GEO Renewables S.A.

KORYTNICA WIND FARM,

Non - Technical Summary

October 2014

Notice:

This Non-Technical Summary was developed with the assistance of Multiconsult Polska Sp. z o.o. by Geo Renewables SA as part of public disclosure and consultations of the Korytnica Wind Farm Project in Poland.

www.multiconsultgroup.com

Wind farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

Contents Section Page 1. Introduction 3 2. Rationale for the Project 3 2.1 Why is the investment needed? 3 2.2 What benefits are expected locally? 4 3. Project Overview 5 3.1 Project scope 5 3.2 Wind farm location 5 3.3 Wind farm technical parameters 7 3.4 Summary of typical wind farm development process 8 3.5 Project Alternatives 9 4. Summary of the Legal and Institutional Process 11 4.1 Current Status of Project Development 11 4.2 Summary of Environmental Permitting 11 4.3 Summary of Public Consultations 12 5. Current Environmental and Social Context 13 5.1 Environmental Setting 13 5.2 Area of Influence 13 5.3 Natura 2000 and Other Protected Areas 14 6. Environmental and Social Impacts and Benefits 17 6.1 Noise Impact 17 6.2 Impact on Avifauna 17 6.3 Impact on Bats 18 6.4 Impact on Other Animals 18 6.5 Impact on Habitats 19 6.6 Impact on Landscape 19 6.7 Shadow Flicker Impact 19 6.8 Impact on Cultural Heritage 20 6.9 Impact on Surface water 20 6.10 Impact associated with Construction Process 20 6.11 Cumulative Impacts 20 7. Measures to Reduce, Mitigate and/or Prevent Impacts on the Environment 23 7.1 Measures to Mitigate Negative Impacts 23 7.2 Control and Monitoring 23 8. Access to the information 24 8.1 Where can I find more information? 24 8.2 Can I give my comments to the project now? 24 8.3 Whom should I contact to submit my opinion or obtain more information? 24

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1. Introduction

This Non-Technical Summary provides a concise overview of the key environmental and social aspects of the proposed Wind Farm Korytnica Project in Poland (further referred to as a Project). Presented information is based on the results of Environmental Impact Assessment studies developed for the Project needs. The Project location is approximately 60 km north-east of , in the Masovia Province, in region of favourable wind resources. Project is developed by Wind Field Korytnica Sp. z o.o. the subsidiary of GEO Renewables S.A. GEO Renewables S.A. is a company established for implementation of renewable energy projects in Poland. Company activities include developing, constructing and operating the wind parks. The main shareholder of GEO Renewables SA is ENERCAP - private equity fund (more information can be found at: http://www.enercap.com ). The main partners are EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction & Development and EBI - European Investment Bank. More information can be found at: http://www.georenewables.pl . The Project complies with both national 1 and EU 2 requirements that have been fully incorporated into the national legislation. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including impacts on Natura 2000, concluded that the Project will have no impact on the Natura 2000 sites, as neither wind farms nor auxiliary facilities are located within Natura 2000 areas or other protected area. This was confirmed by competent authorities in the environmental consents issued for the Project. The EIA reports have been made available for public consultation. The public consultation process undertaken as part of the EIA procedure is considered to be compliant with Polish and EU regulations. This Non-Technical Summary considers construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project as well as associated structures. The publication of this Non-Technical Summary is in line with international best practice and goes beyond the requirements of the Polish Environmental Impact Assessment procedure. It should be read in conjunction with the published Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) which describes how anyone interested in the Project can make their opinions known to the developer and the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) which provides a clear summary of how the issues discussed within this document will be managed. All these documents are the main parts of the public disclosure package.

2. Rationale for the Project 2.1 Why is the investment needed? Nearly all of Poland’s current electricity is produced from fossil fuels. The generation of electricity is the major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. The renewable energy production does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which stipulates the global problem of climate change.

1 Act of 3 October 2008 on access to environmental information and its protection, public participation in environmental protection and on environmental impact assessments (Dz. U. of 2008 No. 199, item 1227 with amendments) 2 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment

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Increasing power produced from the renewable energy sector has been identified as a substantial factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wind energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources, and as a consequence ambitious targets are defined for it at European Union level. Increasing share of renewable energy sources in Poland which could partially replace a traditional energy generation based on hard coal and lignite is a part of the national strategy strongly supported by EU policies. In accordance with international obligations, the Polish Government has committed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to combat the effects of climate change, and has established a target of 15% of electricity to be met from renewable energy sources by 2020. The market demand for “renewable energy sources” and existing gap on Polish market were main rationale for the Project development. The Project will provide certified “green energy” from renewable resources allowing for limitation of significant emission to the environment from conventional energy sources and consequent decrease of natural resources consumption.

The impact of the Project on CO 2 emission can be easily assessed on the basis of two general assumptions: • production of 1 MWh of electricity is connected with the emission of approximately 1.2 tonne

of CO 2 (for standard fossil fuel energy generation) • the average yearly consumption of the electricity in typical household is 2226 kWh (average for 2012 according to the Main Statistical Office). The summary table below presents carbon dioxide emission reduction predicted for Korytnica Wind Farm project in Poland.

