Hoy is Orkney’s second largest island and consists of mountainous-like moorland and glacial valleys. It has a strong community with a population of around 400 residents.
The Hoy project consists of six wind turbines of up to a maximum of 149.9m in height from ground to blade tip when vertical with a capacity of 28.8MW.
The site lies to the south of Wee Fea, the hill behind Lyness, which contains underground wartime oil tanks.
Key facts:
- The site lies on the south-east of the island of Hoy and comprises of moorland with coastal pastures in the east and south. Habitats of a similar nature to the site are present north of the site, with glaciated hill and valleys in a small section in the northwest of the island.
- There are several small burns, namely the Burn of Ore, which flows east-west through the site, as well as the Burn of Longigill flowing north-south in the north-central site area. There are other small unnamed watercourses on site as shown on OS mapping and observed from site visits.
Challenges and Mitigations
To reduce potential impacts that may arise from the developments, measures will be put in place to mitigate challenges that have been identified through surveys and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The table below summarises some of the proposed challenges and mitigations that may arise throughout the construction and operational phases of the project:
| Consideration | Challenge | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape & Visual | Visual impact of the turbines within the landscape designations and wild land. Ensuring a suitable separation distance from residential properties to minimise noise, flicker and visual amenity impacts. | • The visual impact was considered through the choice of the site and design of the turbine locations, and extra care is being taken to minimise impacts including the avoidance of positioning turbines in Wild Land Areas (WLA) as far as possible. • Maintaining a sizeable separation distance from residential properties helps to reduce potential impacts on visual amenity. The closest property to the area being considered for development is c.950m. |
| Ecology & Ornithology | Effect on local wildlife and birds during construction and operation including disturbance arising from construction and collision risks during operation. | • A comprehensive suite of ecology and ornithology surveys have been undertaken. The results of these surveys will strongly influence the final design, with turbines being positioned to minimise potential impacts. • A Habitat Management Plan will be produced to mitigate measures likely effected from construction and operation as identified in the EIA. A species protection plan will also be produced. |
| Transport & Traffic | Increased traffic during construction. | • A detailed analysis of the expected logistical requirements will be undertaken. • A Construction Traffic Management Plan with our team from Roads Services will be agreed. |
| Noise | Increased noise during the construction period. Noise disturbance during the operational phase of the turbines. | • The closest property to the area being considered for turbine development is c.950m. This separation distance will help to ensure levels during operation will remain within the guidance thresholds. • A Construction Environmental Management Plan will be produced which will minimise noise and set out agreed working hours e.g. daytime only. • Background noise surveys have been undertaken in agreement with the Environmental Health Officer at OIC. |
| Site Specific | Telecommunications links running through the site. Watercourses running through the site. | • During the design process telecommunications operators have been consulted to ensure turbines are positioned in locations that will not interfere with any links. • In line with best practice, a 50m buffer has been applied to all watercourses running through the site. • An initial peat probing survey has been undertaken. More detailed assessment is still to be carried out such as pre-construction site investigations which will be completed later this year. |
| Cultural & Heritage | Heritage assets on and in the vicinity of the site including the listed underground fuel tanks, the formal naval headquarters and a wide range of non-designated wartime assets. | • Consultation with Historic Environment Scotland and OIC helped determine design of site to help mitigate risks to assets. • A geophysical survey will take place to ensure there no significant effects on archaeological sites during construction. • A Heritage Trail will be established within the site to help offset potential impacts on the setting of Second World War heritage assets. |
Relevant publications for the Hoy Community Wind Farm can be found here.
