BRE Client Report

Construction Method Statement for proposed Solar PV Array at

Stockton Former Landfill Site Warwickshire
Prepared for: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 17 November 2017
Report Number: P103889-1003.2 Issue: 3

BRE National Solar Centre Prepared for:

Eden Project Warwickshire County Council
St Blazey Shire Hall
PL24 2SG Warwick
CV34 4RL
T + 44 (0) 1726 871831
E [email protected]
www.bre.co.uk/nsc
Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

Prepared by

Name Adam Longfield

Position Consultant

Date 23 November 2017

Signature

Authorised by

Name Chris Coonick

Position Senior Consultant

Date 23 November 2017

Signature

This report is made on behalf of Building Research Establishment Ltd. (BRE) and may only be distributed
in its entirety, without amendment, and with attribution to BRE to the extent permitted by the terms and
conditions of the contract. BRE’s liability in respect of this report and reliance thereupon shall be as per
the terms and conditions of contract with the client and BRE shall have no liability to third parties to the
extent permitted in law.

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 1 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 3
2 Constructing Methodology 4
2.1 Access 4
2.2 Working Hours 4
2.3 Typical Construction Programme 5
2.4 Indicative Programme of Works 6
2.5 Deliveries 7
2.6 Storage 7
2.7 Site Facilities 7
2.8 Fencing and Security 7
2.9 Plant Equipment 8
2.10 Communication 8

3 Environmental Mitigation 8
3.1 Waste Management and Control 8
3.2 Noise and Vibration 9
3.3 Lighting 9
3.4 Flood Risk and Pollution Control 10
3.5 Air Quality and Dust Management 10

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 2 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

1 Introduction

This Construction Method Statement (CMS) has been prepared by BRE National Solar Centre on behalf
of Warwickshire County Council (WCC) in support of a planning application for a 623kW ground-mounted
solar PV array at Stockton Former Landfill Site, Stockton, Warwickshire. The array covers approximately
1.7ha of a 6.5ha holding and comprises 2,010 modules.

The CMS provides a construction methodology to ensure that any work conducted adheres to best
practices, techniques and enhances environmental performance where possible.

The appointed contractor will be required to comply with this CMS and any accompanying relevant
documents. Contractors will also be required to follow the ‘Considerate Contractor Scheme’ (CCS, 1997)
and the ‘Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015’ (CDM 2015) Approved Code of
Practice (HSE April 2015).

Contractors will be required to comply with all relevant environmental legislation and to take account of
published standards, accepted industry practice, national guidelines and codes of practice appropriate to
the scheme.

Contractors will be required to operate an induction scheme, such as a tool box talk, to ensure (i) that all
employees are aware of site rules and their environmental responsibilities, (ii) to identify training needs for
personnel, and (iii) to provide appropriate training. The training will include talks for site operatives to
provide an appropriate level of awareness of environmental issues and to note any shortcomings so
improvements can be made and issues rectified.

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 3 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

2 Constructing Methodology

2.1 Access
The site is served by an existing 4.4m wide access served from Stockton Road, located approximately 85
metres northwest of the A426 / Napton Road / Stockton Road priority controlled junction. The access is
located immediately northwest of the existing wooded area as per Figure 1. The associated transport and
access statement recommends including a 6 metre kerb radii and an egress taper at the access point, in
addition to a 6.25 metre wide carriageway from the road to the installation site, to further assist with HGV
movements (Curtins, 2017).

Figure 1 - Access to site through gated access on Stockton Road (Google Earth, 2017)

This access will be the sole access to the site during the construction period and for the limited access
required when the site is operational. No vehicle parking, loading or unloading will take place within the
public highway. All routes will be kept free of obstacles and trip hazards during the period of installation.
On completion of the works, the access route will be made good from any damage caused by
construction movement. The associated transport and access statement provides further information.

2.2 Working Hours

The core working hours will be restricted to 07:00 to 18:30 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 12:30 on
Saturday. There will be no Sunday or Bank Holiday working. Any works outside these hours will require
WCC’s approval.

It is envisaged the solar PV installation will be staged over approximately 6-8 weeks and will include
periods of site preparation, installation, testing/commissioning prior to completion and project handover.