Table 1. Expected CO 2 reduction

Wind Farm total Number of homes Carbon dioxide Predicted annual installed capacity equivalent supplied offset (tonnes of generation [GWh] [MW] per annum CO 2 per annum) 240,8 MW 700 314,500 840,000

Over the time-life of the project, annual emission offsets are expected to decrease in line with the increase in cleaner energy technologies. Development of the Project in this region is possible due to recently initiated development of the transmission grid infrastructure. The Project will be connected directly to a newly constructed 400 kV substation of the Polish National Grid (PSE).

2.2 What benefits are expected locally? Execution of the Project is the opportunity for the economic development of the communes involved in the Project as it will bring an additional income in the form of property tax. The investment will be also accompanied by the construction or improvement of local infrastructure like roads in the vicinity of the wind farm. Moreover, owners of the land on which WTG and infrastructure will be located, will receive additional income from the lease of land. The investment will have no significant impact on local labour market, as the wind farm steering is fully automatic/remote and no additional working places are created onsite. However it is expected that operation & maintenance activities and associated services can create some new job opportunities for local community.

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3. Project Overview 3.1 Project scope The Project comprises of the following developments: • Wind Farm Korytnica North (WF Korytnica N) consisting of max 39 Wind Turbine Generators (WTG) with maximum capacity 3.3 MW each; • Wind Farm Korytnica South (WF Korytnica S) consisting of max 34 Wind Turbine Generators with maximum capacity 3,3 MW each; • two separate 30/110 kV transformer stations (GPO) constructed for the wind farms: WF Korytnica N and WF Korytnica S; • high-voltage transmission line 110kV Korytnica-Stanisławów, approximately 26,5 km long, that will connect the wind farms with the main grid of 400 kV; • 110/400 kV transformer station at Stanisławów that allows connecting the transmission line to main 400 kV grid. The following changes into the initial conceptual design are considered at the later stage of the Project: • a direct underground connection of WF Korytnica S to the 110 kV transmission line via GPO 2, however the exact route is not known yet, • location of the 400 kV transformer within the station operated by PSE, in such a case construction of only 110 kV transmission line would be required. These changes will be subject of environmental impact assessment prior to their implementation.

3.2 Wind farm location The project is located in Central Poland, approximately 60 km from the city of Warsaw in Masovian Province (województwo mazowieckie), Węgrów nad Mi ńsk Counties (w ęgrowski and mi ński districts). WF Korytnica N is located in: • the southern part of Korytnica Municipality, • the western part of the Liw Municipality. WF Korytnica S is located in: • the northern part of the Municipality, • the southern part of the Korytnica Municipality, • western part of the Liw Municipality. Total Project area covers about 110 km 2. The location is presented on the figure below.

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- Figure 1. Wind Farm Korytnica location.

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3.3 Wind farm technical parameters WF Korytnica N will consist of max 39 wind turbines. Each turbine will provide 3.3 MW of energy with exception of one providing 2 MW. The key technical characteristic of turbines is as following: • Turbine output – 3.3 MW (maximum), • Tower height at hub – 37 turbines 117 m (one turbine 120 m and one turbine 119), • Rotor diameter – 126 m (maximum), • Number of blades – 3. • Acoustic power – 107.5 dB (maximum). WF Korytnica S will consist of max 34 wind turbines. Each turbine will provided 3.3 MW of energy. The key technical characteristic of turbines is as following: • Turbine output – 3.3 MW (maximum), • Tower height at hub – 117 m, • Rotor diameter – 126 m, • Number of blades – 3. • Acoustic power – 107.5 dB (maximum). Main parts of designed wind turbines are: the tower, nacelle and rotor with blades. The energy generator (turbine) is placed in nacelle. The generator is equipped with a closed lubricating system and necessary electrical appliances. Each tower will be provided with 3 blades rotor. Total height of the designed wind mills will be about 185 m (including blades). The wind farms will generate mechanic power, which will be converted by turbine into electric power and transmitted via underground cables and transformer substations to the National Power Grid.

Figure 2. Typical wind turbine nacelle construction scheme.

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3.4 Summary of typical wind farm development process The development of a wind farm is a complex legal and technical process. Main stages of the process are described below. This description is not exhaustive, however should give a general understanding of the scope of works, typical problems and nuisances. Planning and location of the investment At this phase necessary arrangements are made to agree the location of the wind farm with local authorities, and land owners. The location has to be accepted by local authorities after acceptance by the regional administration and consulted with local population. Local Spatial Plan needs to be amended and the environmental aspects of the change have to be considered and consulted with the community, competent administrative authority and interested parties. Construction permit At this phase, the technical details of the construction need to be adjusted and agreed. For the projects undergoing the environmental impact assessment the administrative procedure involves public consultations. Environmental Consent is to be issued by the competent Mayor after obtaining opinions of the Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection and Sanitary Inspector. The decision sets investor obligations and technical standards which should be observed. After preparation of the design/engineering documentation the investor applies for construction permit. This document, issued by county authority, allows commencement of field works. It is acceptable that several construction permits are issued for various parts of the same investment (for example: for roads, cables, wind turbines construction etc.). Preparatory works In this phase, all works necessary to start earth works must be conducted. This may include: archaeological works, transfer of valuable nature objects (plants, animals habitats) etc. Construction of access roads and workers camps The access roads need to be upgraded or constructed for heavy traffic. Usually the wind farms are located apart from residential areas, typically in territory with poor roads infrastructure. For construction needs the access of heavy construction equipment (lorries, cranes) and equipment transporting the elements of the wind turbines must be enabled. Usually it is necessary to adapt field (soil surfaced) roads to the required standard by proper hardening, drainage etc. The construction site has to be prepared to allow safe parking of the equipment, secure and proper social conditions for workers and safe storage of construction materials. The site needs to fulfil also environmental requirements and all prevention measures should be undertaken to protect environment (including organisation of storage of hazardous substances, water supply, waste water discharges etc.). At this stage all necessary engineering works are done to remove collisions of new objects with existing infrastructure. If necessary the infrastructure is replaced, reconnected or removed as agreed between the owners and wind farm investor.

