The following sections provide a brief summary of the main
findings of the EIA as set out in the full Environmental
Statement.
Landscape
and Visual
Views from over
100 different locations were reviewed. Photomontages or diagrams of
views have been prepared for 26 locations and are available to view
in the full ES and online.
Views of the Maerdy
Windfarm from the settlements located in the valleys surrounding the
windfarm would be considerably restricted by the local topography.
The winding steeply sided valleys and the set back layout of the windfarm
on the plateau restrict the line of sight. As shown in the attached
plan of theoretical visibility (Figure 3), the majority of urban areas
along the bottom of the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys do not have a view.
Nowhere in the Rhondda valleys can the whole of the windfarm be seen.
The dense terrace housing in the Rhondda also significantly restricts
views where available.
Parts of Maerdy,
Ferndale, Blaenllechau, Blaencwm, Treorchy, Pentre, Ton Pentre and
Gelli in the Rhondda would potentially have views of some of the turbines.
In the Cynon Valley Cwmdare and Trecynon may see some blade tips,
and elevated eastern valley sides, principally Llwydcoed, would have
more distant views of the windfarm.
Significant visual
effects are restricted to a small number of elevated locations close
to the windfarm: local footpaths, a cycle route and an isolated farmhouse:
Maerdy Farm. The Coed Morgannwg Way footpath and the Sustrans Celtic
Trail cycle route both pass close to the windfarm site from which
there would be views for a small section of these long distance routes.
The Windfarm would
be theoretically visible from approximately 13% of the Brecon Beacons
National Park. Nearer views are limited to the uninhabited area east
of Penderyn. Most views are from elevated areas that are located at
least 15 km from the proposed windfarm. At such a distance weather
will significantly effect visibility and the windfarm would be a narrow
element just above the horizon. It is highly unlikely that the windfarm’s
distant visual presence will compromise the qualities which residents
and visitors of the National Park value. Further, the landscape characteristics
are sufficiently robust and different from those of its surrounding
areas not to be modified.
Figure: Zones
of Theoretical Visibility of Windfarm
Fifty five different
types of landscape have been reviewed. Many of the local landscapes
will sustain limited or no effects due to intervening topography and
the extensive forestry. Wider landscapes, such as the local Rhondda
and Cynon upland designations and the Rhondda Historic Area are all
sufficiently broad and robust for the windfarm not to have a significant
effect. Significant effects are restricted once again to the immediate
area around the windfarm; at the Castel Nos ruin scheduled monument
and Hirwaun Common. It is noted that the landscape near the windfarm
has already experienced significant change with extensive forestry,
the Lluest-wen reservoir and the Maerdy colliery and coal tip. No
other listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas or
other landscape designations would experience significant effects.
Noise
The turbines proposed
are electrically and aerodynamically very efficient, and are constructed
to minimise noise emissions. Technological improvements introduced
over the years have led to a highly developed design with minimal
acoustic impact, compared to older wind turbines.
The wind turbine
noise levels have been predicted at the properties nearest the proposed
windfarm using noise and windspeed measurements and computer model
forecasting. The predicted noise levels are either lower than the
existing background levels or within the recommended daytime and night-time
limits.
The predicted
noise levels are significantly below limits for the local communities
at Maerdy, Treherbert and Treorchy. The predicted noise levels are
within, but closer to, limits for two isolated farm properties: Fforch
Isaf and Fforch Orky. Variation in operating characteristics of the
turbines will ensure noise remains below limits for these properties.
Noise from the
windfarm will therefore not be detrimental to the amenity of local
residents. Additionally the remote construction activity will not
constitute any noise nuisance.
Health
and Safety
A specific risk
of “shadow flicker” exists with windfarms as the blades
can cast moving shadows on houses. Technical assessment has determined
that this effect is not possible because of the relative position
of housing to the windfarm.
Windfarms can
cause conflict with military and civilian aviation. Careful consultation
was undertaken during site selection to avoid any conflict and no
objections have been received.
No significant
public health or safety risks would arise from the windfarm. Welsh
Assembly Planning Guidance notes that “There has been no example
of injury to a member of the public [from a windfarm]” The only
risk identified is the minor risk to contractors during construction
- this will be mitigated by application of appropriate health and
safety practice.
Infrastructure
Interference
A study by specialists,
National Grid Wireless, concluded that 35 houses could experience
some TV interference and that this can be totally rectified by technical
means leaving no residual effects from the windfarm on TV reception.
Operators of telecommunication
networks: mobile phone companies, BT, public service telecommunication
users have been consulted. No objections have been received and it
is unlikely telecommunication infrastructure will be impacted. Operators
of gas, electricity and water networks have confirmed no conflict
arising with the windfarm.
Ecology
and Nature Conservation
The site is primarily
rough upland grazing. The nearest statutorily designated sites are
over 1km from the site boundary and will not be affected. The Cefn-y-Rhondda
ridge between the Rhondda Fach and Fawr, that includes the windfarm
site, is of district nature conservation value. There are some habitats
of interest within the site, primarily bog.
A habitat survey
was undertaken, during which signs of potential mammals (badger, otter
and water vole) were looked for and the potential for amphibians and
reptiles was also assessed. There was no evidence of any protected
mammals, reptiles or amphibian on the site.
The development
will cover a maximum area during construction of 4.9 hectares (ha)
representing 2.5% of the site, reducing to 3.7 ha during operation
(1.9% of the site). The layout has been designed to avoid the bog
areas and the developer is preparing a plan to enhance the quality
of these areas. The ecological assessment concludes that there will
be no significant impacts upon the nature conservation of the site.
