Taotlus

Coastal Research and Planning Institute

Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the Offshore Wind Farm of up to 700 MW Installed Capacity in Lithuania’s Marine

Territory

Year of the document: 2021

Organiser (Developer) of the proposed economic activity

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

Developer of the Environmental Impact Assessment Programme:

Public Institution Coastal Research and Planning Institute

Coastal Research and Planning Institute

Proposed economic activity:

Installation and Operation of the Offshore Wind Farm of up to 700 MW Installed Capacity

Site for the proposed economic activity:

Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania No. 697

of 22 June 2020 “On the Identification of the Priority Parts of

Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the Lithuanian Exclusive

Economic Zone in the Baltic Sea Where a Tender (Tenders) for the

Development and Operation of Power Plants Using Renewable

Energy Sources is (are) Expedient and on the Measurement of the

Installed Capacities of Such Power Plants”

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Programme no.

1-1 Corrected according to remarks.

Year of the document: 2021

Contacts of the Organiser of the proposed economic activity:

Name of the legal person

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

Contact person: Jevgenija Jankevič, Advisor of the Climate Change Management Policy Group of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

Address: Gedimino Ave 38, Vilnius, LT 01104

Phone +370 5 203 4667 (6); +370 602 47 359

E-mail [email protected]

Designated institution:

Name of the legal person

Public Institution Lithuanian Energy Agency

Contact person: Tadas Norvydas, Head of Energy Research and Monitoring Division

Roman Bykov, Chief Expert

Address: Gedimino Ave 38, Vilnius, LT 01104

Phone +370 680 70 589; +370 619 69 044

Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the

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E-mail [email protected]; [email protected]

Drafter of the environmental impact assessment documents:

Name of the legal person

Public Institution Coastal Research and Planning Institute

Website: www.corpi.lt

Address: V. Berbomo St. 10-201, Klaipeda LT 92221

Phone: +370 46 390818

E-mail: [email protected]

List of developers of the Environmental Impact Assessment Programme:

Developer Contacts Trained departments

Rosita Milerienė Phone: +370 68239537

E-mail: [email protected]

Project Manager

All departments

Nerijus Blažauskas Phone: +370 61566909

E-mail: [email protected]

Seabed and deep sea

Research projects

Gediminas Gražulevičius

E-mail: [email protected] Biodiversity

Julius Morkūnas E-mail: [email protected] Biodiversity

Viačeslav Jurkin E-mail: [email protected] Graphical part

Arūnas Balčiūnas E-mail: [email protected] Landscape

Aurelija Žalienė Phone: 867046891

E-mail: [email protected] Public health

Feliksas Anusauskas E-mail: [email protected] Risk Analysis and Assessment

Author of the cover photo: A. Paulauskas

Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Information on the Proposed Economic Activity ...................................................................................... 8

1.1. Physical and Technical Characteristics of the Proposed Economic Activity ..................................... 8 1.2. The Main Proposed Wind Farm Installation Works ......................................................................... 11 1.3. Operation Phase ................................................................................................................................ 14 1.4. Dismantling Phase ............................................................................................................................ 14 1.5. Supplies to Be Used .......................................................................................................................... 15 1.6. Scope of Use of Natural Resource (Elements of Organic and Inorganic Nature) ............................ 15

2. Information on the Territory of the Proposed Economic Activity .......................................................... 15 2.1. Geographical and Administrative Situation on the Territory of the Proposed Economic Activity .. 17 2.2. Current Use of the Territory ............................................................................................................. 17

2.2.1 Shipping ...................................................................................................................................... 18

2.2.2 Fishing ......................................................................................................................................... 18

2.2.3. Soil Dumping at Sea .................................................................................................................. 19

2.2.5. Recreational Resources .............................................................................................................. 20

2.2.6. Engineering Infrastructure ......................................................................................................... 22

2.2.7. Restricted-Use Areas and Danger Zones at Sea ......................................................................... 23

2.2.8. Important National Security Areas ............................................................................................. 24

2.3. References to Territorial Planning Documents, Strategic Plans and Programmes ........................... 25 3. Information on Alternatives to be Considered ........................................................................................ 30 4. Expected Significant Impact of the Proposed Economic Activity. Measures to Prevent, Reduce and

Compensate for Significant Adverse Effects on the Environment. ............................................................. 33 4.1. Water................................................................................................................................................. 33 4.2. Ambient Air and Climate .................................................................................................................. 39 4.3. Soil: Seabed and Deep Sea ............................................................................................................... 41 4.4. Landscape and Biodiversity .............................................................................................................. 46 4.5. Cultural Heritage .............................................................................................................................. 54 4.6. Public Health .................................................................................................................................... 57 4.7. Material Valuables ............................................................................................................................ 58 4.8. Risk Analysis and Its Assessment .................................................................................................... 59

5. Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................... 62 6. Information of the potential significant transboundary impact ............................................................... 62 Public Information and Consulting ............................................................................................................. 64 References ................................................................................................................................................... 64

Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the

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ABBREVIATIONS

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

RES Renewable energy sources

MoE Ministry of the Environment

IHPA Important Habitat Protection Area

CPTRL Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania

EC European Commission

MSFD Marine strategy framework directives

LR Republic of Lithuania

LRS Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania

LRV Government of the Republic of Lithuania

MW Megawatts

IBPA Important Bird Protection Area

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

PHIA Public Health Impact Assessment

PEA Proposed economic activity

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

TS Transformer substation

WT Wind turbine

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INTRODUCTION

The offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea is one of the most important projects envisaged in the National

Energy Independence Strategy, which will increase the production of local electricity from renewable

energy sources and reduce dependence on electricity imports.1 Paragraph 25.1.3 of the National Energy

Independence Strategy provides for that energy production from wind energy in the Baltic Sea after 2020

is to be conducted, taking into consideration, including but not limited to, the research carried out and

other actions taken which are required for the adoption of decisions regarding territories which are

appropriate for organisation of tenders and for identification of the installed capacity of power plants. The

Government of the Republic of Lithuania, by its Resolution no. 697 of 22 June 2020 “On the

Identification of the Priority Parts of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the Lithuanian Exclusive

Economic Zone in the Baltic Sea Where a Tender (Tenders) for the Development and Operation of Power

Plants Using Renewable Energy Sources is (are) Expedient and on the Measurement of the Installed

Capacities of Such Power Plants” (hereinafter – the LRV Resolution) has identified the part of

Lithuania’s territorial sea where a tender (tenders) for the development and operation of power plants

using renewable energy sources is (are) expedient by 2030, as well the type of power plants to be

deployed, i.e., wind turbines, and has measured the installed capacity of such power plants, i.e., up to 700

MW.

PEA meets the type of activity specified in Article 3.8.1 of Annex 2 to the Law of the Republic of

Lithuania on Environmental Impact Assessment of Proposed Economic Activities no. XIII-529 of 27 June

2017 (hereinafter – the EIA Law): wind power plants where three wind power plants are installed, with

the height of at least one of them being 50 metres (measured to the highest point of the structure) or more

which is subject to screening for environmental impact assessment in accordance with Article 7 (2) of the

EIA Law. Given the nature of the PEA, the environmental sensitivity of a locality, and the necessity of

studies, the EIA is conducted in accordance with Article 7 (11) of the EIA Law: The organiser

(developer) of the PEA or the drafter of documents may commence the EIA without the procedure of

screening for EIA.

Pursuant to the EIA Law, the objectives of environmental impact assessment are as follows:

− To determine, describe, and assess the potential direct and indirect effects of the PEA, i.e.,

installation and operation of the offshore WT farm of up to 700 MW capacity in the marine

territory approved by the LRV Resolution, on the following elements of the environment: soil, land

surface and subsurface, air, water, climate, landscape and biodiversity, focusing in particular on

species and natural habitats of Community interest, also on other species protected by the Law of

the Republic of Lithuania on the Protected Species of Fauna, Flora and Fungi, material assets,

immovable cultural valuables and the interrelationship between these elements;

− To identify, describe and assess the potential direct and indirect effects of biological, chemical and

physical factors caused by the PEA on public health, also on the interrelationship between elements

of the environment and public health;

− To determine the potential impact of the PEA on the elements of the environment and on public

health by virtue of the risk of vulnerability of the PEA due to emergency events and/or potential

emergencies;

− To determine the measures to be taken in order to prevent envisaged significant adverse impact on

the environment and public health, to reduce it or, if possible, to offset it;

− To determine whether the PEA, having assessed its nature, location and/or effect on the

environment, meets the requirements of environmental protection, public health, immovable

cultural heritage protection, fire and civil protection legislation.

1 The PEA, approved by Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. No. XI-2133 of 26 June 2012

“On Approval of the National Energy Independence Strategy.”

Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the

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Participants of the EIA process are as follows:

• Organiser (Developer) of the PEA;

• Drafter of the EIA documents;

• The public concerned;

• Entities of the EIA. Pursuant to Article 5 of the EIA Law, entities of the EIA are as follows: the

executive institution of the municipality in the territory whereof the PEA is to be carried out, the

institutions authorised by the Minister of Health, the institutions authorised by the Minister of the

Interior responsible for fire and civil protection, the institutions authorised by the Minister of

Culture responsible for the protection of cultural properties.

The PEA territory, approved by the LRV Resolution, is not a part of territories of the coastal

municipalities and is located approximately 29.5 km from the costline. Neither does this EIA

include construction of electricity transmission lines to the shore (as proposed under other separate

projects). The EIA Programme is submitted for approval to the following entities of the EIA

responsible for the administration of coastal zone areas closest to the PEA territory:

− Palanga Municipality Administration;

− Klaipeda District Municipality Administration;

− Klaipeda City Municipality Administration;

− Klaipeda Department of National Public Health Centre under The Ministry of Health;

− Fire and Rescue Service of Klaipeda County;

− Klaipeda Branch of the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture.

Pursuant to Article 5 (2) of the EIA Law, entities of the EIA may also be other state institutions if,

during the examination of documents of environmental impact assessment, the Competent

Authority, having regard to the nature, size or location of the PEA, invites them in accordance with

the procedure established by the Minister of Environment to participate in the process of

environmental impact assessment.

• The Competent Authority is the Environmental Protection Agency (hereinafter – the EPA).

The EIA Programme is drawn up with a view to providing information on the PEA, its location, nature,

capacity, likely impact on the environment, and, accordingly, determining the content of the report, the

scope of the assessment, and the issues to be examined.

The EIA Programme has been drawn up in accordance with the Procedure for Environmental Impact

Assessment of Proposed Economic Activities (hereinafter – the Procedure)2

The public shall be informed about the drawn up EIA Programme (and later - throughout the EIA

process) in accordance with the Chapter V of the Procedure “Procedure for Provision of Information to

the Public and Participation in the Process of Environmental Impact Assessment.” During the EIA

process of the PEA, the public concerned shall have the right to submit any proposals, comments,

information, analysis, opinion on the PEA and its EIA to the drafter of EIA documents, EIA entities, and

the Agency in accordance with the procedure laid down in Chapter V of the Procedure.

2 Approved by Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-885 of 31 October 2017 “On Approval

of the Procedure for Environmental Impact Assessment of Proposed Economic Activities.”

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1. INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

The proposed economic activity is installation and operation of the offshore WT farm of up to 700 MW

installed capacity in the marine territory of the Baltic Sea approved by the LRV Resolution.

The specification for the procurement of document preparation services for the environmental impact

assessment procedures for the wind turbines to be deployed in Lithuania’s marine territory defines the

PEA as the totality of offshore wind turbines, their foundations, and electricity transmission system up to

the offshore substation, including the offshore transformer substation.

Electricity will be generated in the WT farm by means of the offshore WTs and by transmitting the

energy produced to the electricity network.

1.1. Physical and Technical Characteristics of the Proposed Economic Activity

The primary offshore WTs had a maximum capacity of 1 MW. Today, the market offers offshore WT

models of up to 16 MW. WT technology is evolving constantly and quite rapidly, so, much more

powerful models may emerge on the market by the date of construction, therefore, WT with a capacity of

up to 20 MW or more can be expected during the implementation of this offshore wind farm project.

The height of an offshore wind tower depends on the capacity of the selected model, wind class of the

locality, and environmental conditions (sea depth, etc.)

During the technical design phase, on the basis of the Developer’s data and the specified wind speed

parameters, the most suitable WTs will be selected and physico-technical parameters of the WTs,

including their power, will be provided.

A wind power plant consists of three main components: a gondola, with an embedded turbine, a rotor,

with spinning blades, and a tower, with its foundation.

A gondola is fitted with the WT's main components (generator, gearbox, and control cabinet) which run

the generator and transform the rotor's rotation energy into the three-phase variable electric power.

WT blades spin the rotor which transforms the kinetic energy of wind into the rotary energy and transmits

it to a gearbox which actuates a generator.

A tower is bearing tubular steel structure, the housing of which is equipped with a shaft, designed for

gondola service and energy transmission, and a power transformer, which equalises a variable electrical

energy and transmits it to the substation.

Wind Turbine Foundation Structures

A specific type of a WT foundation to be chosen depends on a manufacturer's requirements, as well as on

geological and hydrodynamic conditions of the proposed location.

Monopile structures are used at depths up to 50 m. Piles are driven up into the seabed until the required

insertion depth is reached, which depends on geological and hydrodynamic conditions. Such foundation

affects the minimal area of the bottom; however, pile-driving works cause noise. The effect is short-time,

however, due to its high intensity and wide-spread occurrence during the installation of the foundation, is

quite significant for living organisms that have and use their hearing organs for communication. Because

of the type of structure, local bottom depression may occur, while the seabed may become an artificial

reef for marine organisms.

Tripods are used in intermediate-depth waters (20–80 m) and consist of three 'legs' connected to the

service core which is bearing the WT foundation. Each leg of the tripod is attached to the bottom using a

separate pile. Due to a relatively wider structure, pile penetration into the seabed is smaller. The effect on

the seabed is combined, i.e., similar to the effect of the mono-pile and gravity-based structures.

Jacket foundations vary – they may have three or four corner piles. The structure itself is permeable,

therefore, it fits well for 20 to 50 m depths. It is exposed to lower wave-impact loads. This is a highly

Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the

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reliable structure (though, expensive) which is rather widely used for construction of offshore platforms

or offshore transformers substations.

Gravity-based foundation is used in shallow waters (0–30 m) and consists of a big and heavy steel or

concrete base which is lowered right onto the seabed. A base of such type of foundation is large-sized

and, as a result, affects the largest possible area of the bottom, facilitates the formation of artificial reefs,

and may cause much more serious destructions of local benthic communities.

The choice of the type of offshore WT foundation will depend on the depth, geological and hydrodynamic

conditions of the seabed to be installed. The type of foundation will be chosen by the developer after

detailed research of the seabed during the preparation of the technical design of the WT farm. Only then

the developer will choose the most appropriate and effective solution for the specific park and bottom

conditions.

A B C D

Fig. 1.1.1. Conventional offshore WT foundations: (A) Monopile (Source: Dillinger Hütte); (B) Tripod, and

(C) Frame (Source: Alpha Ventus), (D) Gravity-based base (Source: Luc van Braekel).

The choice of foundation determines what area of natural substrate will be affected during the

construction of the foundation and how hydrodynamic conditions of the proposed location will change.

Electricity Transmission Solutions

A chain of medium and high voltage electrical power lines, step-up transformers, and substations is

necessary so that to transform and transmit the generated electricity to the grids managed by the

electricity transmission system operator LITGRID AB. Connection of the offshore transformer substation

to the onshore one is not proposed or considered under the this EIA.

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Fig. 1.1.2. Schematic presentation of offshore wind farm-generated electricity transportation to the land-

based grids 3.

In seas and oceans, energy is transported and communication is maintained via subsea cables. As the

capacity of wind farms and distances between power plants increase, 33 kV submarine cables, which had

been used so far, no longer provide adequate throughput power. The 66 kV voltage is planned and offered

by the market to use for submarine cables, transformers, and switchgears4, the use of 132 kV cables may

be considered in the future. An exact number of WTs and cable lines in each and the voltage used is to be

specified during the technical design.

Cable Line Laying Technology

Cable lines interconnecting the WTs and a WT with a transformer substation are recessed 1-2 m into the

seabed. The technical design provides a solution of whether and/or which sections will need additional

protection against physical flushing/exposure.

Offshore Transformer Substations

A transformer substation (s) is designed to accumulate the power generated by the entire wind farm, to

transform it, and to transmit electricity to the land-based grid.

