Design and Access Statement

Nant y Maen Hydro Project

15 kWs

Job Reference: 108/NAN

Snowdonia Hydro Limited www.snowdoniahydro.co.uk amanda@snowdoniahydro.co.uk

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1.0 Introduction

This proposal aims to introduce a new off grid hydro-electric power scheme at the location of Nant y Maen, Tregaron. The project comprises of a 15 kW scheme on the Nant y Maen. There is no mains electricity present and this study looks at the potential to replace diesel generators at the farm with hydro power.

There are no SSSIs or SACs on the land to which this application relates. However according to DEFRA (Magic Map 2015) there is a SSSI (Cwm Doethie) and a SAC (Elenydd- Mallaen) nearby and both are listed as important bird areas. No important features have been found within the proposed development site at Nant y Maen. The catchment is comprised of slowly permeable to impermeable mudstones and sandstones there are also deep peat deposits and mineral soils. The catchment is 2.7 km2 and has a good average flow of 126 l/s.

We propose building a new intake weir at 276504,258881 (Photo 1). From here a 315mm PE100 SDR26 pipe is recommended to be buried and trenched through the fields at a length of approximately 700 metres to the powerhouse which will be built at 276229,258295 (Photo 2). It will stand at dimensions of 3 x 4 metres and is situated close to a public footpath, the gateway to which is located at 276187,258287

Well-maintained existing roads lead to the farm and wide trackways lead alongside the penstock route to the East (Photo 3) and a grass track to the West (Photo 4). Existing trackways will be utilised across both sites and access to both intakes and the powerhouse is relatively clear.

Snowdonia Hydro believes that the proposal supports the following policies described in the Local Development Plan; S01 Sustainable Growth, LU25 Renewable Energy Generation, DM05 Sustainable Development and Planning Gain, and DM19 Historical and Cultural Landscapes. At the same time Snowdonia Hydro is committed to enhancing biodiversity, ecology and nature conservation (DM07, DM14 and DM15) by effective planning procedures.

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Figure 1. Sketch of site layout. For an accurate and detailed view please see the scale drawing

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2.0 Environmental Sustainability

2.1 An explanation of the design principles and concepts that have been applied.

2.1.1 Landscape setting.

The intake location has been chosen to give reasonable gradient and power to the system at a location which has existing suitable access. The river here is stepped, creating a suitable natural intake where the geomorphological impacts are low. However, the site is quite steep with high rocky banks on either side. Therefore the pipe line will need to be carefully laid through the rock to get out of the gorge before it can run its course down the open hillside. The concrete faces of the weir will be clad in local stone and built discreetly with a stainless steel screen. The intake will also be fitted with a fish and eel pass to allow free movement both up and downstream.

The powerhouse is within close proximity to a public footpath therefore care will be taken in accordance with current legislation, to divert the footpaths during construction and revert the site back to its original state as quickly as possible. The proposed powerhouse will have stone cladding and a slate roof.

Foot access will be required for access, installation and maintenance which will be easily achieved as the powerhouse is located in open ground close to an access road (Picture 3).

Where the penstock is to be buried great care will be taken to return the topsoil above the trench. All works should be carried out outside of the bird nesting season and both trampling and noise levels should be kept to a minimum.

The pipe route and powerhouse will be visible from public rights of way however care will be taken to divert these rights of way during construction and they will rapidly regenerate. The powerhouse will also be located above the flood level of the river.

2.1.2 Bio-diversity and Local Environment

This hydroelectric system is considered to have a low environmental footprint with the majority of risk relevant to the construction and not the operation of the site. The building of the weir will pose a risk due to the large size and flow of the water and will therefore be built in two halves, each while the other half is flowing. Contamination pools using sand bags will also be set up downstream to minimise the risk of any pollutants being released into the river system.

Method statements and risk assessments will be used for the project highlighting ecologically sensitive species and taking steps to actively reduce any impact on the surrounding environment.

2.1.3 Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction Strategy

The purpose of this scheme is to provide the carbon free electricity to the farmhouse at Nant y Maen.

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This supports the plans defined by the vision for One Wales by encouraging and supporting farms to generate and use clean energy on their land. The hydro project will be 100% owned by Nant y Maen farm.

2.1.4 Sustainable Materials

Local materials and suppliers will be used (where possible) for all construction. This may include locally produced timber or stone. The concrete faces of the weir will be clad in local stone and built discreetly with a stainless steel screen. We propose the powerhouse will be clad with stone and have a slate roof.

2.1.5 Water

Water is discussed in the context of the watercourse used for the hydro system.

There are no waste water issues with this proposed development.

Natural Resources Wales have been consulted and have received a pre application and have no issues with the proposal to abstract from this watercourse. Ordinary watercourse consent will also be applied for when the other permissions are complete.

2.1.6 Waste Management

Concrete will be used during the construction of the weir and care will be taken to ensure that no contamination of the watercourse or the surrounding environment occurs during construction. This is outlined in the Construction and Method Statement.

Due to the nature of this proposal there are no waste issues that will need to be addressed after construction as no harmful materials will be used or generated in its operation.

2.1.7 Climate Resilience

The structures proposed have been designed to suitably withstand the climate in North Wales.

Structures will be maintained by the client.

2.1.8 Sustainable Building Materials

Snowdonia Hydro is committed to using sustainable building materials; these will be locally sourced wherever possible. Sustainable materials will lessen the impact on both the local and the wider environment and are a tool in the mitigation process against climate change.