There can be potential
for some bird species to be disturbed and displaced as a result of
windfarms. Bird surveys were undertaken according to requirements
agreed with the RSPB and CCW. Maerdy is considered to be of no more
than low nature conservation importance with regards to the birds
that occur at the site. The small amount of habitat permanently lost
is also predicted to have a negligible effect on the bird community.
Measures proposed
to enhance the nature conservation of the site as part of the development
include:
• Correction
of currently misrouted streams back to feeding bog;
• Use of any surplus topsoil from the project to top dress
parts of the neighbouring coal tip encouraging re-vegetation;
• Reduction in damage to habitats by farm traffic using turbine
access tracks.
Hydrology,
Geology and Hydrogeology
The proposed site
contains the headwaters and many tributaries of four established streams
that feed the Rhondda Fach and Fawr. The site is overlain by peat
in some areas at variable depths. The site is underlain by a minor
aquifer.
There are potential
hydrological impacts associated principally with construction of the
windfarm. Sediment-laden water could enter watercourses, peat could
be disturbed affecting water quality and promoting erosion and degradation.
The windfarm has
been designed to avoid sensitive hydrology areas and to utilise existing
water crossings. Stringent protection measures during construction
will ensure that the surface water and groundwater environments are
sufficiently protected from potential impacts and any residual impacts
will be of minor significance.
The potential
for ground disturbance and instability has been reviewed. The shallowest
mine workings are 160 m deep. Turbine foundations are 2 m deep. The
shallow construction design, the location of turbines away from unstable
slopes, and a planned geotechnical investigation and subsequent micrositing
or remedial measures, mean ground stability is not a significant risk.
Traffic
and Transport
The access route
for the windfarm is shown in Figure 1. The only community that might
be passed through is Penderyn, should Penderyn Quarry be used; otherwise
all routes avoid passing through communities. The main transportation
impacts will be during the construction phase associated with the
movements of commercial Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to and from the
site delivering stone and concrete. There will also be some abnormal
loads delivering the wind turbines themselves. Once operational, there
is little vehicular activity associated with the windfarm.
The peak HGV movement
during construction is 27 return trips per working day. This would
lead to a maximum increase in traffic of 13% above existing levels;
which is well within guidance levels. The route for the abnormal loads
from Swansea uses nearly all high grade A roads. Highway works, junction
alterations etc. are considered to be negligible. Delay to other road
users is likely to be minimal due to the high grade roads used.
Archaeology
and Cultural Heritage
The known history
of the site is limited to its use for upland grazing. Site surveys
and record reviews show a limited number of known cultural heritage
features on the site. The windfarm has been designed to avoid these
features.
There is some
potential for further archaeological remains, not previously identified,
to be present within the site. Potential impact on these is limited
by the low percentage land use (2.5% of the site). An archaeologist
will monitor the construction process to address any unrecorded features.
If new features are found, turbines, etc. will be moved slightly to
avoid them or features recorded according to their importance.
Effects on the
Rhondda Landscape of Special Historic Interest have been assessed
in detail. The essential historic character of this area would remain
unchanged and any effects of minor significance.
Business
and Economy
There will be
some minor benefit to the local economy during the construction phase
through construction work, quarry orders, plant supply, etc., however
direct local employment from the windfarm during operation is low
as it does not require significant maintenance. The windfarm would
contribute to the Welsh Assembly’s wider aims of developing
the Welsh energy industry, with longer term benefits.
REP has proposed
a Community Benefit Programme
including community funds of £50 000 per year or a £600
000 capital sum. The funds are proposed to be run on a democratic
basis, with each resident having an equal vote on how funds are spent.
It is hoped this will involve all and promote community spirit. The
Council will benefit financially from substantial non-domestic rates
of between £48 000 and £192 000 per year.
The revenue generated
by the windfarm will provide economic support to the local farm that,
like most upland farms has been significantly threatened in recent
years. Infrastructure for forestry will also be improved by an upgraded
track.
Recreation
and Amenity
There is a footpath
across the site, however public use of the site is very low. No turbines
overhang the footpath and only two turbines are within 100 m of it.
A new footpath up to the windfarm from the Maerdy Colliery Site, signs,
information boards, bridges and styles are proposed to encourage public
access. The windfarm may be a feature of interest for the nearby Maerdy
Colliery Site, Coed Morganwgg Way long distance footpath, Sustrans
Cycle Route and Dare Valley Country Park.
B&B’s
in the area may be boosted during the construction phase. There is
no significant visual and landscape impact on the Brecon Beacons and
Rhondda Heritage assets in the area. Various independent public attitude
surveys suggest windfarms are not detractors to tourist visits. The
windfarm may have a minor positive effect on the tourist economy,
by attracting new recreational and educational visitors interested
in the windfarm.
The windfarm would provide electricity, reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, increase domestic energy generation and assist the
long term development of a Welsh energy industry. The windfarm is
a significant contribution to UK and Welsh Government policy in these
regards. Local benefits include establishment of a community fund
and public access improvements to the site.
A detailed environmental
impact assessment has been conducted on the proposals. The Maerdy
Windfarm site has been selected and designed with the objective of
minimising environmental impacts and a range of further measures are
proposed to reduce any residual impacts.
Negative effects
of major significance are limited to visual and landscape changes
for areas close by and at a similar elevation to the windfarm (including
local footpaths, a cycle path, the Castel Nos ruin and an isolated
farm).
