Flood scrapes, restored peatlands, and strategically designed gullies will be used to manage water flow around the proposed Erystane wind farm.
Manx Utilities Authority (MUA) chairman John Wannenburgh confirmed the measures will aim to protect wetland habitats while reducing flood risks for nearby residents.
In this week’s Keys, Jason Moorhouse asked Mr Wannenburgh what methods of mitigation the MUA will use to restrict water leaving plantations surrounding the proposed onshore wind farm?”
Mr Wannenburgh said that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would ensure “all catchment areas” are safeguarded, with a focus on “managing flow effectively” rather than blocking water entirely.
Nature
Key solutions include nature-based flood scrapes and banks to temporarily hold rainwater during heavy downpours, allowing gradual filtration into waterways.
“These schemes can provide new, biodiverse wetland habitat while minimising flood risk,” Mr Wannenburgh said.
Peatland restoration in cleared plantation areas will also help absorb excess surface water.
When Mr Moorhouse asked for cost estimates, Mr Wannenburgh said final designs—including angled embankments and vegetation-covered drainage channels—would follow the EIA’s completion.
“All solutions proposed are nature based,” he stressed, ruling out artificial storage units.
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