An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process whereby the likely effects of a development are examined and a report is produced to show what these effects are, how they are likely to affect the environment and what measures (if any) will be taken to prevent/reduce any negative effects. The report that is produced is called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

An EIA is necessary for all windfarm developments of 5 Mega Watts (MW) or greater or where there are 5 or more turbines. The planning authority may also request an EIA on a smaller development if the proposed site is located in a designated or sensitive area. This is why it is always best to consult with the planning authority before you start your planning application. Also it is best if someone from Wexwind Ltd (who knows the process of windfarm development very well) is there for this meeting so that the relevant issues can be addressed and in some cases a full EIA may be avoided.

The EIS accompanies the planning application. The planning application details the proposed development – the number and type of turbines, access roads, electricity lines and substations etc. The EIS details the effects of the development on the local environment (e.g. groundwater, visual etc.). Experts in the fields of Archaeology, Botany, Geology, Hydrology, Sound assessment and Visual impact assessment are all necessary to complete an EIA.

This can be a costly undertaking and it comes at a stage when there is no guarantee of a return on your money. However it is important that this part is done well as it saves time and money in the long term as any possible problems/objections are usually identified and dealt with in the EIA.

Wexwind can take your site through the planning application process and deal with all relevant issues in consultation with you. We have been involved in several successful applications to date and have considerable expertise in this process. For further details please contact us.

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