WIND TURBINE PROJECTIntroductionLancaster University is planning to construct two wind turbines on its land to theeast of the M6 motorway. As part of the process for planning, designing andassessing the environmental impact of the wind turbines, the University is keento hear the views of the local community on the wind turbine project.

Why does Lancaster Universitywant wind turbines?• To minimise its impact on global warming and climate change throughreducing its carbon emissions

• To reduce its dependence on grid electricity through using a securerenewable energy source

• To reduce oil and gas resource depletion, which are likely to result inelectricity becoming more expensive and less available

• To enable it to generate approximately one third of its annual electricityrequirements from a renewable source reducing annual carbon emissionsby 5,740 tonnes

WIND TURBINE PROJECTWhy wind turbines as arenewable energy source?

In 2008 the University commissioned a detailed study of conventionaland renewable energy sources which identified the best low or zerocarbon technologies which could be used to generate heat andelectrical power at Lancaster University. These were found to comprisethe following:

• High efficiency gas boilers - (completion due May 2010)

• Combined heat and power (CHP) unit - (completion dueDecember 2010)

• Biomass boilers - (Planned installation 2012)

• Wind turbine generators - (Planned to be installed early 2011)

WIND TURBINE PROJECTLancaster University CarbonManagement PlanLancaster University has developed a Carbon Management Plan (CMP) in order tounderstand and manage its carbon emissions. Carbon emissions at Lancaster Universitycan be cut by over 20% by 2011/2012. The wind turbines will contribute a significantproportion of this reduction but are just one part of the overall strategy to reduce LancasterUniversity’s carbon emissions from utility consumption.

Within the CMP the University has calculated its carbon footprint from utility consumptionis 27,455 tonnes of CO2 (2008/09). Completion of all the projects listed below will resultin reductions in carbon emissions of greater than 20% by 2011/12.

• Energy and utility efficiency projects

• Energy efficiency campaigns and management

• Smart metering project

• Installation of three new high efficiency gas boilers

• Installation of new combined heat and power (CHP) unit

• Installation of a biomass boiler

• Installation of wind turbines

WIND TURBINE PROJECTWhy Hazelrigg?

• The Hazelrigg site offers the best wind resource across the University estate

• It is the highest area of University land with wind speeds, which will providethe greatest energy yield

• Located on the Hazelrigg site is the University’s Meteorological Station, wherelong term wind speed and direction data have been monitored, confirming itssuitability

• The site is also relatively remote for an area not far from a major city, and isnot located in close proximity to large numbers of residential dwellings orother buildings

• Lancaster University has assessed the feasibility of locating wind turbinesacross the whole of its estate. Much of the campus is ruled out due toproximity to residential buildings, roads and IT infrastructure. The Hazelriggsite was identified as the by far the optimum location for large wind turbinesacross the whole estate.

Proposed Site

WIND TURBINE PROJECTLandscape &Visual ImpactA full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)has been undertaken to quantify the significance ofthe local landscape character and the impact onvisual amenity of the wind turbines from key locations.The scope of the study was agreed with LancasterCity Council.

Maps have been generated showing the areas where theturbines will be visible from and the cumulative visualimpact of this wind farm and others in the local area.

60 metres

41 metres

WIND TURBINE PROJECTShadow FlickerShadow flicker can be caused by the shadow of wind turbineblades passing in front of a window of a residence or otherbuilding when it is sunny. Typically shadow flicker occurs onlywithin ten rotor diameters of a turbine. In this case up to 820mfrom each turbine, to the north west, north or north east.

An assessment of areas that will be affected by shadowflicker has been completed. The plan opposite showscalculated shadow flicker in the vacinity of the windturbines. Clearly for shadow flicker to be a problem it hasto be sunny, the turbine blades turning and the sun has tobe illuminating the turbines at a low angle.

Shadow flicker impact is highly predictable and it ispossible to mitigate its effects by switching turbines offautomatically at times when nearby residences arecalculated to be affected.

