REPORT ON IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF WIND FARM (80 MW) ON...
Transcript of REPORT ON IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF WIND FARM (80 MW) ON...
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi : IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR Rev. 00, Draft
REPORT ON IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF WIND FARM (80 MW) ON BIODIVERSITY (Especially Birds & Raptors)
For
Proposed Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Pvt Ltd. In YSR District & Anantapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh
Project Proponent
M/s Guttaseema Wind Power Company Private Limited Plot No : 1366, Road No: 45, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad,
Telangana 500033
Environmental Consultant
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Limited (A Bureau Veritas Group Company)
7-2-C-14, Industrial Estate, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad 500018
February 2017
Impact Assessment Study on Biodiversity
The proposed 80 MW Wind Farm Project at Dorigallu R.F, Proddature &Anantapuramu forest divisions, Andhra Pradesh
M/s Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited Plot No : 1366, Road No: 45, Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR
Revision: Draft, Rev 01, dated 15/02/2017
Copyright Bureau Veritas India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi : IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR Rev. 01, Final 3
DISCLAIMER
This Report “Impact Assessment of Wind Farm (80 MW) on Biodiversity” is as per the scope
proposed and, within the Scope and the General Terms & Conditions of Service applicable to the
said project.
This document has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of M/s Guttaseema
Wind Power Company Private Limited, and is subject to and issued in accordance with the
agreement between them and Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (BALPL), (a fully owned subsidiary of
Bureau Veritas India), who have local accreditations to National Accreditation Board For
Education & Training (NABET) and MoEF&CC (Govt of India), without any liability or
responsibility, with respect to any use or reliance of this Report including any Third Party.
The technical information or conclusion / recommendations herein enclosed have been derived
based on data provided by M/s Guttaseema Wind Power Company Private Limited or its
representative / facility occupiers. The document has been developed with the best of our
knowledge based on the information provided, and as such shall be considered as a Technical
Professional Opinion. It shall not be construed as a formal opinion and as such shall not relieve
any involved parties from its responsibility nor contractual requirements. As a result, it does not
waive any Party’s rights or obligations with respect to the project requirements at any phase
(including Design, EPC and in Operation).
THESE CONCLUSIONS WILL BECOME NULL AND VOID SHOULD NOT BE KEPT INFORMED
OF SUCH MODIFICATIONS OR ALTERATIONS WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THE
PRESENT DOCUMENT WITH REF. NO. IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR. THIS DOCUMENT IS VALID
ONLY WHEN PRESENTED IN FULL.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi : IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR Rev. 01, Final 4
A. DECLARATION
Declaration by Experts Contributing to the project - “Impact Assessment of Wind Farm (80 MW)
on Biodiversity” in YSR District & Anantapuramu Districts of Andhra Pradesh by M/s Guttaseema
Wind Power Company Private Limited”
I, hereby, certify that I was a part of this project in the following capacity that developed the above
study.
Project Coordinator:
Name : E Shyam Sundar
Signature & Date :
15/02/2017
Period of Involvement : January 2017 to Present
Contact Information : Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Limited, 7-2-C-14, Industrial Estate,
Sanathnagar, Hyderabad 500018
Experts:
S. No. Functional Areas Name of the Expert Involvement Signature
1 Ecology and
Biodiversity
Dr. Manoj Kumar
Pardeshi
Biodiversity study
and impact
assessment
2 Landuse and
Landcover
Miss. Chaitanya
Reddy
Map preparation
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi : IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR Rev. 01, Final 5
B. REVIEW AND REVISION HISTORY
History of revisions of the present report:
Rev Date Modifications
Rev. 00 Draft 26/01/2017 Draft Report for Customer review
Rev. 01 Final 15/02/2017 Final Report
Document No. IND.BH.41.16.0358/HSR, Rev. 01, Final
Rev.
01
Final
15/02/2017 Final Report Dr. Manojkumar
Pardeshi K. Sandhya E. Shyam Sundar
Rev Date Description Prepared By Review Approval
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
CONTENTS
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CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 9 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 13
1.1 PROJECT PROPONENT .................................................................................. 13 1.2 WIND POWER IN ANDHRA PRADESH ............................................................ 13 1.3 WIND POTENTIAL OF THE PROJECT SITE .................................................... 14 1.4 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ........................................................................... 14 1.5 LIMITATIONS ................................................................................................... 14 1.6 USE OF THIS REPORT .................................................................................... 15
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 16
2.1 TYPE OF THE PROJECT ................................................................................. 16 2.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT .............................................................................. 17 2.3 LOCATION OF THE PROJECT AREA .............................................................. 18 2.4 WIND TURBINES ............................................................................................. 26 2.5 CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES ................................ 27
2.5.1 ROAD NETWORK ...................................................................................... 27 2.5.2 SITE COMPOUND ...................................................................................... 28 2.5.3 BORROW PIT ............................................................................................. 29 2.5.4 CRANE HARD STANDING ......................................................................... 29 2.5.5 CABLE LAYING .......................................................................................... 29 2.5.6 TURBINE ERECTION ................................................................................. 31
2.6 WATER REQUIREMENT AND WASTE GENERATION .................................... 32 2.7 POWER REQUIREMENT ................................................................................. 32 2.8 STAFF REQUIREMENT ................................................................................... 32 2.9 CONSTRUCTION WASTE ................................................................................ 33 2.10 PROJECT OPERATION ACTIVITIES ............................................................ 33
3 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................... 34
3.1 WIND ENERGY AND GOVERNMENT OF INDIA .............................................. 34 3.2 LEGAL ASPECTS AND INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS ................................... 35
3.2.1 RAMSAR CONVENTION 1971 ................................................................... 35 3.2.2 WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) ACT 1972 ........................................................ 36 3.2.3 CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES 1979 ...................................... 36 3.2.4 FOREST CONSERVATION ACT 1980 ....................................................... 36 3.2.5 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT 1986 ................................................ 37 3.2.6 CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 1992 ................................... 37 3.2.7 THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT 2002 .................................................. 37 3.2.8 THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ACT 1960 ...................... 37 3.2.9 IFC – PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (PS) & ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (EHS) GUIDELINES......................................................................... 38 3.2.10 BASEL CONVENTION............................................................................. 39 3.2.11 KYOTO PROTOCOL ............................................................................... 39
4 DISCRIPTION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................... 40
4.1 WIND ENERGY AND BIODIVERSITY ............................................................... 40 4.2 STUDY PERIOD ............................................................................................... 40
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
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4.3 SCOPE OF WORK ............................................................................................ 41 4.3.1 ESTABLISHING THE IMPACTS OF WIND MILLS ON BIRDS .................... 41 4.3.2 SITE SELECTION PROCESS OF WIND FARM TO EXAMINE .................. 41 4.3.3 NATIONAL/STATE LEVEL EXERCISE BY FAC / NBWL ............................ 42
4.4 FOREST TYPE VEGETATION .......................................................................... 42 4.5 PROJECT SITE LOCATION .............................................................................. 42
4.5.1 DELINEATION OF THE STUDY AREA ...................................................... 42 4.5.2 HABITATS / ECOSYSTEMS OF THE STUDY AREA ................................. 42
4.6 METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................. 44 4.6.1 SECONDARY INFORMATION / LITERATURE REVIEW ............................ 44 4.6.2 FIELD DATA COLLECTION ....................................................................... 44 4.6.3 THREAT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ........................................................... 45
4.7 BIODIVERSITY STATUS .................................................................................. 46 4.7.1 FLORA ........................................................................................................ 46 4.7.2 FAUNA ....................................................................................................... 49
4.8 ENDEMIC AND THREATENED BIODIVERSITY ............................................... 56 4.9 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................. 56
5 ANTICIPATED ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ........... 57
5.1 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT............................................................ 57 5.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS.......................................... 57 5.3 LIKELY IMPACTS ON ECOLOGY ..................................................................... 57 5.4 EVALUATION AND MITIGATION ...................................................................... 58
5.4.1 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............................................................................ 62 5.4.2 OVERALL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................ 62
6 ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................... 63
6.1 ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................. 63 6.2 ECOLOGICAL MONITORING ........................................................................... 66
7 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 68
7.1 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................. 68 7.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................... 68
8 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 70
TABLES TABLE 1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT .................................................... 16 TABLE 2: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR ANANTAPURAMU FOREST DIVISION ..... 18
TABLE 3: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR PRODDATUR FOREST DIVISION ............ 18
TABLE 4: LOCATION OF WIND FARM PROJECT WITH WGS COORDINATES ......... 21 TABLE 5: PREDOMINANT FLORAL SPECIES OF THE PROJECT SITE / CORE ZONE ...................................................................................................................................... 46 TABLE 6: MAMMALS RECORDED / REPORTED FROM THE STUDY AREA AND THEIR THREAT STATUS ............................................................................................. 49 TABLE 7: HERPETOFAUNA RECORDED / REPORTED FROM THE STUDY AREA AND THEIR THREAT STATUS ..................................................................................... 50
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
CONTENTS
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TABLE 8: AVIFAUNA / BIRDS RECORDED FROM THE STUDY AREA AND THEIR THREAT STATUS ......................................................................................................... 51 TABLE 9: RAPTOR DISTRIBUTION AND THREAT STATUS IN THE STUDY AREA .. 54 TABLE 10: MIGRATORY STATUS OF THE AVIFAUNA AND DISTRIBUTION IN STUDY AREA ............................................................................................................... 56 TABLE 11: LIKELY IMPACTS ON BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS ................................ 57 TABLE 12: ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................ 63 TABLE 13: ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PLAN AND IFC PS APPLICABILITY ........... 66
FIGURES
FIGURE 1: WIND DENSITY MAP OF INDIA ................................................................ 17
FIGURE 2: PROPOSED LOCATION OF WIND FARM SITE (WTG’S) ON GOOGLE
IMAGERY ..................................................................................................................... 19
FIGURE 3: PROPOSED LOCATION OF WIND FARM SITE (WTG’S) ON SURVEY OF
INDIA TOPOSHEET ...................................................................................................... 20
FIGURE 4: WIND TURBINE COMPONENTS ............................................................... 26
PHOTOGRAPHS PHOTOGRAPH 1: HABITATS IN THE STUDY AREA .................................................. 43 PHOTOGRAPH 2: FIELD STUDY – PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION ........................... 45 PHOTOGRAPH 3: SOME PREDOMINANT PLANT SPECIES IN THE PROJECT SITE / CORE ZONE ................................................................................................................. 47 PHOTOGRAPH 4: SOME FAUNA DIRECTLY SIGHTED IN THE STUDY AREA ......... 54
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Gutttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited (GWECPL) is proposing to set up
Wind Energy project (80 MW) at Dorigallu Reserve Forest, Inter District Boundary of
Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. The proposed project aims to generate 80
MW of reliable, low cost wind energy to the national grid. Greenko approached to the
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Ltd. (BALPL) to carry study on “Potential Impacts of Wind Mills
on Bat and Bird”. In view of the mounting evidence from potential adverse impacts of wind
mills all arboreal species including birds, bats and flying squirrels through rotor impacts and
on terrestrial species of wildlife resulting from alternation and damage to habitats. Forest
Advisory Committee (FAC) recommends that all wind mill projects proponents should
fund independent impact assessment on studies of their projects at specific sites.
Proposed project area requires forest land; it will require Forest Clearance (FC) from the
competent authority. The selected area was identified by the project authority for
conducting Wind resource assessment and establishing Wind Power Project. The same
was allotted by Nodal Agency NREDCAP, as per MNRE guidelines it was validated
through C-WET, confirmed that it is a technically feasible and having good wind potential.
This area is highly wind prone and having the predominant winds from West and South
West directions and the terrain is well suited in view of its direction perpendicular to the
wind flow. In view of the above, proposed Reserve Forest area applied for said project to
generate the green power to benefit the state and country.
This project will comprise wind farm at Guttaseema with generating capacity of 80 MW,
equipment lay-down areas, access road network in and around the site for construction,
operations and maintenance purposes. The wind farm site is spread across a distance of
approximately 19 km along the North West to South East direction and approximately 1 km
along the North East to South West direction. The average elevation of the site is 484 m
above mean sea level (amsl).
Wind-powered turbines generating electricity are helpful in achieving greener energy with
no pollution. Despite these positive features, constructing massive numbers of wind-
powered turbines, or wind energy developments popularly called windmills have the
potential to leave an impact on wildlife populations, especially if their placement is without
proper planning. The global growth of wind energy has outpaced our assessment of
possible impacts on wildlife. There is not much literature available on comprehensive
studies on impact of windmills on birds and bats in India. Wind energy and wildlife Rapid
wind energy development in India has raised significant challenges and opportunities in
wildlife management. Such challenges include the large size and extensive placement of
turbines, which may represent potential hazards to birds and bats, and the associated
infrastructure required to support large number of roads and transmission lines can result
in extensive habitat fragmentation and spread of invasive species.
