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Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement
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Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement...Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement Project Overview Project Purpose There

Oct 21, 2020

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  • Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement

  • Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement

    Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement

    Project Overview

    Project Purpose

    There are several new developers (electricity generators) in the wider Keith, Elgin, and Macduff areas that require connection to the Grid by October 2020.

    In order to allow the connections SSEN have identified that the Transmission network in the area needs to be reinforced. Electrical System studies undertaken by SSEN have identified the best solution is to move the Macduff circuits from Keith substation to Blackhillock substation

    Project Scope

    Macduff substation is currently connected to Keith substation via two 132kV overhead line circuits. In order to move these circuits from Keith substation to Blackhillock substation there are various elements of work that must be undertaken;

    Underground Cable WorksThe existing Macduff overhead line circuits will be amended to facilitate the connection of the underground cable, the two new circuits will then run between Macduff substation and Blackhillock substation via a combination of the existing overhead lines and the new underground cables.

    The underground cables will be installed utilising primarily an open cut trench method with the use of a Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) to cross the A96.

    Horizontal Directional DrillingHDD is a method of installing pipework; typically used when minimal surface disturbance is required - such as road crossings or river crossings.

    Generally a HDD consists of; establishing a small hole through the ground from an entry point to a distant exit point, then multiple further drill passes are undertaken to enlarge the diameter of the hole until the required size is met. Then pipework can be pulled through the hole, which in this case, then allows cables to be pulled through without disturbing the surface above. The project intends to establish two HDD crossings both 650mm in diameter approximately 12m apart under the Den Burn and the A96.

    Overhead LineWe shall establish a temporary wood pole diversion to the north of the existing Macduff circuits to allow the construction of a new tower upon which we shall connect the cable to the overhead line, prior to dismantling two existing towers.

    Substation WorksMinor works will be undertaken at all three Substation sites;

    • Keith substation - a small amount of electrical equipment removed.

    • Blackhillock substation - additional electrical switchgear installed within the existing building to facilitate the new cable connections.

    • Macduff substation - a small amount of non-invasive works required as the system is altered

    Cable sealing end platform tower

  • Project timeline

    Jul 2019

    • Construction start date.

    Apr 2020

    • Tower works start near Keith.

    Oct 2020

    • Final commissioning and energisation of the project.

    Dec 2020

    • Reinstatement complete

    Nov 2020

    • Decomissioning works.

    Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement

    Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement

    Environmental considerations

    Visual AmenityThe main visual changes will be to the north of Keith substation where one new cable sealing end platform tower will be installed, and two existing towers will be dismantled. There will be no visual change to Blackhillock substation as this connection will be made via underground cable into an existing building. Temporary visual impacts will be experienced during the construction period only as our teams construct the cable route.

    Terrestrial Ecology (Habitats and Species)The cable route primarily crosses through fields of improved grassland and arable crops, as well as a small area of woodland adjacent to the Burn of Drum. The cable route does not pass through any sites designated for their natural heritage or habitats of conservation concern. Species Protection Plans, devised by SSEN in conjunction with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), will be put in place to minimise potential effects to protected species during construction. The appointed contractor has carried out preconstruction surveys to ensure there is no impact to any ecology. There will be ongoing checks carried out through the construction programme to ensure all mitigation and possible impacts are mitigated.

    Water environmentThe cable route crosses the Den Burn at two locations adjacent to Dunnyduff Wood. The watercourse crossings will be authorised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), as required. Private water supplies will be identified, and an assessment undertaken to determine any potential risk to supplies. Where required, measures will be put in place to ensure adverse effects to any private water supplies are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.

    NoiseDue to the nature of cable installation, construction noise will be short term, intermittent and will be controlled through the implementation of a Construction Noise Management Plan. There will be no audible noise from the underground cable once installed.

    Cultural heritageThere are no Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings or Gardens and Designed Landscapes identified within the vicinity of the cable route. There are five archaeological sites recorded on the Moray Sites and Monuments Record within 250m of the cable route, none of which are anticipated to be impacted by the proposed works. Due to the nature of the works (underground cable), important historic and cultural sites will not experience adverse effects on their setting following completion of the development.

    Local Impacts;

    Anticipated road closuresDrum Road, Keith ( five days late September) Edindiach Road, Keith (five days early December) Denwell Road, Keith (five days mid February)

    Confirmed final dates are still to be agreed, all closures and dates will be signposted in advance. Local and emergency vehicle access will be maintained during any closures

    Anticipated disruptionSmall sections of local footpaths around Dunnyduff Woods will be closed during periods of construction and drilling. All closures will be signposted in advance

    Main site setupThe Principal Contractor, Balfour Beatty Power T+D, shall be based in the Westerton Road South Industrial estate

  • Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement

    Blackhillock/Keith/Macduff 132kV Reinforcement

    Further Information

    For further details and a list of all local disruptions and closure areas, please contact our Community Liaison Manager, Gary Donlin at: [email protected] or on 07384 798 101

    Project map