2.2 Demonstration of the steps taken to address the physical, socioeconomic and policy aspects of the development.

The development of a micro-hydroelectric scheme demonstrates the support to Government Policy to reduce the effects of climate change by aiding the responsible sourcing of energy.

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The integration of micro hydroelectric schemes in Wales conveys a strong physical, socioeconomic and policy statement in support of mitigation and adaptation in response to climate change. Micro generation technologies are a visible and productive aid to achieving carbon reduction targets in Wales and the UK.

Any properties which benefit from using the electricity will promote sustainable electricity production and advertise the cultural history of Wales with hydroelectric power.

2.3 How the design addresses the physical, social and economic policy

The design of this system is sustainable and protects the cultural and historic environment of Snowdonia. The hydro-electric power scheme is supplying clean electricity and therefore supports the framework to address the effects of climate change protecting the resources here for future generations.

The design of the project aims to be unobtrusive and to have no detrimental effects on biodiversity in the area.

3.0 Movement to from and within the development

3.1 Design principles and concepts

The client owns the development area and has right of access to all development areas. Existing, well maintained roads already exist across the development (Photo 3 & 4). These provide easy access to both the intake areas and for transportation of materials across the site. At the powerhouse, the area is open and easily accessible.

4.0 Character

4.1 Scale

The scale of the development does not intrude on the local habitat or environment and does not cause visual obstructions to the landscape.

The intake will not be visible from the track and will be unobtrusive and tastefully built.

The powerhouse has been designed to allow sufficient room to house the equipment as well as the installation and the maintenance of this equipment.

This complies with the Local Development Plan at sections 1.27, 1.35, 1.58 and 3.12

4.2 Appearance

The penstock will be visible from public rights of way during construction however it will be buried.

The intake weir will not be visible from any public roads or rights of way, care will be taken to construct the weir and pipeline sensitively and the area around the pipeline itself will regenerate swiftly after completion.

The powerhouse is on private land and not visible from any public road. Page ! .6

4.3 Landscaping Necessary landscaping will include replacing the topsoil and subsoil from the penstock’s narrow trench, after construction the landscape will quickly regenerate. 5.0 Community Safety

The contractor who performs the works will ensure that the site is safe and complies with current health and safety legislation at all times. The contractor will ensure that where the works crosses public footpaths that correct signage and safe diversions are provided to comply with The Highways Act (1980).

6.0 Cable Route

There will be connection cable from the powerhouse up to the house. All external cables will be SWA, buried to the legal depth and clearly marked with electrical warning tape.

7.0 Design Statement and Conclusion

It is considered that the proposal for micro hydro development on the Nant y Maen is in line with all Natural Resources Wales guidance and the policies of Ceredigion Council.

Snowdonia Hydro is committed to creating sustainable development of micro hydro systems and in support of local policy designed to protect the natural beauty and heritage of any site.

8.0 Access Statement

Both the intake and the powerhouse areas are fully accessible with the powerhouse accessed by a tarmac road and the intake via a well-maintained non-tarmac track (photo 3 & 4).

The trench for the penstock will be dug and refilled using a excavator. The trench will be no wider than 1m. the working corridor will be 6m wide to give room to work within the site.

Topsoil will be separated from subsoil during digging of the trench in order to ensure that it is returned correctly when burying the penstock.

Policy Approach

The Eryri Development Plan has been considered when preparing this scheme. It is considered that the proposal complies with the requirements of the policy.

Specific Features and Issues

Access routes will be restored after construction to their natural situation.

Stone walls will be rebuilt where they may have been removed to lay the pipe.

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9.0 Method Statement

Method Statement:

The weir will be built using concrete shuttering and a stainless steel coanda screen. Construction will happen during a period of dry weather and the stream can be diverted through a temporary channel using sandbags and earth, with settling pools to catch any release of sediment downstream. The owner has full access across the site.

During construction of the weir, water will be diverted around the site using a temporary dam, drainage pipe and sandbags. There will also be a temporary sandbag settlement pool downstream to prevent any silt from re-entering during construction. A settlement tank will allow sediment to sink to the bottom while water continues to flow as normal, this can be manually removed if necessary at the end of a working day. In conjunction with PPG note 5, “NRW must be given 7 days written notice of any intention to temporarily divert flow of any watercourse, carry out works within the river channel or commence any operations in the river channel so that suitable arrangements can be made concerning fisheries”. It has been agreed with NRW there may be fish and eel present in the stream here, a V notch has been used for the design of the compensation flow to allow upstream and downstream fish passage. Gwynedd Council should also be notified of the intention to begin works.

All work on site will be carried out with maximum consideration to the environment and within the allocated timeframes detailed on the individual licenses. Care will be taken at all times to minimise the impact of construction. This is particularly necessary due to the use of concrete and machinery. There are no other toxic or harmful materials being used in the construction of the weir or the powerhouse. PPG notes 5 and 6 will be adhered to by the construction company.

On site project management will be the responsibility of the owner, and not of Snowdonia Hydro. A copy of all relevant method statements and licenses will be copied to the license holder.

Statement Declaration for Watercourse

All water abstracted from the stream will be returned to the same watercourse in accordance with Natural Resources Wales regulation.

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10.0 Photos

Photo 1. Intake location (276504,258881)

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Photo 2. Powerhouse location (276229,258295)

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Photo 3. Main access road to farm (276232,257660)

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Photo 4. Rough trackway to the West of the penstock route.

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