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EU#IPA12/CS02---
Development*of*the*Renewable**Energy*Sector*
***
TASK*1*Assessment-of-Current-Situation,-Barriers-and-Road-Map-
-SubTask1B-
Recommendations-Deliverable-D5-�-Draft-Final-Assessment-Report-
-Attachment-2-
Environmental*and*Social*Guidance*Note*for-Wind*Farm*Projects-
-Task-Leader:-Jordi-Dolader-
--
June-2017---
2
TASK 1 – SUBTASK 1B DRAFT FINAL ASSESSMENT REPORT
ANNEX 2
Project Title : Consulting Services for Development of the Renewable Energy Sector
Project Number : Contract MENR EU IPA12/CS02
Country : TURKEY
Date of report: 06/06/2017
Date of last revision: 14/06/2017
Author of report: Jordi Dolader, Luca Napolitano
Approved by,
•- Project Manager: Antonio Moretti !
3
Contents!List!Environmental and Social Guidance Note for .......................................................................................................................... 1!
Wind Farm Projects ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2!
Contents List ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3!
Abbreviations and Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................. 3!
1.! Purpose and Content of this Guidance Note ............................................................................................................... 5!
2.! Limitations and Disclaimer .............................................................................................................................................. 5!
3.! The Project Licensing Process in Turkey ...................................................................................................................... 5!
4.! The Project Environmental Requirements .................................................................................................................... 8!
5. Requirements of Financial Institutions ............................................................................................................................ 12!
6.! Major Environmental and Social Concerns for Wind Farm Developments ......................................................... 13!
6.1! Impact on land use ................................................................................................................................................ 14!
6.2! Impact on landscape .............................................................................................................................................. 15!
6.3! Impact on amenity .................................................................................................................................................. 16!
6.4! Local nuisances – visual intrusion; noise; shadow flicker; ice throw; lights; glare ........................................ 17!
6.5! Impact on archaeology and cultural heritage ...................................................................................................... 19!
6.6! Interference with other structures or services .................................................................................................... 20!
6.7! Impact on habitat and biodiversity and on protected areas ............................................................................. 20!
6.8! Waste ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27!
6.9! Associated infrastructure ....................................................................................................................................... 27!
6.10! Land acquisition and involuntary resettlement ................................................................................................... 28!
6.11! Stakeholder information and engagement .......................................................................................................... 29!
6.12! Community benefits ............................................................................................................................................... 30!
6.13! Cumulative impacts ................................................................................................................................................. 31!
6.14! Construction impacts ............................................................................................................................................. 32!
6.15! Post-construction (operation phase) maintenance, monitoring and control ................................................. 33!
6.16! Environmental and Social Management .............................................................................................................. 34!
7.! Step-by-step Approach to Site Selection for a New Wind Farm Development ....................................................... 35!
8.! What are the characteristics of a good project? ............................................................................................................. 38!
!
Abbreviations!and!Acronyms!
4
AFD! French!Development!Bank!(Agence&Francaise&Developpement)!Annex!I!and!Annex!II! Project!designations!under!the!Turkish!EIA!Regulation!(denoting!
whether!an!EIA!is!required)!EBRD! European!Bank!for!Reconstruction!and!Development!EIB! European!Investment!Bank!EIA! Environmental!Impact!Assessment!(this!is!the!older!term!as!still!
used!in!much!legislation;!it!is!now!superseded!by!the!term!ESIA)!EMRA! Electricity!Market!Regulatory!Authority!ESIA! Environmental!and!Social!Impact!Assessment!ESMP! Environmental!and!Social!Management!Plan!EU! European!Union!FI! Financial!Intermediary!(bank)!FMO! Dutch!Development!Bank!(Financieringsmaatschappij&voor&
Ontwikkelingslanden&N.V.)!IBA! Important!Bird!Area!IBRD! International!Bank!for!Reconstruction!and!Development!IFC! International!Finance!Corporation!(private!sector!bank!of!the!
World!Bank!Group)!IFI! International!Financial!Institution!IUCN! International!Union!for!Conservation!of!Nature!KBA! Important!Biodiversity!Area!KfW! German!Development!Bank!!(Kreditanstalt&fuer&Wiederaufbau)!MidSEFF! MidPSize!Sustainable!Energy!Financing!Facility!!MoEU! Ministry!of!Environment!and!Urbanization!MW! Megawatt!OP! World!Bank!Operational!Policy!PDoEU! Provincial!Directorate!of!Environment!and!urbanization!PIF! Project!Information!File!PS! IFC!Performance!Standard!(there!are!8!PS)!Red!Data!Book! List!of!threatened!species!(prepared!by!IUCN)!TEIAS! Turkish!Electricity!Transmission!Company!TurSEFF Turkish!Sustainable!Energy!Financing!Facility!!!WB! World!Bank!
! !
5
1.* Purpose!and!Content!of!this!Guidance!Note!!
This!Guidance!Note!is!intended!to!assist!developers!in!the!decision!making!on!the!location!and!subsequently!design!and!operation!of!a!wind!power!plant.!!It!includes!information!on!!!
•- The&licensing&process&for&new&wind&power&facilities.&
•- The& environmental& legal& framework& relevant& to& wind& power;& this& includes& a& summary& of& the& most&
relevant& Turkish& laws& pertaining& to& these& projects;& reference& to& EU& legal& requirements& used& by&
International&Financial&Institutions&and&bilateral&banks&(e.g.&IFC/WB;&EBRD;&EIB;&KfW;&FMO;&AFD)&–&and&
relevant&should&Turkey&align&its&laws&with&EU&Directives&as&part&of&the&EU&accession&process.&
•- The& environmental& and& social& standards& used& by& International& Financial& Institutions& in& their& decision&
making&on&financing&of&such&projects&(either&direct&financing&or&via&programs&administered&by&Turkish&
Financial& Intermediary& banks).& This& is& included& as& most& projects& are& partPfinanced& by& international&
development& banks& (International& Financial& Institutions),& either& directly& or& via& Turkish& partner& banks&
(Financial&Institutions)&which&administer&their&funds&and&apply&their&rules.&&&
•- The& major& environmental& and& social& issues& which& have& to& be& considered& when& designing,& locating,&
building& and& operating& wind& power& plants& –& this& is& based& on& legal& requirements;& IFI& requirements;&
stakeholder&concerns;&experience&with&previous,&similar&installations.&
•- A&stepPbyPstep&guide&outlining&how&these&environmental&and&social& issues&can&be&addressed&efficiently&
when&planning&a&new&facility&and&when&going&through&the&licensing&process.&
!
2.* Limitations!and!Disclaimer!
This!is!a!highPlevel!guidance!document!concentrating!on!the!environmental!and!social!aspects!of!new!projects.!It!describes!the!key!environmental!and!social!issues!which!have!to!be!considered!during!project!development,!implementation!and!operation.!!!It!is!generic!in!nature!and!does!not!constitute!legal!advice.!It!is!up!to!the!user!to!verify!any!information!provided!in!this!Note!and!to!obtain!further!detailed!information!and!legal,!technical!and! environmental! advice! when! considering! the! planning,! licensing,! construction! and! operation! of! a! new!facility.!
!
3.* The!Project!Licensing!Process!in!Turkey!
The!authorization!process! in! Turkey!differentiates!between! “Licensed”!and! “UnPlicensed”! facilities.!All!wind!power!plants!with!a!capacity!higher!than!1!MWe!must!apply!for!a!Production!License,!to!be!obtained!from!the!Electricity!Market!Regulatory!Authority!(EMRA),!which!gives!the!right!to!sell!the!electricity!to!the!market!for!49!years.!Licensed!projects!can!also!benefit!from!the!set!FeedPinPTariff!(“FiT”).!
6
Before! obtaining! a! License,! an! application! for! a! prePlicense! needs! to! be! made.! The! applicant! requires!measurement!data! covering! at! least! 1! year! for!wind!projects.! The! applications! are!made! to! EMRA!and! the!technical! assessment! of! the! applications! is!made! by! the!General! Directorate! of! Renewable! Energy! (GDRE).!Positively!assessed!projects!are! then!sent! to! the!Turkish!Electricity!Transmission!Company! (TEİAŞ)! to!assess!the!availability!for!a!grid!connection.!Grid!connection!rights!are!provided!in!case!the!grid!connection!capacity!is!sufficient.!If!not!(e.g.!if!applications!exceed!existing!capacity),!the!projects!are!put!in!“competition”!within!a!tender!organized!by!TEIAS.!The!applicants!that!offer!the!highest!price!are!awarded!connection!rights.!The!fee!for!this!is!to!be!paid!within!3!years!from!the!tender!date!and!varies!considerably!from!one!project!to!another.!!
The!applicants!who!obtained!connection!rights!can!proceed!with!the!prePlicense!application!process.!After!the!completion!of!all!prePlicense!tasks,! the!applicant!can!apply! for!the!actual! license.!The!construction!period! is!determined!in!the!production!license.!The!license!holder!should!complete!the!construction!within!this!period!and!then!request!provisional!acceptance!of!the!facility.!The!applicant!can!apply!for!the!final!acceptance!1!year!after!the!provisional!acceptance!was!granted.!!!
The!following!flowchart!shows!the!overall!licensing!process.!This!process!includes,!if!required,!environmental!investigations!and!permits.!This!is!in!more!detail!presented!in!the!following!section!on!‘Environmental!Impact!Requirements’.!
!
!
!
!
!
!!
!
7
Licensed(Project(Application(Flowchart(
8
4.! The&Project&Environmental&Requirements&
Commercial* scale* renewable* energy* projects* generally* require* a* permit* and* are* subject* to* environmental*
legislation* which* regulates* the* assessment* and* minimization* and* mitigation* of* negative* impacts* on* the*
environment.*The*central*legal*provision*is*the*Environmental*Impact*Assessment*Regulation,*Official*Gazette*
No.*29186,*dated*November*25,*2014.*Real*persons*and*legal*entities*planning*to*realize*a*project*within*the*
scope* of* this* law* are* obliged* to* prepare* and* submit* to* the* relevant* authorities* an* Environmental* Impact*
Application* File* and,* if* required,* an* Environmental* Impact* Assessment* Report.* The* Turkish* EIA* process*
classifies*projects*as*either*‘Annex*I’*or*‘Annex*II’,*and*by*default,*‘No*Annex’.*Projects*that*are*not*included*in*
Annex*I*or*Annex*II*of*the*EIA*law*are*considered*as*exempt*from*EIA*decisions;*however,*project*applicants*
should*obtain*an*‘EIA*Exempt’*letter*from*the*relevant*Provincial*Directorate*of*Environment*and*Urbanization**
(PDoEU).*If*a*project*is*identified*under*Annex*I*of*the*Turkish*EIA*Regulation,*an*EIA*Report*is*automatically*
required* (‘Environmental* Impact* Assessment* necessary’).* The* requirements* for* carrying* out* an* EIA* Report,*
including*public*consultation,*expert*review*and*revisions*to*the*EIA*Report!are*detailed*in*the*EIA*Regulation.**The* following*Table*1*summarizes* the*EIA*Law*requirements* for*all* types*of* renewable*energy*projects*and*
identifies*those*that*fall*under*Annex*I*and*under*Annex*II.*
Table&1:&Environmental&Impact&Assessment&requirements&under&the&Turkish&EIA&Law&
&
Hydro& Wind& Solar& Geothermal& Biomass& EIA&Regulation&
Anne
x&I&
More*than*10*
MWm*
*
Reservoir*size*[*
more*than*10*
million*m3*
More*than*
20*turbines*
or*50*MWm*
installed*
capacity*
Project*area*
larger*than*20*
hectares*or*more*
than*10*MWe*
installed*capacity*
More*than*20*
MWe*
*
*
More*than*300*
MWt*
Daily*combustion*
of*100*tons*or*
more**waste*
Full*Environmental*Impact*
Assessment*(EIA)*required*
Anne
x&II&
1[10*MWm*
*
Reservoir*size*–*
5[10*million*m3*
More*than*
5*turbines*
or*installed*
capacity*
between*
10[50*MWm*
Project*area*
larger*than*2*
heactares*or*1[10*
MWe*(excluding*
roof*top*systems)*
5[20*MWe*
20[300*MWt*
*
Daily*combustion*
of*less*than*100*
tons*waste*
Project*Introduction*File*
(PIF)*which*decides*
whether*
•! EIA*necessary*
(then*the*Annex*I*
process*is*
applied)*or*
•! EIA*not*necessary*
No&An
nex&
Less*than*1*MW*Less*than*
10*MWe*Less*than*1MWe* Less*than*5*MWe* [*
*
No*requirements*
*
*
As*a*first*step,*the*sub[project*sponsor*is*required*to*prepare*and*submit*a*“Project&Introduction&File”*(PIF)*to*the*Provincial*Directorate*of*MoEU*(PDoEU).*The*PIF*needs*to*include*a*brief*environmental*assessment*of*the*
9
environmental*implications*of*the*project*as*well*as*key*mitigation*measures.*For*a*project*which*falls*under*
Annex*I*of*the*EIA*Regulation,*a*EIA*Report*is*automatically*required.*For*projects*which*fall*under*Annex*II*the*
PDoEU* reviews* the* PIF* and* then* makes* a* determination* as* to* whether* or* not* an* Environmental* Impact*
Assessment*Report*(EIA*Report)*is*required.****
The*EIA*process*steps*for*Annex*I*and*for*Annex*II*projects*are*summarized*in*the*following*two*flowcharts.*
Details*on*the*process*can*be*found*in*the*EIA*Regulation.*
EIA&Process&for&Annex&I&projects&
*
*
10
EIA&process&for&Annex&II&projects&
*
Environmental* Impact*Assessment* is* a*well[established* systematic*process* to* identify,* predict* and*evaluate*
the*environmental*effects*of*proposed*actions*and*projects.*These*assessments*require*a*team*of*skilled*and*
experienced*specialists.*
These*EIAs/ESIAs*are*based*on*national*environmental*law,*mainly*Turkish*Landscape,*Habitat*and*Biodiversity*
Protection*Laws.*National*legislation*with*respect*to*nature*conservation*includes:!•! The!Environment!Law!(No.2872):"Aims"at"conservation"of"environment"in"line"with"the"principles"of"
sustainable"environment"and"development."""•! Law!on!National!Parks!(No.2873):"Determines"the"principles"governing"the"selection"and"designation"of"
national"parks,"natural"monuments,"nature"parks,"and"nature"reserve"areas"of"national"and"international"value,"and"the"conservation,"development"and"management"of"such"places."
