Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1.1
Introduction
1.1.1
This Construction Method Statement has been amended following the completion of the
additional survey work contained in this Addendum including further detailed consideration of
matters arising from this survey work and revisions to the intake design.
1.1.2
It replaces in its entirety the Construction Method Statement contained in the Environmental
Statement at Appendix I.
1.1.3
In accordance with accepted best practice and relevant guidelines, this Code of Construction
Practice & Method Statement has been produced for the scheme, which presents site-specific
information on all aspects of project work that are expected to have an impact upon the
environment and describes the applicable preventative actions and mitigation aimed at limiting
any identified potential impacts.
1.1.4
The development of this document has informed the development process of the construction
method proposed for the scheme with a view to developing a Best Practicable Environmental
Option (BPEO) for the construction phase of the development.
1.1.5
As the current application is still in the planning phase and a contractor has yet to be appointed
to carry out the construction works for the scheme, some of the specific operational details and
method for the scheme have yet to be finalised. Different contractor companies have individual
construction codes of practice and practiced methodologies or conducting works in various
settings, but this Code of Construction Practice &Method Statement sets the overarching
conditions by which the appointed contractor will be obligated to operate, which will be subject
to modification following discussion and agreement between the respective environmental
specialists making up the EIA team and the appointed consulting engineer and on approval from
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
1.1.6
The purpose of this Code of Construction Practice and Method Statement is to identify as many
potential risks to the environment from the range of specific construction activities to be carried
out at the development location.
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1.2
1.2.1
This Code of Construction Practice & Method Statement has been developed by iterative process
between the appointed hydroscheme design consultant and environment team for the project as
part of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations1, the Habitats
Regulations Appropriate Assessment2and the Controlled Activities Regulations3.
1.2.2
Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites Guide to Good Practice (SP156);
Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites Guidance for Consultants and
Contractors (C532);
Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011
The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended by the Conservation (Natural
Habitats,&c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004)
3
Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011
2
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Hydroelectric schemes and the natural heritage: Scottish Natural Heritage 2010;
The SUDS Manual (C697): Site Handbook for the Construction of SUDS;
1.2.3
This Code of Construction Practice & Method Statement is submitted to the Local Planning
Authority and Statutory Consultees (including SEPA) for consultation and a final version will be
issued for final sign-off by SEPA taking on board any further comments received.
1.3
Potential Impacts
1.3.1
Construction generally involves interaction with and change to the sub-surface environment
within the development site. Industrial land use (including electricity generation and distribution)
is also a recognised potential source of chemical contamination within the soil and water
environment.
1.3.2
Construction will result in the permanent creation of surface and underground features such as
machine chambers, pipelines, roadways, drains and utility ducts. The operations planned for the
site include the installation and maintenance of electrical generation equipment and associated
high voltage transformers, which utilise various lubricants and coolants of significant
contaminative potential within the site area, with the consequent risk of accidental release, spills
or leaks into the surrounding environment.
1.3.3
The development area is a largely natural, undisturbed site, with construction activity taking
place directly on bedrock, which will necessitate some vegetation and thin soil removal. The
requirement for the construction of underground structures in the form of the main turbine
building and the tailrace tunnel means that some rock and associated limited soil deposits will be
excavated and removed from site. Additional rock and soil will need excavation to form access
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roadways into the site from the nearest public roadway which is some distance from the top of
the gorge slope.
1.3.4
Construction will require the use of large plant and machinery within the gorge environment,
adjacent to the river and with regular transiting up and down the north bank slopes and across
the agricultural land to the north. Large quantities of construction materials and the permanent
operational equipment will also need to be transported and placed within the gorge environment.
5.3.5
1 Volvo dump-truck
1 18 wheel lorry
Caterpillar D4 bulldozer
Tower cranes
Drilling jumbo and road header equipment, sized for 4.7m wide by 4.7m high tunnel and
associated equipment
1.3.6
Temporary site offices, storage and operation and maintenance areas will require to be created
remotely from the gorge development area, increasing the overall amount of disturbance during
the construction phase.
1.3.7
Although the operation of the generation equipment is largely passive, the turbine and electrical
generation and distribution equipment will involve the long term storage and use of potentially
contaminating fluids (oils) within the development site.
1.3.8
Decommissioning will most likely be an almost complete reversal of the construction activities,
with similar associated impacts, although it is unlikely that all of the concrete structures would be
entirely removed leading to a permanent change in the appearance and composition of some
exposed surfaces within the immediate vicinity of the river.
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1.3.9
The following sections introduce the broad categories of environmental impacts that are usually
associated with the construction of hydropower schemes.
1.4
Watercourse Impacts
1.4.1
Construction results in direct disturbance to surface rock and soil deposits and disturbance and
interaction with the sub-surface, including excavation and disposal of rock spoil. With rainfall,
open ground from construction activities near watercourses can act as a source of direct
contamination of the watercourse with sub-surface soils and debris. The subsequent settling of
dirt and silt can prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, causing them to perish, and
sediments can clog fish gills and smother organisms inhabiting the river bed.
1.4.2
In addition, serious environmental harm can be attributed to pollution incidents from construction
sites through localised oil spills, concrete pouring and cement washout bays along with a number
of other potentially hazardous incidents.
1.4.3
Works in the river at both the intake works and tailrace outfall/plunge pool will not take place
during the spawning season as stated by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board of November to
March4. During the November to March period construction works to the tunnel will be
progressed, with the intake works and turbine house construction taking place from April to
October.
