ochil Hills. The wind farm will comprise ten Wikov W2000 type 93 TCIIB horizontal axis wind turbines, each with a generating capacity of 2MW (Wikov Wind, 2014). Collectively, this will produce a maximum generation capacity of 20MW (1912671: 2014). [The above sections of an Environmental Impact Assessment would not normally be found in the chapter concerning noise. Their inclusion here is used as a means of providing the reader with an idea of the context of this assessment]

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 4.0

Introduction

4.1

This chapter represents a summary of the noise assessment carried out with regards to the proposed wind farm development. The assessment considers the potential impacts of the development upon the site’s noise baseline during each stage of the project’s life cycle (construction, operation, and decommission). The assessment also considers an evaluation of the likely effects of the development, and the possible means through which these effects may be mitigated.

5.0

Legislation and Planning Policy Context

5.1

Operational Wind Farm Noise Planning Policy and Guidance

5.2

The guidelines specified by the “Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms” (ETSU-R97) have been applied to the assessment of the operational noise of the proposed wind turbines as recommended by the PAN 1/2011 (The Scottish government, 2011: 9) under the advice of the National Planning Practice Guidance (The Scottish Government, 2010) provided by the Institute of Acoustics (Institute of Acoustics, 2013).

5.4

Planning Policy and Guidance Relating to Noise Resulting from Construction/Decommission

5.4

The legislation relating to the impact of noise resulting from construction activities include:

5.5



The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2001.



The Control of Pollution Act 1974

Under Part Three of the Environmental Protection Act, in such instances where a statutory nuisance exists, the local authority has the authority to provide notice to the developer “requiring the abatement of the nuisance or prohibiting or restricting its occurrence or recurrence” and/or “requiring the execution of such works, and the taking of such other steps, as may be necessary for any of those purposes” (Scotland, 2001).

5.6

Under section 60 of the Control of Pollution Act (Scotland, 1974), the local authority may impose conditions upon the operating procedures undertaken as part construction/decommission of a development [Appendix One]. Under Section 61 of the same Act the developer may negotiate with the local authority the terms of the operating procedure prior to the commencement of construction activities [Appendix Two].

5.7

The construction of the proposed wind farm will be undertaken in accordance with BS 5228 – 1: ‘Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction Sites and Open Sites: Part One’ (British Standard, 2008).

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 5.8

BS 5228 – 1 provides guidance on legislation, control methods and noise prediction methodology.

6.0

Assessment Methodology

6.1

Desk Based Study

6.2

A desk based study was to examine national and European legislation relating to the effects of environmental noise.

6.3

The study was also used to examine relevant noise assessment guidelines. The guidelines consulted include: 

ETSU-R-97 “The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms”



BS 5228 “Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites – Part One: Noise”



BS 4142 “Rating Industrial Noise affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas”

6.3

Baseline Determination

6.4

To accurately determine the impact of the proposed development, the noise baseline was first identified. This was done in accordance with the recommendations of ETSU-R-97 and BS 4142.

6.5

A total of six monitoring locations were identified. . Three of these were noise sensitive locations where people were likely to hear the noise from. The other three locations were open field positions where noise that could be reflected off of nearby structures was minimised. In each of these locations two wind speed measurements and two noise measurements were taken over the course of two days.

6.6

The chosen days were Friday and Saturday. The Measurements were taken at 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock respectively.

6.7

Wind speed was recorded in meters per second (m/s) using an anemometer. This equipment was used at a height of 10 meters facing a downward direction in accordance with “IEA Recommended Practice” (Hayes McKenzie Partnership Ltd, 2011: 19-20).

6.8

Noise was recorded decibels (dB) using a decibel meter. The equipment was used at a height of 1.2 meter in accordance with BS 4142 [Appendix Three]. No wind shield was used [Appendix Three].

6.9

Wind speed and noise measurements were taken simultaneously at each location on each day. This was done over a period of 10 minutes as required by ETSU-R-97.

6.10

The results of the assessment were correlated in a scatter graph to establish a curve of best fit. This is considered to be the background noise level “as a function of wind speed” (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10-8)

6.11

Methodology for Assessing Construction Noise

6.12

The level of construction noise is determined by moving and non-moving sources (Coronation Power, 2012: 10-7). Moving sources are those such as Heavy Goods Vehicles which do not remain static. Non-moving sources include those aspects of construction which are temporarily fixed at the site of construction (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10 – 7).

