environmental impact assessment report for the … · wind farm suvorovo sofia april, 2006....

“EKSPI” ЕООD, 1000 Sofia - 5-B, Triaditsa Str.

Translation from Bulgarian

EOLICA BULGARIA AD Sofia – 1000, 8, Bacho Kiro Str.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

related to the investment proposal for the development of

WIND FARM Suvorovo

Sofia April, 2006

Environmental Impact Assessment Report “Wind farm – Suvorovo”

“EKSPI” ЕООD, 1000 Sofia - 5-B, Triaditsa Str.

CONTENTS

Introduction………………….……………………………………………………7 І. General Information

1. Information about the Contracting Company…………………………….9 2. Necessity and objective of the investment proposal………………...……9 3. Location of the investment proposal –

Individual characteristics, boundaries, distance from protected Areas and other elements of the National Environmental Network……………...11

4. Individuals and legal entities concerned by the investment proposal.….12 5. Consultations with the competent authorities,

Institutions, organizations and the community concerned……………………….12 6. Used project materials, regulations and other sources...………………..16 7. Options for the implementation of the investment

Proposal, “zero option” included……………………............................................21

ІІ. Annotation to the investment proposal 1. Structure, situational location and main

Technological characteristics……………………………………………………..23 2. Interrelation with the technical infrastructure

of the region. Site access transport scheme …..…………………………………..26 3. Main characteristics of the construction works…………………………28 4. Employed raw materials and materials – type,

quantities, sources………………………………………………………………...28 5. Implementation stages of the investment proposal……………………..28 6. Emissions to the environment during the construction……………........29 7. Measures for reducing negative impacts

on the environment during the construction……………………………………...31 8. Permits required for the implementation of the

investment proposal………………………………………………………………32

ІІІ. Description of the environment that could be affected by the investment proposal

1. Air 1.1. Brief description and analysis of the climate and meteorological factors

related to the particular impact and ambient air quality….………………………33 1.2. Available data for the air pollution in the area of

the site. Sensitive zones…………………………………………………………..38 1.3. Sources of air pollution resulting from

the implementation of the investment intent……………………………………..39 2. Surface and ground waters 2.1. Hydrological and hydrogeological conditions and factors

of water resources…………………………………………………………….......41 3. Geological environment


“EKSPI” ЕООD, 1000 Sofia - 5-B, Triaditsa Str. 3

3.1. Description of the geological conditions………………………….......43 4. Lands and soils 4.1. Description of the state of soils. Damaged lands. Polluted lands.

Degradation processes……………………………………………………………44 4.2. Change in the land use designation, related to

the implementation of the investment proposal…………………………..............45 5. Flora and fauna 5.1. Description of flora and fauna

inside the area of the investment proposal…………………………………..........45 5.2. Protected areas. Sensitive zones, related to

NATURA 2000 network. Migration corridors…………………………………...53 6. Hazardous physical factors 6.1. Noise characteristic of the areas to be

affected by the investment proposal……………………………………………...54 6.2. Sources of noise during the construction

and operation of the investment proposal. Vibrations……………………………55 6.3. Sources of hazardous radiations related to the implementation

of the investment proposal………………………………………………………..59 7. Landscape 7.1. Description of the main features of the structure and functioning of

the landscapes in the region of the investment proposal…………………………59 7.2. Assessment of the capacities of the landscape for

the implementation of the investment proposal…………………………………..60 8. Cultural and historical heritage…………………………………….…...61 9. Health and hygienic aspects of the investment proposal…...…………...61 9.1. Identification of the risk factors, arising out of the investment

proposal during its development and operation…………………………………..62

ІV. Description of the significant impacts on the environment and human health resulting from the implementation of the investment proposal

1. Air 1.1. Forecast and assessment of expected modifications in the air

quality, including the ground layer of the atmosphere in the process of the development and operation of the investment proposal………………………….65

1.1.1. Description of pollution sources (quantity and concentration of emitted pollutants)…………….…………………65

1.1.2. Dispersion of hazardous substances from emission sources and ground concentrations during the construction process……………………...69

1.2. Measures for reducing the negative impacts on the air during construction and assembly works………………………………………………...76

2. Surface and ground waters 2.1. Sources for pollution of surface waters, related to the implementation of

the investment proposal – during the construction and operation………………..76 3. Geological environment 3.1. Assessment of possible modifications in the geological environment

resulting from the implementation of the investment proposal…………………..76



4. Lands and soils 4.1. Damage or change in the category of land resulting from the

implementation of the investment proposal………………………………………77 5. Flora and fauna 5.1. Assessment and impact on flora and fauna during the

implementation of the investment proposal………………………………………78 5.2. Disruption of the sensitive zones, habitats included into Annex 1

of the Biodiversity Act and Annexes of the Habitats Directive………………….84 5.3. Assessment of the impact on highly vulnerable animal species

of high conservation concern and high lethal prospect of nesting species ………………………………………………………………...85

5.4. Assessment of the negative impact on periodically transient local species, as well as expected changes in the nutrition base of rapacious birds in the region……………………………..87

6. Waste 6.1. Expected waste by type and quantity

during the construction and the operation of the site……………………………..88 6.2. Collection, transportation, disposal of waste

generated during the construction………………………………………………...91 6.3. Transport scheme for transportation of construction waste.

Temporary landfill demands……………………………………………………...93 6.4. Measures for limiting the harmful impact of waste generated on

the site during the construction, according to the Waste Management Act……...93 7. Hazardous substances…………………………………………………...94 8. Physical factors 8.1. Forecast and assessment of the noise capacity on the

environment during the construction and operation of the investment proposal…………………………………………………………..95

8.2. Forecast and assessment of vibration and radiation impact during the construction and operation of the investment proposal……………...101

9. Landscape 9.1. Assessment of the expected landscape changes……………………..103 10. Health and hygienic aspects 10.1. Assessment of the health risk during the construction

and measures for health protection ……………………………………………..105

V. Measures for reduction of the negative impact on the environment during the construction and installation works and the operation of the investment proposal. Action Plan for the measures implementation…………………………………………………107

VІ. Assessment of the level of risk in incidental situations – measures and means to prevention, limitation, liquidation of incident situations…………………………………………………………………….....114



VІІ. List of used methodologies and literature for assessment………………………………………………………………………116

VIII. Statements and opinions of the concerned organizations, community, individuals etc.…………………………………………………...118

ІХ. Conclusion………………………………………………………………….118

Х. Annexes……………………………………………………………………...120 ХІ. Non Technical Summary



Never expect gratitude for what you did in the past. You should make people grateful for what you plan to do for them in the future.

“Climate changes and the strong energy dependence are one of the greatest challenges to the modern economy and power industry of the EU member states. Without prompt and adequate measures being taken, in 2030 Europe will import 90% of its liquid fuels and 80% of the natural gas in the conditions of growing fuel prices. Bulgaria is facing more or less the same problems. Now Bulgaria imports about 90% of the natural gas to satisfy its needs, and the dependence of Bulgaria on the petrol and petrol product prices added up to 10% (317,9 millions of Euro) of the deficit on the current account for 2005. Some of the measures, to be undertaken according to the Sustainable Development Concept are addressed to raise the energy efficiency and the involvement of the Wind Power Industry. In the past 2005 the output of the Wind Power Industry amounted to 3 380 GWh, where the relative share of the electricity produced by Wind Power Plants was 10,7% of the gross electricity output of the country. In 2005 wind turbines produced electricity of 2,3 GWh. Bulgaria has some potential of the Wind Power Industry and may satisfy partially its energy demands by developing, investigating and operating renewable resources. Wind Power Industries are local resource, the use of which will contribute to reduce the dependence of the country on the import of energy resources with a positive social effect. The increase of the production capacity of the Wind Power Industry and the protection of environment are directly related, since the Wind Power Industries do not produce any pollution or damage to the environment. Furthermore, an important effect of these industries being introduced is the limitation of greenhouse gas emissions to the air, which will help our country fulfilling its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.”

International Congress for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources 08-10. 03. 2006 Sofia, Bulgaria



Introduction The Environmental Impact Assessment Report related to the investment

proposal for the development of the Wind Farm nearby Suvorovo was prepared according to the requirements of Art. 96, para 1 of the Environmental Protection Act (SG, issue 91/25.09.2002, revised and amended issue 77/2005), Art. 12, para 1 and Art. 14, para 1 of the Regulation for the conditions and procedure for environmental impact assessment (SG, issue 25/2003, revised and amended SG, issue 3/2006).

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report was prepared after the procedures referred to in Art. 93 and Art. 95 of the Environmental Protection Act and Art. 6, para 1, Art. 9 and Art. 10 of the Regulation for the conditions and procedure for environmental impact assessment were completed and the Terms of Reference on the Scope and Content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report were approved by the competent authority - Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate with a letter outgoing ref. 656/13.02.2006 (Annexes 1 and 2).

The present Environmental Impact Assessment Report was assigned to EXPI EOOD, Sofia, according to the requirements of Art. 11 of the Regulation for the conditions and procedure for environmental impact assessment (Annex 3).

The authors of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report are registered with the Ministry of Environment and Water as independent experts in compliance with Regulation No 1/26.02.2003 for the procedure related to the creation and maintenance of a public register of experts, carrying out environmental assessment and environmental impact assessments and the application procedure of registration (SG, issue 22/11.03.2003, revised and amended SG, issue 100/2005) (Annex 4).



The team, which developed the Environmental Impact Assessment

Report of the investment proposal for the development of the Wind Farm nearby Suvorovo, consisted of:

Name License Prepared Signature

Velichko Dimitov Pehlivanov

No 1239/03.02.2006 No 134/18.06.2001

Sections І; ІІ; ІІІ - item 2; ІV - items 2, 6, 7; V; VІ; VІІ; VІІІ; ІХ;

Margarita Trifonova Voicheva

No 926/05.03.2003 No 1663/14.03.2006

Sections І; ІІ; ІІІ – items 4, 5, 7 ІV - items 4, 5, 9; V; VІ; VІІ; VІІІ; ІХ;

Daniela Borisova Pehlivanova

No 171/20.07.2001 Section ІІ – items 6, 7; ІІІ - items 1, 6; ІV - items 1, 8; V; VІ; VІІ; VІІІ; ІХ;

Metodi Krumov Dimitrov

No 542/24.01.2002 Section ІІІ - item 3; ІV - items 3, 7, 8; V; VІ; VІІ; VІІІ; ІХ;

Lidia Stefanova Tsonevska

No 139/30.07.2001 Section ІІІ – item 9; ІV - item 10; V; VІ; VІІ; VІІІ; ІХ;

Ekaterina Boyanova Bahanova

No 445/12.03.2002 Section ІІІ - items 7,8; ІV- item 9; V; VІ; VІІ; VІІІ; ІХ;

Consultant: Dimiter Georgiev– ornithologist – Natural Fund (member of IUCN) – Sofia



І. General Information

1. Information about the Contracting Company

Name: EOLICA BULGARIA AD BULSTAT: 131282303 Address: 1000 Sofia, 8, Bacho Kiro Str. Telephone: 980 34 38 Fax: 986 92 65 Е-mail: [email protected] Contact person: Ivan Delchev – Executive Director

2. Necessity and objective of the investment proposal The signature of the Framework Convention of the United Nations on the

climate changes and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the Republic of Bulgaria put the beginning of a process of a considerable limitation and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions.

It is known that in our country the power industry is the main source of greenhouse gases (about 60-65% of the total emissions) and the main air, soil and water pollutant. The greenhouse gas emission in the process of combustion of fossil fuels contributes to the global warming. The harmful air emissions cause acid rainfalls and pollution of soils, surface and groundwaters.

A drastic solution to the said problems in our country and worldwide is the alternative power production from renewable energy sources (Wind Power Industry). Economically, the wind power industry now is the most beneficial and environmentally friendly industry.

Wind appears to be attractive for several reasons: it is available in large quantities, it is “free”, it is practically an inexhaustible energy source, causes neither pollution nor climate anomalies. The use of the Wind Power Industry as a power resource prevents large quantities of hazardous substances being emitted into the atmosphere, which is typical for the conventional fuels. There are no more water pollution, consumption of arable lands and other negative environmental effects, which are hard to rectify even in centuries. Thus, the Wind Power Industry reduces the need to clean up the environment and the costs to recover eventual damages.

Over the last ten years, the modern wind power industry has been the most rapidly developing sector of the power industry worldwide. According to the data of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), in 2004 the wind energy registers a 20 % increase of the installed capacity or 7976 МW. The global capacity reaches 47 317 МW.



Europe is and remains the world leader in wind power industry. At the end of 2005 the total capacity of wind farms in the EU registered an 18% increase to 40 504 МW, compared to 34 372 МW at the end of 2004. A capacity for wind electricity production of 6 183 МW was installed in the last year. The installation of new capacities in 2005 (five years beforehand) helped achieve the objective set for 2010, namely an installed capacity of at least 40 000 МW in the community.

The use of local resources from the Wind Power Industry is an element of the strategy and the policy of the Republic of Bulgaria. Except the direct benefits, related to reducing the energy dependence on the import of energy and energy carriers, the development of the Wind Power Industry will help generate new jobs, attract new investments and enhance the environmental protection.

The present investment proposal for the development of the Wind Farm nearby Suvorovo is a particular case of development and implementation in practice of this new trend for alternative energy sources. A new power capacity of 60 МW, using environmentally friendly power source – wind, is to joint the national energy system.

The Project is compliant with the requirements of the EU Directives and the Kyoto Protocol to implement projects help reducing greenhouse gases by applying clear and renewable energy sources – wind power etc. with no hazardous substances being emitted to the environment. In compliance with Art. 17 of the Kyoto Protocol, the international emission trading will start in 2008. The Republic of Bulgaria will be able to participate as a seller.

The legislative approach, promoting the use of the Wind Power Industry in the country, is provided for in the Energy Act. This piece of legislation provides for measures to promote and use these alternative energy sources in a sustainable way. The Act is supported by the Regulation for issue of certificates of origin of the electric power, produced by Wind Power Industry and by combined method, for the issue of green certificates and trading in such certificates. It entered into force as of 1 January 2005, except chapter three, which will take effect as of 1 July 2006.

A favourable and sustainable financial environment is a fact. Electricity produced by Wind Power Industry shall be purchased at preferential prices. The transmission and distribution enterprises shall connect the power stations producing of the Wind Power Industry with priority to the existing networks. EOLICA and the National Electricity Company signed a preliminary contract for connecting the facilities to the national electrical network (Annex No І.2-1).

The successful implementation of such investment proposals is very beneficial for a particular local community. The benefits can be investments, creation of a new employment and jobs, improvement of the local infrastructure, supplementary incomes etc. The programme models for sustainable use of the Wind Power Industry, which are presented to the municipalities and the regional government administrations, aim at reducing the costs of energy consumption and



energy dependence namely by using the local resource by the Wind Power Industry.

Given the above mentioned advantages of the Wind Power Industry in terms of environment, economy and community, and based on the extensive experience in developing wind farms of the Spanish company EOLICA NAVARRA Ltd, which is the main unit within the structure of one of the Spanish companies - co-founder of EOLICA BULGARIA AD (contracting company for the project), the company is ready and able to implement the presented investment proposal, after being granted the required permits.

3. Location of the investment proposal – individual characteristics, boundaries, distance from protected areas and other elements of the National Environmental Network

According to the physical and geographical zoning of Bulgaria, the region

of the investment proposal belongs to the hilly Danubian plain (East Misia plain) – Ludogorie and Dobrudja subregion (Annex І.3-1). In the north flat periphery it overlaps with the North Bulgarian Swell on which the Ludogorie and Dobrudja plateau is formed and which turns into riverside lowlands along the Danube River. The Dobrudja plateau is a watershed between the Black Sea and the Danube River. Its littoral part is slightly sloped east-northeastwards, and has very slightly demonstrated asymmetrically developed dry valleys, directed to the Black Sea.

The area designated for the implementation of the investment proposal, is located nearby Suvorovo (Annex І.3-2). With that end, municipal properties were purchased in the Airport locality of a total area of 79,318 dka. These lands, including private ones, are located at about 1,5 km northwestwards from the urban regulation line. The municipal lands are agricultural lands of eighth category, while the private ones are lands of fourth to eighth category, all of them being non-irrigable.

The distances to the other urban areas are as follows: - to the village of Drandar - 1,8 km - to the village of Shtipsko - 3,4 km - to the village of Voyvodino - 2,1 km - to the village of Valchi Dol - 2,8 km

According to the data provided by Varna Regional Environment and Water

Inspectorate, the following sites are located in the territory of Suvorovo Municipality:

Natural Landmarks – Urumofii Tulip Field, announced a natural landmark by Order No 698/22.07.1967, having an area of 0,5 ha (Annex І.3-3). It is located nearby the village of Chernevo, 11,90 km southwards from the site, where the investment proposal is to be developed.



Pobitite Kamani Protected Area – announced a natural landmark by Order No РД-258/17.07.1995 and re-classified by Order No РД-817/23.08.2002, having an area of 255,3 ha. It is located southeastwards, about 12,60 km away from the site of the investment proposal.

A part of a potential place of protection named Suhata Reka – location BG000010 of NATURA 2000 environmental network is located in the territory of the municipality. It is located eastwards and its external border stands about 8,40 km away from the territory of the future investment proposal (Annex І.3-4).

4. Individuals and legal entities concerned by the investment proposal A direct relation to the implementation of the investment proposal have the

following entities: Legal entities - Suvorovo Municipality. Municipal lands of 79,318 dka were

purchased (Annex І.4-1). Individuals– owners of private lands. 20 notary deeds were issued and 6

preliminary contracts for granting a right to construct on immovable property were signed with private owners (Annex І.4-2).

5. Consultations with the competent authorities, institutions,

organizations and the community concerned Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate and Suvorovo

Municipality were notified of the investment proposal, according the requirements of Art. 4, para 1 of the Regulation for the conditions and procedure of environmental impact assessment of investment proposals for construction, works and technologies (Annexes І.5-1). Moreover, a notice was placed inside the building of the Suvorovo municipal administration to notify the community of the company's intents to develop a Wind Farm, in compliance with Art. 4, para 2 of the Regulation (Annex І.5-2).

At the regular session of the Municipal council, the municipal counsellors were informed of the content of the letter addressed to the council by the company and they granted their consent to start the researches related to the implementation of the investment proposal. Suvorovo Municipality allows the researches and design preparation for the placement of the Wind Farm facilities according to Art. 138 and Art. 140 of the Territorial Planning Act. (Annex І.5-3).

On 12.10.2005 in Suvorovo, representatives of the Contracting Company, EOLICA BULGARIA AD and the Environmental Impact Assessment experts involved in the preparation of the report, held a meeting with municipal counsellors, mayors of neighbouring urban areas and citizens (Annexes І.5-4). The attendants were informed of the particularities of the investment proposal, nature of the construction and assembly works and mostly the ones related to the use of the



agricultural lands etc. The provisional assessments of the significance of potential impacts on the environment and the population's health resulting from the implementation of the Wind Farm were also outlined. The provisional scope and content of the assessment were presented. The curator of the Museum of History in Suvorovo ascertained the attendants that the sites planned to be used for the development of the wind turbines and substations were outside the area of the archaeological sites already discovered. Nevertheless, if the construction works happen to discover such sites, the legal requirements shall apply. The agricultural expert of the municipality asked of the potential restrictions in using air equipment for agricultural area fertilization, although such equipment had not been used over the past 20 years. The discussion on this issue ended with the statement of the municipality, that the old airport site would not be used by the agricultural aviation, for the site had already been sold to the Wind Farm. Furthermore, the projected tower height (about 120 m with the propeller) would not impede the use of air equipment for fertilization, if any such would be used in the future. The environmental expert of the municipality clarified that the Urumofii Tulip and Pobitite Kamani protected areas are with the nearby villages of Chernevo and Banovo, respectively, quite away from the site of the investment proposal. A representative of the Water and Sewerage Company clarified that in the region of the Wind Farm there were old water tanks (water distribution shafts), that had been out of use for many years. No groundwater sources were operational within the site. No particular proposals as regards the scope and the content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report were raised at this meeting.

On 06.02.2006, a consultative meeting was held between representatives of the Contracting Company, experts, involved in the preparation of the report and experts from Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate– Preventive Actions and Biodiversity and Protected Areas Departments, to discuss the submitted Terms of Reference on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Both parties exchanged views and made clarifications regarding the scope and the content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, which were acknowledged in this paper.

The scope and the content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report were made available to the following authorities for statements and opinions:

- Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate; - Suvorovo Municipality; - Bulgarian Bird Protection Association – Varna regional office; - Agriculture and Forests Regional Directorate - National Institute of Monuments of Culture with the Ministry of Culture; - Geozashtita EOOD – Varna;



- Ministry of Health; - Regional Inspectorate for Public Health and Control– Varna; - Civil Aviation Administration with the Ministry of Transport.

Statements were submitted by: Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate The statement of Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate on the

approval of the content and the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (Annex 2) states, that the Environmental Impact Assessment report shall contain a forecast and assessment related to:

- “Air” – emissions produced only within the construction period and

resulting from the construction, transport and installation works; - “Waste” - during the construction and operation of the site, by types,

quantities and methods of treatment; - “Flora and fauna” - during the construction and operation of the site; - “Geological environment” – a consideration shall be given on the results

from the consultations with Geozashtita EOOD – Varna; - “Soils” – a consideration shall be given on the opportunities to rehabilitate

damaged lands; - “Harmful physical factors” – during the operation in respect to the noise,

vibrations and Electromagnetic Radiation; - “Health and hygienic aspects” - during the operation with assessment of the

physiological and visual discomfort caused by the dimensions and operation of the facilities;

- Assessment of alternative locations of the turbines (number, height, capacity of the facilities), as well as the “zero alternative” option.

The scope and the content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report

include all of the above requirements, but also an analysis and assessment of the relevant impacts on the environment and population's health.

Suvorovo Municipality This statement raises two issues, to be considered and assessed in the

Environmental Impact Assessment Report (Annex І.5-5): - disposal of extra quantities of excavated rock and soil masses; - to discuss the opportunity to use an encircled route and development of a

transport scheme for the supply of concrete and metal structure. In order to clarify the raised issues, on 06.02.2006 a meeting was held

between the deputy mayor and the environmental expert of the municipality, a



representative of the Contracting Company and experts from the team involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

Possible transport options to access to the site of the investment proposal were discussed, which will be considered and assessed in the report. The issue was clarified in terms of powers and obligations of the municipality to specify where extra quantities of excavated rock and soil materials are to be disposed. By letter outgoing ref. 5300-146/13.07.2005, the municipality specifies that construction waste is to be transported to the operational dung hill of Suvorovo, until designation of a landfill for extra quantities of rock and soil masses at the beginning of the construction, with view to the volume thereof (Annex І.5-6). The obligations of the Contracting Company to organize the transportation to the specified landfill and the subsequent re-cultivation was also discussed.

National Institute of Monuments of Culture with the Ministry of Culture The opinion of the National Institute of Monuments of Culture (Annex І.5-7)

reads that the neighbourhoods of Suvorovo are known of the high concentration of archaeological monuments.

In order to avoid potential destruction of undiscovered archaeological monuments during the implementation of the investment proposal Art.18 of the Monuments of Culture and Museums Act (SG, issue 29/1969) shall be strictly complied with and the actions shall be coordinated with Varna Archaeological Museum.

According to the statement of the Museum of History – Suvorovo a site visit was carried out on the site designated for the development of the Wind Farm. It found that the site was outside the areal of archaeological and historical sites. The statement specifies that if such objects are discovered, the construction works shall stop and wait for the required investigations referred in the law to be completed (Annex І.5-8).

Civil Aviation Administration with the Ministry of Transport (CAA) The Civil Aviation Administration approves the development of the Wind

Farm nearby Suvorovo Municipality. The proposal is to install a winking light on wind turbines that are higher than 80 m, and to paint the edge of every vane in red colour 6 m from the edge, while the other part of the vane is to be white (Annex І.5-9).

The proposal by the Civil Aviation Administration to install a winking light of high intensity is unacceptable in terms of ornithofauna conservation, since the birds will be attracted by the lighting effects and the risk of collisions with the facilities will increase. The issue for having the propellers painted is questionable and is discussed in Section V of the present report.



The Bulgarian Bird Protection Association– Varna Regional Office The intermediate results from the basic ornithology researches currently in

process in the region of Suvorovo conducted by the Bulgarian Bird Protection Association, demonstrate that the region of the investment proposal is suitable for the construction of the Wind Farm.

The final monitoring report and the risk analysis for the respective region will be ready by the end of the current half-year period, and the data will be made public (Annex І.5-10).

Geozashtita EOOD –Varna Based on the engineering and geological information, investigations and

researches of the earth creeping processes in Varna region, Geozashtita EOOD – Varna is of the opinion that no active earth creeping are registered or expected to happen in the region. It recommends that more precise engineering and geological researches have to be made with respect to the foundations of every wind turbine, and to carry out the design and the construction works in compliance with the seismology of the region (Annex І.5-11).

Varna Regional Inspectorate for Public Health and Control No statement is submitted regarding the site chosen for the implementation

of the investment proposal, because this undertaking is outside the scope of the Regulation No 7 for the hygiene requirements for health protection of urban environment (SG, issue 46/92, …, SG, issue 20/99) (Annex І.5-12).

Agriculture and Forest Regional Directorate No statement is submitted so far. The data provided by the municipal agriculture service demonstrate that the

lands to host the Wind Farm, are of fourth to eighth category, non irrigable. Ministry of Health No answer has been submitted so far by the party of the Ministry. 6. Used project materials, regulations and other sources

Project Materials Previous (preinvestment) and volumetric and organizational studies for

Suvorovo Wind Farm; Prospect technical data of ENERCON, facilities supplier.



