Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV Connection Routeing ... Environmental Impact Assessment Report in terms of Electricity Works ... (33 kV or lower). ... Shin Substation The existing 132

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL

Consultation Document - Routeing

REF: LT000130/ENV/CD/001

The SHE Transmission Approach to Routing of Overhead Lines

CONTENTS

GLOSSARY II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1. INTRODUCTION 2 1.1 Purpose of Document 2 1.2 Document Structure 2 2. THE PROPOSALS 3 2.1 The Need for the Project 3 2.1 Alternative Options Considered 3 2.2 Project Description 3 3. OVERHEAD LINE ROUTE SELECTION PROCESS 5 3.1 Background 5 3.2 Area of Search 5 3.3 Route Identification and Selection Methods 5 3.4 Baseline Conditions 7 3.5 Selection of Preferred Route 8 4. CONSULTATION 11 5. NEXT STEPS 12 5.1 Consideration of responses on the proposed OHL route 12 5.2 Screening and Scoping of the Environmental Impact Assessment 12 5.3 Statutory Consents Procedure 12 FIGURES Figure 1.1: Project location Figure 2.1: Typical trident double wood pole design Figure 3.1: Route Options Figure 3.2: Environmental Constraints Figure 3.3: Preferred Route Option Figure 3.4: RAG Rating APPENDIX A – COMPARITIVE RAG ANALYSIS

The SHE Transmission Approach to Routing of Overhead Lines i

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132kV OHL Routeing Consultation Document Comments on this document should be sent to: Lisa Marchi-Grey Liaison Manager Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc 10 Henderson Road Inverness IV1 1SN E-mail address for representations: [email protected] Copies of this document can be found online at: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/creag-riabhach Copies will be placed on deposit for public viewing during normal opening hours at the following locations:

Lairg Library Community Centre Main Street Lairg IV27 4DD

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc request that all consultation responses are received by: Friday 30th March 2018. Published by: Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc

The SHE Transmission Approach to Routing of Overhead Lines ii

GLOSSARY

Amenity The natural environment, cultural heritage, landscape and visual quality. Amenity also includes the impact of SHE Transmission’s works on communities, such as the effects of noise and disturbance from construction activities.

Cassley Location of the Cassley GSP at the northern end of Loch Shin.

Conductor A metallic wire strung from structure to structure, to carry electric current.

Connection Option One of several possible routes which a new transmission line could follow between the required electricity connection points

Dalchork Substation Preferred 132 kV Dalchork Substation, which is the northern connection point of the preferred 132 kV OHL alignment.

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment in terms of Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017

EIA Scoping The process of seeking an ‘EIA scoping opinion’ from the consenting authority incorporating representations from statutory and non-statutory organisations on the proposed scope of environmental assessment required to support an application for consent

EIAR Environmental Impact Assessment Report in terms of Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017

GSP Grid Supply Point. An electricity network connection point used for linking transmission voltage OHLs (132 kV or greater) with smaller voltage distribution OHLs (33 kV or lower).

GWDTE Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem are wetlands which critically depend on groundwater flows and /or chemistries.

Habitat Term most accurately meaning the place in which a species lives, but also used to describe plant communities or agglomerations of plant communities.

kV Kilovolt (1000 volts) - capacity of an electricity power line

Listed Building A building that has been recognised through the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 as of special architectural or historical interest.

LOD Limits of Deviation, an area which defines the practical limits within which micro-siting of the OHL infrastructure can occur within the terms of the s37 consents which are to be sought. The purpose of limits of deviation is to allow flexibility within a s37 consent for the final micro-siting of individual towers to respond to localised ground conditions, topography, engineering and environmental constraints

Micrositing The process of positioning individual structures to avoid localised environmental or technical constraints.

NETS SQSS National Electricity Transmission System Security and Quality of Supply Standard

The SHE Transmission Approach to Routing of Overhead Lines iii

OHL Overhead Line

Preferred Route The OHL corridor option which is considered to represent the optimum balance between the various environmental, engineering and technical considerations

Preferred Alignment The OHL alignment which is considered to represent the optimum balance between the various environmental, engineering and technical considerations

Proposed Alignment The final OHL alignment which will be brought forward as the basis of an application for consent under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989

Route Option One of several possible alignments which a new transmission line could follow

s37 Consent Application An application for development consent under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, as amended

SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument

SHE Transmission Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc

Shin Substation The existing 132 kV substation located at Inveran.