1.5
Geological Impacts
1.5.1
Excavation of in-situ bedrock from the main underground structures locations will require the use
of percussive breakers, but will be unlikely to result in significant changes in the overall exposure
of bedrock in the locality. Retained blocks of excavated rock would be of similar composition and
appearance to natural exposures / boulders that occur within the gorge, once exposed to
weathering for a few months or more. Excavation of upslope areas is likely to result in the
exposure of bedrock in places along the route of the rail system, with the future development of
soils mainly dependent on the suspended rail sections and undulating slope.
http://www.tdsfb.org/salmon-spawning-times.htm
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1.5.2
Excess material will require off-site re-use or disposal at pre-designated sites in line with current
legislation. This excess spoil would be designated as suitable for general reuse or inert waste and
does not represent a major environmental hazard. Volumes will not be in excess of the local reuse demand or capacity of local disposal facilities.
1.6
Hydrogeological Impacts
1.6.1
There is a small risk of localised areas of highly fractured / disaggregated rock being present in
close proximity to the river and this may result in river water being able to flow into any
excavations that are very close to the channel itself.
1.6.2
Physical separation of the development area from any small groundwater bodies in superficial
deposits beyond the crest of the gorge slopes will protect these bodies from any impacts.
1.6.3
Roadway drainage may intercept and modify some of the natural, small scale run-off channels
within the development area.
1.7
Soil Impacts
1.7.1
Local soils are sensitive to impact due to their thin and laterally inconsistent nature. However,
this sensitivity is reduced due to the inherent adaptability of the local soil environment to short
term changes in soil accumulation and erosion. Impacts on local soil receptors are similar to
those on geological receptors, with construction activity requiring a significant amount of
disturbance and removal of soil where it is present within the development footprint. The
increased level of disturbance during construction is also likely to result in a higher than normal
level of soil erosion in development areas, where this displaced soil could potentially enter
artificial drains or existing water run-off channels and ultimately the river Isla.
1.7.2
Modification of the local slopes around the development area will lead to changes in the extent
and rate of soil accumulation in both disturbed and undisturbed areas. Increasing the extent of
low slope gradients will increase soil accumulation and eventually soil coverage and vice versa.
Impacts are limited by the small areas of soil involved in relation to the wider gorge environment
and the fact that these impacts will be broadly similar to natural processes that already occur
across the site.
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1.8
1.8.1
Construction and operation of the site will involve potentially contaminating activities within the
currently uncontaminated development area. Construction machinery makes widespread use of
fuels, lubricants and hydraulic oils.
during on-site fuelling and maintenance, as are leaks from the temporary storage of these
materials within the development site. Similarly, the operational equipment to be installed at the
site includes lubrication and heat management fluids that have the potential to be a source of
contamination.
1.8.2
1.9
1.9.1
A number of potential minor adverse impacts have been predicted for species and habitats at the
proposal site and these have been addressed in detail in the Environmental Statement produced
for the proposal. Table 1 and Table 2 in Section 6 summarise all potential impacts with
associated mitigation measures for the construction and operational phases of the development
respectively.
1.10
Arboricultural Impacts
1.10.1 Most of the mature trees growing on this site are located at the top of the gorge and were
planted more than one hundred and fifty years ago. They were an intimate mix of oak and beech
that was typical of Victorian estate plantations. This mix tended to produce very high quality oak
logs, most of which have been harvested, leaving averagely formed beech.
1.10.2 The steep sides of the ravine contain much younger trees and are dominated by sycamore, with
some beech and ash. Most of these trees are less than thirty years old and seem to have grown
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from naturally dispersed seeds into the ground that is prone to slumping. Finally, there are a few
groups of more mature sycamore on the gentler slopes of the ravine.
1.10.3 The steepest slopes within the ravine are fairly unstable, with rock falls and land slips evident
throughout the site. Those trees growing on these steep slopes tend to have a very short life
expectancy before they succumb to a land slip and fall.
1.10.4 Even on the gentler slopes, there is evidence of unstable rooting, with lying oak and sycamore
evident on site.
1.10.5 It is only on the upper edges of the ravine that the trees are surviving for their normal life
expectancy. These create the impression of an old shelterbelt that is typical of the rural
landscape in this part of Scotland. These trees therefore have some significance in the local
landscape.
1.11
1.11.1 The construction phase of the scheme will follow a number of phases, which are listed in the
following sections with predicted associated environmental impacts.
1.12
1.12.1 An access corridor for construction traffic has been identified from the public roadway. An
existing water bound surfaced lane runs for some 1.7 km to end at existing open pasture land.
This lane is approximately 3.0m wide and will be initially used to gain access to the proposed
intake works for construction traffic. The lane will be widened to a minimum of 4.5m, with
passing bays along its length and new water bound surfacing constructed to widened sections.
The existing water bound surfacing will be strengthened with excavated broken and crushed rock
from the proposed main construction works as this develops.
1.12.2 The access corridor will extend across open pastureland from the end of the existing lane for
some 0.8 km. Over 500m of this is a travelled track used by farm machinery, the surface not
being water bound. The proposed access corridor /roadway will then extend across a section of
poor marsh pastureland for some 300m. Along these sections, topsoil strip and excavation will
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take place and excavated broken and crushed rock used for roadway construction. The width will
be a minimum of 4.5m with passing bays.
1.12.3 A secure fenced materials storage compound will be established at the entrance to the off-site
access route in a convenient location, but sufficiently well back from the public road to allow
delivery vehicles to safely gain access without causing impediment to traffic on the public road
system. Site entrance signage will be displayed at the site road entrance with compliant sight line
splays in place. This will allow main items of materials, pipes, formwork, etc. to be quickly offloaded for collection and incorporation/usage in the works as and when needed. This will more
easily control traffic movement along the access corridor during construction.
1.12.4 At the end of the access corridor roadway, some 150m away from the top of the embankment
leading down to the proposed intake works, a secure fenced site compound will be constructed.
This will include space for offices, welfare facilities for the workforce, storage containers and
plant and equipment storage.
1.12.5 A hand railing and maintenance rail systems to the proposed intake works and tunnel head (and
turbine house) will be created down the sloping embankment. These will be suspended above
the ground in places due to the undulating slope. Selective areas of treescape vegetation will
require removal to achieve this but areas of vegetation beneath the suspended stairway and rail
tracks will be left or restored.