The impact of wind turbines on wildlife, most notably on birds and bats, has been widely
pointed out. There have been evidences of bird and bat deaths from collisions with wind
turbines and due to changes in air pressure caused by the spinning turbines. Habitat
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disruption has also contributed to birds and bat deaths. However one of the studies of
National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC) concluded that these impacts are
relatively low and do not pose a threat to species populations.
Biodiversity Survey and Threat Status assessment
Biodiversity survey was carried out during monsoon (August) and winter (January) season
to understand birds, bats and other faunal groups in the core zone / forest area and buffer
zone (5 km. from core zone) of the project study area. Overall study area composed of
mainly four types of habitats i.e. forest, waste lands, river habitat (sandy) and agriculture
areas. There is no wildlife sanctuary, national parks, biosphere reserve or Important Bird
Areas (IBA) present in the buffer zone area of the proposed project site.
Data on birds / avifauna (raptors), mammals (including bats) and herpetofauna (reptiles
and amphibians) was collected by following standard methods. Local residents were also
contacted to understand faunal evidences and movements. Color photographs (pictorial
guide) were shown to people to identify faunal species. All species presented in the report
are assessed by following Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA) - 1972 and International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) database.
Flora Project site forest area, being a forest land predominantly comprises many floral species like Catalpa speciosa, Holarrhena pubescens, Albizia amara, Gyrocarpus jacquinii, Euphorbia tirucalli, Dalbergia paniculata, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Syzygium cumini, Tectona grandis, Strychnos potatorum, Pongamia pinnata, Phyllanthus leucopyrus, Ulex europaeus, Ulmus integrifolia, Webera corymbosa, Ziziphus horrida, Grewia rotundifolia, Gardenia gummifera, Corchorus acutangulus, Cedrus deodara, Bauhinia racemosa, Cassia fistula and Aloe barbadensis.
Among fauna, 10 species of mammals, 6 species of herpetofauna (reptile & amphibians) and 48 species of birds have been recorded from different habitats and secondary information.
Mammals (including Bats) All mammals are the part of the forest land as well as other habitats of the buffer zone. Some species i.e. Rhesus Macaque, Indian Gray Mongoose, Five Striped Squirrel were sighted directly sighted in study area while presence of Indian Hare have been confirmed on the basis of presence of pellets in the study area. Bats were neither sighted nor confirmed by people.
Herpetofauna
Overall 6 species of herpetofauna were reported on the basis of direct and secondary
information. Among reptiles, only two species were sighted in the field while other species
are included in the list on the basis of secondary information by the villagers. Indian garden
lizard and Fan Throated Lizard were sighted directly as project site.
Avifauna (migratory and raptor species)
Among birds, 48 species were sighted during present survey. No vultures were sighted
during survey. Out of these species only 6 species Red Rumped Swallow, Eurasian Marsh
Harrier, Barn Swallow, Rosy Starling, Common Stonechat and Montagu`s Harrier reported
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as a Winter Visitor (WV). Core zone reported with 4 migratory species (common in buffer
zone also) while buffer zone with all 5 migratory species (including 4 species of core zone).
Similarly, core zone recorded with 2 raptor species i.e. shikra and Black winged Kite (also
recorded from buffer zone) and while buffer zone recorded with 6 raptor species (including
2 species of core zone). Raptors were seen very rarely seen in core and buffer zone of the
study area with few individuals only. None of the species observed are endemic to the
project area.
Threat Status
As per Red Data Book and IUCN threat status assessment no floral species falls under
threatened category. Five plant species are in Least concern (Lc) category, one species is
falls in Lower Risk / least concern (LRlc) category while remaining species are Not
Evaluated by IUCN. Among fauna, among mammals, one species i.e. Sambar falls in
Schedule-III category of IWPA-1972 and Vulnerable (VU) as per IUCN red list. Similarly,
among herpetofauna, one species i.e. Monitor Lizard falls in Schedule-I category as per
IWPA-1972 and Lest Concern as per IUCN red list. Among avifauna, bird species White
Eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Montagu`s Harrier, Indian
Peafowl and Black winged Kite falls in schedule-I category as per IWPA-1972 while Black
Headed Ibis is listed as a Near Threatened category as per IUCN red list.
Inference
Present study inferred that, recorded flora and fauna elements are common component of
the project study area. Bats were not located during site visits. Raptors are rarely seen with
few individuals in the study area. Other species reported from the core zone / project
footprint area are common component of the study area and none of these is restricted to
particular one habitat.
Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures
Impact assessment is carried out considering three project phases i.e. 1. Site clearance
phase; 2. Construction / erection phase; and 3. Operation phase. Overall 8 likely impacts
are identified considering various project activities and associated aspects. Impacts during
first phase can be mitigated by minimizing vegetation clearance while later two phases will
have lower impacts comparatively. No bats have been observed during site visits.
However, 6 species of raptors reported from the study area, out of these 2 species
observed from core zone and all 6 from buffer zone. However, raptors are seen with few
individuals (not abundant) in the study area. Mitigations measures are suggested to
mitigate expected impacts during different phases. Overall, there will be no significant
impacts on faunal components if suggested mitigation measures and management plan
implemented properly.
Ecological Management Plan
Ecological management plan is suggested to deal with various ecological components.
Also, monitoring plan have been suggested covering ecological component, project stage,
monitoring parameters, duration of monitoring, frequency of monitoring and implementation
responsibility.
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Conclusion and Recommendations
During site clearance phase, Impacts of vegetation clearance can be mitigated through
minimizing vegetation clearance within the footprint / forest area. Impacts during
construction / erection phase are expected further lower and site specific compare to site
clearance phase. Moreover, impacts in operation phase will further lower (activity specific)
than former two phases. Moreover, impacts in operation phase will further lower (activity
specific) than former two phases. Since no bat species have been reported during site visit
no impact impacts on bats are expected. Totally 6 raptor species have been reported from
study area (core and buffer zone). Out of these, core zone recorded with only 2 species
and buffer zone 6 species (including 2 species of core zone). Raptors are rarely seen (not
abundant) with few individuals in the area. Mitigations measures are suggested to mitigate
expected impacts during different phases. Apart from mitigation measures additional
recommendations are suggested for safe guard of biodiversity of the area Overall, there
will be no significant impacts on faunal components if suggested mitigation measures and
management plan implemented properly.
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INTRODUCTION
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Proponent
The Company is a part of Greenko Group, (hereinafter referred to as “Greenko”),
is one of the mainstream participants in the growing Indian energy industry and a
market leading owner and operator of clean energy projects in India. The Group is
building a portfolio of Wind, Solar, Hydropower, Natural Gas and Biomass assets
within India and intends to increase the installed capacity it operates by developing
new Greenfield assets. The Company is developing wind projects in a phased
manner ensuring long term reliable generation. The total Generation capacity of
the Group is about 1000 MW & 1600 MW is under development. In case of Wind
Power about 556 MW is already commissioned & Another 600 MW is under
construction.
Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited. (Hereinafter referred to as
“GWECPL”), has been registered under Companies Act of 1956 in the office of
Register of Companies, Hyderabad with Registration No.
U40108AP2008PTC059988 dated to develop the proposed wind power project.
1.2 Wind Power in Andhra Pradesh
The New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd
(NREDCAP), is the facilitating agency for implementation of renewable energy
sources in Andhra Pradesh. NREDCAP, is an organization working under the
purview of Energy department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The objectives of
the NREDCAP are to promote renewable energy in the state and to initiate all
necessary actions for energy conservation in the state. The NREDCAP works
through various governmental agencies, private organizations, NGO’s and
accredited energy auditors.
The developer develops the project & on commission will connect the capacity to
the grid. Through Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited
(APTRANSCO) thereby energy is distributed to Andhra Pradesh Distribution
Companies (APDISCOMs) through Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and also
for 3rd party sale through wheeling & banking. So far about 1937.50 MW capacity
wind power projects are under implementation at different stages & 248.52MW has
been commissioned.
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INTRODUCTION
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1.3 Wind Potential of the Project Site
The selected area was identified by the project authority for conducting Wind
resource assessment and establishing Wind Power Project. The same was allotted
by Nodal Agency NREDCAP, as per MNRE guidelines it was validated through C-
WET, confirmed that it is a technically feasible and having good wind potential.
This area is highly wind prone and having the predominant winds from West and
South West directions and the terrain is well suited in view of its direction
perpendicular to the wind flow. In view of the above, proposed Reserve Forest
area applied for said project to generate the green power to benefit the state and
country.
1.4 Purpose of the Report
Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited (GWECPL) is proposing to set up Wind Energy project at Dorigallu R.F, Inter District Boundary of Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. Guttasema Wind project is of significant strategic benefit to Andhra Pradesh and India as a whole. The proposed project aims to generate 80 MW of reliable, low cost wind energy to the national grid. The project will comprise
Wind farm at Guttaseema with generating capacity of 80 MW
Equipment lay-down areas, access road network in and around the site for construction, operations and maintenance purposes.
Greenko approached to the Bhagavathi Ana labs to carry study on “potential impacts of wind mills on Bat and Bird”. In view of the mounting evidence from potential adverse impacts of wind mills all arboreal species including birds, bats and flying squirrels through rotor impacts and on terrestrial species of wildlife resulting from alternation and damage to habitats. Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) recommends that all wind mill projects proponents should fund independent impact assessment on studies of their projects at specific sites.
1.5 Limitations
This report is based upon the application of professional judgment to certain facts
with resultants subjective interpretations. Professional judgments expressed herein
are based on the facts currently available within the limits of the scope of work,
information provided by the client or its representative, prevailing secondary data,
budget and schedule. To the extent at more definitive conclusions are desired by
the client than are warranted by the currently available facts, it is specifically
Bureau Veritas’s intent that the conclusions and recommendations stated herein
will be intended as guidance and not necessarily firm course of action expect
where explicitly stated as such. We make no warranties, express or implied,
including, without limitation, warranties as to merchantability or fitness for a
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
INTRODUCTION
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Ltd. (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi: IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR
REV. 01, FINAL 15
particular purpose. In addition the information provided by the client in this report is
not to be constructed as legal advice.
1.6 Use of This Report
BALPL Veritas is not engaged in consulting or reporting for the purpose of
advertising, sales promotion, or endorsement of any client interests, including
raising investment, capital, recommending investment decisions or other publicity
purposes. Client acknowledges that the report has been prepared for their and
their clients’ exclusive use and agrees that BALPL reports or correspondence will
not be used or reproduced in full or in part for such purposes, and may not be
used or relied upon in nay prospectus or offering circular. Client should agree that
none of its advertising, sales promotion, and other publicity matter containing
information obtained from this assessment and report will mention or imply the
name of BALPL.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Ltd. (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi: IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR
REV. 01, FINAL 16
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 Type of the Project
M/s. Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited is proposing to set a wind
farm of 80 MW in Guttasema, Dorigally R.F inter District Boundary of Anantapur
and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. The proposed project does not require an
Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA), as per the Environment Impact
Assessment (EIA) notification of 2006, of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(EP Act), irrespective of the size of the wind farm, its installed capacity, number of
turbines or the sensitivity of the project location. However, in order to understand
the scale, sensitivity and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts, a
detailed study on birds, bats and other faunal elements is being undertaken for the
project. The salient features of the project are given below,
TABLE 1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT
Parameter Details
Project Name Guttaseema Wind Project
SPV M/s. Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private
Limited
Capacity 80 MW
Wind Farm Location Guttasema, Dorigallu R.F, Inter District Boundary of
Anantapur & YSR Districts
Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh Elevation above Mean sea level 466 - 582 m
Present land use Proddatur Forest Division- 31.68 Ha.
Anantapuram Forest Division-10.66
Ha. Total forest land 42.34 Ha.
