Viking drops plans for Tresta compound
VIKING ENERGY has dropped plans to develop a large compound on the hill between Tresta and Weisdale after a rare plant thought to be extinct in Shetland was found on the hillside.
Stag’s-horn clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) was found by Dr Andy Mackenzie, an ecological consultant tasked by Viking Energy to study the sites of three proposed construction compounds for the 103-turbine wind farm.
The ecologist also warned of the potential impact of creating the compound on so-called ground water-dependent terrestrial ecosystem (GWDTE) found on limestone rock, which is a relatively rare type of habitat in Shetland.
Viking said it had now withdrawn the proposal for the 200 square metre compound at the Scord of Sound and will make do with a compound half the size nearby, which was granted permission in 2012 along with the rest of the wind farm.
The company added that it is awaiting the outcome of planning applications to build the main compound near Sandwater and the north compound near Scar Quilse, south of Voe.
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