1.13
Increased traffic movement and traffic pollution on public roadways and farmland;
Soil erosion or loss from workings on side slope into river; and
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1.14
1.14.1 Excavation to create the tunnel head will take place, this area to later form part of the outlet
chamber of the intake structure. The excavation will be around 6-7m deep, through rock, the
upper levels of sandstone and lower levels of volcanic conglomerate. Rock-breakers mounted on
tracked excavators will be used and the broken rock transported up the embankment to the
farmland plateau for storage for re-use.
1.14.2 A working platform will be created at the low level for construction equipment access to form the
access tunnel, which will be around 4.5m wide and 4.5m high. Percussion machine mounted drills
will be used to form the tunnel to the proposed turbine house, some 210m downstream of the
proposed intake.
1.14.3 Excavated rock will be brought back to the tunnel heading on bogeys on a winched rail system
and tipped for removal and loading onto dumpers to haul up to the storage area. When sufficient
broken rock is accumulated at the storage area, a remotely sited rock crushing machine will
reduce the rock down to suitable size for access roadway construction. A dust mitigation strategy
will put forward in the method statement by the contractor which will be reviewed and amended
as appropriate by the Ecological Clerk of Works to ensure compliance with the projects
environmental protection obligations. It is expected that this strategy will include the use of
plastic strip doors for access, filtered ventilation for workers, screening, etc.
1.14.4 This will happen in several phases as tunnel excavation proceeds. The end of the tunnel will
broken-out at the proposed turbine house location and a working platform constructed. Local
widening of the area will take place to enable construction of the turbine house structure to take
place. Excavation for the turbine tailrace and downdraft will be made from the working platform.
This will be taken down to a level below the lower mini-Slug river bed level.
1.14.5 A smaller lower working platform will be created at this level, to allow for access for local
deepening of the river channel to create a plunge pool which will enable submergence of the
turbine tailrace outlet structure. All excavated rock will be taken back through the access tunnel
for removal to the storage area and activity re-use.
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1.15
Spillage of excavated rock fines from excavation and haulage activities into the river,
causing sedimentation in the river channel;
Spillage/leakage of hydro-carbon fuels/oils from plant equipment from the tunnel during
construction finding a way into the river.
1.16
1.16.1 Excavation to create the plunge pool will be required, working in the river to shape the pool to
allow full submergence of the tailrace outlet. The plunge pool will require a gradual graded
excavation downstream slope to meet the river bed again. The bedrock will be shaped relatively
flat to mirror other shallow pools on the river bed.
1.16.2 In retreating from the plunge pool basin, excavation of the lower working platform and tailrace
and downdraft will be completed and a reinforced outlet headwall constructed with a fish screen
installed on guides and rear guides on the structure for stop-logging measures to be used when
removing the fish screen for cleaning and regular maintenance.
1.16.3 The tailrace flumed outlet will then be installed up to turbine hall level and the excavated working
area around this concreted back to the exposed rock surfaces. A concrete platform will be
installed at a suitable level above the outlet headwall to allow access for fish screen removal and
maintenance.
1.16.4 A concrete mix with a high Ground Granular Blast Slag (GGBS) content will be used for the inriver concrete structures to mitigate any short term increased alkalinity in the water course once
the coffer dams have been removed. Where practical, pre-cast pre-weathered concrete units will
be used to form sections of the intake structure in order to further reduce the possibility of
concrete spillages.
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1.16.5 Works in the river at the tailrace outfall/plunge pool will not take place during the spawning
season as stated by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board of November to March5. Instead
during the November to March period construction works to the tunnel will be progressed, with
the tailrace outfall/plunge pool construction taking place from April to October.
1.17
Loss of excavated rock fines from excavation into the river, causing sedimentation in the
river channel;
Basin bed and side wall erosion leading to accumulation of sediments in the basin;
Spillage of concrete and associated construction materials into the river; and
Spillage/leakage of hydro-carbon fuels/oils from plant equipment from the tunnel during
construction finding a way into the river.
1.18
1.18.1 Any remaining excavation for foundations of the turbine house will be completed and again
excavated rock removed up the tunnel to the tunnel head for onward removal.
1.18.2 The foundations and main superstructure of the turbine house will then be carried out, with
equipment and materials brought through the access tunnel.
1.18.3 The tunnel wall to the river side meeting the turbine house and the superstructure walls of the
turbine house will be constructed to a level that will flood-proof the tunnel and turbine house
from river flooding up to a 1 in 200 year event, including an allowance of 20% for climate
change. All landside working spaces around the turbine house superstructure will be backfilled
and finishes to exposed concrete completed sympathetically with the surroundings.
http://www.tdsfb.org/salmon-spawning-times.htm
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1.19
Loss of excavated rock fines from excavation into the river, causing sedimentation in the
river channel;
Spillage of concrete and associated construction materials into the river; and
Spillage/leakage of hydro-carbon fuels/oils from plant equipment from the tunnel during
construction finding a way into the river.
1.20
1.20.1 The excavation works for the intake structure will commence during the excavation works to the
access tunnel, but programming of the construction activity of the structure will be linked into the
completion of the access tunnel.
1.20.2 It will be necessary to ensure that no flooding risk of the tunnel can take place as a result of ongoing works to the intake structure.
1.20.3 To facilitate the construction of the wash over intake structure, a temporary cofferdam will be
constructed upstream of the proposed intake works structure using sandbags in polypropylene
sacks of approximately 1 tonne weight.
1.20.4 Ductile iron pipes, minimum 900mm diameter, will be shaped through the bottom of the
cofferdam wall and temporarily secured to facilitate continuous river flow and create a dry
working area to construct the intake structure.