Neighbouring residential properties and businesses will be given not less than 7-days’ notice of the
commencement of the works.

Once operational, site visits (for maintenance) typically occur during normal working hours, unless there
is an emergency. The site will be remotely monitored and therefore access will only be required for
routine maintenance (typically every 3-4 months) and to respond to any fault alarms or emergencies.
Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 4 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

2.3 Typical Construction Programme

The typical process for which a scheme of this size is developed is as follows:

1. Site preparation

a. Field survey and setting out

b. Management of existing ground conditions (See Flood Risk Assessment, JBA
Consulting, 2017)
c. Laying access roads/ temporary tracks
d. Preparation of earthing system
e. Preparation of foundations/ hard standing for construction compound/ inverter housing/
sub station
f. Installation of perimeter fence
g. Construction of foundations/preparation for sub stations and transformer stations
h. Trenching for cables and ditches

2. Solar array installation

a. Positioning of pre-cast ballast (concrete or other)

b. Construction of array frame
c. Mounting PV modules onto array frame
d. Testing of PV modules
e. Installation of electrical ducting
f. Monitoring system installation

3. Electrical infrastructure installation

a. Connection of earthing system/ bonding/ LPS

b. Interconnection of PV module cables
c. Routing and securing of DC string cables
d. Installation and connection of PV string boxes
e. Installation and connection of main DC cables
f. Delivery and installation of pre-configured inverters
g. Delivery and installation of substation
h. Installation and connection of AC system to inverters and substation
i. Closing cable trenches

4. Testing and commissioning

a. DC system commissioning
b. AC system commissioning
c. G59 witness testing
d. Accreditation of system
e. Commissioning of environmental monitoring
f. Commissioning of remote monitoring system
g. Completion / final acceptance
h. Project handover

5. Completion Works
a. Removal of site compound and welfare facilities
b. Landscape planting (grass seeding if required, and hedgerow, existing hedgerow
gapping-up, and tree planting).
c. Provision of surface water management system (lined swales/ ditches)
Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 5 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

It is proposed that the arrays will be anchored to the ground using concrete (or other) ballast as per
Figure 2 below. This method is often recommended for any sites that are sensitive to ground penetration
such as landfill sites. Concrete ballast can either be pre-cast and delivered to site, or cast in place. In
either case the ballast should be positioned above ground to minimise excavation. Vertical frame
supports are fixed to the ballast; the rails of the mounting system are then fixed to these vertical supports
before the PV modules are fixed to the rails.

Figure 2 – Example of ballasted PV system (Sunfixings, 2017)

The site comprises grass pasture that slopes down towards the north-west. Across the width of the site
the drop in level is approximately 5 to 6m, equating to between a 1 in 12 and a 1 in 15 slope
(Geotechnics, 2017). The proposed PV array should be constructed over the existing land form and
aligned to follow the prevailing ground contours; no re-profiling should take place.

DC cables from the solar arrays are typically routed in channels suspended under the solar modules. DC
string cables will be run to the end of each array row, enter into an underground duct and run along the
end of the arrays to the inverter housing units. Where DC cables are buried they should be in marked
ducting that provides mechanical protection. For agricultural sites where the land is not cultivated or
arable then cables must be buried to at least 0.6m. Due to the site’s ground make up it is thought that
0.6m is sufficient. Where it is not possible to reach these depths it is advised to use mechanically
protected cables (i.e. SWA) inside ducting.

The construction process will be completed in line with the recommendations made in the Flood Risk
Assessment (JBA Consulting, 2017), Construction and Environmental Management Plan (to be prepared)
and Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (to be prepared).

2.4 Indicative Programme of Works

Week 1 will see initial deliveries to site, including security fencing and materials required to establish a
site construction compound. There will be a number of other deliveries to the site including cabling,
machinery and temporary site welfare with office.

Week 2 will see items such as the concrete ballast, inverters, control room, and solar PV frames delivered
to site. Security fencing will be installed and the site will be marked out.

Weeks 3 – 6 will initially see installation of cable ducting, concrete ballast and support frames. Modules
will then be delivered, distributed across site, and installed.