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Construction of the foundations At this phase the sites for particular wind turbines are prepared and earth works for placing the foundation are done. Necessary connections to the infrastructure are prepared. Then the reinforced concrete construction of the foundation is done. Some elements may be prefabricated by specialised suppliers and transported to the site in ready form (e.g. main tower supports etc.). Construction of electrical infrastructure At this phase the necessary cables, electrical switching stations and transformer substation are constructed. Necessary earth and construction works are performed. Electrical cables are in majority of cases located underground (the safest available method). Transportation The wind turbine elements are typically transported in a ready form directly from the supplier’s factory. This includes the parts of the tower, and rotor blades. The dimensions of the elements usually exceed standard loads. Therefore a lot of arrangements need to be done concerning the organisation of the transportation (routes, time, information etc.). The process is very complex and needs to be agreed with all interested parties (roads managers, police, local communities etc.). Transportation of the wind turbine elements to the construction site may be difficult because of limited space therefore proper planning and preparation of access roads are crucial for the success of this phase. Assembly of wind turbine elements The assembly is the final phase of construction works. Due to the size and weight of wind mill elements, heavy cranes must be used. The works are carried out by specialised staff and safety precautions are crucial. Post construction activities At this phase all technical and safety checks and tests are done. Final commissioning involves local administration and controlling authorities including sanitary, labour and environmental inspections. Post- Project environmental monitoring is undertaken at the request of administrative bodies.

3.5 Project Alternatives Project alternatives, including a “do nothing” option have been considered during the project planning. Refraining from the Project will allow maintaining current agricultural use of land. The landscape will not be changed by dominants, i.e. wind turbines, and there will be no potential inconvenience related to the possibility of shadow flicker effect and noise. Local environment will remain intact. However the opportunities to boost local economic will also be lost. The assessment of the wind farm location alternatives has been carried out with regard to local environment, nearest residential houses, cumulative impacts and wind conditions. The Project layout was modified and amended several times in order to ensure that the final design meets the requirements and minimises impacts on environment with special attention on human health and the birds and bats. Through the permitting process, the competent authorities evaluated whether the Project is compliant with legal environmental requirements. Initially the construction of 107 WTG has been planned within WF Korytnica N on an area of approximately 60 km 2 and 40 WTG within WF Korytnica S on area of approximately 51 km 2.

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However based on the analysis of natural conditions and results of the year-long monitoring of birds and bats, it was decided to abandon these variants. Seven sites within WF Korytnica N and five sites within WF Korytnica S were determined as areas of significant interest to birds and bats and excluded from the location of wind turbines. As a consequence the following limitations regarding WTG location have been incorporated into the alternative variant to minimise environmental and social (H&S) impacts related to construction and operation: • boundary of the wind farm cannot run closer than 2 km from the border of the Natura 2000 areas covering the Liwiec Valley, • wind turbines cannot be located in areas used by birds and bats as identified during the environmental monitoring, • wind turbines should be located in a distance of minimum 200 m from the woods and larger tree stands, • number of wind turbines will not exceed 39 for WF Korytnica N and 34 for WF Korytnica S. Such conditions were also set in environmental decisions for the wind farms.