Legislation І. Legislative Framework 1. Environmental Protection Act (SG, issue 91/2002; revised and amended

SG, issue 98/2002; SG, issue 86/2003; SG, issue 70/2004; SG, issue 74/2005; SG, issue 77/2005)

2. Air Purity Act (SG, issue 45/1996; revised and amended SG, issue 49/1996; SG, issue 85/1997; SG, issue 27/2000; SG, issue 102/2000; SG, issue 91/2002; SG, issue 112/2003)

3. Water Act (SG, issue 67/1999; revised and amended SG, issue 81/2000; SG, issue 34/2001; SG, issue 41/2001; SG, issue 108/2001; SG, issue 47/2002; SG, issue 74/2002; SG, issue 91/2002; SG, issue 42/2003; SG, issue 84/2003)

4. Waste Management Act (SG, issue 86/2003; revised and amended SG, issue 70/2004; SG, issue 77/2005)

5. Agricultural Land Protection Act (SG, issue 35/1996) 6. Protected Areas Act (SG, issue 133/1998; revised and amended SG, issue

98/1999; SG, issue 28/2000; SG, issue 48/2000; SG, issue 78/2000; SG, issue 23/2002; SG, issue 77/2002; SG, issue 91/2002; SG, issue 28/2005)

7. Biodiversity Act (SG, issue 77/2002; revised and amended SG, issue 88/2005; SG, issue 105/2005)

8. Soil Protection Act (SG, issue 45/1996) 9. Act on the Protection against the Harmful Impact of Chemicals and

Preparations (SG, issue 10/2000; revised and amended SG, issue 91/2002; SG, issue 86/2003; SG, issue 114/2003)

10. Agricultural Land Protection Act (SG, issue 35/1996; revised and amended SG, issue 14 and 26/2000)

11. Agricultural Land Ownership and Protection Act (SG, issue 17/1991) 12. Territorial Planning Act (SG, issue 1/2001) 13. Power Industry Act (SG, issue 107/2003) 14. Public Health Act (SG, issue 88/1973; revised and amended SG, issue

120/2003) 15. Ambient Noise Protection Act (SG, issue 74/2005) ІІ. Regulations Air 1. Regulation No 2/19.02.1998 setting out the norms of admissible

emissions (waste gas concentrations) of hazardous substances, emitted to the air from fixed sources (SG, issue 51/1998; revised and amended SG, issue 34/1999; SG, issue 73/1999; SG, issue 93/2003)

2. Regulation No 1/27.07.2005 setting out the norms of admissible emissions of hazardous substances, emitted to the atmosphere from sites and activities with fixed sources of emissions (SG, issue 64/2005)



3. Regulation No 6/26.03.1999 on the conditions and procedure for measuring the emissions of hazardous substances, emitted to the air from sites with fixed sources (SG, issue 31/1999; revised and amended SG, issue 52/2000; SG, issue 93/2003)

4. Regulation No 7/03.05.1999 for assessment and control of air quality (SG, issue 45/1999)

5. Regulation No 9/03.05.1999 setting out the norms for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen peroxide, fine dust particles and lead in the air (SG, issue 46/1999)

6. Regulation No 14/23.09.1997 setting out the admissible limit concentrations of hazardous substances in the air in urban areas (SG, issue 88/1997; revised and amended SG, issue 46/1999; SG, issue 22/2002; SG, issue 14/2004)

7. Regulation No 17/02.11.1999 setting out the norms for the content of lead, sulphur and other environmentally hazardous substances in fuels (SG, issue 97/1999)

Waters 1. Regulation No 7/08.08.1986 setting out the indicators and norms to

assess the quality of surface running waters (SG, issue 96/1986) 2. Regulation No 6/09.11.2000 on the emission norms of admissible content

of harmful and hazardous substances in waste waters, discharged into water sites (SG, issue 97/2000; revised and amended SG, issue 24/2004)

3. Regulation No 9/16.03.2001 on the quality of potable and household water (SG, issue 30/2001)

Waste 1. Regulation No 10/06.11.1998 for the procedure for the layout of

documents related to the reporting and information for the control on waste activities (SG, issue 151/1998)

2. Regulation No 12/06.11.1998 for the requirements to the waste treatment facility sites (SG, issue 151/1998)

3. Regulation for the requirements for treatment and transportation of industrial and hazardous waste (Decree of the Council of Ministers No 53/19.03.1999, SG, issue 29/1999)

4. Regulation for the requirements for treatment and transportation of processed oils and waste oil products – Decree of the Council of Ministers No 131/13.07.2000 SG, issue 59/2000)

5. Decree of the Council of Ministers No 12/27.01.1999 on the regime for introduction of hazardous substances (SG, issue 10/1999)

6. Regulation No 3/01.04.2004 on the classification of waste - the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Health (SG, issue 44/ 2004)



7. Regulation for the wrapping and wrapping waste (Decree of the Council of Ministers No 41/2004, SG, issue 19/2004; amend. SG, issue 24/2004; revised and amended SG, issue 58/2005)

8. Regulation for the requirements for treatment of waste from motor vehicles (SG, issue 104/2004)

Hazardous chemicals and preparations 1. Regulation for the conditions and procedure for classification, packing

and labelling of chemicals, preparations and products (Decree of the Council of Ministers No 316/20.12.2002, SG, issue 5/2003; revised and amended SG, issue 66/2004; SG, issue 50/2005)

Soils, geological foundations 1. Regulation No 3/05.04.1979 for the limits of admissible content of

hazardous substances in soil (SG, issue 36/1979; revised and amended SG, issue 5/1996; SG, issue 54/1997)

2. Regulation for the categorization of agricultural lands when changing the use designation (SG, issue 15/1994)

3. Regulation No 2/20.05.1993 for the construction on agricultural lands (SG, issue 47/1993)

4. Regulation No 26/02.10.1996 for re-cultivation of damaged sites, improvement of lands of poor fertility and utilization of humus layer (SG, issue 89/1996)

5. Regulation for the geoprotection activity (SG, issue 12/1994) Environmental Protection - Biodiversity

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (SG, issue 19/1999) 2. Convention on the conservation of wild flora and fauna and the natural

habitats (SG, issue 23/1995) 3. Convention on the migrating wild animals conservation (SG, issue

16/2000) 4. Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural

heritage (17.12.1975) 5. Directive 92/43 of the Council of EEC of 21.05.1992 on the conservation

of the natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna 6. Directive 79/409/ЕЕС of the Council of EEC of 02.04.1979 on the

conservation of wild birds Physical factors, health risk, accidents 1. Regulation No 4/05.04.1999 for the noise protection of urban areas (SG,

issue 41/1999) 2. Regulation No 7/25.05.1992 for the hygiene requirements for health

protection of urban environment (SG, issue 46/1992; revised and amended SG, issue 46/1994; SG, issue 89 and 101/1996; SG, issue 101/1997)



3. Regulation for the essential requirements and conformity assessment of machinery and equipment, operating in open air, in respect to emitted noise (Decree of the Council of Ministers No 29/29.01.2004, SG, issue 11/2004)

4. Hygiene standards for the limit admissible noise values in residential and public buildings and urban areas No 0-64 (SG, issue 87/1972; revised and amended SG, issue 16/1975)

5. Regulation No 6 for the risk protection of workers related to the noise exposure at work (SG, issue 70/2005)

6. Regulation No 5 for the procedure, method and periodicity of risk assessment (SG, issue 47/1999)

7. Regulation No 2/12.09.1990 for the protection against accidents during activities involving hazardous chemicals (SG, issue 100/1990)

8. Regulation No 9 for the admissible levels of electromagnetic fields in urban areas and setting out hygiene and protection zones around the sites of emission (SG, issue 35/1991; revised and amended SG, issue 38/1991)

9. Regulation No 2/27.02.2003 for the risk protection of workers related to the noise exposure at work (SG, issue 32/2003)

General 1. Regulation for the conditions and procedure for environmental impact

assessment (Decree of the Council of Ministers No 59/07.03.2003, SG, issue 25/2003; revised and amended SG, issue 3/2006)

2. Regulation No 1/26.02.2003 for the procedure for setting out and maintaining a public register of experts, competent to carry out environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment and the application procedures of registration (SG, issue 22/2003; revised and amended SG, issue 100/2005)

3. Regulation No 4/21.05.2001 for the scope and the content of the investment designs (SG, issue 51/2001)

4. Regulation No 7/22.12.2003 for the rules and standards for the planning of different types of areas and urban zones (SG, issue 3/2004/

5. Tariff for the compensations to be paid for damages caused on natural sites (Decree of the Council of Ministers No 442/1997, SG, issue 116/1997)

6. Bulgarian State Standards System (BSS) related to the protection of environment, improvement of nature and natural resources – standards for marginal values of emissions (emission standards) and standards for the component quality (imission standards).



7. Options for the implementation of the investment proposal, “zero option” included

The investment proposal is a new trend for using alternative energy sources without emissions of hazardous substances to the atmosphere, which is typical for the conventional fuels.

The proposed new technology and its implementation into suitable regions in the country will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and relieving the quota of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The site was chosen based on a research of the region, measuring and mathematical modelling of the direction, capacity and speed of wind. The site location was considered in terms of inclination, lack of forest vegetation near the site, preconditions for permanent habitats of ornithofauna representatives, as well as lack of permanent migration corridors of migrating birds.

According to the input data and the subsequent analysis, no other options complying with the requirements of the Contracting Company are available for the sites.

As stated above, one municipal plot of land has already been purchased, 20 notary deeds have been issued and six preliminary contracts for grating the right to construct have been signed with private owners.

The investment proposal provides for the improvement of the local infrastructure through reinforcement of the existing rural roads.

The preliminary assessments demonstrate that the expected impacts on the environmental components at this stage of the research will be insignificant and no “zero option” is required in respect to the location of the Wind Farm.

There are options for placement of the individual equipments. These options are limited to the main characteristics of wind (speed, direction). Several options have been discussed for the placement of the individual wind turbine towers within the specified site. The final option took an account of the recommendations of the environmental experts namely to displace some of the facilities to others sites, with view to avoiding intrusion into the forest area, as well as to protect the habitats of the European Ground Squirrel.

The height of the towers and the power of the turbines are specified pursuant to the preliminary measurements of the strength, speed and wind potential in the region.

The contracting company chose Enercom to implement the investment proposal, for it is one of the leading companies worldwide, operates serial production of wind turbines and offers complete engineering of supplies and installation of facilities. The choice of this highly experienced company to act as a main contractor for the site, will guarantee the best quality performance of the construction and installation works, in a strict compliance with the environmental, fire protection, sanitation and hygiene provisions and measures, provided for by the health and safety plans.



The choice of more powerful turbines, but fewer in number, is recommended by many authors, who have investigated the impact of wind farms on ornithofauna. It is proven that such farms imply a relatively lower level of risk for birds compared to the farms composed of a series of shorter towers and of lower capacity.

Options with respect to the period of the construction were also considered so as to avoid construction works being carried out in nesting period of birds and harvest periods. It is recommended that the construction is carried out in the period August - November, so as not to disturb the reproduction period and the eventual migration of birds.

In our opinion, the implementation of a “zero alternative” is not on the agenda, since the implementation of the investment proposal causes no significant damages to the environment and keeps it largely within its current state.



ІІ. Annotation to the Investment Proposal

1. Structure, situational location and main technological characteristics

EOLICA BULGARIA AD, whose business is concentrated on design

preparation, development and operation of alternative energy sources, electricity production etc., was established by BALKARS CONSORTSIUM OOD and the Spanish companies EBRO ENERGIA SOCIEDAD LIMITADA and GENERACION EOLICA INTERNACIONAL SOCIEDAD LIMITADA.

The investment proposal provides for the development of a Wind Farm in the area of Suvorovo Municipality. With the end to implement the investment proposal on the selected site, a municipal plot No 009003 of 79,318 dka was purchased in the Airport Locality. Most of the other lands are private property and currently 20 notary deeds are issued and 6 preliminary contracts are signed for granting the right to construct, on 2 dka each, with private owners. The Wind Farm will occupy totally about 1200 dka, the initial understanding of the placement of the wind power equipment is contained in Annex ІІ.1-1. After the location of some of the wind power equipment being reassessed with view to reducing the risk to disturb the habitats of European Ground Squirrel and intruding into the forest, the final placement of the facilities is presented in Annex ІІ.1-2.

On some places within the sites, namely the ones where the easements of the existing municipal and intra-plot (cart) ways are mostly used, engineering and technical infrastructure will be developed and 30 pieces of wind turbines, with capacity 2,0 МW each, will be installed.

Technological Characteristics The equipment of the wind turbines shall be supplied by ENERCON company - Germany, specialized in a serial production and installation of gearless wind turbines. In 1993 this product introduced a new standard in technology, quality and safety of facilities. The new class of capacity Е – 82, will help using the wind energy in a very economical way. Thanks to the optimization of the main parts of the turbine, the new geometry of the rotor vane etc., new standards are set out in this class of capacity in terms of generated power (increased power efficiency), reduced noise emission and longer operational period. The system allows to meet the most recent requirements for connecting with the electricity transporting and electricity distribution structures.



The wind turbines will be installed on towers - steel structure, 80 m high and up to 82 m of propeller's diameter (Annex ІІ.1-3). The towers will be placed on steady reinforced concrete foundations. The principle structure of a wind turbine consists of: tower, rotor with vanes, turbine, brake, primary and high-speed shaft, gearbox, angle adjuster, control device, speed and wind direction measuring device, gondola and orientation mechanism. Wind turbines are equipped with the most modern electronic control devices. The microprocessor, which is the core element of the control system, maintains the permanent connection with the peripheral control elements, such as the deviation control and the propeller’s step active control system. The function of this device is to regulate the individual parameters of the system, to secure a constant operation for an optimal power generation in any meteorological conditions. The electricity generated by each of the turbines will be transported by ground cables to the next one (all of them are connected in series), and the last one in the row will deliver it to the electricity substation. Then, the energy will be transformed up to the indicators that need to be complied with in order to include the energy into the 110 кV network of the National Electricity Company. The capacity of the Wind Farm is 60 МW.

The Vane Concept Vanes of the modern wind turbines have an aerodynamic profile similar to the plane wing – the elevating power is produced by the difference in pressure, which on its hand, is the difference between the wind speed beneath and above the vane. The new concept of the propeller’s vane reduces tensions in the material, reduces noise emission, increases electricity output, it is less sensitive to turbulence and aerodynamic vibrations, and supplies a uniform air flow along the whole profile length.

Propeller's vanes are manufactured according to the principle of the so called “sandwich method”, that includes: laminate, made of glass fiber reinforced epoxide resin, and a core made of dense foam and Balsa. Heaters protect the propellers from icing. Energy Route Concept In addition to the direct drive of the rotor, the mechanical load is further reduced by specially developed energy route concept, that evacuates the dynamic loads directly outside the propeller section to the bearing tower. System Control The wind turbines of ENERCON Е-82 are equipped with the newest electronic control technology developed by the company. The microprocessor is permanently connected with the peripheral elements of the control system, such as the deviation control and the active control system of the propeller's step.



Its function is to regulate the individual parameters of the system so as to achieve an optimal power output in any meteorological conditions.

ENERCON Hurricane Wind Control System The operation of the wind turbines is under a special control in the event of hurricane wind, which allows reducing turbine operation if the wind gets extremely strong. This helps avoiding the normal stops and a considerable loss of the power output. They are equipped with special control software in the event of a hurricane wind. Bearing Tower and Foundations

Tower Structure The wind turbines are installed on towers - steel structure, 80 m high and up to 82 m of propeller's diameter. The used materials and the tower structure for dynamic loads are specified in the design phase based on a special methodology. Some of the towers will be made of steel tubes and others of prefabricated elements. The latter are manufactured from special pretension steel reinforcement. The individual tower sections and the foundations will be put together by using tighten cords, passing through the middle of the concrete wall of the tower and going to the tube sleeves. Foundation Structure The towers will be installed on round reinforced concrete foundations, with a diameter of about 15 m and a depth of the fundament from 2,0 to 5,0 m, depending on the types and solidness of soil, which will be specified by geological researches to be carried out beneath every tower (Annex ІІ.1-4). The foundation transfers the weight and the load of wind to the wind turbine on the ground. The advantages of the circular foundations are:

- the stresses on the foundation are even in all wind directions; - smaller quantity of required reinforcement and reinforced concrete and a

smaller foundation zone; - foundation backfill with soil from the excavation pit is included in the

structural analysis as a load. Technical Data Nominal capacity – 2 000 kW; Diameter of the propeller – 82 m; Turbine concept– gearless, variable speed, propeller’s step control; Propeller (rotor) – located at the side of the wind, with an active step control;



Direction of rotation – clockwise; Number of propellers – three; Description area – 5 281 m2; Material of the vane – fiberglass, integrated thunder protection, antiicing protection; Speed of rotation – variable (6 – 19,5 rev/min); Speed of the top of the vane - 25-80 m/sec; Switch on speed – 2,5 m/sec; Switch off speed – 22 – 28 m/sec; Nominal speed of wind – 12,0 m/sec; (Annex ІІ.1-5).

The wind turbines of ENERCON are manufactured according to individual design, that take an account of the specific location and meteorological conditions. The sites nearby Suvorovo chosen for the construction of the facilities correspond to the wind speed and the maximal potential of the wind being transformed into electricity.

2. Interrelation with the technical infrastructure of the region. Site access transport scheme

The town of Suvorovo is connected to the national road network through a

regional road connection, namely Road Е 70 ”Sofia – Varna”, and directly connected to Hemus highway (Annex ІІ.2-1). The town is located at about 28 km straightly northwestwards from Varna (about 34 km as per the connecting road).

As already mentioned in item І.5 of the report, the statement of Suvorovo Municipality requests a discussion on the possibility to use an encircled route and to develop a transport scheme for the construction materials (concrete, reinforcement, aggregate materials etc.) and metal structures supplies to the site of the investment proposal.

Therefore, on 06.02.2006 a meeting was held between the deputy mayor and the environmental expert of the municipality, a representative of the Contracting Company and experts from the team preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

Few possible options for site access were discussed namely: Option I – deviation from Varna – Devnia highway following the third

category road direction Axakovo - Kalimantzi - Izgrev - Levski. There are two suboptions:

- Suboption А – from the village of Levski – a direct approach to the site by the existing rural road.



- Suboption B - from the village of Levski – a turn off from the rural road and following the third category road after the village of Nikolaevka to the village of Drandar, and an approach road to be constructed to the site after the village of Drandar.

This option, although using with no restrictions the third category road of the national road network, goes through urban areas and will increase, though temporarily, the noise levels. Moreover, the route passes through the highway gas pipe to Varna Thermal Power Plant, which implies a potential risk, given the huge tonnages of the transported structural elements (Annex ІІ.2-2).

Option II – turn-off from Varna – Devnia highway, following a second category road directed to the village of Chernevo - Suvorovo – the town of Valchidol. Before the village of Shtipsko a turn-off from the existing rural road will be used to access the site, with crossing of the railway line. Under this option the transport equipment will not pass through the urban areas, since the road is going around the village of Chernevo and Suvorovo. The restriction for this option is the rope way passing over the road which delivers materials from quarries to Devnia factories and the bridge facility whose height does not stand for the bigger dimensions of the transported structural elements. Furthermore, this option requires to reinforce the railway crossing (Annex ІІ.2-3).

Option ІІІ - a turn-off from Varna – Devnia highway to a second category road with direction to the village of Chernevo - Suvorovo. Before Suvorovo, uses the existing third class road for the village of Levski and a turn-off before the village of Levski under suboptions А and B of option І (Annexes ІІ.2-4).

All three options will require an extension and reinforcement of the rural

roads so as to secure access to the sites. The above options are mapped on a summary map hereby presented as

Annex ІІ.2-5. Based on the available options, the most expedient and the less conflict one

deems to be option II, which was recommended to the Contracting Company. The option to supply structural elements by air directly from the port to the

site of the investment proposal was also discussed. The Contracting Company discussed this option with the supplier of the equipment but the option was rejected because of the great weight and dimensions of the elements. The contractor (supplier) will undertake a logistic research to specify the appropriate transport scheme to delivery the structural elements.

The vehicles and equipment will move within the site of the investment proposal by the existing rural roads. According to the proposed scheme, a great part of the wind turbines will be installed within the easement of the existing roads. A great part of the underground cable network that is to connect the wind turbines to



the transformer station and there from, to the permitted point of connection to the network of the National Electricity Company, is located within the easements of the roads.

3. Main characteristics of the construction works

The investment intent provides for the installation of prefabricated individual sections and elements of the towers made of steel tubes on reinforced concrete foundations. The foundations will be made in site according to traditional construction technologies. The individual sections and elements for the towers will be delivered to the installed foundations by transport equipment using the existing rural roads.

4. Employed raw materials and materials – type, quantities, sources During the construction works, traditional construction materials will be

employed for solid construction of the foundations and the transformer substation and for reinforcing the roads: gravel, crashed stones, sand, concrete, cement, fixture iron, frame elements, bricks, timber, roof-tiles, hydro and thermal insulation, window frames, ceramics, plasters etc.

Prefabricated elements, produced by Enercom company, will be used for the construction of the facilities.

The quantities of materials, required for the construction of the foundations and the transformer station, will be specified in the working design.

The construction equipment will be fuelled by diesel fuel supplied in the site. Water tanks will supply household water, while bottled mineral water will be

used for consumption. No raw materials, materials, electricity and water will be used during

operation. Potential repair activities will be limited to replacing parts and details of the installation.

5. Implementation stages of the investment proposal The implementation of the investment proposal is scheduled to take up to 4

months to construct the foundations and the transformer station and about 6-7 months to install the towers. According to the provisional schedule of the construction works, taking an account of the restrictions to use agricultural areas out of the period of agricultural production and the nesting period of birds, provides for two stages of the construction works:

- construction of the foundations and the transformer station; - installation of the towers and the turbines.



These stages are provisional, since it is impossible to predict precisely the time schedule. Everything depends on the organization and performance schedules of the individual subsites, as well as on the regularity of supplies of the facilities and equipment.

6. Emissions to the environment during the construction Air emissions The construction period will be associated with emissions of dust and

exhausted gases to the atmosphere, that will be produced by the construction and transport equipment.

Insignificant unorganized dust emissions are expected during the excavation works related to the construction of the foundations of the facilities, of cable conducts, the electricity substation etc., during the extension and levelling of the roads for access to the sites, as well as during the transportation and storage of earth and rock masses. Dust will be generated by the manoeuvres of the transport equipment to supply the construction materials (concrete, reinforcement, aggregate materials etc.), of structural elements and equipment for the towers etc.

Hazardous substance emission produced by the internal combustion engines of the construction equipment: SOх, NОх, VOC, CH4, CO, CO2, N2O, NH3.

Hazardous substance emissions produced by the internal combustion engines of the transport equipment: NOх, VOC, CH4, CO, CO2, N2O.

The period of construction of the foundations and the electric power station during which the above emissions are expected to be produced, will last for about 4 months.

The quantity of waste gases and emissions of hazardous substances generated by internal combustion engines will be uneven and limited within the said period.

Waste Humus – in the process of utilization of the sites for the foundations and

others, the humus layer will be removed. It will be stored in a special site and will be entirely re-used when the foundations and electric wiring channels are backfilled.

Earth masses – the excavation works for the construction of the foundations and cable canals will produce earth and rock masses, stones etc. They will be stored in a special site and will be largely used to backfill the foundations and pits. The extra quantities of soil masses will be transported to the landfill, specified by the mayor of the municipality.

Construction waste – the quantity of this type of waste is expected to be comparatively small, and will be collected, temporarily stored in a special place in the site and transported to the construction waste landfill, specified by the municipality.



Metal waste – fixture iron, fixture wire, construction iron etc. will be collected and temporarily stored in a special site until passed on to individuals or legal entities, holders of permit under Art. 12 and Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act.

Aggregate construction materials - The investment proposal provides for the reinforcement of the sections of the existing rural (cart) roads leading to the individual sites of the towers so as to allow heavy machinery to move around.

The aggregate construction materials (gravel, sand) shall be generated when constructing a solid bed for the road bands, the reinforcement of the individual sections etc. Machine trampled sand will be laid beneath the gravel layer. The upper layer of gravel will also be machine tampered. Any unused aggregate construction materials will be temporarily stored in a special site and will be transported to the main establishment of the company engaged in the road part of the project.

Wrapping – mixed wrapping is likely to be produced by the supply of materials and equipment with individual wrapping – metal, plastic, wooden, paper and cardboard, glass etc., as well as from by the staff on the individual subsites.

The quantity of this waste is difficult to forecast, but it is expected to have be at the minimum.

Solid household waste. Taking into account the coefficient of unevenness (average 10 persons per day are expected to work - 0.5 kg/person), the expected daily quantity of household waste will be about 5 kg. The waste will be collected in a metal container and will be transported to an organized solid household waste landfill in the territory of the municipality.

Hazardous waste - Hydraulic oils, motor oils, gear drive oils, braking and antiicing fluids, oil filters and electrolytes batteries etc.

Some of this waste could be generated by the transport and construction equipment during the construction and assembly works only in the event of replacements because of an accident in the site.

The waste shall be collected in closed metal barrels and containers and transported to the main site of the contractor of the construction works during the construction of the individual subsites, reinforcement of the road sections etc. The quantity of hazardous waste from the transport and construction equipment in accidentals is also unpredictable.

Waste waters No industrial waste waters will be generated during the construction works. Household waste waters will be generated by the construction and

installation staff. They will use a chemical WC.



Noise in the environment The construction and installation equipment and the servicing cargo transport

will be the noise sources in the future site. The construction works are expected to change the acoustic description of the

receiving environment. The construction equipment may create equivalent noise levels of more than 85 dBA in the site. In terms of impact, this will be limited to the day time construction works.

