The following set of activities associated with the project has been taken into account for the Environmental Impact Analysis:

Transcription

1 6.0 Predicted Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 6.1 Stages and Impacts Considered An Environmental Impact Analysis has been carried out whereby all the possible environmental, socio economic and health and safety aspects and their respective impacts associated with construction, transport, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm have been considered. The following impact categories were analyzed for the proposed wind farm: Environmental Aspects a. Noise and Dust Generation b. Change in Land Use and Visual Impacts c. Freshwater consumption d. Ecology e. Solid Waste Generation (Construction wastes and scrap metals) f. Air pollution g. Used oil and lubricants h. Spillage of small amounts of hazardous/toxic materials i. Reduction in GHG emissions Socio Economic Aspects a. Employment Opportunities b. Birds mortality c. Congestion on roads d. Non Ionizing Radiation and Electromagnetic Interference Health and Safety Aspects a. Injuries to workers b. Risk of road accidents The following set of activities associated with the project has been taken into account for the Environmental Impact Analysis: Construction The construction phase relates mainly to onsite erection of the wind turbines and assembling of the associated facilities; Transport The transport phase includes transport of the WTG components from the port (Port Louis) to the wind farm site (Plaine Sophie); Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 31

2 transport within the wind farm site (Plaine Sophie) during construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm; transport from the wind farm site (Plaine Sophie) to the final disposal site during decommissioning of the wind farm. Operation The operation phase is related to the maintenance of the turbines, including oil changes, lubrication and transport for maintenance (usually by trucks), Decommissioning Decommissioning of the wind farm will be done after 20 years. The turbines will be dismantled and transported (by truck) from Plaine Sophie to Mare Chicose landfill. Toxic materials like lubricating oil, hydraulic fluids and insulating fluid will be sent for recycling and/or reuse. 6.2 Outcome of the Environment Impact Analysis The outcome of this exercise is presented in Table 6.1. Environmental, Socio Economic and Safety aspects related to each activity (Construction, Transport, Operation and Decommissioning) and their respective impacts have been determined. Each impact has been categorized according to its level of significance. Mitigation measures associated to these impacts are discussed correspondingly. The impacts of the proposed wind farm project at Plaine Sophie both during the construction and operation phases are summarized in Figure 6.1 and Figure 6.2. ~ 10 m 3 /day Concrete 200 kwh/day Electricity 25.5 m 3 /day Water 100 Jobs Construction Phase 14 Wind Turbine Generators 1,000 kg/day Construction Waste 90 kg/day Domestic Waste 20 Trips/day Figure 6.1: Impacts during Construction Phase of Proposed Wind Farm Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 32

3 140 MWh/day Electricity 3.2 m 3 /day Water 25 Jobs Operational Phase 20 kg/day Domestic Waste < 45 db(a) Noise to neighborhood Moderate to Low Visual Impact Figure 6.2: Impacts during Operation Phase of Proposed Wind Farm Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 33

4 Stage Type (E, SE, S) N/P Severity Likelihood Significance Table 6.1 Environmental, Socio Economic and Safety Aspects and Impacts Activity Aspect Impact Level of Significance Manpower requirement Unloading of the WTG components from trucks and operation of heavy machinery including cranes and concrete pumps onsite Sanitary and potable water usage, and construction of wind turbine foundation Creation of employment Injuries to workers Freshwater consumption SE P S N E N Harmful but Mild effect, easily 1 Construction Excavation and construction of wind turbine foundations, construction of stainless steel huts for installation of transformer, switchgear and power condition devices; laying of overhead distribution cables for connecting to nearby high voltage substation Use of equipment such as crane lorry, hand-held breaker, concrete lorry mixer and vibratory poker Removal of fittings of the WTGs from packaging Construction waste Ecology Energy consumption Change in land use visual effects Noise and dust generation Solid waste generation Solid waste generation E, SE N E P SE N SE, S N E N E N Mild effect, easily Harmful but Harmful but Harmful but Harmful but Harmful but Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 34