1.20.5 Any pumping necessary to control seepage through the sandbagged cofferdam or during times of
rain will be carried out using electric sump pumps (which will be available at all times), these
being run by a small generator which shall be located in a position clear of the river and in a
bunded area. Strict control of fuelling and operation will be employed to mitigate fuel
leakage/spillage. The pumped water will then be transferred to a point outside the river
environment for processing in the suds/sediment storage system.
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1.20.6 In order to minimise destruction of River Jelly lichen within the dry working area it is proposed
that the RJL can be kept damp at times using bog mats and pumped water which would help to
maximise its chances of survival during construction of the intake works and penstock.
1.20.7 After clearing the foundation area for the structure, to create a level working surface,
reinforcement bars shall be dowelled into the rock at river bed level and at end wall locations, in
order to secure the structure. The intake structure will be keyed into the river bedrock and the
existing rock wall and rock sloping embankment.
1.20.8 The structure will be poured or placed and grouted in sections, starting from the North side of
the river. At the appropriate stage, the 900mm diameter pipes will be removed and taking
account of local RJL populations the cofferdam shape modified.
1.20.9 The Contractor will be required to ensure that no accidental spillage of concrete, concrete
grouting materials and any other materials that would lead to environmental pollution of the
River and its environs takes place.
1.20.10 A concrete mix with a high Ground Granular Blast Slag (GGBS) content will be used for the inriver concrete structures to mitigate any short term increased alkalinity in the water course once
the coffer dams have been removed. Where practical, pre-cast pre-weathered concrete units will
be used to form sections of the intake structure in order to avoid excessive spillage.
1.20.11 Construction of the intake works will take place outside the salmon spawning season as stated by
the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board of November to March6.
1.21
1.21.1 The main identified potential environmental risks associated with the construction of the washover intake design are as follows:
Loss of excavated rock fines from excavation into the river, causing sedimentation in the
river channel;
Spillage of concrete and associated construction materials into the river; and
http://www.tdsfb.org/salmon-spawning-times.htm
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1.22
1.22.1 Concrete lining to the walls and floor of the access tunnel will commence after the intake works
are constructed. This will include ducting, drainage, a maintenance rail system at floor level and
support saddles for the penstock. The watertight bulkhead cross-walls and door-ways at each
end of the tunnel will not be completed until the turbine equipment has been taken to the turbine
hall for installation.
1.23
Spillage of concrete and associated construction materials into the river; and
Spillage/leakage of hydro-carbon fuels/oils from plant equipment from the tunnel during
construction finding a way into the river.
1.24
1.24.1 After completion of the tunnel lining and associated works, the penstock pipes will be brought to
the tunnel head/access chamber and installed in the access tunnel. Formed openings through the
bulkhead walls will then be grouted up at each end of the tunnel.
1.25
Spillage of concrete and associated construction materials into the river; and
1.26
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1.26.1 All access stairways in the intake works outlet chamber and roof flooring will be installed and
steps, hand railing and maintenance rail systems installed on the sloping embankments to gain
pedestrian access to the intake works (and turbine house) from the farmland plateau area at the
top of the embankments.
1.27
Spillage of concrete and associated construction materials into the river; and
1.28
1.28.1 The electrical supply cabling from the Turbine Generator will, after exiting from the access
tunnel, be laid in a trench up the embankment and from the top of the embankment taken up a
line pole and go overhead to connect to the grid system. The works will be commissioned and
site reinstatement and full demobilisation take place.
1.29
1.30
1.30.1 In accordance with SEPA guidance, Engineering in the Water Environment Good Practice Guide:
Temporary Construction Methods, a number of measures shall be adopted for the construction
phase of the scheme aimed at minimising the risk of contamination of the watercourse and
habitat.
1.30.2 The broad range of categories defining the mitigation strategy include:
1.
2.
3.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Each of the following sub-sections presents the broad mitigation measures for each of the
categories.
1.31
1.31.1 Appropriate measures shall be employed (track edge drainage, side ditches and pipes etc.) to
remove surface water emanating from access tracks. Cut-off drains shall be installed on the haul
route to prevent erosion and direct polluted surface water to diversion drains or treatment areas.
1.31.2 Appropriate SUDS shall be incorporated to reduce run-off rate and improve water quality where
appropriate and to treat contaminated water.
1.31.3 All excavated topsoil and subsoil will be stored and bunded on-site for reuse/replacement and/or
filling of selective areas of land. All stored topsoil and subsoil will be securely located and
stabilised to prevent contamination of the watercourses. No excavated soils will be taken off-site.
1.32
1.32.1 Cut-off and diversion ditches shall be installed ahead of the main earthworks activities to
minimise the effects of collected water on stripped or exposed soils once earthworks commence.
The drainage ditches shall intercept any surface run-off and direct it to the existing low points in
the ground for collection, allowing clean water flows to be transferred through the works without
mixing with the construction drainage.
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1.32.2 Cut-off and diversion ditches shall be installed on the high-side boundary of the areas that will
be affected by the earthworks operations and will generally follow the natural flow of the ground
with a shallow longitudinal gradient.
1.32.3 Where there is a significant build up of water in the construction area, pumping may be required
to avoid further build up, or to allow works to progress in that area. The disposal of the pumped
water shall comply with General Binding Rules 10 and 11 of the requisite CAR licence and shall be
incorporated within the SUDS design.
1.33
1.33.1 Both the main storage compound and site compound will be fenced off and all offices, huts and
containers securely locked each night. Waste disposal material from bins will be collected at the
end of each day and taken to a secure central storage area. Robust secure sanitary and
associative waste facilities will be used and regular collections of the waste taken off-site for
appropriate disposal.
1.34
Storage Compound
1.34.1 The storage compound for pipes, etc and wash-down of concrete lorries will be sited at a suitable
location on the approach laneway to the site. The wash-down area shall be contained within a
dedicated SUDS area, with an impermeable blanket at base level and free draining granular
make-up to create a hard standing area. A small outlet from the blanket will be taken to a silt
interceptor and the clean filtered outlet from here taken to the nearest watercourse. The
footprint area will be around 30m x 40m.