The noise regime along the route to be used by the servicing transport is expected to change. The discussed transport options and the recommended option II do not provide for any transport equipment passing through the zones of controlled acoustic regime.

7. Measures for reducing negative impacts on the environment during

the construction Air - construction machinery and motor vehicles with faulty internal combustion

engines are not allowed to operate; - no overloading of vehicles with bulky materials is allowed; - the temporary storage places of bulky materials and construction waste in

dry and windy weather shall be watered or covered up, so as to reduce the unorganized dust emissions;

- the temporary storage places of bulky materials and construction waste shall be promptly cleaned up after utilization and transportation;

- the temporary transport approaches not solidly paved shall be watered.

Noise

- the vehicles that supply construction materials and equipment shall follow only the specified route outside urban areas;

- construction and assembly works and transportation of the materials and structural elements shall be carried out only in daytime; - idle operation of construction and transport equipment is not allowed; Waste Separately collected waste shall be stored in temporary sites until: - the construction waste is transported to the landfill and by the routes specified by the municipality; - solid household waste is collected in a metal container and transported to the organized solid household waste landfill, according to the scheme approved by the municipality;



- hazardous waste is promptly transported to the constructor’s site and passed on to individuals or legal entities, holders of permit under Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act. The contractor shall invent special guidelines about the temporary parking of the construction equipment and the temporary storage places of construction materials, waste and excavated rock and soil masses within the construction site. Soils

- conservation of the removed humus layer and utilization thereof as a surface layer to backfill a part of the soil masses of the foundations;

- to outline precisely the approaches to the construction spots in the site; - consuming as less construction area around the foundations as possible; - no neighbouring plots shall be trampled down or polluted;

- no soil pollution with fuels and lubricating materials from the construction and installation equipment shall be allowed; - recultivation measures shall be undertaken for the sites from which the construction materials is removed and for the temporary landfills where excavation soil and rock masses are deposited; - recultivation of such parts along the routes of the underground cable network, outside the existing rural roads.

8. Permits required for the implementation of the investment proposal The implementation of the investment proposal does not require any legal

permits as per the environmental legislation. The contracting company and the National Electricity Company signed a

preliminary contract to connect the facilities to the existing electricity network.



ІІІ. Description of the environment that could be affected by the investment proposal

1. Air 1.1. Brief description and analysis of the climate and meteorological

factors related to the particular impact and ambient air quality A point of practical focus of the study of the dust and gas air pollution is the

lower part of the atmosphere (troposphere) and in particular, the friction layer above the ground.

As known, the physical characteristics of air are constantly changing, both in terms of height and as a time functions.

The main meteoelements, that impact the state of air, are as follows: temperature, air humidity, rainfalls, direction and speed of wind. The relief formations and the altitude affect these factors.

The climate and the meteorological characteristics of a particular region are a primary factor for the wind electricity output in that region. They are very important for the state of the individual environmental components, as well as for the conditions for dispersion and stability of the various environmental pollutants.

According to the climate zoning of Bulgaria, the region in question belongs to the Eastern climate region of the Danubian hilly plain from the Moderate continental climate subregion of the European continental climate region.

The climate of the region in assessment is formed mainly from the overall air circulation for the country from the west eastwards, but considerable continental and Mediterranean transfers are also observed. The location of the investment proposal is a precondition of its dependence on the typical climate conditions and characteristics for this geographic region, formed under the influence of the Black Sea.

The main characteristics that are reliable in terms of statistics and describe the climate and meteorological conditions in the region are:

Air temperature Temperature influences the appearance of the air flows. It is known that the

ground temperature is highly contrast, which provides for the appearance of vertical flows, which, on their hand, under certain conditions, are able to capture dust particles from the ground.

The average annual air temperature for the region is 11,90 С, where wintertime temperature is 4,10 С, and springtime one is 10,20 С. The average trimestral summertime temperature is 21,10 С.

Other climate data regarding the region under assessment are:



- number of days with steady temperature, higher or equal to 100 С – 204;

- absolute minimal temperature - -26,20 С; - absolute maximum temperature - +37,90 С; - number of days with a durable snow cover – 68 days.

Air humidity, fogs and cloudiness Air humidity and air pressure are factors that considerably influence the

meteorological conditions in any region. High humidity and intensive solar radiation intensify vertical airflows and atmospheric turbulence. The relative air humidity is closely related to the temperature trends. The average temperature in the region in the course of the year varies within 68 – 80%, and 74% average for the year. Possible deviations from these values are possible, but, as a rule, they are transitory and with no considerable impact on biosphere.

Fogs regime is highly dependent on the thermal balance, the minimal air temperature, the high relative humidity and the total evaporation. The fogs in the region reach their maximum in November. The total number of foggy days in wintertime is 20,7, compared to 26,2 days totally per year.

The number of foggy days by months, half a year period and year are presented in Table 1.1-1

Table 1.1-1 I II III IV V VI VII VII

I IX X XI XI

I IV-IX

X-III

year

3,5 2,9 4,1 1,9 1,6 0,6 0,3 0,2 0,9 3,0 3,7 3,4 5,5 20,7 26,2

The duration of the sun radiation is one of the regulating factors for the energy conditions in the earth surface - atmosphere system. The region is known for the long sun radiation throughout the year – 2 500 hours, total annual solar radiation (radiation balance) is about 5 400 MJ/m2.

Cloudiness has a well-demonstrated year course. It is higher in the cold

weather, when in many places exceeds 7 decimals, and is lower in the summer months when varies about 3 decimals.

Rainfalls Along the Black Sea coast, where the site is located, as well as above the sea,

rainfalls are formed under the influence of frontal and local reasons. Over the years, moderate and calm, as well as transitory rainfalls have been observed. Moderate rainfalls are typical for the cold part of the year and are formed in the so called nimbostratus clouds, related to warm fronts. Torrential rainfalls are typical for the warm months of the year. They are formed by cold fronts, as well as under the



influence of mountains – in the event of a forced ascension of humid air masses along their counter wind slopes.

The regions of the West Black Sea coast demonstrate a great similarity with the Mediterranean rainfall distribution. The maximum is reached during the cold months of the year, while the minimum - during the warm months.

The next Table 1.1-2 presents data for the average monthly and annual sums of rainfalls, registered at Varna station for two 30-year monitoring periods (period І: 1961-1990 and period ІІ: 1971-2000). Table 1.1-2

station

period

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

year

І

37

39

32

43

40

45

38

32

33

36

54

46

475

Varna

ІІ

32

31

32

51

35

47

44

33

40

42

56

38

481

The data in the table demonstrate that the regions is relatively balanced in

terms of seasonal rainfall distribution, where the sums during the warm months of the year (May-October) are almost equal to those of the cold months of the year (November-April).

Wind This air motion is distinguished by speed and direction. The immediate

reason is the horizontal bar gradient. The wind has different speed and direction on the ground and above the

ground. The vertical distribution of speed in the troposphere has a positive gradient, assumed to be 4 km/h at the average for every 100 meters of height.

The wind direction depends on both the bar gradient and the relief, which, after all, appears to be the determinant factor three hundred meters above the ground.

The speed and direction of wind are regional climate characteristics crucial for the implementation of the investment proposal. The local positions where the facilities are to be constructed are consistent with the wind speed and the ability to transform it into electric power.

The average monthly and the average annual speeds of wind for Varna station are presented in Table 1.1-3.

Table 1.1-3

І ІІ ІІІ VI V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII year3,8 3,7 3,2 2,6 2,0 1,8 1,8 2,0 2,3 3,0 3,4 3,9 2,7



The average annual speed of wind at a height of more than 10 m (proper

monitoring of the Contracting Company) is 6,3 m/sec, and the average monthly values vary within 4,9 to 7,21 m/sec.

Tables 1.1-4 and 1.1-5 present the annual distribution of the direction of wind (in percentage) and the summary wind regime in the lower atmosphere for the region of Varna (based on data provided by the National Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology). Average annual frequency of wind by directions and calm weather Table 1.1-4 season N NE E SE S SW W NW calm winter 23 13 9 3 1 4 23 25 33 summer 16 17 24 7 1 3 16 18 47 Frequency distribution in % of the direction of wind Table 1.1-5

winter period summer period station direction of

wind % frequency distribution

station direction of wind

% frequency distribution

Varna N; NE; NW W; SW; S SE; E; windlessness

61 27 1 12 33

Varna N; NE; NW W; SW; S SE; E; windlessness

51 19 1 31 47

The tables demonstrate that the frequency of the northwesterly, northerly and

westerly winds decreases in the warm season, which is compensated with the increase of easterly and northeasterly winds. Southerly winds are rare throughout the year.

There is certain difference between the data for Varna station and the real situation of the site nearby Suvorovo, since the direction of wind in Varna is strongly dependent on the breeze wind especially in summertime.

According to the data of the National Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology and the proper measurements undertaken for the purposes of the investment proposal the northerly winds are prevailing (throughout the year) in the region under assessment. Northeasterly and Northwesterly winds are subordinate.

An explanation is the west-east atmosphere transfer in the temperate belt of the northern hemisphere. Furthermore, in cold months of the year, northeast winds are blowing in the Black Sea region, and especially in its northern and western parts. This is because of the intensified cyclone activity over the Mediterranean Sea and the frequent formation and stability of anticyclones over the Eastern Europe. In the transient seasons, the cyclones along the polar front, passing over the territory of Bulgaria or a little bit northwards, create favourable conditions for easterly or northeasterly winds.



One of the factors that assign energy qualities to wind is the air density. Kinetic power of wind is proportional to the air density, i.e. its mass per unit volume. In other words, the heavier the air is more power the turbine generates. At a normal atmosphere pressure and at a temperature of 15°С, the air weight is about 1,225 kg/m³. The density is slowly decreasing with the increase of humidity, but is increasing at low temperatures. Meteorological data give information for one of the factors that is essential for the energy qualities of wind, namely its speed. The density of the wind capacity, calculated in W/m², is another basic indicator for energy value of wind. The choice of the location of every Wind Farm is based on proper on the spot measurements of the two indicators and the results are processed applying a mathematical model to provide a more trustworthy assessment and a forecast for the maximum use of the available wind potential in the respective region. The analysis of the energy qualities of wind requires wind measurements in three plains that are perpendicular to one another. The obtained data are analytically decomposed by the three directions of the Descartes’ coordinates, referred to as a differential 3D-measurement.

The technical data presented in Table 1.1-6 and supplied by the producer of the wind turbines, “ENERCOM – Е-82”, contains an assessment of the capacity of the wind produced power depending on the speed of wind at the height of the axe (hub) of the rotor, i.e. 80 m. These data are obtained in experimental conditions and are applied to build of the so called capacity curve of wind aggregates. Based on the data supplied by the producer and on the differential values, obtained from the in site measurements, which are forecastable, 3D-modellable and calculable also in respect to the other speeds of wind, typical for the respective places, relevant conclusions for energy qualities of wind can be drawn .

Table 1.1-6

Speed of wind (m/s)

Energy capacity (kW)

1 0,0 2 3,0 3 25,0 4 82,0 5 174,0 6 321,0 7 532,0 8 815,0 9 1180,0

10 1612,0



11 1890,0 12 2000,0

13÷28 2050,0

The data contained in the table demonstrate that, in practical terms, at a speed of wind higher than 13 m/s, the power capacity generated from the wind does not change and remains constant at a speed of 28 m/s – the maximal speed of wind, at which the system automatically turns off.

1.2. Available data for the air pollution in the area of the site. Sensitive zones

Air status and impact thereon are discussed in two aspects: 1) impact of the climate conditions; 2) pollution sources in the region. 1) The aforementioned statistical data related to the climate and

meteorological situation in the region justify the following conclusions: а) the main climate factors that help the fast dispersion of hazardous

substances in the air are: - permanent winds of a speed higher than 2 m/sec; - large percentage of strong northerly, northwesterly and northeasterly,

winds, as well as comparatively even distribution of winds throughout the year; - lack of temperature anomalies and comparatively high percentage of

average annual air humidity – 74%; - comparatively few foggy days throughout the year – 26,2. - comparatively sufficient quantity and seasonal distribution of rainfalls –

average annual quantity – 481 mm. b) the main climate factors that do not help hazardous admixtures to disperse

and are conductive for its concentration in the atmosphere: - in the course of the year – uneven distribution of the average annual relative

air humidity, which may further activate the vertical thermal air flows (at a high humidity and high temperatures), or to create conditions for air dust pollution (at low air humidity, high temperatures and wind).

- relatively often cases of “calm” weather. 2) There are no points of the national air quality monitoring network near the

region of the investment proposal, so no data are available regarding its imission status.



There are not big industrial pollutants near the site in question, no sources of air pollution, respectively, for there are no industry and/or sites, that are potential emitters of hazardous substances.

The probability to have air impacted by exhausted gases from the home heating combustion processes (in winter) from the neighbouring residential areas is minimal and almost impossible.

Given the location of the future site – comparatively great distances from Suvorovo and the villages nearby, lack of significant industrial air pollutants and the remoteness of heavy traffic, the region where the investment proposal is to be developed might be considered environmentally clean. The local conditions have a specific positive impact on the self-cleaning potential of the environment. The lack of temperature inversions, the high windiness and the favourable relief of the site help for the fast and effective dispersion of hazardous substances and guarantee a low air pollution potential of the region. The low pollutions levels of the atmosphere, on the other hand, is a precondition for the pollutant absorption potential.

Based on these findings and conclusions, and notwithstanding the lack of a direct monitoring and measurements of the background pollution, the following assessment of the state of the air in the region in question can be made:

Climate, meteorological and orographic conditions in the region do not facilitate a long detention of hazardous substances in the ground layer of the atmosphere. The air basin of the region demonstrates a high potential. There are neither organized nor unorganized air pollution sources around the site of the investment proposal.

1.3. Sources of air pollution resulting from the implementation of the

investment intent The investment proposal does not provide for any source of organized air

pollution substances. The impact on the air in the region will occur during the project

implementation, where the sources of pollution will be unorganized, direct, temporary and transitory.

During the construction a local covering of dust on the ground layer of the atmosphere is expected from the excavation works related to the construction of the reinforced concrete foundations of the towers and of cable canals. Dust emissions will be released during the excavation works related to the extension and outlaying the roads, to be used by the vehicles to supply the equipment and construction materials, during the load handling operations, related to transportation and potential disposal of soil masses and aggregate materials of the site, and as a result of the intensified traffic of motor vehicles and heavy machinery in the region.



Periodic exhausted gas air pollution is expected on places, where the construction equipment will operate or where the manoeuvres of motor vehicles are concentrated.

All modern vehicles, driven by internal-combustion engines, are emitting more or less hazardous substances to the atmosphere. Quantities and composition of exhausted gases depend mostly on the motor type and its condition, on the driving method (revolutions), the condition of the road pavement and, last but not least, the type of fuel. The table below demonstrates the interrelation of hazardous substance quantities, emitted by motor vehicles, depending on the used fuel:

Harmful substances KG hazardous substances from the

combustion of 1 ton of gasoline

KG hazardous substances from the combustion of 1 ton of gas

oil Carbon oxide 119,3 15,8

Hydrocarbons 21,20 4,16

Nitrogen oxides 9,61 48,80

Sulphur oxides 1,00 5,00

Lead (aerosols) 0,15 -

Aldechides 0,90 0,80

The exhausted gases contain small quantities of the carcinogenic 3,4 –

benzpyrene. The diesel engine is emitting sooty smuts, whose quantity sometimes reaches

1% of the fuel mass . If the fixed equipment will be fuelled in the site, the quantities (capacities) of

hazardous substances emitted to the atmosphere because of the motors being fuelled and operational, will be as follows:

М СО = 0,025 g/sec М hydrocarbons = 0,0027 g/sec – from engines М gasoline hydrocarbons = 0,26 g/sec – from fuelling motor vehicles tanks М NO2 = 0,0039 g/sec М SO2 = 0,00124 g/sec М sooty smuts = 0,000222 g/sec М lead = 0,000017 g/sec, where the content is 0,15 g/l of

gasoline. These quantities are based on the publications, and the calculations are made

with a specially developed methodology for atmospheric dispersion modelling and more specifically - an improved option for linear sources under specific conditions and preconditions.



Hydrocarbon emissions during diesel fuelling (predominant during the construction and installation works) are several times lower, due to the low partial pressure of vapors and are usually excluded from the balance.

In the cases of incomplete combustion of diesel fuel the exhausting pipes emit sooty smuts, water vapours etc.

If gasoline fuelling will not take place in the sites and along the route, the above-mentioned emission capacities are referring only to the exhausted gases from vehicles and heavy equipment and to evaporations during the potential fuelling of diesel engines through fixed tanks or auto tanks.

Traffic of vehicles and equipment along the main and the temporary roads, on its turn, will be dust producing.

As already mentioned in this report, expected air pollution is dust covering that results from the direct construction and installation works during the implementation of the investment proposal. New anthropogenic forms will be formed during the construction.

2. Surface and ground waters 2.1. Hydrological and hydrogeological conditions and factors of water

resources

Hydrology In terms of hydrology, the Danubian plain is known for its comparatively

low water bearing capacity due to the considerable rainwater outflow due to evaporation and infiltration in the largely spread enkarsted limestones in the Ludogorie and Dobrudja plateau, where there is almost no surface flow. The rivers that run through the plain are mostly transit, originating from Stara Planina mountain and from the Pre-Balkan elevations. They are known for having high water in springtime and low water in summer and autumn. Short shallow affluents are formed within the Danubian plain. Absolutely flat are Rusenski Lom, Provadiyska and Batova rivers in the eastern part, which is known for a series of dry valleys with incidental flow.

The closest surface water source in the region is Hamam Dere, that runs through Suvorovo. The gully has no permanent flow. Such a flow is formed mainly during springtime high waters.

Hydrogeology From hydrogeological point of view, the site of the investment proposal

belongs to the Misia hydrogeological region, subregion Varna Depression - East Dobrudja and Varna plateau. The boundaries of the hydrogeological subregion cover Black sea part of Misia Platform and include the plateau-like levelling with an altitude less than 340 m. The eastern part abuts to the Black Sea, which formed



a steep and high coast. This zone is known for the floor laying of the water-bearing horizons, vertical hydrochemical zoning of groundwaters, hydraulic connection between water-bearing horizons along the tectonic faults and fractures, although water-bearing horizons are well insulated from one another, and the considerable spatial dissemination of pre-quaternary water-bearing horizons. The vertical zoning detects three zones:

- upper zone with active water exchange and fresh non-pressure and pressure waters from the infiltration genetic cycle;

- middle zone with decelerated water exchange and an increased mineralization and temperature of waters, which are pressure and mainly infiltration waters;

- lower zone, with no water exchange in practice, high mineralization and high temperature, sedimentogenic origin.

The available archive data for the geological and lithological structure, the geomorphologic and tectonic characteristics of the region in question, identify the following water-bearing horizons:

- malm-valanginian; - lower-middle eocenic; - sarmatian; - quaternary.

Malm Valanginian water-bearing horizon is developed within the whole

territory of the subregion. It is formed in a carbon complex of limestones, dolomitic limestones and dolomites of an average capacity of 810-900 m. They are very cracked and enkarsted, so the infiltration characteristics are quite diversified. The carbonate rocks have a comparatively constant thickness, notwithstanding the hypsometric height. The tectonic uplifts have a smaller thickness than the carbonic complex, so this represents a united hydraulic system. Groundwaters in malm valanginian horizon are pressure. The lower confining layer is presented by clays and mergels at a depth of about 1500 m. The upper confining layer consists of hotrivian and upper cretaceous materials and has a depth of about 700 m. The investment proposal is unable to adversely impact on this water-bearing horizon, for the latter is well protected and deeply located.

The lower-middle eocenic water-bearing horizon is composed of eocenic sediments and in this particular case, is irrelevant as regards the investment proposal in question.

Sarmatian water-bearing horizon is found within the whole the territory of the region. The nature of the adjoining rocks (complex of limestones, sandy limestones sands, leastones) determines its waters as karst-porous, stratal and fissure-karst-porous. The confining layer of the sarmatian water-bearing horizon consists of clays of the Topolska suit at a depth of 40–50 m. Waters are non-pressure. The water-bearing horizon has a different capacity. It is feeded mainly



from rainfalls. The great area of revealed limestones and the very good infiltration capacities considerably accelerate the infiltration process.

Groundwaters in quaternary sediments are mostly non-pressure and karst-porous and porous.

No hydrogeological researches have been carried out in the region of the future farm, but since the earth foundation is permeable, no high level of groundwaters is expected. The flatness of the terrain and the remoteness from the surrounding slopes and hills precondition the lack of earth creeping risk, and the porosity of the earth foundation of the site eliminates the risk of high groundwaters and the subsequent construction problems.

In hydrogeological aspect, the data justify the conclusion that the region has a very low potential with respect to stable water-bearing horizons and groundwater collectors.

3. Geological environment 3.1. Description of the geological conditions In terms of morphography, the region of the investment proposal belongs to

the Misian hilly and plateau-like plain, East Misian plain. It overlaps with the North Bulgarian Swell, in the north plain periphery of which is formed the Ludogorie and Dobrudja plateau. Dobrudja plateau is a watershed between the Black Sea and the Danube River. Its Black Sea part is slightly inclined east-northeastwards and contains very slightly shaped asymmetrically developed dry valleys directed to the Black Sea. The western part of the Dobrudja plateau and almost the whole Ludogorie plateau are strongly indented by the Danubian tributaries (Suha, Kazlak, Senkovetz, Krapinetz), especially along the north and the northeast periphery, which is covered with loessial and laky and fluvial sediments. Misia block step is formed of Prepaleozoic and Paleozoic rocks, with a high degree of fracture and block differentiation and a subhorizontal layer superstructure of Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Neozoic sediment rocks. In 2005, Devnia Cement AD undertook geological researches in the site of the investment proposal, and made three drillings (Annex ІІІ-3.1-1). The geological columns of the drillings detect the following characteristics. Drilling No 35 Drilling No 39 Drilling No 45 depth (m)

composition depth (m)

composition depth (m)

composition

0,80 Humus 1,00 Humus 1,00 Humus 6,00 Grey to white, marles 4,90 Soil layer 3,20 Soil layer 8,60 Grey, middle grainy,

clay sands 10,90 Grey to whitish,

marles 11,60 Grey to white,

marles



15,00 Grey to white

marles

15,60 Grey to brownish, low stripped, limy grit stone

22,70 Grey, large grainy, clay sands

The investment proposal does not provides for a deep intrusion and damage

to the geological foundation. The foundation works for the facilities will be limited to the surface geological foundation at a depth of up to 5 m.

The site chosen for the implementation of the Wind Farm does not affect deposits of natural resources, registered with the National Stock Balance.

4. Lands and soils 4.1. Description of the state of soils. Damaged lands. Polluted lands.

Degradation processes Based on soil and geographic and soil and environmental criteria the regions

and subregions distinguished in Europe, in Bulgaria are divided into soil provinces. The region of the investment proposal belongs to the Lower Danubian soil subregion of the Carpathian - Danubian soil region (Annex No ІІІ.4.1-1). Black earths are prevailing in all their types, for they are considered typical for the North Bulgaria.

The region, where the investment proposal is to be developed, is composed of ordinary black soils (haplic, CHh) and relatively fewer brown/carbonic black earths (kastanic, CHk).

According to FAO soil taxonomy and classification, soils in the region of the

investment proposal belong to: Order Е - Soils of considerable accumulation of base-saturated organic

substance; Subtype ordinary black earth (Haplic Chernozems, CHh, FAO, 1988).

These soils are known with their deep (80-120/150 сm) soil profile, the massive (50-70 сm) humus horizon, the carbonate free and brown transitional В-horizon (camlic type), with a capacity of 30 to 60-70 сm.

These soils are used for agricultural purposes for mainly corn and forage plantations.

Damaged lands are detected in the southwestern part of the plot, where the site of the former agricultural airport is – a low asphalt track and an agricultural building.

Soils are free from chemicals for there being no areal nor point pollution nearby. The use of agrichemicals has been considerably reduced over the last 10-15 years, together with a less intensive agricultural production.



The region, in general, is known for the occurrence of deflation processes (wind erosion), largely in scale, mostly in the plateau-like sections (Annex ІІІ 4.1-2).

No degradation processes are registered. 4.2. Change in the land use designation, related to the implementation of

the investment proposal With view to developing the Wind Farm project and pursuant to the

provisions of Art. 124, para 2 of the Territorial Planning Act a provisional detailed territorial plan is in process. The plan provisions will change the land use designation of non-irrigable lands.

5. Flora and fauna 5.1. Description of flora and fauna inside the area of the investment

proposal Flora Vegetation in the eastern parts of the Danubian plain, according to the

modern geobotanical zoning, belongs to the European deciduous forest region, Iliria (Balkan) province, Ludogorie subregion (Annex ІІІ.5.1-1).

The natural vegetation is strongly modified and conserved only in non-arable sections. The soil and climate conditions determine the distribution of mainly xerophyte and less mezophyte vegetation.

The high plateaus of the Ludogorie host a large plantations of mezoxerophyte Turkish Oak forests and less of Hungarian Oak. At some places Turkish Oak forests are mixed with Silver Linden, Quercus dalechampii and Common Hornbeam. Because of the human impact (deforestation and periodical hewing) Oriental Hornbeam also intruded into forest areas.

Some flora elements have also intruded such as Needle Grass (Stipa capillata), Sand Couch-grass (Elytrigia juncea) etc. All species of Bulgarian and Balkan endemites are present in the region, such as Urumofii Tulip (Tulipa Urumofii), a deposit of which is located nearby the village of Chernevo.

