ASH managed the environmental and landscape assessment for the upgrade of the overhead line between Aultbea and Dundonnell

ASH was commissioned by Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) to undertake and coordinate environmental studies for the replacement of the existing 11k V wood pole overhead line with a new 33 kV wood pole overhead line between Aultbea and Dundonnell in Ross and Cromarty.

Key Tasks

Route options appraisal

EIA coordination and project management

Landscape and visual impact assessment

Stakeholder consultation

Environmental monitoring during construction

 

What we did

A list of key environmental aspects which could be affected by the upgrade was compiled by ASH following consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Scotland, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and The Highland Council.

Potential interactions were identified and investigated to determine the need for detailed assessment and the form and extent of these. The following topics were identified as requiring further detailed investigation:

  • Landscape Character
  • Visual Impact
  • Ecology
  • Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
  • Hydrology

Following the consultation with the statutory authorities it was also determined that the landscape assessment should focus on impacts upon the National Scenic Area in general and the most sensitive section of landscape around Gruinard Bay in particular. An assessment of the impacts on the visual amenity was also to be carried out in areas where the greatest departures from the existing route were located, namely between Sand and Mungasdale.

On obtaining planning consent, ASH were retained to compile the Construction Environment Management Document (CEMD) and to act as Environmental Project Manager (EPM) during implementation. ASH co-ordinated the efforts of the Ecological and Archaeological Clerks of Works and reviewed and advised on any CEMD non-conformances.

 

Find out more

We’re always happy to answer your questions. If you’d like to find out more about the services we can offer for your project, you can email us on info@ashglasgow.com or call 0141 227 3388.