The size and performance of an offshore substation depends on a cable connection to an onshore

substation. An offshore substation might have different equipment subject to the type of connection

(HVDC or HVAC).5 6

Fig. 1.1.3. Sheringham Shoal offshore transformer substation7.

The main components of an offshore power substation are power transformers, switchgear, backup

generator, staff rooms, water tanks, power cables, control/surveillance system, etc. Substations weigh 500

to 2,000 tons and are usually constructed on a similar foundation as wind turbines. A platform is erected

3 https://www.tennet.eu/news/detail/offshore-grid-connection-borssele-beta-ready-to-land-offshore-wind-power/

4https://www.tennet.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Our_Grid/Offshore_Netherlands/Consultatie_proces_net_op_zee/Technical_Topic

s/4_T1._Enclosure_nr_1b_-_66_kV_systems_for_Offshore_Wind_Farms_by_DNV_GL.pdf

https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK107046A1094&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Acti

on=Launch

5 HVDC - High Voltage Direct Current

6 HVAC – High Voltage Alternating Current

7 Source: The crown estate. Offshore operational report 2020. https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/3792/offshore-wind-

operational-report-1.pdf

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approximately 25 m above the sea level; its area may reach up to 800 m2. One standard substation is

sufficient to serve a wind farm of up to 700 MW capacity. Yet, to ensure more efficient electricity

transmission, more than one substation per wind farm may be installed.

1.2. The Main Proposed Wind Farm Installation Works

During the construction phase, WT components are delivered to the construction site and assembled. The

main offshore WT installation works:

- Foundation installation;

- Tower erection;

- Nacelle installation;

- Blade mounting;

- Power cable line laying within the wind farm;

- Connection of WTs to the electricity transmission system.

For the description of the construction phase, information from the similar technical design of

construction of the Lillgrund wind farm, which is already in action, has been used. (Jeppsson et al. 2008).

This information illustrate the principle of WT farm installation (for the planned WT farm installation, a

different technique and technology for installation of foundations, transportation, cable laying, etc. may

be selected, corresponding to local conditions and developer's needs)

- Loading of WT foundation structures onto barges and transportation to the WT farm site (Fig. 1.2.1.);

Fig. 1.2.1. Transportation of WT foundation structures (photos by Jeppsson et al. 2008).

- Fitting-out of the foundation installation site: seabed drilling works. Drilling works can be used for both

mono-pile and jacket foundations;

- Installation of the delivered foundation structures at the WT site;

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Fig. 1.2.2. Installation of WT foundation structures offshore (photos by Jeppsson et al. 2008).

After the foundation has been installed at the bottom of the sea, power transmission cables are connected

to it; foundation is reinforced.

The tower is erected on the installed foundation using foundation bolts. Before erecting the wind tower,

horizontality of the foundation surface must be ensured.

WTs are connected and electricity is transmitted using special submarine cables. For example, for

connecting the offshore power substation of the Lillgrund wind farm to the onshore, a 130 kV cable, i.e.,

a three-channel copper conductor with an embedded optical cable and a waterproof protective coating,

was used. During the installation of Lilgrund WT farm, cable laying trenches was dug in the seabed. A

cable was laid in the dug-out trench using a special vessel. The cable was pulled ashore using boats and

an excavator.

Fig. 1.2.3. Preparation of the seabed for laying a submarine cable (photo by Jeppsson et al. 2008).

Power transformers, control/surveillance system are usually arranged in the power substation.

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Fig. 1.2.4. Installation of power substation in the Lillgrund wind farm (photo by Jeppsson et al. 2008).

Power transmission cables are laid from WTs to the offshore power substation. Lillgrund WTs were

connected to the power substation using 33 kV submarine cables.

Fig. 1.2.5. Wind farm to the offshore power substation connection layout: Example of Lillgrund wind farm

connection (Jeppsson et al. 2008).

The installed WT foundations are connected via the power transmission cables.

The foundation structure is fitted with wind tower components, a rotor is suspended, and a transformer is

installed. WTs are furnished with lightning-conductors, a remote surveillance & control system.

Ready-to-install WT components (upper and lower parts of the tower, blades) are loaded onto the ship

using a crane and transported to the construction site.

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Fig. 1.2.6. The vessel “Sea Power” is shipping wind turbines to the Lillgrund wind farm construction site

(photo by Jeppsson et al. 2008).

Provisionally, during the installation of the Lillgrund farm, delivery of three WT components from

factories, loading onto the ship (3 wind turbines), shipping to the construction site, installation, and return

to a port may took up to 5 days (Flodérus, Arne. Experiences from the Construction and Installation of

Lillgrund Wind Farm. Vattenfall Vindkraft AB, May 2008).

During the installation of the Lillgrund WT farm at the site, the vessel was held at a distance of approx.

15 m from the WT foundation structure. Turbine parts were mounted using a crane and interconnected.

During the wind farm construction, the on-site installation of three WTs took approx. 2 days of work 24

hrs/day in good weather conditions (by carrying out the installation works using a vessel operated at 1 m

wave height and at up to 10 m/s wind speed; for rotor lifting and connection, wind speed is limited to 7

m/s).

For example, construction of the Lillgrund wind farm took place in 2006-2007. The prevailing adverse

weather conditions (storms in autumn and winter) caused the delay in the WT farm construction phase of

one year (Jeppsson et al. 2008).

1.3. Operation Phase

The operation phase must include the maintenance, repairs, and inspections of WTs. The safety of

inspection and repair staff, arriving at the WTs, is crucial at this phase. With this aim in view, a secure

outfit and procedure for access to the WTs must be selected.

Maintenance of wind farms may engage small ships which might easily approach and moor next to the

WT and the service staff of which might have safe access to the WT service platform.

1.4. Dismantling Phase

The sequence of WT dismantling operations is opposite to the construction one (Pearson, 2001):

dismantling of power supply infrastructure; rotor disassembly; gondola and tower disassembly, and

(partial) WT foundation demolition (Cape Wind Energy Project, 2004).

The main dismantling works:

- Removal of turbine lubricants and other potentially hazardous substances (Annual Report, 2002);

- WT cut-off from internal power cables;

- Dismantling, extraction, and removal of power cables onshore using barges and special

equipment;

- Dismantling and removal of WT components: blades, gondolas, tower;

- Demolition of foundation: dismantling of foundation components, extraction from water, and

removal of them onshore. In case of mono-pile foundation, it is cut off below the bottom level

after a sand layer is removed (Cape Wind Energy Project, 2004).

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All parts of the WTs are shipped onshore and delivered for reuse, recycling, or recovery (Cape Wind

Energy Project, 2004).

1.5. Supplies to Be Used

Construction of the WTs in the marine territory will involve certified products that meet the EU

requirements. Only the installation of separate equipment will be performed on site; this will require

preparatory works and, later, WT operation works.

The PEA does not provide for any use or storage of hazardous substances or mixtures, radioactive agents,

hazardous or non-hazardous waste.

The EIA report will provide information on the waste generated during the dismantling of the WT farm

and its possible management.

1.6. Scope of Use of Natural Resource (Elements of Organic and Inorganic Nature)

Wind energy will be used to produce electricity. Pursuant to the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on

Energy from Renewable Sources, wind power means air movement energy used for generation of energy.

2. INFORMATION ON THE TERRITORY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

The WTs are proposed to be installed in the marine territory of the Baltic Sea approved by the LRV

Resolution where a tender (tenders) for the development and operation of power plants using renewable

energy sources is (are) expedient by 2030.

The main characteristics of the territory:

– Area: 137.5 km2;

– Average depth: 35 m;

– Distance from Klaipeda Seaport: from 38 km;

– Average wind speed: approx. 9 m/s (obtained by mathematical modeling (100 m above sea

level)).

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Fig. 2.1. The PEA territory in the Baltic Sea approved by the LRV Resolution.

Table 2.1. Coordinates of the territory approved by the LRV Resolution

Territory point no. (see

Fig. 2.1.)

Coordinates

according to the World Geodetic System

1984

(WGS–84)

according to the Lithuanian Coordinate

System 1994

(LKS–94)

1 20°28,896`E 56°1,060`N

X-6214874,86; Y-280673,02

2 20°30,137`E 55°58,610`N

X-6210266,97; Y-281731,59

3 20°34,683`E

55°55,962`N

X-6205120,56;

Y-286214,29

3 to 4 point section 20°34,683`E 55°55,962`N,

then, based on the 29,500 m arch, 21°02,476`E 55°52,987`N

to 20°34,340`E 55°51,466`N

X-6205120,56; Y-286214,29,

then, based on the 29,500 m arch, X-6198268,02; Y-314907,19

to X-6196802,40; Y-285443,88

4 20°34,340`E 55°51,466`N

X-6196802,40; Y-285443,88

5 20°32,392`E 55°51,392`N

X-6196766,38; Y-283405,67

6 20°29,505`E 55°51,824`N

X-6197719,01; Y-280435,73

7 20°28,524`E X-6202274,37;

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Territory point no. (see

Fig. 2.1.)

Coordinates

according to the World Geodetic System

1984

(WGS–84)

according to the Lithuanian Coordinate

System 1994

(LKS–94)

55°54,253`N Y-279642,58

8 20°20,403`E 55°56,059`N

X-6206062,21; Y-271362,10

9 20°18,902`E 55°56,793`N

X-6207506,01; Y-269872,71

2.1. Geographical and Administrative Situation on the Territory of the Proposed Economic

Activity

The PEA is situated in the Lithuania's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Baltic Sea, at depth of 25 to 45 m

isobaths.

The PEA territory is distant from the shoreline and adjacent municipalities of Klaipeda city, Klaipeda

district, and Palanga. The shortest distance from the proposed territory to the town of Palanga is about

29.5 km.

The distance from the proposed territory to the Latvian EEZ is about 2.8 km, to the Swedish EEZ – about

77 km, and to the Russian EEZ – about 40 km.

Fig. 2.1.1. Geographical and Administrative Situation on the PEA Territory.

2.2. Current Use of the Territory

Lithuania's Exclusive Economic Zone and marine territory are used for shipping, commercial fishing;

there are various engineering communication routes laid out, other economic activities carried out or

planned (sand excavation, soil dumping, development of renewable energy, military operations, etc.). The

Lithuanian seaside is popular as a recreational area and has a great potential for nautical tourism.

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Protected areas and European sites “Natura 2000” under expansion occupy a significant part of marine

waters, i.e., the Curonian Spit National Park, the Seaside Regional Park, the Baltic Sea Talasological

Reserve.

2.2.1 Shipping

The PEA territory is outside the established international shipping routes, roadsteads, or anchorage sites;

neither is it bordering them. A cartographic comparison of the PEA territory with the defined water areas

of Klaipeda State Seaport, Sventoji Port, and Butinge Terminal, anchorage sites, and shipping corridors is

presented in Figure 2.2.1 below.

Fig. 2.2.1. Layout of the proposed territory in respect of shipping routes, roadsteads, or anchorage sites.

2.2.2 Fishing

Based on the classification by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Lithuania's marine

territory falls within statistical quarters 0H10, 40G9 and 39H10 of subdivision 26 of the fishing area

where fish is caught with trawls and trap nets.

The PEA territory falls within statistical quarters 504 and 534 which accommodate trawling areas (Fig.

2.2.2).

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Fig. 2.2.2. Fishing areas.

2.2.3. Soil Dumping at Sea

There are a few offshore dumping sites where the soil, excavated in the Klaipeda port waters, is dumped.

A deep-water dumping site, with an area of 4 square nautical miles (i.e., approx. 13.87 km2), is 11

nautical miles (i.e., approx. 20.37 km) away S-W from the port gate at a depth of 43-48 m. The dumping

site was put into operation in 1987. All the types of soil dumped in this area, i.e., sand, silt, moraine, are

excavated during dredging.

Another site for dumping of sandy soils (fine sand and silty sand) is 6 nautical miles (i.e., approx. 11.11

km) away N-W from the port gate at a depth of 25-30 m.

A coastline nourishment with sand was started in 2001. For this purpose, a section of the coastline with

coordinates 55°47’00’’ to 55°45’20’’ was chosen. The sand was poured at a depth of approx. 5 m. In

total, about 400K m³ of sand was poured out in this section of the coastline.

The existing offshore soil dumping sites are more than 20 km away from the PEA territory (Fig. 2.2.3).

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Fig. 1.2.3. Existing offshore soil dumping sites.

2.2.5. Recreational Resources

A sea-shaped formation, i.e., a beach, stretches along the Baltic coastline. Swimming zones at the beaches

of Sventoji settlement and Palanga town were legalised by Order of Director of Palanga Municipality

Administration no. A1-559 of 22 July 2010 “On Establishment of Swimming Zones at the Palanga

Beaches.”

Klaipeda beaches by the Baltic Sea were legalised by Order of Director of Klaipeda City Municipality

Administration no. AD1-592 of 21 March 2012 “On Legalisation of Klaipeda City Beaches.”

The most-visited beaches in Klaipeda district are the ones next to Karkle.

A distance from the PEA territory to the nearest recreational areas and beaches of Palanga Municipality is

approx. 29.5 km (Fig. 2.2.5).

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Fig. 2.2.5. Residential and recreational areas in the coastal municipalities.

There are nautical tourism services beginning to emerge at the Lithuanian seaside. Nautical tourism is

defined as an individual paid service of travel by sea for tourists which needs special infrastructure, i.e.,

adapted embankments, roads, pedestrian (bicycle) tracks, a specially designed area for tourists, buildings,

parts thereof, facilities, and other objects of similar purpose, intended to meet the needs of inbound,

outbound, and local tourism in nautical tourism facilities situated in Lithuania's territorial waters and their

surrounding areas. Based on this definition, the following most frequent nautical tourism services are

identified in the Lithuanian seaside: cruise shipping, inland tourist shipping, recreational fishing, and sea

diving services.

There are several diving clubs in Klaipeda region which offer recreational diving services in the Baltic

Sea. The best diving destinations in the Baltic Sea are wreck dives and tours to expressive elevations at

the bottom of the sea (moraine ridges). According to the diving club OCTOPUS, diving usually takes

place in coastal waters. The most popular diving spots are more than 20 km away from the PEA territory.

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Fig. 2.2.6. The most popular diving spots.

2.2.6. Engineering Infrastructure

In Lithuania's marine territory of the Baltic Sea, there have been two types of engineering infrastructure

identified: a pipeline complex, including the Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoy at the Butinge Terminal,

and submarine cables.

The 7.3 km long pipeline at the Butinge Oil Terminal connects an underground onshore pipeline with a

tanker mooring buoy and is used for oil product handing operations at AB Orlen Lietuva. Coordinates of

location and safety area of the Butinge Terminal's oil pipeline and buoy (SPM) are provided in the

Butinge Oil Terminal Shipping Rules. The terminal has a water area allocated thereto, within a radius of

1,000 m around the SPM buoy, and a safety area of 300 m on each side of the oil pipeline. 8

The Exclusive Economic Zone is intersected by the following four submarine cable lines: 2

telecommunications cable routes, with the starting point in Sventoji, Lithuania, owned/operated by AB

TeliaSonera (according to: International Cable Protection Committee); that is:

• The 218 km long BCS East-West interlink route (ready for service since 1997) connecting

Sventoji with Katthammarsvik, Sweden;

• The 97.8 k long BCS East (ready for service since 1995) connecting Sventoji with Liepaja,

Latvia;

An origin of the other four cable routes crossing the Lithuanian EEZ South to North and South-west to

North-east, marked on navigation maps, is unknown.

8 The Shipping Rules have been approved by Order of the Minister of Transport and Communications of the

Republic of Lithuania no. 3-248 of 18 September 2000 “On Approval of the Butinge Oil Terminal Shipping Rules.”

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In the central part of the water area, from Klaipeda, via the Curonian Spit, and further towards the

Swedish EEZ, there has been a NORDBALT link constructed, that is, a 450 km long, 700 MW high-

voltage DC submarine and underground cable.

On 21 December 2018, CEOs of Lithuanian and Polish transmission system operators LITGRID AB and

PSE signed an agreement on commencement of the project of construction of new Polish-Lithuanian

submarine HVDC cable – “HARMONY Link.” 9 The LRV, by Resolution no. 720 of 1 September 2021,

approved the engineering infrastructure development plan for the special state importance energy system

synchronisation project “Construction of Harmony Link Connection and 330 kV Darbenai Switchyard.” It

presents a route for the proposed offshore connection HARMONY Link.

The PEA territory does not fall within the areas of the existing and proposed engineering infrastructure.