5 Stages Type (E, SE, S) N/P Severity Likelihood Significance Table 6.1 (Continued) Environmental, Socio Economic and Safety Aspects and Impacts Activity Aspect Impact Level of Significance 2 Transport Vehicles used to transport the WTG components from the port (Port Louis) to the wind farm site (Plaine Sophie) Vehicles used onsite for daily inspection of operation of the wind turbines Vehicles used onsite for maintenance of the wind turbines Risk of road accidents SE N Congestion SE N Air pollution leading to global warming and increase in carbon footprint Air pollution leading to global warming and increase in carbon footprint Air pollution leading to global warming and increase in carbon footprint E N E N E N Mild effect, easily Mild effect, easily Mild effect, easily Harmful but Harmful but Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 35

6 Stages Type (E, SE, S) N/P Severity Likelihood Significance Table 6.1 (Continued) Environmental, Socio Economic and Safety Aspects and Impacts Activity Aspect Impact Level of Significance Maintenance of the turbines Used oil and lubricants E N Spillage of small amounts of hazardous /toxic materials E N Harmful but Harmful but Visibility of wind turbines Landscape and visual impact SE, E N Harmful but 3 Operation Generation of electricity from the 14 wind turbines Movement of rotor blades of the WTGs Tower, rotor blades and generation of the WTGs Shadows of the rotating blades of the wind turbines Reduction in GHG emissions E P Creation of employment SE P Noise generation Impact on birds Non ionizing radiation and electromagnetic interference SE, E SE, E SE, E N N N Risk of road accidents E N Harmful but Relatively harmless Relatively harmless Relatively harmless Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 36

7 Stages Type (E, SE, S) N/P Severity Likelihood Significance Table 6.1 (Continued) Environmental, Socio Economic and Safety Aspects and Impacts Activity Aspect Impact Level of Significance 4 Decommissioning Dismantling of wind turbines Scrap metals SE N Used oil E N Relatively harmless Harmful but Vehicles to transport the metal scraps and used oil to recycling facilities and, the rest of the components to Mare Chicose landfill GHG emission E N Harmful but Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 37

8 Severity to 25 Requires immediate action to 20 Harmful but to 9 Mild Effect, easily to 4 Relatively harmless Likelihood Severity Likelihood 1 No Impact 1 Very Improbable 2 Negligible Impact 2 Not Probable 3 Considerable Impact 3 Rarely Occurring 4 Great Impact 4 From Time to Time 5 Very Great Impact 5 Fairly Regularly E- Environmental Impact N- Negative Impact S- Safety Impact P- Positive Impact SE- Socio Economic Impact Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 38

9 The aspects and associated impacts are classified according to the relevant activities followed by the associated level of significance (see Table 6.1) Aspects, Impacts and Mitigation Measures related to Construction Activities Creation of Employment during Construction. Level of significance: Nil Activity: Construction Aspect: Manpower Positive Socio Economic Impact: Creation of employment The La Marie region has some 28,480 inhabitants and the proposed project will create around 100 part time jobs during the construction phase. Therefore, the surrounding neighborhoods will be benefited by creation of employment. No special mitigation measures will be required for the positive impact during the construction phase Injuries to Workers Level of significance: 16 (Harmful but ) Activity: Construction Aspect: Unloading of WTG components from trucks to the wind farm site, and operation of heavy machinery including cranes and concrete pumps Negative Safety Impact: Injuries to workers during the handling of components of the WTGs, operation of heavy machinery including cranes and concrete pumps Falls represent one of the major risks associated with installation of the wind turbines. Providing appropriate Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to workers Safety precautions will be taken by the workers during unloading and other processes. To avoid injuries to the workers, appropriate PPEs like safety shoes, safety helmet and Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 39

