Environmental impact:
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Environmental classification and rationale
The project has been screened A/0, requiring an environmental impact assessment (EIA) in line with the Bank’s Environmental Policy (2003) and Public Information Policy. The project classification was based on the location of the site and the possible impacts that the project may have on the Via Pontica bird migratory route. The project was subject to Bulgarian EIA requirements and an EU compliant EIA was undertaken in 2006-2007, with a permit issued in March 2007.
Due diligence undertaken and outcomes
An environmental due diligence was undertaken of the Project by an independent international consultant, inclusive of site visit's and meetings with the local regulators, the developer and their technical and environmental advisors.
The project will consist of 52 wind turbines each of 3 MWe located on the community land of the villages of Bulgarevo, Sveti Nikola, Hadji Dimitar, Rakovski and Porouchik Chounchevo, Kavarna Municipality, Bulgaria. The project forms part of Bulagria’s renewable energy commitments.
The main issue identified as prior to the due diligence is the possible impact of the project on avifauna, notable migratory birds. The project site is located near the cape Kaliakra area, which is a coastal headland with vertical limestone cliffs and many caves with relict steppe vegetation inland. The cape acts as a bottleneck for birds on autumn passage and part of the cape has been designated a Natura 2000 site of significant importance in terms of the EU Habitat’s Directive. The bird migratory route is referred to as the Via Pontica.
The site is located away from the sensitive steppe areas, residential areas and a minimum of 3 km inland from the coast. The project may affect migratory birds under very specific weather conditions but appropriate mitigating factors would be implemented to address this identified risk such as switching off turbines if radar and/or professional ornithologist observers indicated that migratory birds may be at risk. The due diligence confirmed that, taking account of commitments to mitigation, there will be no significant negative impacts to any Natura 2000 sites or avifauna.
The Sponsor has undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as required by Bulgarian environmental law and obtained relevant permits. The EIA has been undertaken in accordance with the Bulgarian transposition of the EU EIA Directive, as amended. As part of the baseline assessment a comprehensive bird survey was undertaken of the site and the EIA was subject to Bulgarian public consultation requirements. The EIA process and scope of assessments was reviewed during the due diligence and additional expert opinions provided by independent experts. The EIA process was found to be broadly in line with EU requirements. The due diligence confirmed that the environmental assessment has met the Bank's requirements, although additional actions and studies are necessary in order to further refine site – specific aspects of the Environmental Action Plan for the project prior to Board consideration.
As part of the EIA process, the developer has agreed to the following:
- Commitment to work with the local authoritarians and stakeholders to develop a bird sanctuary in this area and not to develop wind turbines in sensitive areas (particularly close to the coast). Furthermore, the Company will provide financial support to maintain such bird sanctuary.
- Establishment of a monitoring plan over 3 years from constructing the project to study the impact of the project on local avifauna and share the results of this study with local regulators and interested stakeholders.
- Install a radar system, which together with visual observation will allow for turbines to be switched off in case of adverse conditions which could result in a risk of bird collision with the turbines. This process will be documented and a transparent management system developed for the project as part of an environmental management system.
Development of a renewable energy information centre in the project area.
The PSD will be updated upon the completion of the Bank’s consultation process within 60 days of issuing the PSD,
Disclosure of information and consultation
The Project is subject to a public consultation and a disclosure plan (PCDP) that has been developed by the Sponsor.
The materials are available in hard copy at the following locations in Bulgaria:
- Geopower / AGE registered office: 38, Chervena stena Str. 1421 Sofia Contact: Dimitar Hristov Tel: +359 2 816 78 10; email: office@yomibg.com
- AES Sofia office (72 Ljuben Karavelov Str, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria) contact: Gergana Pavlova; email; Gergana.pavlova@aes.com
- EBRD Sofia office (Moskovska 17, Sofia 1000) contact: George Giaouris (also available in London HQ) email: giaouriG@ebrd.com
- AGE / GeoPower Kavarna office, 9650 Kavarna, 28, Dobrotitza Str. Office 4 Contact: Georgi Liapov Tel: +359 887 168 880. Email: glv@abv.bg
The EIA package and Executive Summary have also been released for public review by the project sponsor on its website www.geopowerbg.com and released locally in the following location:
AGE / GeoPower Kavarna office, 38, Chervena stena Str.
1421 Sofia, Contact: Georgi Liapov Tel: +359 887 168 880. Email: glv@abv.bg
Environmental Department, Kavarna Municipality, 9650 Kavarna, 50 Dobrotitsa str. Contact : Miglena Hristova, Phone: +359 (570) 8 23 08, Email: obshtina@kavarna.bg
Additionally the executive summary is available on the EBRD internet sites at www.ebrd.com
Implementation requirements
The project company will be required to:
(i) provide the Bank with an annual environmental report, including updates on the bird monitoring undertaken, and notification on any material accidents or incidents,
(ii) conduct its business with due regard to National and EU environmental regulations and standards, and
(iii) arrange for periodic environmental audits and monitoring visits by Bank staff or appointed representatives, if and when deemed necessary
There is an Environmental Impact Assesment available for this project.
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