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 6.13

In line with the recommendations of BS 5228 – 1, noise associated with static construction activities was calculated by referring to measurements taken from “a similar item of plant, operating in the same mode and at the same power over a representative time period” (British Standard, 2008: 123).

6.14

Noise associated with moving sources was calculated using the methodology recommended by ‘Calculation of Road Traffic Noise’ (Department of Transport, 1998: 28) [Appendix Four].

6.15

Methodology for Assessing Wind Farm Operational Noise

6.16

Operational noise is defined in terms of both aerodynamic sources and mechanical sources (The Working Group, 1996: 11-13). The combined effects of these sources contribute towards the operational noise of a wind turbine. The method used to calculate this was done in accordance with the methodology recommended by ETSU-R-97, details of which can be found in Appendix Five.

7.0

Significance Criteria

7.1

Construction Noise

7.2

BS 5228 - 1 provides examples which may be used to assess the likely significance of noise levels resulting from construction activities (BSI British Standard, 2008: 119- 120). Each example is based upon the noise characteristics of a given area (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10-4). In recognition of the low ambient noise level of the proposed Sheriffmuir site, the significance criteria which have been applied to this development have been adapted from the ABC method as outlined in Appendix Six.

7.3

The adapted significance criteria are as follows: Table 1: Criteria for Assessing the Significance of Noise Resulting from Construction Activities Significance

Condition

Major

Construction noise exceeds 72 dB for more than four weeks

Moderate

Construction noise is between 65 dB and 72dB for more than four weeks

Minor

Construction noise is between 60 dB and 65 dB for more than four weeks

Negligible

Construction noise is lower than 60 dB for no more than four weeks

7.4

Operational Noise

7.5

The criteria for day time operational noise has been adapted using ETSU-R-97 day time noise limit (The Working Group, 1996: 60). The ETSU-R-97 specifies a limit of 5dB above the curve of best fit within a 0-12 m/s wind speed range (The Working Group, 1996: 60). Where the curve of best fit falls below a noise level of 30 dB, a fixed limit is of 35dB is applied (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10 – 5).

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 * Day time: 07.00 – 23.00 7.6

The criteria for night time operational noise has also been derived from ETSU-R-97. For this time the upper limit of noise emissions from the development is also 5 dB above the curve of best fit (The Working Group, 1996: 60). Where the curve of best fit falls below a noise level of 43 dB a fixed limit of 43 dB is applied (The Working Group, 1996: 61). This figure is given taking into account the “35 dB sleep disturbance criteria referred to in Planning Policy Guidance Note 24” (The Working Group, 1996: VIII). * Night time: 23.00 – 07.00

7.7

Nature of Impact

7.8

The nature of the auditory impacts of the proposed development are assessed against the following criteria: Table 2: The Criteria for Assessing the Nature of Auditory Impacts Assessment Category

Nature of Impact

Short term

Auditory impact lasts no longer than one year

Medium term

Auditory impact lasts more than one year

Long term

Auditory impact post-full development

7.9

Limitations

7.10

The assessment was performed in accordance with recognised standards of good practice and policy. However, the assessment was limited insofar as nearby construction of the Beauly Denny power line resulted in readings of ambient noise higher than that expected. For this reason, data collected during this time was disregarded.

8.0

Baseline

8.1

The environment in which the proposed development will take place is largely dominated by sources of natural noise. Such sources include the sound of wildlife and the rustle of vegetation. This noise is pierced intermittently by the sound of a lone vehicle passing by. The background noise levels varied between 25 dB at low wind speeds and 50 dB at high wind speeds (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10-6).

8.2

With that being said, Scottish Power Energy Networks have begun constructing the final sections of the Beauly Denny power line between Sheriffmuir and Denny (Scottish and Southern, 2014). This dictates that for the months of October, November and December 2014 construction is taking place in the field adjacent to the proposed site. This is resulting in a small temporary increase in ambient noise throughout this period.