•! Law!on!the!Conservation!of!Cultural!and!Natural!Heritage!(No.2863):!Aims"to"define"movable"and"immovable"cultural"and"natural"property"to"be"protected"and"regulate"proceedings"and"activities."
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Applicant)/)Company)
!! Project!Information!File!!! Project!letter!of!engagement!!! List!of!authorized!signatures!!! Receipt!of!application!fee!
Ministry)of)Environment)and)Urbanization)
!! Compliance!check!for!the!submitted!documents!!! Evaluation!of!Project!Information!File!!! The!final!decision!on!EIA!requirement!is!announced!
EIA)is)required)
!! The!decision!is!no!longer!applicable!in!case!the!applicant!will!not!proceed!with!the!EIA!application!within!1!year!!!
EIA)is)not)required)
!! The!decision!is!no!longer!applicable!in!case!the!project!construction!will!not!start!within!5!years!
11
•! Statutory!Decree!(No.383)!on!the!Establishment!of!the!Authority!for!the!Special!Protection!of!Areas!Decree:"Defines"provisions"on"establishment"of"Environmental"Protection"Institution,"which"is"responsible"for"taking"necessary"precautions"for"eradicating"existing"environmental"problems"in"the"areas"defined"as""Special"Environmental"Protection"Area""under"Article"9"of"the"Environment"Law"No."2872.""
•! Law!on!Terrestrial!Hunting!(No.!4915):"Determines"the"principles"of"selection"and"designation"of"wild"life"protection"and"development"areas."Implementation"of"the"Law"is"enforced"by"the"decisions"of"Central"Hunting"Commission."
•! Law!of!Forests!(No.!6831):"Defines"provisions"for"management"of"forests."Conservation"forests,"gene"conservation"forests"and"seed"stands"are"the"main"conservation"status"area"set"out"in"the"Law."
•! Law!on!Fisheries!(No.1380):"Defines"requirements"for"production,"protection"and"inspection"of"aquatic"animals"and"establishes"provisions"to"be"applied"on"marine"and"inland"fisheries"(including"aquaculture)."
•! Regulation!on!Conservation!of!Wetlands:"Defines"the"principles"of"protection,"management"and"development"of"wetlands"and"their"habitats."This"Regulation"also"covers"the"establishment"of"the"National"and"Provincial"Wetland"Commissions.""
•! Draft!Law!on!Conservation!of!Nature!and!Biodiversity:"developed"in"the"scope"of"the"Biodiversity"and"Natural"Sources"Management"Project"supported"by"Global"Environment"Facility"in"2003"and"sent"to"the"Grand"National"Assembly"of"Turkey"by"the"Ministry"of"Environment"and"Forestry."The"draft"law"was"revised"a"few"times"and"approved"by"the"Environment"Commission"of"Grand"National"Assembly"of"Turkey"on"18"June"2012."It"has"not"been"published"yet.**
*
Turkey*is*also*a*signatory*to*conventions*which*may*apply*to*wind*power*projects.*These*include***
•! Convention*on*the*International*Trade*in*Endangered*Species*of*Wild*Flora*and*Fauna*(CITES)*
•! Convention*on*the*Conservation*of*European*Wildlife*And*Natural*Habitats*(Bern)**
•! Convention*on*Wetlands*of*International*Importance*Especially*as*Waterfowl*Habitat*(Ramsar)**
•! International*Convention*For*the*Protection*of*Birds*
•! Convention*Concerning*the*Protection*of*the*World*Cultural*and*Natural*Heritage*
*
As*part*of*the*accession*process*Turkey*is*gradually*changing*its*laws*to*comply*with*EU*regulations.*The*key*
EU*Directives*for*wind*farms*are:*
Environmental&Impact&Assessment&Legislation:"Cutting*across*all*potential*renewable*energy*projects,*the*most*important*environmental*regulation*is*that*which*determines*the*requirements*for*the*environmental*
and*social*appraisal*and*permitting*of*projects*(EIA*Directive*2011/92/EU*as*amended*by*Directive*
2014/52/EU*–*to*be*transposed*by*Member*States*latest*in*May*2017),*plus*the*respective*regulations*for*
renewable*energy*projects*(Renewable*Energy*Directive*2009/28/EC).*
Habitat&and&Biodiversity&Protection&Laws&and&Regulations:&&The*‘Habitats*Directive’*92/43/EEC*and*the*‘Birds’*Directive’*2009/147/EC*are*the*cornerstones*of*the*EU’s*biodiversity*policy.*They*are*designed*to*protect*and*
ensure*the*survival*of*Europe’s*most*endangered*and*vulnerable*species*and*habitat*types.*Central*to*the*two*
12
Directives*is*the*Natura*2000*Network*of*protected*sites;*they*conserve*the*core*areas*for*certain*rare*and*
endangered*species.*There*are*approximately*26,000*sites*across*all*28*EU*Member*States*covering*
approximately*18*%*of*the*land*area*and*6*%*of*marine*territory.*Particularly*wind*power;*hydropower;*and*
large[scale*solar*PV*developments*have*the*potential*to*impact*significantly*on*these*habitats.***
Watercourses:*In*2000,*the*"Directive*2000/60/EC*of*the*European*Parliament*and*of*the*Council*establishing*
a*framework*for*the*Community*action*in*the*field*of*water*policy"*or,*in*short,*the*EU&Water&Framework&Directive*(or*even*shorter*the*WFD)*was*finally*adopted.*Its*main*objectives*are*river*basin*management*and*
protection*of*surface*and*groundwater.*
*
5.&Requirements&of&Financial&Institutions&
*
Environmental* Impact* Assessments* and* the* associated* public* consultation* is* also* a* requirement* of* banks*
(International* Financial* Institutions* as* well* as* international* and* national* commercial* banks).* * * These*
institutions*generally*request*an*international[quality*EIA*Report*which*is*then*reviewed*by*specialists*prior*to*
decision* making* on* project* finance.* The* requirements* of* IFIs* (such* as* the* World* Bank,* the* International*
Finance*Corporation,*the*European*Bank*for*Reconstruction*and*Development,*the*Asian*Development*Bank,*
the*Black*Sea*Development*Bank*and*others),*of*bilateral*Financial*Institutions*(such*as*the*German*KfW,*the*
French* AFD,* the*Dutch* FMO* and* others),* and* of* an* increasing* number* of* local* banks* (those* administering*
funds* from* IFIs*and*FIs,*and* those*adopting* the*Equator*Principles* for*environmental*and*social* care)*often*
exceed*the*current*legal*requirements*under*the*Turkish*EIA*Regulation.**
Developers*are*therefore*strongly*advised*to*seek*detailed*information*from*the*IFI*relevant*to*their*project*
financing*and*to*clarify*what*has*to*be*done;*to*what*standard*it*has*to*be*done;*and*within*what*timeframe.*
Environmental* baseline* studies* and* assessment* process* can* take* a* long* time.* Ecological* field* studies* of*
sensitive* locations*may*require*surveys*covering*more* than*one*year.*This*will*have* to*be* factored* into* the*
project*development*timeline.*The*key*standards*currently*used*by*financial*institutions*are:*
•! the" World" Bank" Safeguard" Policies" (for" the" WB" public" sector" finance" institution" IBRD)" and" the" IFC"Performance"Standards"(for"private"sector"finance"by"the"World"Bank"Group"member"IFC);"""
•! the"Performance"Requirements"of"the"European"Bank"for"Reconstruction"and"Development"(EBRD);"•! the"European"Principles"for"the"Environment"(signed"by"the"European"Investment"Bank,"EIB;"the"Council"
of"Europe"Development"Bank;"the"EBRD;"the"Nordic"Investment"Bank;"the"Nordic"Environment"Finance"Corporation)."