Weeks 7 – 8 will see inverters installed and the commissioning.

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 6 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

2.5 Deliveries
The preferred route for delivery vehicles to the site is from the A426 to the east in order to avoid HGV
traffic passing through the villages of Stockton (to the east) and Long Itchington (to the west). It is
proposed that the arrival and departure of delivery vehicles will be coordinated so that they are not
required to pass along Stockland Road between the site and the A426.

All construction traffic entering and leaving the site will be closely controlled by following site signage and
instruction from the site office so as to avoid localised traffic / bottlenecks. All deliveries will be scheduled
during daylight hours and, where possible, to avoid peak traffic times. Vehicle and plant movement will be
minimised wherever possible.

A banksman should be employed on site to ensure that large deliveries do not arrive and depart at the
same time. This will ensure that potential vehicular conflicts are avoided.

2.6 Storage
No long-term on-site storage is required as the HGVs and other vehicles will provide the materials at
regular intervals throughout the construction period as construction progresses, rather than being
delivered concurrently.

Following the completion of construction activities no construction material will be stored on site and the
temporary construction compound will be repurposed for the sub-station and inverter footings.

2.7 Site Facilities

The construction compound will comprise a site office, staff welfare unit, parking spaces and areas for
temporary storage of materials, fuel, tools and plant. Delivery, loading and turning areas for HGVs are
provided across the site.

2.8 Fencing and Security

It is intended that the security fence that will surround the solar farm for the duration of its life will be
erected prior to the construction phase to keep it secure during this phase.

The fencing will be designed and implemented so as to have a minimal visual effect and will resemble
livestock / deer fencing. It is proposed that fencing will consist of fence posts at 2.0m height with open
galvanised wire mesh, similar to Figure 3. This agricultural-type fencing will provide adequate security in
addition to suitable access to the tenant farmer.

Figure 3 - Proposed fencing type at Stockton Landfill

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 7 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

Suitable provision should be provided to allow badgers and other local wildlife to be able to pass through
the site as recommended by the Ecological Impact Assessment (Warwickshire County Council, 2017)

A Health and Safety board identifying potential hazards will be updated daily, with all visitors required to
sign in and adhere to on‐site Health and Safety practices. All personnel working on site will be required to
wear a high visibility vest or jacket, steel cap boots, and a hard hat as well as any other activity‐specific
safety wear.

2.9 Plant Equipment

Plant Equipment would include but would not be limited to the following:

Equipment Function
JCB Diggers Trenching
Dump Trucks Earth Removal
Vibrating Roller Compacting access track (if in scope)
Telehandler (s) Distributing materials
Crane Capable of lifting cabinets into place
Fuel Bowser Refuel plant as required

The installation and use of access tracks within the solar farm site should be kept to minimum. Vehicular
movement on the site should be restricted to designated access tracks. No access tracks between rows
of solar panels, other than those considered in the proposals, should be constructed. Instead the site
operation team should aim to service the facilities utilising tractors, quad bikes and four-wheel drive
vehicles thus minimising the compaction of the soils.

2.10 Communication
Communication with the local community and Local Planning Authority will be undertaken at an
appropriate level and frequency. This will include distribution of information relating to relevant aspects of
construction. Information will be displayed at the entrance of the site stating the key contacts for the
works phase of the project and how to contact them. Basic information relating to the expected duration of
the construction phase and any disruption to be expected within the local area will also be displayed.

Appropriate arrangements will be made for recording, monitoring, and responding to complaints relating
to relevant aspects of construction. Contact details for making complaints, observations, and
recommendations will be displayed at the site entrance.

3 Environmental Mitigation

3.1 Waste Management and Control

The principal contractor must ensure that all surplus or waste materials from either materials imported to
site or from those generated on site are dealt with responsibly. Relevant waste and resource
management procedures will be communicated to all operatives during the initial site induction. This will
include details on the appropriate segregation, handling, recycling, reuse and return methods to be used
at all appropriate stages of the project.

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 8 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

A specific area shall be laid out and labelled to facilitate the separation of materials for potential reuse,
recycling, and disposal. Recycling and waste receptacles are to be kept clean and should be marked
clearly in order to avoid contamination of materials.