Nearest Highway NH-205 Chennai Anantapur Highway 12 KM’s
Nearest railway station Pulivendhula Railway Station 17 km’s
Nearest Airport Ananthapur Airport 45 Km’s
Nearest Habitat Kommanuthala 1.8 Km’s
Nearest town/city Pulivendhula 17 Km’s
Hills / valleys Project is located on the Palakonda Hill
Forests Project is in Dorigallu Reserve Forest
Rivers Madduleru River - approx. 2.8 Km’s
Chitravathi River – approx 9 Km’s
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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REV. 01, FINAL 17
2.2 Need for the Project
Wind energy makes up the majority, about 70 per cent of the total renewable
energy capacity installed in India. According to the Union Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE), Total installed capacity of power stations in India
stood at 305,554.25 Megawatt (MW) as of August 31, 2016. The 12th Five Year
Plan aims to install 15,000 MW between 2012 and 2017, which will almost double
the total capacity of wind power in India. Assuming an average wind turbine
capacity of 1.5 MW, this means a total of 10,000 new turbines in the country. Over
95 per cent of the country’s total wind energy potential is concentrated in the
southern and western states — Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The wind energy potential sites showing the wind density regions in India is shown
as in following figure. As the wind power is a well proven and cost-effective
technology and expected to be the main way in which industry responds to the
Government's targets, Greenko is proposing a wind farm in the Andhra Pradesh
region.
FIGURE 1: WIND DENSITY MAP OF INDIA
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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2.3 Location of the Project Area
Proposed project requires forest land of 42.34 Hector and falls in the two divisions i.e. Proddatur Forest Division and Anantapuram Forest Division. The proposed project will have 80 MW wind power project at Dorigallu R.F, Inter District Boundary of Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. The Guttaseema wind farm project site lies at a distance of approximately 17 km west of Pulivendhula and 3 km east of Dhorigallu. The major approach road to the site is Dhorigallu Road connecting Dhorigallu and Pulivendhula, and which is at a distance of approximately 1 km from the site. The site is accessible by village roads. The wind farm project falls under the Guttaseema village, Kadapa District. The wind farm site is spread across a distance of approximately 19 km along the North West to South East direction and approximately 1 km along the North East to South West direction. The average elevation of the site is 484 m above mean sea level (amsl). The DGPS survey was verified and authenticated by the GIS Wing, O/o Prl. Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), A.P. Guntur through letter Rc.No. 44206/2013//FCA-3(i), dated: 25.01.2017. The area assessed by the GIS Wing is 42.34 Ha (i.e 10.66 Ha in Ananthapuramu Division and 31.68 Ha in Proddatur Division. The break-up the area required as per forest division wise is as below.
TABLE 2: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR ANANTAPURAMU FOREST
DIVISION
DESCRIPTION OF AREA Area in Ha
1. Total Area for M/C plot forms (turbines) 12 nos. 4.29
2. Total area for internal & approach road 1.79
3. Total area for road with electrical line & electrical line 3.85
4. At curves along the R & B road 0.73
TOTAL AREA 10.66
TABLE 3: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR PRODDATUR FOREST DIVISION
DESCRIPTION OF AREA Area in Ha
1. Total Area for M/C plot forms (turbines) 28 nos. 9.85
2. Total area for internal & approach road 4.63
3. Total area for road with electrical line & electrical line 9.02
4. At curves along the R & B road 8.18
TOTAL AREA 31.68
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY (ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S
GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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Figure 2: Proposed Location of Wind Farm Site (WTG’s) on Google Imagery
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY (ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S
GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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REV. 01, FINAL 20
Figure 3: Proposed Location of Wind Farm Site (WTG’s) on Survey of India Toposheet
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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REV. 01, FINAL 21
The proposed wind power project location has all of the key elements required
for the development of a successful wind power project: an excellent stable wind
resource, access to high voltage transmission lines, supportive landowners, good
transportation access and compatible land use and a supportive local community
and government. The details geographic coordinates of the WTG’s are as
follows,
Table 4: Location of Wind Farm project with WGS coordinates
Guttaseema-80 MW-WTG Location Coordinates
S.N
o
Point
Ref. Easting Northing Code E N
1 WTG-
T01
176397.8
6 1604901.853
CR1 176372.6 1604887
CR2 176386 1604937
CR3 176438.9 1604871
CR4 176453.6 1604919
2 WTG-
T02
176625.3
9 1604730.822
CR5 176613.8 1604705
CR6 176595.6 1604752
CR7 176661.8 1604776
CR8 176679.2 1604730
3 WTG-
T03
176570.4
6 1604429.017
CR9 176566.9 1604462
CR10 176629.1 1604435
CR11 176608.1 1604390
CR12 176543.6 1604422
4 WTG-
T04
176489.4
7 1604146.072
CR13 176476 1604179
CR14 176467.9 1604129
CR15 176534.9 1604120
CR16 176545.1 1604165
5 WTG-
T05
176627.5
5 1603951.123
CR17 176633.7 1603989
CR18 176601.1 1603951
CR19 176661.9 1603906
CR20 176687.2 1603953
6 WTG-
T06
176901.7
7 1603730.69
CR21 176901.2 1603766
CR22 176864.7 1603726
CR23 176932.1 1603690
CR24 176960.1 1603728
7 WTG- 177145.3 1603579.099 CR25 177149.2 1603637
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
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REV. 01, FINAL 22
Guttaseema-80 MW-WTG Location Coordinates
S.N
o
Point
Ref. Easting Northing Code E N
T07 8 CR26 177123.1 1603571
CR27 177149.2 1603637
CR28 177194.5 1603620
8 WTG-
T08
177384.6
6 1603336.427
CR29 177382.2 1603372
CR30 177358.3 1603328
CR31 177422.8 1603298
CR32 177445.1 1603340
9 WTG-
T09
177641.5
9 1603211.94
CR33 177641.1 1603249
CR34 177615.5 1603206
CR35 177675.2 1603170
CR36 177700 1603213
10 WTG-
T10
177885.7
4 1603067.551
CR37 177898.4 1603103
CR38 177855.9 1603063
CR39 177910.8 1603016
CR40 177942.9 1603055
11 WTG-
T11
178106.0
6 1602849.58
CR41 178108.1 1602885
CR42 178078.3 1602848
CR43 178132.3 1602803
CR44 178165.2 1602839
12 WTG-
T12
178309.1
3 1602655.343
CR45 178316.7 1602691
CR46 178283.3 1602657
CR47 178331.4 1602606
CR48 178367.3 1602643
13 WTG-
T13
178565.7
7 1602447.914
CR49 178534.8 1602490
CR50 178506.6 1602446
CR51 178565.5 1602414
CR52 178594.3 1602452
14 WTG-
T14 178769.3 1602298.862
CR53 178764.3 1602327
CR54 178735.2 1602286
CR55 178792.3 1602245
CR56 178821.4 1602286
15 WTG- 178994.5 1602153.458 CR57 178994.5 1602190
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
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Guttaseema-80 MW-WTG Location Coordinates
S.N
o
Point
Ref. Easting Northing Code E N
T15 8 CR58 178966.3 1602147
CR59 179025.1 1602108
CR60 179052.9 1602150
16 WTG-
T16
179267.9
2 1601938.916
CR61 179266 1601967
CR62 179232.7 1601928
CR63 179285.5 1601882
CR64 179318.9 1601920
17 WTG-
T17
179472.9
9 1601729.638
CR65 179433.7 1601767
CR66 179414.5 1601720
CR67 179479.7 1601694
CR68 179498.3 1601741
18 WTG-
T18
179685.1
8 1601528.505
CR69 179700.2 1601586
CR70 179650 1601537
CR71 179684.4 1601500
CR72 179735.3 1601548
19 WTG-
T19
179721.4
9 1601227.41
CR73 179688.2 1601274
CR74 179667.1 1601230
CR75 179732.9 1601200
CR76 179751.6 1601246
20 WTG-
T20
180091.6
3 1601161.061
CR77 180098 1601196
CR78 180062.7 1601159
CR79 180113.8 1601110
CR80 180149.4 1601148
21 WTG-
T21 180272.7 1600996.316
CR81 180282.7 1601029
CR82 180244.9 1600996
CR83 180292.2 1600944
CR84 180329.2 1600978
22 WTG-
T22
180518.8
4 1600741.497
CR85 180525.8 1600777
CR86 180489.3 1600742
CR87 180538.5 1600692
CR88 180576.1 1600727
23 WTG- 180468.0 1600436.1 CR89 180465.9 1600499
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Guttaseema-80 MW-WTG Location Coordinates
S.N
o
Point
Ref. Easting Northing Code E N
T23 3 CR90 180425.9 1600470
CR91 180465.6 1600413
CR92 180506.8 1600442
24 WTG-
T24
180642.3
7 1600221.676
CR93 180622.9 1600277
CR94 180590.8 1600237
CR95 180644.5 1600193
CR96 180680 1600232
25 WTG-
T25
180876.0
4 1599996.314
CR97 180858.8 1600049
CR98 180858.6 1599978
CR99 180904.9 1599976
CR100 180906.2 1600046
26 WTG-
T26
181323.3
3 1599990.344
CR101 181328.3 1600025
CR102 181294.5 1599988
CR103 181346.9 1599940
CR104 181382 1599977
27 WTG-
T27
181540.2
3 1599780.077
CR105 181549.8 1599815
CR106 181512.8 1599783
CR107 181558.6 1599729
CR108 181595.7 1599763
28 WTG-
T28
181745.9
3 1599607.05
CR109 181755.5 1599642
CR110 181717.3 1599607
CR111 181761.6 1599556
CR112 181800.4 1599588
29 WTG_T2
9
181962.6
4 1599363.111
CR113 181972 1599397
CR114 181934.7 1599365
CR115 181979.8 1599312
CR116 182017.6 1599345
30 WTG-
T30
182105.1
5 1599171.702
CR117 182110.3 1599207
CR118 182076.7 1599171
CR119 182127.6 1599123
CR120 182161.7 1599159
31 WTG- 182350.8 1599000.034 CR121 182345.5 1599044
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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REV. 01, FINAL 25
Guttaseema-80 MW-WTG Location Coordinates
S.N
o
Point
Ref. Easting Northing Code E N
T31 7 CR122 182300.1 1599019
CR123 182351.6 1598972
CR124 182385.7 1599008
32 WTG-
T32
182691.6
4 1598889.237
CR125 182684.6 1598912
CR126 182661.6 1598870
CR127 182725 1598838
CR128 182746.9 1598882
33 WTG-
T33
182946.8
6 1598709.998
CR129 182953 1598745
CR130 182918.1 1598709
CR131 182969.1 1598662
CR132 183003.5 1598697
34 WtG-T34 183175.3 1598507.636
CR133 183180.9 1598543
CR134 183180.9 1598543
CR135 183146.2 1598507
CR136 183197 1598459
35 WTG-
T35
183281.8
1 1598280.209
CR137 183288 1598315
CR138 183253 1598279
CR139 183303.7 1598230
CR140 183339 1598267
36 WtG-T36 183337.1
3 1598045.109
CR141 183343 1598080
CR142 183309 1598044
CR143 183360.1 1597996
CR144 183394.2 1598031
37 WTG-
T37
183423.4
4 1597739.384
CR145 183430.2 1597777
CR146 183397.1 1597737
CR147 183446.8 1597692
CR148 183481.1 1597728
38 WTG-
T38 183718.2 1597651.172
CR149 183735.9 1597703
CR150 183687.5 1597651
CR151 183724.8 1597618
CR152 183773.1 1597669
39 WTG- 183889.6 1597427.208 CR153 183895 1597461
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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REV. 01, FINAL 26
Guttaseema-80 MW-WTG Location Coordinates
S.N
o
Point
Ref. Easting Northing Code E N
T39 2 CR154 183860.1 1597425
CR155 183912 1597378
CR156 183946.9 1597414
40 WTG-
T40
184087.5
2 1597236.907
CR157 184093.8 1597272
CR158 184059 1597236
CR159 184109.9 1597188
CR160 184144.6 1597225
2.4 Wind Turbines
A typical wind power project comprises of the following components:
Wind turbines mounted on towers; besides these the associated facilities may
include access roads, operation and maintenance facilities, and meteorological
tower(s). Wind turbine is a structure that comprises of a tower, blades, a rotor hub,
a generator and a transformer enclosed in a nacelle. A typical wind turbine and
components is shown below in the Figure.
Figure 4: Wind Turbine Components
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A wind turbine traps the energy of moving wind, and converts the mechanical
energy to electrical energy, thus, generating electricity. There are two types of
wind turbines — vertical axis and horizontal axis. The more commonly used are
the horizontal axis turbines. When a number of wind turbines are in a cluster, it is
referred to as a ‘wind farm’. A typical wind farm consists of turbines, access
roads, transformers, office buildings, a grid connection point and transmission
lines.
Parts of the Turbine
Tower: Vertical structure which supports the turbine and its auxiliary parts.
The height of a tower is site-specific and depends on the rotor diameter and
available wind at the site. The tower structure can be tapered, tubular steel or
with a concrete base with steel upper sections. Sometimes, lattice towers are
also used.