10 gloves will be provided to all workers onsite. A health and safety officer will ensure that all site operations are safe according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which recommends the use of engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate hazards to the greatest extent possible. Workers working in towers can use the ladder system, along with a full body harness and lanyard, as a means of fall protection. Work on the nacelle will involve installation of electrical control units, which requires cables to be installed through the length of the tower. The nacelle in itself will be spacious and will have anti-skid surfaces to allow quick access to safety rails and fire extinguisher. The long bended crane rail system inside the nacelle makes handling of parts safe and convenient. Finally, extra precaution has been taken with the hinged door system and more strategic eye placements for tie-off Freshwater Consumption during Construction Level of significance: 9 (Mild effect, easily ) Activity: Construction Aspect: Water used by workers. Negative Environmental Impact: Freshwater consumption Water will be required for cleaning and drinking purposes by the workers, and construction of wind turbine foundation All practical measures will be taken to avoid wastage of freshwater onsite like sensitization on proper usage of water onsite and repairing of any leakages. The amount of water used will be approximately 21 m 3 for sanitary and potable water use and 4.5 m 3 for concrete mixing on a daily basis Negative Impact on Ecology Level of significance: 9 (Mild effect, easily ) Activity: Construction Aspect: Excavation and construction of wind turbine foundations, construction of stainless steel huts for installation of transformer, switchgear and power condition Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 40

11 devices; laying of overhead distribution cables for connecting to nearby high voltage substation Negative Socio Economic and Environmental Impact: Ecology The proposed project involves excavation and construction of the wind turbine foundation, construction of stainless steel huts for installation of transformer, switchgear and power condition devices and laying of overhead distribution cables for connecting to the nearby high voltage substation. The potentially negative ecological impacts that may arise from the construction phase include: 41,000 m 2 of forest cleared for construction activities of the wind farm accounting for 9% of total area leased resulting in direct forest loss and forest fragmentation; Loss of foraging and feeding ground of the associated wildlife; Direct and indirect impacts to watercourses, including deterioration of water quality, sedimentation effect, as a result of construction activities and discharge. Increased human activities and disturbance due to the project during construction may affect the surrounding natural habitats and the associated wildlife like the monkeys. The area is poor in fauna and flora, the impact on ecology of the site will be extremely low as per the terrestrial fauna and flora survey carried out (see Annex 11). Construction activities will be carried out over a short period (18 months) compared to the 20 year lifetime of the project and as such, construction activities do not warrant any special mitigation measure apart from standard best practice construction. Out of the area deforested, 7,350 m 2 will be restored with endemic and native species. It is to be noted that there are no animal species of conservation importance reported onsite and the impacts will only be temporary. The monkeys, which cause damage to the vegetable plantations, will return back when the construction phase is completed. Alien species present might temporarily leave the area, but will return once the human activities cease. Precautions will be taken not to affect watercourses by proper disposal of wastes generated onsite. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 41

12 Electricity Use during Construction Level of significance: 12 (Harmful but ) Activity: Construction Aspect: Excavation and construction of wind turbine foundations, construction of stainless steel huts for installation of transformer, switchgear and power condition devices; laying of overhead distribution cables for connecting to nearby high voltage substation Negative Environmental Impact: Energy consumption 20 kva of electrical power will be drawn from CEB for electrical powering equipment, which is expected to work 10 hours daily, as required during construction phase. Use of electricity during the construction phase is unavoidable. The use of electricity does not require any special mitigation measure as there is no power shortage in Mauritius Change in Land Use and Visual Effects Level of significance: 15 (Harmful but ) Activity: Construction Aspect: Construction of wind turbine foundations, construction of stainless steel huts for installation of transformer, switchgear and power condition devices; laying of overhead distribution cables for connecting to nearby high voltage substation Negative Socio Economic Impact: Change in Land Use and Visual effect 9% of the total area for the proposed project will be deforested during the construction phase. In partial absence of the trees, erection of the wind turbine generators and their respective electric wires and poles will be more visible to Les Mares Road users, from the picnic point and from Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir. Wastes generated onsite may be an eyesore if not properly disposed. Thus, mitigation measures will be needed to reduce visual impact during construction. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 42

