Environmental Impact Assessment

Since we first started assessing the viability of the area for a wind farm, we have been collecting data to map the site both for engineering purposes and for an Environmental Impact Assessment. The collection of this data is an important step in the project as we need a good understanding of the site and its environmental and socio-economic importance in order to assess the potential impacts of the project. The information will also help to determine the design of the proposed wind farm.

Onshore and offshore ecological surveys have been undertaken to identify the location of habitats and species. We are engaging with statutory nature conservation bodies and other environmental and local interest groups regarding the detail of the surveys.

During our surveys off the shore, we have collected two years of data on bird activity offshore. This data was collected from both boat-based and aerial surveys. 
We have completed one year of marine mammal surveys using a combination of survey techniques. We have also collected over 10,000 hours of continuous acoustic monitoring for marine mammals from static moorings. In addition, we have completed surveys for fish and other marine species which live on, or within, the seabed.

The survey data collected will be used in conjunction with other existing data to establish the ecology of the area.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will then be completed. This will evaluate the sensitivity of the environment to any potential effects from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed development. The EIA, once completed, it will be written into an Environmental Statement and will become part of our planning application which we will submit for development consent.

The initial results of the EIA are available in the form of Preliminary Environmental Information (PEI).  This is available on this website.