View slideshow of larger images (1/2)
Chaorach Hydroelectric Scheme EIA
The hydroelectric scheme is located to the south of the River Dochart, on the lower slopes of Ben More. Situated within the northern boundaries of the Ben More and Stob Binnein Site of Special Scientific Interest, and upstream of the River Tay Special Area of Conservation.
Development in such a sensitive area required detailed environmental studies into scheme alternatives and mitigation measures for the final hydroelectric scheme design.
Close contact with landowners and key consultees was maintained throughout the assessment process and a thorough scoping exercise was carried out to ensure all potential impacts on the environment were considered.
Code of Landscape Reinstatement and Construction Practice
A draft Code of Landscape Reinstatement and Construction Practice was produced detailing specific conditions relating to:
- The siting of working areas
- The protection of species
- Soil management strategy
- Prevention of pollution to watercourses
- The means by which site monitoring should occur
This code ensures the findings and recommendations of the environmental statement are implemented during construction of the hydroelectric scheme.
The planning application for the Chaorach hydroelectric scheme was submitted in March 2007, and consent was received from Scottish Ministers in December 2008. Construction is planned to commence at the earliest in January 2009, extending for about 12 months.