Blades: A typical modern wind turbine has three blades, although other
designs are also available. The blades are usually made of fiberglass
reinforced-polyester, epoxy resin or carbon fibre.
Nacelle: An enclosure which contains the main components of the turbine like
the gear box, the generator and other auxiliary parts
Rotor hub: Structure on which the blades of the turbine are attached. It
circulates at a rate of 10 to 25 revolutions per minute (rpm). The speed of the
rotor varies depending on the size of turbine and its design. It is further
attached to a low speed shaft connected to the gearbox.
Gear box: It is enclosed in the nacelle. It is a vital component, which converts
the slow rpm to a high speed ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 rpm.
Generator: It is also enclosed in the nacelle and converts mechanical energy
to electrical energy.
Transformer: Its main function is to step-up medium voltage in between 10 kV
to 35 kV depending on the grid’s requirement.
2.5 Construction and Infrastructure Facilities
2.5.1 Road Network
The proposed wind energy facility can be accessed by the following roads:
National Highway - 205 (Chennai Anantapur Highway)
Village road connecting Guttaseema to Dorigallu
Village road connecting Dorigallu and NH205
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Access will be required between the turbines for construction purposes (and for
maintenance purposes in the operational phase). The tracks will be surfaced and
designed to standards that ensure control of water and integrity of the road
surface. The design requirements are for a road capable of carrying large vehicles
approximately 50m long and capable of sustaining the construction and
operational phase traffic to the project area.
Permanent internal roads will require a minimum width of 5-6m although these
may temporarily increase during the construction phase. The road width will be
increased proportionately for bends and passing/turning places. The road
alignment and gradients will be set out to fit existing landforms as far as possible
and shall be marked out prior to commencement of the works. Cut–and-fill
operations will be designed to achieve a good balance where possible and will be
designed to cause the minimum amount of impact to the area. Surface soils will be
used to dress the slopes and verges if required. Three bridges will be constructed
to enable vehicles carrying wind turbine components to move without
encumbrances.
2.5.2 Site Compound
During the construction period, a civil and an electrical construction compound
may be required; this will include a laydown and storage area for components of
the wind energy facility awaiting installation and for equipment required for that
installation. Surface soils will be excavated and set aside for reinstatement on
completion of the project. These soils will be separated following best practice for
re-use. Any existing drainage ditches will be diverted around the extent of the
compound where necessary. Unsuitable soils will be excavated and stockpiled
until a suitable formation is reached.
Dependent upon the civil contractor’s design, geotextiles may be placed where
required to ensure optimal weight distribution. Rock excavated from the borrow
pits and/or the cut–and fill operations will be spread and compacted in layers.
Finer crushed rock will be used in the final layers to provide an adequately smooth
running surface. Appropriate pollution control measures will be used as
determined by the civil contractor. Facilities for waste management, refueling,
power, water supply and chemical storage will be provided as per the norms of
Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APPCCB). All welfare facilities will
be provided for the duration of the Construction.
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2.5.3 Borrow Pit
Borrow pits and/or quarries will have to be identified during the detailed
engineering design stage of the project. In general, borrow pits are usually worked
in strips to ensure that only enough aggregate for the project is obtained, and to
limit the impacts of the borrow pit to as small an area as possible. A borrow pit
design and restoration plan should be produced prior to commencement of the
work. Any top soils and sub-soils will be separated and progressively stored in a
temporary storage area. The storage mound should also be terraced, where
possible, to ensure stability. All temporarily stored materials shall be utilized in the
restoration of the borrow pit.
2.5.4 Crane Hard Standing
Crane pads are required to provide a suitably robust and level area, upon which
cranes are used to lift turbine components into place. The location of the crane
pads will be optimized to make best use of the existing topography where possible,
and chosen erection procedure. As with access tracks, topsoil and sub-soils will be
excavated and stored for later reinstatement. The area will be set out to the
required dimensions and excavated to a suitable formation. Plate bearing tests will
be conducted at regular intervals across the excavation to prove the bearing
capacity of the underlying strata. Coarse rock fill will then be placed and
compacted in layers using compaction equipment. Grading is likely to be carried
out to determine the compaction methodology. Geotextile matting to facilitate
better distribution of weight may be used depending on the suitability of the
underlying strata. The final surface will be formed from selected granular material
and trimmed to allow surface water run-off, to drainage ditches Crane pads will be
formed as the construction of site tracks progress. However the pads may be
formed initially to provide lay-down areas for materials associated with wind
turbine foundation materials and finalized closer to the lifting operations.
2.5.5 Cable Laying
Cables are required between the turbines and the substation depending on the
final grid connection and hence substation location, and will be located alongside
the access tracks. The cables will be laid with minimal disturbance to vegetation
and hydrology at the site where possible. The trench will fall within the envelope of
felling for the access track. The position of trenches will be marked out and the line
stripped of surface soils and set aside for reinstatement. The trench will be
excavated to the required dimensions and the spoil set aside for backfill if suitable.
Trenches will be excavated to follow the profile of the existing ground where
practical. Typically, sand bedding will be placed and leveled following insertion of
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earth conductors (if required). The cable will be laid onto the sand bedding and a
further layer of sand installed to provide suitable protection to the cable. Following
testing by the electrical works contractor, the trench will be backfilled and
compacted in layers with suitable material and reinstated with previously
excavated surface soils. Cable ducts will be used over water crossings, under
sections of track and hardstandings. When going up and down hills, the cable
trenches will be bunded to ensure that the trench does not become a drain. Cable
markers will be used to mark the route of cables.
Turbine Foundations
Large reinforced concrete foundations are required to support the large turbine
structures. The bases will need to be constructed with minimal disturbance to the
vegetation and surrounding hydrology. The position of each wind turbine will be set
out with the extent of the foundation will be marked on the ground and an
allowance made for working space and shuttering. Any adjacent ditches which
would convey surface water towards the area will be diverted in advance of any
excavations. The required area will be excavated with the topsoil and sub-soils set
aside for reinstatement. The area will be excavated to a suitable formation and
cleared of all loose, fractured rock.
Drainage ditches will be excavated around the perimeter to keep the excavation
dry. An outfall ditch will be created where possible or a sump formed for pumping
out of the excavations. Batters will be formed where appropriate and in cases
where these are adjacent to site tracks, berms will be formed along the top edge.
In some instances, it may be the case that site tracks need to be widened to allow
safe passage of construction plant and vehicles. Blinding concrete will be placed
and leveled to the required dimensions and level and finished with a vibrating
power screed. The base will be set out to the required dimensions and offered for
inspection prior to steel fixing. Reinforcement bar will be delivered to site and
stored adjacent to the excavation. A telehandler will deposit the largest bundles of
bars onto the blinding concrete to cut down on manual handling. Steel fixers will
form the reinforcement cage to the required dimensions and levels as indicated on
the design drawings and schedules. All steel will be adequately supported on
chairs, cover blocks and tied securely. The area will be cleared of all debris prior to
edge formwork being inserted. All ducts, earth connectors, drainage pipes and bolt
assemblies will be inserted in accordance with the drawings. Once the steelwork
has been partially completed, a foundation tower adapter provided by the turbine
manufacturer will be lifted into the center of the foundation by a mobile crane. This
adapter will then be thoroughly leveled by an engineer and tied into the remaining
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foundation using reinforcement bar – and designed so that it will remain at least
300mm proud of the finished concrete surface of the foundation.
Edge formwork will be positioned to the required dimensions and adequately
shored. Height checks will be set where necessary and on completion the base will
be offered for inspection in advance of the concrete pour.
The concrete will be delivered to the turbine locations in truck mounted mixers and
discharged through a mobile concrete pump into the formwork until the required
profile and level is achieved. Concrete deliveries will be slump tested and cubes
taken at the required frequency for later testing. The exposed faces will be finished
and an appropriate curing agent applied in accordance with the manufacturers
recommendations. Covers will be applied when necessary. Formwork will be
removed on satisfactory curing and care taken so as not to damage any ducts or
inserts. Extensive earthing protection will be installed to the foundation for turbine
earthing, and lightning protection. This would typically take the shape of bare
copper wires laid underground from the 4 corners of the base for about 30m
outwards (the actual length would be determined by the calculation completed
after the electrical resistivity testing).
2.5.6 Turbine Erection
The components of the wind turbine (towers, nacelles and blades) will be delivered
directly from the highway network via the access tracks (to the working area at the
prepared wind turbine bases. The cranes will be brought to the site in a
disassembled condition. All counterweights and boom sections will be delivered by
articulated Lorries. The tail cranes will be smaller, hydraulic, and telescopic, rough-
terrain cranes that may also require one or two articulated Lorries to supply the
counterweights and other parts. Before moving on the site the main cranes will
require disassembling to reduce the overall weight and the axle loading. The
towers will be erected from the delivery trailer onto the foundation. The heavy
goods vehicles and cranes will operate from the track and the hardstanding at
each base location. The nacelle will be unloaded from its trailer and laid adjacent
to the base within the base working area prior to erection on the tower using the
crane. Upon delivery, the blades will be fitted onto the rotor. The rotor assembly
will then be lifted onto the previously erected nacelle by crane. Alternatively the
hub may be lifted and attached to the nacelle followed by a one-at-a-time
installation of the blades. It is anticipated that the installation of each turbine will
take 2 lifting days in good weather; however, the construction program will make
allowance for an amount of weather downtime.
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2.6 Water Requirement and Waste Generation
It is envisaged that the following quantity of water will be required for the project:
70 m3 of water will be required daily for dust suppression purposes during the dry
season. Assuming that construction works are undertaken 22 days in a month, it is
anticipated that about 1540 m3 of water per month will be required for dust
suppression; and 1m3 will be required for curing each concrete foundation, which
implies that a total of about 26 m3 will be required in total.
The maximum water demand during construction phase, per month is expected to
be approximately 1540m3.
This water demand could be satisfied in one of three ways namely:
Abstraction of water from the existing boreholes in the area after getting formal
consent from the borehole owner; or
Use of water bowsers and storage of water in tanks in the lay down area; or
Drilling new boreholes in accordance with the local regulations or Central
Ground Water Authority (CGWA) requirements
Since no labour campsites will be set up during the construction phase of the
project, waste water generation from the construction activities will be limited to
washing and cleaning activities related to construction activities. Portable toilet
with septic tank soak pits will be provided at construction site to facilitate the
disposal of sewage generated.
2.7 Power Requirement
The power requirement during the construction phase will be from diesel generator
sets.
2.8 Staff Requirement
During construction stage man power ranging from 60-80 will be required during
normal functions while peak construction activities will require 250-300 workers.
The unskilled labour required for construction activities will be locally hired and
therefore labour camp will not be required to be set up except for when skilled
workers are hired from outside. Skilled workers for crane operation and electrical
works will be brought in from outside, which will be limited to 50-60 individuals.
The workers coming from outside will be lodged in rented accommodation in
nearby towns. Adequate facility for drinking water and sanitation will be provided at
the construction site.
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2.9 Construction Waste
Construction waste will be limited to packaging and crafting material of turbines
and construction debris. Earth moving activities and construction of wind energy
facilities will require use of heavy machinery /equipment which would generate
waste oil, gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, lubricant, cleaning fluids, paints, degreasers
and other similar substances, these substances are categorised as hazardous
waste and shall be dealt with as per the Hazardous Waste Management Handling
and Trans-boundary Movement Rules 2008 and its amendments. As per the rules
the hazardous waste generated shall be supplied to an approved vendor.
2.10 Project Operation Activities
Wind projects require a dedicated Operation and Maintenance (O&M) facility for
storing equipment and supplies required during operation. The site shall
undertake 24 hours on site monitoring under the supervision of technically skilled
and experienced staff to look after the O&M requirements of the entire Wind Farm.
There shall be a workshop facility available at site to take care of regular
maintenance requirement of the Wind Turbines. A tool room with sufficient stock of
tools and spares as well as critical components will be maintained at the site.
There will be an off remote O&M facility involving the supervisory control and data
acquisition (SCADA) system. This system provides two-way communication with
each wind turbine. A SCADA system allows a central computer system to monitor
and control each turbine‘s operation. The typical maintenance and repair activity
during operation phase involves preventive and breakdown maintenance of Wind
turbines and/or the related equipment in accordance with the safety management
plans and procedures as applicable and/or in accordance with accepted industry
practices.
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3 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Wind Energy and Government of India
In India development of wind power as a source of renewable energy began in
1990’s under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The MNRE is
promoting wind energy sector in view of rapid growth and shortage of power in the
country. Today, it is one of the fastest growing wind power industries in the world.
The worldwide installed capacity of wind power reached 435 GW. The capacity
has significantly increased in the last few years and as of 31 Aug 2016 the
installed capacity of wind power in India was 27,676.55 MW.
