Client: Shetland Space Centre Limited
Location: Unst, UK
Date: 2020-21
Shetland Space Centre Limited (SSC) is developing a vertical launch space port and associated infrastructure at Lamba Ness on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands.
As the nominated site for the UK Pathfinder Launch, part of LaunchUK, Shetland is the prime location for this new space sector for the UK.
The Proposed Development includes the construction of three launch pads and associated infrastructure incorporating a satellite tracking facility, integration facilities, a launch and range control centre at Saxa Vord, use of the fuel storage facility at Baltasound, and significant improvements to associated approach roads.
Our Role:
- Management of multi-discipline environmental impact assessment (EIA)
- Assessment of impacts, mitigation measures and residual effects
- EIA Report preparation and delivery
SSC engaged ITPEnergised to manage the assessment of environmental effects as part of the major planning application. The study involved over two years of detailed environmental study.
In addition to the regular environmental concerns, consideration was given to marine and transboundary effects, minimisation of impact on scheduled monuments and assessment and mitigation of effects on a diverse bird and animal population.
Outcome:
The EIA Report was submitted to Shetland Islands Council in January 2021. Subject to securing the appropriate permissions, consents and licences, SSC intends to initiate construction in mid-2021, with the first launch no later than Spring 2022.
Download the Shetland Space Centre – Environmental Impact Assessment case study PDF here