*
These* standards* and* procedural* requirements* (e.g.* for* public* consultation)* are* broadly* comparable.&Banks*generally*also*provide*extensive*guidance*documentation*which*explains*what*they*expect*from*a*project*in*a*
specific* industry* sector* or* in* relation* to* a* subject* such* as* public* consultation;* gender* equality;* working*
standards;*health*and*safety*etc.*These*documents*can*be*found*on*the*websites*of*the*banks.*Environmental*
13
requirements* of* banks* also* frequently* refer* to* EU* legislation.* EU* country* financial* institutions* such* as* EIB,*
KfW,*FMO*etc.*require*compliance*with*EU*Directives.*Developers*are*advised*to*contact*their*potential*banks*
to*clarify*what*project*requirements*apply.*
The*most*widely*used*set*of*standards*are*the*8*IFC*Performance*Standards*which*are*listed*below**
PS*1:*Assessment*and*Management*of*Environmental*and*Social*Risks*and*Impacts**
PS*2:*Labour*and*Working*Conditions**
PS*3:*Resource*Efficiency*and*Pollution*Prevention**
PS*4:*Community*Health,*Safety,*and*Security**
PS*5:*Land*Acquisition*and*Involuntary*Resettlement**
PS*6:*Biodiversity*Conservation*and*Sustainable*Management*of*Living*Natural*Resources**
PS*7:*Indigenous*Peoples**
PS*8:*Cultural*Heritage*
* *
6.& Major&Environmental&and&Social&Concerns&for&Wind&Farm&Developments&
Key*environmental*and*social*aspects*for*site*selection*and*project*preparation*of*onshore*wind*farms*are:*
1.! Impact*on*land*use;*
2.! Impact*on*landscape;**
3.! Impact*on*amenity;*
4.! Local*nuisances*–*visual*intrusion;*noise;*shadow**flicker;*ice*throw;*lights;*glare;*5.! Impact*on*archaeology*and*cultural*heritage;*
6.! Interference*with*other*structures*or*services;*7.! Impact*on*habitat*and*biodiversity*and*on*protected*areas;**
8.! Wastes;*
9.! Associated*infrastructure;*10.!Involuntary*resettlement*and*land*acquisition;*
11.!Stakeholder*information*and*engagement;**
12.!Community*benefits;*
13.!Cumulative*impacts;*
14.!Construction*impacts;*
15.!Post[construction*(operation*phase)*maintenance,*monitoring*and*control;*
16.!Environmental*and*social*management.*
14
The*listed*16*criteria*are*in*more*detail*described*in*the*following*sections*6.1*to*6.16.*Each*of*these*sections*
includes*a*description*of*the* issue*and* its*environmental*or*social* impacts;* this* is* followed*by*a*short* list*of*
questions*(‘What*to*consider’)*which*a*developer*can*use*as*a*quick*check[list.**
*These*16* issues*would*be*addressed* in*a* comprehensive*ESIA*which*meets* international*quality* standards.*
Much*of*this* is*also*needed*for*the*project*permitting*process.*These*are*also*the*key* issues*checked*in*the*
environmental* project* appraisal* carried* out* by* International* Financial* Institutions* if* a* developer* is* seeking*
project*financing*from*such*financial*institutions.**
There*are*many*guidance*documents*for*site*assessment*and*construction*publicly*available*on*the*internet,*
generally*covering*some*of*these*issues.*Specific*topical*guidance*can,*for*example,*be*found*on*the*website*of*
Scottish*Natural* Heritage1;* this* includes* detailed* and* illustrated* guidance* for* ‘Spatial* Planning* for* Onshore*
Wind*Turbines*–*Natural*Heritage*Considerations’*(2015).*The*US*Fish*and*Wildlife*Services*have*also*produced*
a*comprehensive*advisory*document* ‘Land[Based*Wind*Energy*Guidelines’2,*which* is*also*part*of*a*series*of*
environmental*guidance*documents3.*
*
6.1& &Impact&on&land&use&&The*main*land*use*types*in*Turkey*are**
•! Forestry*land*
•! Pasture*Land*
•! Agricultural*Land*(including*orchards)*
•! Treasury*land*(Hazine*Arazisi*or*Maliye*Arazisi)*
*
According*to*Article*16*of*the*Forestry*Law*(No.*6831),*renewable*energy*projects*are*permitted*on*forestry*
land*except*in*areas*which*are*protected*as*preservation*forests,*gene*conservation*forests,*picnic*areas*and*
seed*stands.*For*these*protected*areas,*the*approval*of*the*Ministry*of*Forestry*and*Water*Affairs*is*needed.*
In* addition,* according* to* the* Circular* of* the*Ministry* of* Forestry* and*Water* Affairs* dated*March* 3,* 2014,*
forestry*lands*are*exempt*from*unlicensed*energy*developments.**
According* to*Article*20*of* the* Law*on*Rehabilitation*of*Oil*Cultivation* (No.3573),*olive* cultivation*areas*are*
specifically*protected*and*generally*exempt*from*any*development.**
According* to* Article* 13* of* the* Law* on* Protection* and* Usage* of* Agricultural* Lands* (No.5403),* high* grade*
agricultural* land* (mutlak" tarım" arazisi),* special* products* land,* planted* agricultural* land* and* irrigated*agricultural*land*cannot*be*used*for*other*purposes.*However,*if*alternative*areas*cannot*be*found,*and*with*
the*approval*of*the*Soil*Protection*Commission,*licensed*renewable*energy*projects*can*be*permitted*in*such*
areas*provided*that*soil*protection*measures*are*complied*with.**
1 (http://www.snh.gov.uk/planning[and[development/planning[renewable[guidance) 2*wttp://www.fws.gov/windenergy/docs/WEG_final.pdf*
3*http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/*
15
According* to*Article* 14* of* the* Pasture* Law* (No:* 4342),* licensed* renewable* energy* projects* can* be* built* on*
pasture*land.*Developers*are*required*to*decommission*and*rehabilitate*the*area*after*use.***
In*general,*wind*farms*should*be*located*in*areas*of*marginal*land*use,*not*in*any*area*with*a*high*value*for*
agricultural*use*or*forestry.***
What&to&consider:&&*
•! Is"the"proposed"location"for"the"new"renewable"energy"project"within"a"protected"area"where"any"such"development"is"not"legally"possible?"
•! Is"specific"land"use"permission"required?"•! Is" the" new" development" located" on"marginal" land" or" is" it" located" on" land" with" high" agricultural" or"
forestry"value?"""•! Are" there"any" legal" and/or" illegal" users" of" land" that"may"also" impact" the" land"use"of" the" renewable"
energy"project?""*
6.2& *Impact&on&landscape&&A*wind*power*plant*can*have*a*significant*impact*on*the*appearance*of*the*landscape;*its*local*ecology;*and*
communities* living* in* this* landscape*and*using* its*natural* resources* (e.g.* farming;*animal*husbandry;* fishing*
and* fish* farming;* tourism*etc.).* * The*most* important* decision*of* a* developer,* his* project* designer,* and* the*
permitting*authorities*is*therefore*about*the*impact*of*the*project*on*the*specific*location.*This*includes,*for*a*
wind* farm,* the* exact* location* of* its* array* of* turbines* and* or* its* infrastructure* (buildings;* roads;* grid*
connection).**
Site* selection* should* take* into* account* the* character* and* visual* appearance* of* a* landscape.* This* should*
identify*the*unique*or*dominant*features*of*the*broader*landscape,*and*within*that,*the*acceptable*scope*for*
development.* The* European* Landscape* Convention’s* (ELC)*4* definition* of* “landscape”* is:* “* ...* an" area," as"
perceived" by" people,"whose" character" is" the" result" of" the" action" and" interaction" of" natural" and" /" or" human"factors.”*Landscapes*differ*in*underlying*geology,*soil,*topography,*land*cover,*hydrology,*historic*and*cultural*development,*and*climate*[*the*combination*of*which*defines*landscape*character.**Landscapes*differ*in*their*
perceived*or* legally*acknowledged*value* (e.g.* scenic*beauty,* tranquility*or*wildness,* cultural*associations*or*
other*conservation*issues)*and*in*their*capacity*to*accommodate*change*without*unacceptable*adverse*effects*
on*its*character5.***
*
The* visual* appearance* of* arrays* of* wind* turbines* are* also* the* strongest* point* of* criticism* of* any* such*
developments*[*and*a*frequent*reason*for*local*objections.*It*is*therefore*necessary*to*carefully*plan*the*exact*
location*of*a*wind*farm*and*the*precise* layout*of*the*site*(e.g.*distances*between*turbines;*the*proximity*of*
any*installation*to*important*landscape*features*and*to*residential*areas)*in*order*to*avoid*or*at*least*minimize*
negative*environmental*impact.**
4*Council*of*Europe*(2000),*European*Landscape*Convention,*Council*of*Europe,*Florence,*October*2000***
5*An*Approach*to*Landscape*Character*Assessment,*Christine*Tudor,*Natural*England,*2014*
16
*
What&to&consider:&&*•! Is" there"a"Landscape"Character"Assessment"or"any"similar"study"that" identifies" the"significant" features"of"
the"landscape?"If"not,"can"this"be"readily"done"by"a"competent"landscape"architect?"•! Are"there"any"protected"sites"(environmental;"heritage)"or"sites"which"have"a"particular"value"to"the"local"
communities?""•! Is" there"a" regional"or" local"development"plan?"Are"other"wind" farms"or"other" renewable"energy"projects"
such"as" solar"PV" facilities"planned,"possible"or" likely?" Is" there"a" strategic"development"plan" for" the"area"which" identifies" all" such" developments," their" impacts," their" benefits," and" any" necessary" measures" to"prevent"damage"and"confrontation"with"affected"communities"and"other"stakeholders?"
•! Will"the"project"become"the"dominant"feature"of"the"landscape?"""•! Can"the"project"be"designed"to"either"‘blend"in’"or"even"enhance"the"attractiveness"of"the"landscape?""
*
6.3& Impact&on&amenity&&Landscape*considerations*are*closely*linked*to*amenity*impact*and*amenity*value*of*a*location.*Amenity*values*
are*those*natural*or*physical*qualities*and*characteristics*of*an*area*that*contribute*to*people’s*appreciation*of*
its* pleasantness,* aesthetic* coherence,* and* cultural* and* recreational* attributes.6* The* main* issue* is* visual*
amenity,*i.e.*the*question*whether*an*array*of*wind*turbines*is*considered*pleasant*(or*at*least*acceptable)*in*
the*context*of*the*overall*texture*and*appearance*of*the*landscape.*Another*important*issue*is*noise.*
*An* impact* assessment* must* take* account* of* the* overall* impact* of* the* turbines* and* associated* project*
infrastructure* on* the* landscape* and* on* those* living* in* it* or* using* it.* This* includes* permanent* local*
residents/communities*as*well*as*owners*of*holiday*homes*and*also*visitors.**
What&to&consider:&&*
•! What"is"the"distance"of"wind"turbines"to"residential"areas"(inclusive"of"single"houses)?"""•! Is" the" distance" to" residential" areas" sufficient" to" exclude" noise" and" shadow" flicker" from" the" wind"
turbines?""•! Would"wind"turbines"completely"or"significantly"change"the"visual"appearance"of"the"area?"•! Can"turbines"be"located"in"areas"with"minimum"visual"impact?"•! What" is" the"visual" impact"of"new"service"roads,"grid"connection,"operations"control"and"maintenance"
buildings" –" the" grid" connection" via" overhead" lines" has" in" itself" potentially" a" high" impact" on" the"landscape."Can"such"infrastructure"be"visually"hidden"(e.g."by"routing"through"valleys)"or"make"to"better"blend"in"(e.g."by"selective"planting)?"*
6Definition*used*by*the*New*Zealand*Ministry*for*the*Environment*in*the*‘Resource*Management*Act’*
17
6.4& Local&nuisances&–&visual&intrusion;&noise;&shadow&flicker;&ice&throw;&lights;&glare&Local*objections* to*wind* farms* from* local* residents*and*communities* focus*on* the*permanent* impact* these*
structures*have*on*the*quality*of*their*live*and*also*on*the*value*of*their*properties.*The*perceived*local*impact*
depends*on*the*location*of*the*turbines*and*their*distance*to*housing;*the*contour*of*the*land;*the*structure*of*
the*residential*area*(high/low[rise*buildings;*density*of*buildings);*and*on*the*size*of*the*turbines.*There*is*no*
agreed* international* standard* for* the* ‘right* minimum* distance’,* and* most* countries* have* been* flexible* in*
setting*minimum*distances*based*on*local*conditions.*
It*is*often*the*likely*(i.e.*modeled)*noise*levels*at*the*nearest*residential*area*which*are*used*to*determine*a*
for*minimum* distance.* For*wind* power* plants* the* Turkish* ‘Regulation* on* Assessment* and*Management* of*
Noise’*(Official*Gazette*27917;*April*2011)*applies**the*threshold*noise*levels*for*industrial*areas,*as*presented*
in*the*following*table.*
**
Area*
Lday*
(7[19h)*
(dBA)*
Lnight**
(19[7h)*
(dBA)*
Noise* sensitive* areas* (educational,* cultural,* health*
facility*areas;*summer*and*vacation*camp*areas)*
*
60*
*
50*
Noise* sensitive* areas* where* residential* buildings* are*
concentrated**
*
65*
*
55*
Noise* sensitive* areas* where* commercial* buildings* are*
concentrated*
*
68*
*
58*
Industrial*areas*70*
*
60*
* Under*the*IFC*Performance*Standards*the*noise*limits*for* ‘residential,* institutional*and*educational*areas’*of*
the*IFC*‘EHS*General*Guidelines’*(2007;*Table*1.7.1)*would*be*applied*by*IFIs.*The*Guideline*states*(in*section*
1.7,*p.52)*that*‘Noise&impacts&should¬&exceed&the&levels&presented&in&Table&1.7.1,&or&result&in&a&maximum&increase&in&background&levels&of&3&dB&at&the&nearest&receptor&location&offZsite’7.**The*following*Table*presents*these*maximum*allowable*noise*levels.*
Noise&Level&Guidelines&(Table&1.7.1)&* One*Hour*LAeq*(dBA)*
Receptor& Daytime&(7&–&22&h)&
Nighttime&(22&–&7&h)&&
Residential,*institutional*and*educational*areas* 55* 45*
Industrial*and*commercial*areas* 70* 70*
7 http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/ifc+sustainability/our+approach/risk+management/ehsguidelines
18
It* is* obvious* from* the* tables* that* there* is* a* significant*difference* in*maximum* levels* between*Turkish* legal*
requirements*and*IFC/WB*guideline*limits*(which*are*the*limits*generally*used*by*IFIs).*
Historically,*as*a*general*rule*a*distance*of* less*than*500*meters*distance*between*turbines*and*houses*was*
seen*as*adequate*and*acceptable* in*many*countries.*This*has*changed*as*the*size*of*turbines,*and*with*that*
their*visual*and*noise* impact,*has* increased* in*recent*decades.*Many*countries*with* large[scale*wind*power*
developments* are* now* insisting* that* the* minimum* distance* to* housing* (or* as* it* is* called,* the* ‘setback’)**
depends* on* total* turbine* height,* with* minimum* distance* increasing* with* turbine* height.* This* is* a* simpler*
approach,*based*on*bigger*turbines*are*more*visually*intrusive*and*are*noisier,*hence*require*a*larger*distance.*
The*current*UK*regulations*use*this*distance[based*approach,*irrespective*of*the*actual*(modeled)*noise*levels*
at*daytime*or*nighttime.***
Turbine& Height& in&metres&
Minimum&Distance&to&Residential&Housing,&in&metres&(and&in&kilometres)&
25*[*50* 1,000***(1*km)*
50*[*100** 1,500***(1.5*km)*
100*[*150* 2,000***(2*km)*
>150* 3,000***(3*km)*
*
Other* local* nuisances* include* shadow* flicker* from* rotor* blades;* lights* on* top* of* turbines;* ice* throw* from*
blades* in*winter.*The* impact*of*any*of*these* is*also*directly*related*to*the*distance*to*housing*–*the*further*
away,*the*better.*
*
What&to&consider:&&*
•! Is" the"distance"(‘setback’)"of"the"turbines"from"local"areas"sufficient"to"avoid"negative" impacts" (visual"impact"of"the"turbines;"shadow"flicker;"noise"from"turbines"and"from"traffic;"strobe"lights)?"