In India, wind power accounts for 8.6% of India's total installed power capacity,
and it generates 2.5% of the country's power. In the year 2015, the MNRE set the
target for Wind Power generation capacity by the year 2022 at 60,000 MW.
Various states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and others are generating wind power in
India. The approximate wind power capacity for the state of Andhra Pradesh as in
2016 was approximately 1866.35 MW.
It is increasingly agreed by the scientific community that anthropogenic
infrastructure development technologies are likely to pose a long term risk to the
survival of several animal and plant species, from causes such as emissions of
greenhouse gases, habitat destruction, and release of other pollutants in the
environment (IPCC 2007). The wind power sector is characterized by zero
emissions and low carbon foot print and is perceived to be a better alternative to
fossil fuel energy technology (Nelson and Curry 1995; Ledec 2012). Today the
wind power sector is rapidly growing Osborn et al 2000).
However, the wind power sector has its unique problems such as noise, flicker,
radar signal interference, cultural issues, aesthetic issues, benefit sharing, land
acquisition and settlement problems (Ledec 2012). Such impacts will be
considered separately under ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
Study). Impacts on biodiversity are site specific and are related to habitat
destruction, power transmission lines, road constructions, etc. Such effects should
be studied and mitigation measures should be initiated to minimize the negative
effects.
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The major effects of wind power sector include i) Habitat destruction and
fragmentation; and ii) Effects on birds and bats such as barrier effect, collisions
and electrocutions. Though the apparent footprint of an individual wind turbine
generator (WTG) is small, the long term effects include species displacement due
to habitat modification.
3.2 Legal Aspects and International Concerns
In India, the MNRE has presently given substantial incentives to the wind power
sector.
These include
Wind Power Projects have an exemption from ‘Environmental Clearance’
under the Environment Protection Act, 1980.
Wind power plant falls under white category and therefore it is exempted to
obtain CTE and CTO from state pollution control board. Wind power plant is
exempted to obtain CTO. However, SPCB needs to be informed by the project
proponent while starting the project.
The MNRE, Government of India, has issued guidelines for projects utilizing
wind energy on 10.11.2003, and further amendments (F.No.8-84/2002-FC
dated 14-5-2004) for diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes under the
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Guidelines for declaration of Eco-Sensitive zones (ESZ) around National Parks
and Wildlife Sanctuaries issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MOEF), Government of India, dtd 9th February 2011 also suggest promotion
of green technology and use of renewable energy in these zones.
Eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) notification by MOEF, Government of India,
promotes setting up of non- conventional wind and solar energy sources.
There remain certain major problems such as negative impacts on wild fauna and
flora and their natural habitats if the wind projects are placed in areas of high bio-
diversity areas, endemic areas, migration corridors, adjacent to protected areas
and in sensitive eco-zones. Some of the treaties and conventions of National and
International importance are kept below.
3.2.1 Ramsar Convention 1971
Ramsar Convention, the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) is an
intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries
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to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance
and to plan for the "wise use" (sustainable use), of all of the wetlands in their
territories. It is not affiliated with the United Nations system of Multilateral
Environmental Agreements, but it works very closely with the other MEAs and is a
full partner among the biodiversity-related cluster of treaties and agreements. India
is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention and has declared several wetlands as
Ramsar Sites
3.2.2 Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
The Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 is enacted by the government of India, with the
objective of protecting the Indian wild life and to control poaching, smuggling and
illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives. The Act was amended and made more
stringent in 2003. The MOEF has proposed further amendments in the law from
time to time by introducing more rigid measures to strengthen the Act. The
objective is to provide protection to the listed (in its various schedules) endangered
flora and fauna and ecologically important protected areas.
3.2.3 Convention on Migratory Species 1979
The treatises under this Convention may range from legally binding Agreements to
MOU’s. The Bonn Convention or the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species (CMS) of Wild Animals aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian
migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, signed
under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Program at Bonn in 1979,
concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. The
Convention entered into force in 1983. Migratory species threatened with
extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention. CMS Parties strive towards
strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places where they
live, mitigating obstacles to migration and controlling other factors that might
endanger them. CMS establishes obligations for each State joining the Convention
and promotes concerted action among the Range States of many of these
species.
3.2.4 Forest Conservation Act 1980
This regulatory and restrictive Act controls the diversion of forest land for non-
forest purposes without the prior approval of the Central Government.
The wind turbine blades should be coloured near the tip and the placement of
WTG’s should be monitored by State Governments to reduce negative effects
such as humming noise on avian habitats.
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National Parks and Sanctuaries, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONBs), Natural Heritage Site, sites of Archaeological importance and sites of
Special Scientific Interests and other important landscapes should not be
considered for the wind energy farms.
The wind power projects should be placed at a safe distance from the above
sites.
The wind farm project should be sited at a distance of at least 300 m from
human habitations and highways.
3.2.5 Environment Protection Act 1986
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) has issued rules under sections
3 and 5 of the EP Act, 1986. The MOEF ensures the implementation of this Act.
3.2.6 Convention on Biological Diversity 1992
To promote and ensure sustainable development, the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) has three main goals: 1) conservation of biological diversity (or
biodiversity); 2) sustainable use of its components; and 3) fair and equitable
sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It is an internationally legally
binding convention and India is a signatory. Its objective is to develop national
strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity During the
International Year of Bio-diversity in 2010, at the 10th Conference of Parties (COP)
to the convention on Biological Diversity in October in Nagoya, Japan, the Nagoya
Protocol was adopted. On 22 December 2010, the UN declared the period from
2011 to 2020 as the UN-Decade on Biodiversity.
3.2.7 The Biological Diversity Act 2002
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992 has set forth
objectives which recognize the sovereign rights of states to use their own
Biological Resources. It ensures conservation of biological resources and the
associated knowledge and facilitating access to them in a just and sustainable
manner. A National Biodiversity Authority is established at Chennai for the
facilitation of the implementation of the provisions of this Act.
3.2.8 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
This Act was passed to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on
animals and to amend the existing laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to
animals. The Animal Board of India was formed under the provisions of this act for
the promotion of animal welfare in our country.
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3.2.9 IFC – Performance Standards (PS) & Environmental, Health, and Safety
(EHS) Guidelines
The International Financial Corporation (IFC) is institution that have developed the
“Performance Standards” in order to ensure that the project being financed by
them are developed in a manner that is socially responsible and reflect sound
environmental management practices. In India, wind power projects are
categorized as green projects and categorized as having low impact.
Cognizance has to be taken of the following standards and guidelines (amongst others) in the preparation of the management and monitoring plan.
Applicable mandatory legislative requirements;
Guidance on IFC – PS (2012);
Guidelines and policies of international agencies – Wind energy specific EHS guidelines published by the IFC (2007);
International conventions applicable to the proposed wind power project;
Group Environment Policy;
Compliance status of various environmental permits obtained for proposed wind power project;
Proposed standards for Wind power project by MoE&F/CPCB/SPCB and other related;
The following IFC – Performance Standards (PS) (2012) are listed below - PS -1: Social and Environmental Assessment and Management Systems PS- 2: Labour and Working Conditions PS- 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement PS-4: Community Health, Safety and Security PS-5: Land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, PS-6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural resource Management PS-7: Indigenous People PS-8: Cultural Heritage
The actions required to be taken up under “PS-6: Biodiversity Conservation and
Sustainable Natural resource Management” performance standards are described
in the following sub sections.
Performance Standard (PS) -6 Protection and Conservation of Bio diversity
PS- 6 applies to all habitats, whether or not previously disturbed or legally
protected. The standard is on protection and conservation of biodiversity, including
endangered species and sensitive ecosystems in modified, natural and critical
habitats, and identification of legally protected areas. Not a single species was
observed to be threatened in the study area. The fauna which area are observed
in the study area including measures to be taken to curtail avian fauna collisions to
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all WTG in and around the proposed wind power project area are detailed in
description of Biological environment chapter.
3.2.10 Basel Convention
Basel convention was signed by India in March 1990 and ratified in June 1992.
The import and export norms for the hazardous waste have been provided in
conformance with the Basel Convention.
As per the current understanding, it is assumed that the project is not requiring any
import and or export of hazardous wastes. However, in case of any such
requirement, if arises, it will be strictly dealt under the Hazardous Wastes
(Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 and
amended on 30th March 2010.
3.2.11 Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto protocol was signed by India in August 2002 and ratified in February
2005. The convention pertains to the United Nations framework on Climate
Change. The 3rd Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on
Climate Change (FCCC) in Kyoto in December 1997 introduced the Clean
Development Mechanism (CDM) as a new concept for voluntary green house gas
emission reduction agreements between industrialized and developing countries
on the project level.
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4 DISCRIPTION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Wind Energy and Biodiversity
Wind-powered turbines generating electricity are helpful in achieving greener
energy with no pollution. Despite these positive features, constructing massive
numbers of wind-powered turbines, or wind energy developments popularly called
windmills have the potential to leave an impact on wildlife populations, especially if
their placement is without proper planning. The global growth of wind energy has
outpaced our assessment of possible impacts on wildlife. There is not much
literature available on comprehensive studies on impact of windmills on birds and
bats in India. Wind energy and wildlife Rapid wind energy development in India
has raised significant challenges and opportunities in wildlife management. Such
challenges include the large size and extensive placement of turbines, which may
represent potential hazards to birds and bats, and the associated infrastructure
required to support large number of roads and transmission lines can result in
extensive habitat fragmentation and spread of invasive species (Narwade, S.S. et.
al. 2013)
The impact of wind turbines on wildlife, most notably on birds and bats, has been
widely pointed out. There have been evidences of bird and bat deaths from
collisions with wind turbines and due to changes in air pressure caused by the
spinning turbines. Habitat disruption has also contributed to birds and bat deaths.
However one of the studies of National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC)
concluded that these impacts are relatively low and do not pose a threat to species
populations (Reference: Wind energy status in india 2014-15, TERI, ENVIS Centre
on Renewable Energy and Environment). NWCC is a consensus-based network of
stakeholders formed in 1994 to support the development of environmentally,
economically, and politically sustainable commercial markets for wind power. The
mission of the NWCC Wildlife Workgroup is to identify, define, discuss, and
through collaboration address wind-wildlife and wind-habitat interaction issues by
seeking broad stakeholder involvement on scientific and public policy questions. In
addition to convening biennial meetings on the state of the art in wind-wildlife
research, the workgroup seeks to provide reference documents as a resource to
stakeholders.
4.2 Study Period
During the period of monsoon season i.e. July - August, 2016 and winter season
i.e. December - January, 2017.
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4.3 Scope of work
4.3.1 Establishing the impacts of wind mills on birds
To establish whether wind mills, and which type of windmills, kill or injure birds
and bats or otherwise pose impediment for the movement of birds to their
destination. This should be done keeping in view annual migration patterns as
well as nearby roosting sites.
To establish which size classes or groups of birds, bats and other arboreal
primates and gliding species, are vulnerable / affected by wind mill farms.
To examine if ground nesting birds nest in wind mill farms, and if the patterns
of nest densities / nesting success are similar when compared to areas without
farms.
To examine the impact of a wind mill farm on roost or congregation site for
species like harriers/ fruit bats along with the status of the congregation site
post construction of the wind farm.
To examine if the wind farm adversely affects the foraging capabilities of the
birds of the area.
To assess if the forest canopy contiguity is likely to be affected and the
consequent impacts on glider species (e.g. flying squirrels).
To suggest preventive, ameliorative and restorative strategies for addressing
significant potential impacts of proposed windmill farms on wildlife.
4.3.2 Site selection process of wind farm to examine
If large bodied birds, such as bustards, vultures or cranes or larger bat species
are present in the existing / proposed wind mill farm site.
To examine if the wind mill farm is situated along migratory routes of birds
either local or long distance.
To examine if the wind mill is situated along and across pathways of birds on
routes to or from roosts
To examine if the site holds other forms of terrestrial birds/mammals/ reptiles
and assess how these would be affected by the establishment of the project.
To assess the impact of wind mill farm location on landuse of the area and the
consequent shift of anthropogenic pressures to other ecologically sensitive
areas/ habitats.
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4.3.3 National/state level exercise by FAC / NBWL
To map the location of windmill farms existing / proposed and to examine these
sites for wind mill vulnerable bird species.
To develop an atlas of 'no' and 'yes' sites for windmill farms in India based on
energy and bird / wildlife priorities.
Review the performance of existing windmill farms with respect to the
incorporation of best practices and good mitigation strategies for addressing
biodiversity/ wildlife conservation concerns to accordingly set criteria for
environmental appraisal of windmill farm projects.
