EHG5639 - DBA and walkover survey - Creag Riabhach grid connection

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey were undertaken by C Dagg in 2018 in order to inform an environmental impact assessment of the route of the proposed Creag Riabach Wind Farm 132 kV grid connection. The study area to locate and define archaeological features with the potential for direct impacts was formed by the location of The Proposed Development infrastructure. This was set as a 200 m corridor, corresponding with the Limit of Deviation (LOD). In addition all sites identified with statutory protection in the broad development area of the scheme were considered for potential indirect, visual impacts. It was not anticipated that any statutory designated sites would be likely to experience indirect visual impacts of a significant level. Seven sites were likely to experience a minor significance of impact, one a negligible – minor significance, and two would experience negligible impacts. The study area for indirect impacts was 2 km from the proposed development. The site walkover was carried out in November 2018 to identify all previously unrecorded archaeological features within areas not previously subjected to detailed archaeological survey and to evaluate the post-felling status of sites at Cnoc a Chatha. No new previously unrecorded sites were noted within the study area during the survey. The alignment for the Proposed Development was derived from initial route options selection which sought to avoid on-site constraints as far as practicable, inclusive of the presence of cultural heritage features. Through the design evolution, consideration of these features was retained, on balance with other environmental receptors, to produce the current proposal. The alignment as proposed avoids direct impacts on known heritage features, and, as described elsewhere, seeks to minimise required tree felling and retain woodland screening which serves to mitigate indirect impacts in places. All associated works, such as temporary access routes, lay down areas and site compounds would be micro-sited to avoid direct impacts on identified cultural heritage sites. <1>