•! Are"IFC/WB"noise"limits"being"used"(important"for"projects"seeking"IFI"loans)?"•! Has"the"local"community"been"informed"and"consulted"on"the"potential"location"of"turbines"in"relation"
to"their"houses?""•! Are" local" residents"affected"by" the"project"aware"of"current"background"noise" levels"and" likely" future"
noise"levels?"Is"there"opposition"or"are"there"demands"for"a"larger"setback?"•! Will""flicker"from"turbine"blades"and"any"lighting"on"the"turbines"affect"local"houses?"•! Will"turbines"be"painted"in"a"colour"blending"in"with"the"environment?"•! Is"there"a"danger"of"ice"throw"from"blades"(in"areas"with"low"winter"temperature;"proximity"to"housing"
and"other"structures)?""Is"there"enough"protection"of"workers"and"people"passingdby?"
19
6.5& Impact&on&archaeology&and&cultural&heritage&Areas* technically* suitable* for* wind* farms* (i.e.* with* sufficient* wind* exposure)* include* areas* of* high*
archaeological* and* cultural* value,* due* to* the* rich* Turkish* heritage* of* buildings* and* sites* with* important*
prehistoric,* Roman,*Greek,* Lykian* etc.* relics,* investigated* or* still* awaiting* excavation.* The* following*Map* 1*
shows* the* location*of* existing*wind* farms* –*most* of*which* are* located* along* the*Aegean* coast,* the* Sea*of*
Marmara*and*the*European*part*of*Turkey.*
Archaeological* sites* and* sites* of* cultural* heritage* (local* as* well* as* national)* are* also* under* protection* and*
permission* needs* to* be* obtained* prior* to* any* intrusion,* e.g.* for* preliminary* measurements* or* initial* site*
assessments*(e.g.*any*digging).*Whilst*many*of*these*sites*are*not*generally*excluded*from*new*developments,*
there*are*likely*to*be*(severe)*restrictions*and*controls*during*construction,*to*prevent*damage*and*loss,*and*
to*take*account*of*chance[finds.*This*adds*an*additional*layer*of*management*concern*to*project*management*
(introduction*of*a*chance*finds*procedure*for*all*staff*and*contractors*on*site;*control*of*its* implementation;*
liaison*with* authorities).* Local* residents* are* general* a* good* source* of* information* but* this*will* have* to* be*
verified*in*close*cooperation*with*local*authorities*and*institutions*(e.g.*universities;*museums).*
What&to&consider:&
•! Are"known"or"suspected"(but"not"yet"evaluated)"archaeological"or"culturally"important"sites"located"within"the"wider"project"area?"The"local"communities"may"be"a"good"additional"source"of"information."
•! Has"this"been"adequately"covered"in"the"EIA"investigations"and"project"recommendations"set"out"in"the"EIA"Report?"""
•! Is"there"a"‘chance"finds"procedure’"and"(if"required)"a"management"plan"for"archaeological"finds"during"both"construction"and"operations?"
*
20
Figure&1:&Existing&Wind&Farms&in&Turkey&*
&
6.6& Interference&with&other&structures&or&services&Electromagnetic* interference* from* wind* turbines* may* occur* and* can* affect* telecommunications* systems,*
aeronautical*navigation*systems*of*airports,*weather*radars,*maritime*radars,*military*communications/radar*
installations*and*similar*installations.*
What&to&consider:&&*
•* Is" the" site" close" to" any" installation" which" could" be" affected" by" electromagnetic" waves" from" wind"turbines?"Has"this"been"checked"with"the"relevant"authorities"(civil"and"military;"public"and"private)?"
&
6.7& Impact&on&habitat&and&biodiversity&and&on&protected&areas&The* impacts* a* project* and* its* associated* infrastructure* (roads,* grid* connection* etc.)* can* have* on* the* local*
ecology* are* often* underestimated,* insufficiently* studied,* and* inefficiently* managed* and*mitigated.* A* wind*
power*project*(like*any*other*large*project)*needs*to*fully*evaluate*the*site*for*its*ecological*and*biodiversity*
value;*needs*to*study*and*evaluate*all* impacts* the*project*will*have*on* its* location;*and*needs*to*develop*a*
21
proper* environmental* management* plan,* implement* it* and* monitor* its* implementation* regularly.* This* is*
probably*the*most*significant*impact*area*that*has*to*be*checked*out*for*a*new*project.*
It*is*not*enough*to*simply*check*whether*a*project*site*is*within*a*protected*area.*There*are*many*other*areas*
of*outstanding*ecological*value*where*a*new*development*could*cause*destruction*and*where*therefore*new*
developments* should*be*avoided.* If* they*are* to*go*ahead,*extensive*mitigation*measures*and*effective* site*
management*will* be* required.* The* IFC* Performance* Standard* 6* (Biodiversity* Conservation* and* Sustainable*
Management* of* Living* Natural* Resources)* provides* details* of* what* areas* should* be* avoided* and* what* is*
necessary*if*a*project*were*to*go*ahead*in*such*an*area.*Of*particular*importance*are*‘critical*habitats’*which*in*
PS6* are* defined* as* ‘areas" with" high" biodiversity" value," including" (i)" habitat" of" significant" importance" to"Critically" Endangered" and/or" Endangered" species;" (ii)" habitat" of" significant" importance" to" endemic" and/or"restricteddrange"species;"(iii)"habitat"supporting"globally"significant"concentrations"of"migratory"species"and/or"congregatory"species;" (iv)"highly"threatened"and/or"unique"ecosystems;"and/or" (v)"areas"associated"with"key"evolutionary"processes’8.*****
The*following*provides*an*overview*of*protected*areas*and*other*areas*of*outstanding*ecological*value.*This*
overview*is*for*general*introduction*only*and*each*potential*project*site*has*to*be*evaluated*on*its*own.**
6.7.1! Protected!areas!Protected* areas* registered* by* the* General* Directorate* of* Natural* Protection* and* National* Parks* include*
national* parks,* natural*monuments,* nature* parks* and*nature* reserve* areas* and*wildlife* development* areas*
and*also*wetlands.*The*Google*Earth*application*showing* these*areas*can*be* found* from*the* following* link:*
(http://www.milliparklar.gov.tr/korunanalanlar/mpharita.htm).*
In*addition*to*the*google*earth*application*mentioned*above,*the*Ministry*of*Forestry*and*Water*Affairs*has*
also*developed*a*geological*database* (geodata)* for* the*protected*areas*under* its* responsibility.*This*system*
covers* all* protected* areas* including* preservation* forests,* gene* conservation* forests* and* seed* stands.* This*
application*can*be*found*from*the*following*link:*http://geodata.ormansu.gov.tr/.*
There*are*also*protected*areas*registered*by*the*Ministry*of*Environment*and*Urbanization.*These*areas*are*
natural* assets,* special* environmental* development* areas* and* natural* protected* areas.* The* Ministry* of*
Environment* and*Urbanization*developed* a* Protected*Areas*Management* System*Application* in* 2013.* This*
database* includes* the*protected*areas*under* the* responsibility*of* the*Ministry.*However,* this* is* an* internal*
database*and*not*publicly*available.*The*map*below*only*shows*the*sixteen*Special*Environmental*Protection*
Areas*of*Turkey.**
8 http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/bff0a28049a790d6b835faa8c6a8312a/PS6_English_2012.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
22
Figure&2:&Special&Environmental&Protection&Areas&in&Turkey&&&
In*addition*to*the*protected*areas*described*under*national* legislation,*there*are*other*areas*of*outstanding*
environmental*value,*some*of*which*may*not*designated*or*are*only*partly*designated*by*national*legislation,*
but* which* are* nevertheless* considered* to* be* ecologically* important.* Generally,* these* areas* have* been*
identified* by* Turkish* non[governmental* organizations* in* coordination* with* relevant* international*
environmental* organizations* and*would* include* areas*which* are* potential* Natura* 2000* areas* (Natura* 2000*
areas*are*designated*protection*areas*under*EU*law).**
These*additional*areas*of*great*biodiversity*value*include**
Key&Biodiversity&Areas:&KBAs*are*sites*of*international*importance*for*the*conservation*of*biodiversity*at*the*
global*level.*In*2006,*the*Doğa*Derneği*published*“Key*Biodiversity*Areas*of*Turkey”.**This*book*identifies*305*
KBAs*which*cover*20,280,149*hectares,*equivalent*26%*of*Turkey’s*surface*area.*Not*all*of*these*nominated*
KBAs*are*actually*legally*protected*under*national*legislation.*Information*available*from*Doğa*Derneği*can*be*
accessed*via*the*following*link*http://www.dogadernegi.org/onemli[doga[alanlari/.*
Important&Bird&Areas:&IBAs*are*defined*as*the*priority*sites*for*bird*conservation*because*they*regularly*hold*significant*populations*of*one*or*more*globally*or*regionally*threatened,*endemic*congregatory*bird*species
9***
or* highly* representative* bird* assemblages.* IBAs* are* selected* on* the* basis* of* internationally* agreed* and*
standardized*criteria.*184*IBAs*are* identified* in*Turkey.*The*ecological*criteria*used*for*the*determination*of*
these*IBAs*are*the*same*as*used*for*KBAs.*Thus,*the*list*of*305*KBAs*also*includes*IBAs.*
Key*Biodiversity*Areas*are*shown*in*the*following*map.*
9 species*that*gather*in*globally*significant*numbers*at*a*particular*site*and*at*a*particular*time*in*their*life*cycle*for*feeding,*breeding*
or*resting*(during*migration)
23
Figure&3:&Key&Biodiversity&Areas&in&Turkey&&&&Currently,* a* project* under* the* title* of* “Strengthening* the* National* Nature* Protection* System* for*
Implementation* of* Natura* 2000* Requirements”* is* being* carried* out* by* the* General* Directorate* of* Nature*
Protection*and*National*Parks.*The*Project,*to*be*completed*in*2018,*is*aiming*for:*
•! Assessment* of* presence* of* species* and* habitats* listed* in* the*Habitat* Directive* and* Bird* Directive* in*
Turkey*
•! Determination*of*potential*Natura*2000*zones*in*the*Central*Anatolian*Ecological*Region.*
•! Establishment*of*a*database*of*EU*standards.**
6.7.2! Birds!Local*and*migratory*birds*are*particularly*affected*by*wind*farms,*either*because*of*destruction*of/changes*in*
their*natural*habitat,*or*because*of*collision*risk*with*rotor*blades.**
There* are* three* significant* bottlenecks* in* Turkey,* namely* the* Bosphorus,* Çoruh* Valley* and* Hatay* (Belen),*
which*hundreds*of*thousands*of*birds*use*for*migration*every*year.*Two*of*these*bottlenecks,*the*Bosphorus*