Shadow Flicker Potential – expected hours per year

WIND TURBINE PROJECTNoiseA noise assessment has been undertaken at the Hazelriggsite. This comprised an assessment of existingbackground noise levels and modelling noise impact fromthe two wind turbines. Background noise levels wereassessed at locations representative of the four closestresidential property clusters, with spot surveys on theUniversity campus.

Background noise levels were found to be relatively high,with noise from the M6 Motorway dominating. Themodelling of the projected noise from the wind turbinesindicated that noise levels would be within the requiredlevels of no more than 5dB above background levels.Noise from turbines is dominated by an aerodynamic‘swoosh’ sound from the blades. There is no audibletonal noise from gearboxes.

WIND TURBINE PROJECTMet MastA 70m high meteorological mast has been erected at theHazelrigg site. The mast has been put up in order tocollect high quality wind speed and direction data to helpdetermine the engineering specifications of the turbines.The meteorological mast is a temporary installation andwill be removed within one year. It is locatedapproximately 200m further to the west than the proposednorthern turbine.

WIND TURBINE PROJECTEcologyA detailed assessment of the ecology at the Hazelrigg site has been undertaken as partof the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The survey comprised a comprehensivebaseline assessment of fauna and flora, including specific surveys of bats and birds. TheHazelrigg site, whilst important from an ecological perspective is not exceptional.Important ecological features of the site include a semi-natural woodland immediately tothe east of the M6 Motorway and certain woodland edge habitats which have been foundto be used by bats and birds as foraging areas.

The impact of the Wind Turbine Project on the Ecology of the Hazelrgg site has beenassessed and further detailed studies are continuing (including a bird overwinteringstudy). The most significant ecological impact of the scheme would be on Ghyll Wood,immediately to the north of the proposed southern turbine. Ghyll Wood largelycomprises a coppiced re-growth sycamore wood, characterised as having limitedecological significance.

Possible mitigation measures are being worked through to reduce this impact, these arelikely to include the following:

• New woodland planting and (fenced) natural woodland re-growth areas along the siteand field boundaries

• Interconnecting existing woodland habitat areas

• The remodelling of the Ghyll Wood edge to limit the impact of the southern turbine onforaging species

WIND TURBINE PROJECTCommunity Benefits PackageInstallation of wind turbines will see major benefits for the Lancaster District andLancaster University, in terms of the overall reduction in carbon emissions.

Lancaster University proposes to provide a Community Benefits Package (CBP)to support the wind turbine development.

The CBP package will comprise a lump sum payment followed by an annualfund of £2,000 per Megawatt (MW) of installed generating capacity for thelifetime of the project.

It is proposed that this fund would be managed by an impartial Steering Groupcomprising elected local representatives as well as a University representativewho would act as an advisor to the group. The details regarding thegeographical distribution of the fund and the method of administration will bedetermined following the feedback gathered from the consultation events,therefore your comments on the suitability of this proposal would be welcomed.

WIND TURBINE PROJECTWhat’s Next?The University is keen to understand public opinion and perception of the Wind TurbineProject. If you haven’t already submitted your feedback at a public exhibition please visit thewebsite www.lancs.ac.uk/windturbines and fill out the form or call 01524 593333.

Following the public consultation the University will assess your views and opinions. Ifthese indicate that amendments to the scheme are required, changes will be proposed forthe final scheme.

The planning application for the Wind Turbine Project will be submitted in January 2010. AnEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will also be submitted in conjunction with theplanning application.

The planning application and EIA will be advertised locally and in the press by LancasterCity Council to give you the opportunity to view it and make a formal response, either byletter or on-line.

A decision from Lancaster City Council on the planning application is expected in April/May 2010.

More information about the Lancaster University Wind Turbine Project is available atwww.lancs.ac.uk/windturbines or by calling 01524 593333.