Dores and Essich Community Council
Resolution re Red John PSH Project
18th March, 2019
- Dores and Essich Community Council (DECC) believes that, in order to mitigate the
effects of climate change and global warming, increased reliance needs to be placed on
generating electricity from renewable sources, as is expressed in Scottish Government
policy.
It also believes that pumped storage hydro schemes potentially have an important role
to play in supporting such a policy as, in effect, they can be used to store the excess
electricity generated by renewables when demand is low. - With regard to the Red John scheme DECC considers it regrettable that scheme Option
A was rejected in favour of scheme Option B without sufficient consultation with the
community as to the inherent risks which have since become apparent. - If scheme Option A were to have been promoted DECC would be minded to support
this proposal, subject to satisfactory scrutiny of the detailed plans. - Since scheme Option B remains the chosen option, DECC has serious concerns about
the headpond being located directly above the village of Dores and over a known
geological fault. After careful consideration, DECC has resolved to object to this
proposal due to the lack of compelling evidence as to how these concerns can be
mitigated and due to the lack of a satisfactory insurance-backed indemnity to
compensate any local residents in the event of them being affected by a breach in the
headpond. - Irrespective of which option is finally chosen, DECC would object to the proposals
unless the following conditions were placed on the developer:
i) The setting up of a satisfactory and enforceable traffic management scheme during
the construction phase;
ii) The setting up of a satisfactory and enforceable noise, dust and vibration mitigation
scheme during the construction phase;
iii) Satisfactory architectural treatment (which may include screening) of any prominent
structures at the headpond and the waterside site.
iv) The signing of a satisfactory legally binding agreement with the developer
regarding community benefit and community investment in the project