Friday 30 August 2013 - Findings of two independent studies show Tallentire Wind Farm has had no effect on local watercourses or flooding

Statement from RES' UK Construction Director,

I am writing to you in my capacity as Construction Director for RES in the UK to inform you that the findings of two independent studies into the alleged hydrology and flooding impacts attributed to Tallentire Wind Farm have now been published.

RES commissioned technical investigations into issues reported about Tallentire Wind Farm by a small number of local residents with respect to alleged impacts on flooding and watercourses in the area. RES takes all allegations like this extremely seriously and has worked closely with the local community and relevant authorities to investigate them. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local residents who have assisted in the preparation of these reports

Please find below a summary of the two reports.

Hydrology (Flooding) Report

McCloy Consulting Ltd undertook a detailed investigation into reported external flooding at three properties in Gilcrux Village, situated approximately 1.5km from Tallentire Hill. Through hydrology and topography studies, the consultants conclude that "is not possible for [water] flows to achieve sufficient depth within Greengill Beck (in vicinity of T4) to enable surface flows within Greengill Beck to be conveyed towards Gilcrux" (Page 11). It is therefore clear that the presence of Tallentire Wind Farm cannot be the cause of flooding at the three stated properties.

Furthermore, the notable flooding incident of 12 October 2012, alleged to have been caused by the construction of the wind farm, in fact occurred before the wind farm construction had started near Greengill Beck. This flooding incident is therefore entirely unrelated to Tallentire Wind Farm.

In conclusion, the study shows that it is "unfeasible" that the flooding in the village was caused by the construction of Tallentire Wind Farm. The most likely source of the flooding incidents was excess run off of water from fields on the upslope of the village, caused by unusually heavy rain fall.

Hydrogeology Report (Gilcrux Springs)

RPS Water Services (commissioned by McCloy Consulting) investigated the alleged link between the construction of Tallentire Wind Farm and its associated infrastructure on Tallentire Hill, in particular in relation to a reported reduction in groundwater spring flows at Gilcrux Village.

RPS could not find any evidence to show that the development of the wind farm had had any adverse effects on the groundwater flows and levels which feed into the spring. The consultants' report suggests that the likely cause of the unusual water flows in the village was extreme weather events during 2012 and 2013.

Conclusions

The results of both reports reflect what RES has always understood from our own extensive surveys at Tallentire and the careful monitoring we have undertaken throughout construction: that there is no connection between Tallentire Wind Farm and the issues relating to flooding and watercourses that have been reported by a small number of local residents.

Notwithstanding, RES remains wholly committed to ensuring that the operation of our wind farm at Tallentire Hill continues our track record of minimising any impacts on neighbouring communities. RES also looks forward to delivering our significant community benefit contributions at Tallentire, both through the Community Benefit Fund being established and through our innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (the first of its kind in England).

Ted Picken
Construction Director

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Hydrology (Flooding Report)
Hydrogeology Report (Gilcrux Springs)

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The following appendices to the Hydrogeology Report are available on request:"

Drawing 1
Appendix 1.1 Correspondence
Appendix 1.2 Correspondence
Appendix 2 Borehole Logs Ground Investigation Report
Appendix 3 Environment Agency Pollution Report
Appendix 4: Hydraulic Conductivity of the Superficial Deposits
Appendix 4.1 Infiltration Testing Location Plan
Appendix 4.2 Infiltration
Appendix 4.3 Infiltration Test Data
Appendix 5 Water Quality Analyses Hatching Well
Appendix 6.1 T4 Foundation Report
Appendix 6.2 T4 Foundation Base Inspection
Appendix 6.3 T4 Photos
Appendix 6.4 T4 Hole Log
Appendix 6.5 T4 Hole Log
Appendix 6.6 T4 Turbine Base Sketch
Appendix 7 Groundwater Levels