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SPA Special Protection Area

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

Stakeholders Organisations and individuals who can affect or are affected by the Proposed Development.

Substation An electricity network connection point used for linking transmission voltage OHLs (132 kV or greater)

UGC Underground Cable

VP Vantage Point locations overlooking the area of search for connection options from which ornithology surveys were carried out.

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SHE Transmission is the electricity transmission license holder in the north of Scotland and has a duty under

Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. The

company also has obligations to offer non-discriminatory terms for connection to the transmission system, both

for new generation and for new sources of electricity demand.

To facilitate connection for the Creag Riabhach wind farm SHE Transmission is proposing to construct a new

132 kV overhead line (OHL) approximately 20 km in length supported by trident wood pole (the Proposed

Development) from the wind farm substation to a proposed new substation to the north of Lairg (Dalchork

Substation). It is anticipated that an application for consent for the 132 kV OHL will be submitted in early 2019.

Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2020, with project completion by April 2021.

The Preferred Route (Option 3) has been selected to provide an optimum balance of cost, environmental and

technical factors through a collaborative working approach between the disciplines. Consultation responses

provided by stakeholders throughout the development of this project will help shape the route and design of the

Proposed Development.

SHE Transmission has published this Consultation Document to invite comments from all interested parties.

When providing comments and feedback on this Consultation Document, SHE Transmission would be grateful

for your consideration of the questions below:

1. Have we explained the approach taken to select the preferred 132kV overhead line route adequately?

2. Do you agree with the rationale for selecting our preferred 132kV overhead line route?

3. Are there any factors, or important points, that should be brought to the attention of the Project

Development Team in regards to the preferred route alignment?


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Document

1.1.1 SHE Transmission is proposing to construct a new 132 kV single circuit overhead line (OHL), supported by

trident wood pole, (hereafter as the ‘Proposed Development’) between the consented Creag Riabhach Wind

Farm (CRWF) and a proposed new substation to the north of Lairg and hereafter referred to as the Dalchork

Substation. The length of the OHL will be approximately 20 km. The proposed new substation at Lairg and the

CRWF substation are being brought forward under a separate planning process and lie outwith the terms of this

report.

1.1.2 Figure 1.1 presents the location of the Proposed Development.

1.1.3 Comments are now sought from statutory authorities, key stakeholders, elected representatives and the public

to seek feedback on our proposals. All comments received will inform the route and design of the proposed 132

kV OHL for which statutory permissions will be sought.

1.2 Document Structure

1.2.1 This document is structured as follows:

Section 1 - Introduction: describes the purpose of the consultation document,

Section 2 - The Proposals: describes the background, need for the proposed development and the

preferred technical solution.

Section 3 - OHL Route Selection: summarises the main stages and key considerations of the OHL

route selection process.

Section 4 - Consultation on the Proposals: provides an overview of the proposed consultation process,

highlighting the timescale and the key questions to consider when responding.

Section 5 - Next Steps: describes the next steps in the development of the project.


2. THE PROPOSALS

2.1 The Need for the Project

2.1.1 SHE Transmission is the transmission license holder in the north of Scotland and has a duty under Section 9 of

the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. The

company also has obligations to offer non-discriminatory terms for connection to the transmission system, both

for new generation and for new sources of electricity demand.

2.1.2 Consent for the CRWF was granted under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, in January 2016

for up to 22 turbines with a potential installed capacity of up to 72.6 MW. As such there is a need to connect the

consented CRWF to the transmission grid and SHE Transmission is obliged to provide a connection for the

wind farm which lies within the area covered by their license.

2.1 Alternative Options Considered

2.1.1 In line with the Transmission Connection Offer to connect the CRWF to the network SHE Transmission

determined a 132kV OHL wood pole to be the preferred solution. To connect the CRWF to the network there

were three options considered, as follows:

Underground cable;

Single wood pole trident structure; and

Double wood pole trident structure.

2.1.2 The underground cable option was discounted at this stage due to the significant cost difference compared to

an OHL solution, and SHE Transmission’s operational preference for an OHL solution. The single wood pole

design option was discounted as it could not carry the weight of the selected conductor and due to soft ground

conditions creating potential stability issues. As such, a double wood pole trident structure has been selected as

the preferred solution.