1.35
Site Compound
1.31.1 The site compound will be located at the end of the access route to the proposed intake works ,
some 150m north of the top of the top of the gorge. The footprint area will be around 30m x
40m and the compound will house site huts, welfare facilities, containers and a fuel storage area.
The plant will be kept here overnight.
1.31.2 A metered water supply will be brought to the site compound for use in kitchens, washing and
toilet facilities. The toilets will be Portaloo toilets with a small Biodisc Treatment plant and
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effluent storage tank. There will be regular removal of effluent and sludge by tanker to an off-site
Waste Water Treatment Plant.
1.31.3 A SUDS system will be installed at the site compound, similar to the storage compound, with
both a silt and oil interceptor underground tank. An underground tank will collect and store water
from these, which will then be removed for disposed of off-site.
1.31.4 The stored water at both compounds will be tested for contaminants before removal. If found to
be unsuitable, this will be taken off-site by a registered Waste Contractor to an appropriate
licensed waste disposal facility. The footprint area will be around 30m x 40m.
1.36
1.36.1 The footprint area of this will be around 30m x 30m and this will be located behind the site
compound area, and suitably bunded, with excavated soil and silt fences and/or straw bales.
1.36.2 Both the storage compound and site compound will have secure fencing and the rock storage will
have a sheep-wire fence. All fenced areas will only be accessible through lockable gates.
1.37
Pollution Prevention
1.37.1 The Contractor shall appoint a Spillclean Contractor, who will provide a Pollution Spill Plan, this to
be agreed with and approved by SEPA. This document will be issued to the entire workforce and
a copy kept in site offices, site huts and all plant and site vehicles.
1.37.2 All waste for disposal off site shall be taken away by a registered Waste Contractor to an
appropriate licensed waste disposal facility.
1.38
Sedimentation Control
1.38.1 A combination of silt fences, silt traps and straw bales will be used to prevent silts entering the
river Isla and associated water courses. These will be inspected regularly to remove silt and
where required reinstate the fences or replace the straw bales to ensure their continuing
effectiveness.
1.38.2 The silt removed shall be disposed of to bunded settlement lagoon area on-site which will be
filled in and soiled over at the end of the construction period.
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1.38.3 Sediments arising in areas of excavation in the river for intake works and tailrace outfall and
plunge pool shall be captured within the cofferdam areas and collected in polypropylene bags,
then sealed before removal from the cofferdam to the settlement lagoon area.
1.39
1.39.1 To minimise the extent of treescape removal, a staircase and maintenance rail track system less
than 2.5m wide from the top of the embankment slope will be made to the tunnel head and
intake works. Part of the staircase and rail tack system will be constructed to suspend above the
ground which will allow the protection or restoration of vegetation beneath it. Excavators will
travel down this corridor with a cable winch attachment used to control both descent and ascent,
similarly for dumpers removing excavated materials. Anchorage points at the top of the slope will
be used for secured the cable winch equipment.
1.40
Protection of Trees
1.40.1 A protective barrier, 2.3m high and comprising a vertical and horizontal framework of scaffolding,
well braced to resist impacts and securely supporting weldmesh panels, shall be erected to
protect all trees adjacent to construction traffic. No construction traffic, materials or debris will be
permitted within this zone of protection.
1.40.2 Where temporary access is to be established within the 'zone of protection' surrounding trees,
ground surfaces will be protected by a layer of sharp sand, approx. 50 mm thick, overlaid with a
geotextile membrane on which a temporary surface of no fines granular material, at least 150
mm thick, is laid. Where traffic is turning on these surface, stout planks will be laid over the
geotextile membrane and below the granular material. The trunks of adjacent trees will be
suitably protected.
1.40.3 The de-construction procedure for temporary access protective measures will essentially be the
reverse of the construction phase with all temporary materials being safely removed for
alternative use or safe disposal off-site. Any required reinstatement of temporarily access areas
will be carried out in accordance with best practice directed by the project ECoW together with
input from SNH.
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1.40.4 Where permanent surfaces are to be constructed close to retained trees, within the zone of
protection as defined by BS5837: Trees in Relation to Construction, accumulated organic material
and loose soil will be carefully removed to leave existing topsoil in situ. The tree root zone will be
protected with a layer of sharp sand, on which a firm sub-base of no-fines granular material
supported on a geotextile membrane and a 100mm three dimensional cell product (e.g. Terrams
Cellular System). The permanent surface will be constructed on this sub-base using established
design guidelines.
1.41
1.41.1 All access routes will be sign-posted with alternative paths being incorporated where necessary.
1.41.2 Site phasing will ensure that exemption from access rights due to building and engineering works
is kept to a minimum area, and only where works are active.
1.42
Reinstatement
1.42.1 Reinstatement of the construction area shall be carefully planned prior to any works taking place.
1.42.2 The reinstatement shall include a degree of landscaping followed by replacement of the topsoil
over the area. All reinstatement shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant conditions of
the associated planning consent.
1.42.3 Suitable material for reinstatement shall be appropriately stored and managed, near to the site
compound but away from watercourses and other sensitive receptors with suitable buffers in
place.
1.43
Plant testing
1.43.1 Where possible all equipment and plant on site will use biodegradable hydraulic oils and
lubricants.
1.43.2 All equipment using hydrocarbon fuels, lubricants or other pollutants, shall be tested for potential
leakages at the Contractors yard, prior to coming to the site. This shall be witnessed and logged.
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1.43.3 The plant shall be placed, suitably supported, on a clear polythene sheet and the engine allowed
to run at tick-over speed for 30 minutes.
1.43.4 The plant shall then be used to lift or excavate or carry out other such functions for a 15 minute
period, which will replicate the intended use on site.