Fig. 2.2.7. Existing and proposed engineering facilities in the marine territory

2.2.7. Restricted-Use Areas and Danger Zones at Sea

Part of the PEA territory is within the danger zone at sea, i.e., former minefields (Fig. 2.2.8).

In Lithuania’s territorial sea and the Exclusive Economic Zone, there are several restricted-use, military

exercise grounds, a water area with wrecks of World War II munitions, and former minefields of quite a

large area. It is possible to carry out economic activities in the said territories, however, a prerequisite is

to conduct seabed surveys in search of hazardous objects and, if necessary, to carry out decontamination

of hazardous objects before the implementation of technical design solutions.

9 Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania no. 720 of 1 September 2021 “On Approval of the Engineering

Infrastructure Development Plan for the Special State Importance Energy System Synchronisation Project “Construction of

Harmony Link Connection and 330 kV Darbenai Switchyard.” https://www.e-

tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/876d697011ff11ec9f09e7df20500045

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Fig. 2.2.8. Restricted-use areas and danger zones.

2.2.8. Important National Security Areas

10 11Based on the Methodology for mapping of territories of the Republic of Lithuania where design and

construction of wind power plants may be subject to restrictions in relation to national security, a map of

the territories of the Republic of Lithuania, where wind power plant (high-rise buildings) design and

construction works may be subject to restrictions, has been developed and approved.

The PEA territory is a part of the areas where construction sites for wind power plants are subject to

coordination provided that a manufacturer of energy from renewable resources signs a contract with the

Lithuanian Armed Forces on part of the investment and other costs (Fig. 2.2.9).

Pursuant to Article 49 (8) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Energy from Renewable Sources,

“Locations for the construction of wind power plants in the areas that are be subject to special land use

conditions in relation to national security in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on

Special Land Use Conditions shall be agreed in advance, in the course of territorial planning, with the

Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and other institutions according to a procedure prescribed

by law and other legislation. A location for the construction of a wind power plant is not approved if

disturbances to be caused by the planned wind power plant cannot be avoided through the use of

additional measures. Should it be determined that disturbances to be caused by the planned wind power

plant can be avoided through the use of additional measures, the location shall be approved on condition

10 Approved by Order of the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania no. V-921 of 22 August 2012 “On

Approval of Methodology for Mapping of Territories of the Republic of Lithuania Where Design and Construction of Wind

Power Plants May Be Subject to Restrictions in Relation to National Security.” 11 Approved by Order of the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces no. V-217 of 15 February 2016 “On Approval of

Methodology for Mapping Territories of the Republic of Lithuania Where Wind Power Plant (High-Rise Buildings) Design and

Construction Works May Be Subject to Restrictions.”

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that the person planning to construct or install the power plant will submit to the institution specified in

the conclusion on the agreement to the issue of the building permit, no later than prior to the issue of the

building permit, an approved construction project, will enter into agreement with the said institution on a

payment of compensation for part of the investments and other costs incurred in securing the national

security functions, and will provide a security of discharge of the said obligation. The size of the

compensation shall be determined by multiplying the power plant capacity (kW) stated in the

authorisation to develop electricity generating capacities by EUR18 / kW. The procedure for the payment

of the compensation shall be established by the Government. The compensations shall be used according

to a procedure prescribed by law as other funds of institutions financed from the state budget that have

not been received as state budget appropriations.”

Fig. 2.2.9. Location of the PEA territory in relation to the areas subject to national security requirements

(basis: the Map of the territories of the Republic of Lithuania, where wind power plant (high-rise

buildings) design and construction works may be subject to restrictions, approved by Order of the

Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces no. V-217 of 15 February 2016).

2.3. References to Territorial Planning Documents, Strategic Plans and Programmes

Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania

• Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania12;

• Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania supplemented with the part

“Marine Territories”;13

12 Approved by Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. IX-1154 of 29 October 2002 “On Approval of the

Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania.” 13 Approved by Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. XII-1781 of 15 June 2015 “On Approval of

the Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania supplemented with the part “Marine

Territories.”

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• Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania under development (Lithuania

2030);

The CPTRL supplemented with the part “Marine Territories” provides for that Given the growth rates of

the rapidly developing offshore wind energy sector in the Europe and, concurrently, in the Baltic Sea,

sites for the installation of offshore wind farms, as well as corridors for linking such farms to onshore

grids must be envisaged. It is appropriate to initiate the development of an integral wind farm network in

the Baltic Region and, thus, to enable the connection of the proposed power plants in the marine

territories of Lithuania and other Baltic states to the EU funded wind farm network of Denmark, Poland,

Sweden, and Germany.” The graphical part of the Comprehensive Plan supplemented with the marine

solutions highlights the potential areas most suitable for the development of offshore renewable energy

projects, including wind energy (Fig. 2.3.1).

Fig. 2.3.1. Location of the PEA territory in relation to the solutions of the technical infrastructure scheme in

the Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania supplemented with the part “Marine

Territories.”

The Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania as well provides for:

– Locations for the construction of WTs in the areas that are be subject to certain restrictions in

relation to national security shall be agreed with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and other institutions

responsible for national security according to the Procedure for the provision of information of the

areas that are be subject to certain WT construction restrictions in relation to national security,

approval of locations for the construction of WTs in such areas, and payment of the compensation; 14

14 Approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania no. 626 of 29 May 2012 “On Approval of the

Procedure for the provision of information of the areas that are be subject to certain wind turbine construction restrictions in

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– The priority groups of activities in the functional area of renewable energy production are:

installation of renewable energy (wind, wave, currents, etc.) farms and their accessories,

engineering systems of power supply structures (transformers, etc.) and other engineering

equipment; construction, power and telecommunication lines. Other activities may also be

developed in the background: commercial fishing, aquaculture and other economic activities that

do not interfere with priority activities, and the extraction of minerals.

Engineering Infrastructure Development Plan for Marine Areas of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the

Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Lithuania in the Baltic sea, Designed for the Development

of Renewable Energy

Pursuant to the Order of the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania no. 1-253 of 17 August 2020

“On Commencing the Preparation of the Engineering Infrastructure Development Plan for Marine

Territories of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of

Lithuania in the Baltic Sea, Designed for the Development of Renewable Energy, and on the Setting of

the Planning Objectives” and in view of the objectives to create conditions for energy production from

wind power in the Baltic Sea and, thus, to increase a share of renewable energy sources in Lithuania's

domestic energy production and total final energy consumption, in 2021, the preparation of the

Engineering Infrastructure Development Plan for Marine Areas of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the

Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Lithuania in the Baltic sea, Designed for the Development

of Renewable Energy (herein after – the Development Plan) was initiated.

For the purposes of the preparation of the Development Plan, the Programme on the Development Plan

Planning Works was approved by Order of the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania no. 1-306

as of 23 September 2020 “On Approval of the Programme on the Planning of the Engineering

Infrastructure Development Plan for Marine Territories of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the

Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Lithuania in the Baltic Sea Designed for the Development

of Renewable Energy.”

The PEA territory is marked in the Development Plan as the area under development in Phase I (Fig.

2.3.1).

relation to national security, approval of locations for the construction of wind turbines in such areas, and payment of the

compensation.”

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Fig. 2.3.1. The area under development in Phase I

References to Strategic Plans and Programmes

• National Strategy for Sustainable Development15;

• National Environmental Protection Strategy16;

• National Energy Independence Strategy17 (hereinafter – the NEIS);

• National Strategy for Climate Change Management Policy18;

The National Strategy for Sustainable Development provides for a more effective use of natural

resources. One of principles, the Strategy’s implementation is based on, is the principle of substitution.

Non-hazardous substances and renewable resources must replace hazardous substances and non-

renewable resources. The wider use of renewable energy sources (wind, etc.) in energy and transport

sector will make it possible to reduce the use of organic fossil fuel and the resulting air pollution, and to

cut the amounts of greenhouse gases.

One of the four priority areas of the environmental protection policy under the National Environmental

Protection Strategy is sustainable use of natural resources. According to the Lithuanian environmental

15 Approved by Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania no. No. 1160 of 11 September 2003 “On Approval

and Implementation of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development.” 16 Approved by Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. XII-1626 of 16 April 2015 “On Approval of the

National Environmental Protection Strategy.” 17 Approved by Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. XI-2133 of 26 June 2018 “On Amendment

of the Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. XI-2133 of 26 June 2012 ‘On Approval of the National

Energy Independence Strategy’.” 18 Approved by Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. XI-2375 of 6 November 2012 “On

Approval of the National Strategy for Climate Change Management Policy.”

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vision under the Strategy, in 2050, Lithuania will have energy resources involved in all the sectors

(energy, industry, transport, agriculture, etc.) of national economy.

The National Energy Independence Strategy states that in 2016, RES accounted for about 25.5% of final

energy consumption in Lithuania.

In pursuit of the strategic RES target, the aim will be to increase the share of renewable energy sources in

the total final energy consumption of the country to 30% by 2020, 45% by 2030, and 80% by 2050. RES

will become the main source of energy in electricity, heating and cooling, and transport sectors.

The National Strategy for Climate Change Management Policy sets GHG emission reduction targets and

implementing measures. The Strategy presents the vision of the climate change management policy until

2050: By 2050, Lithuania will have ensured adaptation of the sectors of the domestic economy to

environmental changes caused by climate change and climate change mitigation (reduction of GHG

emissions), developed competitive low-carbon economy, implemented eco-innovative technology,

achieved energy generation and consumption efficiency and use of renewable energy sources in all

sectors of the domestic economy, including energy, industry, transport, agriculture, etc.

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3. INFORMATION ON ALTERNATIVES TO BE CONSIDERED

Pursuant to Article 11.2 of the Procedure, the EIA programme shall include information on feasible

alternatives to the considered (e.g. location, time, technical and technological solutions, measures to

reduce the environmental impact), including a ‘zero’ alternative, i.e., without carrying out any activities.

The ‘zero’ alternative, or, inactivity, shows current circumstances and an environmental situation in the

event of non-performance. In this case, changes in the environmental situation of Lithuania’s marine

territory in the Baltic Sea would have no connection with the development of the PEA.

Project alternative: the offshore WT farm of up to 700 MW installed capacity in the territory approved by

the LRV Resolution.

Taking into account the development trends of WT high technologies, technical solutions of existing wind

farms in the Baltic and North seas, and the economic efficiency aspect related to the implementation of

these high technologies, the initial assessment phase will involve negotiations on 8 MW to 16 MW

offshore wind turbine models, currently available on the market, for the installation of the proposed WT

farm of up to 700 MW installed capacity. During the implementation of this offshore wind farm project,

wind farms with a capacity of up to 20 MW or more can be expected. The height of such offshore WT

may vary, but not limited to, from 140 m to 300 m; the number of such turbines in the proposed territory

may be approximately 87 to 43 pcs (but not limited to), subject to the model capacity. The WT model,

layout in the territory, and the number thereof, to be used for the environmental impact assessment, will

be specified after the detailed wind strength measurements which are scheduled for 2022.

In that regard, the EIA report will include the assessment of several various alternatives for the offshore

wind farm deployment in the proposed territory, the construction, operation, and dismantling of the

offshore WTs of different heights and installed capacities to best (most efficiently) meet natural

conditions in the selected area.

Based on the selected capacity of the WT, a potential significant effect of the number, physical and

technical characteristics, and location of the offshore WTs on various components of the environment and

public health in the approved territory will be examined. As part of the analysis of the alternatives, a scale

of effect of the installed offshore wind farm on various components of the environment and public health

has been assessed; essential measures to reduce the effect of installation, operation, and dismantling have

been envisaged.

Principles of Laying out the Power Plants in the Territory of The Proposed Economic Activity

Placement of WTs against each other, in relation to prevailing winds or the proposed territory is very

important for the final energy yields. There are a few methods of selecting the optimal placement of WTs:

geometrical or one of the turbulent wake models, i.e., Jensen model, Ainslie model, or G.C. Larsen

model. 19

The Figure 1.3.1 shows an example of geometrical layout of offshore WTs in the PEA territory based on

the diameter of the WT rotor (D), by assuming that GE Haliade-X 12 MW wind turbine model is

installed:

• in wind direction 12xD;

• in the direction perpendicular to wind direction 5xD;

• capacity of offshore WT: 12 MW, rotor diameter: 220 m.

19 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279154872_Optimized_Placement_of_Wind_Turbines_in_Large-

Scale_Offshore_Wind_Farm_Using_Particle_Swarm_Optimization_Algorithm

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Different literature sources provide various widths and lengths, therefore, there have been average

dimensions of the proposed wind farm selected.20 WT locations and their number with be specified at the

technical design phase on the basis of the methodology provided by the developer or one of the turbulent

wake models, with regard to the selected (specified) WT model/s and technical parameters thereof. It is

envisaged that the PEA developer will be able to choose the most suitable WT model and its capacity,

WT layout, as well as the technical parameters of the substations and their number, the technical

parameters of the connection to the land network and their number.

Taking into account solutions under the Engineering Infrastructure Development Plan for Marine Areas

of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Lithuania in the

Baltic sea, Designed for the Development of Renewable Energy and with a view of using the entire

territory most efficiently, peripheral wind turbines are planned to be constructed at the cable protection

zone (100 m) from the boundaries of the territory, by planning the entire power plant layout grid,

accordingly.21

Fig. 3.1.1. Example of wind farm layout in the PEA territory.

Installation Solutions for the Offshore Transformer Substation

21 https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.416425

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A transformer substation (hereinafter – the TS) is designed to accumulate the power generated by the

entire wind farm, to transform it, and to transmit electricity to grids. A TS is usually built in the centre of

the generated power or in another location suitable for bringing medium and high voltage cable lines.

Step-up transformer substations do not occupy much space in the PEA territory:22 Dimensions of the TS

foundation is similar to the one of the WT.

The choice of substation location is influenced by:

• Sea depth: construction is more cost efficient in shallower waters;

• Lengths of medium-voltage cables and energy losses in them: most cost-efficient location for

the substation is a centre of generating sources;

• Proposed high-voltage connections with onshore and other wind farms;

• Additional wind turbulence caused by a substation as a structure.

Preliminary optional locations for transformer substations of the proposed offshore wind farm are

proposed with regard to the solution alternatives of the Development Plan (Fig. 3.1.2).

Fig. 3.1.2. Alternative locations of TS of the proposed offshore wind farm according to solutions of the

Development Plan.

The technical design will specify the need for step-up (intermediate) transformer substations and the

electrical network connection scheme. During the technical design phase, taking the above criteria into

consideration, the proposed location of the TS may change.

22 https://www.nordseeone.com/engineering-construction/offshore-substation.html

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4. EXPECTED SIGNIFICANT IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY. MEASURES TO

PREVENT, REDUCE AND COMPENSATE FOR SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE

ENVIRONMENT.

4.1. Water

Hydrological and Hydrodynamic Conditions of Lithuania's Baltic Sea

Hydrological and hydrodynamic Conditions of Lithuania's marine area in the Baltic Sea, including the

PEA territory, is typical of the common conditions of the Baltic Sea PR.

Wave height There are wind waves prevailing in the Baltic Sea, thus, a wave regime is identical to the

wind regime. The highest waves are observed in autumn and winter; the lowest ones – in summer. An

annual mean wave height is about 0.7 m.

Table 4.1.1. Average wave height in the Baltic Sea (metres) in 1986–2005 (Klaipeda)

Month I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

Av. 1.02 0.78 0.70 0.52 0.47 0.51 0.57 0.63 0.74 0.75 0.76 0.92

Direction of wave motion almost coincides with direction of prevailing winds. In the south-eastern part of

the Baltic Sea, waves prevail in the direction SW-W-NW:

0-2 m high waves, caused by 4-9 m/s speed winds in ~70  of cases;

2-4 m high waves, caused by 10-19 m/s speed winds in ~24  of cases;

4-7 m high waves, caused by storm winds in ~4  of cases;

Calm sea is normally observed in summer and spring (~5 ).

Mixed waves, i.e., 1-3 m high waves and sway, are quite frequent in the Baltic Sea. 50% of wave heights

on the Lithuanian cost are up to 0.6 m high waves; 90% - up to 2 m high waves. Over 5 m high waves

occur on average once in 10 years (Kelpšaitė et al., 2011).

Extreme values of wind waves at the Baltic Sea coast are determined by strong W-S-W and W winds.

Wave height is found to decrease at 20-25 m isobath.

