Non-Technical Summary of Environmental Impact … · During the construction of the towers, ... The rotating blades of a wind turbine may case a stroboscope effect ... farm will be

Non-Technical Summaryof

Environmental Impact Assessment Reportconcerning

Tychowo Wind Farm

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYof Environmental Impact Assessment Report concerning Tychowo Wind Farm December 2007

IntroductionMegawatt Baltica Sp. z.o.o. is planning to construct a wind farm of 50MW in the vicinity of Tychowo and

Noskowo settlements (Sławno commune, Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, north of Poland). The project is classified (both from the point of view of EU and Polish legislation) as one which may be required

to undergo Environmental Impact Assessment process.This Non Technical Summary presents the information contained in the Environmental Impact Assessment

Report and includes information on administrative procedures undertaken in relation to this project.

Copies of the full Environmental Impact Assessment Report may be reviewed and obtained (at the cost of 65 PLN) at: Gigawatt Development sp. z o. o., al. Wojska Polskiego 70, 70-479 Szczecin.

In accordance with Polish law all applications and environmental reports are publicly available at the Sławno Local Authority Office (Urzad Gminy Slawno).

Why is the project needed?The development of renewable energy sources, together with measures aimed at reduction and more efficient

use of energy, are priorities at national as well as European level, on both energy and energy policy grounds. Conventional energy sources when producing 1kWh of energy based on the burning of coal on average emit

approximately: 5,5g of SO2, 4,2g of NOx,, 700g of CO2, 49g of dust.Wind turbines are used to convert the wind’s kinetic energy to electricity, while producing none of the emissions

mentioned above. Despite this they may cause adverse environmental effects, in particular concerning increased bird mortality, generation of noise and shadow flicker. The EIA Report is prepared in order to estimate the nature and significance of the potential impacts and prevent them whenever possible or mitigate them.

What will the project include? The proposed development includes wind turbines as well as electric substation, service roads and cables

linking the turbines and the energy substation, which will be used to feed the produced energy to the national grid. This project does not involve the need for a new power line – as the electricity substation will be located directly below an existing overhead power line.


Two alternatives of the project were considered in the EIA, characterized in the table below:Technical parameter Alternative 1 Alternative 2number of turbines 27 20tower height 95,0m 100,0mrotor diameter 90,0m 90,0mtotal height + 140,0m + 145,0mpower output of single turbine 1,8 MW 2,5 MWtotal power output of the wind farm 48,6 MW 50,0 MWland use for single turbine 15,6 m2 28,26 m2total land use for wind farm 421,20m2 565,20m2land use for energy substation 5200,00m2 5172,73m2

Where will the wind farm be located?The wind farm is to be located on agricultural land to the east of the town of

Sławno and to the south-west of the town of Słupsk, in the north of Poland, in the eastern part of the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship (close to the border with Pomorskie Voivodeship).

The area of the location is a part of the Sławieńska Plain, elevated some 50 m above sea level, gently undulating, with numerous shallow valleys, cut by the river Wieprza. The project area is within the zone designated as one with very favorable wind conditions. The predominant wind direction is west and south west.

The nearest settlements are Tychowo, Noskowo, Warszkówko, Wrześnica and Bzowo (administratively located in Pomorskie Voivodeship). Those are mostly old settlements (over a hundred years old). There are also recorded archeological sites near the proposed wind farm.

map1: Location of Tychowo in Poland

Tychowo


What is the condition of the existing environment?

The proposed location is not within the borders of any protected area. The nearest protected area is the Natura2000 site “Dolina Wieprzy i Studnicy” (PLH 220038) – an area designated under the Habitat Directive. Other protected areas (nature reserves, National parks, Natura2000 areas) are located 10 km or more from the proposed location.

The area was not pointed out as of special interest in any of the official inventories or research papers concerning wildlife and nature protection in Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship.

As part of investigations carried out during the preparation of the EIA report a 12 month animal life monitoring program was set up in the proposed location. The results of the monitoring are presented in detail in a separate Monitoring Report and summarized the EIA Report. The investigations included 37 days of observation from March 2006 to April 2007, with recordings of species and numbers of animals observed, their location (in the case of birds also estimated height of flight).

The investigations showed that several dozens of species are present in the area (reptilians, amphibians, birds and mammals), however the wind farm is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on any of those populations.

map2: Proposed location of wind turbines


The field area of Tychowo is home to approximately 30 species of birds, most of those are legally protected, however they are common and not endangered in the region. It is also regularly visited by a number of mammals (roe-deer, wild boar, fox, hare, mole, small rodents and bats)A red-backed shrike (species listed in annex I to the Bird Directive) was found to be nestling in the area. Several other species from the list use the area as feeding grounds, including white stork nestling in Tychowo village. Some visits by predators such as white-tailed eagle and marsh harriers were also recorded in the area.