13 Emphasis will be laid upon forest conservation during the construction phase where 8,750 m 2 of the forest will be cleared for the 14 wind turbines, each requiring an area of 25 m x 25 m. Upon completion, part of the forest affected by construction works would be re-afforested, that is 7,350 m 2, as each WTG will be occupying a space of only 10 m x 10 m. Hence, the wind farm will have a foot print representing only 0.3% of the total area leased for the project. Eyesores onsite will be minimized by proper housekeeping measures. Wastes generated will be properly disposed of. Thus the impact on the aesthetic view of the site will be reduced Noise and Dust Generation during Construction Level of significance: 20 (Harmful but ) Activity: Construction Aspect: Use of equipment such as crane lorry, hand-held breaker, concrete lorry mixer and vibratory poker Negative Socio Economic and Environmental Impacts: Noise and dust generation The main construction activities associated with the project that may cause noise and dust generation to the nearby areas include: Site preparation - excavation by cutting and filling to form a site platform and construction of concrete footing (2.5 m) for wind turbine foundations; Erection of wind turbines Noise generated during construction shall be within neighborhood noise limits of 60 db(a)l eq from 07:00 to 18:00, 55 db(a)l eq from 18:00 to 21:00 and 45 db(a)l eq from 21:00 to 07:00, as per Environmental Standards for Noise (Amendment) Regulations To minimize the construction noise impact on nearby areas, good site practices and noise management will be adopted as follows: Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 43

14 Only well-maintained plant and machinery will be operated on-site and all equipment will be serviced regularly during the construction works; Machines will be used only during normal working hours and never at night; Sound proofing of noisy plant and equipment (such as concrete pumps) will be carried out as far as practical. Noisy plant and equipment required during construction will not interfere with residential areas as the site is situated in a non residential area Solid Waste Generated during Construction Level of significance: 12 (Harmful but ) Activity: Construction Aspect: Removal of fittings of the WTGs from packaging and remaining construction materials Negative Environmental Impact: Solid Waste Generation (packaging and construction waste) It is expected that the construction works will give rise to solid waste production, that is around 1000 kg of construction waste and 90 kg of domestic waste on a daily basis, which unless mitigated can become an environmental nuisance. The quantity of waste materials arising from the construction phase is not expected to be high as most of the construction waste will be used as backfill. All practical measures will be taken to avoid, minimize and recycle wastes. Designated containers for the disposal of solid waste (wooden crates from unpacking of wind farm components) will be provided onsite and these would be sent to Mare Chicose landfill by a licensed waste carrier. A separate area will be designated for storage and monitoring of toxic wastes, like used oil. They will be collected in drums before disposal. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 44

15 6.2.2 Aspects, Impacts and Mitigation Measures related to Transportation Risk of road Accidents and Congestion during Transportation Level of significance: 9 (Mild effect, easily ) Activity: Transport Aspect: Vehicles used to transport the WTGs components from the port (Port Louis) to the wind farm site (Plaine Sophie) Negative Socio Economic Impacts: Risk of Road Accidents and Congestion Large trucks will be used to transport the components of the WTGs. Road accidents and congestions are likely to occur if precautions are not taken by drivers. Drivers will be advised to drive safely when transporting the components of the wind turbine generators and they will be also assisted by police escorts who will be guiding them. Hence, risk of road accidents and congestion will be minimal Air Pollution arising from Transport Vehicles Level of significance: 12 (Harmful but ) Activity: Transport Aspects: Vehicles used to transport WTG components from the port (Port Louis) to the wind farm site (Plaine Sophie); vehicles used onsite for daily inspection of operation of the wind turbines; vehicles used onsite for maintenance of the wind turbines Negative Environmental Impact: Air pollution leading to global warming and increase in carbon footprint Vehicles for transportation will be required during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the wind farm. The number of trips during the construction phase is expected to be around 20 trips daily. Well maintained vehicles of appropriate engine capacity will be used for transport of the WTG components from the port to the wind farm site and onsite for daily inspection of Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 45