The following formations are typical for grass areas (non arable): Dichanthieta ischaemi belongs to the xerophytic vegetation element. The

formation is absolutely derivated origin, outlying one of the final stages of plant degradation under the anthropogenic factors and erosion;

Chrysopogoneta grylli belongs to the xerophytic vegetation element too. The formation is of derivated origin – its communities are developed in the areas of autochthonous wood communities after the latter were destroyed;



Bulbous Bluegrass (Poaeta bulbosae). The edification species is mezophyte that develops completely in springtime. All the formations are secondary and represent the final stage of grazing-induced degradation of grass vegetation.

The territory planned for the construction of the Wind Farm is arable land

(about 90 %) for corns and forage plantations. The rest of the territory is occupied by ruderal pastures and narrow boundary strips between some of the arable lands, grown with xerophytic grass vegetation. At some places the site abuts to forest biotopes - sprouting deciduous forests and artificial forest plantation. They are presented by mixed spaces, with a predomination of Turkish Oak formation (Quercus cerris), subdominant Hungarian Oak (Quercus frainetto), as well as a presence of Oriental Hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa) etc. Artificial plantations consist of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris).

Fauna The Danubian zoogeographic region (Annex ІІІ.5.1-2), covering the

Danubian plain, the Ludogorie and the south part of the Dobrudja plateau (without the coast), is an independent zoogeographic region, with typical representatives of Euro Siberian and European fauna species, and in Dobrudja – steppe fauna complex (centipedes, grasshoppers, mammals).

Climate, soil and vegetation belts, which are very well demonstrated in Bulgaria, have a specific fauna. These are mostly species whose areas are related to the deciduous forest biome and in particular the oak belt. Some of them are very plastic in terms of environment, of large distribution and intrude into the forest steppe zone.

The continental climate is the reason for the great variety of animal groups such as amphibious, while reptiles are very slightly presented. There are almost no endemites among the ground fauna while two Balkan and four Bulgarian endemites were detected in underground fauna. Nesting birds are most similar to those of the Black Sea coast, while Mediterranean is slightly presented.

No specialized researches on the individual fauna groups are carried out for the region, where the investment proposal is to be developed. The present assessment was carried out based on the available publication data, proper monitoring, data provided by the local community and the environmental expert of the municipality, as well as a specialized ornithology research within the period June - July 2005.

The main habitats in the territory, planned for the construction of the Wind Farm are arable lands (about 90 % of the territory). The rest of the territory is occupied by ruderal pastures and narrow boundary strips between some of arable lands, grown with grass vegetation. At several places, the site abuts to forest biotopes (sprouting deciduous forests and artificial forest plantations), whose



inhabitants use the territory of the site as a nutrition base. The great variety of vertebral fauna species is preconditioned namely by the agricultural nature of the region and the proximity to urban areas.

Neither water habitats nor suitable amphibious habitats were detected within the site planned for the implementation of the investment proposal and its neighbouring lands. They do not precondition the formation of permanent and temporary wet zones. Herpetophauna in the region of the site is represented by:

Amphibians (Amphibia) - European Green Toad (Bufo viridis), found in the region of the agricultural

buildings in the western part of the site. Reptiles (Reptilia) - European Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis) - Striped Lizard (Lacerta trineata) - Balkan Wall Lizard (Lacerta taurica) - Caspian Whip Snake (Coluber jugularis) No species amongst the amphibians and reptiles, which were detected within

the site, are included into Directive 92/43 of the Council of the European community of 21.05.1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. All five types belong to the category “strictly protected species” under the Bern Convention – Appendix No ІІ.

There are two species that are protected under the Biodiversity Act (SG, issue 77/2002, revised and amended SG, issue 105/2005), Annex 3 to Art. 37 (Table 5.1-1):

Table 5.1-1 BERN Species BDA

App. ІІ App. ІІІ BONN Dir

92/43 Amphibians European Green Toad (B. viridis) + * Reptiles European Green Lizard (L. viridis) * Striped Lizard (L. Trineata) * Balkan Wall Lizard (L. taurica) * Caspian Whip Snake (Coluber jugularis)

+ *



Mammals (Mammalia) Typical inhabitants of deciduous forests and open spaces are some mammals

such as: Mole (Talpa europea), Becolored Shrew (Crocidura leucodon), Southern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor), Lesser Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis oxygnathus), Common Noctule (Nyctalus noctula), Edible Dormouse (Glis glis), Forest Dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), Common Vole (Microtus arvalis), European Polecat (Mustela putorius), Striped Field Mouse (Apodemus agrarius) etc. 11 mammal species were detected within the site area:

- Southern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) - Mole (Talpa europea) - Common Voles (Microtus arvalis) - Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) - European Polecat (Mustela putorius) - European Badger (Meles meles) - European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) - European Hare (Lepus europaeus) - Beech Marten (Martes foina) - Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) - Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) belongs to the category of

“strictly protected species” under the Bern Convention – Appendix No ІІ, and others two mammal species –Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and Beech Marten (Martes foina), are listed in Appendix No ІІІ of the same Convention.

European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is listed in the Appendices of Directive 92/43 as being of priority conservation status.

Three of the mammals detected in the region are protected under the Biodiversity Act – Annex 3 to Art.37: Southern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor), Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) – Table 5.1-2.

Table 5.1-2

БЕРН Species BERN App. ІІ App. ІІІ

BONN

Dir. 92/43

Mammals Southern White-breasted Hedgehog (E. concolor)

+

European Ground Squirrel (Sр. citellus)

+ * *

Least Weasel (M. Nivalis) + *

Beech Marten (M. foina) *



Birds (Aves) Ornithofauna in the oak belt is rich and diversified. The typical species are:

Great Tit (Parus major), Sombre Tit (Parus lugubris), Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin), Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina), Blackbird (Turdus merula), European Magpie (Pica pica), Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Golden Oriole (Oriolus oreolus), Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) etc.

Crops fields are populated by: Corn Bunting and Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza calandra, E. melanocephala), Skylark and Crested Lark (Alauda arvensis, Galerida cristata), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) etc.

The oak belt hosts most of the habitat areas in the country. Mass synanthropic bird species are: House Sparrow and Tree Sparrow (Passer domesticus, P. montanus), Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia var. domesticus), Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), House Martin and Barn Swallow (Delichon urbica, Hirundo rustica) etc.

A lot of birds gravitate to orchards, where they find suitable places to spend the nesting period and a plenty of food (woodpeckers, tits, sparrows, flycatchers, magpies).

37 nesting bird species were identified in the region of the future investment proposal, 21 of which are nesting within the site, and the others are nesting in the neighbourhoods, but are using the site for food hunting during the nesting period. Representatives of Passerines (Passeriformes) are predominating – 22 species and diurnal birds of prey (Falconiformes) – 6 species. The most frequent nesting bird species within the site are Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra):

- White Stork (Cionia cionia) - Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) - Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) - Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) - Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) - Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) - Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) - Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) - Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) - Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) - Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) - Little Owl (Athene noctua) - Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) - European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) - European Roller (Coracias garulus)



- Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) - Skylark (Alauda arvensis) - Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - House Martin (Delichon urbica) - Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava feldegg) - African Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) - Northern Wheateater (Oenanthe oenanthe) - Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) - Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) - Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) - European Magpie (Pica pica) - Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula) - Carrion Crow (Corvus corne cornix) - European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) - Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) - Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) - European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) - Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) - Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) - Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala) - Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) According to The Birds of Europe (Tucker, Heat, 1994) and their natural

protection status, 19 bird species nesting in the region are of European conservation significance. 14 of these species of conservation significance are nesting within the site itself. 29 bird species nesting in the region are protected under the Biodiversity Act, and 20 of them are “strictly protected” under the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. Bulgaria is obliged to undertake measures to protect 12 bird species, nesting within the site and the neighbourhoods, which are included into the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).

Generally, the territory of the planned Wind Farm hosts the habitats of 11 bird species that are endangered, respectively, of priority conservation according Directive 92/43 of the Council of the European Community of 21.05.1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna and the Biodiversity Act. Six of these 11 species are nesting in the territory designated for the construction of the farm, and only Skylark and Corn Bunting are presented with large populations, similarly to Red-backed Shrike in the peripheries of the site (Table 5.1-3).



Table 5.1-3 Bern SPECIES Nestin

g RB

Biodiv. Act App.

ІІ App. ІІІ

Bonn

SPES

Dir. 92/43

White Stork (Cionia cionia) (+) + * ІІ 2 + Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

(+)

З

+

*

ІІ

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

(+) З + * ІІ

Common Buzzard (Buteo Buteo) (+) + * ІІ Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

+

+

*

ІІ

3

Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)

(+) З + * ІІ

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) + * 3 + Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

+ + * ІІ 3 +

Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) (+)

*

3

+

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

(+) *

Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

+

+

*

Little Owl (Athene noctua)

+

+

*

3

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) (+) + * European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)

(+) + * ІІ 3 +

European Roller (Coracias garulus)

(+) + * ІІ 2 +

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)

+

+

*

3

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

+

+

*

3

+

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

(+)

+

*

3

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

(+)

+

*

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava feldegg)

+

+

*

African Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)

+

+

*

ІІ

3

Northern Wheateater (Oenanthe oenanthe)

+

+

*

ІІ

Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)

+

+

*

ІІ

4

Red-backed Shrike



(Lanius collurio) + + * 3 + Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor)

+

+

*

2

+

European Magpie (Pica pica) + Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula) (+) 4 + Carrion Crow (Corvus corne cornix)

(+)

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

+

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

+

Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)

(+)

+

*

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

+

+

*

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

(+) + *

Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)

+

+

*

4

Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana)

+

+

*

2

+

Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)

+

+

2

Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)

+

+

*

4

(+) =16

3

29

20

11

12

2=5

11

Total: + =21 3=10

4=4 Legend to the tables: Nesting + species nesting in the territory designated for the construction of the Wind Farm; (+) Species nesting outside, but uses the territory designated for the farm; RB Red Book of Bulgaria - 1985 Species category: R – rare, E – endangered; BDA A species protected under the Biodiversity Act (SG, issue 105/2005); BERN Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats - Bern, in force for Bulgaria since 1 May 1991; BONN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory

Species of Wild Animals - Bonn



Appendix І – Endangered species in hole or in part of their areal Appendix ІІ – Species with unfavourable status for which improvement

international collaboration is needed; SPEC Categories of species of European conservation concern SPEC 1 – Species of global conservation concern SPEC 2 – Species concentrated in Europe and with unfavourable

conservation status SPEC 3 – Biome-restricted species and species in Europe with

unfavourable conservation status SPEC 4 – Species concentrated in Europe with favourable

conservation status Directive 92/43 of ЕС – Directive of the Council of the European

Community of 21.05.1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna.

5.2. Protected areas. Sensitive zones, related to NATURA 2000 network. Migration corridors

The following sites are located in the territory of Suvorovo Municipality: Natural Landmark, colony of Urumofii Tulip (Tulipa uromoffi), declared

with Order No 689/22.07.1987 of the Environmental Protection Committee. It is located nearby the village of Chernevo, Sivriata locality, and occupies an area of 0,5 ha, 11,90 km straight southwards from the site of the investment proposal (Annex ІІІ.5.2-1). In general, the site of the colony is located within a zone of anthropogenic influence (pasture, grassland) and close to industrial sites – quarries. The data supplied by Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate, demonstrate that no inventory of the site has been made over the past years to detect the presence of the protected flora species and the state of the habitat.

Pobitite Kamani Protected area announced a Natural Landmark with Order

No РД-258/17.07.1995 of the Ministry of Environment and Water. The complex is located in the territory of the municipalities Axakovo, Beloslav, Devnia and Suvorovo and occupies a total area of 253,3 ha. With Order No РД-817/23.08.2002 of the Ministry of Environment and Water, this natural landmark was re-classified as a protected area (Annex ІІІ.5.2-2). The part of the protected area located in the territory of Suvorovo Municipality is close to the village of Banovo (lands No 000122 and No 000123), and 12,60 km southeastwards from the site of the investment proposal. Protected area is included in NATURA 2000 network, location BG0000132.



Potential place of protection Suha reka – NATURA 2000. In the territory of Suvorovo municipality is located a part of the draft territory of EU significance, a location BG0000107 “Suha reka” of NATURA 2000 environmental network (Appendix III.5.2-3). The draft-territory is located in the eastern part of the municipal area, the locality of the village of Levski and is about 8, 40 km away from the site of the investment proposal. The region is known for its favourable conservation status of natural habitats according to Annex I Natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation to Directive 92/43 of the Council of European Economic Community for preservation of nature habitats and of the wild flora and fauna. Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) with coverage of around 6 %. 16 taxation groups of plants within Appendix I were detected - Potentilla emili-popii, European Bedstrow (Galium rubioides), Escargot (Helix lucorum), Black-bellied Hamster (Cricetus cricetus), Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and others; and four other important plants listed in Annex II to the Directive – Stone-parsley (Sison ammomum), Scandix australis, Sempervivum erythraeum, Indigo Sage (Salvia Forskaohlei).

29 nesting bird species were detected in the territory of the zone, which are subject to special conservation measures with respect of their habitats, so as to secure survival and propagation. (Directive 79/409/ЕЕС), as well as 14 regularly migrating species.

No migration corridors of the migratory birds are passing over the territory

of Suvorovo municipality. Verification was made with the central laboratory of general ecology with the Bulgarian Academy of Science to identify potential migratory birds through the territory of the investment proposal. The examination of radar images do not show concentration of migration lobbies. This means that no serious migration flow is crossing the site.

6. Hazardous physical factors Factors where the impact over the environment and man is of a physical

matter are included in the physical complex. Some of the most important physical factors are: noise, vibrations, hazardous radiations (ionizing, non-ionizing, thermal, electromagnetic), microclimate and high pressure.

Noise and vibrations are among the most frequent hazardous factors of the working ambiance and the environment.

6.1. Noise characteristic in the areas to be affected by the investment

proposal



Currently, no sources of noise and vibrations are found in the region of the future wind farm. The individual sites are agricultural lands – agricultural fields with cart roads among them. The existing noise background is the real natural background of 35 ÷ 40 dB A in daytime and 30 ÷ 35 dB A in nighttime.

6.2. Sources of noise during the construction and operation of the

investment proposal. Vibrations Noise By definition, the noise represents unpleasant and annoying alternations of

the sound pressure over the auditory organ of the living organisms. The sound is the perception by the auditory organ of any change in the pressure that can be displayed in the air, in liquids and some other material environments. Besides the physical particularities of the sound or the noise, which objectively can be measured with physical methods, the human ear has subjective valuation of the noise impact, which in fact serves as an evaluation of the occupational risk of this factor. Frequency corrective curve is introduced for adequate hygiene assessment of the noise (i.e. “A” curve) which resembles frequency - amplitude objective sensuousness of the ear toward noises of various characteristics.

The leading changes to hearing are determined by the anatomical and functional characteristics of the ear, which percepts sound hesitations within 10 octaves. In case of a young, healthy adult, this range is the limits approximately within 16 Hz up to 20 kHz. The hearing sensibility depends on the frequency. Tones of 1000 – 4000 Hz frequency are perceived most effectively.

Frequency characteristic of the noise (frequency spectrum) is of main importance for the assessment of the noise impact. In practice, such assessment is made in frequency bands (octaves or third-octaves), using the relevant filters. For the needs of the technical acoustics the frequency measuring bands are standardized according BSS 4841-70 and for the hygiene assessments (according BSS 14478-82) are used 8 octaves, namely 63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz, that cover the range of 50 - 10000 Hz.

Depending on the intensity alternation, the noise is constant, variable, interrupting and impulse. With respect to the variable noise the term “equivalent level” is introduced, the numeral value of which and the exposition (time of impact) is a factor to assess the occupational and healthy risk. The levels of sound pressure are divided into classes of an interval of 5 dBA, more rarely of 2, 5 dBA. Finally, the measurements of the characteristics of the various noises aim at increasing the adequateness of the hygiene assessment and risk.

Currently BSS 14478-82 is limiting the daily noise pressure of 85 dBA (admissible level of daily personal noise exposition of the worker) and the marginal admissible values of sound pressure levels for the relevant octaves



(frequency bands) within the limits 38-99 dBA for different types of activities. The admissible momentary value of sound pressure is 140 dBA (200 Ра).

Sources of noise during the construction of the site The sources of noise during the construction of wind turbines are the various

construction and transport equipment – excavator, bulldozer, crane, concrete tank, trucks, including heavy hauling vehicles. Levels of noise emitted by such equipment are as follows: excavator - 80 ÷ 91 dBA; bulldozer - 97 ÷ 105 dBA; auto-crane - 82 ÷ 93 dBA, trucks - 73 ÷ 94 dBA, air compressor - 86 ÷ 99 dBA, vibrators - 82 ÷ 98 dBA, knocking hammer - 102 ÷ 116 dBA and others.

The data (lower and upper limits) are taken from the publications and own measurements.

As a rule, the noise produced by the construction machines and transport equipment is of low and average frequency, permanent (fixed) during the whole period, with particular short additions of impulse noise, which usually is above the norm.

Construction work will be executed in daytime. It is a source of ambient noise of equivalent level around and above 90 dBA in the immediate vicinity to the machines in operation.

The transport equipment delivering materials, equipment and those for hauling of excavated earth mass will follow the approved transport option outside the urban areas, as the site will be accessed by reinforced rural road. The transport noise is characterized by high equivalent levels, but not of such permanent character like those emitted by the construction equipment operated in the site. This is a variable noise, inconstant, impulsive and appears with an incidental passing of motor vehicles towards and back from the construction sites.

Sources of noise during site operation During the site operation, wind turbines (30 pcs), as well as the building of

the power substation will be sources of noise. Investment proposal provides for the use of turbines of ENERCOM – E82 type with 2,0 MW capacity, and 80 m of height. The sites of the wind turbines are located at an altitude of 200 – 250 m. They are placed in blocks, and the distance between the rows is 900 to 1400 m, and between the towers themselves - 300 – 350 m. The expected level of acoustic capacity of the selected type of turbines is 103 dBA at the expected speed of wind from 11 to 18 m/sec, according to the data provided by the measurement reports of the importer.

The expected level of noise in front of the building of the power substation

will be up to 50 dBA.



Vibrations Vibrations are physical factor characterizing the behaviour of a material

point or a body that is fluctuating with a specific frequency around equilibrium position in space, assumed to be zero. In the most common case, the vibration can be local and general. The critical object that experiences the impact of this factor is the entire human body at general vibrations and the hands, spinal cord, seat and lower limbs – at local vibrations.

Fluctuations may be of a precisely determined frequency or may represent a combination of compound mechanical oscillations with various frequency components.

The frequency including the resonance one, is in direct proportion to the elasticity of the elements of the vibrating system and in inverse proportion to its mass.

A common opinion is that human body has resonance frequency of within the range of 5-12 Hz in vertical position and two frequencies when sitting, 4-6 Hz and 20-30 Hz, respectively.

According to the “time” parameter, vibrations can be divided into periodic, random and transient. Vibration can also be impulsive, i.e. composed of individual impulses. A single mechanical impulse (even when provoking subsequent fluctuations) is called “stroke”, if the duration of the impulse might be considered short, and the resulting effect (arising powers, accelerations, speeds) – considerable.

The very periodic vibrations are of a great interest in practical terms. All their values that describe the movement within the system re-appear in equal time intervals.

The EU standards register three interrelated consequences that characterize the impact of the vibrations on the human – disturbed comfort, reduced workability and health damage.

The combination of local and general inconstant vibrations during the whole working shift is the greatest hygiene problem. This is a precondition to accept the numeral value of the assessment as an upper limit of the level of occupational risk in an environment containing vibrating machinery and equipment.

Sources of vibrations during the construction The constriction and installation machinery and equipment, as well as the

transport vehicles (namely heavy vehicles) are the main sources of general vibration impacts in the individual subsites of wind farm. Construction equipment, heavy excavation machinery and various fixed and mobile cutting tools and



devices are known for their local vibrations. Usually the machines that produce increased levels of noise are also sources of vibration.

The highest excess values are recorded for the trucks and bulldozers – 3,5 - 4,5 and 3 – 4 times respectively, some of the manual pneumatic tools – up to 4 times, tractors, bulldozers, excavators and loading platforms - around 3 times and so on. The mean quadratic value of the vibration velocity from the total vibrations (based on publications) is progressively decreasing of about 2,8 - 3,0 mm/s (on the floor and on the seat) with motion speed of 40 - 60 km/h in the frequency band of 2 Hz up to 0,17 mm/s, with the same conditions in the band with the average geometrical frequency of 63 Hz. The type of the road pavement, the stability and the heterogeneity of the soil section and the operational regime are of particular importance.

Some researches show that the vibration doze pressure for 8-hour working day for trucks drivers reaches more than 400%. Very high values of the local vibrations along the axe “tool-arm-shoulder” are registered in operations with angle grinding machine, powerful drilling machines and particularly with manual perforators to drill on hard rocks. In contrast to vehicle drivers and those of heavy machinery, people working with manual vibrating tools are not exposed to an impact during the whole working shift. Furthermore, the exposure to such impact is occasional so this factor is not quite relevant for this category of workers.

It is justifiable to search an effect in the combined simultaneous impact of the various types of excess vibrations and noise, mainly in cranes and vehicle cabins. Similar is the situation with working with pneumatic and electrical mobile drilling machines where local vibrations are combined with a maximum in the lowest frequency bands with inconstant and/or impulsive noise from the middle part of the sound spectrum.

Sources of vibrations during the operation Vibration activity of the wind turbines is determined by the following

dynamic forces: - inertia forces as a result of the static misbalance of the propellers’ vanes

(rotor); - aerodynamic forces from uneven speed field, going around the propeller

and from its aerodynamic misbalance. We will focus on the vibrations caused by aerodynamic forces. As known, with the increase of the height over the ground the wind speed is

increasing too. That is why the rotor of each turbine is rotating in an airflow, which is moving with different speeds in vertical direction. Thus, the ends of the rotating vanes are subjected to stronger wind-dynamic influences in high position compared to when located closer to the ground. This repeats on cyclical basis with



each semi-revolution. For a typical 2,0 MW turbine (with 80 m tower and 82 m diameter of the vanes) the highest position of the end of the rotating vanes is about 3 times higher than the position of the same ends of the vanes but in a position closer to the ground. Such a difference causes more that 30% of dynamic differences in loading in the two extreme positions. Such a different banding of the vanes causes a cyclic asymmetry in the rotor’s geometry which increases the vibrations, materials’ weariness etc, even in the event of absolutely no turbulence. Moreover, the vibrations can provoke dangerous resonance phenomena (mechanical resonances of the whole rotor) at certain revolutions.

6.3. Sources of hazardous radiations related to the implementation of

the investment proposal The construction and installation works on the individual subsites are not

expected to emit any hazardous sources (thermal, radiation, electro-magnetic) to the environment.

During the operation of the site electromagnetic emissions will be generated only by the power distribution network. Given the underground connection and the insulated wires, the levels of these radiations will be extremely low with an inconsiderable impact in some narrow strips in the site territory.

7. Landscape 7.1. Description of the main features of the structure and functioning of

the landscapes in the region of the investment proposal In conformity with the landscape zoning of the country, the region of the

investment proposal belongs to the North Bulgarian zonal region of the Danubean plain, South Dobrudzha subregion (Annex III.7.1-1).

According to the Landscape Classification system in Bulgaria, the region of the investment proposal belongs to:

Class - Plain landscapes; Type - Landscapes of temperate continental steppe, meadow-steppe

and forest-steppe plains; Subtype - Landscapes of black earth-steppe plains; Group - Landscapes of black earth-steppe plains of loess cliffs with high

rate of agricultural absorption The relief of the region is dominated by the Dobrudzha plateau whose

southernmost part hosts the territory of the investment proposal. Low, indented ridge uplands are typical for the region with asymmetrically developed dry valleys inclined to the Black Sea. Agricultural (agro) landscapes forming a part of the urban agglomerations (urban landscapes) are also typical. Natural vegetation is



strongly changed and is preserved only in non-absorbed agricultural parts. The site for the implementation of the investment proposal abuts to forest sections in southwards, westwards and in part northwards. Terrains to be utilized for the investment proposal comprise of abound 90% cultivable lands and 10 % of other types of lands. The existing agricultural building and a small track of the agricultural aviation appear to be techno genetic elements located in the western periphery of the site for the implementation of the investment proposal. The landscape and aesthetical evaluation of the region is relatively satisfactory. (Appendix III.7.1-2 – pictures).

7.2. Assessment of the capacities of the landscape for the implementation of the investment proposal

Landscape is a particular combination of the main natural components – relief, climatic characteristics, hydrographic network, flora and fauna. Industrial absorption of its territories and their saturation with industrial structures is the cause for the degradation of the landscape. Anthropogenic factors influence the character of the landscape not only by the rate of intervention, participation and impact but also with determining the leading functions of the territory also.

The landscape of the investment proposal region is strongly affected by anthropogenic modifications as a result of the agricultural work – semi-intensive agricultural production, using common pastures for animals feeding, as well as insignificant forestry activity in the adjoining forest territories. A small track of the agricultural aviation and an agricultural building - former warehouse for plant protection preparations, are located in the western part of the site. They are currently out of use.

The new activity for the implementation of the investment proposal will be connected with two phases of landscape modifications. During the construction process – the construction equipment for the excavation works and the towers foundations will have a temporary impact on the general status of the landscape. The second phase will be related to the tower installation and the subsequent operation. 30 vertical objects (towers) with a total height of 120 m (of the tower and the vane), situated on blocks will be the new landscape elements. This phase will be related to the permanent alternation of the environmental situation and considerable visual change to the state of the landscape and landscape dominants. The towers will stand out as separate structures on the background of the surrounding landscape without significant changes in the existing special structures and will not reproduce urban environment.



8. Cultural and historical heritage

No objects of cultural and historical heritage are detected in the region of the

investment proposal. A site visit was organized for that purpose by the curator of the Museum of History in Suvorovo. No evident remains from archaeological monuments had been established on the site determined for the wind farm.