The old trees bordering local roads are the nestling and feeding grounds for most of the species of birds and an important habitat area for small mammals.

The area of Tychowo was not noted as an important site for migratory birds, however a large group of golden plover (approximately 1700 birds) has been observed. It should be noted that during migration groups of plovers can number several thousand birds. Investigations carried out in parallel in several reference sites around the proposed location suggest that the Tychowo wind farm site is located outside of the border of a bird migration route along the Baltic coast.

The nearest areas used as nestling ground or gathering grounds before autumn migration by large numbers of birds (including endangered species) are the valleys of Wieprza (3 km from the site) and Słupia (12 km from the site) rivers.

What will be the impacts during construction?The main impacts associated with construction stage result from earth works: building the foundations for the

towers and digging trenches for the cables, construction of maintenance roads and the electric substation connecting the wind farm to the national grid and hauling the elements of each tower and turbine.

The distance from nearest settlements and the fact that works will only be carried out during the day safeguards against nuisance from excessive noise levels from construction equipment.


The site is serviced by public roads – therefore no roads (other than service roads needed during the wind farm operation) will need to be build for use during construction.

During the construction of the towers, collisions of birds with this new element may occur, especially at night, with weather conditions resulting in limited visibility. However observations from existing wind farms show that those would be very isolated incidents and would not have a significant effect on local bird populations. Since the site is not on a main migratory route it will not in any case affect migrating populations.

Given the presence of potential archeological sites in the area of construction works should be carried in accordance with formal requirements for potential archeological sites.

A wind farm during constructionWhat will be the impacts during operation?

The impacts described below were identified during the EIA process as most significant.

Noise emissions The nearest settlements are separated from the site of the wind farm by several forest areas, trees bordering

local roads and Tychowo manor park. The wind farm will be some 500m to 2km away from those settlements.Noise modeling demonstrates that for both alternatives the standard permissible noise levels for nearest

inhabited areas will not be breached during the operation of the wind farm. Noise levels will be lower in the case of alternative 2 – which is the alternative chosen for implementation. The results of the modeling, showing the predicted noise levels for alternative 2 are presented on the map at the end of this Summary.


Given that nearest protected natural areas are located further away from the wind farm than inhabited areas, they are unlikely to be affected by noise generated by the wind turbines.

Shadow flickerThe rotating blades of a wind turbine may case a stroboscope effect (affecting directly human brain). This effect

is caused by shadow flickers occurring with high frequency. The turbines which are to be used at the proposed wind farm will be working at a lower rotation frequency – which is an effective way of reducing the effect at source.

According to most sources the effect of shadow flicker is felt within a radius of some 500m – in this case there are no dwellings within such distance from the towers.

Impact on local fauna populations (especially birds) The location of either 27 turbines 140 meters high or 20 turbines 145 meters high will be an obstacle to flying

animals. This will have mostly impact on birds, since bats have a much better ability to detect obstacles in all weather conditions.

The most effective way to minimize the potential negative impact of a wind farm is to locate it away from migratory routes (as in this case).

Observations and reports concerning bird populations close to operating wind farms (on-shore and off-shore) demonstrate that birds successfully avoid colliding with turbines and at the same time are not afraid of wind farms and use that areas as feeding grounds. It seems that the land use of adjacent areas (types of crops grown, maintenance status etc.) has more significant impact on bird population than the presence of a wind farm.

Judging by the results of the 12 month pre-development monitoring the proposed location of the wind farm is not on a migration route and is not an important breeding ground for protected species. It is therefore expected that collisions may only occur incidentally and will not have a significant effect on local populations.

Given that groups of golden plover (approximately 1700 birds) were observed during pre-development monitoring this issue should in particular be further monitored during operation.

As the two alternatives considered propose similar (from the point of view of obstacles to migration) height of turbines the alternative preferred would be alternative 2, where a smaller number of turbines are to be constructed.

Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiationElectricity generators are a source of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. This radiation may have a

negative influence on living organisms. In case of the generators of the wind turbines such negative influence may


occur closely – i.e. several meters away from the generator and if the living organism was exposed to such radiation for extended periods of time. Given that the generators are elevated 100 meters above the ground (the height of the tower) and that nearest residential areas are over 500m away significant impacts will not occur.

The electric substation will be designed in such a way to contain all significant effects (including electromagnetic radiation) within the bounds of the plot of land designated for the substation.

This project does not involve the need for a new power line – as the electricity substation will be located directly below an existing overhead power line.

Impact on landscapeIn order to assess the impact a computerized visual simulation was prepared for the panoramas judged as

most vulnerable (e.g. view of the historic church seen from the main road of the village). The nearest protected landscape area is over 10 km away. Given the existing landscape, with gentle hills,

numerous forest enclaves and old local road bordered by trees the wind farms will not cause significant visual intrusion.