1.43.5 The sheet shall then be examined for potential leakages. Should any leakage be found, the
equipment shall either be repaired and the test repeated, or an alternative piece of complient
equipment sourced and used instead.
1.43.6 The details of all plant so tested and found to be acceptable shall be logged as equipment to be
used on the site. This test shall be carried out within 24 hours of plant being delivered to the site.
No plant shall be sent to the site without firstly going through this test. This test shall be
repeated on site after the plant arrives and immediately before use in the vicinity of the intake
works or any other site activity.
1.44
Leakage Avoidance
1.44.1 Leachability testing of rock and artificial materials used for water bound surfacing and hard
standing areas at compounds will be carried out, also Taste or Flavour and Odour testing in
accordance with BS 6920. At suitable locations, silt traps will be installed and regularly inspected
and maintained.
1.44.2 Any on-site generator to run pumps, concrete vibrators, rock breaking equipment, etc. shall be
located in such a position that zero risk of fuel leakage takes place. A spill dish, equivalent to
150% of the fuel tank capacity shall be located under the generator, which itself will be placed in
a bunded structure.
1.44.3 Any fuel supply tanks for excavators, generators, etc. shall be sited in a secure compound at a
suitable location, to be agreed on site, where zero risk of fuel leakage takes place.
1.44.4 The tanks shall be bunded with the bund capacity being in excess of 25% of stored fuel or 110%
of the largest container capacity.
1.44.5 Good practice shall be used in accordance with the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland)
Regulations 2006.
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1.44.6 Any tank storage area in an at risk location will be removed off-site at the end of each day and
stored at a no risk secure area. Tanks in an At risk location include those which are located
immediately adjacent to the slope or a watercourse/non bunded area. Plant requiring refuelling
will be required to be transported to and from the fuel supply tank area.
1.44.7 No fuel or lubricating oil containers shall be brought to the activity site. Machines needing
lubricants shall be transported to and from the fuel supply tank area.
1.44.8 The method of fuelling of machines and the use of lubricants shall be such that no risk of
pollutants to the environment takes place. All containers used shall be safely disposed of off-site.
Jerry cans shall have long nozzles which can be manually locked. Drip trays containing oil
absorbent mats will be used during all refuelling operations. All used mats will be taken off-site
and disposed off to a licensed disposal facility.
1.44.9 All plant shall be removed off-site to a suitable safe compound, where no inherent risk of
pollution can occur in the event of vandalism of machines in the compound.
1.44.10 The per annum grease usage for the turbine equipment will be less than 1 kg. The hydraulic tank
in the turbine house will contain 80 litres of biodegradable hydraulic oils located within a 100 litre
spillage bund.
1.44.11 Replacement grease and hydraulic oils for the turbine house will be brought down the access
tunnel in sealed lockable containers and only opened when in the turbine house. Disused grease
and hydraulic oils will be removed from the turbine house in sealed, lockable containers for
removal off-site.
1.45
1.41.1 The Contractor will be required to list all materials to be used in the works and a risk register
made on these materials.
1.41.2 Under General Binding Rule (GBR) 10 of the Controlled Activities Regulations, discharges of runoff water from construction sites are required to be treated by a Sustainable Urban Drainage
System (SUDS) or equivalent.
1.41.3 A SUDS Plan will be developed for the scheme to slow flows, allow adequate settlement and
biological action to take place before water is discharged to the watercourse. An appropriate
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SUDs discharge point and regime will be agreed with SNH. In addition, a management plan will
be agreed on and drawn up to demonstrate that all reasonable steps are taken to mitigate
against accidental spillages into watercourses or rivers. These will include:
Wash-down of concrete trucks shall not be permitted at or near any watercourse or river.
The concrete trucks shall be washed down at a suitable location within the main storage
compound.
All polypropylene bags will be tested prior to and after filling and prior to placement in
the river to create the temporary cofferdams.
1.46
1.46.1 Where watercourses are crossed or access roads run parallel and adjacent to them, silt traps will
be installed at suitable locations and regularly inspected and maintained.
1.46.2 Excavation works in the river areas will take place and suitable sedimentation traps shall be
located adjacent to the workings. These will be regularly taken out and sediments removed and
disposed of at appropriate locations and traps replaced.
1.46.3 Excavation works in rivers shall take place at periods of low flow to assist in better management
of sediment removal.
1.46.4 Diversion shall be implemented on the upstream perimeter of the site or immediately upstream of
areas of exposed soil on the site (e.g. excavations, embankments and stockpiles) to divert
uncontaminated water away from soils etc. Drains will be lined with a non-erodible material such
as turf or geotextiles.
1.46.5 Buffer strips will be located at the top and bottom of embankment slopes and bails or sediment
traps located here to trap sediments. Regular inspection of and removal of soils and sediments
from these will be carried out to maintain effectiveness.
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1.46.6 A buffer strip will also be required and sediment trap installation at the platform on the slope at
the tunnel heading, where excavated rock materials are removed from the tunnel. Regular
inspection of and removal of rock fines will also be carried out.
1.47
1.47.1 A cofferdam shall be constructed to facilitate construction of the intake structure and penstock
tunnel. To ensure that any adverse impacts to the RJL are minimised, it is proposed that an RJL
specialist will liaise closely with the ecological clerk of works to specifically oversee and monitor
this phase of works.
4.47.2 The area of the riverbed temporarily utilised by the cofferdam is defined as 7.5m across the full
width of the riverbed. However in order to avoid covering (and potentially destroying) particularly
dense RJL populations it may be necessary to micro-site the cofferdam. This will involve the
contractor liaising with the ecological clerk of works and RJL expert to determine the correct
position and location for the cofferdam to minimise impacts to local RJL populations.
4.47.3 The following measures shall be employed to avoid pollution of the watercourse and surrounding
environment:
The sands and gravels used for temporary access to the intake works and for the
temporary cofferdam shall be sourced from the immediate area.