Wave parameters have a significant impact on both hydrodynamic and sediment transportation processes

at the Baltic Sea coast. There are not much data on observation of the Lithuanian marine area, therefore,

when running the LMSFD project, parameters of the Lithuanian Baltic Sea wave propagation in strong

winds was simulated.23

2D digital modelling system MIKE 21 has been used for simulation of wave propagation. The NSW

(Near-shore Spectral Wind-Wave Module) has been a model when simulating the parameters of wind-

produced wave propagation at the Baltic Sea coast (MIKE, 2002). The baseline data on the offshore wave

model were retrieved from the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts,

www.ecmwf.int) wave model for the period 2016-2018 (inclusive).

Currents. Lithuania's territorial waters have a basic cyclonic direction of currents in the Baltic Sea

(counter-clockwise) (Žaromskis, 1996), which forms prevailing flows of water masses along the coast

from south to north.

The interaction between atmospheric processes and inert water mass forms a complex structure of surface

and deep currents. Varying seasonal activity of atmospheric processes above the Baltic Sea is reflected in

23 Preparation of the Documents of Enhancing the Lithuanian Baltic Sea Environmental Management. Interim Report I. Klaipeda

University Coastal Research and Planning Institute, 2011.

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the annual change of current rates. The lowest current rates are observed in the spring-summer season, the

highest – in autumn-winter.

Wind-induced currents are directly formed by wind on water surfaces. Due to unevenness of the wind

field and intense variation of wind speeds, wind-induced currents have a complex spatial structure and

high variation over time. The speed of wind-induced currents is decreasing in greater depths.

Fig. 4.1.2. Average wave height and direction in Lithuania's territorial waters of the Baltic Sea

By nature of formation, there are several types of currents prevailing on the sea: long forced waves that

form in the interaction of the static water mass and the varying pressure above the water surface; periodic

currents that are caused by water level fluctuations; currents in relation to internal waves in layers of

different densities (Гидрометеорологические условия шельфовой зоны морей СССР, 1983).

At the sea surface, in the 0-10 m thick layer, there are weak and medium currents prevailing, with a speed

normally not exceeding 0.20 m/s (Žaromskis, Pupienis, 2003). The marine area between the coast and 35

m isobath has northward currents. Currents are directed toward the south far less often, toward the south-

west – least often. The northward direction of the current is determined by the freshwater flowing from

Curonian Lagoon. The 35-45 m deep area away from the shore is predominated by south-west, south, and

west currents. Even further, i.e., beyond the 45 m isobath, currents are directed toward the east and north-

east. In the intermediate water layer (10-30 m), there are various current regimes formed. The water area

of up to 25 m depth, like in the surface layer, mostly has northward currents. Less frequently, currents are

directed south- and westward. Beyond the 45 m isobath, there are north and north-east currents

prevailing. In the intermediate water layer, current speed is 0.11 to 0.14 m/s. Weak, 0.07-0.09 m/s rate

currents normally prevail in the bottom layer. The water area to 35 m isobath mostly has north-west and

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south-east currents, in 35 to 45 m isobath – north-west, west, and south-west currents, and beyond 45 m –

north currents (Žaromskis, Pupienis, 2003).

Simulation of average current rates (m/s) and directions (degrees) for different seasons (spring, summer,

autumn, winter) (SMHI BALTICSEA_REANALYSIS_PHY_003_011 2012-2016) shows that weak

surface and bottom currents prevail in the open sea, with the speed averaging 3-5 cm/s in the surface layer

and 1-3 cm/s in the bottom one (Fig. 4.1.3-4.1.4).

Fig. 4.1.3. Average current rate and direction in the surface layer in the period 2012-2016 (SMHI, Sweden).

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Fig. 4.1.4. Average current rate and direction in the bottom layer in the period 2012-2016 (SMHI, Sweden).

Temperature, Salinity, and Water Clarity Lithuania's marine area in the Baltic Sea is relatively shallow,

as a result, thermal regime of the water responds to seasonal fluctuations of climate conditions very

quickly (Dailidienė et al., 2011). Minimum water temperatures are reached in February (to -0.5°C), and

maximum – in July-August (to 28.2°C).

In any single year, the coastal area, territorial waters of the Baltic Sea, and the open sea have specific

horizontal distribution of water temperature and certain vertical stratification of water related to

temperature gradients. In all seasons, at the sea surface up to a depth of 10 m, there is a homo-thermal

layer of convective and turbulent mixing formed. Seasonal thermocline (a layer of rapid temperature

drop) develops in summer at the depth range of 10-40 m; the water temperature gradient in this layer is

0.5 - 1.0 °C/m. The thermocline separates a surface, warm mass of water from the intermediate cold layer.

Meanwhile, the difference between water temperature in coastal areas and in deep-water areas may reach

15 or more degrees. In a halocline area and deeper, temperature fluctuations are minor throughout the

year.

In autumn, waters of the open sea thermally mixed down to permanent halocline at the depth of 40 m

(Vyšniauskas, 2003). At this time, not only intense convective mixing takes place, but stronger winds and

higher waves are observed, too. In a halocline area and deeper, temperature fluctuations are minor

throughout the year (Dailidienė et al., 2011).

Variations of salinity in the southeastern Baltic Sea, in Lithuania's marine area, depend on the inflow of

fresh waters from rivers , as well as on the variations of salinity in the central Baltic Sea. In Lithuania's

water area, average water salinity is about 7 ‰. The western part of the Lithuanian EEZ belongs to the

central Baltic Sea which has a two-layer structure of water. In the upper layer (at the depth of 0 m to

approx. 60 m), salinity is 6–8 ‰. This layer is isolated from the saltier deeper layer by a permanent

halocline. In the central Baltic Sea, a halocline borders at a depth of 64-90 m, its centre is at a depth of 74

m; salinity of this layer rapidly jumps from 7.7 to 10.4 ‰ (Matthäus, 1990). At greater depths, isolated

with a halocline, oxygen saturation of the water decreases. In the bottom layer, there is oxygen deficiency

observed and a hydrogen sulphide zone formed.

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In coastal areas and in the shallow open sea, clear and permanent stratifications do not develop due to

salinity; a homogeneous well-mixed water mass prevails up to a depth of 55-60 m (Dailidienė et al.,

2011).

Two key methods are used to measure water clarity: 1) water clarity measurement (in metres) using a

Secchi disk, and 2) measurement of the amount of suspended solids (mg/l) in water. The data on

measurements of suspended solids in the Lithuanian coastline are fragmented, therefore, further analysis

involves Secchi disk measurements.

The Baltic Sea monitoring reports by the Department of Marine Studies of the EPA show that the highest

water clarity is in the open sea where the Secchi depth reaches 4.5 m.

Ice Cover No permanent ice cover is formed in the Lithuanian area of the Baltic Sea. In normal and

severe winters, a shore ice belt, from a few metres to a few kilometres wide, is formed in coastal areas. It

usually consists of piled ice rocks, brought to the shore by wind and water currents which stays stable

only in calm and cold weather.

Ice cover develops up to 1.5 km from the shore. Drifting ice sheets, up to 10 cm thick, cause ice jams at a

distance of up to 7 km from the shore. Due to climate change and, thus, milder winters, there are fewer

days of ice phenomena in the Baltic Sea observed. The decrease in the number of ice phenomena days

reversely proportional to the annual increase in water temperature. In the Lithuanian coastline, an average

duration of ice phenomena decreased by approx. 50 percent during the period of 1961-2009 (Dailidienė et

al., 2011).

Water Quality

In Lithuania, the ecological and chemical status of the Baltic Sea is constantly controlled through the

environmental monitoring of the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea.

Fig. 4.1.5. Monitoring sites in the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon.

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Ecological status is determined for each of the water bodies of transitional waters and coastal waters, by

assigning the status with one of the five quality grades: very bad, bad, average, good, and very good.

Transitional waters include the Curonian Lagoon (northern and central ones) and the zone of propagation

of the Curonian Lagoon's waters into the Baltic Sea. In accordance with the Rules for the assessment of

ecological status of surface water bodies, the ecological status shall be assessed on the basis of the survey

of the surface or integrated water layer (at a depth of up to 0.5 m in the Curonian Lagoon, 1 m to 10 m –

in the Baltic Sea). Average values of chlorophyll 'a,' total nitrogen and total phosphorus, water clarity,

average annual number of specific pollutants, average content of macroinvertebrates in a sample of a

warm period (June to September) have been used to assess the ecological status of the Baltic Sea coastline

(sandy and stony) and the Curonian Lagoon. Further, the higher phytoplankton abundance index was used

to assess coastline waters, seasonal phytoplankton succession index – to assess the northern and central

areas of the Curonian Lagoon, and macroinvertebrate community index (MCI) – to measure the quality of

sandy coastal waters.24

Chemical status is determined for transitional waters, coastal waters, marine area, and exclusive economic

zone by assigning the status with one of the two quality grades: good or below good. Good chemical

status of a surface water body means that no concentrations of substances listed in Annex 1 and Annex 2,

Parts A and B (List B1) of the Wastewater Management Regulation exceed an annual average value of

the Environmental Quality Standards (AA-EQS)) and/or a maximum allowable concentration (MAC-

EQS). EQS) and/or the biota EQS.25. Should the concentration of at least one substance is found to be

exceeded, the status of a water body is considered below the good status. Concentration limits for

substances in the bottom sediments are determined in accordance with LAND 46A-200226.

Annual average values of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the marine areas of the Baltic Sea and the

Exclusive Economic Zone, the chemical status thereof are determined on the basis of characteristics of

good environmental status of the Lithuanian marine area and their qualitative descriptors.27

Potential Impact of the Proposed Economic Activity on Water

Under normal operating conditions, the offshore wind farm will not have any significant impact on

seawater quality. However, temporary changes in water quality are possible during construction, i.e.,

when installing foundations and laying cables due to a temporary increase in suspended particles

(turbidity) in the bottom layers of water column.

Where the proposed economic activity relates to the sea, information on the marine environment and its

characteristics shall be provided: geochemical properties of the water of the Baltic Sea, currents, waves,

including medium, storm values, their recurrence, seasonal and perennial fluctuations.

Characteristics of good environmental status of the sea have been established by Order of the Minister of

Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-194 of 4 March 2015 “On Approval of the

Characteristics of the Good Environmental Status of the Lithuanian Marine Area.” The qualitative

descriptors for determining good environmental status (according to Directive 2008/56/EC of the

European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action

in the field of marine environmental policy) have been established in Order of the Minister of

Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-500 of 14 June 2010 “On Approval of the Procedure for

Assessment of the Marine Environmental Status, Setting of Characteristics of Good Environmental Status

24 Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-210 of 12 April 2007 “On Approval of the

Procedure for the Assessment of Ecological Status of Surface Water Bodies.” 25 Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-236 of 17 May 2006 “On Approval of the

Wastewater Management Regulation.” 26 Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. 77 of 26 February 2002 “On Approval of the

Environmental Normative Document LAND 46A-2002 'Rules for Excavation of Soil in the Waters of the Open Sea and Seaports

and Disposal of the Excavated Soil.” 27 Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-194 of 4 March 2015 “On Approval of the

Requirements for Determining the Characteristics of the Good Environmental Status of the Lithuanian Marine Area.”

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of the Baltic Sea, Objectives of Protecting the Marine Environment, the Monitoring Programme and

Measures,” Annex 2.

Operation of the proposed offshore wind farm is not expected to have any significant impact of water; the

EIA will rather be aimed to assess peculiarities of hydrological and hydro-chemical conditions of the

territory in question. Available data will be measured and new studies on hydrological and hydro-

chemical parameters of water will be conducted.

Content of Environmental Impact Assessment

Projected studies and exploratory work

Type of study Projected studies

Hydrological parameters Speed and direction of water currents, temperature, salinity

Hydro-chemical parameters pH, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, petroleum hydrocarbons,

polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals

Information to be provided in the EIA report

Aspect to be considered Information provided

Current situation Description of the hydrological and hydrodynamic regime of the

territory and peculiarities thereof

Information on hydro-chemical conditions and water quality.

Potential significant impact

during the wind farm installation,

operation, and dismantling phases

Potential impact of the wind farm on the hydrodynamic situation,

water quality, and good environmental status.

Potential water pollution with oil products.

Changes in water clarity during the WT construction: cabling,

foundation installation.

Assessment methods Hydrological and hydro-chemical surveys on water.

Analysis of primary and secondary data, GIS mapping, expert

opinion

Mitigation measures Analysis of mitigation measures

4.2. Ambient Air and Climate

The key meteorological factor of favourable conditions for the development of offshore wind energy

projects is wind strength. Based on the aggregate data (Fig. 4.2.1), the wind strength at sea increases as

moving further away from the shore and varies from 7 to 10 m/s. Preliminary data (based on

mathematical modelling (100 m above the sea level)) suggest that the average wind speed in the PEA

territory may reach approx. 9 m/s.

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Fig. 4.2.1. Average wind speed at sea.

Air pollution is associated with mechanisms of construction and maintenance of wind farms rather than

with the main proposed activity, i.e., electricity production by wind turbines. Main sources of ambient air

pollution during the offshore wind farm installation, operation, and dismantling phases are means of

transport and operated construction machinery.

Renewable energy sources, as a climate change mitigation measure, are particularly welcome in terms of

climate impact. Wind energy is one of the renewable forms of energy, which reduces the use of fossil

fuels and, together, emissions of CO2 and other substances into the ambient air. The use of wind energy

plays a great role in controlling climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy

sector. The PEA implementation is expected to have an indirect positive effect on the climate.

Information to be provided in the EIA report:

Ambient Air and Climate

Current situation

Climate conditions.

Distribution of speed and directions of wind in the territory under

study.

Potential significant impact

during the wind farm installation,

operation, and dismantling phases

Sources of ambient air pollution and emissions.

Provisional quantities of ambient air pollutants from mobile

sources.

Potential impact on the climate.

Assessment methods Ambient air pollution from mobile sources will be assessed using

available pollution calculation methodologies.

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Measures to prevent, reduce, or

compensate for major adverse

effects on the environment

Description of mitigation measures.

4.3. Soil: Seabed and Deep Sea

The seabed of the Lithuanian marine area in the Baltic Sea was caused by glacial activity, by water level

changes in different eras of Baltic Sea evolution, and by modern sedimentation processes. There are two

favourable topographic forms, i.e., plateaus, and adverse forms, i.e., basins, identified at the bottom of the

sea.

The Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau (Gelumbauskaite, 1986), where potential wind energy development area

is located, is most significant in terms of the object under study. The deeper northern slope of the Gdansk

Basin, in part, and the complete Nemunas Valley, opening to the basin (Gelumbauskaite, 2010) are

beyond the boundaries of the territory under study.

The Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau in the northern Lithuanian water area starts at the Gulf of Riga, stretches

along the shore, and somewhere in the latitude of Liepaja turns south-west, to settle between the Gotland

and Gdansk basins. There are also more prominent elevations at this location. One of them is known as

the Bank of Klaipeda, located in the north-western part of the Lithuanian Economic Zone. The sea depth

in some places of this area reaches 47 m (Gelumbauskaitė et al., 1999). Westwards, this bank descends a

steep slope into the Gotland Basin.

One the most fragmented seabed areas is the southern part of the Klaipeda-Ventspils plateau which

stretches up to the coastal area at Sventoji-Palanga and adjoining the shore of Giruliai. This territory has a

large variety of fragmented seabed patterns. Herein, a relative height of some single forms normally reach

4-5 m, and sometimes 6-8 m.

Based on foundation technologies, the best conditions for the installation of wind farms are seabed areas

with a depth of 20 to 40 m (installation of wind farms in coastal areas, up to 20 m is practically infeasible

due to the environmental constraints). The PEA territory mainly has 34-40 m depths (Fig. 4.3.1).

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Fig. 4.3.1. Sea depth scheme for the PEA territory.

Distribution of Bottom Sediments

The seabed of the Lithuanian water area is covered with recent and relict bottom sediments (Gulbinskas,

1995). Relict sediments are sediments deposited during the Ice Age and Baltic Sea evolution stages.

They occur in hydrodynamically active areas of the sea where sedimentation no longer takes place today

or, even, where bottom destruction occurs. In many such spots, glacial deposits (moraine) are heavily

eroded; their surface is covered with boulders, pebble, shingle, or uneven-grained sand.

