Campaigners Demand Environmental Impact Assessment for Findhorn Wind Farm Parts Park
Campaigners have called for plans to store parts of floating wind turbines off the coast of Findhorn to undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Offshore Solutions Group (OSG) has proposed the Moray Flow-Park, a site on the seabed within Findhorn Bay in the Moray Firth, for temporary storage of turbine components.
Initially, OSG had also planned a second storage location off Nairn but withdrew this proposal in November.
The Moray Firth No to the Flow Park Steering Group announced it would formally request an EIA be conducted. OSG stated that it had sought clarification on the applicable legislation for its plans and emphasized that it was not attempting to avoid undertaking an environmental study.
Understanding the Environmental Impact Assessment Process
An EIA evaluates the "likely significant environmental effects" of a proposed development. Specific regulations determine which projects require such assessments.
Under OSG's proposal, foundation base units—large platforms typically constructed from concrete or metal—would be temporarily stored at the Moray Flow-Park site.
Campaigners highlighted the Moray Firth's national and international recognition for its wildlife, including species such as bottlenose dolphins and various seabirds.
A spokesperson for the steering group stated:
"The proposed Moray Flow-Park, as a large-scale offshore energy development, carries the potential for significant and wide-ranging environmental impacts that demand rigorous and transparent assessment.
"The requirement for an EIA in such cases is not a procedural formality. It is a fundamental safeguard."
The spokesperson added that a formal request for an assessment would be submitted to the Scottish government's Marine Directorate.
Offshore Solutions Group's Position on the EIA
OSG confirmed it submitted an EIA screening request to the Marine Directorate last month, and the document is publicly accessible.
An OSG spokesperson commented:
"It does not in any way absolve Offshore Solutions Group of responsibilities nor is it any effort to avoid completing the full EIA or any EIA.
"We have always maintained across all documentation and conversations that we are committed to completing an EIA, and the breadth and depth of the early-stage screening report, completed by EIA specialists appointed by Offshore Solutions Group, is wholly indicative of this approach."
Scottish Government's Response and Next Steps
The Scottish government indicated that the project remains in its early stages.
A government spokesperson stated:
"Offshore Solutions Group has requested a screening opinion from Scottish Ministers to determine whether or not an application for the proposed works must be supported by an EIA report.
"This is currently undergoing statutory consultation, in line with the EIA regulations."
The spokesperson further noted that regardless of the consultation outcome, any planning application would include environmental information and be subject to public consultation.