2.2 Project Description

2.2.1 The proposed double wood pole will support three conductors (wires) in a horizontal flat formation, a typical

design can be seen in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1 – Typical trident double wood pole design


2.2.2 Once we have a proposed route and alignment for the new OHL, a detailed topographical survey will be carried

out. This is required to identify the proposed positions and heights of each individual wood pole. Site surveys

to examine the subsoil conditions will also be carried out at proposed wood pole positions where required.

These will inform the wood pole foundation designs.

Construction Activities

2.2.3 All construction activities would be undertaken in accordance with a Construction Environmental Management

Plan (CEMP) which would define specific methods for environmental survey, monitoring and management

throughout construction. A CEMP will be produced and agreed with identified stakeholders prior to the

commencement of construction.

2.2.4 Construction activities are generally divided into 6 phases as listed as follow:

Enabling work (forestry clearance and establishment of temporary construction compound(s);

Alterations to the existing distribution network (if required);

Erection of poles;

Conductor stringing (including construction of temporary scaffolding);

Inspections and OHL commissioning; and

An indicative construction programme can be found in Section 2.2.8.

Forestry Removal

2.2.5 Any woodland removal which may be required prior to the construction work will be identified and described

after an alignment has been identified. The methods of woodland removal and management of timber would be

described in a Woodland Management Document to be prepared as part of the application for consent under

section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, as amended.

Access Strategy

2.2.6 Installation of new access tracks during construction is not currently anticipated. If further access requirements

are identified, following more detailed design, these will be considered as part of the consenting process. The

area between Creag Riabhach and the Dalchork Substation has a network of high grade haul road tracks

running through forested land joining with the A836 at various points along the route, which will be utilised

during construction.

2.2.7 A more detailed plan for access during construction will be prepared once a proposed alignment has been

identified.

Indicative Programme

2.2.8 The OHL alignment is anticipated to be developed by April 2018, with further public consultation undertaken as

part of this process. Further detailed environmental and engineering assessments will be undertaken

throughout 2018, with a view to submit an application for consent under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989,

as amended, in early 2019.

2.2.9 Construction is estimated to start in February 2020 with completion in April 2021. Some enabling work, for

example forestry clearance would be done prior to start of construction.


3. OVERHEAD LINE ROUTE SELECTION PROCESS

3.1 Background

3.1.1 The approach to route selection, in identifying and assessing alternative OHL routes was informed by and

consistent with SHE Transmission’s Routeing Guidance1. The guidance develops a process which aims to

balance environmental, technical and economic considerations throughout the route options process.

3.1.2 This section summarises the process of Stage 2: Route Selection from the guidance, which seeks to find a

proposed route which avoids where possible physical, environmental and amenity constraints, is likely to be

acceptable to stakeholders, and is economically viable, taking into account factors such as altitude, slope,

ground conditions and access.

3.1.3 In consideration of these principles, the method of identifying a preferred route option in this study has involved

the following 4 key tasks:

Identification of the baseline situation;

Identification of alternative route options;

Cost, engineering and environmental analysis of route options; and

Identification of a preferred route option.

3.2 Area of Search

3.2.1 CRWF’s initial connection offer by SHE Transmission System Planning provided the Cassley Grid Supply Point

(GSP) as the point of connection to the network. A feasibility study2 undertaken as part of the Lairg to Cassley

Reinforcement recommended the preferred connection point for the CRWF should be moved to the proposed

Dalchork Substation (to be developed under the Lairg to Loch Buidhe 132 kV Reinforcement). This was due to

concerns about the high potential for significant effects to the qualifying features of international, European and

UK environmental designations (Ramsar/SPA/SAC/SSSI), and landscape designations (Wildland).

3.2.2 An Options Assessment Report (OAR)3 undertaken by SHE Transmission recommended the connection point

for the CRWF should be the Dalchork Substation. As such the OAR defined the area of search (or preferred

corridor) for an indicative proposed alignment between the CRWF substation and Dalchork Substation.

3.2.3 Following conclusion of the feasibility study SHE Transmission developed four route options to be taken forward

for further environmental, technical and economic appraisal. Figure 3.1 presents the location of the route

options.