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4. Summary of the Legal and Institutional Process 4.1 Current Status of Project Development The Project is developed by Wind Field Korytnica Sp. z o.o., the company registered in Poland. Current advancement of the Project and regulatory status can be summarised as follows: • The land for wind turbine locations, platforms, permanent access roads, and the transformer stations has been fully secured through long-term land lease agreements. • All environmental monitoring, necessary to assess the status of local environment, has been carried out. • Due to the lack of spatial development plans for the Project area, decisions regarding building conditions and land use have been issued for 35 WTG in Korytnica N location and one for Korytnica S. • EIA procedures for regulatory requirements have been completed in 2014 and environmental consents have been issued for all Project undertakings. • The process of obtaining the construction permits has been initiated. Construction permits for eight WTGs have been issued so far. • Grid connection conditions for 250 MW for the Project have been obtained and the grid connection agreement was signed. 4.2 Summary of Environmental Permitting The environmental proceeding for new investments in Poland is regulated by through the Act of 3 October 2008 on access to environmental information and its protection, public participation in environmental protection and on environmental impact assessments (Dz. U. of 2008 No. 199, item 1227 with amendments) which implements the requirement of EU Directive 2011/92/EU of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) report needs to be developed for the investments that may significantly impact the environment. The report is a subject to review by competent authorities and public consultations and is a basis for obtaining the environmental permit. According to the EIA Directive and decree of the Cabinet of 9 November 2010 (Dz. U. 2010 No. 213, item 1397) regarding undertakings that can significantly impact on environment the Project has been classified as requiring environmental impact assessment, except for internal substation GPO WF Korytnica S and high voltage transmission line. The formal EIA reports were developed for the following Project’s stages: • in April 2012 for WF Korytnica N and in November 2012 for WF Korytnica S, • in December 2013 for 110/400kV transformer station. EIA reports have been prepared in compliance with Polish regulations and disclosed to the public for the period of 21 days during separate formal EIA procedures in line with Polish legislation. The EIA procedures resulted with the following environmental consents: • decision for WF Korytnica N (including substation) dated November 26, 2012 issued by the Mayor of Korytnica Commune in agreement with Mayor of Liw Commune,

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• decision for WF Korytnica S dated July 31, 2013 issued by Mayor of Wierzbno Commune in agreement with Mayors of Korytnica and Liw Communes, • decision for 110 kV transmission line Korytnica-Stanisławów dated August 6, 2013 issued by Mayor of Dobre Commune in agreement with Mayors of Stanisławów, Korytnica and Wierzbno Communes, • decision for 30/110 kV transformer station GPO WF Korytnica S dated January 3, 2014 issued by Mayor of Wierzbno Commune, • decision for 110/400 kV transformer station Stanisławów dated May 20, 2014 issued by Mayor of Stanisławów Commune. Competent authorities, considering the scale of the investment and potential environmental nuisances issued decisions stating that the formal EIA procedures is not required for: • WF Substation 30/110 kV (GPO FW Korytnica S) • high-voltage transmission line 110 kV. The environmental permits incorporate the conditions for each of the elements of the project regarding pollution prevention, limitation and mitigation in construction, operational and closure phases. 4.3 Summary of Public Consultations According to the Article 79 of the EIA Act, issuing environmental permit is preceded by public participation proceeding, what was ensured by the authorities. Compliance of public participation proceeding with Polish law means automatically compliance with EU law, as EIA Directive requirements have been fully incorporated into national legislation. The Public consultation process undertaken as part of the EIA is considered to be compliant with Polish and EU regulations. The public were informed about the subsequent stages of EIA procedures. The EIA reports were made available to the public for 21 days, during which comments and remarks could have been submitted. Environmental decision for 110 kV transmission line was appealed to Samorz ądowe Kolegium Odwoławcze (self-government appeal instance), however SKO upheld environmental consent in force. Decision of SKO was subject of complaint to the Naczelny S ąd Administracyjny (Supreme Administrative Court), however it was rejected for formal reasons. Also decisions on building conditions and land use for WF Korytnica N were subject of complaint by Stowarzyszenie Stop Wiatrakom (association protesting against wind turbine across the country) requiring their annulment, however the claim was rejected by SKO. In addition to formal public consultation during environmental impact assessment procedure, also informal, voluntary meetings and consultations with local communities were undertaken, including: • In 2009, from May to July meetings with the residents of municipality, during which the Project concept was presented. • In 2013 - 2014 meetings with the local communities and councilors of municipality Dobre to discuss the course of high-voltage line. • In 2013 - 2014 meeting with land owners to discuss the terms of the contracts. • In 2014 from March to April meetings with local communities to explain issues regarding the Project. • In 2014 consultation point was organised in Korytnica municipality’s office.

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5. Current Environmental and Social Context 5.1 Environmental Setting The windfarms are planned to be located in the municipalities of Korytnica, Liw and Wierzbno in Masovian Voievodeship. Area for future wind farms (Korytnica N and Korytnica S) is covering about 110 km2 in total. It is an agricultural area with a predominance of arable land. It is dominated by open agricultural landscape with small fields of triticale, rye, oat, corn and potatoes. Land depressions feature small patches of meadows and pastures, but their share is significantly smaller than the arable land. The farmland plots have a relatively small size, which results in a large mosaic structure of crops. The whole area features small tree stands, mainly deciduous and small forests (mainly in southern part). The most important ecologically sensitive area in the vicinity of the windfarm is the valley of Liwiec at the distance of approximately 0.8-1.0 km to the east from the border of wind farms area. It is covered by two Natura 2000 protected areas PLB Dolina Liwca and PLH Ostoja Nadliwiecka. Several tributaries of Liwiec river pass through the windfarm or its neighbourhood. The biggest are Struga River and its tributary Czerwonka flowing through southern part of the wind farm area. 5.2 Area of Influence The turbines themselves and the surrounding infrastructure (including roads and transmission lines) occupy a small portion of the total area of a wind facility. Total WF Korytnica area is approximately 110 km 2, whilst area occupied by wind turbines and auxiliary facilities will be approximately 268.200 m 2. The Project is considered as unlikely to have significant adverse impact on fauna and flora due to its small size of the towers foots minimising habitat loss. Also no significant populations of protected species were observed within the Project area. The Project is situated outside the Natura 2000 and other protected areas. The impact of the Project on wildlife, most notably on birds and bats, has been analysed and necessary changes have been introduced at the stage of planning to mitigate impacts and avoid or minimise the risk of collision, e.g. the number of turbines has been reduced. Therefore no significant impact on Natura 2000 areas is expected. Sound and visual impacts are the two main public health and community concerns associated with wind turbines operation. Most of the sound generated by wind turbines is caused by the movement of turbine blades through the air. There is also mechanical sound generated by the turbine itself. Noise modelling results, including cumulative effect, confirmed that noise standards will be met for nearby residential housings. The Project will contrast with the existing character of the landscape, it must be noted that landscape character is largely agricultural, it is not protected or considered to be sensitive. Under certain weather conditions, when the rotating turbine is located between the Sun and the observer or residential building, wind turbines can also create an effect of shadow flicker. The shadow flicker impact assessment concluded that there are no receptors that would be exposed to significant nuisance. Although there is large amount of turbines planned for construction, local landscape characteristics and the turbine distances from homes proves to not exceed 30 hours/year. There is no water impact associated with the operation of wind turbines.