Relict deposits and sediments also cover the Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau, within which the PEA territory

is located. Relict sediments consist of moraine of varied composition (sand, loam, boulder clay) and the

eroded elements (boulders, pebble, shingle). This boulder rock separates the coastline of Lithuania's

mainland from the open sea. Its dispersal range: at Giruliai: 14−18 m, Karklininkai: 16−20 m, the

Dutchman's Cap (Lithuanian: Olando kepurė): 5−25 m, Nemirseta: 10−22 m, Palanga: 4-23 m, Sventoji:

17−29 m, and Butinge: 21-32 m.

Recent sediments are found in accumulation areas. The main types of sediment are sand, siltstone, and

sludge) (Emelyanov et al. 2002). Sand mostly consists of fine-grained sand. There are three areas of

dispersal of such sand: one of them is also found at the foot of Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau; herein the

sand deposits at a depth of 26-40 m. Bottom in deeper marine areas (45–65 m) is covered by silty

sediments. Sludge sediments consist of fine siltstone and pelitic siltstone. The said types of bottom

sediments are widespread at a depth of 50-60 m and cover the bottoms of Gdansk and Gotland basins,

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Fig. 4.3.2. Lithological composition of bottom sediments.

In the bottom of the Baltic Sea, there are found sediments of various ages, origins, and compositions.

Depending on the intensity of sedimentation, the recent formation of sediments does not occur in some

areas of the bottom; instead, deposits and rocks from previous geological periods are uncovered. The

layer of sedimentary rocks in the Lithuanian marine areas is about 2 km thick.

The upper part of the geological section consists of quaternary sediments. Thickness of the quaternary

sediments greatly varies, i.e., from 5-10 m in plateaus to more than 100 m in paleosections. Under the

quaternary sediments, there occur formations of the Middle and Upper Devonian periods (sandstone,

siltstone, dolomite), Permian (dolomite limestone), Lower Triassic (clay, clayey siltstone, and marl),

Middle and Upper Jurassic (argillite), and Lower and Upper Cretaceous epochs (Terigenic clay, siltstone,

glauconitic-quartz sand).

The quaternary column of the Lithuanian waters in the Baltic Sea consists of three key lithostratigraphic

complexes: Pleistocene glacial deposits (prevailing moraine loams and sandy loams), sediments (clays,

sands) formed during various phases of Baltic Sea evolution (mud of Late Glacial and Holocene periods),

as well as recent marine sediments (sand, siltstone, mud). Deposits and sediments from the first two

lithostratigraphic complexes are also known as relict deposits and sediments (Gulbinskas, 1995). They

occur in hydrodynamically active areas of the sea where sedimentation no longer takes place today or,

even, where bottom destruction occurs.

In the PEA territory, quaternary sediments are about 20–30 m thick. Beneath them, there are normally

deposits of the Triassic, less often of the Permian period found.

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Fig. 4.3.3. Post-quaternary sediment prevalence and quaternary column thickness.

Mineral Resources

Oil According to the Lithuanian Geological Survey on potential oil structures in the Lithuanian marine

area, the Lithuanian EEZ is supposed to store about 40–80 million tons of oil.

Chapter 8 of the solutions of the Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania 2030

(revised according to public and entities' comments) “Preservation and usage of resources, development

of bio-production economy,” p. 465, states that regulation for the development of oil resources in the

maritime part shall be envisaged in coordination with other activities (wind energy, shipping, etc.),

internal, inter-sectoral, and international cooperation shall be promoted and enhanced.

The PEA territory does not fall within the known potential oil locations, though, it is possibly adjacent

thereto. Therefore, once the additional results of potential oil structure surveys are received, this

information will be further assessed.

Sand and Gravel The sand and gravel resources in the Lithuanian EEZ have not been yet explored or

included in the state register of mineral resources as a mineral deposit. Nonetheless, there have been

found accumulations of these resources during the geological mapping. The most intense sand dispersal is

found in the hydrodynamically active area up to 20 m. The sand in this area, however, maintains the

dynamic balance of the coastline, nourishes the beaches, and is prohibited from usage due to the

environmental and coastal protection constraints.

Another range of sand dispersal is found on the south-eastern slope of the elevation of Liepaja – the

Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau – the Curonian-Sambian Plateau and its north-western slope. In these areas,

the occurrence of sand and coarse-grained sediments is associated with the coastal formations of the

transgressive and regressive phases of the Baltic Sea. Such ancient sediments are often covered with

recently formed sea sands. The thickness of the sands reach 5 meters and more.

In this marine area, there are two locations defined as potential sources of sand for shore management:

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• The south-eastern slope of Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau, 25-30 m deep, coastal formations of the

transgressive and regressive phases of the Baltic Sea. Sand dispersal over relatively large areas on the

slopes of the plateau. A sand layer thickness reaches 1 metre and more.

• On the surface of the Curonian-Sambian Plateau, there are found relict formations of the Ice Age

or the Baltic Sea evolution stages. Sea depth is 20-30 metres. Sand dispersal range is the largest here; a

layer thickness is over 3 metres.

• In Preila-Juodkrante district, the most promising elevation area is between 20-27 m isobaths.

When implementing the Coastal Strip Management Programmes, the sand from the district of Preila -

Juodkrante was used for restoration of beaches of Palanga.

There are no approved sand deposits in the PEA territory.

Amber. The world's largest amber deposits are found on the Sambia Peninsula, the current Kaliningrad

region. Here, near the small village of Yantarny, the world's largest amber reserves are extracted in the

open-cast mine. Despite the immediate vicinity, there are no large amber deposits in Lithuania. Small

deposits of amber are found near Priekule, next to the King Wilhelm Channel, as well as in the districts of

Preila, Juodkrante, and Nida, though, of minor commercial significance. There are no known amber

deposits in the PEA territory.

Fig. 4.3.4. Layout of the PEA in respect of mineral deposits.

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Content of Environmental Impact Assessment

The geological structure of the area has a greater impact on the processes of installation of the WTs,

cabling, and the selection of foundation structures. The EIA will especially focus on assessment of

geological conditions of the PEA territory so that to measure a potential impact of the WT installation on

the integrity of the seabed.

Research projects

Type of study Projected studies

Submarine morphology Seabed surveys.

Geological structure of the

bottom surface

Distribution and composition of bottom sediments.

Geochemical surveys Contamination of bottom sediments.

Information to be provided in the EIA report

Aspect to be considered Information provided

Current situation Seabed characteristics, relief, depths.

Sedimentation conditions.

Geological structure and mineral resources.

Potential significant impact

during the wind farm installation,

operation, and dismantling phases

Potential impact on the seabed and sediment formation.

Assessment of potential contamination of sediments.

Break of seabed integrity

Assessment methods Analysis of primary and secondary data, GIS mapping, expert

opinion

Mitigation measures Measures to reduce the impact on the seabed and sedimentation

processes.

4.4. Landscape and Biodiversity

Landscape/Seascape

Based on the morphological zoning of the landscape, there have been defined the Eastern shallow marine

section of the Baltic Sea (A) South-East Baltic Sea submarine plateau area (I) Curonian-Western

Samogitia coastal submarine plateaus and depressions of the Baltic Sea (1). There is a prevailing seascape

of submarine plateaus and depressions.

The PEA territory is located in the open sea, more than 29 km away from the shore, and is beyond the

boundaries of the general landscape defined in the National Landscape Management Plan (Fig. 4.4.1). 28

The EIA will include the assessment of the potential visibility of the offshore wind farm from onshore

observation sites.

28 approved by Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-703 of 2 October 2015

“On Approval of the National Landscape Management Plan.”

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Fig. 4.4.1. Landscape management zones in the PEA territory.

Protected Areas and NATURA 2000 Sites

In the Lithuanian waters of the Baltic Sea, there are protected areas and sites of the European ecological

network “Natura 2000” demarcated. The PEA territory borders the biosphere reserve of the Klaipeda-

Ventspils Plateau and important habitat and bird protection areas (Fig. 4.4.2). Information on the closest

protected areas is provided in Table 4.4.1.

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Fig. 4.4.2. Protected areas and NATURA 2000 sites closest to the PEA territory.

Table 4.4.1. Information on the protected areas and NATURA 2000 sites bordering the PEA territory,

purposes of establishment thereof, protected natural habitats and species of EU importance (according to

the State Cadastre of Protected Areas of the Republic of Lithuania).

Protected area Area, ha Purpose of establishment, protected valuables

Distance from

the boundary

of the

proposed

territory

Biosphere reserve of the

Klaipeda-Ventspils

Plateau

31949.309903

To protect a valuable part of ecosystem of the

Baltic Sea in the Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau, in

particular, with a view to conserve: Areas of the

natural marine habitat of EU importance,

i.e., 1,170 reefs, to ensure a favourable

conservation status thereof; a place of

regular gatherings of wintering water birds

of EU importance: velvet scooter (Melanitta

fusca), to ensure a favourable conservation status

thereof; wintering and migrating populations of

razorbill (Alca torda), long-tailed duck

(Clangula hyemalis), to ensure a favourable

conservation status thereof; to conduct

observation (monitoring) of the natural habitat

and the protected species referred to in paragraph

3.1 of the Regulation, studies in relation to the

protected valuables; to collect information on

status thereof; to analyse the impact of human

activities on the marine ecosystem; to ensure the

sustainable use of natural resources; to promote

borders

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Protected area Area, ha Purpose of establishment, protected valuables

Distance from

the boundary

of the

proposed

territory

ideas and ways of biodiversity conservation.

NATURA 2000 IBPA

Klaipeda-Ventspils

Plateau

31949.309903 to protect gatherings of the wintering velvet

scooter (Melanitta fusca) borders

NATURA 2000 IHPA

Klaipeda-Ventspils

Plateau

17948.498809 1,170 reefs borders

Seabed Habitats

According to the valuation survey results as of 1993-2007, 7 main habitats are found in the Lithuanian

marine area (Table 4.4.2).

Table 4.4.2. List and distribution of habitats in the Lithuanian marine area of the Baltic Sea (* bottom

habitats classified as reefs)

Habitat name Area, ha Share of the marine

area (%)

Open-to-waves moraine bottom, with Furcellaria lumbricalis 2,343 1.3

Open-to-waves moraine bottom, with Balanus improvisus 10,757 6.1

Open-to-waves moraine bottom, with Mytilus edulis trossulus and

Balanus improvisus* 17,494 9.9

Open-to-waves moraine bottom, with Mytilus edulis trossulus and

Balanus improvisus* 43 <0.1

Open-to-waves sandy bottom, with Macoma balthica 138,497 78.1

Open-to-waves sandy bottom, with Pygospio elegans and Marenzelleria

neglecta 7,879 4.4

Open-to-waves sandy bottom, with boulders and amphipods 377 <0.1

There are two types of habitats common in the PEA territory (Fig. 4.4.3): a sandy bottom of the aphotic

zone and a bottom of varied sediments.

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Fig. 4.4.3. Dispersal of benthic habitats in the PEA territory.

There are no benthic habitats in the territory under study that are acknowledged most valuable under the

valuation survey, biologically important, or classified as reefs by the habitat types in Annex II of the

Habitats Directive. Geo-morphologically, major reefs are moraine ridges, with Mytilus edulis trossulus

and Balanus improvisus, the location of which has been found only in Lithuania’s territorial sea near

Palanga. They are not common for the territory under study.

Macrozoobenthos communities. In the eastern Baltic Sea, 11 benthic fauna species are known to be

dominant communities. Major part of them are adapted to loose-lying sediments; only two species,

Mytilus edulis and Balanus improvisus, prevail in the solid substrate, which is not found in the area under

study.

The most expected benthic faunal communities in the area under study are as follows:

The Marenzelleria viridis community develops along the coast, in sandy bottom sediments at a depth of 3

to 30 m. There are 12 benthic fauna taxa found, including the most common B. pilosa and H. diversicolor

in the shallows, and P. elegans and Oligochaeta – in deeper waters.

The Macoma balthica community is most common on the sandy and silty bottoms of the central Baltic

Sea, where all infauna and mobile species known to the area have been registered. There are four forms of

the community identified depending on the depth. However, in all of them, the range of dominance of M.

balthica is quite large and usually exceeds 70-80%. Since many shallow species such as M. arenaria are

found in the shallow part of the submarine slope up to a depth of about 30 m, it comprises a greater

diversity of benthic fauna in the form of communities. In deeper waters, the community biomass is

significantly greater and often exceeds 100 g m-2. There are prevailing large individuals of M. balthica,

though the species composition of the community is rather scarce and the number of its permanent

members such as H. spinulosus or Bylgides sarsi is small.

Pontoporeia spp. communities develop at a depth of 50 m and deeper, i.e., 80 m. More shallow areas are

dominated by P. affinis, with an average of 8 species found in the community. In deeper waters, there are

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prevailing P. femorata, with a number of species significantly lower, i.e., 2 to 4 species. The both species

are known in the Baltic Sea as dominant in deep muddy waters. The range of distribution of amphipods is

not large and normally does not exceed 50% of the total benthic fauna biomass. This proves that a

community is not a permanent formation on an submarine slope and usually consists of a random set of

species that are able to survive in that environment.

Fish

In total, 65 cyclostomatous and fish species have been registered in Lithuanian waters of the Baltic Sea,

including 21 freshwater, 33 marine, and 11 migratory. Approximately 19 cyclostomes and fish species are

protected under the Habitats Directive, Bern or CITES conventions (Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora); 5 of them are included in the Red Data Book of Lithuania,

and 18 are considered very rare. Among all the species registered in Lithuanian waters of the Baltic Sea,

some fish species are very common, while other species (swordfish, anchovy, poacher) have only been

recorded once or few times.

Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras), Baltic cod (Gadus morhua callarias), and flounder

(Platichthys flesus) are some of the most abundant fish in the Lithuanian Economic Zone and, therefore,

are intensively fished. Baltic herring spawning grounds are observed on the rocky bottom with marine

vegetation along the northern coast of Lithuania, as well as in the pier of Klaipeda port at depths of 2-5 m.

In the Klaipeda port area, as well as in the area from it northward to Sventoji and southward to Alksnyne

and Juodkrante, there are abundant migratory and freshwater fish. Migratory fish are: smelt, vimba

bream, salmon, sea-trout, whitefish, twaite shad, eel, and cyclostomes – sea and river lamprey. Most

migratory fish species keep close to shores, usually in a depth of up to 20 m; salmon, however, migrates

over very long distances. The salmon that is spawning in Lithuanian rivers can also be found both in the

northern part of the sea, near Finland, and in the southern part – in coastal areas of Germany. The sea-

trout migrates at shorter distances. In recent years, as pollution in rivers and the Curonian Lagoon is

decreasing, there has been a significant increase in abundances of twaite shad and vimba bream.

Freshwater fish, such as bream, zander, silvery bream, ide, roach, bleak, asp, perch, ruff, and three-spined

stickleback, are usually caught only along the coastline.

In summer, the sea is dominated by sea and migratory fish species; though, coastal areas (in particular,

near Klaipeda) are also rich in freshwater fish coming from the Curonian Lagoon. In autumn, September-

October, along the coastline of the Baltic Sea, there are many species of migratory fish that float in the

rivers to spawn: vimba bream, salmon, sea trout, whitefish, and smelt. In November, when the water

temperature drops, the coastline is dominated with herring, abundant flounder, and some cod.

Birds and Bats

The Lithuanian marine area in the Baltic Sea has been studied inhomogeneously in terms of waterfowl.

Most thorough studies were conducted at the sea coastline and part of Lithuania' territorial waters. In this

area, there are over 20 species of seabirds regularly found.29

The Lithuanian Baltic Sea is of the highest importance for wintering seabirds. In Lithuania, both in the

coastal areas and in the open sea, there are found numerous velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca), long-tailed

duck (Clangula hyemalis), razorbill (Alca torda), common guillemot (Uria aalgea), red-throated loon

(Gavia stelatta), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), and other seabird colonies. Birds feeding on

benthic organisms (diving sea duck) are found at depths of 5 to 35 m. Therefore, their abundance is high

above the corresponding habitats. Pelagic birds, such as diver, razorbill, dive to a depth of 50-60 m and

feed regularly at a depth of about 20-30 m. So, the areas used for feeding are more remote from the

coastline.

29 The concept 'seabirds' herein includes any birds that use the marine environment at various stages of their

lives:grebes, divers, sea ducks, terns, gulls and somewader .

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The Baltic Sea is an important site for migratory birds that fly to wintering or breeding grounds. Over

Lithuania's territorial waters, there are intense migrations of geese, cranes, divers, passerines, and other

bird families observed. Depending on species, birds fly either above the water surface or high up to

several hundred metres.