3.3 Route Identification and Selection Methods

3.3.1 Route options were identified following desktop and site appraisals, taking into account the most notable

constraints identified during the baseline studies. Considerations have included a review of the steps outlined in

the Holford Rules and SHE Transmission’s Routeing Guidance. In summary, the following has been taken into

account as far as is practicable at this routeing stage and will be considered in more detail during Stage 3

(Alignment Selection):

Avoid if possible major areas of highest amenity value (including those covered by national and

international designations and other sensitive landscapes);

Avoid by deviation, smaller areas of high amenity value;

Try to avoid sharp changes of direction and reduce the number of larger angle towers required;

1 SSEPD (2017): Procedures for Routeing Overhead Lines of 132 kV or above. 2 SSEPD (2016): Greag Riabhach Wind Farm Grid Connection OHL Feasibility Study 3 An OAR is internal project governance document, which uses information from technical assessments on cost, technical and environmental aspects to

determine the preferred solution for the project.


Avoid skylining the route in key views and where necessary, cross ridges obliquely where a dip in the ridge

provides an opportunity;

Target the route towards open valleys and woods where the apparent height of towers will be reduced and

views broken by trees (avoid slicing through landscape types and try to keep to edges and landscape

transitions);

Consider the appearance of other lines in the landscape to avoid a dominating or confusing wirescape

effect;

Technical issues related to clearances, connectivity, outages, maintenance, faults; and

Any other project specific requirements

3.3.2 Four routes (Route Option 1, 2, 3 and 4 as described in Table 3.1 and shown on Figure 3.1) were identified

initially as potentially feasible in engineering, technical and environmental terms. These initial route options

were identified at 1 km widths along areas that seemed feasible to accommodate the OHL e.g. parallel with

road for ease of access, through existing gaps in forestry to minimise felling requirements. During the route

selection process these initial route options have been widened or narrowed in places according to baseline

constraints (Figure 3.2), to allow for subsequent identification of alignments during the next stage of the process

(Stage 3).

Table 3.1: Description of route options considered

OPTION DESCRIPTION

1 Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 overlap between the CRWF substation and Crask Inn. Route Option 1

(approximately 9 km in length) and 2 separate from option 3 and 4 at the Crask Inn and head due

south along the alignment of the River Tirry for approximately 5 km. At the confluence of the

River Tirry and the Allt Loch and Ulbhaidh Route 1 heads south west towards the existing 132 kV

OHL.

2 Route Option 2 (approximately 15 km in length) separates from Option 3 south-west along River

Tirry and re-joins Option 3 north-east of Tirryside. This option follows the western edge of

Dalchork Forest with an initial width of 1 km that was expanded so the eastern border of the route

follows A836.

3 Route Option 3 is approximately 20 km in length. The western border of the route follows A836.

The route was initially 1 km wide and was expanded east to include the forestry haul road where

minimal constraint restrictions were identified.

Route 3(i) was added to provide an option to link between Option 3 and Option 4 alongside the

access track to Dalnessie.

4 Route Option 4 (approximately 24 km in length) stays on the east of A836 and follows the eastern

edge of Dalchork Forest until Tighcreag. The route turns westward along the northern shore of

Loch Tigh na Creige following the forest track to connect to the Dalchork substation site.

Appraisal Method

3.3.3 Appraisal of route options has followed the process defined within the SHE Transmission’s Routeing Guidance

Document. For the purposes of this appraisal, it has been assumed that the new 132 kV OHL would be single

circuit, supported on wood poles of an average of 15 m in height, with anticipated span lengths in the region of

80-100 m. For ease of assessment and interpretation, the Study Area has been divided into four sections from

A to D as listed below:

Section A – Creag Riabhach Windfarm to River Tirry;

Section B – River Tirry to North Dalchork

Section C – North Dalchork to Loch Beag na Fuaralachd; and


Section D - Loch Beag na Fuaralachd to the proposed Dalchoprk Substation.

3.3.4 Each route option in each section has been considered in terms of its potential interaction with environmental

and engineering characteristics, features and sensitivities. These have been compared to determine which

route option has greatest and least capacity or potential to accommodate the proposed OHL.

3.3.5 Each option in each section is then assigned a colour ranking reflecting its relative potential to accommodate

infrastructure, green for greatest potential; red for least (see Figure 3.3 below), In assigning a red-amber-green

(RAG) description, consideration has also been given to the relative importance or sensitivity of the

environmental or engineering feature in question.

3.3.6 A RAG rating has been applied to each topic area within each section. This rating is based on a four-point scale

as indicated in Figure 3.4 below.