Both proposed alternatives are acceptable, however lesser visual impact will be caused by alternative 2, with fewer turbines.

visualisation1: Panorama with wind turbines


Emergency situationsA potential emergency situation in the case of a wind farm may be caused by extremely strong winds and /or

erosion of the foundation of a tower. This might result in a tower falling over or the shearing off of one of the blades.A preventive measure is a build in safety precaution which caused the blades to be set at an angle giving least

resistance to winds over 25m/s. The ground around the foot of the towers is stabilized to avoid erosion.However, in the unlikely event of such an emergency situation occurring the impact should be contained within

the uninhabited agricultural land. A tower falling over will reach as far as some 150m from its foundation and a sheared off blade may reach (according to literature data) 3 times that distance. As the nearest residential area is 500 or more meters away it would not be affected by such emergency situation.

Cumulative impactsThe nearest know locations of other wind farms existing or proposed in the neighborhood are:

• Kobylnica commune (Pomorskie Voivodeship): 8km away• Postomino commune (Zachodnioporskie Voivodeship): 7 km away

The distance between the farms should provide undisturbed migration routes along the Baltic coast. The distances are in accordance with the recommendations concerning relative locations of wind farms contained in the land use plan of the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship.

What will be the impacts during decommissioning? The wind farm is expected to be functioning for approximately 30 years. The main impacts of decommissioning

will be the generation of wastes – mostly scrap metal and rubble. The impact of heavy equipment at that stage will be comparable to the construction stage.

It may reasonably be expected that the decommissioned turbines and towers will be replaced by new, more modern ones. For this reason it is recommended that a bird monitoring is carried out during the last 3 years of the operation of the wind farm – to provide background data for the optimal design of the subsequent development.

Which alternative has more significant impacts?The “do nothing” alternative would result in no impacts from the location and operation of the wind farm but

would not allow for the implementation of the national policy regarding creating of energy generation from renewable sources.

The impacts of the two main alternatives (27 turbines of 1,8 MW or 20 turbines of 2,5 MW) were described during the discussion of potentially significant impacts. While both alternatives generate impacts within acceptable


limits, the second alternative (involving construction of 20 turbines) seems preferable as it impacts a smaller area in terms of noise and causes less possibility for collision from the point of view of impacts on animal life. It also limits the need for land take for service roads and limits visual impacts to landscape.

What measures may be undertaken to limit negative impacts and enhance positive impacts? The main measure which may be used to prevent significant environmental impact of a wind farm is a good

choice of the location (away from residential areas and nature protection areas including migratory routes) – as it was in this case.

The choice of technology also influences the type and significance of impacts occurring. In this case the choice of turbines with low frequency of rotation and generators with reduced vibration emissions has reduced the potential for the occurrence of stroboscope effects and vibration.

The choice of alternative with fewer turbines will reduce the area affected by noise and the potential for collisions with birds.

It is very likely that some of those collisions will not be lethal for the birds but may result in injuries. Therefore the operator of the wind farm should make provisions which will allow any bird maimed as result of collisions to be nursed back to health. Suitable bird hospitals are already operating in the region: at the Wolin National Park, in the city of Szczecin in Warcino on the premises of the Forestry High School.

A nesting site of red-backed shrike was discovered in close vicinity to the proposed location. The site is not in direct collision with the proposed development but the location should be further defined in order to avoid unnecessary disturbances, especially during construction stage.

To minimize the possibility of an emergency situation the turbines should be equipped with safeguards in case of high wind velocity. To avoid erosion effect the soil near the tower foundation should be stabilized.

In the planning of service roads and site access during construction loss of existing vegetation (in particular old trees bordering local roads) should be avoided.

Construction works should be carried out outside of the migration season. There is a possibility that reptiles and amphibians may be trapped in excavations during construction works. If construction would take place during a season when those animals are active, excavations should be regularly monitored and any animals trapped rescued. If the incidents should occur often, a biologist should be contacted to provide a preventive measure suited to the particular location of a given excavation.

There is a possibility that the construction may impact a site with archeological potential. Therefore appropriate procedures should be followed and any findings should be reported to archeological services.


What monitoring will be required?There is no need for monitoring during construction phase as there are neither significant uncertainties nor

envisaged significant negative impacts. In order to estimate the generated level of noise, noise measurements at property borders should be carried

out. Such measurements should be carried out prior to initiating the operation of the wind farm (or with all of the turbines out of operation) and repeated when the turbines are operating. As far as possible the conditions of the two measurements should be similar (location of measurement points, equipment used, season, weather conditions, etc.).

Should the measurements indicate that permissible noise levels are exceeded then action should be taken to reduce noise levels at source (for example by reducing the output level of the nearest turbines).