and*Hatay,*are*also*attractive*for*wind*farm*investments.*"
&&
24
!!Figure&4:&Major&Bird&Migratory&Routes&&&&*The*overlap*of*attractive*wind*farm*locations*and*bird*migration*routes*means*that*there*is*a*threat*to*soaring*
birds*(birds*that*can*maintain*in*the*air*for*a*long*time,*using*air*currents).*Soaring*birds*are*the*high*risk*group*
together*with*nocturnal*passerine*birds*(birds*that*are*specialized*to*grasp*branches*or*other*structures*–*this*
group*includes*many*songbirds).*Risks*to*these*groups*of*birds*and*the*acceptable*rate*of*mortality*at*a*site*
will* vary* depending* on* the* local* conditions* and* the* species.* During* the* migration* season,* many* different*
species*use* the* same* routes.*This* includes* rare*or*endangered*species.* Strategic*assessment*and*sensitivity*
mapping* should* be* used* to* identify* such* areas* and* to* install* mitigation* measures* (to* be* agreed* with*
environmental*authorities*and*with*local*groups).*
According* to* the* Circular* of* the*Ministry* of* Forestry* and*Water* Affairs* dated*March* 3,* 2014,* the* Gelibolu*
(Gallipoli)*Peninsula,* the*Dardanelles*and*the*Bosphorus,* the*Çoruh*Valley*and*Hatay*(Belen)*were*excluded*
from*wind* and* solar* power*developments.* In* addition,* dam*and* reservoir* areas*which* are* in* the*planning,*
project* or* construction* stages;* preservation* forests;* gene* conservation* forests;* picnic* areas;* seed* stands;*
wetlands*and*their*protection*zone*(2.5*km*from*the*boundary*of*the*wetland)*were*excluded*from*wind*farm*
developments.* Forest* areas* and*protected* areas* and*wetlands* and* their* protection* zone* (2.5* km* from* the*
boundary*of*the*wetland)*were*excluded*from*solar*power*developments.**
BirdLife* International,*as* the*most* important* (and* influential)* international*NGO*for* the*protection*of*birds,*
requests*there*should*be*precautionary"avoidance*of*locating*wind*farms*in*the*following*locations10:*
•! Special"Protection"Areas"(SPAs)"and"Important"Bird"Areas"(IBAs)."•! Statutorily" designated" or" qualifying" international" (Natura" 2000" sites)" or" national" sites" for" nature"
conservation."This"also"includes"‘Ramsar"Sites’"(protected"wetland"sites)."•! Other" locations" of" significance" for" bird" species" identified" by" BirdLife" International" as" being" of"
‘Unfavourable"Conservation"Status’"in"Europe."
10 Birdlife International, Position Statement on Wind Farms and Birds, adopted by the Birdlife Birds and Habitats Directive Task Force on 9 December 2005
25
•! Sites"along"major"migration"routes"and"especially"migration"bottlenecks"where"large"numbers"of"birds"are"highly"concentrated,"for"example"mountain"passes."
•! Habitats"where"wind"farms"are"known"to"pose"high"collision"risks"to"birds"(to"be"assessed"through"site"specific"risk"assessment)."Wetlands"and"mountain"ridges"are"examples"of"especially"critical"locations."
6.7.3! Bats!Bat*populations*are*affected*by*wind*farms,*either*because*of*destruction*of/changes*in*their*natural*habitat,*
or*because*of*collision*risk*with*rotor*blades.*As*bats*are,*in*many*regions,*becoming*rare*and*endangered*due*
to* destruction* of* their* natural* habitat,* bat* protection* this* is* now* an* important* environmental* concern* of*
authorities*and*of*IFIs.**
Developers* of* wind* farms* should* seek* advice* from* bat* experts* (e.g.* from* local* universities)* to* obtain*
information*on*the*nesting*of*bats*on*a*site*and*also*whether*bats*just*use*the*site*as*a*feeding*area.*
6.7.4! Terrestrial!animals!and!plant!species!Wind* farm,* their* turbines,* their* infrastructure,* their* maintenance* buildings,* and* their* grid* connection* can*
significantly*affect*habitats*and*their*plant*and*animal*species*living*in*or*using*these*areas.*
Turkey*is*located*in*three*bio[geographical*regions:*the*Anatolian,*Mediterranean,*and*Black*Sea*regions,*and*
their* transition* zones.* Due* to* its* location,* biodiversity* in* Turkey* is* quite* high* when* compared* with* the*
biodiversity*of*other*countries*in*the*temperate*zone.**
According* to* the* Key* Biodiversity* Areas* of* Turkey,* 8897* flora* species* exist* in* Turkey.* 3022* of* them* are*
endemic11,*and*46.6*%*of*these*endemic*plants*are*classified*as*Critically*Endangered*(CR),*Endangered*(EN)*or*
Vulnerable* (VU)*according*to*the*Red*Data*Book*of*Turkish*Plants.*An*overview*population*map*of*endemic*
floral*species*in*Turkey*is*presented*in*the*following*figure.12**
Figure&5:&Population&Map&of&Endemic&Flora&Species&in&Turkey&
11*species*unique*to*a*defined*geographical*location*or*habitat*type*
12*Key*Biodiversity*Areas*of*Turkey,*Doğa*Derneği,*2006
26
&&*
According*to*the*IUCN13,*the*total*number*of*invertebrate*species*in*Turkey*is*about*19,000,*of*which*about*
4,000* species/subspecies* are* endemic.* The* total* number* of* vertebrate* species* identified* to* date* is* nearly*
1,500.*Of*the*vertebrates,*over*100*species*are*endemic.**
The*number*of*mammal*species*in*Turkey*is*reported*as*being*more*than*160.*The*majority*of*these*species*
live* in*the*Anatolian*region.*Some*of*these*mammal*species*have*become*regionally*or*globally*endangered*
due*to*destruction*of*natural*habitats,*population*growth*and*hunting.*Globally*endangered*terrestrial*species*
include* the* Caspian* tiger* (Panthera" tigris" virgata* [* probably* extinct* (EX)),* the* Anatolian* leopard* (Panthera"pardus"tulliana*[*CR),*the*wild*goat*(Capra"aegagrus*[*VU),*the*mouflon*(Ovis"orientalis*[*VU),*the*Asia*minor*
spiny*mouse*(Acomys"cilicicus*[*CR)*and*the*Anatolian*common*vole*(Microtus*anatolicus*[*VU).*In*addition,*15*
mammal*taxa*are*also*classified*as*globally*vulnerable.*
The* number* of* amphibian* and* reptile* species* was* reported* as* 30* and* 120,* respectively.* 7* species* of*
amphibians* and* 17* species* of* reptiles* are* endemic.* The*majority* of* these* endemic* species* exist* in* limited*
areas*and*are*endangered.**
What&to&consider:&
•! Are" protected" areas" affected" by" the" project?" Does" this" include" legally" protected" areas" and" key"biodiversity"and"important"bird"areas?""
•! Has" a" detailed" habitat" and" biodiversity" survey" been" carried" out," and" have" impacts" of" wind" farm"construction"and"operation"been" investigated?"This" is" particularly" important" for" solar"PV" sites"where"extensive"ground"clearance"will"destroy"large"areas."
•! Are"there"any"protected"or"rare"species"on"or"near"the"site?"•! Have"detailed"bird"and"bat"surveys"been"carried"out"(sufficient"to"assess"impact"during"all"seasons)?"Are"
further"studies"necessary"(e.g."in"case"rare/protected"species"have"been"found"on"site"or"using"the"site)?"Is"there"a"monitoring"plan"during"construction"and"operation"of"the"wind"farm?""
•! Is"the"site"in"or"near"a"migratory"flyway14?"Has"this"been"investigated"in"detail,"and"has"any"potential"impact"been"evaluated"(e.g."with"regulatory"authorities;"academics;"environmental"NGOs)?"If"there"is"a"collision"risk?"If"so,"has"Collision"Risk"Modelling"been"carried"out?""
•! What"are" the" impacts"of"associated" infrastructure" (e.g." overhead"power" lines"on"birds"and"bats;" site"roads"on"terrestrial"animals"and"plants?""
•! Have"(if"necessary)"mitigation/compensatory"measures"been" investigated"and"agreed"with"regulatory"authorities;"academics;"environmental"NGOs?"This"can"include"habitat"creation;"habitat"reinstatement;"selective"planting"etc."
13*http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/europe/?9778/Biodiversity[in[Turkey*
14*A*flyway*is*a*flight*path*used*in*annual*bird*migration*
27
The*World*Bank*‘Environmental,*Health,*and*Safety*Guidelines*for*Wind*Energy’*provide*details*on*wind*farm*
impact*on*biodiversity/species;*see*also*the*guidance*documents*of*other*institutions,*e.g.*a*large*number*of*
specific*guidelines*by*‘Scottish*Natural*Heritage’.**
*
6.8& Waste&The*main*waste*generated*during*construction*(from*roads*and*of*turbine*foundations)*is*excavation*spoil.*
This*can*be*either*re[used*for*landscaping*(which*requires*careful*separation*of*topsoil*from*excavation*spoil)*
or*it*has*to*be*disposed*of*in*compliance*with*local*regulation*and*on*licensed*sites.*
**
There*is*normally*little*operational*waste,*unless*redundant/faulty*equipment*has*to*be*disposed*of.*There*will*
also*be*limited*volumes*of*general*residential*and*office*waste*requiring*disposal*by*licensed*contractors.***
*
What!to!consider:&
•! Have"all"solid"wastes"been"identified"and"has"a"waste"management"plan"been"developed"(and"if"necessary,"approved"by"authorities)?"
•! Is"there"a"control"measure"in"place"to"ensure"proper"disposal"of"any"potentially"dangerous"substances"(e.g."redundant"electrical"equipment;"oils"and"paints)?"
*
6.9& Associated&infrastructure&Wind*farms*require*substantial*local*and*regional*infrastructure.*This*includes*access*roads*to*the*site;*service*
roads* on[site;* control* and* maintenance* buildings* with* sanitary* facilities;* waste* collection* and* disposal;*
connection*to*a*water*supply/sewage*disposal;*transformer(s)*and*a*connection*to*the*electricity*grid.*Each*of*
these*facilities*has*its*own*environmental*impacts*which*need*to*be*identified*(and*the*impact*addressed)*as*
part*of*the*overall*project.**
A* major* impact* are* road* connections* and* on[site* roads,* which* have* to* be* designed* for* large* and* heavy*
vehicles* with* large* turning* circles* for* transport* of* turbine* components* such* as* rotor* blades.* Un[surfaced*
(temporary)*roads*can*deteriorate*quickly*through*erosion*after*snowmelt*and*heavy*rain*falls,*which*can*lead*
to*large[scale*habitat*destruction*particularly*on*hill[sides.*This*needs*to*be*prevented*by*appropriate*design*
and*mitigation*(e.g.*stabilization*of*verges;*planting).*
Another* potentially*major* environmental* impact* is* the* grid* connection.* Its* routing* and* design* has* to* take*
landscape*protection* into*account*and*should*not*be*visually* intrusive.*On[site*buildings* (site*management;*
maintenance;*storage)*should*also*be*designed*to*blend[in.*
What&to&consider:&
•! Has"all"necessary"infrastructure"been"considered"when"assessing"the"environmental"impact"of"the"wind"farm?"
