Caithness – Moray HVDC cable installation

The 26km HVDC cable route project included a 20m wayleave, establishing an access road, excavating a cable trench, conducting horizontal directional drilling. The route traversed diverse habitat types, primarily agricultural land with intermittent areas of peat, and involved numerous watercourse crossings, ranging from CAR registrations to minor watercourses.

Notably, the route skirted one European designated site and several national/local designated sites, necessitating sensitive management to ensure minimal environmental impact. Although the project held permitted development status, a voluntary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was undertaken to identify and address potential environmental constraints.

The principal contractor created a comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), outlining the methods and strategies to mitigate environmental impacts associated with the project. Additionally, a method statement was devised for working in proximity to the European designated site, providing assurance that a separate Habitat Regulations Appraisal (HRA) was unnecessary.

Our scope

As the Environmental Clerk of Works, Naturally Compliant assumed the role of the client’s representative on t5a3he project. Our primary responsibility was to conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure the project’s compliance with relevant project documentation and legislation. Deliverables included a weekly inspection and monthly audit reports to the client’s environmental manager and site management teams.

Environmental constraints included:

• Water management and pollution control

• Waste management

• Protected species

• Noise

• Materials management

• Reinstatement

Benefit

By adhering to the CEMP and implementing the specified measures, the project effectively managed its environmental impact and met its environmental responsibilities without the need for additional planning conditions or regulatory appraisals. Through regular toolbox talks we were able to instil sound environmental awareness and responsibility. This approach supported our client to demonstrate a clear commitment to environmentally responsible practices and ensured the project’s successful completion while safeguarding the surrounding habitat and designated sites.