The potential existence of archaeological monuments in the region requires that, if the construction works detect such sites, the works in the site shall be suspended and relevant studies and conservations shall be undertaken according to the provisions of Art. 18 of the Monuments of Culture and Museums Act.

9. Health and hygienic aspects of the investment proposal According to the investment proposal, the wind farm will be developed

nearby Suvorovo, outside its urban planning outlines. A municipal lands were purchased for that purpose with an area of 79, 318 dka and the right to construct was granted on private lands.

According to the urban plan of Suvorovo and the site, chosen for the development of the wind farm, the site is 1,5 km away from the town. With Decree No. 7/25.05.1992 (amend. and rev. 46/1994, SG issue 89/1996, SG issue 101/1997, SG issue 20/1999) of the Ministry of Health for the hygiene requirements for health protection of urban environment, hygiene–protecting area was not established yet for such types of sites. No overhead power lines and open distributing devices are provided within this investment proposal, so the requirements of Appendix 2, Art. 2, para 3 of the Decree No. 7 and Decree No. 16/2004 for the easements of the power sites are not applicable.

The site development activities, the local and comparatively short-term emission of mainly dust and gas emissions from the construction machinery and transport equipment, as well as the excess levels of noise at the construction site will not violate the hygiene requirements for the protection of urban areas.

Diverting the transportation flow that serves the construction according to the selected transport option does not implies any change to the noise characteristic of urban areas.

The workers engaged in the construction works and the installation experts will be potentially affected by the investment proposal during its implementation. Risk factors for the staff in the site are: excess noise values, vibrations (general and local), dust, hard manual work, systematic micro-traumas, forced working position, unfavourable microclimate, occasional exposure to toxicochemical gases, risks of injuries and other sanitary technical accidents.



During the operation of the site the risk factors are reduced to the minimum for no permanent maintenance of the equipment is required. The presence of experts in maintenance will be occasional and of short duration.

The nature of the site during its operation does not assume any impact over the environment that would imply a risk for the agricultural workers in cultivation and harvesting.

9.1. Identification of the risk factors, arising out of the investment

proposal during its development and operation Based on the selected technological equipment and the envisaged way for

the development of the wind farm and its subsequent operation, two groups of potential risk factors were identified with respect to human health damage: during the construction and during the operation of the site. Both groups of potential risk factors have a potential harmful impact on the health of temporary or permanently working staff in the site of the investment proposal.

During the construction period Risk factors during the construction of the wind farm may impact the health,

safety and life of the people working there. This refers to construction and installation workers as well as to the drivers of heavy vehicles and other construction equipment. The main risk will be related to the planned excavation works, concrete works and installation of structure. The identified factors:

Physical - Noise – sources of noise will be construction and transport equipment to

supply construction materials and equipment. The expected levels of noise will be in the range of 80-90 dBA and will affect to the largest extent the hearing analyzers of the working staff at places with excess noise values. This factor may be made compliant with the legal requirements for using personal protection equipment in the sections of excess noise levels.

- General and local vibrations – affect mainly drivers of heavy and construction equipment. Such vibrations cause various damages to the peripheral nervous system.

- Dust – above the admissible limit norms may cause unspecific diseases of

the upper respiratory ways, chronic diseases and pulmoallergosis.



- Microclimate – in wintertime – cooling, and in summertime – overheating, given that the construction works will be performed in open-air.

- Physical load – overload of the locomotive system. Chemical These are multicomponent emissions of harmful substances of exhausted

pipe gases, which contain: carbon dioxide, nitric oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbohydrates, and aerosols of heavy metals. The risk factors are mainly toxicochemical and are related to the respiratory system. For most of them there are data of having a distant cancerous effects and are referred to the probable human cancer factors people – 2 A group from the list of chemical human carcinogens, according to the Regulation for the harmful chemicals of the Ministry of Health.

In order to reduce the risk of the above harmful factors it is required that construction workers are wearing a suitable working apparel for the season, suitable personal protective equipment (masks, antiphons) and that the required physiological regime of labour and rest is ensured.

The construction of the site, if conforming to the requirements of such kind of sites and keeping the safety measures and work hygiene within the relevant projects (health and safety plan) will not change significantly the health status of the construction workers. The risk for them is assessed to be low to acceptable should the occupational health and safety conditions are complied with.

During the construction of the site the expected maximum levels of sound pressure at the various construction works compared to the border of the urban area (1, 5 km) will be lower than the permissible 45 dBA, i.e. the noise level in the town of Suvorovo will be based on its own noise background.

During the operation The potential risks factors would be relevant to the temporary staff in the site

of the wind farm – agricultural workers and the staff that service the equipment and the transformer station on periodic basis.

Based on the information provided by the contracting company (measurement records from the manufacturer), the expected level of acoustic capacity of the turbines Enercon E 82, with a capacity of 2 MW, 80 m of height and 6, 3 m/sec average wind speed will be about 103 dBA. The calculations show that the operation of a single turbine under the particular terrain conditions, the required hygiene noise norm of 55 dBA for daily and 45 dBA for night noise is satisfactory even within the farm boundaries. The planned block placement of the



wind power towers (distance between the rows from 900 to 1400 m and 300-350 m between them in the row) do not suppose any cumulative overlapping. This way of implementation of the investment proposal will not cause any deterioration of the acoustic parameters of the urban environment for the near town of Suvorovo neither will have any adverse effects on the health and self-esteem of the population.

The expected noise level in front of the transformer building will be of 50 dBA.

Vibrations will not be a risk factor with respect to the people’s health, for being technically unacceptable (may cause defects in the wind power unit).

With respect to electromagnetic fields of variable frequency (50 Hz) it is supposed that, for there being no open overhead lines and open-air distributing devices, this factor is losing its significance as a risk factor for the health of the temporary staff in the area of the wind farm.



ІV. Description of the significant impacts on environment and

human health resulting from the implementation of the investment proposal

1. Air 1.1. Forecast and assessment of expected modifications in the air quality,

including the ground layer of the atmosphere in the process of the construction and operation of the investment proposal

1.1.1. Description of pollution sources (quantity and concentration of emitted pollutants)

Sources of air pollution during the construction and assembly works The investment proposal does not provide for any sources of organized

emission of air pollutant. The impact on air in the region will be during the implementation of the

project where pollution sources will be unorganized, direct, temporary and transitory.

Potential sources of atmosphere pollution within the site can be waste gases produced by the construction equipment and the transport equipment, dust produced during the excavation and loading works, from the manoeuvres of motor vehicles on unwatered roads to the individual subsites and from soil masses and aggregate materials disposed (uncovered, unwatered) in the region.

During the construction period a local dust covering of ground atmosphere layer is expected from the excavation works related to the construction of reinforced concrete foundations for the towers and cable canals. Dust emissions will be produced also from the excavation works related to the extension and outlaying the roads to be used by the vehicles to supply equipment and construction materials, from loading works, related to transportation and potential disposal of soil masses and aggregate materials of the site, as well as resulting from the intensive traffic of motor vehicles and heavy machinery in the region.

There are two mechanisms in which unorganized dust emissions could pollute the environment:

Primary (direct) pollution – this pollution can be caused by 10 μm particles emitted to the atmosphere. Once in the air, due to the low precipitation speed (such speed is about 0,005 cm/sec), they could be captured and brought to the air even by the slightest air flows. Heavier air circulations may capture bigger particles.

Secondary (indirect) pollution – may occur when a stronger wind raises up in the air precipitated dust, produced by the primary pollution. This may happen when wind is speedier than the hover speed of particles, precipitated on the ground.



Particles of 10 μm have a hover speed of about 0,2 m/sec, and the hover speed of 50 μm particles is 0,01 m/sec. In practical terms, this means that if the speed of wind is higher than 1 m/sec, a great part of the precipitated particles will be captured by the air flow. Particles of 0,1 to 10 μm are the base of aerosols. Particles of 10 to 20 μm follow the gas flow while those larger than 20 μm tend to more rapidly settle (the particles produced during the excavation works are like this). Hazardous for humans are only the particles smaller than 2 μm, for they get to the lungs. The excavated soils and stones will be much bigger, which provides for a minimal pollution of unorganized dust particles.

Besides the dust covering of the ground air, potential sources of hazardous

emissions during the construction will be the exhausted pipes of the construction and installation and the transport equipment. The forecast of the air impact from exhausted gases produced by the construction equipment and motor vehicles was made based on the Methodology for calculation of emissions of hazardous substances (pollutants), emitted to the air by applying balance methods, adopted by the Ministry of Environment and Water.

Two types of overlapping works will be carried out within the site: excavation and loading (construction and installation) and transport.

The adopted methodology identified the following types of air pollutants, as a result of the works: First group of pollutants:

– sulphur oxides (SOХ) such as (SO2) – nitrogen peroxides (NOХ) – volatile organic compounds (VOC) – methane (СН4) – carbon oxide (СO) – carbon dioxide (СО2) – nitrous oxide (N2О)

– ammonia (NН3) Heavy metals:

– cadmium (Cd) – lead (Pb)

Stable organic pollutants:

– Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – This group includes: Benzo(α)pyrene, Benzo(bk)fluoranethene (as a sum of Benzo(b) fluoranthene and Benzo(k)flouranthene) and Indeno(1,2,3,c,d) pyrene

– dioxins and furans (DIOX) – Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)



Particles (soots) — only from diesel fuel combustion.

Each of the above works is a source of emissions of various types pollutants, and in various quantities. The emission value is a function of the natural indicators by all groups. They are calculated as a linear homogeneous function (with no free member) of the relevant natural indicator. The emissions of all pollutants by the four groups of pollutants are determined based on the following formula: Е = ЕF . Q where:

Е — emission by the relevant quantity; ЕF — emission factor that is a relative measure – emission referred to a

quantitative description unit, adequately describing the particular activity. Emission dimensions vary depending on the accepted dimensions of the

quantitative description /Q/ and for the emission factor /EF/ from g, kg, Mg – megagramme = ton. The emission factors are taken from the CORINAIR Guidelines. They include the whole construction and installation equipment, according to the types of fuel and of the engine.

Table 1.1.1-1 Emission factors for the first group of pollutants EF in kg/Mg of consumed fuel Fuel

SOX NOX VOC CH4 CO CO2 N2O NH3 Diesel engines, sulphur content S = 0,2 % S = 0,3 %

4,0 6,0

48,8

7,08

0,17

15,8

315,0

1,30

0,007

Petrol four stroke engines 1,0 9,61 43,4 2,17 119,3 317,0 0,08 0,005 Petrol two stroke engines 1,0 2,10 602 6,0 110,3 317,0 0,02 0,004

Table 1.1.1-2 Emission factors for heavy metals

ЕF in g/Mg of consumed fuel Fuel Cadmium (Cd) Lead (Pb)

Diesel fuel 0,01 — Petrol 0,01 152,027

Table 1.1.1-3 Emission factors for SOP

Emission factors EF Fuel PAH g/Mg

fuel DIOX µg/Mg

fuel PCBs mg/Mg

fuel Diesel fuel 1,7 15,43 15,4 Petrol 2,5 1,25 52,7



Table 1.1.1-4 Emission factor for particles (soots) Fuel EF kg/Mg consumption of diesel fuel

Diesel fuel 5,73 Analogically, the emission factors for the transport equipment – mainly

heavy diesel vehicles >3,5 t, to transport the separate sections and details of the facilities, are as follows:

Table 1.1.1-5 Emission factors for the first group of pollutants

EF in kg/Mg consumed fuel Fuel SOX NOX VOC CH4 CO CO2 N2O NH3

Diesel fuel, sulphur content S = 0,3 %

6,0

42,7

8,16

0,25

34,2

313,8

0,12

0,014

Table 1.1.1-6 Emission factors for heavy metals

ЕF in g/Mg consumed fuel Fuel Cadmium (Cd) Lead (Pb)

Diesel fuel 0,01 — Table 1.1.1-7 Emission factors for SOP

Fuel Emission factors EF PAH g/Mg

fuel DIOX µg/Mg

fuel PCBs mg/Mg

fuel Diesel fuel 1,5 15,43 15,4

Table 1.1.1-8 Emission factor for particles (soots)

Fuel EF kg/Mg consumption of diesel fuel Diesel fuel 4,6

Sources of air pollution during the site operation As already mentioned, the investment proposal does not provide for any

sources of organized emission of hazardous substances to the atmosphere during the site development and operation.

The definition of “unorganized emission” states that this is an emission where the substances are emitted to the air from a specific site – load handling sites, open warehouses for dust forming materials, defective technologic equipment etc. In our option, the operation of the Wind Farm will produce no unorganized emissions of air pollution.



1.1.2. Dispersion of hazardous substances from emission sources and

ground concentrations during the construction process As already mentioned, during the project implementation the working sites

and the excavation and loading works, the construction works and equipment would be considered comparatively unorganized sources of dust and gas emissions that are transient and inconsiderable in terms of impact. The impact of the investment proposal during its construction phase on the ambient air and its parameters is assessed based on the following criteria: territorial scope (local, intercontinental), type of impact (direct, indirect, positive, negative) duration (transient, average or long-term, permanent or temporary), cumulative and combined effect, recoverability.

Dust covering during the construction The dissemination of dust particles during the excavation and loading works

and from rock, soil and humus deposits, based on the data of structure and granulometric composition of soils in the region, may be predicted according to the mathematical model, referred to in the specialized literature (28). Wind is the main factor to distribute dust in the environment. The type of the terrain is another important factor.

In order to describe wind, the term background wind is introduced. It gives the vector of the average speed over the relief-induced hills.

A considerable impact of the protuberant forms of the terrain is registered vertically at about 30% of their own elevation, and the horizontal distance at which impact is percepted, exceeds it many times. This zone of impact can increase both horizontally and vertically and depends on a particular combination of speed, direction, stability of wind and the form of slope. This impact in the height - Н imp and horizontally (along the wind direction) - L imp is determined by the following formulas:

1/ Н imp = 0, 28h + 650 ( γ - 0,5 ), [m] where: h – height of hill γ - vertical gradient of 100 m

2/ L imp = 10h . ctg (i /0,5), [m] where: i – angle of slope



The average diameter of the soil particles is determined by the formula:

Dav = d1p1 + d2p2 + ….dnpn n Σpi i = 1

where: Dav – average diameter of the soil particles d1..dn – diameter of the above screen class with the respective aperture of

screens p1 – percentage of the respective class compared to the general one.

With soil particles of an average diameter, which would be disseminated in

the form of dust Dav = 0,8 mm, the critical speed of wind, above which the dust particles are blown away, is:

Vcr = 0,249 . Dav + 3,76 [m/sec] Vcr = 0,249 х 0,8 + 3,76 = 3,9892 = 4 m/sec The obtained speed of 4 m/sec refers to the ground – 0,15 m above the

ground. Taking into account the standard average gradient of the wind speed, deemed

to be equal to 4 km/h for every 100 m of elevation compared to the sea level and referring the obtained speed to 10 m of elevation (the elevation above the ground, from which the wind speed is measured and all calculations are made in the Hydrometeorology Institute), then the critical speed, at which blowing of soil particles from the site of the investment proposal can start is 6,22 m/sec.

Given that the average altitude of the working sites (foundations, cable canals etc.) is 200 m (i.e. below 1000 m), the vertical gradient of 100 m is γ= 0,65 – at a gradient of the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) – 6,50 С/km, at Н/sl=0,0 m and if we assume that h = 10 m – (prevailing elevation of the slope, i.e. the average displacement of the site) and the angle of slope i = 1700 (almost plain terrain), after the relevant replacements, we obtain:

Нimp = 100,30 m and Limp = 116,80 m



The zone of impact in the respective direction of wind is calculated according to the following formula:

Fimp = (π . L2 . no)

360 Based on the relevant calculations, we obtain for Fimp = 119,00 m2 at an

absolutely plain terrain (i.e. no = 1 – plain coefficient). The air volume in the zone of impact – V = Fimp . Нimp = 11 935,70 m3. These calculations are made under the theoretic precondition for extreme

situation combination – high speed of wind - about and above the critical one (6,22 m/sec), plain terrain, dry weather and an intensive excavation works in the same time, or deposited soil. Under these conditions “the critical” dust pollution in the region per an 8-hour working day will be about 10,15 mg/m3.

Given the abovementioned average annual speed of wind for the region of about 2,7 m/sec for the ground layer, and the expected dust pollution of the calculated air volume from the earth works of the site is about 1,11 mg/m3, expressed in an average annual concentration.

According to Regulation No 14 for the limit admissible concentrations of hazardous substances in the air in urban areas (SG, issue 88/1997, revised and amended SG, issue 14/2004), the limit admissible concentrations of hazardous substances, registered in a certain time period, shall have neither direct nor indirect impact on the human body, including remote consequences for the present and future generation, neither shall reduce the workability, self esteem and longevity.

The norms provided for in this Regulation are: For a general suspended dust: Maximal one-time concentration – 0,50 mg/m3 average concentration per 24 h – 0,25 mg/m3 average annual concentration – 0,15 mg/m3 According to theoretically calculated average annual concentration of dust

pollution will exceed the limit values, set out in the Regulation. However, the applied methodology provides for the existence and combination of pre-conditioned parameters (absolutely plain terrain, lack of hills, admission of a gradient that is changing with the elevation etc.) and extreme conditions (speed of wind above the critical one, dry weather etc.).

The real construction conditions are quite different from the theoretical ones, so the calculated values may be exceeded in extreme situations, or might be lower. Given the nature of the site and fact that its development will be carried site by site (foundations of the towers), that are quite distant from one another, over a huge area of 1000-1200 dka, that a part of the works are installation works of the towers and the facilities, i.e. there are “pauses” between the individual earth works and the subsequent installation works, we expect to lower values than the calculated ones. Another favourable fact is that the construction and assembly works will be carried



outside residential areas, in a very airy site, as well as the earth activities will last for no longer than 4 months, mainly in autumn and wintertime, i.e. in wet soil and higher rainfall expectations.

Emissions of waste gases during the construction As far as the unorganized gas emissions from motor vehicles, the emission

depends on the number and time of operation of the said vehicles. When gas emissions have a short duration – one 8-hour working shift within 24 hours, and the number of the vehicles is small, i.e. 2-3, the mass flows are little and can not have a harmful impact on environment, for the emitted gases are quickly dispersed.

As already mentioned, in this particular case, the source under assessment is a deconcentrated, unorganized, variable and dynamic emission of hazardous substances in the air.

Initially, every vehicle through its exhausted pipe and in tank fuelling, may be modelled as a point source of pollution with the following parameters:

H = 0, 5 m, D = 0,04 m, V1 = 0, 0029 m3/sec. T = 70° С W0 = 2, 3 m/sec. The capacity of emissions are presented in the report above (section ІІІ –

item 1.3). The calculation of the concentrations of hazardous substances according to

the formula contained in the Instructions for calculation of the dissemination to the atmosphere of hazardous substances, contained in the industrial waste gases (Bulgarian Sociological Association, book 5 /1978) produce the following values:

Смсо = 39 mg/m3 Смcarb = 4 mg/m3 СмNO2 = 6, 15 mg/m3

СмSO2 = 3, 79 mg/m3 См/ds = 0, 026 mg/m3 Смsoots = 0, 35 mg/m3

These are the concentrations of hazardous substances from the point source

of pollution – the ends of the exhausted pipes and the tank tubes of vehicles, which are calculated for a radius of 2 meters around the source at a value of dangerous speed of wind Uм = 0,5 m/sec.

The forecast regarding the impact of the waste gases from internal combustion engines on the air can be made also according to the Methodology for calculation under balance methods of emissions of hazardous substances (pollutants) emitted to the air, adopted by the Ministry of Environment and Water,



under the condition that the annual diesel fuel consumption, to be used for earthworks (construction and installation) and the transport equipment, is known.

If we assume (analogically to other similar construction sites), that the total

annual consumption for example of diesel fuel (Q) is 15,6 Mg /tons/, where - excavation and loading equipment (excavators, excavation equipment

etc.) - an annual consumption of diesel fuel /Q/ – 11,6 Mg /tons/; - the transport equipment (diesel heavy vehicles >3,5 t) - annual

consumption of diesel fuel (Q) – 4,0 Mg /tons/. Tables from 1.1.2-1 to 1.1.2-4 contain the calculated emissions (per year!) at

the available data for Q and EF, according the methodology:

Table 1.1.2-1 Type of

equipment Indicator First group of pollutants

SOX NOX VOC CH4 CO CO2 N2O NH3 emission

factor,(kg/Mg) 6,0

48,8

7,08

0,17

15,8

315,0

1,3

0,007

excavation and

loading equipment

emission, (kg) 69,6 566,08 82,13 1,97 183,28 3654,0 15,04 0,081

emission factor,(kg/Mg)

6,0

42,7

8,16

0,25

34,2

313,8

0,12

0,014

transport equipment

emission, (kg) 24,0 170,8 32,64 1,0 136,8 1255,2 0,48 0,056

Note: The sulphur content in diesel fuel is stated at = 0,3%, which is the highest level according to the methodology.

Table 1.1.2-2

Heavy metals Type of equipment Indicator Cadmium (Cd) Lead (Pb)

emission factor, (kg/Mg) 0,01 — excavation and loading

equipment emission, (kg) 0,116 —

emission factor,(kg/Mg) 0,01 — transport equipment emission, (kg) 0,04 —

Table 1.1.2-3 Stable organic pollutants – SOP

Type of equipment

Indicator polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAH g/Mg)

Dioxins and furans

(DIOX μg/Mg)

Polychlorinated biphenyls

(PCBs mg/Mg)

emission factor 1,7 15,43 15,4 excavation and loading

equipment emission 19,72 178,98 178,64

emission factor 1,5 15,43 15,4 transport equipment emission 6,0 61,72 61,6



Table 1.1.2-4 Species equipment Indicator Particles (soots)

emission factor, (kg/Mg) 5,73 Excavation and loading

equipment emission, (kg) 66,47

emission factor, (kg/Mg) 4,6 transport equipment emission, (kg) 18,4

According to the provisional plans of the Contracting Company, coordinated

with the contractor, the construction of the foundations is expected to take about three, four months, mainly in autumn and winter time. In this period the air is more humid, stronger winds are prevailing and the quantity rainfalls is bigger. Therefore, the pollution will have a lower influence (lower dust emissions, faster and more effective dispersing).

The quantity of waste gases and emissions of hazardous substances internal combustion engines will be uneven and limited.

No significant impacts on air quality are expected for there will be no organized sources of emissions of hazardous substances neither significant unorganized emissions in the region of the site.

Possible hazardous impacts on the air may occur in force majeure circumstances, related to natural disasters and catastrophes, as well as resulting from actions caused by humans. Local fires could occur within the site. Fires in the neighbouring sites are also possible.

On national scope the impact on the air of the implementation and the operation of the Wind Farm shall have a positive effect. This conclusion is based on the comparative calculations related to the production of certain quantity of power through various fuels. The use of wind power to produce electricity in this farm saves the emission of hazardous substances throughout the year – sulphur dioxides, nitrogen peroxides, carbon oxide, aerosols and volatile organic compounds etc.

For instance, the emissions of carbon dioxide, to be reduced by replacing 1 kWh coal produced electricity, with the same quantity, but produced by the wind, is about 0,97 kg СО2. The remaining values of the reduced greenhouse gases are as follows: 1,34 mg sulphur dioxide and 2,90 mg nitrogen peroxides, as well as about 100 g cinders. These data are optimistic as far as the high caloric imported coal is concerned. Our lignite coals, as a primary energy carrier, are far less caloric and contain more compounds that for a part of the waste gases.

Similarly, the reduction of emissions of hazardous gases produced from the use of fluid and gaseous fuels (mazut and natural gas, respectively) compared to wind energy is also proven and calculated. Table 1.1.2.-5 present statistical data on the consumption of these fossil fuels and the environmental sequences thereof,



when combusted in thermal power stations driven by natural gas and by liquid petrol.

TPP of natural gas TPP of liquid fuel

Consumption of fuel for the production of 1 kWh at the respective caloricity

147 g at 37 MJ/kg 241 g at 42 MJ/kg

SO2 emission for the production of 1 kWh 5 mg 1,49 mg NOx emission for the production of 1 kWh 410 mg 3,23 mg СO2 emission for the production of 1 kWh 385 g 740 g

Greenhouse gases, generated in the production process of the materials for

the wind turbines and the turbines themselves, are compensated by the reduction of harmful emissions by the wind energy generated by them even for 3-5 months of operation. According to this indicator, wind power industry ranked first among other electricity stations for “clean electricity”. For its lifetime, one not large wind turbine saves more than 3300 tons of coals and emission to the atmosphere of more than 7000 tons of СО2–equivalent, as well as hundred of tons of cinders.

In conclusion, the implementation of the investment proposal will have

the following impact on the air: • insignificant in the terms of nature;; • direct in the terms of impact;; • local in the terms of scope;; • short in terms of time; • temporary in terms of duration; • recoverable; • with no cumulative and combined effect. As already described in details, the operation of Suvorovo Wind Farm will

not produce emissions to the air directly related to its industrial operation. The function performed by this energy system excludes the existence or occurrence of organized or unorganized sources of pollution the atmosphere emissions, as well as the emission of other hazardous substances, containing ozone, and stinks.

After the site is completed (subsites), temporary air pollution in the region will be terminated, for there will be no more manoeuvres and operation of machinery and transport equipment, i.e. sources of pollution will be eliminated.

In others words, the normal operation of the Wind Farm is expected to

have a zero impact.