16 operation and maintenance of the wind turbines. Therefore air pollution arising due to transport vehicles will be negligible Aspects, Impacts and Mitigation Measures during Operation Generation and Spillage of small amount of Toxic or Hazardous Materials Level of significance: 12 (Harmful but ) Activity: Operation Aspect: Maintenance of turbines Negative Environmental Impacts: Generation and Spillage of small amount of toxic or hazardous materials (lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids and insulating fluids) Each wind turbine will make use of lubricants and oils such as gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, motor oil, and transformer oil. Spillage of oil during handling or storage, storage tank leakage, overflow or rupture may be expected. Oil spills can cause land contamination, infiltrate in the ground causing heavy aquifer pollution; oil dumped on the soil can contaminate water courses due to the process of infiltration, seepage and percolation. Mitigation measures associated to the respective impact are discussed in the next section. Since only a small amount of toxic/hazardous materials will be used, contamination risks of surface or ground water is hence highly negligible. Consortium Suzlon-Padgreen Company Ltd will take all necessary precautions to avoid leaks through regular and thorough examination of all oil piping systems. Regular maintenance will be carried out to detect any fault in the piping system to avoid leaks. Moreover, a stock of emergency response materials such as sand and/or commercially available absorbent materials will be kept on the project site so as to be ready to contain any waste oil in case of an accidental spill. All personnel will be trained to follow the oil spill containment procedures. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 46

17 Landscape and Visual Impacts Level of significance: 16 (Harmful but ) Activity: Operation Aspect: Visual effects of the wind turbines on the Environment. Negative Socio Economic and Environmental Impact: Landscape and visual impacts The wind turbines will be highly visible since they will be sited in exposed places. The visual impact assessment carried out is as per Annex 10. The impacts relating to the aesthetic effect of the proposed wind farm to the existing environmental views were assessed. They were rated between 1 and 5 according to the landscape components, which were vegetation, land use, land form, viewer activity, and presence of any water course. The visual impacts were caused by the wind turbines and their associated electric wires and poles. From the study, road users were the most likely to be affected because of the change in the views. The overall result (as per Annex 10) obtained was 2.1, revealing a moderate to low visual impact. Visible wind turbines are not necessarily intrusive. Aesthetic issues are by their nature highly subjective. A number of mitigation measures will be considered relating to the consideration of appropriate color (normally white) and finishes of the turbines in order to minimize visual effects. The blade tips have white and red strips so that they are clearly visible as per civil aviation requirements. Also, the turbines would be laid out in a manner to avoid being an eyesore. After reafforestation, the dense plantations together with the site s landscape would reduce the visual impact of the wind turbines. Once fully implemented, it is unlikely that the wind farm would be perceived as an eyesore; rather, their contribution to avoiding GHG emissions would prevail (green energy source) and the same would be accepted by society at large. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 47

18 Reduction of GHG Emissions Level of significance: Nil Activity: Operation Aspect: Generation of electricity from wind turbines Positive Environmental Impact: Reduction of GHG emissions Wind turbines do not use fossil to generate electricity. Hence, no GHG emissions are released to the atmosphere. No mitigation measures would be required with respect to air quality as only reduction of GHG emissions is anticipated Employment Opportunities in the Wind Farm Level of significance: Nil Activity: Operation Aspect: Manpower Positive Socio Economic Impact: Creation of employment The wind farm is expected to produce around 25 employment opportunities during its operation. Around 4 to 5 watchmen, 10 in the control room (24/24 hour basis) and 10 to 12 for maintenance will be required. The project will create employment for around 25 persons. Since this is a positive impact, no mitigation measures are required Noise Generation during Operation of the Wind Farm Level of significance: 16 (Harmful but ) Activity: Operation Aspect: Generation of electricity from the wind turbines, movement of blades Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 48

