SSE’s Tievenameenta Wind Farm site hailed as 'exceptional and innovative’

SSE’s latest wind farm development project, Tievenameenta near Killeter, Co. Tyrone, has been independently commended as an ‘exceptional and innovative’ construction site in the most recently published Considerate Constructors Scheme report.

The 15-turbine site, which is being constructed on behalf of SSE by lead contractor Roadbridge, received a score of 44 out of 50, including full marks for innovation in the steps the project is taking to protect the environment. The site also received high marks for the ‘exceptional’ work being undertaken on site in the areas of Care about Appearance, Respect for the Community and Securing Everyone’s Safety.

The report highlighted a number of the exceptional measures that have been undertaken on the site, including:

• Community engagement plans for the construction and post construction phase
• The exceptional environmental approach, which includes a full-time ecologist on site
• Innovative environmental initiatives, high specification spill response kits and use of Euro Stage V off-road diesel engines with reduced emission levels
• Accredited safety system, including defibrillator provision and the use of a ‘stop – wave’ system for attracting machinery drivers
• Exemplary workforce provisions, including a range of first-class facilities

Construction on the site began in January 2016 and the 34.5MW wind farm is scheduled to be fully operational by spring 2017. The green energy produced at Tievenameenta will be the equivalent of powering around 25,000* homes.

Under the Considerate Constructors Scheme, independent assessors monitor sites against the Scheme’s Site Code of Considerate Practice, highlight areas where site improvements are considered necessary, and encourage best practice beyond standard industry requirements.

Assessing construction at SSE’s Tievenameenta Wind Farm, the Considerate Constructors report noted:

“The approach in this construction project represents most aspects of modern construction at its best – down-to-earth civil engineering with relevant high-tech deployment in support and service areas. In summary, the site has in place considerate practices with outcomes across the Considerate Constructors Scheme sections which are in the range of very good to exceptional and innovative.”

Pat Tierney, SSE Civils Project Manager, said: “We are delighted that the Considerate Constructors Scheme has commended our Tievenameenta Wind Farm project as an ‘exceptional and innovative’ construction site. The importance of safety and environmental protections on the wind farm construction site is key for both SSE and Roadbridge, and we are particularly pleased that the independent monitors’ report noted the steps being taken on environmental protection and community engagement. We currently have 70 employees working on the construction of Tievenameenta, with the majority living within a 20 mile radius, and this commendation is a reflection on their skills and hard work.”

Anton O’Rourke, Project Manager for Roadbridge, added: “Working with SSE on Tievenameenta, Roadbridge aims to deliver a professional, innovative and efficient construction site. Our plans and preparation before and during construction have helped deliver this exceptional score from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, and we are confident that we will see further improvements as the wind farm development progresses.”

 * Equivalent homes powered based on historic performance of SSE wind farms in NI, Apr 2015-Mar 2016.