Figure 3.4 – RAG Rating

Performance Comparative Appraisal

Most Preferred

Least Preferred

Required infrastructure considered to have no impact on the environmental constraints identified.

Greatest potential to accommodate the required infrastructure within the context of the environmental constraints identified.

Some potential to accommodate required infrastructure within the context of the environmental constraints identified.

Limited potential to accommodate the required infrastructure within the context of the environmental constraints identified.

3.3.7 Section 3.5 provides a summary of the findings and Appendix A provides the RAG comparative analysis for

environmental and engineering characteristics.

3.4 Baseline Conditions

3.4.1 Initial desk studies established the key environmental features of the Study Area, specifically:

Identification of environmental designated sites and other constraints, utilising GIS datasets available via

SNHi Site Link;

Identification of archaeological designations and other recorded sites, utilising GIS datasets available via

Historic Environment Scotland Data Services and Local Historic Environment Teams;

Review of relevant Local Development Plans to identify constraints and opportunities, such as regional

level designations or other locations important to the public;

Review of landscape character assessments of relevance to the Study Area;

Review of Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping (1:50,000 and 1:25,000 and online GIS data sources from OS

OpenData) and aerial photography (where available) to identify other potential constraints such as

settlement, properties, walking routes, cycling routes etc.;

Digital Terrain Modelling (OS Terrain 5m resolution);

Extrapolation of OS Vectormap GIS data to identify further constraints including locations of watercourses

and waterbodies, roads classifications and degree of slope;


Identification of watercourses and waterbodies quality and areas prone to flooding, utilising online GIS data

sources from SEPA;

Information available online from the British Geological Survey; and

Review of other local information through online and published media for other renewable energy projects

and tourism information.

3.4.2 Following initial route identification, a site walkover was undertaken by engineers, landscape and ecology

specialists on 22nd and 23rd August 2017 to ground truth the key constraints identified in the initial desk-based

exercise.

3.4.3 Figure 3.2 presents environmental constraints identified from desktop appraisals and site visits.

3.5 Selection of Preferred Route

3.5.1 Based on the assessments undertaken to date a summary of the rationale in the selection of the preferred

Route Option is provided in Table 3.2. The preferred Route Option is presented in Figure 3.3.

3.5.2 Appendix A provides a summary of the comparative RAG analysis for environmental and engineering

characteristics.

3.5.3 Option 1 was eliminated early in the process primarily on the grounds of cost, and technical constraints. This

option would require a new 132kV switching station to connect the proposed CRWF 132kV OHL (approximately

9km) to the existing Shin-Cassley 132kV OHL, and the existing Shin-Cassley 132kV OHL would need upgraded

between the new switching station and the proposed Dalchork Substation for approximately 11 km. Due to the

existing OHL being single circuit any outage would require prolonged temporary diesel generation for residents,

and may trigger penalties to existing generators for loss of generation. An environmental assessment was not

undertaken due to this option being ruled out under technical and cost considerations.

Table 3.2: Summary of the rationale in the selection of the preferred route option

SECTION DESCRIPTION

A

Environmental

Given the overlapping nature of all three route options in section A, the margins for

differentiation in environmental appraisal are very small. In landscape and visual terms,

option 4 has greatest potential to accommodate infrastructure. In natural heritage terms

however, there is little to distinguish between options 3 and 4, although there is an

argument to suggest option 4 has greater potential, overlapping a national designation,

compared to option 3 which occupies (to a lesser extent) an international designation.

Moreover, option 4 occupies land at the western perimeter of the SSSI where the

integrity of designated features might be less.

Engineering

Option 2 and Option 3 have been identified as preferred due to favourable ground

conditions to the west of the A836. However, due to the close proximity of all options

there would be no real preference over route selection.

B

Environmental

Option 2 has least capacity to accommodate infrastructure in both landscape and

visual, and natural heritage terms by virtue of its proximity and adjacency to the

Foinaven (Ben Hee) SNH Wild Land Area, and the Caithness and Sutherland

Peatlands SAC/SPA and Ramsar site. Factors which distinguish Option 3 and 4 differ;

Option 3 has less capacity in terms of views from the A836, and the extent of plantation

which is not scheduled for felling. Option 4 has less capacity in terms of the greater


SECTION DESCRIPTION

extent of blanket bog, but is more open and less constrained by coniferous plantation.