19 Negative Socio Economic and Environmental Impacts: Noise generation The sources of noise emitted from the 14 operating wind turbines include Mechanical noise from gearboxes, generators and transformers; Aerodynamic noise produced during rotation of blades. This noise generally increases with wind speed which leads to an increase in the rotor speed. Aerodynamic broadband noise is typically the largest source of wind turbine noise. A complete noise propagation study has been carried out to gauge the impact of the wind turbine s noise on the neighborhood. At hub height (90 m), the noise level will be db(a)l eq and the noise will be attenuated as distance increases away from the wind turbines. The noise predicted at the nearest inhabited region is less than 45 db(a), which is within neighborhood noise limits of 60 db(a) from 07:00 to 18:00, 55 db(a) from 18:00 to 21:00 and 50 db(a) from 21:00 to 07:00, as shown in Figure 7.1. The full acoustic study report is presented in Annex 9. Results indicate that the predicted noise level will comply with the Environmental Standards for Noise (Amendment) Regulations 2003 at any time, which is 70 db(a)l eq, and therefore the operation of the Wind Farm will not affect the nearby inhabitants of La Marie. Every six month, noise monitoring will be carried out during the operation phase such that if ever the noise level exceeds the permissible noise limit, the turbine operations will be controlled to follow certain speed so that the noise level falls back within the norm. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 49

20 Figure 7.1: Projected Sound from all 14 Turbines operating within an Environmental Wind Speed of 8 m/s at Hub Height Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 50

21 Non Ionizing Radiation and Electromagnetic Interference Level of significance: 12 (Relatively harmless) Activity: Operation Aspect: Movement of blades and presence of the tower of the WTGs. Negative Socio Economic and Environmental Impact: Non ionizing radiation and electromagnetic interference Two specific issues relating to Non-Ionizing Radiation have been identified. The first relates to Non-Ionizing Radiation that may be produced by the project and its component, primarily the overhead power lines used to export the power produced. The second relates to the potential for wind turbines to produce electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects. EMI is any type of interference that can potentially disrupt, degrade or interfere with the effective performance of an electronic device like communication network, equipment and aviation. This concern is usually about problems caused by the location of wind turbines in relation to existing radio or television stations and, to possible electromagnetic emissions produced by the turbines. It is a fact that the transmission from radio or television broadcast frequencies (mainly FM broadcast frequencies) is influenced by obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver. Interference can be produced by 3 elements of a wind turbine: the tower, the rotor blades and the generator. The tower and blades may obstruct, reflect or refract the electromagnetic waves. However, the blades are made up of high grade GRP and the tower is coated with polyurethane such that both materials have adequate electromagnetic shielding effect. The region over which the high voltage power lines used for export of power from the wind farm will be only non-residential areas. The effect of non-ionizing radiation will be insignificant and thus does not require any special mitigation measure. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 51

22 Impact on Birds during Operation of the Wind Farm Level of significance: 4 (Relatively harmless) Activity: Operation Aspect: Moving blades of the WTGs Negative Environmental Impact: Bird avoidance of habitat; injuries and deaths of birds During operation, the wind farm project could result in the following impacts on birds and their movement: Habitat avoidance/disturbance due to the noise produced by the WTGs and maintenance work at the wind farm. The birds will tend to displace from the preferred habitat in vicinity of the wind farm and the breeding success rate may be reduced; Reduction or loss of available habitat; Creation of a barrier effect to bird movement; and Bird injuries or death through collision with operating WTGs (blades and towers). The main factors which determine the mortality of birds by collision in wind farms are: landscape topography; direction and strength of local winds; turbine design characteristics (height) and the specific spatial distribution of turbines on the location. The mortality caused by wind farms is very dependent on the season, specific site, species and type of bird activity. From the terrestrial flora and fauna survey carried out (see Annex 11), the impacts of the proposed wind farm were assessed. The plantation onsite consists mainly of pines and of invasive species, and no indigenous plants were recorded. A total of around 41,000 m 2 of forest plantation will have to be cleared out during the construction phase, consisting of erection of the 14 wind turbine generators and access road. 7,350 m 2 will be reafforested, therefore the estimated number of trees that will be cut will be around 2,700 pines assuming that roughly half of the plantation was destroyed during cyclones. But, there will be no loss in terms of plant diversity or animal population. Pigeons, Doves and Song birds present onsite will not be affected as they fly low (below 50 m) and forage on ground. Bird collisions usually occur with birds of prey, migratory birds and bats. However, the only bird of prey in Mauritius is the Mauritius Kestrel, which has never been recorded in the proposed site. The latter is also neither a feeding niche for migratory birds and is not found on their migratory route. The Mauritian Fruit Bat will Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 52