1.2. Measures for reducing the negative impacts on the air during construction and assembly works

In order to reduce the risk of air pollution with unorganized dust emissions

and exhausted gases, the following limitations shall be complied with during the construction:

- not to allow construction machinery and motor vehicles to operate with damaged internal combustion engines;

- not to allow out overloading of vehicles with bulky materials; - the temporary storage places of bulky materials and construction waste in

dry and windy weather shall be watered or covered so as to reduce the unorganized dust emissions;

- the temporary storage places of bulky materials and construction waste, after being used and transported, shall be promptly cleaned up;

- watering of the temporary transport approaches without solid pavement. 2. Surface and ground waters 2.1. Sources of pollution of surface waters, related to the implementation

of the investment proposal – during the construction and operation The implementation of the investment proposal, both in the construction

process and during operation, will not generate any waste waters. During the construction works, a chemical WC will be supplied for the

workers on the site, with a periodical transportation of the wastewaters to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. No residential premises are planned to be developed for the transformer station. The facilities will be serviced on periodical basis, so the chemical WC used during the construction period could continue operate.

Therefore, the definitive conclusion is that no impact can be expected on

the state of waters – surface and ground, resulting from the implementation of the investment proposal.

3. Geological environment 3.1. Assessment of possible modifications in the geological environment

resulting from the implementation of the investment proposal The possible modifications to the state of the geological environment will

affect mostly the areas and the depth of the foundations of the wind turbine towers. The foundations will be developed in the surface ground structure at a depth of up to five meters with a partial intrusion into the rock base.



These impacts are identifiable as: - temporary static and dynamic loads during the construction period; - insignificant changes to the geological structure resulting from the

excavation works. - permanent static loads from the foundations and the facility;

These impacts, because of the site location and the ground characteristics, are deemed to be insignificant and neglectable. They are not able to cause soil creeping, erosion or any other adverse physic geological processes neither to change considerably the physical and mechanical indicators of construction soils, their bearing capacity, respectively.

In a conclusion, the impact on the geological base resulting from the

implementation of the investment proposal is expected to be as follows: • insignificant in the terms of nature; • local in the terms of scope; • direct in the terms of impact; • of long duration; • with no cumulative or combined effect. 4. Lands and soils 4.1. Damage or change in the category of land resulting from the

implementation of the investment proposal For the purposes of the investment proposal, the contracting company

purchased 79,318 dka municipal lands, unusable levels - eight category, non-irrigable. Right to construct was granted in private lands for the purposes of the construction of the foundations of the facilities. A provisional detailed urban plan for the site is now in process, which is going to change the designation of the agricultural land for construction purposes. Principally, areas outside the construction will keep being agricultural.

The development of the facilities and the adjoining infrastructure will damage soil as follows:

permanent – when the foundations of wind turbines and the transformer station are constructed - lands of about 8 dka;

temporary – when 15 km underground cable network is laid down about 7,5 dka will be damaged, as well as about 2 dka for temporary storage of excavation soil masses and construction materials.

A great part of the underground cable network will be laid down along the existing rural roads, i.e. in already damaged lands.

When the areas to be constructed start being utilized, the humus horizon shall be removed and stored. The employed technology requires covering up the



foundation with excavated soil masses, which is included in the structural analysis as a load. The removed humus will be used as a surface layer when the foundations are covered up.

The operation of the wind farm will not emit any pollutants to the environment. There are no data for beginning or intensification of erosion processes.


the following impact on soils: • direct in the terms of impact; • transitory; • local in the terms of scope; • recoverable; • with no cumulative effect; • zero impact during the operation.

5. Flora and fauna 5.1. Assessment and impact on flora and fauna during the

implementation of the investment proposal Flora As mentioned in the previous section of the report, the territory designated

for the construction of the Wind Farm, is arable land (about 90 %), where are grown mostly corn and forage plants. The rest of it is covered with ruderal pastures and narrow boundary strips between some of the arable sections, grown with xerophyte grass vegetation. At some points, the site has a border with forest bitopes - sprouting deciduous forests and artificially planted forests.

The construction process will influence vegetation as a direct destruction of the grass vegetation in unutilized agricultural sections (boundary strips and pasture sections), where a part of the foundations of wind turbines and the underground cable network are to be constructed. This impact will be temporary and transitory, given the quick regenerative capacity of the damaged grass formation.

The construction works for the foundations of the towers will be carried out after the agricultural production is gathered from the arable agricultural lands.

The initial plans were to allocate two of the towers (No 7 and No 8 - Annex IІ.1-1) in forest. The Contracting Company was advised to change the location so as to avoid intrusion into forest areas, which would result in a permanent destruction of ligneous vegetation, as well as an eventual disruption of the habitats of some animal species.

The approved final version for the location of the wind turbines complies with this recommendation, two of the turbines being relocated. (Annex IІ.1-2).



The process of operation of the wind farm will have no impact on vegetation. In conclusion, the implementation of the investment proposal is expected

to have the following impact on vegetation: • direct in the terms of impact; • inconsiderable in the terms of effect; • transitory; • local in the terms of scope; • recoverable; • with no cumulative effect; • zero impact during the operation. Wild fauna Amphibians The construction of wind power equipment will not impact amphibian fauna.

The habitat of the European Green Toad (B. viridis) in the region of farm buildings is outside the area of the construction works.

Reptiles The planned construction works and technologies for their implementation

do not provide for any considerable changes to the terrestrial landscape. It is possible to have temporarily affected some of the habitats of species from Lacertidae family, without a fatal end for the species themselves because of their high mobility.

Mammals The mammal populations currently in site are not expected to disappear or

reduce after the construction of the wind farm. Biodiversity will keep its current state. No nutrition chains of mammals’ participation are expected to change or be damaged. The impact on such chains will take the form of disturbance and temporary evacuation of habitats of some animal species during the construction works, which is expected to take relatively short period of time. After the construction works are over, principally, a great part of animals come back to the old habitats.

In order to prevent or reduce the potential damage to the habitats of hamster colonies, found in the eastern part of the site, a recommendation was made to change the location of turbines numbered 12 and 13. In the final version (Annex IІ.1-2) the turbines are moved westwards.

Birds The issue of the impact of the wind power industry on the environment and

in particular, of the impact of wind farms on ornithofauna is a matter of discussions



and overcharged with emotional collisions of various community groups. A part of the non-governmental organizations literally present the wind turbines as a bird killing machines, while others, including ornithologists, have more rational view on the relation between birds and wind turbines and aim at providing an objective assessment.

As regards the impact of wind farms, developed in various parts of the world and operating in various conditions, a lot of monitoring and assessments were carried out, both as regards the impact on ornithofauna in general, and on the individual bird species in particular. In our country, there are no such specialized researches since the development of the wind power industry is still in its initial stage and no power farms are really operating.

The review of the available literature publications and overviews of the negative impacts on ornithofauna (8, 9, 10, 11) lead to the conclusion that many factors are relevant as regards the impact of wind turbines on ornithofauna – meteorological characteristics, terrain topography, particularities of the bird species in the region, as well as any applicable impact mitigation measures. The potential impact of the turbines on ornithofauna can be summarized basically into two directions:

direct impact – birds colliding with wind turbine propellers; indirect impacts – all potential negative impacts on birds, induced by a

Wind Farm (blocking the way of birds, reproduction disturbances, modifications to the population structure, indirect impact on the state and the structure of habitats).

As regards the assessment of the choice of a suitable site for the construction

of a Wind Farm, the explanatory researches of the region are supposed to contain: - nesting species - migrating species - wintering species - nocturnal-diurnal species - species of higher risk of collision (sensitive species) - species of special importance (threatened, endemic etc.) - others specific factors As already specified in the previous section, the assessment of ornithofauna

in the region, providing for the implementation of the investment proposal, employs available literature data, proper monitoring, data provided by the local community and the environmental expert of the municipality, as well as a specialized research made by an ornithologist within the period June - July 2005.

Within the region of the future investment proposal 37 species of nesting birds were identified, 21 of which are nesting within the site, while the others are nesting nearby but permanently using the site for food during the nesting period.



The most common nesting species within the site are Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra).

The representatives of Passerines (Passeriformes) – 22 species and Diurnal birds of prey (Falconiformes) – 6 species are predominant.

Nineteen species of the nesting in the region birds are of importance for the European environmental conservation. 14 species of these conservationally important species are nesting within the site itself. 29 species of the birds nesting in the region are protected pursuant to the Biodiversity Act, where 20 of them are “strictly protected” according to the Bern Convention on the Conservation of the European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. 12 bird species, nesting within the site and nearby are included into Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).

In general, the territory of the planned Wind Farm hosts the habitats of 11 bird species, which are threatened, respectively, of priority conservation, according to Directive 92/43 of the Council of the European Community of 21.05.1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna and the Biodiversity Act. Out of these 11 species, six are nesting within the territory designated for the farm development, where only Skylark and Corn Bunting are represented by large populations, as well as Red-backed Shrike in the site peripheries (Table 5.1-3, section ІІІ).

No significant migration flow is passing over the wind farm site. Assessment of the collision risk There are several factors having an impact on the collision of birds with wind

turbines, namely: Flying frequency of birds over the site – this is a description that increases

the risk. In this case, the site of the Wind Farm under assessment is located between the regions of feeding and nesting or rest of birds. A favourable circumstance is that no serious migration flow is passing over the wind farm.

Migrating birds by species – the collision risk depends on the species of

birds. Table 5.1-1 presents the groups of increased collision risk according to the researches of Bird Life (10), RHW Langston & JD Pullan (12).

Table 5.1-1

Groups of species

Disturbance Movement barrier

Collision Loss of habitats

Gaviidae (Loons)

+

+

+

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

+



Sulidae + Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)

+

Ciconiiformes + Anserini (Goose species) + + Mergini (Seaducks) + + + + Accipitridae + + Charadriiformes (Shorebirds)

+

+

Sternidae (Terns) Alcidae (Auks) + + + Tetraonidae (Grouse) + + + Gruidae (Cranes) + + Otididae (Bustards) + + +

The following species from the groups included in the table are found in the

region of the investment proposal: White Stork, Eurasian Hobby, Common Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, European Roller.

A possible explanation for these birds colliding is the lack of ousting effect of the turbines on these big birds. Other potential reasons are that rapacious birds find a better nutrition base in open air areas of wind farms, and in particular in those, located within agricultural areas, and on the other hand, the rapacious birds use the facilities as allotments in decoy hunting.

Height of flight – many publications indicate that the birds are flying

beneath or above the turbine rotors, and in many cases are changing the flight height (13, 14). Moreover, as a rule, birds are avoiding such obstacles. Songbirds, that are flying quickly and wavedly, are threatened in the event of a contrary wind and stormy weather, for they are flying lower to the ground. The most probable is the collision with the Skylark (a bird species that is nesting most frequently in the region), for this species is known for its territorial flights with a complex trajectory and considerable distance from the ground (23). This species is not of high conservation status in Europe and nationwide, and appears to be one of the many nesting bird species in Bulgaria (7).

Visibility – the good visibility of the turbines, as a rule, reduces the risk,

while the poor visibility increases that risk. The site, specified for the development of the Wind Farm is open and has a good visibility. In compliance with the climate characteristics for the region, the days of reduced visibility (fogs) are about 26 throughout the year and about 20 for the wintertime. The turbines' lightning attracts birds, especially in bad weather (10). The effect is the so called “motion smear”, i.e. birds do not perceive the rotating propellers as solid objects, but see them



smeared. The distances at which this phenomenon occurs are of about 20 m with the small, fast rotating rotors and about 50 m with the bigger, slowly rotating rotors. The turbines to be installed belong to the second type.

A number of the turbines – The increase in the number of turbines in a

particular region entails an increase in the collision risk. It is proved that the replacement of plenty of turbines of lower capacity with fewer but more powerful turbines has a positive effect. The investment proposal provides for the installation of 30 turbines of 2,0 MW each.

Arrangement of turbines – There are two approaches - in a row or in a

block. According to the investment proposal, the turbines will be arranged in a block. The researches indicate (8, 10), that the block arrangement implies a higher risk for the territory of the site itself and zero risk for the neighbourhood, compared to the straight line arrangement. The recommended distance between the individual turbines in the row shall be not less than 300 m, and between the rows themselves - 500 m. The Project for locating the turbines within the Wind Farm is compliant with this requirement. The distance between the rows is 900 to 1400 m, and between the turbines in the row - minimum 300 m.

Specific factors of the site– One of the important characteristics in this case

is the birds’ nutrition base in the region of the Wind Farm. The researches demonstrate (9, 10), that the open spaces and mostly the agricultural lands facilitate rapacious birds to find small mammals, which are their main food, and increases the risk of collisions. The site of the investment proposal is a nutrition base for birds.

Level of Collision Risk Most of the assessments regarding the lethality of birds, due to wind power

projects are based on the number of lethal cases with the assumption of a correcting factor – cases where dead birds are eaten or transferred.

According to the Bird Life Research (10) most of the authors indicate a low level of lethal collisions for parks located outside areas with a big concentration of birds, which exactly is the case with the assessed investment proposal.

On the average, the data for West Europe (11) indicate from 0,4 to 1,3 dead birds because of turbines for an year, which is much lower compared to the other anthropogenic obstacles for birds – road transport, air power lines, buildings (Table 5.1-2).



Table 5.1-2

Type of equipment Calculated lethal collusions per annum

Number or a length of facilities

Wind turbines 10 000 – 40 000 15 000 commercial wind turbines

Motor vehicles 60 mln. – 80 mln. 4 mln. miles of roads Building and windows

98 mln. – 980 mln. 4,5 mln. commercial buildings and 93,5 mln. houses

Power lines Tens thousands – 174 mln. 500 000 miles of power lines Communication

towers

4 mln. – 50 mln. 80 000 communication

towers Within the researches, covering twelve wind farms in the USA (16), the

lethality was calculated to 2,3 dead cases per year on the average, caused by one turbine (Annex IV.5.1-1).

Articles by Greenpeace (17, 18, 19, 20), as well as a written statement by the Environmental Protection Union in Germany concerning the development of the wind power industry (21), contain no particular data including in respect to birds, collided with wind turbines, but indicate that the collisions are rare and the turbines do not present a considerable risk for birds.

5.2. Disruption of the sensitive zones, habitats included into Annex 1 of

the Biodiversity Act and Annexes of the Habitats Directive The site of the Wind Farm to be developed does not concern sensitive zones

and habitats included into Annex І of the Biodiversity Act. The following habitats of animal species contained in Annex ІІ and ІІІ of the

Act were discovered: - herpetophauna – 5 species; - ornithofauna – 29 species; - mammals – 11 species. All representatives of herpetophauna belong to the category “strictly

protected species” under the Bern Convention. They are not included into Directive 92/43 of EC.

Out of 11 identified mammal species, European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is included into the category “strictly protected species” under the Bern Convention (Annex 2), а Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and Beech Marten (Martes foina) are listed in Annex 3 of the same Convention.

European Ground Squirrel is included into the annexes to Directive 92/43 of the Council of the European Community as a “species of priority protection”.



In general, the territory of the future Wind Farm hosts habitats of 11 bird species, which are threatened, respectively, species of priority conservation, according to Directive 92/43. Six out of these eleven species are nesting within the very territory of the future farm, where only Skylark (A. arvensis) and Corn Bunting (E. calandra) are presented in huge populations, together with the Red-backed Shrike (L. collurio), whose habitats are in the peripheral sections of the site.

In order to prevent or reduce the potential disruption of the habitats of hamster colonies, which were discovered in the eastern part of the site, the location of turbines 12 and 13 was changes, and they are relocated westwards, apparent from the final option for the location of the turbines.

5.3. Assessment of the impact on highly vulnerable animal species of

high conservation concern and high lethal prospect of nesting species Based on the way birds are using a site, they are classified as nesting and

temporarily staying (migrating, vagrant and/or wintering). Many researches have investigated the issues related to bird being disturbed

by wind turbines. All of them are of the opinion that the level of sensitivity is specific for every species on the one hand, and on the other, depends on the specific status the birds have on the particular site – permanently or temporary residing.

Birds, nesting on and around the site of the farm As already mentioned, in the region of the wind farm site, 37 nesting bird

species were discovered, 21 of which are nesting within the site, and the others - in the neighbouring lands, but permanently using the territory of the site to find food. 19 bird species nesting in the region have an European natural conservation concern, 14 of which are conservationally important species and are nesting in the territory of the site itself (Table 5.1-3, section ІІІ).

No disruption or destruction of ligneous vegetation are envisaged. The construction of the facilities will take part in open sites, and only a part of the western section of the farm has an immediate border with forest formations.

For there being no particular researches conducted by Bulgarian authors, some requirements and conclusions of foreign researches are presented. The information about the available publications regarding this issue and the conclusions on this issue demonstrate that the operation of wind turbines do not make most of the nesting bird species leaving the region they live in. Absolutely insensitive in respect to turbines are songbirds. Bergen (8) states that the species composition and the density of none of the populations in the farms he has observed changed significantly. Although the turbines will not have an expelling effect, some of the species and in particular some specimens can be affected by the acoustic and visual effects, as well as by the air turbulence.



In 2003 Reichenbach proposes the first classification of birds according to their sensitivity to the impacts of wind turbines (22). This classification divides birds into three groups:

- low sensitivity – the species do not react or react only by minimal spatial transfers, the changes to the density of population are within the natural variations;

- average sensitivity – the species react with a visible spatial transfer of up to 200 m, the density of population is reduced but birds are not completely expelled from the site;

- high sensitivity – the species react with a considerable transfer of more than 200 m, which causes a considerable reduction of population.

Table 5.3-1 contains information on the sensitivity of the investigated species that were found in the region of the investment proposal.

Table 5.3-1 Species

Classification of Sensitivity

Nesting on land in open spaces Skylark low Crested Lark low Yellow Wagtail low Birds of prey Common Buzzard low to average Common Kestrel low Eurasian Hobby/Peregrine Falcon low Songbirds and other birds nesting in trees Red-backed Shrike low Linnet low Corn Bunting low Magpie low Jackdaw low European Starling low to average

Vagrant or wintering birds Most of the authors underline that vagrant birds are more sensitive with

respect to the impact of wind turbines than those that are permanently residing within the sites of wind farms (8, 10, 21). In its PhD thesis Bergen states that the expelling effect is almost excluded with vagrant or wintering birds (Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Carrion Crow). Most of the authors indicate an expelling effect (up to 200 - 300 m away of the turbines) for vagrant flocks of Lapwing, which were not identified within the site.



Rapacious birds With respect to the way of use of the territory of wind parks rapacious birds

are similar to vagrant birds, but in some aspects are different. Rapacious birds are often flying in zones close to the rotors of the turbines, which increases the risk of collision. According to Bergen's researches, the development and operation of wind parks caused no significant change to the way rapacious birds are using the territory – Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel. Such birds are observed to more rarely using ambush hunting.

Nevertheless, most of the authors state that rapacious birds are one of the main species, threatened from disturbances in the wind farm operation.

Migrating birds Everyone is of the opinions that migration flights cause the highest risk of

collision of birds in the wind turbine rotors for the birds are flying in dense flocks. As already noted in the previous section of the report, the check with the

Central laboratory of general ecology with the Bulgarian Academy of Science indicate that the site, where the investment proposal is to be developed is not a part of a serious migration corridor.

5.4. Assessment of the negative impact on periodically transient local

species, as well as expected changes in the nutrition base of the rapacious birds in the region

The development of the Wind Farm on a specific site will more or less lead

to changes to the existing habitats. The degree of change is directly related to the volume of construction works – removal of the existing vegetation, construction of roads, increased presence of man.

As a rule, large open spaces are preferred for developing wind farms. This implies a potential to occur a conflict with availability of some bird species that prefer the same sites for the nesting period and as a nutrition base. A crucial factor in this case is the sensitivity of birds to the impact of wind turbines. For example, no considerable change to the spatial distribution of nests was registered with respect to Skylark, while with respect to other species (e.g. lapwing, quail, corn crake) a considerable relocation of nests away from the turbines was registered, thus loosing the zones of several hundred meters around the site as habitats.

The negative impact on periodically transient local bird species will be occasional and will not produce a considerable impact on the local ornithofauna, since the height of the wind power equipment (120 m – tower with the propeller) is considerably higher than the forest vegetation in the adjacent areas, which is not more than 10-12 m. Such a difference in height appears to be a factor to secure a



high level of protection against potential collisions with birds flying over between neighbouring forest sections.

A possible negative impact is possible as regards the approach of rapacious birds to the available hamster colonies being a part of their nutrition base. Therefore, as well as with view to protecting such colonies, the initial idea to place two turbines, as stated above, was changed.

In general, most of the authors establish that the development of the wind farms will reduce the importance of such sites and their adjacent areas as a bird inhabitance. It should be noted that a consideration was given to the fact that in the course of time, a majority of birds get accustomed and adapt to this anthropogenic factor.

According to the aforementioned, from an ornithological point of view, the investment proposal is not to be a considerable thread to species with high conservation concern and their habitats.

In general, the implementation of the project for Wind Farm is not expected to lead to a critical and irreversible negative change to the composition and structure of vertebrates in the region of the site.


the following impact on fauna: • Direct in terms of impact; • Inconsiderable in terms of effect; • Of long duration; • Local in terms of scope; • Recoverable; • No cumulative effect; • Inconsiderable impact during the operation.

6. Waste 6.1. Expected waste by type and quantity during the construction and

the operation of the site

The various types and quantity of waste, which will be generated during the construction works and the operation of the investment proposal are presented and classified, in terms of names and code, according to Annex 1 to Art. 5, para 1 of Regulation No 3 of 1 April 2004 for waste classification of the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Health (SG, issue 44/2004).



Waste generated during the construction process Excavated soil masses, containing no hazardous substances, code 17 05 06,

including: - Humus layer in the construction - excavations for the construction of the

foundations of the towers for wind turbines, excavations for laying down cables from the towers to the transformer substation, excavations for the extension of the roads and the approaches to the individual subsites etc. Humus will be removed and stored on a special place within site in an immediate vicinity to the excavation and will be entirely used to cover up the foundations and the excavated cable canals.

The expected total quantity of humus is about 2 700 m3. - Excavated masses (soil, stones etc.) – excavations for the construction of

the foundations and cables – a part of excavation masses for the foundations (about 1/3) and excavation masses for cable canals will be stored in the specific site and will be used to cover back the foundations and channels. Extra soil and rock mass will be loaded during the earth works and transported to landfill, specified by the mayor of the municipality.

The expected total quantity is about 13 800 m3. Construction waste – Mixtures of concrete, sand, gravel, casing etc.,

containing no hazardous substances (construction waste), code 17 01 07. Mixtures of waste construction materials, generated during the construction

and assembly works, will be collected and temporarily stored in a specified site within of the site and will be periodically transported to the construction waste landfill, specified by Suvorovo Municipality.

Expected quantity – about 50-60 m3. Metal waste – Mixtures of metals (including their alloys), code 17 04, such

as waste, including profiles, elbows, reinforcement and construction iron, code 17 04 05.

Construction and assembly works will produce metal waste. This will contain mainly elbows, rims, profiles, construction iron, reinforcement etc. It will be collected and temporarily stored in a specified site until transferred to individuals or legal entities, holders of permit under Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act.

Expected quantity - about 2 tons. Aggregate construction materials – conditionally classified as soil and

stones, different from the ones referred to in 17 05 03, code 17 05 04.



The investment proposal provides for the reinforcement and pavement of a part of the existing agricultural (cart) roads for the manoeuvres of the heavy machinery.

Aggregate construction materials (gravel, sand) will form waste in the construction of the roadbeds of the road bands, in reinforcement of individual sections of the existing roads etc. Gravel of 30/60 mm fraction will be applied. Prior to laying down the gravel layer machine trampled sand will be laid down beneath. The upper layer of gravel of 30 mm will also be machine trampled.

Extra aggregate construction materials will be temporarily stored in a specific site and transported to the site of the company that is carrying out the roadbed reinforcements.

The quantity of waste aggregate construction materials is unpredictable and depends on the volume of road corrections found to be necessary.

Packages – generally mixed wrapping, code 15 01 06. They are likely to

form as a result from materials and equipment deliver using individual wrapping – metal, plastic, wooden, paper and cardboard, glass etc., as well as from household activity of operational of the individual subsites.

The quantity of this waste is unpredictable, but the expectations are to have the lowest quantity.

Hazardous waste - Hydraulic oils (for example code 13 01 11*, code 13 01

13*), motor oils, gear drive oils (general code 13 02), brake and antiicing fluids, oil filters and electrolytes accumulation batteries (general code 16 01) etc.

Some of this waste could be generated from the transport and construction equipment during construction and assembly works only in the event of replacements because of an accident in the site.

The generated waste shall be collected in closed metal barrels and containers and transported to the main site of the contractor of construction works during the development of the individual subsites, reinforcement of the road sections etc.

The quantity of hazardous waste generated from the transport and construction equipment in accidentals is also unpredictable.

Solid household waste –Mixed household waste, code 20 03 01. Mixed household waste will be generated from the staff involved in the

works of the individual sites by subsites. Taking into account the unevenness coefficient (average 10 persons per day are expected to work on the site - 0,5 kg/person), the expected daily quantity of household waste will be about 5 kg. The waste will be collected in metal containers, transported by the contractor and delivered for disposal of organized solid household waste landfill in the territory of the municipality.



In conclusion, impact of waste on environment during the construction of the investment proposal will be as follows:

• Inconsiderable in terms of nature; • Direct in terms of impact; • Local in terms of scope; • Short in time; • Of short duration • Recoverable; • with no cumulative and combined effect. Period of operation of the investment proposal

The operation of the Wind Farm is not expected to generate industrial, hazardous and construction waste, taking an account of the particularities of the investment proposal. The Wind Farm requires no technical maintenance– towers with installed wind turbines and the transformer power substation. The investment intent provides for the installation of new generation of turbines without gear drives, which do not require any change of the lubricating oils. The propellers of the turbines will rotate with the help of two slowly rotating capsulated bearings, to be changed once at every twenty years. The owner of the wind turbines when undertaking these long-term replacements, shall comply with the requirements of the environmental legislation and notify the competent environmental authority.