Other characteristics do not differentiate between the options. On balance, Option 3 is

considered to have greater potential than option 4 because of the importance attached

to blanket bog habitat compared to felling plantation.

Engineering

In section B, the ground conditions are more favourable for Option 2 within close

proximity to the River Tirry regarding presence of peat, however access to this option is

limited and would require substantial enabling works for construction and maintenance.

Option 3 has good access for construction and maintenance from the existing forestry

tracks, however there is deep peat anticipated in flatter areas, a detailed survey would

establish the depth and extent of peat areas and determine whether construction of a

trident wood pole line can be constructed within specification. Option 4 is the least

preferred option due to the greater length of the route along with limited access and

anticipated presence of peat.

C

Environmental

Option 2 has least potential to accommodate infrastructure in respect of all

considerations. Option 3 is considered to have greatest potential in terms of the extent

of plantation compared to blanket bog, but is constrained by the presence of plantation,

which is not scheduled for felling and by areas identified for peat restoration. Option 4

has less potential to accommodate infrastructure due to the presence of blanket bog,

high value peatland and open moorland.

Engineering

Both option 2 and 3 have anticipated areas of peat present however Option 3 has

favourable access if the route is to be kept in close proximity to the forestry haul road.

Option 4 is the least preferred option due to the greater length of the route along with

limited access and anticipated presence of peat.

D

Environmental

Option 2 has least potential to accommodate infrastructure in respect of all

considerations. Option 3 is considered to have greatest potential in terms of the extent

of plantation compared to blanket bog. However, it is clear from the FCS felling plans

that the majority of plantation is not scheduled for felling and contains areas identified

for peat restoration. Option 4 has less potential to accommodate infrastructure due to

its proximity to international heritage designations and cultural heritage features. The

potential use of the area by diver species affects each option equally.

Engineering

Option 2 is in close proximity to housing in this section and this section is to the western

side of the River Tirry which may pose access issues for construction and future

maintenance. Option 3 is heavily forested and as such will need detailed survey to

assess feasibility of a route through this section but from the site visit this appears to be

the preferred option. Option 4 is the least preferred option due to the greater length of

the route along with limited access and anticipated presence of peat.

Cost

A summary of the cost of each option is summarised below:

Option 2 would be the preferred option on the grounds of cost due to the shortest

length of trident woodpole of approximately 15km.


SECTION DESCRIPTION

Option 3 is the second preference on the grounds of cost due to the second

shortest length of OHL at approximately 20km.

Option 4 is the third preference on the grounds of cost due to the longest length of

OHL at approximately 24 km.

Whilst construction in peat would affect the overall costs, initial assessments have

shown similar levels of peat for all options and is therefore considered to be similar for

each option.

3.5.5 In summary, Route Option 3 is the preferred option based on the information currently available due to the

fewest engineering issues and greatest potential to avoid or minimise interactions with the environment and

people working within it.

3.5.6 Further cost, engineering and environmental assessments will be undertaken throughout the next stages of

developing the preferred alignment for the Proposed Development. Once an alignment has been developed

further consultation will be undertaken to gain feedback on our proposals.


4. CONSULTATION

4.1.1 SHE Transmission is inviting comments on the reinforcement proposals described in this document. You may

comment by post or by email.

4.1.2 When providing comment and feedback, SHE Transmission would be grateful for your consideration of the

questions below:

Have we explained the approach taken to select the preferred 132kV overhead line route adequately?

Do you agree with our rationale for selecting our preferred 132kV overhead line route?

Are there any factors, or important points, that should be brought to the attention of the Project

Development Team in regards to the preferred route alignment?

Comments forms will be available at the public exhibition or by download at: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/creag-riabhach

4.1.3 Comments can also be posted or emailed to the SHE Transmission Project Liaison Manager, at the address

below:

Lisa Marchi-Grey

SHE Transmission

10 Henderson Road

Inverness

IV1 1SN

E-mail address for representations: [email protected]

4.1.4 The consultation process will close on Friday 30th March 2018.


5. NEXT STEPS

5.1 Consideration of responses on the proposed OHL route

5.1.1 All relevant comments received during this consultation will inform further consideration of the OHL route and

design of our proposals. As the project develops SHE Transmission will consult further when we have

developed our preferred OHL alignment.