28
•! Are"road"connections,"buildings"and"overhead"limes"blending"into"the"landscape?"•! Are"mitigation"measures"necessary"(e.g."planting)?*
*
6.10& Land&acquisition&and&involuntary&resettlement&Land*acquisition*and*any*associated*resettlement*are*major* issues*for*the* local*communities*and*causes*for*
concern,*opposition*to*projects,*and*legal*disputes.*IFIs*and*their*local*partner*banks*will*assess*this*carefully*
as*their*requirements*for*fair*process*and*for*adequate*compensation*are*strict*–*generally*much*stricter*than*
Turkish*law.*Particularly*the*concept*of*‘urgent*expropriation’*is*under*criticism.*This*concept*allows*for*rapid*
expropriation*because*of*national*defence*requirements;*in*case*of*emergency;*and*in*case*of*urgency*of*land*
expropriation*as*decided*by*the*government*(which*could*relate*to*land*for*power*developments).**
*
Any*significant*deviance*of*procedures*(planned*or*already*used)*from*IFI*requirements*can*be*a*major*barrier*
to*project*funding*–*hence*it*pays*to*contact*relevant*IFIs*and*their*local*partner*banks*early*to*jointly*check*
the*acceptability*of*any*land*acquisition*and*expropriation.*The*IFC*Performance*Standard*5*‘Land*Acquisition*
and* Involuntary* Resettlement’* provides* details* on* lender’s* requirements15.* Under* the* relevant*World* Bank*
Operational* Policy* on* Involuntary* Resettlement* (O.P.4.12)* is* very* detailed* and* specified* under* ‘Policy*
Objectives’*that,**
•! ‘any" involuntary" resettlement" should" be" avoided" where" feasible," or" minimized," exploring" all" viable"alternative"project"designs"and"
•! Where"it"is"not"feasible"to"avoid"resettlement,"resettlement"activities"should"be"conceived"and"executed"as"sustainable"development"programs,"providing"sufficient"investment"resources"to"enable"the"persons"displaced"by"the"project"to"share"in"project"benefits."Displaced"persons"should"be"meaningfully"consulted"and"should"have"opportunities"to"participate"in"planning"and"implementing"resettlement"programs’."
*
Other* IFIs* take* a* similar* position,* requiring* careful,* fair* and* transparent* land* acquisition.* The* EBRD*
Environmental* Performance* Requirement* 5* (Land* Acquisition,* Involuntary* Resettlement* and* Economic*
Displacement)*states*in*paragraph*4*that*‘…*involuntary"resettlement"should"be"avoided."However,"where"it"is"unavoidable," resettlement" should" be" minimised" and" appropriate" measures" to" mitigate" adverse" impacts" on"displaced" persons" and" host" communities" should" be" carefully" planned" and" implemented." Experience"demonstrates" that" the" direct" involvement" of" the" client" in" resettlement" activities" and" an" assessment" at" the"earliest"stage"possible"in"the"project"design,"can"result"in"costdeffective,"efficient"and"timely"implementation"of"those"activities…’.***
When*land*was*already*acquired*for*the*project*prior*to*applying*for*international*finance*an*IFI*may*during*its*
decision*making*process*nevertheless*carry*out*a*retroactive*assessment*whether*this*land*acquisition*and*any*
associated*resettlement*was*carried*out*in*compliance*with*the*relevant*IFI*standards.*It*is*therefore*advisable*
15 http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/3d82c70049a79073b82cfaa8c6a8312a/PS5_English_2012.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
29
that*an*investor*takes*this*into*account*at*an*early*stage*of*the*project*to*avoid*potential*later*problems*and*
delays.*
*
What!to!consider:&
•! Has"all"land"been"acquired"(inclusive"of"land"use"agreements"in"case"of"government"land)?"•! Has"there"been/is"there"the"likelihood"of"expropriation?"If"so,"will"this"process"and"the"compensation"be"
in"line"with"requirements"of"International"Financial"Institutions"(who"will"check"this"as"part"of"project"appraisal"before"making"a"decision"on"financing)?""
•! If"there"is"involuntary"resettlement,"has"a"Resettlement"Action"Plan"(RAP)"been"prepared"for"IFI"funded"projects?"*
6.11& Stakeholder&information&and&engagement&Stakeholder
16*engagement*is*central*to*building*a*lasting*good*relationship*with*the*local*communities*and*
other*stakeholders,*e.g.*tourists,*NGOs,*the*media.*It*is*also*a*formal*requirement*of*International*Financial*
Institutions*and*an*integral*part*of*any*Environmental*and*Social*Impact*Assessment.*Detailed*social*impact*
assessment*is*not*a*legal*requirement*in*Turkey,*and*consequently*EIAs/ESIAs*often*include*only*limited*social*
assessment.*In*addition,*the*Turkish*EIA*process*requires*only*limited*community*engagement*(i.e.*public*
participation*and*disclosure)*when*compared*to*the*requirements*of*the*IFIs*or*the*EU.*This*discrepancy*can*
become*an*issue*when*applying*for*finance.*If*finance*is*to*be*sought*from*international*sources*(i.e.*
predominantly*from*IFIs*or*IFI*funds*administered*by*local*Turkish*banks)*it*is*advisable*to*ensure*that*an*ESIA*
not*only*meets*Turkish*EIA*standards,*but*also*those*of*IFIs*(international*standard*ESIA).*This*will*save*time.*
The*Turkish*information*disclosure*procedure*differs*from*the*requirements*of*IFIs*(and*also*of*the*EU)*
because*of*its*limited*disclosure*requirement*for*projects*requiring*preparation*of*an*EIA*report,*and*because*
of*the*lack*of*public*disclosure*and*consultation*for*projects*requiring*the*preparation*of*a*preliminary*EIA*
report.*At*the*end*of*the*EIA*process,*the*Final*EIA*is*disclosed*in*the*website*of*the*Ministry*and*the*relevant*
Governorate*for*10*days.***
For*projects*funded*by*IFIs*the*final*ESIA*Report*and*any*associated*documentation*(e.g.*project*management*
and*monitoring*conditions)*is*made*available*to*the*public*throughout*the*lifetime*of*the*project*on*the*
website*of*the*IFI,*and*often*has*to*available*for*a*long*time*prior*to*the*decision*making*of*the*bank*
(depending*of*the*IFI*up*to*120*days).*Because*of*this*difference*between*current*Turkish*EIA*Law*and*the*
requirements*of*IFIs*with*regard*to*public*information*and*consultation*it*is*necessary*to*seek*clarification*on*
what*is*required*by*financial*institutions,*to*avoid*un[necessary*delays*and*disputes.**
16 The*range*of*stakeholders*typically*includes*(i)*the*people*(*individuals,*groups*and*communities*)*who*are*affected*by*the*
proposal;*the*proponent*and*other*project*beneficiaries;*government*agencies;*NGOs*and*interest*groups*
*
30
Good*international*practice*requires*the*developer*and*his*agents*and*contractors*to*provide*adequate*
information*to*the*local*communities*and*to*other*stakeholders,*from*an*early*stage*of*project*development*
onwards.*For*that,*a*’Stakeholder*Engagement*Plan’*will*be*required*and*a*representative*of*the*
developer/SHA*staff*will*have*to*be*nominated*and*trained*for*stakeholder*liaison.*Regular*meetings*will*need*
to*be*arranged,*information*material*produced*and*distributed,*and*a*project*website*to*be*set*up.**
There*is*also*the*need*for*a*formal*‘Grievance*Procedure’,*to*ensure*that*complaints*are*being*dealt*with*
timely,*efficiently*and*fairly,*during*both*the*construction*and*operation*phases.*This*is*a*formal*requirement*
of*International*Financial*Institutions.*
What!to!consider:&
•! Are"local"communities"aware"of"the"proposed"project?"""•! How"will"local"communities"(and"other"stakeholders)"be"kept"informed"and"consulted?"How"will"their"
views"be"considered"in"the"location,"design,"construction"and"operation"of"the"project?""•! Is"this"consultation"in"compliance"with"Turkish"legal"requirements"(e.g."as"part"of"an"Environmental"
Impact"Assessment)"and"does"it"meet"the"requirements"of"International"Financial"Institutions"(if"financing"is"sought)?"
•! Have"other"stakeholders"(e.g."regional"or"national"environmental"NGOs)"been"consulted?"•! Is"there"(or"are"there"plans"for)"a"formal"grievance"procedure"which"allows"stakeholders"to"log"their"
objections"and"grievances"and"to"receive"a"timely"response?"*
6.12& Community&benefits&Acceptance*of*renewable*energy*projects*by*the*local*communities*directly*affected*by*such*projects*(notably*
those*that*are*highly*visible*and*take*up*large*land*areas*such*as*wind*power)*will*reduce*project*risks*(delays*
in*permitting*and*construction*due*do*local*protests)*and*will*ensure*a*pleasant*working*environment*for*wind*
farm*staff*and*contractors.* International*experience*has* shown* that* this*depends,* to*a* large*extent,*on* the*
direct*benefits*that*local*populations*will*get*from*farms*or*other*renewable*energy*projects.**
This* can*be* in* the* form*of* temporary* and*permanent* jobs;* support* for* infrastructure* such* as* roads,*water*
supply,*waste*water*collection*and*treatment;*better*access*to*medical*services,*e.g.*through*a*local*medical*
station;* support* for* education* (e.g.* particularly* education* of* girls* in* rural* areas);* support* for* cultural*
institutions*etc.*These*benefits* can*be* in* the* form*of*one[off* schemes*or* in* the* form*of* formal,*permanent*
profit*sharing,*where*the*community*(or*a*community*trust)*receives*part*of*the*income*or*profit*generated*by*
the*new*facility.***
There* is* no* universally* accepted* minimum* compensation* level.* Compensation,* in* the* form* of* local* taxes,*
voluntary* financial*contributions*or*benefits[in[kind* is*common* in*many*countries*and*has*helped*to*reduce*
opposition*to*new*developments*significantly.*The*first*large[scale*voluntary*compensation*scheme*in*the*UK*
(Community* Benefits* Protocol,* 2011,* amended* in* 2013;* for* details* see* www.renewablesUK)* concerned*
31
onshore*wind*turbines*of*5*MW*or*above*in*England*for*which*communities*are*given*Pound*Sterling*5,000.[*
per*turbine*per*year*for*the*entire*lifetime*of*the*facility.******
&
More*recently,*a*significant*scheme*has*been*suggested*under*which*developers*and* local*communities*will*
work* together.* This* is* the& Shared* Ownership* model* as* suggested* by* the* Share* Ownership* Taskforce* (a*
collaboration*of*the*government*with*the*renewable*energy*industry)*in*the*UK17.*This*was*set*up*to*boost*the*
implementation*of*energy*schemes,*with*a*target*that*‘from*2015*it*will*be*the*norm*for*communities*to*be*
offered* the* opportunity* of* some* level* of* ownership* of* new* commercially* developed* onshore* renewable*
projects’.*There*are* three*community*shared*ownership*models* (split&ownership,*shared&revenue&and* joint&venture)&under*which&developers*would*offer*communities*the*chance*to*buy*a*share*of*a*project,*through*a*
community*group;*as*well* as* to*offer* loan*or*debt* structures* to* individuals.* The* renewable*energy*projects*
falling* within* the* scope* of* the* Taskforce’s* Framework* and* which* should* therefore* offer* interested*
communities* shared* ownership* opportunities* are* those* that* are* i)* taken* forward* by* a* commercial* project*
developer,*ii)*exceed*£2.5*million*in*project*costs,*and*iii)*are*for*the*primary*purpose*of*exporting*energy*into*
a*public*network.*This*joint*UK*government*and*UK*Renewable*Energy*Industry*initiative*is*based*on*the*good*
experience*with*such*schemes* for* individual*projects* in* the*wind*power*sector,*where*developers*and* local*
communities*affected*by*the*project*have*worked*together* for* joint*benefit* (this*avoiding*complaints,*court*
cases,*demonstrations*and*high*profile*media*attention,*project*delays*and*costs*which*are*so*widely*occurring*
on*projects*throughout*the*renewable*sector).*
&
What&to&consider:*
•! What" are" the" benefits" of" the" project" to" local" communities" (e.g." permanent" jobs;" support" for"infrastructure"projects;"support"for"education"etc.)?""