In summer, a small number of birds stay in the territorial waters of Lithuania. The coastal waters are most

intensively used by the local breeding great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), common tern (Sterna

hirundo), and several members of the gull family: European herring gull (Larus argentatus), common

gull (Larus canus), black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), and great black-backed gull (Larus

marinus).

During the autumn migration, intensive bat passages above the coast and in the western part of

Lithuania's mainland up to ~ 70 km over the sea have been established. It is known that Nathusius'

pipistrelle, which was ringed in Lithuania, was found wintering in the United Kingdom (hereinafter – the

UK). In order to reach the UK, the bats had to overcome the North Sea. Some bats are known to migrate

to the UK from the Netherlands, Belgium. So, there is a high probability that bats, under favourable

natural conditions, may migrate to wintering grounds above the Lithuanian marine area of the Baltic Sea,

near the coastline.

Marine Mammals

There are 3 species of seals living and breeding in the Baltic Sea: grey seal (Halichoerus grypus

macrorhynchus), Baltic ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica, and harbour seal (Phoca vitulina vitilina).

Only one species, the grey seal, is in the list of Lithuanian fauna. As well, this species is included in the

Red Data Book of Lithuania. The grey seal is assigned the Category 1 (E) (critically endangered species).

The other two species are not listed among the Lithuanian fauna, however, their occurrences in

Lithuanian territorial waters have been recorded.

The seals are found regularly in the Lithuanian marine area. Specifically, they are recorded during the

cold season and come along with the migratory fish. Therefore, an exact number of these animals is not

known.

The Baltic Sea is home to two different populations of the harbour porpoise. One of them breeds in the

waters of the Belts and the Sound, in Kattegat and Skagerrak. Another population is found along the

coasts of Germany, Poland, and eastern Sweden, in the central part thereof. The animals migrate

seasonally, i.e., they move southward in winter. They normally dive at a depth of 20-60 m and also are

able to dive to a depth of 200 m. They feed mostly at night and choose feeding grounds depending on

migrations of their 'catch' (Jussi, 2009; Natkevičiūtė, Kulikov, Grušas, 2013). Lithuanian marine areas do

not fall within the areas important to the harbour porpoise feeding (Carlén, 2013). So, the number of

harbour porpoise and the probability of locating them in Lithuanian marine areas are low compared to

other areas in the Baltic Sea.

Potential Impact of the Proposed Economic Activity on Biodiversity

The installation of the offshore wind farm may have severe implications for biodiversity, both positively

and negatively.

The main positive aspects are related to the establishment of invertebrate communities on WT piles and

the restriction of fishing. This can make a WT farm a safe place for fish communities, thus, recovering

fish populations in the Baltic Sea.

The main negative aspects for birds are:

- Site avoidance and loss of feeding grounds for seabirds;

- Barrier effect for migrating birds;

- Direct collision and death caused by the WT.

Several negative aspects for other marine animals should be mentioned as well:

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- Noise during the construction of a wind farm, which may cause adverse physiological effects

(including damage to organ tissues), disrupt animal communication, influence behaviour

(including eviction from their natural habitats or hunting areas);

- Potential barrier and death effect on migrating bats.

Content of Environmental Impact Assessment

Research projects

Type of study Projected studies

Seabed habitats Bottom sampling and benthic habitat surveying using a remotely

operated underwater vehicle (ROV).

Distribution of benthic habitats, species composition and

abundance of benthic fauna.

Birds, bats Recording of birds, feeding on water, with the vessel for a period

of two years, every month, during the spring-autumn seasons

(May-October).

Recording of birds, feeding on water, with the plane for a period

of two years, every month, during the autumn-spring seasons

(November-April).

Observation of bird migration using visual and radar method

during spring and autumn migration seasons. During the

monitoring, data on species composition, abundance of migrating

and resting birds will be collected.

Recording of bat migration and flight intensity using an ultrasonic

detector.

Marine Mammals Recording of marine mammals on the plane or vessel every

month for a period of two years.

Information to be provided in the EIA report

Aspect to be considered Information provided

Current situation Information on landscape:

- landscape characteristics;

- the nearest recreational areas.

Information on the protected areas and sites of the European

ecological network “Natura 2000”, respective protected animal

species.

Information on local fauna:

– seabed habitats;

– ichthyocenoses;

– bird and bat species specific to the area;

– intensity of gathering of birds and bats, feeding, rest,

wintering grounds and migration thereof;

– marine mammals.

Potential significant impact

during the wind farm installation,

operation, and dismantling phases

Impact on the landscape, recreational areas

Impact on the protected areas and on integrity of sites of the

European ecological network “Natura 2000”

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Potential impact on benthic habitats, fish, birds, bats and marine

mammals.

Potential impact of the offshore wind farm on migrations of

animals (birds, fish, mammals) through the Lithuanian waters of

the Baltic Sea.

Impact on biodiversity due to possible factors caused by

hydrological regime, electromagnetic fields, underwater noise,

and other negative factors caused by the wind farm and cable

connections.

Assessment methods Analysis of reference materials and literature;

Assessment of visual pollution of the object and visualisation by

modelling: in order to objectively assess the potential significant

impact of the PEA on the local landscape, it is planned to

performe the assessment of the PEA visual impact at different

times of the year, under different meteorological conditions and

at different times of the day.

Recording of birds, bats, marine mammals in the PEA territory;

Expert opinion;

GIS mapping for the preparation of graphical material.

Mitigation measures Measures to prevent, reduce and compensate for the effects on

biodiversity during the construction of the wind turbines and

operation of the wind farm.

Measures to reduce visual impact on the landscape.

4.5. Cultural Heritage

Protection of the underwater heritage is regulated by the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the

Underwater Cultural Heritage. “Lithuania - Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural

Heritage” was ratified on 12 June 2006. It defines underwater cultural heritage as underwater heritage of

historical and cultural significance, containing clear examples of history of the humankind.

According to the Cultural Heritage Register of Lithuania, there are 9 valuables registered in the maritime

territory of Lithuania. The PEA territory contains no registered cultural valuables. The distance to the

closest registered marine cultural valuable, i.e., the vessel 38471 “L-14” sunken in the Baltic Sea, is

approx. 24 km (Fig. 4.5.1).

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Fig. 4.5.1. Objects of marine cultural heritage.

According to the charts of the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration, there are several dozen sunken

objects marked in the Lithuanian EEZ that are not included in the Cultural Heritage Register.

Most of the sunken objects are industrial ships; though, remains of wooden vessels great scientific value

were discovered, too. There were also several valuable habitats of cultural underwater seascape with

natural relics and tree remains found.

One discovery site is marked nearby the PEA territory but does not fall within it (Fig. 4.5.2).

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Fig. 4.5.2. Identified locations of sunken underwater objects.

Information to be provided in the EIA report:

Projected studies and exploratory work as part of the EIA

Type of study Projected studies

Search for sunken objects Seabed surveys.

Information to be provided in the EIA report

Aspect to be considered Information provided

Current situation Information on cultural valuables and sunken objects.

Potential significant impact

during the wind farm installation,

operation, and dismantling phases

Potential impact on cultural valuables.

Assessment methods Analysis of reference materials and literature;

Expert opinion on seabed surveys;

GIS mapping for the preparation of graphical material.

Mitigation measures Recommended measures to preserve valuable objects.

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4.6. Public Health

The key factors determined by onshore wind energy that may affect public health are: noise, flickering,

electromagnetic field, and infrasound.

An impact of the WTs is usually studied and may occur for the living environment up to 2 km from the

proposed WTs. The effect of flickering can be perceived at up to 1-1.5 km from WT towers.

Electromagnetic fields are only generated in the immediate vicinity of a WT rotor or overhead power

lines and usually grow weak to the limit values of about 20-30 m from the cables. Infrasound is also

typical for the natural environment, in particular, for the marine environment due to wind and wash of

waves. Since competent experts have found that modern WTs emit merely slight infrasound, neither WT-

induced infrasound nor low-frequency sound are controversial in European countries. Due to the long

distance to the nearest living environment, the said factors are not so relevant for offshore wind energy

which is normally developed at quite a long distance from the coast.

Fig. 4.6.1. Location of the proposed WTs in relation to the nearest onshore recreational and living areas.

The Public Health part of the EIA Report will be drafted and the potential impact on public health will be

assessed in accordance with the guidelines provide for in Annex 1 of the Procedure “Recommendations

on the Structure and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessment Documents,” Chapter II, Section 8

“Public Health.”

When preparing the EIA Report, an impact of the PEA on public health shall be assessed by analysing the

likely direct and indirect effect of physical factors caused by the PEA on public health. Public health

impacts are addressed to the population living in the impact zone of economic activities and to other

people, especially, the most vulnerable groups of the population (e.g., children, the elderly and the sick,

who are most sensitive to increased pollution).

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Information to be provided in the EIA report

Aspect to be considered Information provided

Description of the current situation

Residential and public environment, recreational territories

located in the coastal zone (in the municipalities of Palanga,

Klaipeda district and Klaipeda city).

Demographic indicators of the local population

Analysis of population morbidity indicators.

Description of health determinants.

Expected significant impact

Analysis of (physical) factors determining public health.

Assessment of pollution caused by the proposed economic

activity (noise, flickering, infrasound, and electromagnetic

radiation) that may have a significant impact on public health.

Assessment methods

Analysis of reference materials and literature;

Mathematical modelling of noise and flickering using

specialised software;

Expert opinion;

GIS mapping for the preparation of graphical material.

Measures to prevent, reduce, or

compensate for major adverse effects

on the environment

Measures to reduce an impact of the proposed economic

activity on public health.

Measures to reduce a potential impact on residential,

recreational or other areas envisaged in the approved

territorial planning documents.

Graphical material

An attached map of the demarcated proposed facility,

predicted levels or values of physical pollution, adjacent areas

of the planned facility (dwelling houses, public buildings,

objects of pollution or other significant facilities), a size of

the protection zone .

4.7. Material Valuables

The feasibilities of developing offshore wind energy are directly related to other activities currently

carried out in the marine area, i.e., shipping, navigation routes; fishing; mining sites for excavated soil,

potential locations for sand excavation to nourish beaches; offshore engineering installations (power and

communication lines, pipelines, etc.) and their safety zones; restricted-use areas (military exercise

grounds, sunken ships, dangerous objects, cultural heritage values); marine areas for conservation

purposes; other potential activities (prospect sites of useful resources).

In order to rationally use marine areas and sea resources, it is important to coordinate basic and projected

activities with interests of sea users.

It should be noted that the installation of the offshore wind farms will significantly contribute to the

implementation of objectives of the Lithuanian Energy Independence Strategy.

Information to be provided in the EIA report

Aspect to be considered Information provided

Current situation Usage of the existing marine area in the territory under study.

Potential significant impact

during the wind farm installation, Potential impact on other industries, on activities carried out at sea

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operation, and dismantling phases and in the coastal zone, on the Klaipeda State Seaport.

Potential impact on fisheries and fishing (reduction of fishing

grounds, deterioration in fishing conditions, etc.)

Assessment method Analysis of primary and secondary data

Expert opinion

GIS mapping for the preparation of graphical material.

Mitigation measures Recommendations on mitigation of the potential socio-economic

impact.

4.8. Risk Analysis and Its Assessment

Construction and operation of WTs may entail accidents and hazard to people and the social environment

as regards the spinning blades, including the likelihood of their partial or complete dropping, collapse of a

tower, an impact of voltage on service personnel. The risk of collisions is posed to aircraft, ships sailing

nearby the power plants or in their farm area.

Emergency-related hazards to the natural environment include minor oil spills from rotors, fuel spills

from vessels, collisions, and oil spills from transformer substations. During the preparation of the

technical design, measures shall be foreseen to protect the transformer substations from possible direct

collisions with ships, thus preventing the oil spills in the transformers from spilling into the water area.

Damage to marine fuel tanks is very rare, the tanks are protected from damage in direct collisions.

The EIA report will provide statistical information on the leakage of transformer oil and marine fuels into

the water area during such collisions and provide generally accepted measures to prevent such

emergencies. According to statistics on such events, measures will be proposed to limit possible

dispersion. The measures envisaged will be sufficient to stop the spread of pollutants and prevent them

from entering the coastal zone, including Palanga and other beaches.

The EIA report will assess the possibilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Marine Rescue Coordination

Center to eliminate local pollution incidents in the area of the wind farm.

The operation of cables connecting the wind farm to onshore facilities poses a risk of power leakage into

the environment. The likelihood of such leakages is quite limited due to the reliability of the cables used,

therefore, it shall not be analysed separately.

Navigation hazards, i.e., the likelihood of collision of ships with WT, are the greatest risk in the operation

and construction of offshore wind farms. Table 4.8.1 provides the summary of PEA risks and the most

typical hazardous factors, as well as possible external actions and factors that may cause emergency

situations.

Table 4.8.1. Hazardous factors

Risks Most common hazardous factors

Wind farm WT

Transformer substations

Electricity cables

WT Spinning rotor blades

Power towers

Rotor oil

Electrical equipment;

Transformer substation Electrical equipment

Transformer oil

Electricity cables Electrical voltage

External actions and factors

Passing-by vessels Transportation of dangerous goods

Marine fuel

Bilge oils

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Damages to tower structures

Flying-by aircraft Aircraft fuel

Damages to blades

Birds Bird deaths

Rotor failures

Extreme hydro-meteorological conditions Icing

Hurricanes, severe storms

Lithuanian normative documents in force impose an obligation to use highest values in projects and, thus,

to hedge against possible deformations of building structures, which may cause accidents and collapses.

To ensure safe operation of the WTs, their models are selected with due regard to the local weather

conditions.

The EIA report will address a potential impact of accidents and emergencies during the operation of the

wind farm, propose solutions to avoid such impact, and provide for measures to prevent and reduce the

impact of potential accidents and emergencies.

Information to be provided in the EIA report:

Aspect to be

considered

Information provided

Description of the

current situation

Information on shipping lanes in the territorial waters and outer roadsteads of

Klaipeda port, submarine communications (cables, pipelines) in the vicinity of

the wind farm.

Potential significant

impact during the

wind farm

installation,

operation, and

dismantling phases

Assessment of the potential impact of accidents and emergencies during the

construction and operation of the wind farm:

• The likelihood that natural or catastrophic meteorological and

hydrological phenomena, including geological processes and phenomena,

will damage or destroy the PEA structures or facilities and endanger the life

and health of the population and biodiversity;

• The expected adverse effects on the environment and human health,

commercial and recreational shipping due to the risk of exposure of the

offshore wind farm to disasters and/or emergencies, including those caused

by climate change.

Assessment methods

Qualitative risk assessment using a risk matrix.

The PEA risk analysis, forecasting and assessment of possible emergency

situations, and planning of preventive measures will be carried out in

compliance with:

– Recommendations on assessment of risks and emergencies related to the

proposed economic activity; 30

– The list of criteria for emergencies, indicators of natural, catastrophic

meteorological and hydrological phenomena31 32

Measures to prevent, Following the assessment of the potential impact of accidents and emergencies

30 Approved by Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. 367 of 16 July 2002 “On Approval of the

Recommendations on Assessment of Risks and Emergencies Related to the Proposed Economic Activity R41-02.” 31 Approved by Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania no. 1063 of 14 September 2015 “On Approval of the

List of Criteria for Emergencies.”

32 Approved by Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-870 of 11 November 2011 “On

Approval of the Indicators of Natural, Catastrophic Meteorological and Hydrological Phenomena.”

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Information to be provided in the EIA report:

reduce, or

compensate for

major adverse effects

on the environment

during the construction and operation of the wind farm:

• Taking the right solutions to prevent emergencies and accidents, to

minimize their probability;

• Based on the results of the risk analysis, planning and recommendation of

prevention and mitigation measures.

Graphical material

Map of the vicinities, including shipping lanes, outer roadstead, and submarine

communication routes;

Maps of potential threats to the proposed wind farm, if any identified during the

risk analysis.

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5. MONITORING

The monitoring measures are appropriate for in the implementation of the PEA: installation of the WT

farm in Lithuania's marine territory of the Baltic Sea.

The monitoring programme draft will be prepared during the EIA.

The monitoring programme is expected to include monitoring of the impacts of the WT and TS

construction and cabling on the seabed, water quality, and wildlife.

While developing the EIA, it is planned to carry out baseline observations of birds and bats, which will

allow to judge on the abundance of species using the territory and the susceptibility of the territory to

the proposed economic activity.

The EIA report will include an outline of environmental monitoring.

