Environment Systems’ Ecology Services team has been helping Hydro Electric Development Ltd with the evaluation of a new hydropower development on the Afon Twyi river in Carmarthenshire. Harnessing the power of the Afon Twyi approximately 1.6 km downstream of the Llyn Brianne Reservoir and dam has the potential to produce 1.8 MW (9000 MWh a year) electricity. The electricity generated would be fed into the local National Grid network and provide clean renewable energy to the mid-Wales region.
The Ecology Services team has provided baseline ecological surveys including:
- Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
- National Vegetation Classification (NVC)
- Lower plants survey
- Breeding bird surveys
- Otter and water vole surveys
- Badger Surveys
- Bat surveys
Surveys have been designed to support an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA). This was used in the preparation of the Nature Conservation chapter of the Environmental Statement to support the wider Environmental Impact Assessment.
Laterly the team has prepared a Habitat Management Plan, Working Methods Statements and Otter Mitigation Strategy to satisfy NRW queries and suggested planning conditions.