4.4 Forest Type Vegetation
As per Champion and Seth's classification, the Forests of Anantapur Division fall
under Tropical dry deciduous, Tropical Moist deciduous, Tropical Semi-evergreen
and Tropical Thorn Forest types. Proposed project study area mainly consists of
the hills of the Dorigallu Reserve Forest area of two divisions i.e. Anantapur
division (Anantapur district) and Proddatur (WL) division (Cuddapah district) and
its surrounding agriculture land, waste land etc.
4.5 Project Site Location
The selected area was identified by the project authority for conducting Wind
resource assessment and establishing Wind Power Project. The same was allotted
by Nodal Agency NREDCAP, as per MNRE guidelines it was validated through C-
WET, confirmed that it is a technically feasible and having good wind potential.
This area is highly wind prone and having the predominant winds from West and
South West directions and the terrain is well suited in view of its direction
perpendicular to the wind flow. In view of the above, proposed Reserve Forest
area applied for said project to generate the green power to benefit the state and
country.
4.5.1 Delineation of the Study Area
Core zone: Project foot print area
Buffer Zone: 5 kilometer from boundary of core zone
4.5.2 Habitats / Ecosystems of the Study Area
Overall study area composed of mainly four types of habitats i.e. forest, waste
lands, river habitat (sandy) and agriculture areas. There is no Important Bird Area
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(IBA) in Annatapur district (http://www.birdlife.org/). Also, no wildlife sanctuary,
national parks or Important Bird Areas present in the buffer zone area of the
proposed project site.
Photograph 1: Habitats in the Study Area
Dorigallu RF - Moderate
Forest
Dorigallu RF - Sparse Forest
Dorigallu RF – Rocky Terrain Chitravati River - Dry
Waste Lands Near Villages
Agriculture Area
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4.6 Methodology
4.6.1 Secondary Information / Literature Review
Data from forest department on tree species has been used to understand floral
status in forest area.
4.6.2 Field Data Collection
Avifauna – Birds (including Raptors)
Random walk and opportunistic observations was used for documenting the birds.
With the aid of binoculars the bird sampling was carried out during morning (06:00
to 10:00 hrs) and evening (17:00 to 19:00 hrs) hours. Point count methods were
used for enumerating the avifauna of the study area. The bird observations were
repeated at each point for five minutes intervals to see the species richness of the
area. Direct sightings as well as calls were used for recording the birds. Grimmet
et al. (2001) and Manakadan et. al (2011) were referred for the identification of
birds. Specific care was taken to see the bird migration and migratory flyways in
the core area.
Mammals (including Bats)
During the present study period, both direct and indirect methods (tracks & signs
and visual encounter survey) were used to document the mammals occurring in
the area. Indirect evidences such as pugmarks, calls, and signs were identified by
following Bang et al. (1972), Burnham et al. (1980) and Heyer et al. (1994).
Specific care was taken to see the bat migration in the core area, if any. In order to
get direct information on bat migration from roosting place, the investigation work
was carried out till night.
Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)
Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method is followed for the survey of the herpeto
fauna (amphibians and reptiles) in the study area. VES is a method one in which
field personnel walk through an area or habitat for a prescribed time period
systematically searching for animals. During the search leaf litter, fallen logs, trees
(bark, buttress, root and holes), shrubs, boulders, rocks and rock crevices were
examined. The identification of herpetofauna was done with the help of Boulenger
(1890), Daniel and Sekar (1989), Daniels (2005), Das (2003), Whitaker and
Captain (2004).
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Consultation of Local People
Local residents were also contacted to understand faunal species movements.
Color photographs (pictorial guide) were shown to people to identify species.
4.6.3 Threat Assessment Criteria
Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA) - 1972 and International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) database.
Photograph 2: Field study – Primary Data Collection
Project Site Visit - Dorigallu RF
Area
On Site Discussion with Client
Representative
Bat Search in Rock Crevices
In Field discussion with Local
Villager
Discussion With Local People
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4.7 Biodiversity Status
4.7.1 Flora
Project site forest area predominantly represents floral biodiversity of 23 species of
plants. Predominant Species reported from the project site forest area are enlisted
in the following table.
Table 5: Predominant Floral Species of the Project Site / Core zone
S. No. Family Scientific Name Common
name
IUCN Threat
Status
1 Bignoniaceae Catalpa speciosa Neeruddhi NE
2 Apocynaceae Holarrhena
pubescens
Palavara LC
3 Fabaceae Albizia amara Chinguru
chettu
NE
4 Hernandiaceae Gyrocarpus jacquinii Poliki chettu NE
5 Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia tirucalli Kali chettu LC
6 Leguminosae Dalbergia paniculata Pachaara
chettu
NE
7 Lythraceae Lagerstroemia
parviflora
Bondara chettu NE
8 Myrtaceae Syzygium cumini Neredu chettu NE
9 Lamiaceae Tectona grandis Teak chettu NE
10 Loganiaceae Strychnos potatorum Chilla chettu NE
11 Fabaceae Pongamia pinnata Kanuga chettu LC
12 Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus
leucopyrus
Puli Maanla
Podha
NE
13 Phyllanthaceae Ulex europaeus Gorise podha LC
14 Ulmaceae Ulmus integrifolia Thapisi chettu NE
15 Rubiaceae Webera corymbosa Kommi manla
podha
NE
16 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus horrida Gutika chettu NE
17 Tiliaceae Grewia rotundifolia Jaana chettu NE
18 Rubiaceae Gardenia gummifera Bhikki chettu LRlc
19 Tiliaceae Corchorus
acutangulus
Kalesa NE
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S. No. Family Scientific Name Common
name
IUCN Threat
Status
20 Pinaceae Cedrus deodara Devadaru
podha
LC
21 Caesalpiniaceae Bauhinia racemosa Aare manu NE
22 Caesalpiniaceae Cassia fistula Rela chettu NE
23 Asphodelaceae Aloe barbadensis Kalmandha
Bondhalu
NE
Abbreviations- LC: Least Concern, LRlc: Lower Risk / least concern, NE: Not
Evaluated
Adjacent habitats of buffer zone / village areas represents presence of many
common species like Acacia, Tamarindus lndica (Chinta); Ficus bngalensis (Mam);
Azardhicta lndica (Vepa); Acacia farnesiana (Kampa Thumma); Anona Squamosa
(Seethapalam); Mangifera lndica (Mamidi); Cassia auriculata (Thangedu), Acacia
catechu (Sandra), Aegle marmelos (Maredu), Artemisia Bauhinia variegata (Deva
Kan-chanam), Butea monosperma (Moduga), Calotropis gigantea (Tella jilledu),
Cassia fistula (Rela), Curcuma longa (Pasupu), Cynodon dactylon (Garika),
Dalbergia sissoo (Iridi), Ficus benghalensis (Marri) , Ficus racemosa (Medi) , Ficus
religiosa (Ravi), Jasminum sambac (Gundu malle), Madhuca indica (Ippa),
Nelumbo nucifera (Tamara), Ocimum basilicum (Bhu tulasi) , Ocimum sanctum
(Krishna tulasi), Prosopis cineraria (Jammi) , Saraca asoca (Sitamma asoka),
Shorea robusta (Guggilam) , Syzygium cumini (Skeels Neredu), Tabernaemontana
divari-cata (Nandivard-hanam), Terminalia arjuna (Tella maddi). All the species
exists in the forest area are also found in the buffer zone area.
Photograph 3: Some Predominant Plant Species in the Project site / Core
Zone
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4.7.2 Fauna
During present survey, 10 species of mammals, 6 species of herpetofauna (reptile
& amphibians) and 46 species of birds have been recorded from different habitats
and basis of secondary information.
Mammals
Among mammals, Bonnet macaque, Indian gray mongoose, Five Striped squirrel
were sighted directly in forest area and also in adjacent village areas while
presence of Indian Hare have been confirmed on the basis of presence of pellets
in project site also in many places of buffer zone too. Other mammal species
included in the list on the basis of secondary information provided by local
villagers. Threat status, as per Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA)-1972 and
IUCN for mammals are given in the following table. No bats were sighted in the
study area during site visit however one of villager from Eguvapalle village
mentioned that he has sighted small sized bats from the forest area. But people
from other villages were not confirmed same.
Table 6: Mammals Recorded / Reported From the Study Area and Their
Threat Status
S.
No
.
Scientific Name Common name
Threat Status Presence
Zone
IWPA-
1972
IUC
N
CZ BZ
1
Five Stripped
Squirrel
Funambulus
pennanti
- LC Y Y
2
Common House
Rat Rattus rattus
Schedule-
V
LC Y Y
3
Common
Mongoose
Herpestes
edwardsi
Schedule-II LC Y Y
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S.
No
.
Scientific Name Common name
Threat Status Presence
Zone
IWPA-
1972
IUC
N
CZ BZ
4 Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis
Schedule-
IV
LC Y Y
5 Bonnet Macaque Macaca radiata Schedule-II LC Y Y
6 Wild Boar* Sus scrofa
Schedule-
III
LC Y Y
7 Sambar* Cervus unicolor
Schedule-
III
VU Y Y
8 Jungle Cat* Felis chaus Schedule-II LC Y Y
9 Jackal* Canis aureus Schedule-II LC Y Y
10 Indian Fox*
Vulpes
bengalensis
Schedule-II LC Y Y
*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local people,
LC; Least Concer, NT: Near Threatened, VU: Vulnerable, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer
Zone, Y: Yes present.
Herpetofauna
Totally 6 species of herpetofauna were reported on the basis of direct and
secondary information. Among reptiles, only two species were sighted in the field
while other species are included in the list on the basis of secondary information
by the villagers. All reptile species are enlisted in the following table.
Table 7: Herpetofauna Recorded / Reported from the Study Area and Their
Threat Status
S.
No. Common name Scientific Name
Threat Status Presence
Zone
IWPA-
1972 IUCN
CZ BZ
1 Indian garden
lizard
Calotes
versicolor
Schedule-
IV
- Y Y
2
Monitor Lizard*
Varanus
bengalensis
Schedule-I LC - Y
3 Fan Throated
Lizard
Sitana
ponticeriana
- - Y Y
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S.
No. Common name Scientific Name
Threat Status Presence
Zone
IWPA-
1972 IUCN
CZ BZ
4 South Indian
Toad
Bufo
melanostictus
Schedule-
IV
LC - Y
5 Ordinary frog* Rana
hexadactyla
Schedule-
IV
- - Y
6 Rat snake* Ptyas mucosus Schedule-
II
- - Y
*included in the list on the basis of secondary information – informed by local
people, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer Zone, Y: Yes present.
Avifauna / Birds
Among birds, 48 species were sighted during present survey. As per IIWPA-1972,
40 species falls under Schedule-IV while 7 species i.e. White Eyed Buzzard,
Shikra, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Montagu`s Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Indian Peafowl
and Black winged Kite falls in schedule-I category. As per IUCN status, 47 species
of bird falls in Least Concern (LC) category while one species i.e. Black Headed
Ibis falls in the Near Threatened (NT) category. Two individuals of Black winged
Kite (Raptor) were sighted from agriculture habitats (one seating on transmission
line and one on pole) between Murarichintala – Digurapalle villages. Montagu`s
Harrier was sighted near the Edulapalli village.
Table 8: Avifauna / Birds Recorded from the Study Area and Their Threat
Status
S.
No
.
Scientific Name Common Name
Threat
Status
Presence
Zone
IWPA-
1972
IUC
N CZ BZ
1 Accipiter badius Shikra I LC Y Y
2 Acridotheres tristis Common Myna IV LC Y Y
3 Anthus rufulus Paddy field Pipit IV LC - Y
4 Apus affinis Little Swift IV LC Y Y
5 Ardea cinerea Grey Heron IV LC - Y
6 Ardeola grayii Pond Heron IV LC Y Y
7 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret IV LC - Y
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S.
No
.