5.1.2 These responses, together with assessments undertaken as part of the consent application process, will be

used to develop and refine the proposals, in order to minimise the effects of the proposed transmission

infrastructure on the environment and people of the area.

5.2 Screening and Scoping of the Environmental Impact Assessment

5.2.1 SHE Transmission intends to submit a screening / scoping report to the Scottish Ministers in April / May 2018

(TBC), under Regulation 12 of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations

2017, for their opinion as to the requirement for an EIA. If the Scottish Minister determine an EIA is required,

their Scoping Response will confirm what information is to be provided in the EIAR.

5.2.2 The scoping report will refer to consultation undertaken, and to the comments received during this consultation

process.

5.3 Statutory Consents Procedure

Section 37 application

5.3.1 If the decision is made to proceed with a proposed OHL alignment, an application will be made to the Scottish

Ministers for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, to construct and operate the

proposed OHL.

5.3.2 Notices of the application for consent will be placed in national and local newspapers, to provide the opportunity

for representations to be made within a given period, and to state the address to which these representations

should be submitted. In addition, The Highland Council will be invited to comment on the proposal, as a

statutory consultee; the Scottish Ministers must take their representations into account when determining the

application.

5.3.3 Other stakeholders (such as SEPA, SNH, Historic Environment Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland,

Transport Scotland, and Marine Scotland) and Community Councils within the area affected by the proposed

OHL will be consulted in this process.

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document i

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280

280

81

81

82

82

83

83

84

84

85

85

86

86

87

87

88

88

89

89

290

290

91

918 750

00m.

N

7576 7677 7778 7879 79

880 88081 8182 8283 8384 8485 8586 8687 8788 8889 89

890 89091 9192 9293 9394 9495 9596 9697 9798 9899 99

900 90001 0102 0203 0304 0405 0506 0607 0708 0809 09

910 91011 1112 1213 1314 1415 1516 1617 1718 1819 19

920 92021 2122 2223 2324 2425 2526 2627 2728 2829 29

930 93031 3132 3233 3334 3435 3536 3637 3738 3839 39

940 94041 4142 4243 4344 4445 4546 4647 4748 4849 49

950 95051 5152 5253 5354 5455 5556 5657 5758 5859 59

960 960

LT000130Creag Rhiabhach Connection Figure 1.1Project Location

KJRPT000130_ENV_004_Location

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO.Crown copyright and database right 2018 all rights reserved.

Ordnance Survey Licence number EL273236.Project No:Project:Title:

Drawing:Drawn by: Date: 07/02/2018

0 3 6 9 12 151.5km

1:250,000Scale @ A3:

LegendStudy Area

Section A

Section B

Section C

Section D

48

248000m.E

49

49

250

250

51

51

52

52

53

53

54

54

55

55

56

56

57

57

58

58

59

59

260

260

61

61

62

62

63

63

64

64

65

65

66

66

67

67

9 060

00m.

N

06

07 07

08 08

09 09

910 910

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

920 920

21 21

22 22

23 23

24 24

25 25

26 26

27 27

28 28

29 29

930 930

31 31

LT000130Creag Rhiabhach Connection Figure 3.1OHL Route Options

KJRPT000565_ENV_001_RouteOptionsLocation




0 0.95 1.9 2.85 3.8 4.750.475km

1:75,000Scale @ A3:

LegendSubstationWFSubstationOption 1Option 2Option 3Option 4

Section A

Section B

Section C

Section D

Caithnessand Sutherland

Peatlands

River Naver

Strath Carnaigand Strath

Fleet Moors

Lairg andStrath

Brora Lochs

Strathan Loin

Ben Klibreck

GrudiePeatlands

Cnoc anAlaskie

35. Ben Klibreck- Armine Forest

37. Foinaven- Ben Hee

34. Reay- Cassley

48

248000m.E

49

49

250

250

51

51

52

52

53

53

54

54

55

55

56

56

57

57

58

58

59

59

260

260

61

61

62

62

63

63

64

64

65

65

66

66

67

67

9 050

00m.