6. INFORMATION OF THE POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT TRANSBOUNDARY IMPACT

Convention of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe on Environmental Impact

Assessment in a Transboundary Context (hereinafter – the ESPOO Convention) prescribes that a

transboundary EIA is to be carried out when the PEA is listed in Appendix I to the ESPOO Convention.

Pursuant to Decision III/7 “Second Amendment to the ESPOO Convention” of 04/06/2004, major

installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (wind farms) are included in

Appendix I to the Convention.

On the basis of the powers granted under the Paragraph 1 of the Resolution of the Government of the

Republic of Lithuania no. 900 of 28 July 2000 “On Granting of Powers to the Ministry of Environment

and Its Subordinate Institutions,” the transboundary EIA process is coordinated by the Ministry of

Environment.

The distance from the PEA to the Latvian EEZ is about 2.8 km, to the Swedish EEZ – about 77 km, and

to the Russian EEZ – about 40 km.

The expected transboundary impact will be assessed as part of the EIA. Due to its peculiarities, the PEA

may have a transboundary impact in the following aspects:

Aspect /

Environmental

component

Description of potential impact

Impact on birds

and bats

The WT farm may be a barrier to birds and bats migrating over the Baltic Sea It is

known that there are intense migrations of geese, gruiformes, diver, passerine, and

other bird families observed over Lithuania's territorial waters. Research data shows

that there is a probability that bats, under favourable natural conditions, may migrate

to wintering grounds over the Lithuanian marine area of the Baltic Sea, near the

coastline.

Shipping As mentioned above in paragraph 2.2.1, the PEA territory is outside the established

international shipping routes, roadsteads, or anchorage sites; neither is it bordering

them. Therefore, no significant impact on shipping or international shipping routes

is expected.

Visual effect The PEA territory is located about 30 km from the Latvian coastline. At such a

distance, offshore wind farms will be barely visible from onshore observation sites,

therefore, significant visual effect is unlikely.

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Aspect /

Environmental

component

Description of potential impact

Mineral

Resources

The northern part of the PEA territory overlaps with the boundaries of potential oil

production structures. The potential oil production locations are also known in the

marine area of the Republic of Latvia. A distance from the PEA border to the sea

border with Latvia is about 2.8 km, therefore, an impact on oil resources in the

Republic of Latvia and prospective mining is unlikely.

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PUBLIC INFORMATION AND CONSULTING

The public shall be informed about the ready EIA programme in accordance with the Section 2 of Chapter

5 of the Procedure.

Information on public access to the EIA programme and submission of proposals has been disclosed as

follows:

- provided by e-mail to the EPA, by requesting to publish it on the website;

- provided by e-mail to the administrations of municipalities of Palanga, Klaipeda district and Klaipeda

city, by requesting to publish it on the websites and bulletin boards of the administrations;

- published on the website of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania;

- published on the website of Public Institution Coastal Research and Planning Institute;

- published in newspapers “Klaipėda,” “Banga,” “Palangos tiltas.”

REFERENCES

Annual Report: Environmental Statement, Vestas Wind Systems, 2002

Cape Wind Energy Project, 2004

Carlén I., 2013. The Baltic Sea ecosystem from a porpoise point of view. Stokholmo universitetas.

Retrieved from http://www.sambah.org/Docs/General/Doktoranduppsats-Ida-Carlen-FINAL.pdf

Dailidienė, I., Baudler, H., Chubarenko, B., Navarotskaya, S., 2011. Long term water level and surface

temperature changes in the lagoons of the southern and eastern Baltic. Oceanologia 53 (TI), 293–308.

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Gelumbauskaitė L.-Ž., Grigelis, A., Cato, I., Repečka, M., Kjellin, B. 1999. Bottom topography and

sediment maps of the central Baltic Sea. Scale 1:500,000. A short description // LGT Series

of Marine Geoogical Maps No. 1 / SGU Series of Geological Maps Ba No. 54. Vilnius-

Uppsala

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Sciences of the USSR, Moscow: 55–61. (In Russian).

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116.

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Baltijos jūra. Geografijos metraštis, 28: 296-314.

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Installation of Lillgrund Wind Farm. Lillgrund Pilot Project. September 29, 2008. The Swedeish Energy

Agency

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in the Eastern Baltic Sea. Ref. No LIFE 05 NAT/LV/000100. 11 p.

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the eastern part of the Baltic Proper. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 64 (Proceedings of the

11th International Coastal Symposium), 220 – 224 Szczecin, Poland, ISSN 0749-0208

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Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Environmental Impact Assessment of Proposed Economic Activities

no. XIII-529 of 27 June 2017;

Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the

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departamentas. Vilnius, 218 p.

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Coastal Research and Planning Institute

Summary of Environmental Impact Assessment Programme for the Installation and Operation of the

Offshore Wind Farm of up to 700 MW Installed Capacity in Lithuania’s Marine Territory

Year of the document: 2021

Organiser (Developer) of the proposed economic activity

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

Developer of the Environmental Impact Assessment Programme:

Public Institution Coastal Research and Planning Institute

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................ 3 1. Name (title) of the developer (proponent of the proposed economic activity) ...................................... 4 2. Information on the Nature of Proposed Economic Activity .................................................................. 4

2.1. Title of the proposed economic activity ....................................................................................... 4 2.2. Type of activity and indication whether the proposed activity is listed in Appendix I to the UN

Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) .... 4 2.3. Description of the proposed activity ................................................................................................... 5 2.4. Scale of the proposed activity ............................................................................................................. 8 2.5. Time-frame for proposed activity ....................................................................................................... 8

3. Information on the Territory of the Proposed Economic Activity ............................................................ 9 3.1. Location and description of the location ........................................................................................... 10

3.1.1. Geographical and Administrative Situation of the Territory of the Proposed Economic Activity11

3.1.2. Socio-economic characteristics of the Territory of the Proposed Economic Activity ............... 11

3.1.3. Distance to the Affected Party to the Espoo Convention and its sensitive areas, e. g. “Natura

2000” and other protected sites, objects and sites of cultural heritage, residential areas, etc.) ............ 15

3.2. Rationale for location of the proposed activity ................................................................................. 16 4. Information on expected environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures ............................. 18

4.1. Information on possible local and transboundary environmental impacts of the activity on the following

environmental aspects .............................................................................................................................. 18

4.1.1. Human health and safety ............................................................................................................ 18

4.1.2. Flora and fauna ........................................................................................................................... 18

4.1.3. Ambient Air and Climate ........................................................................................................... 21

4.1.4. Water .......................................................................................................................................... 21

4.1.5. Soil: Seabed and Deep Sea ......................................................................................................... 24

4.1.6. Landscape................................................................................................................................... 27

4.1.7. Cultural Heritage ........................................................................................................................ 27

4.1.8. Material Valuables ..................................................................................................................... 27

5. Information of the potential significant transboundary impact ............................................................... 28 References ................................................................................................................................................... 30

3

ABBREVIATIONS

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

RES Renewable energy sources

MoE Ministry of the Environment

IHPA Important Habitat Protection Area

CPTRL Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania

EC European Commission

MSFD Marine strategy framework directives

LR Republic of Lithuania

LRS Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania

LRV Government of the Republic of Lithuania

MW Megawatts

IBPA Important Bird Protection Area

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

PHIA Public Health Impact Assessment

PEA Proposed economic activity

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

TS Transformer substation

WT Wind turbine

4

1. NAME (TITLE) OF THE DEVELOPER (PROPONENT OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY)

Name of the legal person

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

Contact person: Jevgenija Jankevič, Advisor of the Climate Change Management Policy Group of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

Address: Gedimino Ave 38, Vilnius, LT 01104

Phone +370 5 203 4667 (6); +370 602 47 359

E-mail [email protected]

Designated institution:

Name of the legal person

Public Institution Lithuanian Energy Agency

Contact person: Tadas Norvydas, Head of Energy Research and Monitoring Division

Roman Bykov, Chief Expert

Address: Gedimino Ave 38, Vilnius, LT 01104

Phone +370 680 70 589; +370 619 69 044

E-mail [email protected]; [email protected]

2. INFORMATION ON THE NATURE OF PROPOSED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

2.1. Title of the proposed economic activity

Proposed economic activity – installation and operation of the offshore wind turbine (hereinafter – WT)

farm of up to 700 MW installed capacity in the Lithuanian marine territory of the Baltic Sea approved by

the Resolution of Government of Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – LRV).

The specification for the procurement of document preparation services for the environmental impact

assessment procedures for the wind turbines to be deployed in Lithuania’s marine territory defines the

PEA as the totality of offshore wind turbines, their foundations, and electricity transmission system up to

the offshore substation, including the offshore transformer substation.

Electricity will be generated in the WT farm by means of the offshore WTs and by transmitting the

energy produced to the electricity network.

2.2. Type of activity and indication whether the proposed activity is listed in Appendix I

to the UN Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary

Context (Espoo Convention)

Convention of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe on Environmental Impact

Assessment in a Transboundary Context (hereinafter – the ESPOO Convention) prescribes that a

transboundary EIA is to be carried out when the PEA is listed in Appendix I to the ESPOO Convention.

5

Pursuant to Decision III/7 “Second Amendment to the ESPOO Convention” of 04/06/2004, major

installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (wind farms) are included in

Appendix I to the Convention.

On the basis of the powers granted under the Paragraph 1 of the Resolution of the Government of the

Republic of Lithuania no. 900 of 28 July 2000 “On Granting of Powers to the Ministry of Environment

and Its Subordinate Institutions,” the transboundary EIA process is coordinated by the Ministry of

Environment.

The distance from the PEA to the Latvian EEZ is about 2.8 km, to the Swedish EEZ – about 77 km, and

to the Russian EEZ – about 40 km.

2.3. Description of the proposed activity

It is planned to install the offshore WT farm up to 700 MW total installed capacity in the marine territory

of the Baltic Sea approved by the LRV Resolution.

Taking into account the development trends of WT high technologies, technical solutions of existing wind

farms in the Baltic and North seas, and the economic efficiency aspect related to the implementation of

these high technologies, the initial assessment phase will involve negotiations on 8 MW to 16 MW

offshore wind turbine models, currently available on the market, for the installation of the proposed WT

farm of up to 700 MW installed capacity. During the implementation of this offshore wind farm project,

wind farms with a capacity of up to 20 MW or more can be expected. The height of such offshore WT

may vary, but not limited to, from 140 m to 300 m; the number of such turbines in the proposed territory

may be approximately 87 to 43 pcs (but not limited to), subject to the model capacity. The WT model,

layout in the territory, and the number thereof, to be used for the environmental impact assessment, will

be specified after the detailed wind strength measurements which are scheduled for 2022.

In that regard, the EIA report will include the assessment of several various alternatives for the offshore

wind farm deployment in the proposed territory, the construction, operation, and dismantling of the

offshore WTs of different heights and installed capacities to best (most efficiently) meet natural

conditions in the selected area.

Based on the selected capacity of the WT, a potential significant effect of the number, physical and

technical characteristics, and location of the offshore WTs on various components of the environment and

public health in the approved territory will be examined. As part of the analysis of the alternatives, a scale

of effect of the installed offshore wind farm on various components of the environment and public health

has been assessed; essential measures to reduce the effect of installation, operation, and dismantling have

been envisaged.

Taking into account solutions under the Engineering Infrastructure Development Plan for Marine Areas

of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Lithuania in the

Baltic sea, Designed for the Development of Renewable Energy and with a view of using the entire

territory most efficiently, peripheral wind turbines are planned to be constructed at the cable protection

zone (100 m) from the boundaries of the territory, by planning the entire power plant layout grid,

accordingly.1

Wind turbines

A wind power turbine consists of three main components: a gondola, with an embedded turbine, a rotor,

with spinning blades, and a tower, with its foundation.

A gondola is fitted with the WT's main components (generator, gearbox, and control cabinet) which run

the generator and transform the rotor's rotation energy into the three-phase variable electric power.

WT blades spin the rotor which transforms the kinetic energy of wind into the rotary energy and transmits

it to a gearbox which actuates a generator.

1 https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.416425

6

A tower is bearing tubular steel structure, the housing of which is equipped with a shaft, designed for

gondola service and energy transmission, and a power transformer, which equalises a variable electrical

energy and transmits it to the substation.

Wind Turbine Foundation Structures

A specific type of a WT foundation to be chosen depends on a manufacturer's requirements, as well as on

geological and hydrodynamic conditions of the proposed location.

Monopile structures are used at depths up to 50 m. Piles are driven up into the seabed until the required

insertion depth is reached, which depends on geological and hydrodynamic conditions. Such foundation

affects the minimal area of the bottom; however, pile-driving works cause noise. The effect is short-time,

however, due to its high intensity and wide-spread occurrence during the installation of the foundation, is

quite significant for living organisms that have and use their hearing organs for communication. Because

of the type of structure, local bottom depression may occur, while the seabed may become an artificial

reef for marine organisms.

Tripods are used in intermediate-depth waters (20–80 m) and consist of three 'legs' connected to the

service core which is bearing the WT foundation. Each leg of the tripod is attached to the bottom using a

separate pile. Due to a relatively wider structure, pile penetration into the seabed is smaller. The effect on

the seabed is combined, i.e., similar to the effect of the mono-pile and gravity-based structures.

Jacked foundations vary – they may have three or four corner piles. The structure itself is permeable,

therefore, it fits well for 20 to 50 m depths. It is exposed to lower wave-impact loads. This is a highly

reliable structure (though, expensive) which is rather widely used for construction of offshore platforms

or offshore transformers substations.

Gravity-based foundation is used in shallow waters (0–30 m) and consists of a big and heavy steel or

concrete base which is lowered right onto the seabed. A base of such type of foundation is large-sized

and, as a result, affects the largest possible area of the bottom, facilitates the formation of artificial reefs,

and may cause much more serious destructions of local benthic communities.

The choice of foundation determines what area of natural substrate will be affected during the

construction of the foundation and how hydrodynamic conditions of the proposed location will change.

The choice of the type of offshore WT foundation will depend on the depth, geological and hydrodynamic

conditions of the seabed to be installed. The type of foundation will be chosen by the developer after

detailed research of the seabed during the preparation of the technical design of the WT farm. Only then

the developer will choose the most appropriate and effective solution for the specific park and bottom

conditions.

Electricity Transmission Solutions

A chain of medium and high voltage electrical power lines, step-up transformers, and substations is

necessary so that to transform and transmit the generated electricity to the grids managed by the

electricity transmission system operator LITGRID AB. Connection of the offshore transformer substation

to the onshore one is not proposed or considered under the this EIA.

In seas and oceans, energy is transported and communication is maintained via subsea cables. As the

capacity of wind farms and distances between power plants increase, 33 kV submarine cables, which had

been used so far, no longer provide adequate throughput power.

The 66 kV voltage is planned and offered by the market to use for submarine cables, transformers, and

switchgears2, the use of 132 kV cables may be considered in the future. An exact number of WTs and

cable lines in each and the voltage used is to be specified during the technical design.

2https://www.tennet.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Our_Grid/Offshore_Netherlands/Consultatie_proces_net_op_zee/Technical_Topic

s/4_T1._Enclosure_nr_1b_-_66_kV_systems_for_Offshore_Wind_Farms_by_DNV_GL.pdf

https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK107046A1094&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Acti

on=Launch

7

Cable Line Laying Technology

Cable lines interconnecting the WTs and a WT with a transformer substation are recessed 1-2 m into the

seabed. The technical design provides a solution of whether and/or which sections will need additional

protection against physical flushing/exposure.

Installation Solutions for the Offshore Transformer Substation

The TS is designed to accumulate the power generated by the entire wind farm, to transform it, and to

transmit electricity to grids. A TS is usually built in the centre of the generated power or in another

location suitable for bringing medium and high voltage cable lines. Step-up transformer substations do

not occupy much space in the PEA territory:3 Dimensions of the TS foundation is similar to the one of the

WT.

The choice of substation location is influenced by:

• Sea depth: construction is more cost efficient in shallower waters;

• Lengths of medium-voltage cables and energy losses in them: most cost-efficient location for

the substation is a centre of generating sources;

• Proposed high-voltage connections with onshore and other wind farms;

• Additional wind turbulence caused by a substation as a structure.

The technical design will specify the need for step-up (intermediate) transformer substations and the

electrical network connection scheme.

The Main Proposed Wind Farm Installation Works

During the construction phase, WT components are delivered to the construction site and assembled. The

main offshore WT installation works:

- Foundation installation;

- Tower erection;

- Nacelle installation;

- Blade mounting;

- Power cable line laying within the wind farm;

- Connection of WTs to the electricity transmission system.