Scientific Name Common Name
Threat
Status
Presence
Zone
IWPA-
1972
IUC
N CZ BZ
8 Butastur teesa White Eyed Buzzard I LC - Y
9 Cecropis daurica
Red Rumped
Swallow - LC
Y Y
10
Centropus (sinensis)
parroti Southern Coucal IV LC
Y Y
11 Cinnyris asiaticus Purple Sunbird IV LC Y Y
12 Circus aeruginosus
Eurasian Marsh
Harrier I LC
- Y
13 Columba livia Rock Dove - LC - Y
14 Copsychus saularis
Oriental Magpie
Robin IV LC
Y Y
15
Coracias
benghalensis Indian Roller IV LC
Y Y
16 Corvus splendens House crow IV LC Y Y
17
Dicrurus
macrocercus Black Drongo IV LC
Y Y
18 Egretta garzetta Little Egret IV LC - Y
19 Elanus caeruleus Black winged Kite I LC Y Y
20 Eremopterix griseus
Ashy crowned
Sparrow Lark IV LC
Y Y
21
Eudynamys
scolopaceus Asian Koel IV LC
Y Y
22
Francolinus
pondicerianus Grey Francolin IV LC
- Y
23 Fulica atra Common Coot IV LC - Y
24 Halcyon smyrnensis
White Throated
Kingfisher IV LC
- Y
25 Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite I LC - Y
26 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow - LC Y Y
27 Lanius vittatus Bay Backed Shrike - LC Y Y
28 Merops orientalis Green Bee-eater IV LC Y Y
29 Microcarbo niger Little Cormorant IV LC - Y
30 Mirafra affinis Jerdon`s bushlark IV LC Y Y
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S.
No
.
Scientific Name Common Name
Threat
Status
Presence
Zone
IWPA-
1972
IUC
N CZ BZ
31
Motacilla
maderaspatensis
White Browed
Wagtail IV LC
Y Y
32 Passer domesticus House sparrow IV LC - Y
33 Pastor roseus Rosy Starling IV LC Y Y
34 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl* I LC - Y
35 Psittacula krameri
Rose ringed
Parakeet IV LC
Y Y
36 Pycnonotus cafer Red Vented Bulbul IV LC Y Y
37 Saxicola caprata Pied Bushchat IV LC Y Y
38 Saxicola rubicola Common Stonechat IV LC Y Y
39
Saxicoloides
fulicatus Indian Robin IV LC
Y Y
40
Streptopelia
decaocto
Eurasian Collared
Dove IV LC
- Y
41
Streptopelia
senegalensis Laughing Dove IV LC
- Y
42 Sturnia pagodarum Brahminy Starling IV LC Y Y
43
Threskiornis
melanocephalus Black Headed Ibis IV NT
- Y
44 Turdoides affinis Yellow Billed babbler IV LC Y Y
45 Upupa epops Common Hoopoe - LC Y Y
46 Vanellus indicus Red Wattled Lapwing IV LC - Y
47 Vanellus indicus
Yellow-Wattled
Lapwing IV LC
- Y
48 Circus pygargus Montagu`s Harrier I LC - Y
*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local people,
LC; Least Concern, NT: Near Threatened, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer Zone, Y: Yes
present.
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Table 9: Raptor Distribution and Threat Status in the study Area
S.
No. Scientific Name Common Name
Threat Status Presenc
e Zone
IWPA-
1972
IUC
N CZ BZ
1 Accipiter badius Shikra I LC Y Y
2 Butastur teesa White Eyed Buzzard I LC - Y
3
Circus
aeruginosus
Eurasian Marsh
Harrier I LC
- Y
4 Elanus caeruleus Black winged Kite I LC Y Y
5 Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite I LC - Y
6 Circus pygargus Montagu`s Harrier I LC - Y
*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local
people, LC; Least Concern, NT: Near Threatened, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer
Zone, Y: Yes present.
Photograph 4: Some Fauna Directly Sighted in the Study Area
Fan Throated Lizard Garden Lizard
Hare Pallets Five Striped Squirrel
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Bonnet Macaque Black Shoulder Kite - Raptor
Montagu`s Harrier - Raptor Common Crow
Red Vented Bulbul Oriental Magpie-Robin
White Throated Kingfisher Yellow-Wattled Lapwing
Migratory Status of the Avifauna
Among recorded species, only 6 species Red Rumped Swallow, Eurasian Marsh
Harrier, Montagu`s Harrier, Rosy Starling, Common Stonechat and Barn Swallow
reported as a Winter Visitor (WV). Rosy starling is a winter visitor to the study area
and moves throughout India during autumn and spring season. Barn swallow is
also a winter visitor throughout India. None of the species observed are endemic
to the project area. Core zone reported with 4 migratory species while buffer zone
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with all 6 species. Presence of bird species in the core and buffer zone is
represented in the following table.
Table 10: Migratory Status of the Avifauna and Distribution in Study Area
S.
No.
Scientific
Name Common name
Migrator
y Status
Presence Zone
CZ BZ
1
Cecropis
daurica
Red Rumped
Swallow WV
Y Y
2
Circus
aeruginosus
Eurasian Marsh
Harrier WV
- Y
3 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow WV Y Y
4 Pastor roseus Rosy Starling WV Y Y
5
Saxicola
rubicola Common Stonechat WV
Y Y
6 Circus pygargus Montagu`s Harrier WV - Y
*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local
people, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer Zone, Y: Yes present.
4.8 Endemic and Threatened Biodiversity
As per Red Data Book and IUCN threat status assessment no floral species falls
under threatened category. Five plant species are in Least concern (Lc) category,
one species is falls in Lower Risk / least concern (LRlc) category while remaining
species are Not Evaluated by IUCN. Among fauna, among mammals, one species
i.e. Sambar falls in the Schedule-III category of IWPA-1972 and Vulnerable (VU)
as per IUCN red list. Similarly, among herpetofauna, one species i.e. Monitor
Lizard falls in Schedule-I category as per IWPA-1972 and Lest Concern as per
IUCN red list. Among avifauna, bird species White Eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Eurasian
Marsh Harrier, Montagu`s Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Indian Peafowl and Black
winged Kite falls in schedule-I category as per IWPA-1972 while Black Headed Ibis
is listed as a Near Threatened category as per IUCN red list.
4.9 Conclusion
Current biodiversity study of the proposed project area shows that, recorded flora
and fauna elements are common component of the project study area. Bats were
not sighted during site visits. Raptors were sighted very rarely with few individuals
only. All other species sighted / recorded from the core zone / project footprint area
are also using buffer zone habitats. No species found restricted to the forest
habitat only.
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5 ANTICIPATED ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
MEASURES
5.1 Ecological Impact Assessment
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is a process by which the potential
ecological impacts of a development proposal are assessed. As part of the EcIA
process it is usually necessary to undertake a combination of desktop and field
based surveys in order to establish the baseline conditions of the natural
environment in the vicinity of the proposed development. The scope of survey
work required varies depending on the nature, scale and characteristics of the
proposed development and the sensitivity of the receiving environment. As part of
the EcIA process it is usually necessary to undertake a combination of desktop
and field based surveys in order to establish the baseline conditions of the natural
environment in the vicinity of the proposed development (source:
http://www.wetlandsurveysireland.com).
5.2 Ecological Impact Assessment Process
Likely impacts on ecological components are identified on the basis of various
project activities involved in project cycle and it’s associated aspects, Qualitative
impacts on ecological components are assessed considering three project phases
i.e. site clearance / preparation, construction / WTG erection phase and operation
phase. Each impact is evaluated on the basis of ecological setting of the project
study area and accordingly mitigation measures have been suggested.
5.3 Likely Impacts on Ecology
Likely impacts have been identified in three phases of the project cycle as follows,
Table 11: Likely Impacts on Biological components
S.
No
Proposed Project
Activities
Aspects Likely Impacts
1. Site Clearance / Preparation Phase
1
Site Clearance and
preparation of access
roads
Uprooting of
floral species
1. Loss of floral diversity
2. Loss of breeding habitat
3. Displacement of the forest
fauna / and disturbance to the
faunal movement including birds
and bats.
4. Animal mortalities due to
2
Movement of earth
movers i.e. Tractors and
Dozers etc.
Generation
of noise and
vehicle
speed
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S.
No
Proposed Project
Activities
Aspects Likely Impacts accidents / vehicle movements.
2. Construction / WTG Erection Phase
3
Vehicular Traffic,
movement of worker,
fabrication work etc.
Generation
of noise
5. Displacement / disturbance of
/ to the forest fauna due to
various project activities
including birds and bats.
6. Animal mortalities due to
accidents / vehicle movements
3. Operation Phase
4 Operation of Wind
turbines
7. Mortality of birds and bats
due to collision
8. Impact on migratory route /
migratory species.
5.4 Evaluation and Mitigation
It is assumed that, impacts during site clearance / preparation phase and
Construction / WTG Erection Phase will be more or less similar in nature so
impacts of these phases are merged during assessment while impacts during
operation are addressed separately. All above mentioned impacts are evaluated
and mitigated as bellow,
Impact-1. Loss of floral diversity
Evaluation
Since the proposed project location is situated in the forest area, vegetation will
be cleared to develop access roads / approach road, internal roads (road width
approx. 5 to 6 meter). Similarly, vegetation will be cleared to lay turbine
foundations (erection location), transformers, a grid connection point and
transmission lines. Same roads will be used in the operation phase also. All floral
species proposed for uprooting are common component of the forest area and
some of them also found in the buffer zone also. So, vegetation clearance will not
result in extinction of species as well there will be no loss of floral diversity in true
sense. It is assumed that, these species will grow naturally in post project
scenario. Also, most of the vegetation species falls under Least Concern, Lower
Risk / least concern and Not Evaluated category as per IUCN red list. However,
clearance of vegetation from a designated forest habitat / land is significant
episode.
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Impact-1. Loss of floral diversity
Mitigation
Vegetation clearance should be less as much as possible.
No tar road should be built in forest area.
Compensatory plantation needs to be developed on identified land by forest
department.
Water sprinklers should be used to suppress dust emission if construction
started in dry weather / summer.
Impact-2. Loss of bird breeding habitat
Evaluation
Though, no breeding places were recorded from the project footprint area, being
a forest land it is expected that, it supports birds and other faunal in terms of
breeding, feeding and roosting. Uprooting of vegetation from forest area will lead
to the loss of habitat. These disturbed habitats will be restored through natural
regeneration of vegetation in the forest area in later stages.
Mitigation
Site clearance should be done in summer or after main breeding season
(June – July).
Before vegetation clearance, route / trees proposed for removal should be
examined by the bird expert to confirm presence of any live nest on the
ground / trees.
Impact-3 & 5. Displacement of the forest fauna / and disturbance to the
faunal movement including birds and bats.
Evaluation
Being a forest land, project site is expected to support some faunal species
recorded from study area. Various project related activities will result in the
temporary displacement / disturbance of / to the forest associated faunal species.
Faunal species recorded are useing wide variety of habitats of the core zone /
forest area as well as surrounding forest habitats and other buffer zone habitats.
Therefore no permanent displacement of the fauna is expected. However,
temporary displacement of faunal species towards existing surrounding habitat is
expected due to vegetation clearance and noise disturbance.
Mitigation
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Impact-3 & 5. Displacement of the forest fauna / and disturbance to the
faunal movement including birds and bats.
All project related activities should be restricted to the project area in day time
(7 AM. to 6 PM.) only without damaging surrounding habitats.
Night time work should not be allowed. Horns should not be used in forest
areas.
Impact-4 & 6. Animal mortalities due to accidents / vehicle movements
Evaluation
During site clearance and construction phase, movement of earth movers i.e.
Tractors and Dozers etc. will take place. Being a forest land, project site is
expected to support recorded faunal species. Project area is recorded with
Schedule-I species and other threatened species too. Mortality of any faunal
species will be a significant incident.
Mitigation
Speed limits of all vehicles / equipments should be lowered by 20 to 25 km.
per hour.
Sign boards indicating same should be kept every 250 meter distance. Off
road driving should not allowed.
Impact-7. Mortality of birds (raptors) and bats due to collision
Evaluation
During site visit no bats movements were recorded in core and buffer zone.
However, 6 species of raptors have been recorded from the entire study area.
Two species i.e. Shikra and Black Winged Kite recorded from core zone while
buffer zone recorded with all six species including two species of core zone.
Raptors were rarely sighted with few individuals in the study area. It is well
studied in one of the similar report that, birds having flight height > 40 miters are
at collision risk. Following raptor species reported from the project area.
S. No.
Raptor Common
Name
Reported Flight Height in
M
1 Black winged Kite more than 60
2 Brahminy Kite 50 to 300
3
Eurasian Marsh
Harrier 60m to 300m
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Impact-7. Mortality of birds (raptors) and bats due to collision
4 White Eyed Buzzard More than 60
5 Shikra 50 to 100
6 Montagu`s Harrier 60 to 100
Mitigation
There should be sufficient space / gap (250 to 300 meters) between
consecutive turbines to have free / smooth movement of birds and bats; this
will reduce risk of collision.
Tip of blades should be appropriately painted (red or orange color can be
used) for easy visibility of blades to reduce collision.
Project site should be frequently monitored to find dead animal bodies, if
found at the site should be removed so it will not attract raptors / carnivorous
birds.