The sandbags used for the cofferdam shall be of strong polypropylene to minimise the
risk of wash-out of the sand particles.
The access across the river for construction of the intake works will be formed using
gravel or sand filled polypropylene bags, placed carefully over the existing river channel
to form a suitable width of path to facilitate removal of and delivery of materials and
equipment to the construction area. Steel plating or other suitable material should be laid
on the polypropylene sandbags to take the construction traffic.
Construction of the formwork for the concrete walls of the intake shall use suitable foam
sheeting or other means to prevent grout loss. A vegetable based shutter oil will be used
for formwork. Concrete spillage is to be avoided and any concrete accidentally spilled in
the working area of the intake will be immediately contained and cleaned off. This will be
made possible via the use of spill trays around the working area of the cofferdam. If any
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Construction Method Statement
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concrete is accidentally spilled then the material from the spill tray will be bagged up and
removed from the site and disposed of Concrete will be pumped into forms to
minimise and reduce the risk of spillage.
No paints will be used in any of the permanent works in the intake works.
Any chemical storage shall take place at a suitable distance from watercourses or the
river to eliminate any pollution risk.
The Contractor shall have suitable equipment and materials on site, as agreed with SEPA,
to deal with any pollution incident that could arise as a result of accident, negligence or
vandalism. The Contractors personnel shall be briefed so that they have a working
knowledge of spillage equipment and its use in dealing with potential pollution incidents.
Any and all incidents, however trivial, shall be reported, logged and immediate advice
sought and dealt with to the satisfaction of SEPA.
1.47.2 The Contractor shall compile an Emergency Action Plan containing contact names and out of hour
contact details for key project personnel for distribution to key stakeholders, statutory bodies and
any potentially impacted parties.
1.48
1.48.1 All surface water from construction sites will be treated through sustainable urban drainage
systems (SUDS). The appropriate CIRIA manuals (The SUDS Manual, Control of Water Pollution
from Construction Sites shall be consulted and the local SEPA office shall be contacted for advice
in developing an appropriate SUDS strategy for the scheme.
1.49
1.49.1 The access across the river for construction of the intake works will require to be formed using
gravel or sand filled polypropylene bags, placed carefully over the existing river channel to form a
suitable width of path to facilitate removal of and delivery of materials and equipment to the
construction area. Steel plating or other suitable material should be laid on the polypropylene
sandbags to take the construction traffic.
1.50
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Construction Method Statement
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1.50.1 The North bank of the River Isla at the proposed intake works and tailrace positions is primarily a
bedrock bluff with little or no vegetation on it. Limited excavation will take place here in a
controlled manner to key the intake structure into the rock.
1.50.2 As the banks of the River Isla at the development site mainly consist of bedrock and rock
fragments of various grades, any areas of the bank impacted during the project construction
phases shall be reinstated to mirror their original form.
1.50.3 Both the North and South embankments at the development site have primarily bedrock faces
with little or no vegetation on the surface. Excavation will be required in the river channel to
construct a plunge pool basin for a submerged tailrace headwall outlet structure. The tailrace
outlet headwall will be orientated in the direction of flow.
1.50.4 The excavation here will be through hard volcanic bedrock and the erosion risk to both the basin
bed and opposite embankment will be minimal. The headwall structure will be built into the rock
face, so scouring of and around the structure will again be minimal.
1.50.5 The outlet cross-sectional area of the tailrace will be sized to reduce outlet velocities to velocities
of less than or equivalent to the river flow prior to the turbine installation.
1.51
1.51.1 The appointed contractor will be required to submit a Pollution Incident Contingency Plan (PICP)
for review and agreement with the Planning Supervisor, the Consulting Engineer, the Client and
SEPA prior to contract start. The PICP will form an integral part of the Contractors Health and
Safety Plan and as such will be rigorously enforced.
1.51.2 The PICP will include, but not be limited to, the following scope of work:
All vehicles shall carry temporary hole repair kits to stop leaks immediately on noticing.
Any spillage shall be contained with the use of spillage kits and the area temporarily
bunded (with soil if expedient).
The affected spillage area shall be excavated with due haste to avoid seepage and any
contaminated material removed off-site to a licensed disposal facility.
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All vehicles/plant shall carry spillage kits, which will also be placed at strategic locations
on the site.
1.52
Floating booms will be readily available in the event of any major spills to the river.
Maintenance
1.52.1 The Contractor shall ensure that all drainage requirements are designed and installed prior to
construction commencement and appropriate monitoring and maintenance will be applied with
the following measures implemented:
Plan and map silt mitigation for the site and number all the different treatment areas on
the site e.g. silt pond 1 (SP1), drainage ditch 2 (DD2) etc. This will prove useful when
inspecting, recording and informing staff of problem areas;
Record details of the weather, inspections and maintenance carried out etc.
Monitor and maintain all ditches, ponds, pipes, silt fences etc. on a regular basis.
Monitoring should be carried out in accordance with the weather conditions for
example, more frequent inspections should be carried out during and after periods of
heavy rainfall;
Regularly check the watercourse(s) downstream of the construction area for signs of
discolouration, sediment build up etc;
Any permanent settlement lagoons should be checked for leakage and, following periods
of heavy rainfall, if there has been sufficient settling of sediments, water levels should be
lowered to allow increased containment capacity to be available within the lagoon for the
next rainfall period; and
Any ditches should be checked for blockages, and kept clear and in good order. Any
growing vegetation in ditches should be left as this will aid in the filtering of some of the
sediments.
1.53
1.53.1 Table 1 and Table 2 summarise all potential impacts with associated mitigation measures for the
construction and operational phases of the development respectively.
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Mitigation Proposed
Receptor
River Tay Special
Deterioration
and/or
pollution
Area of
Conservation
designated
the
(SAC)
supporting (nondesignated)
boundary
and
of
within
Construction
Method
Statement
(CMS).
of
pollution
and/or
high
onwards
transmission
via
.