The animal monitoring should include:• a 3 year monitoring of all protected species occurring in the area (especially birds listed in annex I of the

Bird Directive and /or considered as endangered species at national level). The results of the monitoring should be analyzed and interpreted as to the need for any additional mitigation or compensation measures;

• a 3 year monitoring of spring and autumn migration, using specialized equipment;• a 3 year monitoring program concerning bats, including inventory of species occurring and changes to

their population or habits resulting from the operation of the wind farm• during the first 3 years of operations an investigation should be undertaken to discover any dead

animals (birds and bats) in the vicinity of the wind turbines, documenting animal deaths as a result of collisions. Such investigations should take place at least twice every month all year around and every 10 days during the migration season. Any discovered dead animals should be classified as to species and the date and location of the finding recorded.

The result of the monitoring will be presented to local authorities every 6 month.It is further recommended that a bird monitoring is carried out during the last 3 years of the operation of the

wind farm – to provide background data for the optimal design of the subsequent development.

What will be the impact of the proposed project on jobs and housing?The proposed project will not result in any permanent staff being employed on site. It will also not influence

significantly the predominant agricultural use of the surrounding area (land around the turbines may be farmed).


The predicted impacts of the proposed project do not exceed permissible levels at the boundaries of residential areas (including farm dwellings).

The site will not generate significant traffic during operation. During the construction stage existing roads will be used for delivery of turbine parts and service new ground roads for access to the turbines themselves. The construction works will take approximately one year and the hauling of supplies and parts will therefore be distributed in time.

There will be no need to re-settle any residents as part of this project.

visualisation2: Panorama with wind turbines and the residential area

What is the legislative context?The official procedure for the location of the project was initiated by a change in the local land use plan of the

commune (gmina) of Sławno of 2003 and 2004. The changes, contained in Commune Council Resolutions numbers IV/22/2003, XV/75/2004 and XV/76/2004, stated the possibility of locating a wind farm on the grounds of the fields of Noskowo and Tychowo settlements. In accordance with the requirements of Polish law an EIA was prepared for the proposed changes to the plan.

The proposed plan changes and EIA Reports were made available for public comments. The commune authorities notified potentially interested parties – which included local residents as well as administrative units responsible for i.a. energy distribution, aviation, telecommunication, surface water bodies and drainage, nature conservation, local parish etc. No protests were submitted. A public meeting was also held (advertised in local papers as well as at offices of local authorities) which no one attended.


The application for environmental consent decision was submitted by the developer on 25 September 2005. In accordance with Polish requirements the commune authorities after consultations with statutory consultees decided on the need for the preparation of an EIA Report.

As part of the preparation of the EIA Report the Project Proponent has ordered a 12 month monitoring of animal life in the vicinity of the proposed location. The study in particular concentrated on birds.

The EIA report was submitted to the local authorities in June 2007 and in accordance with Polish administrative procedure was send out to statutory consultees, who have replied stating the terms they considered necessary to be included in the decision.

Those terms included recommendations concerning use of public roads and ways of managing wastes and top soil during construction. Conditions relating to environmental issues include the requirements for monitoring noise levels generated by the wind farm and monitoring of impacts on animal population. The impacts on animal population are to be monitored for at least 3 years. Results of the monitoring are to be submitted to local authorities every 6 month.

As part of the EIA procedure the EIA Report was displayed for public comment for 21 days. The dates and place in which the EIA was made available were advertised at the web page of the local authority (www.gminaslawno.pl ), at the local authority information board and in the Public Information Bulletin of the local authority (http://ug.slawno.ibip.pl/public/). The dates set from commenting were from 4 to 25 June 2007. According to information received at the local authority’s office no comments were received during this time.

The environmental consent decision was issued on 23 August 2007 and contained the conditions described above. The subject of the decision was described as Tychowo wind farm, made up of 20 turbines of 2,5 MW each, with joint power output of 50MW (thus confirming the alternative with 20 turbines as the development option). The decision was not challenged after it was issued.

The developer then proceeded with an application for building consent (Polish: decyzja pozwolenia na budowe). This decision is issued by a different authority (Starostwo) and requires a valid environmental consent as part of application procedure.

The building consent decision was issued on 19 October 2007. It contained additional recommendations concerning obtaining approval of Cultural Heritage Authorities prior to beginning of earthworks because of archeological sites near construction site. The decision was not challenged after it was issued.

http://www.gminaslawno.pl/

http://ug.slawno.ibip.pl/public/


Annex I: Map of noise impacts of the proposed alternative and location of archeological sites

Documents

Non-Technical Summary of Environmental Impact … · During the construction of the towers, ... The rotating blades of a wind turbine may case a stroboscope effect ... farm will be