Plans for a windfarm may raise concerns

Nature conservationists are expected to raise concerns over potential plans to place four wind turbines close to an internationally important bird reserve.

Augean has confirmed that it is currently considering the possibility of generating electricity from wind power at its new Port Clarence Waste Recovery Park on the north side of the River Tees.

The firm has applied for a "scoping opinion" - an initial stage prior to submitting a planning application, for the turbines which could reach up to 126 metres high. The scheme would be located at the park near Augean's existing landfill site on Huntsman Drive - close to several areas of natural importance on Teesmouth including the newly opened bird reserve at Saltholme.

Spokesmen from local environmental groups including the RSPB and Teesmouth Bird Club said they are awaiting further information before expressing a view on the plans.

Martin Kerby, RSPB planning officer for the North-east said: "The first point is that the RSPB supports the principal of renewable energy providing the wind farms are located in areas that wouldn't have significant impacts on birds.

"When the planning application is submitted we will be looking very carefully at it. It depends on how many birds are passing through.

"It's about 1km from Saltholme but of most concern is the North Tees mudflats."

Bob Pailor from Industry Nature Conservation Association (INCA) said: "The key issue with wind farms is the potential impact on birds. It's not unusual when a wind farm is proposed that there is a requirement for some monitoring of bird movements. Teesmouth has a lot of areas of importance and most of them are based on birds. There is the SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), the nature reserve and an SPAs (Special Protection Areas)."
Chairman of Teesmouth Bird Club, Alistair McLee said they plan to review the application and hold a meeting of the conservation committee before making comment. Stockton North MP Frank Cook also declined to comment prior to viewing the application.

As part of its feasibility studies, Augean has requested from Stockton Council a "scoping opinion" to help determine the environmental issues that must be addressed.

David Hirst from Natural England, said: "It's a very important area for its wildlife and environment and there are many designated sites there. We will look at the application, reports and Environmental Impact Assessment closely."

And agents Senergy are currently working with Enviros Consulting to co-ordinate the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Augean said a key concept of the waste recovery park is the generation of renewable energy through a range of waste to energy technologies. The potential to install wind turbines at the site is consistent with this renewable resource ethos of the development.

Dr Gene Wilson of Augean said: "The proposals are at a very early stage and there is a lot of work to do before we can make a decision.

"If and when we decide to go ahead with the project and before making a planning application we shall consult with the local community and explain the proposals."