Item5Appendix2HRA20220069DETBatteryStorage

This document contains a Habitats Regulations Appraisal for the proposed construction of a battery energy storage facility near Boat of Garten. The appraisal, dated 17 August 2022, considers the potential impact of the development on nearby protected areas, specifically the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Cairngorms SAC, and the Abernethy Forest Special Protection Area (SPA). While the development is not expected to significantly affect the Cairngorms SAC or the Abernethy Forest SPA, there is a potential risk of sediment release and pollution to the River Spey SAC during construction and from the fire suppressant system. However, the appraisal concludes that with the implementation of a Construction Environment Management Statement (CEMP) and the use of a non-toxic inert gas in the fire suppression system, the development can proceed without adversely affecting the integrity of the River Spey SAC.