23 not be harmed as it is normally found at lower altitudes. Thus, no mitigation measures are required. The Striated Heron which was recorded at Mare aux Vacoas and Mare Longue (3 m away from site) could be potentially threatened. Birds are a major concern of the operational impacts of the wind turbines. Risk of bird collision with blades of the wind turbines, which have a swept area of 7,085 m 2 during operation, is real. The impacts of the turbines on birds (specially the Striated Heron) and their movement are expected to be low and even insignificant. Hence, impacts due to wind turbine bird collision are expected to be minimal as the blades (95 m in diameter) will be rotating at around 15 r.p.m which is slow. Therefore the intensity of the impact due to collision is reduced. Other mitigation measures considered are: The minimum area of plantation will, as far as possible, be cleared for the access road. Thus consideration will be given to pass through the tracks near the vegetable plots to have access to Turbines 11 and 12. The removal of the Fandias, which are protected plant species, will be avoided. Utmost care will be taken not to obstruct water courses within the site. The plants to be used for the restoration work will be mainly endemic and native plant species. A proposed list of these plants is as per Annex 11. The criteria used for selecting the plants are: Plants that are found in the Nature Reserve Perrier which is rich in endemism and is the nearest protected area to the site. Plants that are being propagated in nurseries at the Forestry Service and the National Parks and Conservation Service. Plants that will develop into shrubs and not huge trees because huge trees if broken as a result of cyclones are likely to cause damage to the fence/turbines. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 53

24 Road during Operation Phase Level of significance: 4 (Relatively Harmless) Activity: Operation Aspect: Shadow flicker from rotating blades of the wind turbines Negative Socio Economic Impact: Risk of Road Accidents Shadows of the blades are generated when the sun is shining at a low angle (at dawn and before dusk). Shadow flicker of the rotation blades may cause distraction to the drivers and may cause road accidents. The visual impact study did not reveal any spot or area where the flicker of rotating turbines could become a cause for road accidents. Also, the rotation of the blades (15 r.p.m) will not give rise to flicker and hence NO special mitigation measure is envisaged Aspects, Impacts and Mitigation Measures related to Decommissioning Generation of Scrap Metals during Decommissioning Level of significance: 3 (Relatively harmless) Activity: Decommissioning Aspect: Dismantling of wind turbines Negative Environmental Impact: Generation of scrap metals It is envisaged that at the end of the 20 year lifetime of the wind farm, the latter would be de-commissioned which will generate scrap metal from the components of the wind turbines. Since they do not degrade in the environment, these wastes would occupy space if land filled. Thus, a better option would be to recycle them. The scrap metals (around 3,360 tons) will be sent to recycling facilities during the decommissioning phase. They will comprise cable wires, from which the high value copper conductor materials can be recovered, hubs, nacelles (source of iron) and towers Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 54

25 (steel). On the other hand, the transformers can be resold, as it would have little wear and would be valuable for reuse Oils and Lubricants during Decommissioning Level of significance: 15 (Harmful but ) Activity: Decommissioning Aspect: Dismantling of wind turbines Negative Environmental Impact: Oils and lubricants Care will be taken to treat all hazardous/toxic (lubricant oil, hydraulic fluids and insulating fluids) within the best available environmental friendly technologies at the end of the 20 years of operation of the wind farm. Care will be taken to treat all toxic (oils and lubricants, if any) with the then available best environmentally friendly technologies. Precautions will be taken to avoid spillage in the environment and will be properly disposed of Air Pollution arising from Transport Vehicles Level of significance: 20 (Harmful but ) Activity: Transport of WTGs during decommissioning Aspects: Vehicles to transport the metal scraps and used oil to recycling facilities and, the remaining wastes to Mare Chicose Landfill. Negative Environmental Impact: Air pollution from transport during the decommissioning phase. Emissions from the vehicles are unavoidable, but the impacts can be reduced by the use of well maintained vehicles for transport during the decommissioning phase. Hence, air pollution arising from the transport vehicles will be minimized. Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 55