•! Is" there" a" system" in" place" to" ensure" equal" benefit" for" residents?" Can/should" this" be" done" via" a"Community"Trust?"
•! Is"there"a"firm"commitment"to"providing"benefits"to"the"local"communities"throughout"the"lifed"span"of"the"project?"Is"this"setdup"in"a"fair"way,"avoiding"any"preferential"treatment?"*
6.13& Cumulative&impacts&It*is*possible,*that*the*proposed*wind*power*plant*is*not*the*only*current*or*potential*future*development*in*
the*broader*area.*There*may*be*plans*for*additional*power*facilities*in*the*area;*for*infrastructure,*such*as*
roads*and*overhead*electricity*lines;*for*additional*residential*areas*(permanent*residences*or*summer*houses*
and*hotels).*The*combined*impacts*of*any*such*developments*(whether*firmly*planned*or*only*possible)*can*
be*significant,*which*is*why*a*project*Environmental*Impact*Assessment*according*to*the*EU*EIA*Directive*and*
the*EU*Birds*and*EU*Habitat*Directives*would*include*a*Cumulative*Impact*Assessment.*Cumulative*impacts,*
17*See***https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/shared[ownership[taskforce**and***
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government[response[to[the[shared[ownership[taskforce*
32
according*to*European*Commission*(EC)*guidelines*(May*1999),*means*‘impacts"that"result"from"incremental"changes"caused"by"other"past,"present"or"reasonably"foreseeable"actions"together"with"the"project’.***
*As*part*of*project*development*it*is*therefore*recommended*to*check*for*other*potential*developments*in*the*
area*and*to*include*their*single*and*interactive*impacts*(with*the*proposed*project)*in*the*Environmental*and*
Social*Impact*Assessment.*This*will*identify*areas*of*risk*to*the*project*(e.g.*additional*significant*destruction*
of*habitat;*increased*impact*on*local*communities)*and*help*to*check*whether*there*is*scope*for*impact*
reduction*(e.g.*construction*and*use*of*common*infrastructure*such*as*roads)*or*need*for*mitigation*measures.*
Such*a*cumulative*impact*assessment*is*also*a*requirement*of*IFIs.***
*
What&to&consider:&*
•! What"are"the"proposed"or"likely"other"developments"(e.g."infrastructure"such"as"roads"and"power"lines;"industry"and"commerce;"residential"housing)?"
•! Is"there"a"regional"or"local"development"plan?"If"such"a"plan"exists,"does"it"consider"and"quantify"cumulative"environmental"impacts"and"identify"remedial"measures?"
•! Is"there"an"assessment"of"any"such"cumulative"impacts"(particularly"important"for"areas"with"a"multitude"of"wind"farms"–"e.g."visual"impact"of"a"large"cluster"of"wind"turbines)?"
•! Are"impacts"managed"and"if"necessary"efficiently"mitigated?"•! Is"there"monitoring"of"the"overall"(cumulative)"impact?"•! Are"there"unresolved"disputes/outstanding"court"cases"which"point"towards"tension"and"active"
opposition?"Is"there"a"resolution"to"these"obstacles?"*
*
6.14& Construction&impacts&Construction*of*a*wind*farm*is*a*comparatively*simple*process*as*it*involves*only*a*limited*number*of*generally*
prefabricated* structures.* Construction*works* and* their* impacts* includes*building*of* access* roads;* impact* of*
heavy* traffic* (e.g.* outsized* vehicles* for* transport* of* rotor* blades)* through* villages* and* on* country* roads;*
construction*of*deep*foundations*and*use/disposal*of*excavation*spoil;*construction*of*service,*maintenance*
and*storage*buildings;*the*grid*connection*(transformer*sites;*overhead*lines*to*connect*the*site*to*the*grid;*
on[site* underground* cabling).* *Major* infrastructure* construction* work*must* not* destroy* important* natural*
features,*e.g.*creeks*or*destroy*plant*and*habitats.*The*design*of*the*facility,*and*the*mode*of*construction,*
needs*to*protect*natural*features.*If*this*is*not*possible,*adequate*mitigation*measures*must*be*identified*and*
put*in*place.*This*is*likely*to*require*approval*by*the*relevant*environmental*authorities*and*IFIs*would*request*
that*such*measures*be*included*in*ESMPs*(see*section*6.16).***
Maintenance*and*repairs*are*generally* limited*during*the*operation*phase*as*spare*parts*are*brought*in*and*
local*construction*work*is*generally*not*needed.**
33
The* social* impacts*of* construction* include*housing*of* temporary* construction*workers*and* later*permanent*
staff;*their*working*conditions*(an*important*issue*for*IFIs);*occupational*health*and*safety;*health,*safety*and*
security*of*the*local*communities*(e.g.*increased*traffic);*impact*on*the*resources*of*small*local*communities*
(food;*services;*housing*etc.).**
What&to&consider:&&
•! Has"a"construction"management"plan"been"developed?" Is" there"a"clear"management"structure"which"sets" out" who" is" in" charge" of" construction" management;" environmental" issues;" community" liaison;"occupational"health"and"safety;"and"community"health"and"safety"(traffic)?"
•! Have"local"communities"been"informed"and"involved"(e.g."traffic"impact;"construction"noise;"impact"on""local"services"–"housing,"food"etc.)?"
•! Have" clear" guidelines/management" instructions" been" put" in" place" for" environmental" protection;"heritage" protection" (chance" finds" procedures);" health" and" safety" of" workers" inclusive" of" subdcontractors?"*
6.15& PostZconstruction&(operation&phase)&maintenance,&monitoring&and&control&After* completion*of* construction* it* needs* to*be* checked*whether* construction*has* complied*with* any* legal*
requirements* or* voluntary* agreements* regarding* environmental* protection* and* mitigation* (e.g.* site*
reconstruction;*re[planting;*habitat*creation).**
During* the* operations* phase* additional* site* investigations/monitoring* might* need* to* be* carried* out.* This*
normally* includes*additional*bird*and*bat*surveys*to*check*the*true* impact*(vs.*predicted* impact*as*per*pre[
construction* studies)* of* wind* turbine* operations* and* habitat* change* on* bird* and* bat* populations* and* on*
terrestrial*animals.****
What&to&consider:&&
•! What" are" the" legal" requirements" and" voluntary" commitments" after" project" completion" and" during"project"operation?"
•! Is" an" environmental" monitoring" system" in" place?" Is" there" a" clear" management" structure/defined"responsibilities" to" address" environmental" and" social" performance" of" the" project" (against" legal"requirements;"other"commitments;"community"requests)?"
•! Is"project"liaison"with"the"local"community"working?"•! What"are"the"reporting"requirements"to"local"authorities?"Have"appropriate"arrangement"been"made"to"
meet"these"requirements?""•! Are"additional"surveys"to"be"carried"out"(e.g."bat"surveys)?"Are"they"scheduled"and"arranged"with"the"
right" experts?" How" will" these" studies" be" evaluated" together" with" regulatory" authorities" and"stakeholders?""
34
•! As"a"consequence"of"actual"wind"farm"operation"and/or"additional"studies,"are"unforeseen"mitigation"measures"necessary"(e.g."in"case"of"higher"than"expected"bird/bat"fatality"rates;"in"case"of"complaints"from"local"residents)?""
6.16& Environmental&and&Social&Management&The* previous* sections* 6.1* to* 6.15* have* identified* some* management* tasks* to* be* carried* out* during*
construction* and* operations* in* order* to* ensure* compliance* with* legal* requirements* and* conditions* set* by*
lenders* in* the*project* loan* agreements.* This* includes* action*plans* (and* a* related*management* function)* to*
cover* occupational* health* and* safety;* a* plan* for* stakeholder* communications* inclusive* of* a* grievance*
procedure;*an*archaeological*chance*finds*procedure*etc.,*plus*any*necessary*mitigation*measures*identified*
to*manage*and*minimize*negative*environmental*and*social*impacts.*All*this*issues*would*(should)*have*been*
identified* in* an* EIA/ESIA,* and* included* in* the* EIA* Report* as* a* necessary* action* with* a* list* of* objectives,*
necessary*actions,*and*a*monitoring*plan.***
It*is*good*practice*to*summarize*these*actions*in*an*Environmental*and*Social*Management*Plan*(ESMP)*which*
should*include*‘mitigation,"monitoring"and"institutional"measures"to"be"taken"during"the"implementation"and"operation"of"the"project"to"prevent"adverse"environmental"and"social" impacts,"or"reduce"them"to"acceptable"levels’18.*An*ESMP*clearly*defines*objectives*and*tasks*and*helps*to*establish*defined*areas*of*responsibilities*[*
e.g.*an*Environmental,*Health*and*Safety*Manager*to*be*responsible*for*occupational*health*and*safety*during*
construction*and*operations;**a*Community*Relations*Manager*to*be*responsible*for*stakeholder*engagement*
etc.*This*sounds*more*complicated*and*costly*as*it*is*in*reality*[*such*roles*can*frequently*be*combined*as*long*
as*the*appointed*manager*has*the*necessary*knowledge*and*skills.*
An* ESMP* is* frequently* requested* by* lending* banks.*WB*publications* such* as* the* ‘Environmental* and* Social*
Management* Framework* for* the* Turkey* Geothermal* Development* Project’* provide* information* of* what*
should*be*covered*and*also*includes*suggested*formats*for*ESMPs,*plus*information*on*some*of*the*tasks*such*
as*a*grievance*mechanism*and*procedure.*
What&to&consider:&
•! Is" there" sufficient" information" (in" the" EIA/ESIA" or" any" other" project" documentation)" to" identify" all"necessary"environmental"and"social"mitigation"and"management"actions?"
•! Is"this"formalized"in"a"management"plan?"•! Has"the"project"lender"requested"an"ESMP?"•! Is"there"a"formal"environmental"management"system"(based"on"ISO"14001)"which"can"be"for"the"ESMP?"