N

05

06 06

07 07

08 08

09 09

910 910

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

920 920

21 21

22 22

23 23

24 24

25 25

26 26

27 27

28 28

29 29

930 930

LT0000130Creag Riabach ConnectionFigure 3.2 Environmental Constraints

KJRLT000130_ENV_003_Constraints




0 0.95 1.9 2.85 3.8 4.750.475km

1:75,000Scale @ A3:

LegendSectionLinesOption 2Option 3Option 3iOption 4National RouteCOREPATH_SCOTLANDListed Buildings - A

Listed Buildings - BListed Buildings - CScheduled MonumentsWetlands of International Importance (Ramsar)Special Area of ConservationSPASites of Special Scientific Interest Ancient Woodland InventoryCore Areas of Wild Land Character

Flooding Risk - RiverLikelihood

HighMediumLow

48

248000m.E

49

49

250

250

51

51

52

52

53

53

54

54

55

55

56

56

57

57

58

58

59

59

260

260

61

61

62

62

63

63

64

64

65

65

66

66

67

67

9 060

00m.

N

06

07 07

08 08

09 09

910 910

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

920 920

21 21

22 22

23 23

24 24

25 25

26 26

27 27

28 28

29 29

930 930

LT0000130Creag Riabach ConnectionFigure 3.3Preferred Route Option

KJRLT000130_ENV_003_Constraints




0 0.95 1.9 2.85 3.8 4.750.475km

1:75,000Scale @ A3:

LegendSubstationAcquisitionWFSubstationPreferred Route Option

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document ii

APPENDIX A – COMPARITIVE RAG ANALYSIS

5.3.4 This section provides the RAG comparative analysis for the environmental and engineering characteristics for

each of the route options.

SECTION DISCIPLINE SUB-DISCIPLINE

ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

A

Landscape and

Visual

Designation

Landscape

Character

Visual

Natural Heritage

Designations

Protected Species

Habitat

Ornithology

Hydrology/Geology

Cultural Heritage

Designations

Cultural Heritage

Assets

People Proximity to

Dwellings

Land Use

Infrastructure

Forestry

Recreation

Environmental

Design

Altitude

Coastal

Topography

Terrain

Waterbodies

Slope

Ground Conditions

Peat

Rock

Flooding

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document iii


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

Access

Road Networks

Access Tracks

Existing

Infrastructure

Roads

Clearances

Existing Network

Connectivity

Outages

Operational

Maintenance

Flexibility

Faults


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

B

Landscape and

Visual

Designation

Landscape

Character

Visual

Natural Heritage

Designations

Protected Species

Habitat

Ornithology

Hydrology/Geology

Cultural Heritage

Designations

Cultural Heritage

Assets

People Proximity to

Dwellings

Land Use Infrastructure

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document iv


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

Forestry

Recreation

Environmental

Design

Altitude

Coastal

Topography

Terrain

Waterbodies

Slope

Ground Conditions

Peat

Rock

Flooding

Access

Road Networks

Access Tracks

Existing

Infrastructure

Roads

Clearances

Existing Network

Connectivity

Outages

Operational

Maintenance

Flexibility

Faults


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

C Landscape and

Visual

Designation

Landscape

Character

Visual

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document v


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

Natural Heritage

Designations

Protected Species

Habitat

Ornithology

Hydrology/Geology

Cultural Heritage

Designations

Cultural Heritage

Assets

People Proximity to

Dwellings

Land Use

Infrastructure

Forestry

Recreation

Environmental

Design

Altitude

Coastal

Topography

Terrain

Waterbodies

Slope

Ground Conditions

Peat

Rock

Flooding

Access

Road Networks

Access Tracks

Existing

Infrastructure

Roads

Clearances

Existing Network

Connectivity

Outages

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document vi


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

Operational

Maintenance

Flexibility

Faults


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

D

Landscape and

Visual

Designation

Landscape

Character

Visual

Natural Heritage

Designations

Protected Species

Habitat

Ornithology

Hydrology/Geology

Cultural Heritage

Designations

Cultural Heritage

Assets

People Proximity to

Dwellings

Land Use

Infrastructure

Forestry

Recreation

Environmental

Design

Altitude

Coastal

Topography

Terrain

Waterbodies

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV OHL – Routeing Consultation Document vii


ROUTE OPTION

2 3 4

Slope

Ground Conditions

Peat

Rock

Flooding

Access

Road Networks

Access Tracks

Existing

Infrastructure

Roads

Clearances

Existing Network

Connectivity

Outages

Operational

Maintenance

Flexibility

Faults

Creag Riabhach Windfarm 132 kV Connection Routeing ... Environmental Impact Assessment Report in terms of Electricity Works ... (33 kV or lower). ... Shin Substation The existing 132

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