Potential waste streams during the construction process includes the following:

 PV module packaging material. PV modules typically arrive on wooden pallets and these will be
either returned to the manufacturer or forwarded to a pallet management company for reuse.
These pallets are often encased in either wood crates or cardboard boxes; this material will be
segregated and then removed from the site on a regular basis
 Packing materials for other various components, such as screws, cabling, and mounting frames.
Any non‐recyclable waste will be segregated for regular removal to an appropriate landfill.
 Food waste from workers. Personal rubbish will be collected along with non‐recyclable packaging
materials, for disposal at an appropriate landfill.
 Appropriate welfare facilities including toilets will be hired for the duration of the construction
period.

To prevent silt runoff and dust creation, any waste soils that have been excavated from the site will be re-
used as backfill material, or re-distributed around the site and used for remediation and biodiversity
enhancement features.

3.2 Noise and Vibration

Contractors will be required to prepare a method statement and to comply with the recommendations set
out in BS 5228: 2009+A1: 2014 (Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open
sites. Noise). Contractors will also be required to comply with relevant provisions of the Control of
Pollution Act 1974 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Works plant and equipment must comply with the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 in order to protect on-
site personnel. Technique and choice of equipment will be dependent on the nature of the surrounding
buildings and the environment e.g. residential/commercial. Noisy plant or equipment should be sited as
far as is practicable from noise sensitive buildings

Vehicles and mechanical plant used for the purpose of the works shall be fitted with effective exhaust
silencers and maintained in good and efficient working order and operated in such a manner as to
minimise noise emissions. For each item of plant used in the works, the values quoted in the relevant EC
Directive/UK statutory instrument, where appropriate, should not be exceeded (e.g. S.I1984/1992,
1985/1968, 1987/1730, 1988/361, 1989/1127).

Working hours will be restricted to 07:00 to 18:30 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 12:30 on Saturday.
There will be no Sunday or Bank Holiday working. Any works outside these hours will require WCC’s
approval.

3.3 Lighting
Where possible a daylight-only construction schedule will be adopted to minimise adverse lighting.
However, it is unavoidable that construction work may require work during the hours of low light /
darkness in consideration of shorter daylight availability during winter months. Use of handheld lighting
may be required in some instances; efforts will be made to minimise disruption.

The site (excluding the construction compound) will not be lit outside of the agreed working hours. Flood
lighting will not be used at any point, in order to reduce disruption. Elements of the site and construction
compound will be lit in order to preserve the sites security. The storage and supplies unit will be
permanently and sensitively lit so as not to intrude on local receptors, whilst maintaining visibility to
security personnel at all times.

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Page 9 of 10

Construction Method Statement - Stockton Former Landfill Site

All lighting will be removed once construction is complete.

3.4 Flood Risk and Pollution Control

The site falls within Environment Agency Flood Zone 1, which is defined as land with the lowest risk of
flooding, having less than a 1 in 1000 annual probability of river of sea flooding.

All activities will be conducted in accordance with Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guideline –
PPG5 ‘Works or maintenance in or near water’ and PPG 6 ‘Working at construction and demolition sites’.
Appendix 2 contains the full PPG 5 text, and Appendix 3 contains the checklists for PPG6. The full PPG 6
document can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/construction-and-demolition-
sitesppg6-prevent-pollution).

Any hazardous substances (including liquids and solids) will be stored within impermeable, bunded areas,
to remove the risk of migration to localised groundwater.

As per the Flood Risk Assessment top soil stripping and use of construction machinery will be kept to a
minimum. Vehicle movements will be limited to the laid access tracks and cable trenches will be sealed
properly to prevent water ingress. In addition line conveyance ditches/ swales are to be provided as part
of the surface water drainage strategy for the site.

3.5 Air Quality and Dust Management

The application of standard dust control measures included in the BRE guidance ‘Control of dust from
construction and demolition activities’ (BRE, 2003) are normal working practice on all well-managed
construction sites in the UK. Standard measures will be applied to the construction areas within the
Application Site.

Commercial in Confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd Report No. P103889-1003.2

Template Version V2-082014 Report Ends Page 10 of 10