ASH undertook the environmental impact assessment and ES for Black Rock Hydroelectric Scheme

In 2005, ASH was appointed by RWE Npower Renewables to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment and prepare an Environmental Statement for Black Rock hydrolectric development. The development is located on the lower catchment of the River Glass, between Redburn and Evanton.

The run-of-river scheme comprises:

  • Intake weir on the River Glass

  • Powerhouse

  • Buried pipe to convey water from the intake to the powerhouse

  • Pipe river crossing

  • Temporary access tracks

  • Upgrade of an existing track for permanent access

The 3.5 Megawatt scheme supplies the domestic needs of over 2,000 households and is one of a number of hydroelectric projects that has been developed by the company.

Key Tasks

Screening and Scoping

EIA coordination and project management

Landscape and visual impact assessment

Stakeholder consultation

Public consultation

What we did

ASH’s scope of services for the Black Rock Hydroelectric scheme included:

  • Project management;

  • Scheme alternatives;

  • Environmental Impact Assessment; and

  • Environmental enhancements.

ASH was supported by a number of sub consultant organisations and individuals who provided specialist inputs into the environmental impact assessment.

Due to the location of the hydroelectric scheme within Evanton Woods and in close proximity to Black Rock Gorge, detailed consultations with local users such as walkers and anglers were key. Discussions with other local organisations were also required in order to mitigate any potential adverse effects resulting from the scheme.

The hydroelectric scheme design went through a number of iterations before the final scheme was fixed. Use of the Novar wind farm access track enabled construction traffic to bypass the village of Evanton and minimise potentially adverse construction impacts.

The Environmental Statement was published in December 2006 and consent by Scottish Ministers was given in December 2008. The scheme is now fully operational.

 

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.