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Impacts from construction will result with increased number of large vehicles on local roads and potential damage to roads. This will be however short-term impact. Existing roads will be rebuilt or upgraded during construction works, which will be benefit for local communities using these roads. 5.3 Natura 2000 and Other Protected Areas There are several Natura 2000 sites and other nature protection areas located in the vicinity of the investment. These are listed in the tables below with indication of the distance to the closest wind turbine. Table 2. Nature Reserves

No. Name WTG symbol Distance [km]

1 Torfowisko Zawały WTG38 9.6

2 Kantor Stary WTG36-S 10

3 Śli że WTG38 11

4 Moczydło WTG30 11.9

5 Przełom Witówki WTG24-S 12.9

6 Wilcze Błota WTG03 16.8

7 Rudka Sanatoryjna WTG24-S 17.2

8 Stawy Broszkowskie WTG38-S 19

9 Czaplowizna WTG03 20.2

10 Jegiel WTG38 21.4

11 Florianów WTG24-S 21.8

12 Jedlina WTG16-S 22.6

13 Dębina WTG38 22.8

14 Rogo żnica WTG34-S 22.9

15 Torfowisko Jeziorek WTG24-S 22.9

Table 3. Natura 2000 areas – habitat protection

No Name Code WTG symbol Distance [km]

1 Ostoja Nadliwiecka PLH140032 WTG35-S 0.8

2 Kantor Stary PLH140007 WTG36-S 10

3 Torfowiska Czernik PLH140037 WTG13 11.8

4 Dzwonecznik w Kisielanach PLH140026 WTG38-S 19

5 Ostoja Nadbu żańska PLH140011 WTG38 21.4

6 Wydmy Lucynowsko - Mostowieckie PLH140013 WTG38 22

7 Rogo źnica PLH140036 WTG34-S 22.7

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Table 4 Natura 2000 – birds protection

No Name Code WTG symbol Distance [km]

1 Dolina Liwca PLB140002 WTG39-S 1.9

2 Dolina Kostrzynia PLB140009 WTG38-S 5.5

3 Dolina Dolnego Bugu PLB140001 WTG38 21.4

Table 5 Landscape parks

No Name WTG symbol Distance [km]

1 Nadbu żański Park Krajobrazowy WTG35 6.4

Table 6 Protected Landscape Areas

No Name WTG symbol Distance [km]

1 Siedlecko - Węgrowski WTG40-S 0.6

2 Mi ński WTG24-S 11.4

3 Warszawski WTG13 23.2

Protected areas are presented on the drawing.

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Figure 3. Location of protected areas

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6. Environmental and Social Impacts and Benefits 6.1 Noise Impact Noise impact was a subject of detailed analysis at the stage of environmental impact assessment. The location of turbines in relation to residential areas and homestead buildings was planned in such a way, which allowed elimination of excessive noise impact on surroundings The results of noise modelling confirm that the Korytnica Wind Farm fulfils the legal noise limits in a night time and day time 3 for the closest existing farmsteads and residential buildings (protected against noise nuisance by Polish law). The wind farm will fulfil the requirements set by local and national laws. Appropriate technical solutions will be applied to achieve required wind turbine operation parameters. Moreover, noise measurements will be carried out after completion of the wind farm to confirm the noise levels at residential areas do not exceed the permissible limits. The acoustic impact was assessed also for transformer stations and power lines proving that the distance to nearest residential areas is long enough to avoid the acoustic nuisance. Wind turbines are a source of vibration from the generator and propeller. Available measurements at similar wind farms confirm that the vibrations are of low frequencies - below 600 Hz and have very small amplitude. Available source data for the impact of vibration from wind turbines on human health confirms no evidence of any negative impact caused by vibration transmitted through the ground. 6.2 Impact on Avifauna The potential impact of wind turbines (during operation phase) on birds can be caused by: • The emission of noise which creates disturbance zone; • Creating barriers to the breeding avifauna, migratory and foraging birds within the wind farm. For both windfarm locations (Korytnica N and S) the detailed studies and observations were carried out for a full-year covering all seasons 4. Ornithological monitoring was carried out through all phonological periods. During the ornithological inspections 129 species of birds were found in the planned wind farm area (N and S). Most frequently small birds occurred: starling, lapwing, skylark and barn swallow which accounted for a 40-60% (depending on exact location) of observed birds. Some species with medium and large body size were observed frequently, such as rook, crane, jackdaw, crow, fieldfare, common wood pigeon and geese which accounted for a total of 9-18% of all birds observed (in specific locations). The results of the annual ornithological monitoring indicate that the area of the wind farm and its surroundings is characterised by average or below average ornithological value, typical for open and semi-open agricultural landscape. Densities of breeding birds occurring here are similar to other areas of the agricultural landscape of Poland, while in non-breeding periods, the abundance