*
18 http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/556921468101983554/pdf/SFG2012-EA-P128605-Box394881B-PUBLIC-Disclosed-3-29-2016.pdf
35
7.* Step[by[step*Approach*to*Site*Selection*for*a*New*Wind*Farm*Development*
The*listed*16*environmental*and*social*issues*are*important*for*project*development,*and*can*be*used*as*
criteria*for*site*selection.*Addressing*these*issues*at*an*early*project*development*stage*will*help*to*minimize*
risks*and*save*time.*To*make*best*use*of*these*criteria*it*is*suggested*that*developers*use*a*4[step*approach*
for*the*environmental*and*social*assessment*of*potential*project*locations;*this*suggested*approach*is*based*
on*recommendations*made*in*the*US*(US*Fish*and*Wildlife*Services;*see*the*reference*in*Section*6,*footnote*
5).**The*formal*site*investigation*(i.e.*the*EIA/ESIA)*mentioned*in*Step*3*of*this*approach*is*part*of*the*legal*
requirement*under*Turkish*law*(for*GPP*facilities*where*an*EIA*is*deemed*to*be*necessary).**
This*step[by[step*approach*is*an*iterative*process*which*collects*and*generates*information*in*increasing*
detail,*quantifying*the*possible*risks*of*proposed*projects*to*landscape,*wildlife*and*habitats,*and*on*the*local*
communities*and*other*stakeholders.*It*evaluates*risks*to*allow*fact[based*selection*of*sites.*There*are*3*pre[
construction*steps,*to*avoid*and*minimize*risks,*followed*by*a*post[construction*step*to*assess*whether*actions*
taken*in*earlier*are*successful*or*whether*further*action*is*required.*This*approach*allows*the*efficient*use*
resources*(of*the*developer*and*his*contractors).*
Step&1:&HighZlevel&evaluation&or&screening&of&sites&(landscapeZlevel&screening&of&possible&project&sites)&
The*initial*step*will*be*to*gather*all*formal*and*legal*information*on*the*site*and*its*wider*region.*This*includes*
map*data;*list*of*authorities*responsible;*land*ownership;*site*access*and*availability*of*services*etc.**These*are*
the*basis*before*you*assess*a*site’s*potential*environmental*sensitivity,*and*this*information*should*include:"*
•! Physical*data*related*to*the*area;*
•! Detailed*location*of*the*site,*further*in*detail*city*province*town*location;**
•! Surface*area*of*the*site;*
•! Altitude*of*the*site*above*sea*level;*
•! Gradient*of*the*site;*
•! Administrative*boundaries;*
•! Demographic*and*socio[economic*information;*
•! Distance*from*the*closest*residential*areas*(and*their*size*and*structure;*
•! Planning*boundaries;*
•! 1/100.000*scale&and*1/25.000*scale&landscaping*plans*and*explanatory;*any*other*subscale*plans;*•! Location*of*protected*or*vulnerable*areas;*
•! Location*of*distribution*system*lines,*road*connection;**
•! Location*of*telecommunication*systems;*aeronautical*systems;*radar*systems*etc.*
*
This* is*basic*site* information.* It*defines*the*area*(physically*and* in* its*administrative*boundaries)*and*shows*
whether*a*potential*site*is*broadly*suitable*for*a*development;**whether*there*are*very*obvious*reasons*which*
would*exclude*a*site*from*development*(e.g.*close*proximity*to*residential*areas*or*planning*restrictions);*or*
whether*more*detailed*studies*are*required.*It*will*also*identify*which*authorities*and*stakeholders*to*contact*
for* further* information* or* assistance* (e.g.* local* universities* or* NGOs* which* have* knowledge* on* the*
environmental,*social,*heritage*aspects*of*the*region).***
36
Step&2:&Site&characterization&(broad&characterization&of&one&or&more&potential&project&sites)&&
Whereas*Step*1*focused*on*the*broader* landscape,*Step*2*focuses*on*the*details*of*a*site*which*has*passed*
Step* 1.* It* will* identify* the* environmental* sensitivity* of* the* site* within* its* larger* landscape* context.* This* is*
essentially*an*assessment*of*habitats* for*protected*and* rare*animal*and*plant* species*and*can*be*based*on*
existing*information,*thus*not*requiring*any*field*studies.*
*
In*this*step*the*developer*should**
•! identify*protected*areas*where*a*the*new*project*(inclusive*of*all*associated*structures*or*operations)*
would*not*be*allowed*or*could*be*very*difficult*and*potentially*costly*to*implement;**
•! identify* important* and* fragile* habitats* and* their* species* (which* could* be* disturbed,* destroyed* or*
fragmented)* and* where* any* development* (power* plant* and* any* associated* structure* or* operation)*
could*therefore*be*an*environmental*risk*and*might*require*significant*mitigation*measures;**
•! identify*areas*of*archaeological*and*cultural*heritage*importance.**
*
This*will*help*to*avoid*sites*with*a*high*habitat*value;*with*risks*to*important*species;*and*with*the*potential*of*
the*developer*encountering*environmental*problems*during*project*development,*permitting*and*operation*–*
all*of*which*can*result* in*delays*and*additional*costs.*This*step*should*also*clearly* identify*sites*which*are*of*
agricultural*value,*hence*should*be*avoided.*
*
Step*2*should*establish**
•! protected*species*and*critical*habitats*and*danger*of*habitat*fragmentation*by*the*proposed*project;*
•! any* site* designation* (nature* reserve;* heritage* site* etc.* –* legal* designation* or* other* designation,*
inclusive*of*potential*to*become*a*Natura*2000*site);**
•! animal*and*plant*species*known*to*be*at*high*risk;*
•! other* rare* or* protected* plant* and* animal* species* and* habitats* that* require* protection* or* re[
instatement* after* project* implementation* or* that*would* exclude* site* use* (power* plant* and* biomass*
production);*
•! proximity*of* any* installation*and*associated* infrastructure* to* local* residents* (e.g.* access* roads);* * the*
impacts/nuisances* this* might* bring* (e.g.* visual* intrusion;* noise;* smells),* and* the* response* of* the*
affected*people*(e.g.*acceptance;*request*for*compensation;*strong*opposition).*
*
This*assessment*requires,*in*addition*to*document*review,*specialist*environmental*knowledge*(e.g.*on*birds;*
bats;*rare*plants*and*terrestrial*animals)*as*well*as*technical*knowledge*to*assess*the*existing*‘baseline’*and*to*
credibly* predict* potential* impacts* of* the* project.* This* assessment* process* includes* site* visits,* preferably* at*
various* times*of* the*year* to*check*annual*or*diurnal*variations*or*cycles* (e.g.*cycle*of*bird*migration).*Good*
contact*points*for*local*biological,*geological,*social,*archaeology/heritage*knowledge*are*local*universities.*It*
should*also*involve*contacting*local*NGOs*and*local*stakeholders/communities*with*specific*site*knowledge.****
&
37
The* results*of*Step*2* indicate*whether*a* selected*site* is* suitable* (with*or*without*mitigation*measures)*and*
whether* it* should* be* pursued.* An* EIA/ESIA* as* required* for* most* projects* under* Turkish* law* and* as* a*
requirement*for*IFI*loans*can*be*costly*and*takes*time!*Step*2*could*also*lead*to*the*conclusion*that*it*is*best*
to*abandon*a*site*because*of*too*many*problems*or*risks*that*might*delay*the*project;*may*delay*or*jeopardize*
permits;*necessitate*changes*to*the*original*project*design;*jeopardize*project*support*by*banks.****
*
&Step&3:&&Field&studies&to&document&site&wildlife&and&habitat&and&to&predict&impact&(siteZspecific&assessments&at&the&project&site&selected&in&Step&2)&
This*is*the*detailed*site*investigation*phase,*normally*with*a*detailed*Environmental*Impact*Assessment*(to*the*
required*Turkish* law;* and*preferably* also* to* international* standards*as* required*by* IFIs)* and* the*associated*
formal*public*information*and*consultation.*This*includes*
•! biological*baseline*studies*on[site*and*off[site*(e.g.*birds*and*bats;*plants*and*terrestrial*animals);**
•! assessment*of*the*impact*on*these*species*and*habitats;**
•! assessment*of*the*project*impact*on*the*landscape;**
•! assessment*of*impacts*of*the*project*on*other*services*in*the*area*(radar;*telecommunications*etc.);*
•! an*assessment*of*the*impact*of*construction*and*operation*on*local*communities*(noise;*dust;*traffic*risks;*
shadow*flicker*of**turbines;*glare*from*solar*panels);***
•! assessment*of*the*impact*of*all*associated*infrastructure*(roads*to*the*site;*any*services*such*as*water,*to*
the*site;*on[site*roads;*any*buildings;*grid*connection;*on[site*electrical*connections);**
•! assessment*of*cumulative*impacts;**
•! assessment*of*construction* impacts* (e.g.*noise;*dust;* traffic;*pressure*on* local*services* in*case*of*a* large*
temporary*workforce);*
•! identification*of*necessary*environmental*mitigation*measures*during*project*construction*and*operation;**
•! identification* of* any* necessary* post[construction* investigations* (e.g.* repeated* bird* and* bat* surveys* to*
check*the*validity*of*impact*predictions);**
•! identification* and* structuring* of* environmental* monitoring* and* reporting* (as* may* be* required* by*
environmental*authorities*and*also*by*International*Financial*Institutions).*
*
The*result*of*Step*3*would*be*a*comprehensive*environmental*and*social*assessment*of*the*proposed*project*
site,*in*compliance*with*good*international*practice*and*Turkish*legal*(permitting)*requirements.***
Step&4:&Additional&studies&and&provisions&for&construction&and&operation&
The*results*of*Step*3*will*also*identify*what*additional*studies,*plans,*provisions*have*to*be*made*for*the*life[
span*of*the*project*–*from*design*to*construction*and*operation.***
*
The*site*design&stage*would*require*development*of*Environmental,*Health*and*Safety*Management*Plans;*a*
Chance*Finds*Procedure*(for*archaeological*finds);*a*Stakeholder*Engagement*Plan;*a*Grievance*Procedure.***
38
*
The*site*construction&phase*would*require*implementing*management*plans*and*monitoring*the*effectiveness*
of* these*management* plans.* It* will* also* require* training* and* control* of* contractors* and* subcontractors,* to*
ensure* compliance* with* legal* requirements* and* with* commitments,* and* to* ensure* that* the* behavior* of*
temporary*staff*meets*local*patterns*and*honours*local*customs.*
*
The*operation&phase*will*require*a*site*Environmental*Management*Plan;*public*and*occupational*Health*and*
Safety* Plans;* an* Emergency* Response* Plan;* additional* environmental* studies* if* necessary* and* agreed*with*
authorities;*liaison*with*stakeholders*(primarily*local*communities,*but*also*other*stakeholders*and*media).***
*
The* decommissioning& phase,* which* is* probably* 25[30* years* ahead,* includes* the* de[construction* and* re[instatement*of* the* site* to* acceptable* environmental* conditions* as* agreed*with* the* authorities.* Target* is* to*
come*as*close*to*the*pre[construction*conditions*as*possible.*This*can*be*costly.* It* is* therefore*necessary*to*
make* financial* provisions* during* the* productive* live[time* of* the* project* (e.g.* to* set* up* a* separate*
decommissioning*fund).*
&
8.& What&are&the&characteristics&of&a&good&project?*
There* is* no* readily* available* blueprint* for* an* ideal* project* that* can* be* used* at* all* potential* locations*
throughout*the*country,*and*there*is*no*reference*project*which*could*be*used*as*a*good*example.*Each*region*
and* each* potential* project* location* has* its* own* topographical,* environmental,* social* and* socio[economic*
characteristics.* * This* is* why* site* specific* investigations* are* necessary,* and* why* an* iterative* approach* as*
described*in*Section*7*of*this*Guidance*Note*has*been*suggested.**
A*good*project*is*based*on*
•! Extensive"assessment"of"the"impact"of"the"proposed"project"and"all"its"infrastructure"and"associated"parts"on"the"local"area"and"the"catchment"area"–"this"includes"topography;"landscape"characteristics;"ecology"and"biodiversity;"local/regional"social"and"sociodeconomic"conditions;""
•! Detailed"assessments"of"all"identified"impacts"(of"the"project"and"all"associated"structures/components)"on"all"users"of"the"area;"this"includes"local"residents"as"well"as"others"using"the"area"intermittently"(e.g."owners"of"holiday"homes;"tourists);"""
•! Detailed"and"early"information"of"the"public"on"the"project"(size,"design,"associated"features/structures"such"as"access"roads"and"connection"to"the"electricity"grid);""
•! Early"and"comprehensive"consultation"with"local"residents"and"all"other"interested"stakeholders"(e.g."nature"conservancy"groups;"NGOs"etc.);"
•! Continuing"consultation/liaison"with"the"local"population"and"other"stakeholders"(to"include"a"Grievance"Procedure;"a"website"providing"project"information);"
•! Clear"benefits"for"the"local"communities"(e.g."jobs"and"training"for"jobs"for"local"residents;"agreed,"longdterm"contributions"into"a"Community"Trust;"contributions"to"local"medical"or"educational"facilities"etc.);""
39
•! Regular"monitoring"of"all"significant"environmental"and"social"impacts"as"identified"at"project"planning/EIA"stage"and"measures"to"mitigate"negative"impacts;"
•! A"comprehensive"ESMP"and"a"clear"management"structure"to"ensure"its"full"compliance"(can"be"part"of"an"environmental"management"system"based"on"ISO"14001)."
&