9.0

Assessment of Impacts

9.1

Assessment of Impacts during Construction

9.2

The level of construction noise is dependent upon a wide range of factors (Coronation Power, 2012 (B): 15). These include the type of equipment being used and the operating conditions (Coronation Power, 2012 (B): 15). For this reason, it is necessary to allow for variations between the predicted level of noise and the actual level of noise.

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 9.3

The assessment of operational noise was undertaken in accordance with BS 5228. This assumes that construction takes place 100% of the working day. This is highly unlikely. It is likely that the actual noise emitted during construction will be highly variable and much lower than the noise level estimate (Coronation Power, 2012 (B):15).

9.4

Nonetheless, noise sensitive locations are more likely to record higher levels of noise than open field locations in spite of the proximity of the open field locations to the site of construction. The reason for this is that there are fewer structures off of which noise can be reflected in the open field locations. Furthermore, the open field locations are further from the road than the noise sensitive locations where a larger number of movable sources of noise will be found. For this reason the impact of construction noise in these locations is considered to be negligible.

9.5

Contrastingly, the noise sensitive locations are situated close to the road and will therefore be subjected to a greater degree of noise emitted by moving sources. Additionally, close to the noise sensitive locations are a number of high embankments on the opposite side of the road. This is likely to reflect noise from the ongoing construction. For this reason, the impact is construction noise if considered to be minor.

9.6

Construction is anticipated to last no longer than one year. Therefore, the nature of the auditory impact of the construction is considered to be short term.

9.7

Assessment of Impacts during Operation

9.8

The assessment of the impacts of noise emissions during construction was carried out in accordance with the Institute of Acoustic’s “Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSUR-97” (Institute of Acoustics, 2013). The study found that noise levels varied dependent upon wind speed and locations. The data differed between 3dB and 5dB above the curve of best fit identified as the baseline. This is taking into account both aerodynamic and mechanical noise sources. Therefore, the impact of the proposed development during operation is in accordance with the limits specified by ETSU-R-97 at all wind speeds up to 12m/s.

9.9

Assessment of Impacts during Decommission

9.10

Much like the construction process, the decommissioning process is likely to give rise to an increased level of noise. However, this increase in noise is unlikely to be to the same extent as the noise cause by construction activities (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10-8). Given that the construction activities were considered to be of negligible to minor significance, the noise produced as a result of the decommissioning process is also considered to be of negligible to minor significance.

9.11

Cumulative Effects

9.12

There are two existing wind farms in the Stirling area. These are the Craigengelt Hill wind farm and the Braes of Doune wind farm. Craigengelt Hill is situated 10 km south west of Stirling city centre (Sinclair Knight Merz, 2006: 1). The Braes of Doune wind farm is 18km km to the north west of Stirling (The Scottish Government, 2004). Owing to the lack of proximity of these wind farms, they are not believed to contribute towards the cumulative auditory effects of the proposed Sheriffmuir wind farm. Therefore, no cumulative auditory impact exists.

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 10.0

Mitigation

10.1

Construction Noise

10.2

To “prevent, reduce, and where possible offset” (Scottish Power ManWeb, 2009: 99) the impact of construction noise, the following mitigation measures have been proposed:

10.3



All construction activities will be limited between the hours of 07.00 and 19.00. This includes movable construction activities such as HGVs to and from the site for the purpose of delivering equipment (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10-9)



It may not be possible to deliver equipment outside of these hours without prior consent from the Stirling District Council (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10-9). Reasons for delivery outside of these hours may include: o

Disruption to the planned route caused by highway maintenance.

o

Heavy traffic on the roads.

o

Severe weather conditions

All equipment will be maintained in good working order (Coronation Power, 2012 (A): 10-9). Where possible, equipment will be fitted to reduce the auditory impact of the activities. Such equipment may include: 

Exhaust silencers (The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, ND)



Ventilation Systems (The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, ND)

10.4

All static equipment will be located as far away as viably possible from noise sensitive locations (The Office of Indian energy and Economic Development, ND).

10.5

Equipment which is not in use will be turned off at all times. This includes Heavy Goods Vehicles which are not in motion.

10.6

Equipment which is likely to generate a significant level of noise will be operated in such a way as to limit the durations of the noise wherever possible (The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, ND).

