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2. Gathering the necessary environmental information

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2. Gathering the necessary environmental information

The EIA process and how it will inform the development of the proposals

For proposed energy projects such as Parc Solar Traffwll, the applicant has undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and produced an Environmental Statement (ES), which will be submitted as part of the application.

The ES is a document which presents the results of a detailed assessment of the potential beneficial or adverse environmental effects and impacts arising from the proposed development of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the project. You can view the draft ES document we’ve produced for Parc Solar Traffwll on the 'Project Documents' page of this website.

Ecology and Conservation 

We have undertaken an assessment of the potential ecological effects and proposed mitigation measures required to address any impacts of our proposals on the local environment. This work has covered all of the proposed plots and the cable route corridor.

This has included undertaking surveys and consultation with relevant specialist consultees (such as Isle of Anglesey County Council, RSPB, and Natural Resources Wales) to provide us with detailed information on a number of environmental considerations, including:

  • Common and wintering bird surveys (including choughs)
  • Bat and great crested newt surveys
  • Water Vole and Otter surveys
  • Review of local habitats
  • Review of local protected species
  • Reptile habitat suitability report

There are a number of statutory sites designated for nature conservation or wildlife protection within the proximity of the proposed site. These include the Llynn Dinam SAC (Special Area of Conservation), and Holy Island Coast SPA (Special Protection Area), as well as the Llynnau y Fali SSSI (Site of special scientific interest) and the Llyn Traffwll SSSI. Other sites close by include the Cors Plas Wildlife Site, Tywyn Trewan Wildlife Site and RSPB Valley Wetlands Nature Reserve.

Ecological mitigation 

Having assessed the site location and surrounding areas extensively, we have developed specific mitigation measures to address any issues that have been identified through this technical work. A full explanation of specific mitigation is set out in Chapter 11 of the draft ES, however, a number of specific examples of measures we have put in place include:

  • We’ve removed certain plots of land from the redline area to avoid impacts on surrounding sensitive areas;
  • Existing farm tracks will be utilised and low pressure tracked vehicles will be used wherever possible to minimise soil damage;
  • Vegetation clearance will be minimal and avoided wherever possible;
  • No hedgerows are planned to be removed, and root protection zones for trees will be established;
  • Field margins will be kept clear to avoid impacts on invertebrates, reptiles and foraging birds;
  • Construction timeframes will avoid breeding seasons;
  • Security fencing will be designed with a 20cm gap at the bottom to allow small and medium mammals free access;
  • Surface water and drainage will be carefully managed to maintain the status quo of surrounding waterways.

Further specific mitigation measures are identified for each of the statutory sites and wildlife conservation areas around the site, as well as specific consideration of individual species, such as amphibians, identified mammals and birds.

Throughout the lifetime of the project, the site ecology and environmental impacts will be monitored, and revisions to planned mitigation will be assessed and agreed upon with relevant statutory bodies.



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