3 Rozporz ądzenie Ministra Środowiska z dnia 14 czerwca 2007 r. w sprawie dopuszczalnych poziomów hałasu w środowisku [2007.120.826] (Decree of the Ministry of Environment on permissible noise levels In the environment)

4 According to the Guidelines for the assessment of wind farms environmental impact on birds by Polish Wind Energy Association (2008) recommended by Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (Polish: OTOP), BirdLife International Partner in Poland

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Wind Farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

of birds - due to the low abundance of migratory flocks staying here - are much lower than in many other parts of the agricultural landscape. The impact on birds can be summarised as follows: • No rare and very rare species of birds nesting in the controlled area were found; • A few species particularly vulnerable to collisions with operating wind turbines were identified; • Observed bird species were distributed relatively evenly over the entire study area during the breeding season, autumn migration and wintering; • During the spring migration, no large flocks of birds that stopped within a farm or buffer zone were found; • During the wintering period, birds were few or very few. The results of the year-long monitoring of birds allowed to define the boundaries of the areas where the location of wind power towers should be excluded and necessary corrections were included into the design including removal of some towers. Following a detailed analysis of the collected data on the abundance, direction and height of flight of the observed birds, the probability of the negative impact of a proposed wind farm on the closest existing Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Natura 2000 sites is identified as low. The expected mortality for entire WF Korytnica N and S is estimated to be about 270 birds/year. This value can be considered as high and therefore it is necessary to undertake a detailed monitoring of birds mortality after the construction of the windfarm. The results of post- construction monitoring will make it possible to apply prevention measures to reduce losses. Such approach was approved by the authorities. The 110 kV transmission line will be constructed mainly as underground cable line. An underground line is causing significantly lower impact on birds than an overhead line. Transformer station will have no significant impact on migration of birds. 6.3 Impact on Bats One year long studies and observations (monitoring) of bats presence were carried out for both sites 5. Most species of bats, which were found within the area of planned wind farm are potentially vulnerable to wind turbine propellers movement. The species particularly vulnerable to collisions is common noctule, which hunts at significant heights, often up to 50 m, and sometimes even at heights of several hundred metres. As a result of monitoring, it was found that the common noctule and the serotine bat are the most common species found in the planned wind farm. Due to the high risk of collision of the common noctule with turbines, the construction of towers in the areas of high concentration of bats was abandoned. For instance the area between Wiel ądki and Korytnica, which includes the valley of a small stream and adjacent grounds, used by bats as feeding sites, were excluded from the location of wind turbines. This allowed minimising the potential impact on bats populations, however post- construction monitoring is required to confirm the effectiveness of these actions. 6.4 Impact on Other Animals The area of planned wind farms is a habitat for typical for this region mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Several species of small animals were identified like for instance: the striped field

5 Interim guidelines for the assessment of environmental impact of wind turbines in bats (for 2009) by Agreement for the Conservation of Bats is a coalition of Polish nature organizations dealing with the protection of bats, based on guidelines by the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats EUROBATS Wind Turbines and Bats: Guidelines for the planning process and impact assessments.

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Wind Farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

