Challenge

Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is located approximately 8km west of Kilchrenan in Argyll. The 20-turbine project, developed by GreenPower, has a combined capacity of around 46MW - sufficient to supply 32,000 Scottish households with clean, renewable energy.

The existing tracks across the site needed upgrading to allow for construction, and in some cases, new access had to be built. Due to the nature of the site, importing new topsoil was impossible so a way to establish new vegetation onto the ≥40° roadside verges and batters that were missing soil was required.

The client had very specific expectations and needed continuity throughout the project.

GreenPower was also very clear that no fertiliser be used in the peat areas and, if necessary, a very low application of lime (eg a maximum of 100kg/ha of ground limestone) be used. It was vital that lime was not applied (nor lime dust accidentally blown by wind) onto existing native peatland communities adjacent to the areas of peat that were being restored, nor should lime be used in the headwaters of any moorland streams or ditches.

Solution

Applying Verdyol Biotic Earth, RMB Hydroseeding was able to add the much-needed organic matter to the crushed stone required to support new vegetation at the 4000m² site. Once applied, the areas were then hydroseeded using a specialist seed mixture that would cope with the harsh ground conditions and a high-performance hydromulch to protect the treated area from erosion and to retain moisture.

Result

RMB worked closely with the Environmental Management Team and was able to ensure that the client's expectations were met and non-contamination of land or water was achieved.