26 6.3 Summary of Mitigation Measures Table 6.1 shows a summary of the mitigations measures. Table 6.1: Summary of Mitigation Measures Activity Aspect Impact Mitigation Measures 1.Construction Manpower Unloading of WTG components, and operation of heavy machinery including cranes and concrete pumps Water used by workers Excavation and construction of wind turbine foundations, construction of stainless steel huts for installation of transformer, switchgear and power condition devices; laying of overhead distribution cables for connecting to nearby high voltage substation Creation of employment for 100 workers Injuries to workers during the handling of components of the WTGs, operation of heavy machinery including cranes and concrete pumps Freshwater consumption (25.5 m 3 ) for sanitary, potable and concrete mixing. Ecology: 41,000 m 2 of forest will be lost representing approximately 3,200 pine trees that will be cut down. Energy consumption (200 kwh/day) Change in land use and visual effect - Providing appropriate Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to workers Avoid wastage of freshwater onsite 7,350 m 2 of forest will be restored with endemic and native species (around 500 trees) - 7,350 m 2 of forest lost will be re-afforested which will minimize aesthetic impacts of the wind turbines Eyesores onsite will be minimized Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 56

27 Activity Aspect Impact Mitigation Measures 1.Construction 2. Transport 3. Operation Use of equipment such as crane lorry, hand-held breaker, concrete lorry mixer and vibratory poker Removal of fittings of the WTGs from packaging and remaining construction materials Vehicles used to transport the WTGs Vehicles used to transport WTGs; vehicles used onsite for daily inspection of operation of the wind turbines; vehicles used onsite for maintenance of the wind turbines Maintenance of turbines Visual effects of the wind turbines on the Environment. Generation of electricity from wind turbines Noise and dust generation 1,090 kg/day solid waste generated (packaging, construction and domestic waste) Risk of road accidents and congestion Air pollution leading to global warming and increase in carbon footprint Generation and spillage of small amount of toxic or hazardous materials (lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids and insulating fluids) Change in landscape and visual impacts with a result of 2.1 (moderate to low) from the visual impact assessment. Reduction of GHG emissions - Noise generated during construction shall be within neighborhood noise limits of: 60 db(a)l eq from 07:00 to 18:00, 55 db(a)l eq from 18:00 to 21:00 and 45 db(a)l eq from 21:00 to 07:00, as per Environmental Standards for Noise (Amendment) Regulations 2003 All practical measures will be taken to avoid, minimize and recycle wastes. Safe driving under speed limitation Police escorts assistance Well maintained vehicles of appropriate engine capacity will be used Necessary precautions to avoid leaks Training on oil spill containment procedures Aesthetic impact will be reduced by re-afforestation with a footprint of only 0.3%. Appropriate color (white) of the turbines Manpower Creation of employment (25) - Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 57

28 Activity Aspect Impact Mitigation Measures 3. Operation Generation of electricity from the wind turbines, movement of blades Movement of blades and presence of the tower of the WTGs. Noise generation less than 45 db(a) Non ionizing radiation and electromagnetic interference Within neighborhood noise limits of 60 db(a) from 07:00 to 18:00, 55 db(a) from 18:00 to 21:00 and 50 db(a) from 21:00 to 07:00. Within industrial noise limit of 70 db(a) for power stations at any time. - Moving blades of the WTGs Shadow flicker from rotating blades of the wind turbines Bird avoidance of habitat; injuries and deaths of birds Risk of road accidents Intensity of impact is reduced with slow rotation of 15 r.p.m of the blades (as blades span is 95 m) Slow rotation of blades will not give rise to flicker 4.Decommissioning Dismantling of wind turbines Vehicles to transport the metal scraps and used oil to recycling facilities and, the remaining wastes to Mare Chicose Landfill. Generation of scrap metals from cable wires, hubs, nacelles and towers. Oils and lubricants Air pollution from transport during the decommissioning phase. Around 3,360 tons of scrap metals will be recycled Spillage will be avoided Treat all hazardous/toxic substances within best environmental friendly technologies Well maintained vehicles will be used to reduce air pollution Sustainable Resource Management Ltd Page 58