mouse, the yellow-necked mouse, the common vole, the common frog and the sand lizard. In the spring and summer there are lots of: butterflies, orthopterans, hymenopterans, dipterans and spiders. A various fauna and flora can be found in tree stands and small forests. The impact on these animals can be expected mainly during the construction phase and associated earth works. Operating phase is not expected to have any significant impact on small animals. 6.5 Impact on Habitats The wind turbine towers, transformer substation and access roads planned for construction are located mostly on arable land used for agricultural purposes or set aside. Small fragments of investment area have more diverse vegetation, typical for meadows and pastures. There are rows of trees along some roads. Actual vegetation found in this region is typical for agrobiocenosis. There are no protected natural habitats in the area of planned wind farm. Vegetation found in the immediate location of the technical/construction elements of wind turbines will be removed during construction. There are no plans to conduct any activities that cause the removal of trees and shrubs occurring within the area of the project, with the exception of those colliding with elements of the planned infrastructure. 6.6 Impact on Landscape There is no any universally accepted methodology for assessing landscape impact or more generally visual impact of individual wind turbines and wind farms, however numerous attempts have been done to quantify and regulate this kind of assessment. Therefore, it cannot be unequivocally stated that local residents will have positive or negative feelings associated with the occurrence of new structures in the landscape and therefore the impact will be low or higher. The planned project area has been developed as a result of human activities carried out for at least several centuries. This is a typical agricultural landscape with ordinary landscape values. The proposed wind farm will change the existing landscape by introducing 73 new predominant landscape features (structures with a total height - the tower and turbine blades - up to 185 m), which will be spread over a large area - with a total area of approx. 110 km 2, but which will visible - due to the height - on a much larger area. Other new elements as network of paved roads to the wind turbine towers, GPO substation and other elements of the technical infrastructure will not change the landscape significantly as they are of relative small size. Proposed Project allows to keep relative proportions in cultural and natural landscape of the area, however it is a compromise between the need for technical development and need for protection of cultural heritage. Several actions are planned to limit the impact like uniform painting, avoiding fencing the plots, construction of underground cable connections etc. It may be expected that after some time the wind farm will become a part of the landscape, characteristic for the area. The new transmission line will be mainly underground and if overhead than located mainly along the existing 400 kV transmission line. Therefore, there will be no new significant impact of the transmission line on the landscape. Transformer substation will not create any significant dominant in local landscape. 6.7 Shadow Flicker Impact The shadow flicker effect is impact related specifically to the wind turbines. It occurs in sunny conditions, when the sun that is moving behind the rotating blades of wind turbine generator (WTG) casts shadows. It may be considered as problem if the moving shadows are casted on the neighbouring settlements during extensive periods.

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Wind Farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

At present, in Poland there are no regulations, or official guidelines defining the shadow flicker calculation methodology, or determining accepted levels of impact. Therefore the calculation was based on the international best practices. The shadow flicker impact assessment concluded that there are no receptors that would be exposed to significant nuisance (above 30 hours/year). Although there is large amount of turbines planned for construction, local landscape characteristics and the turbine distances from homes proves to not exceed 30 hours/year. Even though there are no regulations in Poland for shadow flicker hours’ limitations, applying mitigation measures in receptors where shadow flicker can become noticeable nuisance will be considered. 6.8 Impact on Cultural Heritage Existing cultural heritage objects and monuments in Korytnica region will not be adversely impacted by the development of the wind farm. In the area of direct environment transformations related to the planned project, there are no valuable heritage objects protected by law. Moreover, none of the project elements collides with structures listed in the records of monuments. Some valuable monuments, mainly manor and sacral architecture can be found in Korytnica, Wierzbno and Liw communes. Many archaeological sites have been identified in the wind farm area. The threat to archaeological sites of the planned project is posed mainly by earthworks. It is possible that during the earthworks, archaeological sites will be discovered. In such situation, it is necessary to comply with the applicable laws, i.e. notify the Voivodship Monument Conservator in Warsaw, who will take further decisions on discovered object. No negative impact on heritage is expected during the operational phase. 6.9 Impact on Surface water Adverse effect on surface water during the implementation phase of the proposed project is not expected. Water demand will be limited mainly to the domestic needs of workers employed in the construction of the wind farm. Sewage will be discharged into a sealed container and then exported from the project site to the sewage treatment plant. The demand for water for purposes related to construction technology will be minor. It is expected that the concrete needed for the construction of structural components of the wind farm will be supplied by trucks. Delivery of ready-mixed concrete to the site will effectively reduce the potential threat to the environment in the vicinity of the investment (reduce dusting and the possibility of accidental seepage of undesirable substances into ground and surface water). No impact on surface water bodies is expected in operational phase. 6.10 Impact associated with Construction Process Except of the construction period when the temporary impact may occur, no impact is expected in operational phase. Typical nuisances during the construction are connected with: increased heavy traffic and heavy machines operation, potential dusting in dry weather, earth works on construction site, storage of construction materials. Proper organisation of construction area should easily allow for mitigation of adverse impacts on surface or underground waters and soils. Construction area will be reclaimed after completion of works and the natural conditions will be restored. 6.11 Cumulative Impacts WF Korytnica N and WF Korytnica S will consist of 73 wind turbines in total.

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Wind Farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

In the immediate vicinity three other windfarms are planned: Wiel ądki Wind Farm (8 wind turbines), Schmetterling Wind Farm (2 wind turbines) and Czerwonka Folwark (1 wind turbine). Therefore the entire complex will consist of 84 turbines. Other wind farms are also planned in the range of 20 km of the Korytnica development. These are presented in the table below. Table 7. Other windfarms in Korytnica region

Windfarm name Location Approximate distance Capacity No. of to WF Korytnica in MW WTG FW Wiel ądki Wiel ądki, Roguszyn, Le śniki, 160 m from WTG19-N Up to 24 8 Korytnicka, Korytnica Municipality FW Schmetterling Czaple 520 m from WTG33-N Up to 7 2 Korytnica Municipality FW Czerwonka- Czerwonka-Folwark 650 m from WTG05-S 2 1 Folwark Wierzbno Municipality FW Jartypory Jartypory 13 km due NE Up to 30 10 Liw Municipality FW Bielany Wojewódki, Dziegietnia 20 km due E Up to 51 17 FW Sokołów Brzozów 15 km due E 2 1 Podlaski Sokołów Podlaski Municipality FW Sokołów Dziegietnia 25 km due E 2 1 Podlaski Sokołów Podlaski Municipality FW Sucho żebry Przygody 25 km due SE Up to 30 12

Location of other proposed wind farms in the Project area is presented on the figure below.