10.7

Where it is necessary to use equipment which is likely to generate a significant level of noise nearby residents will be notified in advance. Where possible, noisy activities will be undertaked simultaneously to reduce the frequency of high levels of noise (The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, ND)

10.8

All work will be carried out in accordance with the ‘Good Practice Guidelines’ of BS 5228.

10.9

Operational Noise

10.10 There are two sources of operational noise (The Working Group, 1996: 11). These sources are aerodynamic and mechanical sources (The Working Group, 1996: 11). 10.11 Aerodynamic noise is caused as a result of wind passing over the wind turbine blades [Appendix Seven]. This noise is often characterised as a “swishing, whooshing, chomping and thumping” (The Working Group, 1996: 11). Aerodynamic noises were considered in the planning process. Further attempts to reduce this noise would be at the expense of the total energy output of each turbine (Fuglsang and Oerlemans, 2012). For this reason, and taking into account that the predicted auditory impact of the proposed wind farm is within the

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 limits set out by ETSU-R-97, it is considered to be unfeasible to make amendments to the design of the wind farm to reduce the impact of noise resulting from aerodynamic sources. 10.12 Mechanical noise results from the transmission of vibrations caused by the gearbox, generator, motor and ventilation system (Davidsen, 2009). These course were also taken into account in the planning process. With that being said, to further reduce the transmission of vibrational energy, resilient coupling will be used on the low speed shaft (The Working Group, 1996: 13), and foam filling will be used to reduce transmission within the blade (The Working Group, 1996: 13).

11.0

Summary

11.1

This chapter has summarised the noise assessment carried out for the proposed Sheriffmuir wind farm development. It has considered the likely effects of the development upon the local noise baseline throughout each phase of the development. In particular, it has found that the auditory impact of construction is compliant with BS 5228 insofar as the impact of construction at open field locations will be negligible and the impact of construction at noise sensitive locations will be minor.

11.2

The auditory impacts of the wind farm during operation satisfy the day time and night time criterion set by ETSU-R-97.

11.3

Where it has been feasible to do so, mitigation methods have been proposed. These address the impacts of noise resulting from construction activities and noise resulting from mechanical sources during operation. No mitigation measures were proposed to reduce the impact of aerodynamic sources of noise during operation.

11.4

In summary, the auditory impact of the proposed Sheriffmuir wind farm is not significant. Whilst, noise levels may vary, dependent upon the source of noise and external factors such as wind, the auditory impact of the wind farm is compliant with all recommended guidelines.

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References 1.0

1912671 (2014) Environmental impact Assessment Proposal. The University of Stirling: ENMP22.

2.0

BSI British Standard (2008) Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites – Part 1: Noise. Great Britain: BSI.

3.0

Coronation Power (2012) (A) Rooley Moor Wind Farm EIA Chapter 10: Noise. Great Britain.

4.0

Coronation Power (2012) (B) Appendix 10.1: Hoare Lee Acoustics Technical Report. Great Britain.

5.0

Davidsen, B. (2009). Low Frequency Noise Emission From Wind Farms. Available: http://www.statoil.com/no/EnvironmentSociety/Environment/impactassessments/NewEner gy/WindPower/Downloads/Low%20frequency%20noise%20emission%20from%20wind%20f arms%20-%20Potential%20health%20effects.pdf Last accessed 30/11/2014).

6.0

European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (EC) 2009/28. On the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC. [2009] OJ L140/16.

7.0

Fuglsang, P; Oerlemans, S. (2012). Low Noise Wind Turbine Design.Available: http://www.ewea.org/events/workshops/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/EWEA-NoiseWorkshop-Oxford-2012-1-1-Stefan-Oerlemans.pdf Last accessed: 30/11/2014.

8.0

Great Britain. Climate Change Act: Elizabeth ll. Part 1. (2008) London: The Stationery Office.

9.0

Hayes McKenzie Partnership LTD (2011) Analysis of How Noise Impacts are Considered in the Determination of Wind Farm Planning Applications [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/48116/20 33-how-noise-impacts-are-considered.pdf (Accessed: 16th October 2014).

10.0

Institute of Acoustics (2013) A Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-97 for the Assessment and Rating of Wind Turbine Noise. Great Britain: The Institute of Acoustics.