The monitoring on the electricity production by wind turbines is distant and absolutely automatic. The control is completely computerized. The propellers will be distantly switched off in case of hurricane winds and will automatically restore operation when wind slows down. The vanes will be self-adjusting to the wind direction and strength and will rotate slowly.

The operation of the site is not expected to generate solid household waste, for there will be no staff on the site.

The owners or its representatives need not to produce solid household waste or wrappings when visiting the site.

There being no waste generated by the operation of the site, the impact could be deemed zero.

6.2. Collection, transportation, disposal of waste generated during the

construction

Humus layer will be carefully removed and transported to specific places within the site, in immediate vicinity to the individual excavations for the foundations of wind turbines and to power cable canals, so as to be maintained and reused in re-covering and for the overall layout of the farm vertical planning.



Excavated solid and rock masses (soil, stones etc.) will also be stored in the site and a great part of them (softer soil) will be used for re-covering the foundations of the towers and cable canals, while the extra quantities (masses with a higher content of rocks) will be transported and disposed to the landfill, specified by the municipal authorities, according to Art. 12 of the Waste Management Act.

Mixtures of waste construction materials, generated during the construction and assembly works, will be collected and temporarily stored in a specified site within of the site and transported on a periodic basis to the construction waste landfill, specified by Suvorovo Municipality under a specific transport scheme, in compliance with Art. 12 and Art. 18 of the Waste Management Act.

Metal waste, generated during the construction and assembly works (mainly elbows, rims, profiles, construction iron, reinforcement etc.) will be collected and temporarily stored into a specified site until commissioned to individuals or legal entities, holders of permits under Art. 12 and Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act.

Hazardous waste, such as hydraulic oils, motor oils, gear drive oils, brake and antiicing fluids, oil filters and electrolytes accumulation batteries etc. are possible to appear from the transport and construction equipment during construction and assembly works only in incidental (unforeseen) change of the site.

The generated waste shall be collected in closed metal barrels and containers and transported to the main site of the company that carry out the construction and assembly works for the development of the individual subsites. This company shall hand the waste over to individuals or legal entities, holders of permit under Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act.

Extra aggregate construction materials (crashed stone, gravel, sand), generated during the reinforcement of the foundation of the road bands of the existing rural roads will be temporarily stored at a special place and transported to the main site of the company carrying out the road part of the project.

Wrappings - metal, plastic, wooden, paper and cardboard, glass etc., generated in the supply of materials and equipment, as well as by households of operational of the individual subsites, will also be collected separately in containers and handed over to individuals or legal entities, holders of permit under Art. 12 and Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act.

Mixed household waste, generated during the construction and assembly activities by the staff working on the individual sites will be collected in metal containers and handed over for being disposed at an organized solid household waste landfill in the territory of the municipality.



6.3. Transport scheme for transportation of construction waste. Temporary landfill demands

The investment proposal provides that the contractors and subcontractors of the individual types construction and installation works of the site should transfer (transport) the construction waste under a transport scheme, way and schedule approved by the mayor of the municipality to determined landfills and locations, according to Art. 18 of the Waste Management Act.

The investment proposal provides for no temporary landfills in the site. Construction materials will be directly supplied to the working sites of each subsite and immediately used in the respective construction works.

Construction waste will be promptly transported by the constructor of the site, to a landfill specified by the mayor of the municipality.

6.4. Measures for limiting the harmful impact of waste generated on the

site during the construction, according to the Waste Management Act

During the excavation, construction and installation works for the construction of the individual subsites of the Wind Farm, the generated waste shall be collected separately and stored on temporary sites, specified by the main contractor of the site, until:

- disposal of the construction waste in construction waste transportation routes to the landfill, specified by the mayor of Suvorovo Municipality, according to Art. 18 of the Waste Management Act; - collection of household waste in metal containers and transportation to an organized solid household waste landfill of the municipality, according to the transport scheme approved by the municipal authorities; - the main contractor of the site shall hand over the metal waste to individuals or legal entities, that hold a permit for this type of activities, including transportation, temporary storage, utilization and/or dismantling of waste under Art. 12 and Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act;

- the humus layer and soil shall be stored at specific places within site until the completion of the construction and assembly works of the subsites and shall be reutilized for the foundations when greed areas are outlined and cable canals backfilled. - eventual hazardous waste from transport and construction equipment in the event of incidental replacement shall be promptly transported to the main site of the owner of the respective transport/construction equipment and shall be handed over to individuals or legal entities, holders of permit under Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act.

- waste from the supply of materials and equipment and household waste of operational of the individual subsites wrapping - metal, plastic, wooden, paper and



cardboard, glass etc., shall be collected separately in containers and handed over to individuals or legal entities, holders of permit under Art. 12 and Art. 37 of the Waste Management Act.

7. Hazardous substances The construction works are not planned to apply hazardous chemicals,

preparations and products, whose trade and use is prohibited or restricted and that are included into Annex to Art. 1, para 2 of Regulation to Decree of the Council of Ministers No 130/01.07.2002 (SG, issue 69/17.07.2002).

During the construction process the following fuels will be used for the transport and construction and installation machinery and equipment:

Gasolines are complex mixtures of light hydrocarbons. They are a product

of oil processing by distillation or a complex catalytic or thermal decomposition of the various fractions. Being combustible oil products, large floods are effectively extinguished with aerial mechanical foam. Gasolines are water insoluble but soluble in organic solvents. They are a good solvent for any type of oils. Their superficial tension is lower than that of the water, which makes them highly mobile. They are evaporable in normal conditions and the vapours are heavier than the air.

Diesel fuel – produced of mixing distilled fractions from the primary and

secondary oil processing. Additives are allowed. According to the sulphur content, diesel fuels are classified into one of the following groups: - 1st group – sulphur content not exceeding 0,2%; - 2nd group – sulphur content not exceeding 0,3%;

Classification of hazardous substances Hazardous substances are classified according to the Regulation for the

method and procedure for classification, wrapping and labelling of chemicals and preparations (SG, issue 5/2003, adopted with Decree of the Council of Ministers No 316 of 20.12.2002, rev. and amend. Decree of the Council of Ministers No 114 of 08.06.2005)

• Gasoline САS code: 86290-81-5; Symbol: Xn; Т; Phrases: R: 45-65; S: 53-45



• Oil (diesel fuel, gas oil) САS code: 68334-30-5; Symbol: Xn; Phrases: R: 40; S: (2-)36/37 In conclusion, the impact of the hazardous substances on the

environment and population's health during the construction of the investment proposal is as follows:

• insignificant in the terms of nature;; • direct in the terms of impact; • transient and temporary; • with no cumulative and combined effect.

After the investment proposal is developed, there will be no possibility to

separate hazardous chemicals.

8. Physical factors

8.1. Forecast and assessment of the noise capacity on the environment during the construction and operation of the investment proposal

In accordance with the definitions under the Ambient Noise Protection Act

(SG, issue 74/2005, effective since 01.01.2006). - “Environmental noise” shall mean unwanted or harmful outdoor sound

created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of road, rail, water and air transport, from industrial installations and equipment, and from local sources of noise;

In other words, “noise” is each unpleasant or unwanted sound, that disturbs the silence and the relaxation or that is dangerous for the health, causing different functional and structural damages, decreased capacity for work, hampers the speech conversation and the perception of the environmental sound signals. From hygienic and psycho-psychological point of view the tones (sounds with particular frequency) also reckon as noise when they cause harmful effect on the human system.

Before the assessment of the noise capacity on the environment at the realization of the investment proposal, we shall present some basic concepts and definitions of the physical parameters, characterizing the sound variations, namely:

- Frequency (f) – number of the vibrations per 1 s. It measures in herz (HZ);



- Sound intensity (sound strength) (J) - sound energy transferred for one time unit (1 s), via one area unit (1 m2), situated perpendicularly to the direction of the sound spreading. It measures in watts per m2 (W/m2);

- Sound pressure (P) – the margin between the current value of the pressure in the area where the sound waves spread, and the pressure in the same area in the lack of sound waves. It measures in Newton per m2 (N/m2, Pa);

- Level of the sound pressure (Lp) (level of the sound intensity - LJ)) – twenty fold logarithm of the ratio between the effective sound pressure (P) and the relevant threshold sound pressure (PO);

Lp = 20 lg (P/PO); ( LJ = 10 lg (J/Jo)), where: Lp (LJ) is the level of the sound pressure (level of the sound intensity); P (J) – effective value of the sound pressure (effective value of the sound

intensity); PO (Jo) – threshold meaning where PO = 2.10-5 Pa, and Jo = 10-12 W/m2, at the law hearing threshold for frequency 1000 Hz. The level of the sound pressure is being measured in decibels (dB).

- Noise level (Lp)- level of the sound pressure measured with sound-level

meter with frequency corrective filters A, B, C or D. In the hygienic practice, a standard A filter is being used. In such case, the noise level is shown in decibels (dBA).

For the determination of the equivalent sound level the following dependency is used;

Leq = q/0.3.lg(1/T).Σ10 (0.3.Li)/q.ti , where: T – time interval for which the equivalent sound level is being determined; Li - value of the sound level in the ti interval; q – coefficient (usually q = 3 dB is taken); The noise is massive biological factor, which through complex nerve reflex

processes adversely affects almost all functions, organs and systems of the human body. The nature and extent of the noise injuries occurring to workers exposed to noise effects are determined by a number of factors: intensity, noise spectrum and nature; duration of the noise impact, individual sensibility of the person etc. The noise impact can be non-specific (on the whole body) and specific (on the auditory analyzer).

According to its impact on the body, the noise can be classified in the following degrees:



first degree – noise level between 30 and 65 dBA. No physiological reactions have been seen here but only psychical.

second degree – from 65 to 90 dBA. In this range in addition to the psychical impact, there are also functional changes with reaction of the autonomic nervous system.

third degree - from 90 to 120 dBA. Here the functional and vegetative reactions are deepened and there is a real danger from permanent change in the nervous system and the auditory analyzer.

fourth degree – over 120 dBA. It covers the so-called block threshold and it represents direct impact of the sound over the nerve endings of the skin and some vitally important organs.

Noise capacity during the construction The admissible noise levels for the different territories and zones are

regulated in the “Hygienic norms 0-64. Amended and supplemented” (SG, No 16/1975). For living areas they are: 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA for the night.

The provisional assessment of the noise level during the site construction in the built-up area nearest to the working place – Suvorovo town has been made on the basis of the average statistical data shown in the Section III-6.2 for sound pressure levels with filter A (dBA) from the work of the presumed construction-installation mechanization. The provisional assessment has been made at sound pressure levels equivalent to the lower and upper limits for a particular type of source. The values of the sound pressure levels in the houses in Suvorovo nearest to the wind farm are shown in table 8.1. In the last column, the equivalent sound levels are shown, determined as a sum of the sound levels measured in it and the provisional levels because of the work of the relevant machines. Table 8.1

Type of construction

activity

Mechanization used Total Pressure level in the site, dBA

Level of sound pressure towards

the town of Suvorovo, dBA

Earthwork Bulldozer, excavator, 2 tip-lorries

98-106 30-39

Cast concrete Dumpcrete truck, concrete pump

98-105,5 31-38,5

Mucking activities Compressor, Mucking hammer

102-116 35-48,5

Installation towers 2 tower-cranes 76-96 9-28



The results analysis of the provisional assessment of the hygienic-sanitary conditions in the nearest build-up area – Suvorovo town in respect to the noisiness during the site construction allows the following conclusion to be made:

- the admissible sound pressure level in the town during the day (55 dBA) is higher than the maximum sound pressure levels in case of the different construction activities, i.e. the noise level in Suvorovo will be determined mainly by the own noise background;

- the admissible sound pressure level in the night (45 dBA) shall be exceeded solely by the maximum sound pressure level in case of mucking activities. Despite these provisional assessments, we propose the wind farm construction to be done during daytime.

Our conclusion in respect to the noise impact during the construction of the investment proposal is that due to the enough remoteness of the surrounding build-up areas the construction-installation activity of the construction places of the turbines will not worsen the acoustic area in the residential properties.

The impact of the transport serving the construction going through approved route – in by-pass of the built-up areas, will be brief (passing maximum sound levels when some means of transport pass) and temporarily, only during the day for the construction period (about 3-4 months).

In this particular case during the construction of the wind farm, the noise will have negative impact only over particular groups of people (mainly excavator operators, excavation trucks operators, crane-operators, drivers etc) who works with the construction-installation machines or being in the close proximity of them but it does not vastly affect the overall ecological situation in the region.

In conclusion it may be reliably affirmed that in the future there would be reason to expect improvement also in this area in respect to the noise and vibration impact both over the personnel and over the environmental parameters as the new construction machines are ergonomic and with better in this respect indicators. Our expectations are that contemporary and technically modern machines will be used at the site and because of that, the emission of above the standard noise in the surrounding area will be reduced to minimum during the construction – installation activities.

In conclusion, the noise impact during the construction of the investment proposal is as follows:

• Direct in terms of impact; • To a large degree in nature for the people serving the construction

equipment; • Of short duration; • Transient in terms of duration; • Local in terms of scope of the environment; • Without cumulative effect.



Noise capacity during the operation Each working mechanical system produces sound waves from the vibrations

of its separate mechanisms and devices in the course of their movement, friction, striking etc. Because of this, the noise is inevitable also in case of wind turbine operation. In this case, apart from the mechanic noise, there is an additional –aerodynamic, caused by the rotation, vibrations, friction and other types of interactions of the runner vanes with the streamline airflow. This noise depends mainly on the turnover of the runner and on the ways of its aerodynamic management. It is proved that in case of runner vanes with variable step, the noise is weaker in the ranges of wind speed to 12-13 m/s, and in case of fix step, it is stronger. The runners proposed by the supplier firm for the investment proposal in question are with variable step.

According to the research-workers from “ENERCOM” company, other significant noise producing factors which they have avoided in the newest technical models were the form and location of the so called “polar shoes’ on the runner. “The distortion” of the stator magnetic field (the static part of the turbine) is caused by the worse form and localization on the revolving runner of these polar shoes, which caused the howl and meander of the runner when it turns. After precise studies and calculations, the specialists from the company have found the optimum solution for the places and the form of these polar shoes to be put. As a result of this, in the newest models of the wind turbines ENERCOM E-82 which will be supplied and installed in the assessed wind farm, they are considerably more silent.

On the other hand, the contemporary megawatt turbines at their nominal power spin with relatively low revolutions (10-20 revolutions per minute). In this particular case, the revolutions indicated in the technical data of the chosen wind turbines are 6-19,5 revolutions per minute. At these low revolutions, the generated noise is with intensity from 100-103 dBA. According to the noise characteristic of the wind farm (Annex IV.8.1-1), this noise will fall to 36-38 dBA immediately to the bounders of the farm.

The less powerful turbines are less noisy thus, the indicated distances are smaller. Precise assessment of the noise fields is done for each particular place as the nature of the landscape, the topographic profile and the type of building-up have significant importance for the spread of the noise generated by the wind turbines.

It is proved also that double-speeded turbines also emit lower noise under specified working regimes.

Producers of wind turbines do not always give data about the noise spreading around the turbines. However, even when they give them, they often consider the noise field as circular round the unit. In fact the noise from the under wind side is perceived as weaker and it is spread at shorter distance. In addition, in



the opposite direction it is the vice versa. That is why the planimetric diagram of the noise field depends on the wind direction and in the general case it is not circular but with elliptic isonoise curves. The turbine is in the one of the ellipse focuses.

In the wind farm it is possible the noise to be reduced under suitable configuration of the turbine location and depending on the directions of their runners rotating.

For instance, the reduction of the noise from the runners is made through a change of the angle of attack of their vanes in relation to the vertical plane of rotation. In addition, the noise from the units in the gondolas of the horizontal axis turbines is restricted by sound isolation of their walls.

As far as it regards the energy efficiency of the units, the noise is loss of wind energy. That is why if the turbine works more silently it often means that its energy efficiency is better. This conclusion together with the pursuit of evasion or reduction of the noise environmental impact is also one significant motive for the specialist-constructors to seek and implement new technical solutions in the field of design and production of wind turbines.

When the noise fields near the wind turbines are analyzed, the fact that the wind also causes noise should also be taken into consideration. Its sound pressure increases with its speed.

In the technical documentation of the Enercom company, a nomographic chart is presented for the correlation between the noise level and the wind speed. Regardless of the fact that the nomographic chart is taken under data for 500 kW units with variable revolution it almost does not change in case of the other powers. It is proved that with the increase of the wind speed the overall noise background of the wind and the noise from the relevant turbine approaches. In case of wind, more than 16m/s the noise from the turbines cannot be distinguished from the wind noise.

In order to assess the environmental noise impact it is necessary its

equivalent level to be known at the boundaries of the site and at the nearest residential buildings or near objects with hygienic-sanitary protection.

On the basis of the technical data for the noise emission of the turbines of this type (103 dBA at the propeller itself) and the provisional calculations made for the spread of the noise pressure at different distances from the wind turbine the results show that the hygienic norms for residential territory are reached even within the farm itself.

Worldwide there are no specific norms for the noise impact over the animal species. There are studies of the long impact of noise with high levels (over 70 dBA) on their reproducible ability. Noise of such levels is generated at very close to the turbines distances thus it can be expected that the investment proposal will not have negative noise impact on the animal life in the region.



As a conclusion, it can be summarized that during the operation the wind farm will not be source of above the standard noise in the environment. Having in mind the size of the site, the remoteness of the residential buildings from it and the fact that near it there are no sanatoria, hospitals, schools and other objects subject to hygienic health protection, the assessment is that the noise will not exceed the admissible values.

According to the adopted criteria during the operation, the noise impact

is as follows: • Directly in terms of impact; • Insignificant in terms of effect; • Of long duration; • Constant in terms of duration; • Local in terms of scope; • Without cumulative effect.

8.2. Forecast and assessment of the vibration and radiation impact

during the construction and operation of the investment proposal Vibrations Vibration is described with equation including time, frequency, angular

speed and kinetic energy of the system. In the equation shown in another way the linear displacement in space (vibratory displacement, μm), the velocity of displacement (vibration velocity, mm.s-1) and its first derivative multiplied by the time (vibration acceleration, m.s-2) are included. These three quantities are connected in between and apart from this indirectly they depend from the frequency (Hz). Depending on the purpose of the assessment these quantities are shown in the indicated absolute units or relative logarithmic units - dB.

We distinguish maximum, average and mean quadratic value and the so called double amplitude, which characterizes the swing of the oscillation between two final situations. Usually for the characteristic of the process “vibration” the mean quadratic value is used which implicitly reflects the variation dependency from the time and at the same time it is proportional to the energy state of the system, respectively to the kinetic impact on the site.

The meaning of the measurements of the vibration parameters is to assess the professional risk. For this purpose, it is necessary to define the frequency-amplitude characteristic and the vibration dependency on the time.

The measurement of the vibration is made with tightly specialized devices. They allow for the definition of the vibration velocity or vibration acceleration in frequency ranges that cover 7 octaves for the general vibrations (between 0,7 and 90 Hz) and 8 or 10 octaves for the local vibrations (between 8 and 1000 Hz).



Usually the spectrum analysis is done in tapes with average geometric frequencies: 8; 16; 31, 5; 63; 125; 250; 500 and 1000 Hz.

It is seldom that the vibrations are constant, as a rule they are variable in the time.

In conformity to the legislation in force in the country that is to large extent in line with the European legislation in this area, the specific vibration impact should be reduced and depending on the reactions of the organism as a whole, the latter having some subjective attitude. According to the Bulgarian State Standard 16013 – 84 the allowed values of the vibration velocity and the vibration acceleration from local vibrations in the different octave tapes (from 8 to 1000 Hz) change from 1,4 to 85 m/s2 (or from 0,028 to 0,014 m/s), respectively.

The general vibrations are standardized only according to the vibration velocity in accordance with Bulgarian State Standard 12.1.012 – 80 having in mind the particularities of the working places and for the means of transport the vertical component is separately reported and in most of the cases it is decisive.

It is experimentally established that the resonance vibration frequencies of the parts of the human body are: thorax 2-12 Hz, legs 2-8 Hz, stomach 4-12 Hz, head 20-30 Hz, eyes 60-90 Hz. In cases where the vibrations in these frequency tapes are considerable, one has painful perception and discomfort as a result of the resonance effects. All this leads to disturbances in the vestibular apparatus, queasiness, breathe disturbances and the heart activity, vision disturbances. The increased vibrations and noise in the houses lead to disturbances in the conditions for rest, sleep, and subsequently inefficient work.

Vibrations during the construction Vibrations will be generated in the course of the following works: earth,

construction and installation works during the construction of the separate subsites, strengthening of road parts of the existing rural roads, excavations for putting cables from the towers to the transformer electric substation and from it to the distributing net etc.

Vibrations especially the local ones can be serious factor only for part of the personnel if the layout is more than the half of the working shift and if the values of the various components at the three co-ordinate axes exceed the allowed hygienic norms. These two conditions give reason for explicit conclusion that at the construction site at all and particularly under number of technological operations, the vibration impact does not create significant risk.

For the environment, both types of vibrations (general and local) almost

do not have practical importance as they fade away at very small distances from the source of vibration impact.



Vibration during the operation Constructors of wind turbines use different technical solutions in order to

neutralize vibration throughout the construction resulting from the aerodynamic powers described in Section ІІІ, point 6.2. The critical resonance regimes are eliminated not only by damping vibrations through constructive technical solutions for example damping and installation of dampers but also by choosing such fixed revolutions of the runner (for turbines with fixed revolutions) where the vibration will be minimal. In case of wind turbines with variable revolutions, all rotating elements are made harder and heavier in order to resist on the vibration in case of critical revolutions.

The described probabilities for vibration formation in the runner system of the wind turbine because of the operation of the aerodynamic powers over the vanes, lead mostly to loss of useful turbine power. As far as it concerns the vibration impact over the environment it is proved that it can be considered zero.

According to literary data derived from a study conducted on vibrating state of the tower of wind unit with power 500 kW and height of the tower 41,5 m it has been established that the first own frequency of the tower is within the frequency range 5-10 Hz.

Therefore, the dynamic forces emerging from and affecting the work of the wind unit cannot stimulate resonance phenomena in the system wind unit – tower – foundation and cannot stimulate higher vibration in the area of the wind energy device.

Such data shows that during the operation the machinery will not be sources of vibration.

Radiation As far as it regards the harmful radiation (thermal, radioactive,

electromagnetic) during the operation the site will generate solely electromagnetic radiation from the electro-portable integrated net. As the connection will be done underground and with isolated conductors the levels of this radiation will be extremely minimal and having insignificant impact within narrow strips on the territory of the site.

9. Landscape 9.1. Assessment of the expected landscape changes Landscape is natural system with generally steady structures, which does not

change quickly. Problems that arise from the interaction of the anthropogenic structures as a functional system and the landscape as a territorial system are connected both with economical and technical problems and ecological and



aesthetic problems. Anthropogenic structures envisaged to be realized as a rule should be naturally inserted into the landscape.

Each landscape has its aesthetic capacity, conditioned by its external structure and ecological capacity. The aesthetic capacity is defined by the limit where the visual harmony in the landscape is preserved. From its side the ecological capacity is conditioned by the preservation of the mechanisms of the landscape self-controlling securing the preservation of the current ecological balance.

First, the ecological problems include the protection of one of the most valuable sources – the land, as the anthropogenic structures and the technical infrastructure to them cover more and more territories. The realization of the sites included in the investment proposal is connected with violation of land and skin-deep infiltration in the geological structures at their founding. The envisaged technology for back refilling based on return of the taken humus will to large extent lead to recovery of the land.

The anthropogenic structures envisaged in the investment proposal (wind energy towers and transformer station) are not connected with changes in the landscape and will not affect the landscape formation factors at the area.

Other ecological factor from the realization of the anthropogenic structures is the migration of pollutants in the environment. The operation of the wind energy farm will not lead to evolution of emissions in the environment i.e. there will not be migration of such.

The disturbance of the natural plant and animal habitats is also an essential element of the landscape disturbances connected to the realization of the anthropogenic structures. During the realization of the wind energy farm entering (destruction) in forest territories is not envisaged.

The anthropogenic structures emerged in the relatively open landscape after the realization of the investment proposal in connection to their significant height and construction of the towers will have mostly negative visual effect on the sight landscape characteristics. Their perception by the temporarily resident at the territory agricultural workers will have higher level of anthropogenic impact but without significant changes in the landscape-aesthetical value because the area changes in the landscape will be insignificant due to the lack of surface and volume from the new landscape elements. These to grate extent resemble the devises of the long transferring electro conductive net. The assessment of these changes has too subjective and individual nature and depends on the attitude of each individual for perception or rejection of the new. In this respect both positive and negative reactions are expected i.e. part of the people will accept these landscape changes and other will not.

With the realization of the wind energy farm the current natural landscape will be burdened with anthropogenic elements not typical for the current environment. The impact on the landscape and topography is acceptable with



restricted territorial scope, with low change of the landscape typology but without changing the current stability of the landscape.

As a conclusion, the landscape impact from the realization of the

investment proposal is as follows: • Directly in terms of impact; • Long lasting and permanent; • Local in terms of scope; • Negative but with admissible changes in the landscape typology and

admissible changes in the spatial structures and sight spaces.

10. Health and hygienic aspects 10.1. Assessment of the health risk during the construction and

measures for health protection From the established potential risk factors for the damage of the people’s

health as it has been indicated in the previous section of the report, two periods are fixed: the one connected with the construction and the other connected with the operation of the wind energy farm. The exposition of the established potential risk factors for the damage of the people’s health will be different both for the population and for the people working during its construction.