Figure 4. Location of other wind farm projects

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Wind Farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

The cummulative effect can be observed mainly for Korytnica N and S, Wiel ądki, Schmetterling and Czerwonka Folwark wind farms. This may be related to noise as well as cummulative impact on birds and bats. The cummulative noise impact was modelled and no impact on local residential areas is expected, which would cause exceeding the limits regualted by law. The results of the year-long monitoring of birds and bats conducted in the areas of planned wind farms revealed considerable numbers of golden plover and lapwing during the spring passages. This resulted in an adjustment of the boundaries of the planned FW Korytnica N and advocating the need for temporary exclusions during the passage of these species in the area located in the vicinity of FW Wiel ądki. In the area of FW Korytnica S, there was no concentration of lapwing, golden plover and other species during both spring as well as autumn bird migration. It can therefore be concluded that for the above complex of 3 neigbouring wind farms, concentrations of migratory species occurred only in the region of Wiel ądek. It can therefore be assumed that the risk of cummulative negative impacts on birds during the migration period, despite the large number of planned wind turbines and large areas of both farms, is not expected to be significant. Potential impacts on birds during nesting in the area of both wind farms (Korytnica N and Korytnica S) were significantly reduced by changing or eliminating particular wind turbines so as not to plan the construction of wind turbines adjacent to breeding sites of colliding species or breeding colonies. Areas excluded from the location of wind turbines have been designated within the limits of both farms. A similar analysis was performed based on the results of the monitoring of bats. The introduction of the aforementioned restrictions, including a significant reduction in the number of planned wind turbines, has not eliminated the cumulative impact of the 3 wind farms described, but significantly reduced this impact. Cummulative effect of operation of all planned wind farms in the region can be related to passages of birds. Long-distance flights of birds mostly take place in the W-E and SW-NE directions. During the spring the birds fly mainly in the east and north-east direction, while in the autumn in a westerly and south-westerly direction. Wind farms located in the region of Sokołów are to the east (with a deviation to the north in case of FW Jartypory) from the location of the Korytnica S Wind Farm. Overlapping of impacts may occur during bird migrations in the W-E directions. Given the small number of planned towers in the area of Sokołów and their distribution on a large area, the cumulative impact, if it will occur, will be significantly limited. Passages in other directions do not create the possibility of the potential contact of migratory birds with the wind turbines in the farms described. There is a small probability of occurrence of cumulative impacts of wind turbines on bats, primarily due to long distances between farms. This impact may involve only migratory species and populations. It should be noted from the assessment of cumulative impacts is hampered by the lack of information available on other wind farm projects at this stage of their development.

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Wind Farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

7. Measures to Reduce, Mitigate and/or Prevent Impacts on the Environment 7.1 Measures to Mitigate Negative Impacts The project is at advanced stage of development and required documentation and permits are already in place. During the design phase, basing on the result of noise, birds and bat studies, several decisions were undertaken to limit the expected impacts, in particular by changing of location of towers and removing some of them from the project. It is expected that these preventive measures will allow to avoid the negative impact on humans and ecology. The projects were accepted by the authorities and obtained environmental consents, which include the detailed requirements for all stages of the project. At this stage the management of the project needs to focus on: • Proper planning and management of construction process in compliance with environmental permit, including prevention of impacts during construction work, • Construction of wind turbines compliant with the administrative decisions, • Development of proper management system for operation period which will allow to prevent and mitigate the environmental impacts. 7.2 Control and Monitoring The post project monitoring will be carried out for Korytnica wind farms as indicated in the Environmental Decisions for element of the project, in particular including: • Measurements of the acoustic environment around the wind farm after one year of wind farm operation is required. • Measurements of infrasounds emissions in various weather conditions are required to enable assessment of infrasounds on the sensitive receptors (residents) in the vicinity. • Assessment of shadow flicker effect impact on the nearest building compared in various day hours and seasons. In case of negative impact, development and application of mitigation measures are to be implemented. • A minimum 3-year post-completion monitoring involving the study of mortality of bats and birds and their activity in the vicinity of the towers • A minimum 2-year post-completion monitoring of white stork presence for Station 110/400 kV.

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Wind Farm Korytnica, Poland Non-Technical Summary

8. Access to the information 8.1 Where can I find more information? More information can be found on website http:// www.georenewables.pl Copies of the Project documents can be accessed under previous request at: • GEO Renewables S.A., 15 Marynarska st., 02-674 Warszawa 8.2 Can I give my comments to the project now? Yes, the comments, opinions and complaints may be submitted at all development phases of the Project. 8.3 Whom should I contact to submit my opinion or obtain more information? GEO Renewables S.A. Contact person: Michał Zaklukiewicz Project office: 15 Marynarska st., 02-674 Warszawa Telephone: 22 378 29 00 Fax: 22 36 04 010 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Office location map:

And at the Municipality Office Korytnica at Małkowskiego Street 20, at Environmental Protection Department, contact person Mr Sławomir Wantusiak, tel. 25 661-22-81.

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