ASH was appointed as project environmental advisors by SSE for the Glasa Hydroelectric Scheme

Development of the Glasa Hydroelectric Scheme, located on the Kildermorie Estate, Easter Ross, was considered by SSE Renewables (SSE), as one of a number of significant projects promoted by the Company in support of UK commitments to increase the proportion of electricity generated by way of renewable sources.

The scheme has a target capacity of 7.5 Megawatts, enough to supply the domestic needs of approximately 9400 households. The proposed development consists of a new dam and storage reservoir, a buried pipeline, and a powerhouse. The scheme output would be increased by a series of 10 small and minor intakes on tributaries of the main river, fed into the main pipeline via buried aqueducts.

Key Tasks

Site options appraisal

Screening and Scoping

EIA coordination and project management

Landscape and visual impact assessment

Landscape design

Stakeholder consultation

Visualisations

What we did

ASH was commissioned as project environmental advisor to SSE with responsibility for project management of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and coordination of a number of specialist sub consultants. ASH’s in house team of landscape architects and environmental consultants carried out assessments for:

  • Landscape and visual impacts

  • Land use and recreation

  • Policies and plans

Environmental surveys were carried out during 2008 and 2009. ASH worked closely with SSE to ensure that the design was developed taking into consideration the EIA findings and the scheme design was developed to ensure engineering and financial viability whilst minimising adverse environmental impacts.

As part of the EIA, ASH produced exhibition materials and attended a public exhibition held in a local community hall. The exhibition provided an opportunity for members of the local community to view the scheme proposals and raise any concerns prior to application submission.

The Environmental Statement was published in December 2009 and the scheme was consented by Scottish Ministers in September 2010. ASH was retained as project environmental consultants, to assist SSE with the detailed design of the scheme.

 

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.