11.0

Noise Working Group (1996) The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms [Online] Available at: http://www.hayesmckenzie.co.uk/downloads/ETSU%20Full%20copy%20(Searchable).pdf (Accessed: 16th October 2014).

12.0

Scotland. Climate Change (Scotland) Act. Part 1: The Interim Target. (2009) Scotland: The Scottish Government.

13.0

Scotland. Environmental Protection Act (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2001. Part 3: Section 80. Scotland: The Scottish Government.

14.0

Scotland. The Control of Pollution Act 1974. Part 3: Section 60. Scotland: The Scottish Government.

15.0

Scotland. The Control of Pollution Act 1974. Part 3: Section 61. Scotland: The Scottish Government.

16.0

Scottish and Southern Energy. (2014). Latest Section of Beauly Denny Project Energised on Schedule . Available: https://www.ssepd.co.uk/ProjectNews/BeaulyDenny/4104/ . Last accessed 10/11/2014.

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 17.0

Scottish Power ManWeb (2009) New 132 kV Overhead Line Connection From Landinam Wind Farm to Welshpool Substation. Great Britain: Scottish Power ManWeb.

18.0

Sinclair Knight Merz (2006) Craigengelt Wind Farm, Stirling: Environmental Statement – Volume 1 (of 4): Non-Technical Summary. Scotland: Sinclair Knight Merz.

19.0

Stirling Council. (2006). Sustainable Development Strategy. Available: http://my.stirling.gov.uk/services/planning-and-the-environment/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-strategy Last Accessed: 30/11/2014.

20.0

The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (ND) Acoustic (Noise) Mitigation Measures. Available: http://teeic.indianaffairs.gov/er/biomass/mitigation/acoustics/index.htm Last accessed 30/11/2014.

21.0

The Scottish Government. (2004). Braes of Doune Decision Letter.Available: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Infrastructure/EnergyConsents/Applications-Database/application/21456. Last accessed 30/11/2014.

22.0

The Scottish Government. (2010). Natural Heritage. Available: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/1999/01/nppg14 Last accessed 30/11/2014.

23.0

The Scottish Government (2011) Planning Advice Note: Planning and Noise.Scotland: The Scottish Government.

24.0

The Scottish Government (2011) 2020 Route map for Renewable Energy in Scotland. Scotland: The Scottish government.

25.0

The University of Saint Andrews (2011) Kenly Wind Farm Environmental Statement. Scotland: The University of Saint Andrews.

26.0

The Working Group (1996) The Assessment and Rating of Noise From Wind Farms: ETSU-R97. Great Britain: Department of Trade and Investment.

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Appendices Appendix One Section 60 subsection 2 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 states that: “Where it appears to a local authority that works to which this section applied are being, or are going to be, carried out on any premises, the local authority may serve a notice imposing requirements as to the way in which the works are to be carried out and may if it thinks fit publish notice of the requirements in such a way as appears to the local authority to be appropriate” (Scotland, 1974) Section 60 subsection 3 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 states that: “The notice may in particular: a) Specify the plant of machinery which is, or is not, to be used; b) Specify the hours during which the works may be carried out; c) Specify the level of noise which may be emitted from the premises in question or at any specified point on those premises or which may be so emitted during specified hours; and d) Provide for any change of circumstances. (Scotland, 1974)

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 Appendix Two Section 61 subsection 5 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 states that: “In acting under this section a local authority shall have regard to the considerations set out in subsection 4 of the preceding section and shall have power to – a) Attach any conditions to a consent; and b) Limit or qualify a consent to allow for any change in circumstances; and c) Limit the duration of consent” (Scotland, 1974)

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 Appendix Three BS 4142 recommends that decibel meters are used at a height of approximately 1.2 - 1.5m (British Standard, 1997: 6; 1912671, 2014). The decibel meter was used at a height of 1.2m as opposed to 1.5m because at the lower height, the error of recording wind induced noise is minimised (Noise Working Group, 1996: 83; 1912671, 2014). No wind shield was used because this is likely to under predict noise levels (Hayes McKenzie Partnership LTD, 2011: 18; 1912671, 2014).

