Consultation: Billia Croo Section36

Aerial of EMEC Billia Croo wave test site (Credit Colin Keldie)

THE EUROPEAN MARINE ENERGY CENTRE LTD
ELECTRICITY ACT 1989
THE ELECTRICITY WORKS (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2017

Notice has previously been given that The European Marine Energy Centre Ltd (EMEC), registered under company registration SC249331 at The Charles Clouston Building, ORIC, Back Road, Stromness, Orkney, KW16 3AW, has applied to the Scottish Ministers for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate an existing wave test site at Billia Croo, approximately 2.2km west of the Orkney Mainland coastline, with a total area of 11.1km2 (central latitude and longitude co-ordinates: 58°59.041’N 003°23.842’W (WGS84)). The installed capacity of its existing grid-connected wave test site would potentially be 20MW.

The proposed development is subject to an environmental impact assessment (“EIA”) under the EIA regulations listed above.

Notice is hereby given that EMEC has now submitted additional information to the Scottish Ministers relative to the above EIA Application including:

• an updated Seascape, Landscape and Visual Assessment;
• further information regarding the hydrodynamic impact of EMEC on aquaculture; and
• an updated socio-economic report

The additional information can be viewed online at http://marine.gov.scot/ml/section-36-consent-billia-croo and http://www.emec.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/latest-news/. Copies of the additional information can also be obtained from [EMEC], (tel: [01856 852060]) with no charge for a hard copy and no charge for CD/USB stick (including post and packaging).

Any representations should be made in writing by email to: ms.marinerenewables@gov.scot or by post to The Scottish Government, Marine Scotland Licensing Operations Team, Marine Laboratory, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB, identifying the proposal and specifying grounds for the representation, not later than 9 October 2021. The Scottish Ministers may however consider representations received after this date. Representations should be dated and should clearly state the name (in block capitals) and the full return email or postal address of those making the representation.

Any subsequent submission of additional information by EMEC to the Scottish Ministers will be publicised in a similar manner to this, including publication on the above websites and in a further public notice. Representations relative to such information should be made on the same basis as detailed above.

Having considered the environmental information, in conjunction with any representations received, the Scottish Ministers may:

• Consent the proposal, with or without conditions attached; or
• Reject the proposal.

All previous representations received in relation to these works will be considered.

Fair Processing Notice

The Scottish Government’s Marine Scotland Licensing Operations Team (MS-LOT) determine applications for marine licences under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, and section 36 consents under The Electricity Act 1989. During the consultation process any person having an interest in the outcome of the application may make representation to MS-LOT. The representation may contain personal information, for example a name or address. This representation will only be used for the purpose of determining an application and will be stored securely in the Scottish Government’s official corporate record. Representations will be shared with the applicant and/or agent acting on behalf of the applicant, any people or organisations that we consult in relation to the application, the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals should the Scottish Ministers call a PLI and, where necessary, be published online, however personal information will be removed before sharing or publishing.

A full privacy notice can be found at:

https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-and-fisheries-licensing/marine-licensing-operations-team-privacy-notice/. If you are unable to access this, or you have any queries or concerns about how your personal information will be handled, contact MS-LOT at: ms.marinerenewables@gov.scot or Marine Scotland – Licensing Operations Team, Marine Laboratory, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB.

To view and download the relevant documentation, please refer to the Marine Scotland information page.