Health risk from the realization of the investment proposal will potentially exist only in the period of the construction of the wind energy farm and it will concern only the workers at the site. The following temporary and short-term effects on the health of the workers are expected:

- above the standard noise, vibrations, outside work with changeable microclimate, air pollution with dust particles and gas from the exhaust pipes of petrol and diesel motors;

- physical capacity and danger from employment accidents related to the use of heavy machines – dumpcrete trucks, bulldozers, freight cars, installation taps etc.;

- risk from incidences, trauma and accidents in case of non-observance of Ordinance № 2 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy for occupational health and safety at construction and assembly works of 1994.

These adverse effects will concern the workers in the companies hired by the contracting authority including those exercising specialized construction installation works. The latter will be of temporary nature and the risk is defined as low to acceptable.



The use of personal protective means (antiphons, anti dust masks, helmets, working clothes and shoes), establishment of physiological regimes of work and rest, creation and observance of specific rules for handwork with weight and loads will lead to reduction of the risk.

For the population of the nearest situated village – town of Suvorovo the impact will be without practically negative health effects. As far as it concerns the noise as the most significant risk factor during the site construction, it was indicated that even during the most negative conditions the levels of this factor will be lower than the admissible under the hygienic norms in force.

During the site operation, the population of the nearest village will not be exposed to the established factor of great significance – the noise. Only the temporary residential at the territory of the farm agricultural workers will be affected by minimal noise exposition from the work (rotating) of the vanes.

In practice, there is no potential risk for the health of the workers engaged with the maintenance of the equipment as the stay is minimized to periodical visits to the site connected mainly with the good condition of the existing in the transformer station equipment.

As a conclusion, the impact of the realization of the investment proposal

on the people’s health is as follows: • Directly as impact during the construction; • Short term and temporary during the construction; • Without negative effects on the health status of the population; • Insignificant during the operation.



V. Measures for reduction of the negative impact on the

environment during the construction and instalation works and the operation of the investment proposal. Action plan for the measures implementation

The experience gained from control and studies in the countries where the wind energy has been developing in the recent decades shows that the main effect of the wind turbines suggests to directly and indirectly impact over the ornithofauna. The recommendations made from these analyses concerns both reduction of the direct collisions between birds and the wind turbines and the minimization of the impact of the wind farm construction and operation on the main habitats and on migrating birds. These are as follows:

Choice of suitable place for the construction The choice of suitable place for the construction of the wind farm is of grate

importance in case the farm can cause chasing of some kinds of birds from a particular site. They should be constructed in areas without ornithological significance, which are not main habitats of vagrant birds, are not inhabited by species threatened from extinction and are out of the migration flows.

It should be noted that the contracting authority apart from the basic investigation necessary for the choice of site for the wind farm in connection with the stability, direction and power of the winds, it has also made preliminary consultation about the availability of migration roads of migratory birds in the area of the chosen site, it has also made consultations with ornithologists for the diversity of the ornithofauna in the region.

Design of the towers A number of studies show that a big part of the cases of death are caused by

the taut wires for maintenance/strengthening of the towers and because of their lattice construction. This circumstance has already been taken into account by the producers. In the new constructions of Enercon company envisaged for installation at the assessed site, these problems have been evaded.

Increase of the visibility of the turbines Most of the explorers recommend measures as for maintenance of minimal

lightening in case of reduced visibility and increase of the birds’ possibility to perceive visually and auditory the wind turbines in order to reduce the risk of collisions. It is considered that it is effectively the propellers to have painted marking instead of conventional white painting. The use of paint reflecting or absorbing the ultra-violet light is also recommended by some authors as a mean of



improvement of the contrast of the wind turbines for the birds especially during night.

Another way for increasing the visibility of the turbines by the birds is minimization of the effect of motion smear caused by the quick rotation of the vanes. The Hodos analysis (24) assesses the visibility of vanes painted in different “designs”. The conclusion is that the black colour is probably the easiest applicable for this purpose and the model with painting of fine stripes on one of the vanes. It is still missing the statistical authenticity of the study done.

Measures that affect the aural perception of the ornithofauna are also subject to studying and the authors consider that they have positive effect for the extrusion and decrease of the death cases. It is considered that the additional sounds in the area with the best audibility for the birds (2-4 kHz) will not increase significantly the noise but it can help the birds to hear the vanes. Some slight changes in the acoustic characteristics of the vanes also will make the turbines more audible for the birds without significant increase of the noise level.

Power and rotating speed of the vanes It is recommended when wind farms are constructed turbines with higher

power to be used but smaller number and such with possibly the lowest revolutions of the runner. In this particular case the installation of 30 turbines with power of 2,00 MW of each is envisaged with relatively slow rotating of the vanes. They are equipped with electronic management and the speed movement of the vanes is regulated according to the direction and the wind speed.

Placement of the wind turbines Where the turbines are installed in a block it is recommended that corridors

with minimal width 300-350 m to be left in order birds to be able to fly over them easily. The distribution of the turbines on the site in question is in block and the space between the separate rows is from 900 to 1400 m and between the wind turbines themselves in minimum 300 m.

Minimization of the infrastructure Minimization of the infrastructure is recommended – for example roads and

also existence of fences etc., objects offering the rapacious birds good conditions for hunting and stalking.

In the area of the wind farm site there are no objects offering good conditions for the rapacious birds for stalking. The envisaged transformer station will be one-storey.

In the context of these formulations, the existing facts at the site where the

realization of the wind farm is envisaged, the existence of local ornithofauna and



also the migratory one we recommend the following measures for restriction of the possible environmental effects and in particular on the ornithofauna.

Measures related to the investment design 1. The block distribution of the wind turbines in the farm to be followed and

the distances between the devices and between the rows of the block to be in conformity with the minimal ones with a view to the most favourable for the ecology and energy efficiency work of the separate wind turbine and the farm as a whole.

2. With a view to reduce the possible impacts on the ornithofauna we consider it advisable and if there is technical possibility: - additional sound signals in the frequency range 1-5 kHz to be envisaged

and minimal lightening of the wind turbines in case of bad weather conditions;

- the vanes to be painted or marked with suitable paint in order to improve their visibility by the birds;

3. The devices to be designed in accordance with the requirements of the norms for design of buildings and equipment in seismic regions;

4. There should obligatory be together with the investment project also Project for safety and health which is required both under the Territorial Planning Act and in the case in connection with the environmental protection and peoples’ health;

5. Sites for temporary storage of the extracted humus layer and the earth mass to be envisaged in accordance with the requirements of Order № 26/02.10.1996 for recultivation of damaged areas, betterment of low productive lands, extraction and use of the humus layer;

6. Measures for the cleaning and recultivation of the temporary sites to be envisaged after their evacuation;

7. Plan for the collection, temporary storage and transport of the waste formed during the construction of the site to be elaborated in conformity with the normative requirements for waste management;

8. A contract to be concluded with a licensed company ensuring the cleaning of the chemical toilet and the place of deposit to be determined under contractual relations with a person operating the drainage net and wastewater treatment plant.

Measures related to the farm construction Ambient air 1. Not allowing the use of building machines and means of transport with

damaged internal combustion engines. 2. Not allowing oversized loading of means of transport with bulky

materials;



3. The places for temporary storage of bulky materials and construction waste in case of dry and windy weather to be wetted or to be covered in order to reduce the non organized dust emissions;

4. The places for temporary storage of bulky materials and construction waste to be duly cleaned after their use and transportation;

5. Watering the temporary transport approaches without solid pavement. Noise 1. The construction and installation activities should be done only during

day time; 2. Not allowing work at the site of idle operation of construction and

transport equipment. Waste 1. The formed waste should be collected separately and stored at the

temporary sites to: - transportation of the construction waste to depot and via an itinerary

defined by the municipality; - collection of the solid household waste in a metal container and its

transportation to an organized depot for solid household waste according to approved by the municipality plan;

- the formed hazardous waste to be transported immediately to the depot of the builder and they handed to natural or legal persons possessing authorization for this activity under article 37 of the Waste Management Act.

2. Organization to be created for control at the site for temporary stay of the building technique and the places for temporary storage of construction materials, formed scraps and earth rock masses.

Soils 1. Storage of the extracted humus layer and its use as a surface layer at the

back filling of part of the earth masses above the foundations; 2. Precise marking of the approaches to the construction spots on the area. 3. Minimization of the construction area around the foundations; 4. Not allowing pollution of the soil with fuel-lubricating materials from

the construction installation technique; 5. Recultivation activities to be done of the terrains released from

construction materials and of the temporary depots for storage of earth rock masses;

6. Recultivation during the laying of underground cable net of these parts of the routes falling beyond the existing agricultural roads;



7. Measures to be executed in order not to allow trampling down and pollution of neighbouring to the construction site terrains.

Biodiversity 1. Not allowing construction works during the nesting period of the birds

from 1 March till 31 July. The recommended period for construction is during the months August – November;

2. During the installation of the tower foundations and during eventually finding galleries of hamster the latter should not be destroyed but the bed to be moved away with some meters aside from the colony;

3. At the beginning of the construction instructions should be done to the workers for the particularities of the herpetophauna, birds and hamsters with the activities to be evaded in order to reduce the negative effect from the person’s presence and the construction activities - not to kill and chase reptiles, not to destroy birds’ nests, not to dig underground galleries of hamster etc.

Cultural and historical heritage 1. In case of cultural monuments or archaeological objects, the excavation

works should be stopped and the nearest division of the National Institute of Monuments of Culture with the Ministry of Culture should be notified.

Emergency safety 1. Before the object to be put into operation an agreed “Plan for the

conduction of rescue and urgent emergency reconstructive activities in case of disasters and emergencies” to be presented at Varna Regional Environmental Inspectorate.

Measures concerning the farm operation 1. Not allowing the construction of other infrastructure objects in the region

of the wind farm (buildings, roads, fences etc.) which to offer the rapacious birds good conditions for hunting with stalk;

2. Not allowing in the region of the farm the leave of fallow lands that offer good conditions for improvement of the substance of the populations of small mammals to attract the birds;

3. Immediate elimination from the farm site of potential food (offal) in order to reduce the activity of the rapacious birds;

4. Organizational measures to be envisaged for restraint the noise from the turbines (monitoring to be done for the noise level, introduction of



specific working schedule of the different turbines during specific periods etc.);

5. An annual monitoring to be carried out of the birds’ populations (nesting and migrating) in the region of the wind farm. The observations to include the efficiency of the measures proposed for reduction of the negative impact of the wind turbines on the ornithofauna and the results to be presented at the Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate.

Action Plan under Art. 96, para 1, item 6 of the Environmental

Protection Act

No

MEASURES

Period/Imple-mentation Phase

RESULT

1. Construction and transport equipment to be maintained in working order

construction Protection of the air, waters and soils against pollution

2. Means of transport not to be overloaded with bulky materials

construction Protection of the region of the farm and the adjacent sites against pollution

3. Temporary transport approaches to be watered for reducing the unorganized dust emissions

construction Protection of air purity

4. Heavy vehicles delivering materials and equipment to follow a specified transport route outside urban areas only in daytime

construction Protection of the population's health with respect to the noise and reducing of emissions in the air

5. The noise characteristics of wind turbines shall comply with noise standards

design, construction and

operation

Compliance with noise standards

6. No construction and other waste shall be disposed outside the special places

construction Protection of the environment (soils, the air, waters) againstpollution

7. Construction and household waste shall be transported to the specific landfills following a transport scheme approved by the mayor of Suvorovo Municipality

construction Protection of the environment (soils, the air, waters) against pollution

8. Containers for temporary disposal of household waste shall be supplied until the waste is transported by a specialized company to the specified landfill

construction and operation

Protection of the wind farm region and the adjacent sites against pollution

9. The humus layer from soil shall be stored and maintained in temporary sites until construction and installation works are over and shall be reused to recover the areas around the foundations of the towers of wind turbines and above the

construction Utilization of the humus layer according to Regulation No 26/1996



cable canals 10. After the construction and assembly

works of the individual subsites are completed, recultivation and public works shall be carried out


Protection of soil and public works in the region

11. The chemical WC to be maintained by a licensed company based on a contract


Protection of soils and waters against pollution

12. The construction works shall be carried out in the period August - November (December), so as to avoid the nesting period for most of the bird species

construction Protection of biodiversity



VІ. Assessment of the level of risk in incidental situations –

measures and means for prevention, limitation, liquidation of incident situations

Possible incidental situations during the construction:

- failure of construction and transport equipment; - incidental emission of fuels and lubricating materials; - failure in the way construction materials are used; - fire.

The construction of the site requires an action plan in cases of failures and liquidation measures to be developed.

The equipment will be operated by a technology that excluded incident situations. Hypothetically, it is possible to have a equipment/s destroyed by hurricane wind, in case of a hidden industrial defect (peril of propellers being destroyed and flying fragments) or a heavy icing of propellers in the event of the heating system failure (peril of ice pieces flying away). This requires to have a failure plan in hand, describing a possible incident situations, arising out of the operation of the technological equipment. The approximate assessment of the flying radius ( rfl ) of pieces of the propeller at a wind speed of 4 ÷ 25 m/sec is determinable by the following formula:

rfl = H + D = 80 + 82 = 162 m, where: H – the tower height to the axe of the rotor, [m] D – diameter of the rotor with the propellers, [m]

If the speed of wind is > 25 m/sec, the radius of flight ( rfl ) of pieces from

the propeller is determinable by the following formula: rfl = H + 9D = 80 + 9 х 82 = 818 m

The calculations demonstrate, although hypothetically, the probability of injuries of persons who happen to be in the site or around it. This does not necessarily mean to restrict the access of users of the agricultural lands inside the Wind Farm and between the facilities.

In our opinion, the possibility to have such a situation of failure and people injured within the zone of flight is very low. Nevertheless, a suitable control system of wind power aggregates would prevent such force majeure circumstances happening, so as to avoid potential damages and losses.



Therefore, the site development and operation, after having the recommendations referred to in Section V for reducing the negative consequences of the impact on the environmental components complied with, no adverse health effects for the population in the neighbourhood is to be expected; no considerable adverse health effects are expected for persons that happen to be in the site or in its close proximity. Farer the distance from the site is, lower the probability to have such consequences is.

Prior to commissioning the site, Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate shall be supplied with Plan of Rescue and Urgent Works in the Event of Disasters and Failures, coordinated with the competent authorities.



VІІ. List of used methodologies and literature for assessment 1. Физическа и социално-икономическа география на България. ГФ-

БАН, 2002 г. 2. Наръчник за хабитатите.Зелени Балкани, 2001 г. 3. Проект “Изграждане на мрежата от защитени зони НАТУРА 2000 в

България”. 4. Орнитологично важни места в България. Костадинова, И. (сътр.).

БДЗП, 1997 г. 5. Атлас на гнездящите птици в България. Янков, П. Под печат. 6. Справочник за съществуващите методики за оценка и прогноза на

въздействието върху околната среда. МОСВ, 1997 г. 7. Мониторинг на обикновените видове птици. Спасов, С. (сътр.) БДЗП,

2004 г. 8. Bergen, F. Untersuchungen zum Einfluss der Errichtung und des Betriebs

von Windenergieanland auf Vogel im Binnenland. Ruhr-Univeritat Bochum, Fakultat fur Biflogie.

9. Gillq J.P., Townsleyq M., Mudge, G.P. Rrevew of the impacts of wind farms and other aerial structures upon birds. Scottis Natural Heritage Review. 1996.

10. Bird Life. Windfams and birds: An analysis of the effects of windfarms on birds, and guidance on environmental assessment criteria and site seletion issues. Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural habitatas, Standing Committee, 22 meeting, Strasburg, 2002.

11.Windturbinen und Vogelwelt:Gutes Nebeneinader (http:www.suisseeol.ch /docsetmedia-qetr-1138-d.htm)

12. RHW Langston & JD Pullan, Wind Farms and Birds: An analysis of the effects of wind farms on birds, and guidance on environmental assessment criteria and site selection issues. A report written by Bird Life liternational on behalt of the Bern Convention. 2002.

13. Grundlagenarbeit fur eine informationskampagne “Umwelt – und natur vertragliche Windenergienutzung in Deutschland (onshore)” – Analyseteil – Dachverband der deutschen Natur und Umweltschutzverbande (DNR) e.V.

14. Orloff, S.,Erickson, W.P., Johnson, G.D., Strickland, M.D., Kronner, K., and Becker, P.S., Baseline Avian Use and Behavior at the CARES Wind Plant Site, Klickitat County, Washington, Final Report, Westerm EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyoming, IBIS Environmental Services, San Rafael, California

15. Crockford, N.J., A review of the possible impacts of wind farms on birds and other wildlife JNCC Report 27. Peterborough: Join Nature Conservation Committee. 1992

16. Erickson, W., Johnson, G., Strickland, M., Young, D., Sernka, K.R., Good, R., Avian Collisions with Wind Turbines A Summary of Existing Studies



and Comparisons to Other Sources of Avian Collision Mortaly in the United States. Werstern EcoSystems Technology Inc., 2001

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Greenpeace Redaktion 20.08.2004 20. Windstarke 12 – Wie es zu schaffen ist, bis zum Jahr 2020 12 % des

weltweiten Elektriztiatsbedarfs durch Windenergie zu decken. Greenpeace Redaktion

21. Windenergie Pozitionen 32 der BUND. BUND – Forderungen fur einen natur und umweltfreundlichen Ausbau

22. Reichenbach, M. Auswirkungen von Windenergieanland auf Vogel – Ausmas und planerische Bewaltigung Dissertation zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Doktor der Naturwissenschaften (Dr.rer.nat.) Technische Universitat Berlin Fakultat VІІ Architektur Umwelt Gesellschaft D 83, 2003

23. Langston, R., Pullian, J. Windfarms and Birds: an analysis of the effects of windfams on birds, and guidance on environmental assessment criteria and site selection issues. 2002

24. Hodos, W., Minimization of Motion Smear: Reducing Avian Collisions with Wind Turbines. Colleg Park, Maryland, 2003.

25. Тонев и колектив – Екология на селищата и селищните системи, 1982 г., Наука и Изкуство;

26. Климатичен справочник за НР България. БАН, 1990 г. 27. Замърсяване на атмосферния въздух и средства за опазване на

чистотата му. Мирчев В., Минков Д., ДИ “Техника”, 1974 г. 28. Структура на атмосферната турбулентност – Жорж Ламли; 29. Цачева Н., “Единна методика за анализ на здравното състояние на

осигурени работещи”, Цачева Н., НЦХМЕХ, 2001 г.; 30. Климатично райониране на България, Събев – Станев, 1963 г.; 31. Физическа география на България – ДИ “Наука и изкуство”, 1985 г.; 32. Инженерна геология и хидрогеология – Косев и колектив, ДИ

“Техника”, 1986 г. 33. Неблагоприятни климатични явления – Тишков Х., ДИ “Наука и

изкуство”, 1985 г.; 34. Вятърни електроцентрали – Тончев Г., “Ековат технологии”, 2005 г.

35. Одум., Ю., Екология, М., Мир, 1985, т.2 36. Норми за проектиране на сгради и съоръжения в земетръсни

райони, СУ и БАН, София, 1987. 37.Екология и опазване на природната среда - Тотев, Ив., 2000 г. 38.Оценка на здравния риск - Цоневски, Д. и др., Хигиена. С., 1991 г. 39. Подземните води в НРБ - Антонов, Хр., Д. Кънев, Техника, 1980 г.



VIII. Statements and opinions of the concerned organizations,

community, individuals etc. Comments on the statements and opinions of the concerned organizations are

contained in Section І of the present report. The analysis and the forecast assessment have taken into account these recommendations.

ІХ. Conclusion The investment proposal under question is an alternative energy source,

which will emit no hazardous substances to the environment. The Project complies with the requirements of the EU Directives and the Kyoto Protocol for the protection of environment and the use of a clean energy carrier – the wind power.

The monitoring, researches and analysis of environment, both in the region, and in location of the development of the investment proposal indicate no considerable changes in environment and population's health, because:

1. The impact of the emitted pollutants on the air, during the construction is

classified as insignificant, transitory, recoverable and limited in terms of space. The operating period of the Wind Farm is estimated to have a zero impact on the air.

2. The implementation of the investment proposal is not expected to have

any impact on the state of surface and groundwaters. 3. No considerable negative impacts are expected on vegetation, for only a

insignificant part of pastures without any forage value are affected, where no habitats of natural protection species were found.

4. As far as fauna and mostly ornithofauna are concerned, the location of the

Wind Farm and wind power towers are located in a way not impeding the flight of birds to the extent that the existence of species is threatened. The loss of habitats of some of the inhabiting nesting bird species of conservation status will be insignificant, with view to the availability of suitable bitopes nearby. Nutrition chains are not expected to be damaged, both in horizontal and in vertical terms. No serious migration flow was discovered in the region of the Wind Farm.

5. The impact on soils will take the form of temporary damages during the

construction. Permanently damaged lands whose designation will be changed will amount to about 8 dka. In fact, the impact during operation is zero.



6. The implementation of the investment proposal implies no risks for the

geological environment and is not expected to cause earth creeping and erosion processes, or other adverse physicogeological processes.

7. The impact of waste on the environment, during the construction of the

investment proposal, is assessed to be inconsiderable, local, transitory, recoverable, without cumulative and combined effect. The operation of the Wind Farm is not expected to generate industrial and hazardous waste, taking an account of the particularities of the investment proposal.

8. The expected noise levels even at the border of the Wind Farm will be

lower than the legally admissible levels. 9. Impacts on the landscape will be admissible, with slight modifications in

the typology of the landscape and admissible changes to the spatial structures and view spaces.

10. No adverse health effects are expected for the population of Suvorovo

and the other the residential areas nearby, as well as for temporary agricultural workers in the territory of the Wind Farm.

Given the aforementioned circumstances, we hereby propose to the

honoured Expert Environmental Council with Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate to permit the development of the investment proposal for the construction of the Wind Farm nearby Suvorovo.



X. ANNEXES Annex 1. Decision No 12-ПР/2006 of Varna Regional Environment and

Water Inspectorate for assessing the need to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment;

Annex 2. Letter outgoing ref. 656/13.02.2006 of Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate for the approval of the scope and the content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report;

Annex 3. Declaration of independence of experts according to Art. 96 of the Environmental Protection Act;

Annex 4. Activity certificates by the independent experts; Annex І.2-1 Contract of the Contracting Company for connecting to the

National Electricity Transmission Network; Annex І.3-1 map – physical and geographical regionalization of Bulgaria Annex І.3-2 map – land of Suvorovo;

Annex І.3-3 Letter outgoing ref. 3552/12.12.2003 of Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate; Annex І.3-4 Letter outgoing ref. 4575/31.01.2005 of Varna Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate; Annex І.4-1 Real Property Sale contract;

Annex І.4-2 List of owners of agricultural lands, conceded a right to construct;

Annex І.5-1 Notifications by the Contracting company to the authorities and organizations of the investment proposal to be undertaken;

Annex І.5-2 Notice by the Contracting company to the community of the investment proposal to be undertaken;

Annex І.5-3 Investigation and design visa of the Wind Farm; Annex І.5-4 Notice of consultative meeting to be held in Suvorovo

Municipality and Minutes of the meeting and an attendance list; Annex І.5-5 Statement of Suvorovo Municipality regarding the scope and

the content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report; Annex І.5-6 Letter outgoing ref. 5300-146/13.07.2005 of Suvorovo

Municipality regarding the disposal of construction waste; Annex І.5-7 Letter outgoing ref. 507/04.04.2006 of National Institute of Monuments of Culture with the Ministry of Culture;

Annex І.5-8 Statement of Suvorovo Museum of History; Annex І.5-9 Letter outgoing ref. 30-00-38/02.09.2005 of Civil Aviation

Administration with the Ministry of Transport and Communications; Annex І.5-10 Letter outgoing ref. 9000/030-012/06.04.2006 of the

Bulgarian Bird Protection Association;



Annex І.5-11 Letter outgoing ref. ИГП-355/04.06.2006 of Geozashtita EOOD – Varna;

Annex І.5-12 Letter outgoing ref. 01675/02.03.2006 of Varna Regional Inspectorate of Environmental Protection and Public Health;

Annex ІІ.1-1 Provisional placement of wind power equipment; Annex ІІ.1-2 Final placement of wind power equipment; Annex ІІ.1-3 View of a wind power tower Е 82; Annex ІІ.1-4 Foundation of a wind tower; Annex ІІ.1-5 Prospect technical data for wind turbines; Annex ІІ.2-1 map – Transport communications in the region of Suvorovo; Annex ІІ.2-2 map – Alternative options for access to the site of the

investment proposal – І option; Annex ІІ.2-3 Alternative options for access to the site of the investment

proposal – ІІ option; Annex ІІ.2-4 Alternative options for access to the site of the investment

proposal – ІІІ option; Annex ІІ.2-5 Summary map of the region of the investment proposal

marking up the communications, protected areas etc.; Annex ІІІ.3.1-1 map – drilling location; Annex ІІІ.4.1-1 map – Soil and geographic zoning of Bulgaria; Annex ІІІ.4.1-2 map – Regions of soil erosion and deflation; Annex ІІІ.5.1-1 map – Biogeographical regions and subregions; Annex ІІІ.5.1-2 map - Zoogeographical regions; Annex ІІІ.5.2-1 map - Location of Urumofii Tulip Protected Area and the

relative Order; Annex ІІІ.5.2-2 Order No РД-817/23.08.2002 for reclassification of

Pobitite Kamani Protected area; Annex ІІІ.5.2-3 map – NATURA 2000 - location BG 0000107 “Suha

Reka”; Annex ІІІ.7.1-1 map – Landscape regionalization; Annex ІІІ.7.1-2 Pictures; Annex ІV.5.1-1 Table of registered lethal cases of birds; Annex ІV.8.1-1 Noise characteristic of the farm;

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