During the construction and decommissioning phases measures would be put in place to make sure that works do not give rise to unacceptable noise impact, such as limiting construction to certain hours. Formal agreements would be made with the Local Planning Authority, Highland Council, to control noise. The detailed design of the plant is not yet complete and details of the specific work methodology will follow on from that. For this reason we expect to bring forward detailed proposals for agreement with Highland Council once we have finalised the detailed design and construction plan.

The assessment of operational noise is based on a combination of measured background noise levels and predictions based on factors that could influence noise generation.

The nearest noise-sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the site were identified in consultation with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and background noise monitoring was undertaken at these locations. Environmental noise criteria have been derived based on these background noise monitoring data and relevant national guidelines.

The degree of noise attenuation required to ensure that levels are below the criteria has been specified in the form of an indicative mitigation package. The implementation of this package, or an agreed alternative package that leads to similar or lower noise levels at the receptors, would ensure that operational noise from the plant would not give rise to disturbance of local residents.