Construction subject to timing
restraints in respect of Atlantic
Salmon spawning periods.
Construction of tailrace may reduce
spawning
habitat
salmonids
and
availability
suitable
for
lamprey
ammocoete substrates.
Direct,
Temporary
(Short-Term)
during
twilight
and
29
commuting
and
foraging
generally,
although
the
bats
species
Otter
Deterioration
and/or
pollution
of
Lutralutra
boundary
and
within
supporting
(nondesignated)
semi-
within
onwards
the
site
and
transmission
via
periods.
Nationally
Important VERs
Den of Airlie SSSI
Deterioration
and/or
pollution
of
boundary
and
within
supporting (nondesignated)
Den of Airlie
release
National
Nature Reserve
and
via
(NNR)
periods.
of
pollution
onwards
and/or
transmission
high
30
habitat
salmonids
and
availability
suitable
for
lamprey
ammocoete substrates.
River
Isla
(open
water)
Deterioration
and/or
pollution
of
As above
boundary
and
within
supporting (nondesignated)
semi-natural areas arising from
release
of
pollution
and/or
high
onwards
transmission
via
habitat
salmonids
and
availability
suitable
for
lamprey
ammocoete substrates.
River
Jelly
Lichen
and
other
lichen
species
site
such
as
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Construction Method Statement
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Gyalectaulmi
and
Opegraphaparaxanthodes.
Bryophyte
assemblage
to construction area.
Deterioration
and/or
pollution
of
within
onwards
the
site
transmission
and
via
upon,
bryophyte
communities.
Woodland
construction activities
scree/Rocky slopes
construction activities
(includes
inland
chasmophytic
site.
vegetation)
Eurasian Badger
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Melesmeles
Potential
Assemblage
Locally
destruction
and/or
Important
VERS
[no
required
mitigation
or
proposed]
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Mitigation Proposed
Maintenance
as detailed in CMS.
within
supporting
designated)
schedules
and
(non-
seminatural
areas
Tail
pollution
during
maintenance
race
plunge
pool
and
Design Statement.
transmission
uncontrolled
Potentially
salmonid,
site
drainage.
impacting
lamprey
via
and
upon
otter
ecology.
Maintenance subject to timing
restraints in respect of nocturnal
works.
Operation of tailrace may reduce
spawning habitat availability for
salmonids and suitable lamprey
ammocoete substrates.
Otter
Maintenance
Lutralutra
as detailed in CMS.
within
(non-
Tail
areas
designated)
supporting
seminatural
race
schedules
plunge
pool
and
and
Design Statement.
34
onwards
transmission
uncontrolled
Potentially
salmonid,
site
via
drainage.
impacting
lamprey
works.
upon
and
otter
Maintenance subject to timing
ecology.
Maintenance
schedules
and
the
as detailed in CEMP.
supporting
(non-designated)
Tail
race
plunge
pool
and
Design Statement.
impacting
lamprey
upon
and
otter
ecology.
Maintenance subject to timing
Operation of tailrace may reduce
spawning
works.
forsalmonids
habitat
and
availability
suitable
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Maintenance
as detailed above.
within
supporting
schedules
and
(non-
Tail
and/or
Design Statement.
high
volumes
of
race
plunge
pool
and
transmission
uncontrolled
Potentially
salmonid,
site
drainage.
impacting
lamprey
via
and
upon
otter
ecology.
Atlantic
Salmon
spawning
periods.
and
Clearly
indicate
and
relocate
other
lichen
species
as
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Construction Method Statement
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Bryophyte
assemblage
activities
formal
boundary
of
the
development site.
Calcareous scree/Rocky slopes
rocky
outcrops,
chasmophyticvegetation)
ignificant Impact Mitigation Proposed
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1.54
1.54.1 The appointed contractor will be required to ensure that the design, execution and completion of
all works comply with the standards and requirements of the Environmental Assessment
documents prepared for the Slug Hydro Electric power scheme. To ensure compliance an
Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be appointed to oversee all stages of work.
Overall Responsibilities
1.51.1 The ECoW will be an integral part of the construction team. The role of the ECoW will be to
conduct regular site inspections to monitor both the works and the environmental control and
protection measures being implemented.
Requirements will be performed by the permanent on-site Clerk of Works who is able to more
closely monitor works on a daily basis. This will involve identifying and ensuring the protection of
sensitive areas on or around the site during construction. In conjunction with regular site visits
the ECoW will remain on site at all times during sensitive construction activities.
1.56
1.56.1 The ECoW will liaise with the Contractors Site Management team (via the nominated
environmental contact) in terms of the works programme and the nature of activities to be
undertaken. This will inform the extent and location of each particular inspection. The ECoW will
generally undertake all site inspections; however, specialists (such as River Jelly Lichen and
Arboreal specialists) will attend site where the need arises to monitor specific activities or works
at certain locations. The need for input from such specialists will be determined by the ECoW in
discussion with the Contractors nominated environmental contact.
1.56.2 During the first two months of site works the ECoW will attend site on a weekly basis to inspect
activities being undertaken and to ensure that proper environmental control and protection
measures are implemented, in accordance with relevant measures set out in the Environmental
Statement.
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1.56.3 Once evidence is shown that measures are being implemented effectively, site attendance will be
reduced to regular monthly visits, with additional visits as the need arises (i.e. depending on the
works programme and nature/location of activities on site).
1.57
Reporting
1.57.1 The ECoW is responsible for preparing site inspections reports following each site visit recording
what activities/measures have been inspected.
inspection will be recorded and recommendations for mitigation identified where required. These
recommendations will be inspected during the next visit to check that they have been properly
implemented.
1.57.2 Site inspection reports will be provided to Contractors Site Management team who will notify all
relevant site staff of their obligations.
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