Turbine towers / poles should be appropriately designed (smooth surface) to
ensure it should not provide nesting / roosting site for birds.
Regular population monitoring of birds and bats should be carried during
operation phase to ensure population status in the project and its surrounding
area.
Impact-8. Impact on migratory route / migratory species
Evaluation
Among birds, only 6 species Red Rumped Swallow, Eurasian Marsh Harrier,
Rosy Starling, Common Stonechat, Barn Swallow and Montagu`s Harrier
reported as a Winter Visitor (WV). Out of this Red Rumped Swallow, Rosy
Starling, Common Stonechat and Barn Swallow are common in the core and
buffer zone. Eurasian Marsh Harrier and Montagu`s Harrier rarely sighted with
few individuals from buffer zone only. No established migratory routes
transverses through the project area core and buffer zone as well.
Mitigation
There should be sufficient space / gap between all turbines to have free
movement of birds and bats; this will reduce risk of collision.
Tip of blades should be appropriately painted (red or orange color can be
used) for easy visibility to reduce collision.
Project site should be frequently monitored to find dead animal bodies, if
found at the site should be removed so it will not attract birds.
Turbine towers / poles should be appropriately designed (smooth surface) to
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Impact-8. Impact on migratory route / migratory species
ensure it should not provide nesting / roosting site for birds.
Regular monitoring of birds and bats should be carried during operation
phase to ensure population status in the project and its surrounding area.
5.4.1 Cumulative Impacts
There are no other similar projects in immediate vicinity or in buffer zone of the
proposed project site so no cumulative impacts are expected. Proposed WTGs will
have minimum distance of 250 m to 300 m between consecutive turbines for
smooth faunal movements however slight (insignificant) change in local flight
pattern is expected as a cumulative impact. Present study did not recorded core
zone as a winter migratory corridor so there is no threat of disturbance and
displacement of migratory bird species. Overall, it is not anticipated that there will
be significant cumulative impacts on the avifauna resulting from the proposed
project.
5.4.2 Overall Impact Assessment
The proposed project is located on the Guttaseema Hill in the forest area.
Considering forest habitat and uprooting of trees / natural vegetation, impacts
during site clearance / pre construction phase will be expected significant.
However, these impacts will be within footprint area and can be mitigated by
uprooting minimum vegetation. While during construction / erection phase impacts
will be lower compare to site clearance phase. During operation phase impacts will
further lower (activity specific) than former two phases. No bat species have been
reported during site visit however totally 6 raptor species have been reported from
study area. Out of these, core zone recorded with only two species and all 6
(including 2 species of core zone) from buffer zone area. However, raptors are
seen with few individuals (not abundant) in the study area. Mitigations measures
are suggested to mitigate expected impacts during different phases. Overall, there
will be no significant impacts on faunal components if suggested mitigation
measures and management plan implemented properly.
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6 ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
6.1 Ecological Management Plan
Ecological management plan deals with IFC performance standard – 6 which
highlights the importance of managing the ecological performance throughout the
project cycle. Ecological management plan for different phases is given in the
following table.
Table 12: Ecological Management Plan
Ecological
Issues Mitigation Measures
Time
Frame
Responsibilities
Implementati
on
Supervisio
n
A. Site Clearance / Preparation Phase
Uprooting of
vegetation Minimum vegetation should
be cleared AND clearing
should be limited to the
project footprint area.
Compensatory plantation
needs to be developed as
suggested by forest
department.
Vegetation clearance should
be take place after
permission of forest
department.
Floral species proposed for
uprooting will be marked by
forest department.
During site
clearance /
preparation
phase
Proponent /
Contractor
Forest
departme
nt
Loss of
breeding
habitat
Site clearance should take
place in non breeding season
of birds i.e. June – July.
Before clearing, trees of
project footprint area should
be examined for live nests of
birds and nests (if any)
should be protected until
During site
clearance /
preparation
phase
Proponent /
Contractor
Proponent /
bird or
ornithology
expert
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Ecological
Issues Mitigation Measures
Time
Frame
Responsibilities
Implementati
on
Supervisio
n
hatching or uprooting of such
trees should be avoided.
Displaceme
nt of the
forest fauna
/ and
disturbance
to the faunal
movement
including
birds and
bats.
All project related activities
should be restricted to the
project area in day time only
(7 AM. to 6 PM.). Night time
work should not be allowed.
Surrounding forest habitats
should not be used for any
purpose.
Vehicle horns should not be
used in forest areas.
During site
clearance /
preparation
phase
Proponent /
Contractor
Proponent
and forest
department
Animal
mortalities
due to
accidents
due to earth
moving
equipments
Speed limits of all vehicles /
equipments should be
lowered by 20 to 25 km. per
hour.
Sign boards indicating same
should be kept every 250
meter distance.
During site
clearance /
preparation
phase
Proponent /
Contractor
Forest
department
and
Proponent
B. Construction / WTG Erection Phase
Displaceme
nt of the
forest fauna
All project related activities
should be restricted to the
project area in day time only
(7 AM. to 6 PM.). Night time
work should not be allowed.
Surrounding forest habitats
should not be used for any
purpose.
Vehicle horns should not be
used in forest areas.
During
Constructio
n / Erection
Phase
Proponent /
Contractor
Forest
department
and
Proponent
Animal
mortalities
due to
accidents /
Speed limits of all vehicles /
equipments should be
lowered by 20 to 25 km. per
During
Constructio
n / Erection
Phase
Proponent /
Contractor
Forest
department
and
Proponent
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Ecological
Issues Mitigation Measures
Time
Frame
Responsibilities
Implementati
on
Supervisio
n
vehicle
movements
hour.
Sign boards indicating same
should be kept every 250
meter distance.
C. Operation Phase
Mortality of
birds and
bats due to
collision
Sufficient space / gap
between consecutive turbines
should be kept for free
movement of birds and bats;
this will reduce risk of
collision. There is no specific
guideline pertaining to
spacing between wind
turbines by IFC.
Vane tip of blades should be
appropriately painted (red or
orange color can be used) for
easy visibility of blades to
reduce bird hits / collision.
Project site should be
frequently monitored to find
dead animal bodies, if found
at the site should be removed
so it will not attract birds.
Turbine towers / poles should
be appropriately designed
(smooth surface) to ensure it
should not provide nesting /
roosting site for birds.
Regular monitoring of birds
and bats should be carried
during operation phase to
ensure population status in
the project and its
surrounding area.
During
operation
phase
Proponent Forest
department
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6.2 Ecological Monitoring
Ecological monitoring is important components of the management. It is the
information system that deals with the observation, estimation and forecast of
changes in environment, created with the purpose of allocating anthropogenous
component of these changes on the background of natural processes. Continuous
Monitoring needs to ensure safe guard of ecological habitat and associated
biodiversity of the proposed project area. Monitoring results would be documented,
analyzed and reported internally to Head – HSE. Post project monitoring for Wind
Farms is not regulatory in India, however a No Objection Certificate from the
regional pollution control board of the state is required. Since the proposed site is
a part of forest area, all activities should be carried out in consultation of forest
department. Monitoring requirements (including monitoring frequency) have been
presented in the following table.
Table 13: Ecological Monitoring Plan and IFC PS Applicability
Ec
olo
gic
al
Co
mp
on
en
t
Pro
ject
Sta
ge
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Pa
ram
ete
rs
Lo
cati
on
of
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Fre
qu
en
cy
of
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Du
rati
on
of
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Imp
lem
en
tati
on
Ap
pli
cab
le
IF
C P
S
Damage to
live nesting
trees
Site
clearance
or Pre
constructio
n phase
Reporting
,
inspectio
n and
record
keeping
Within
the core
zone /
project
footprint
area
Continuou
s
Continuousl
y during
vegetation /
tree
removal
phase
HSE
manager
onsite /
ornithology
expert
PS:6
Displaceme
nt of the
forest fauna
Site
clearance
or Pre
constructio
n phase
and WTG
erection
phase
Reporting
,
inspectio
n and
record
keeping
Within
the core
zone /
project
footprint
area
Continuou
s
Continuousl
y during
vegetation /
tree
removal
WTG
erection
phase
HSE
manager on
site
PS:6
Animal
mortalities
due to
accidents
due to earth
Site
clearance
or Pre
constructio
n phase
Reporting
,
inspectio
n and
keeping
Roads
with in
forest
area
Continuou
s
Daily during
construction
phase and
WTG
erection
HSE
manager
onsite
PS:6
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Ec
olo
gic
al
Co
mp
on
en
t
Pro
ject
Sta
ge
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Pa
ram
ete
rs
Lo
cati
on
of
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Fre
qu
en
cy
of
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Du
rati
on
of
Mo
nit
ori
ng
Imp
lem
en
tati
on
Ap
pli
cab
le
IF
C P
S
moving
equipments
and WTG
erection
phase
phase
Mortality of
birds and
bats due to
collision
Operation
phase
Reporting
,
inspectio
n and
keeping
WTG
location
s
Fortnightly Operation
phase
HSE
manager
onsite
PS:6
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7 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 Conclusion
Since proposed project location is a forest area, impacts due to uprooting will be
higher in terms of forest vegetation loss (site specific) during site preparation /
clearance phase. Still loss of vegetation can be mitigated by adopting low
vegetation clearance measure with in project footprint area. Impacts during
construction / erection phase are expected further lower and site specific compare
to site clearance phase. Moreover, impacts in operation phase will further lower
(activity specific) than former two phases. Since no bat species have been
reported during site visit no impact on bats are expected. Totally 6 raptor species
have been reported from study area (core and buffer zone). Out of these, core
zone recorded with only 2 species and buffer zone 6 species (including 2 species
of core zone). Raptors are rarely seen (not abundant) with few individuals in the
area. Mitigations measures are suggested to mitigate expected impacts during
different phases. Overall, there will be no significant impacts on faunal
components if suggested mitigation measures and management plan implemented
properly.
7.2 Recommendations
Apart from mitigation measures following additional recommendations are
suggested for safe guard of biodiversity of the area,
As directed by forest department, compensatory afforestation should be
carried out by local species which will help to enhance / improve
biodiversity.
Immediate surrounding area (around 50 meter) of each WTG should be
maintained vegetation free area to avoid faunal movement.
Fruit tree species should be avoided near WTGs, otherwise this may
attract bird and bats which may result in mortality of bats and birds.
Dead animal and carcasses (if any) should be removed immediately from
site to prevent attraction of carnivore birds / raptors towards sites.
No water bodies / pond formation allowed within site / near turbines this
may attract water birds..
Project personnel may be given basic information about biodiversity
conservation and awareness programmes may be conducted for
sensitizing about bio-diversity conservation.
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If bridges are proposed, culverts should be provided for smooth
movement of other faunal species.
Awareness camps on green energy projects can be conducted within
nearest school and other educational institutions.
The Vane tips of the Wind Turbine shall be painted with Orange Colour to
avoid bird hits.
All electrical wiring should be kept underground where possible. Above
ground wiring should be insulated to avoid any incident / accident due to
electrocution.
It is also suggested that, daytime visual markers should be provided on
any guy wires to enhance visibility of towers for birds. Marker balls, bird
deterrents can also be installed along the transmission line to prevent bird
collision.
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8 REFERENCES
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signs. Collins, Londan. 100pp.
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Reptilia and Batrachia. Taylor and Francis xviii + 541 p.
Burnham, K.P., D.R. Anderson and J.L. Laake, 1980. Estimation of density from
line transect sampling of biological populations. Wildlife Monographs 72.pp 202.
Daniel, J.C. and A.G Sekar, 1989. Field guide to the amphibians of Western India.
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Das, I. 2003. Growth of knowledge on the reptiles of India, with an introduction to
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446- 501.
Grimmet, R., C. Inskipp, and T. Inskipp. 2000. Pocket guide to the birds of the
Indian subcontinent. Oxford University Press., New York, 384pp.
Heyer, W.R., M. Donnelly, R.W. Mc Diarmid, L.C. Hayek and M.S. Foster, 1994.
Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity. Standard Methods for Amphibians.
Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, 364p.
Manakadan, R. and A. Pittie, 2001. Standardized common and scientific Names of
the birds of the Indian subcontinent. Buceros 6(1): i-ix, 1-37.
Narwade, S.S., P.A. Shaikh, M.V. Prabhu and A.R. Rahmani (2013): BUCEROS
18 (1&2): 1 48. Review of existing global guidelines, policies, and methodologies
for the study of impact of windmills on birds and bats: requirements in India.
Whitaker, R. and A. Captain, 2004. Snakes of India-the field guide, Draco Books,
Chennai. pp. 479.