PEAT SLIDE RISK ASSESSMENT

The importance of assessing the stability and the risks associated with peat deposits in relation to wind farm development came to the fore as a result of peat failures during the construction of the Derrybrien Wind Farm in Ireland in 2003. Although no fatalities were associated with these peat slides there was a significant environmental impact. As wind farms tend to be constructed in high moorland areas which are commonly associated with significant peat deposits (typically peat blanket bogs) there is a potential for peat instability to occur, particularly where deposits are in excess of 1m deep.

There is substantial evidence from all over the world and from as far back as the Middle Ages in the literature which shows that peat bogs and blanket peat in particular can undergo collapse. Substantial areas of blanket peat can slide down hillsides, either as a single slab or as a liquefied mass. This is a natural occurrence which is influenced by many factors including, but not limited to, peat thickness, hill slope gradient and subsurface hydrology.

The Scottish Government require a peat slide risk assessment/hazard analysis at all wind farm sites located over peat blanket bog.

TransTech carry out peat slide risk assessments for any scale of development. These comply with Scottish Government Best Practice criteria.

For more information on our peat slide risk assessment consultancy services please call the office on 01631 720699, or if you would like to request a fee quote for your project contact us by email at info@transtechlimited.com with the details of the project.