Nature / RSPB has ‘serious concerns’ around cumulative impact on birds from developments across Shetland
RSPB Scotland says it continues to have “serious concerns” around the cumulative impacts on birds as a result of operational and planned developments in Shetland.
The view comes in response to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping request relating to Statkraft’s proposed Tagdale ammonia plant near Dales Voe.
In response the RSPB said the site and the surrounding area are “likely to be used by a range of species” including a number listed for protection, and some other species of conservation concern.
Shetland Conservation Officer Matt Willmott wrote that ornithological impacts of the proposed development are likely to be a “significant consideration” within the EIA.
But he also expressed concern about the wider situation in Shetland with development, including in the energy sector.
“RSPB Scotland continue to have serious concerns around the cumulative impacts on birds as a result of operational, consented, and planned developments across Shetland,” he wrote.
“Cumulative and in-combination assessment of impacts on European sites and priority bird species should not focus solely on projects in the vicinity but should also include any project which may impact on the relevant designated features of the sites.
“This should include developments in other sectors including aquaculture, renewable energy developments etc. in areas with connectivity to the sites.
“This holistic approach is needed for species such as Red-throated Diver for example which nests on freshwater lochs, and uses regular, determined flightlines during the breeding season to coastal foraging areas.”
Meanwhile a natural heritage officer from Shetland Islands Council said there could be “potential for significant visual impacts” from the plant.
They also wrote that given the location on undeveloped coast and its visibility from the A970, landscape effects as well as visual ones should be considered.
“The introduction of a new industrial land use into an area currently experienced as open countryside, particularly for users of the A970 heading north out of Lerwick, represents a significant change in landscape character,” the officer wrote.
“This change must be assessed along the with cumulative effects of other development, including the consented Mossy Hill Wind Farm and associated substation.”
Statkraft previously said the EIA scoping request is the starting point at which the council and the developer agree on the surveys and other work which are required as part of the future planning application.
Statkraft previously said construction on the Tagdale could start in 2027, before the facility goes into operation in 2029.
The development, which would have a capacity of up to 80MW, would be powered by the grid via the substation which is planned as part of Statkraft’s Mossy Hill wind farm, on the other side of the A970.
Statkraft’s revised plans for Mossy Hill – which feature eight turbines at a height of 145 metres – were submitted to Shetland Islands Council recently.
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