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 Appendix Four The Department of Transport recommends that noise associated with moving sources is calculated using the following method: “The measurement point should be chosen so that the view of the road in question is substantially unobstructed (0 > 160") and should normally be not less than 4 metres and not more than 15 metres from the nearside edge of the carriageway. The microphone should normally be placed at a height of 1.2 metres above the road surface and with the diaphragm or other sound-sensitive surface horizontal (grazing incidence). Where possible, free-field conditions should apply. However there should be no sound-reflecting surfaces (other than the ground) within 15 metres of the microphone position. Where there is doubt about whether free-field conditions prevail, particularly for the purposes of the Noise Insulation Regulations, a temporary screen to act as a façade should be erected (see also para 37.1). The screen should have an area of not less than 1 sq. metre and be positioned with its centre 1 metre behind the microphone. The screen may also assist in ensuring that extraneous noise sources do not affect the measured level. It should be noted that when a temporary screen is used the facade correction, para 26.1, should be subtracted from the measured level when evaluating the basic noise level. 41.2 Sampling times The minimum sample length tmin leading to a valid measurement of L10 depends upon the registration rate r in samples per minute (in order to ensure a sufficient overall number of samples) and on the total flow q, in vehicles per hour, passing the measuring point (in order to ensure measurements include an adequate sample of vehicles). Provided q is greater than or equal to 100 veh/h the minimum sampling time can be determined from:

provided r is greater than 5 samples per minute and with the restriction that the sample length should not be less than 5 minutes in any one hour. For vehicle flows less than 100 veh/h the sampling rate, r, should be at least 1 sample per second and measurements should be taken for the full hour excluding time required for calibration and printer output, if required.” (Department of Transport, 1998: 28) 41.3 Traffic counts “Where possible the measurements of traffic flow and composition should be concurrent with measurements of the traffic noise” (Department of Transport, 1998: 28)

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 Appendix Five ETSU-R-97 recommends the following method for assessing the likely operational noise of a wind farm: “A best fit curve can be fitted to the data obtained for a particular critical wind speed. A straight line will usually be sufficient given the small range in wind speed. The noise level at the critical wind speed can be read from this curve. If this level is below that set in the noise limits and the EHO considers that there are no audible tones then no further action is necessary. If, however, either the noise is above the limit or the application of a tonal penalty may take the noise over the limit then a correction for the influence of the existing background noise should be performed or the measurements repeated at times of lower background noise. The background noise at the critical wind speed should be assessed using the procedure described for turbine noise above. A correction shall then be made as follows:

It is recognised that the correction method above only strictly applies to the correction of one Leq by another. Readers are referred to the paper by Nelson for more discussion on correcting percentile measurements” (The Working Group, 1996: 116). Paper by Nelson: Nelson. P.M. (1973) The Combination of Noise from Separate Time Varying Sources, Applied Acoustics, pp. 1-21.

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 Appendix Six The ABC method, as found in BS 5228 – 1: “The table can be used as follows: for the appropriate period (night, evening/weekends or day), the ambient noise level is determined and rounded to the nearest 5 dB. This is then compared with the total noise level, including construction. If the total noise level exceeds the appropriate category value, then a significant effect is deemed to occur” (BSI, 2008: 119).

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Sheriffmuir Wind Farm ENMP22 Appendix Seven “The Assessment and Rating of Noise From Wind Farms” (ESTU-R-97) suggests that: “Aerodynamic noise is emitted by a wind turbine blade through a number of sources which have been identified and studied by Lowson, and Lowson and Fiddes. The key sources have been categorised as: 1. Self-noise due to the interaction of the turbulent boundary layer with the blade trailing edge. 2. Noise due to inflow turbulence (turbulence in the wind interacting with the blades). 3. Discrete frequency noise due to trailing edge thickness. 4. Discrete frequency noise due to laminar boundary layer instabilities (unstable flow close to the surface of the blade). 5. Noise generated by the rotor tips.” (The Working Group, 1996: 11)

Studies sited: Lowson, M. V. (1993) Assessment and Prediction of Wind Turbine Noise, ETSU W/l3/00284/REP. Lowson, M.V. and Fiddes, S.P (1994) Design Prediction Model for Wind Turbine Noise, ETSU W/13/00317/REP.

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