After the foundation has been installed at the bottom of the sea, power transmission cables are connected

to it; foundation is reinforced.

The tower is erected on the installed foundation using foundation bolts. Before erecting the wind tower,

horizontality of the foundation surface must be ensured.

WTs are connected and electricity is transmitted using special submarine cables. Cable laying trenches

are dug in the seabed. A cable is laid in the dug-out trench using a special vessel. The cable is pulled

ashore using boats and an excavator.

Power transformers, control/surveillance system are usually arranged in the power substation.

Power transmission cables are laid from WTs to the offshore power substation. WTs are connected to the

power substation using submarine cables. The installed WT foundations are connected via the power

transmission cables. The foundation structure is fitted with wind tower components, a rotor is suspended,

and a transformer is installed. WTs are furnished with lightning-conductors, a remote surveillance &

control system.

Ready-to-install WT components (upper and lower parts of the tower, blades) are loaded onto the ship

using a crane and transported to the construction site.

3 https://www.nordseeone.com/engineering-construction/offshore-substation.html

8

Operation Phase

The operation phase must include the maintenance, repairs, and inspections of WTs. The safety of

inspection and repair staff, arriving at the WTs, is crucial at this phase. With this aim in view, a secure

outfit and procedure for access to the WTs must be selected.

Maintenance of wind farms may engage small ships which might easily approach and moor next to the

WT and the service staff of which might have safe access to the WT service platform.

Dismantling Phase

The sequence of WT dismantling operations is opposite to the construction one: dismantling of power

supply infrastructure; rotor disassembly; gondola and tower disassembly, and (partial) WT foundation

demolition.

The main dismantling works:

- Removal of turbine lubricants and other potentially hazardous substances;

- WT cut-off from internal power cables;

- Dismantling, extraction, and removal of power cables onshore using barges and special

equipment;

- Dismantling and removal of WT components: blades, gondolas, tower;

- Demolition of foundation: dismantling of foundation components, extraction from water, and

removal of them onshore. In case of mono-pile foundation, it is cut off below the bottom level

after a sand layer is removed.

All parts of the WTs are shipped onshore and delivered for reuse, recycling, or recovery. All parts of the

WTs, except for fibreglass (blades), are subject to recovery.

2.4. Scale of the proposed activity

It will be built up with an offshore wind farm of 700 MW installed capacity. The total area of the PEA

territory is 137.5 km2.

Construction of the WTs in the marine territory will involve certified products that meet the EU

requirements. Only the installation of separate equipment will be performed on site; this will require

preparatory works and, later, WT operation works.

The PEA does not provide for any use or storage of hazardous substances or mixtures, radioactive agents,

hazardous or non-hazardous waste.

Scope of Use of Natural Resource

Wind energy will be used to produce electricity. Pursuant to the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on

Energy from Renewable Sources, wind power means air movement energy used for generation of energy.

2.5. Time-frame for proposed activity

EIA for wind energy far installation was started in the beginning of the Augusto of 2021. The

estimated duration of the environmental impact assessment is two years, up to the August of

2023. After the finishing of EIA procedures, including transboundary consultations, and

obtaining the decision of EIA in accordance with the draft Law on Renewable Resources Energy,

a tender for a permit for development and operation is scheduled for 2023-09 and will end in

2024-02/03 months. A WT farm developer will be selected in the tender to develop the project.

After the tender, a maximum of 3 years is granted for obtaining a building permit (theoretically

until 2027) and a maximum of 3 years for obtaining a permit to generate electricity (theoretically

until 2030), i.e. since winning the tender in 2024 – maximum construction period can take a six

years.

9

3. INFORMATION ON THE TERRITORY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

The WTs are proposed to be installed in the marine territory of the Baltic Sea approved by the LRV

Resolution where a tender (tenders) for the development and operation of power plants using renewable

energy sources is (are) expedient by 2030.

The main characteristics of the territory:

– Area: 137.5 km2;

– Average depth: 35 m;

– Distance from Klaipeda Seaport: from 38 km;

– Average wind speed: approx. 9 m/s (obtained by mathematical modeling (100 m above sea

level)).

Fig. 3.1. The PEA territory in the Baltic Sea approved by the LRV Resolution.

Table 3.1. Coordinates of the territory approved by the LRV Resolution

Territory point no. (see

Fig. 2.1.)

Coordinates

according to the World Geodetic System

1984

(WGS–84)

according to the Lithuanian Coordinate

System 1994

(LKS–94)

1 20°28,896`E 56°1,060`N

X-6214874,86; Y-280673,02

2 20°30,137`E 55°58,610`N

X-6210266,97; Y-281731,59

3 20°34,683`E

55°55,962`N

X-6205120,56;

Y-286214,29

3 to 4 point section 20°34,683`E 55°55,962`N,

then, based on the 29,500 m arch, 21°02,476`E

X-6205120,56; Y-286214,29,

then, based on the 29,500 m arch, X-6198268,02;

10

Territory point no. (see

Fig. 2.1.)

Coordinates

according to the World Geodetic System

1984

(WGS–84)

according to the Lithuanian Coordinate

System 1994

(LKS–94)

55°52,987`N to

20°34,340`E 55°51,466`N

Y-314907,19

to X-6196802,40; Y-285443,88

4 20°34,340`E 55°51,466`N

X-6196802,40; Y-285443,88

5 20°32,392`E 55°51,392`N

X-6196766,38; Y-283405,67

6 20°29,505`E 55°51,824`N

X-6197719,01; Y-280435,73

7 20°28,524`E 55°54,253`N

X-6202274,37; Y-279642,58

8 20°20,403`E 55°56,059`N

X-6206062,21; Y-271362,10

9 20°18,902`E 55°56,793`N

X-6207506,01; Y-269872,71

The selected PEA area falls into the potential territories for the development of renewable energy

resources approved by the solutions of Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania.

3.1. Location and description of the location

The PEA is situated in the Lithuania's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Baltic Sea, at depth of 25 to 45 m

isobaths.

Fig. 3.1.1. Situation of PEA area.

11

3.1.1. Geographical and Administrative Situation of the Territory of the Proposed Economic Activity

The PEA territory is distant from the shoreline and adjacent municipalities of Klaipeda city, Klaipeda

district, and Palanga. The shortest distance from the proposed territory to the town of Palanga is about

29.5 km (fig. 3.1.1).

3.1.2. Socio-economic characteristics of the Territory of the Proposed Economic Activity

The PEA territory is outside the established international shipping routes, roadsteads, or anchorage sites;

neither is it bordering them. A cartographic comparison of the PEA territory with the defined water areas

of Klaipeda State Seaport, Sventoji Port, and Butinge Terminal, anchorage sites, and shipping corridors is

presented in Figure 3.1.2 below.

In Lithuania's marine territory of the Baltic Sea, there have been two types of engineering infrastructure

identified: a pipeline complex, including the Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoy at the Butinge Terminal,

and submarine cables.

The 7.3 km long pipeline at the Butinge Oil Terminal connects an underground onshore pipeline with a

tanker mooring buoy and is used for oil product handing operations at AB Orlen Lietuva. The terminal

has a water area allocated thereto, within a radius of 1,000 m around the SPM buoy, and a safety area of

300 m on each side of the oil pipeline. 4

The Exclusive Economic Zone is intersected by the four submarine cable lines: 2 telecommunications

cable routes, with the starting point in Sventoji, Lithuania, owned/operated by AB TeliaSonera (according

to: International Cable Protection Committee). An origin of the other four cable routes crossing the

Lithuanian EEZ South to North and South-west to North-east, marked on navigation maps, is unknown.

In the central part of the water area, from Klaipeda, via the Curonian Spit, and further towards the

Swedish EEZ, there has been a NORDBALT link constructed, that is, a 450 km long, 700 MW high-

voltage DC submarine and underground cable.

The LRV, by Resolution no. 720 of 1 September 2021, approved the engineering infrastructure

development plan for the special state importance energy system synchronisation project “Construction of

Harmony Link Connection and 330 kV Darbenai Switchyard.” It presents a route for the proposed

offshore connection HARMONY Link.

The PEA territory does not fall within the areas of the existing and proposed engineering infrastructure.

Part of the PEA territory is within the danger zone at sea, i.e., former minefields (Fig. 3.1.2).

In Lithuania’s territorial sea and the Exclusive Economic Zone, there are several restricted-use, military

exercise grounds, a water area with wrecks of World War II munitions, and former minefields of quite a

large area. It is possible to carry out economic activities in the said territories, however, a prerequisite is

to conduct seabed surveys in search of hazardous objects and, if necessary, to carry out decontamination

of hazardous objects before the implementation of technical design solutions.

4 The Shipping Rules have been approved by Order of the Minister of Transport and Communications of the

Republic of Lithuania no. 3-248 of 18 September 2000 “On Approval of the Butinge Oil Terminal Shipping Rules.”

12

Fig. 3.1.2. Layout of the proposed territory in respect of shipping routes, engineering infrastructure and

endangered zones.

Based on the classification by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Lithuania's marine

territory falls within statistical quarters 0H10, 40G9 and 39H10 of subdivision 26 of the fishing area

where fish is caught with trawls and trap nets.

The PEA territory falls within statistical quarters 504 and 534 which accommodate trawling areas (Fig.

3.1.3).

13

Fig. 3.1.3. Fishing areas.

A distance from the PEA territory to the nearest recreational areas and beaches of Palanga Municipality is

approx. 29.5 km (Fig. 3.1.4).

According to the Cultural Heritage Register of Lithuania, there are 9 valuables registered in the maritime

territory of Lithuania. The PEA territory contains no registered cultural valuables. The distance to the

closest registered marine cultural valuable, i.e., the vessel 38471 “L-14” sunken in the Baltic Sea, is

approx. 24 km.

14

Fig. 3.1.4. Marine cultural heritage sites, residential and recreational areas in the coastal municipalities.

5 6Based on the Methodology for mapping of territories of the Republic of Lithuania where design and

construction of wind power plants may be subject to restrictions in relation to national security, a map of

the territories of the Republic of Lithuania, where wind power plant (high-rise buildings) design and

construction works may be subject to restrictions, has been developed and approved.

The PEA territory is a part of the areas where construction sites for wind power plants are subject to

coordination provided that a manufacturer of energy from renewable resources signs a contract with the

Lithuanian Armed Forces on part of the investment and other costs (Fig. 3.1.5).

5 Approved by Order of the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania no. V-921 of 22 August 2012 “On

Approval of Methodology for Mapping of Territories of the Republic of Lithuania Where Design and Construction of Wind

Power Plants May Be Subject to Restrictions in Relation to National Security.” 6 Approved by Order of the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces no. V-217 of 15 February 2016 “On Approval of

Methodology for Mapping Territories of the Republic of Lithuania Where Wind Power Plant (High-Rise Buildings) Design and

Construction Works May Be Subject to Restrictions.”

15

Fig. 3.1.5. Location of the PEA territory in relation to the areas subject to national security requirements

(basis: the Map of the territories of the Republic of Lithuania, where wind power plant (high-rise buildings)

design and construction works may be subject to restrictions, approved by Order of the Commander of the

Lithuanian Armed Forces no. V-217 of 15 February 2016).

3.1.3. Distance to the Affected Party to the Espoo Convention and its sensitive areas, e. g. “Natura

2000” and other protected sites, objects and sites of cultural heritage, residential areas, etc.)

The distance from the proposed territory to the Latvian EEZ is about 2.8 km, to the Swedish EEZ – about

77 km, and to the Russian EEZ – about 40 km.

The Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic of Latvia has been approved on 14 May 2019. According to

this plan in the Latvian marine area nearby the Lithuanian-Latvian EEZ border, there are plans to install

wind farms E1 and E2, also there plans for biodiversity research areas and exploration of potential

offshore oil fields.

Distance from the PEA area to the planned and existing activities in the territory of Latvia are (Fig.

3.1.6.):

- Proposed offshore WT farm zone E1 – 4,6 km;

- Proposed offshore WT farm zone E2 – 10,8 km;

- Proposed biodiversity research area B1 – 3,3 km;

- Zone of exploration of potential offshore oil fields – 14,7 km

- Existing marine protected area Nida–Perkone – 24,5 km;

- Nearest Latvian coastline – 33,9 km

16

Fig. 3.1.6 pav. Distance from proposed area to EEZ of Republic of Latvia and its economic activities.

3.2. Rationale for location of the proposed activity

The offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea is one of the most important projects envisaged in the National

Energy Independence Strategy, which will increase the production of local electricity from renewable

energy sources and reduce dependence on electricity imports.7

The PEA development area fits into the potential areas most suitable for the development of offshore

renewable energy projects, including wind energy alternative energy production territories defined in the

technical infrastructure drawing of the Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania

(2015), supplemented with the part “Marine Territories” (Fig. 3.2.1).

The PEA development area is within the dedicated OWE development zone approved by the Resolution

of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania no. 697 of 22 June 2020 “On the Identification of the

Priority Parts of Lithuania’s Territorial Sea and/or the Lithuanian Exclusive Economic Zone in the Baltic

Sea Where a Tender (Tenders) for the Development and Operation of Power Plants Using Renewable

Energy Sources is (are) Expedient and on the Measurement of the Installed Capacities of Such Power

Plants.”

7 The PEA, approved by Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania no. No. XI-2133 of 26 June 2012

“On Approval of the National Energy Independence Strategy.”

17

Fig. 3.2.1. Location of the PEA territory in relation to the solutions of the technical infrastructure scheme in

the Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania supplemented with the part “Marine

Territories.”

18

4. INFORMATION ON EXPECTED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION

MEASURES

4.1. Information on possible local and transboundary environmental impacts of the activity

on the following environmental aspects

4.1.1. Human health and safety

The key factors determined by onshore wind energy that may affect public health are: noise, flickering,

electromagnetic field, and infrasound.

An impact of the WTs is usually studied and may occur for the living environment up to 2 km from the

proposed WTs. The effect of flickering can be perceived at up to 1-1.5 km from WT towers.

Electromagnetic fields are only generated in the immediate vicinity of a WT rotor or overhead power

lines and usually grow weak to the limit values of about 20-30 m from the cables. Infrasound is also

typical for the natural environment, in particular, for the marine environment due to wind and wash of

waves. Since competent experts have found that modern WTs emit merely slight infrasound, neither WT-

induced infrasound nor low-frequency sound are controversial in European countries. Due to the long

distance to the nearest living environment (29,5 km to Palanga coastline and 33,9 km to nearest Latvian

coastline), the said factors are not so relevant for offshore wind energy which is normally developed at

quite a long distance from the coast.

The Public Health part of the EIA Report will be drafted and the potential impact on public health will be

assessed in accordance with the guidelines provide for in Annex 1 of the Procedure “Recommendations

on the Structure and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessment Documents,” Chapter II, Section 8

“Public Health.”

When preparing the EIA Report, an impact of the PEA on public health shall be assessed by analysing the

likely direct and indirect effect of physical factors caused by the PEA on public health. Public health

impacts are addressed to the population living in the impact zone of economic activities and to other

people, especially, the most vulnerable groups of the population (e.g., children, the elderly and the sick,

who are most sensitive to increased pollution).

Measures to reduce an impact of the proposed economic activity on public health and residential,

recreational or other areas envisaged in the approved territorial planning documents will be discussed int

EIA report.

4.1.2. Flora and fauna

In the Lithuanian waters of the Baltic Sea, there are protected areas and sites of the European ecological

network “Natura 2000” demarcated. The PEA territory borders the biosphere reserve of the Klaipeda-

Ventspils Plateau and important habitat and bird protection areas (Fig. 4.1.1). Information on the closest

protected areas is provided in Table 4.1.1.

19

Fig. 4.1.1. Protected areas and NATURA 2000 sites closest to the PEA territory.

Table 4.1.1. Information on the protected areas and NATURA 2000 sites bordering the PEA territory,

purposes of establishment thereof, protected natural habitats and species of EU importance (according to

the State Cadastre of Protected Areas of the Republic of Lithuania).

Protected area Area, ha Purpose of establishment, protected valuables

Distance from

the boundary

of the

proposed

territory

Biosphere reserve of the

Klaipeda-Ventspils

Plateau

31949.309903

To protect a valuable part of ecosystem of the

Baltic Sea in the Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau, in

particular, with a view to conserve: Areas of the

natural marine habitat of EU importance,

i.e., 1,170 reefs, to ensure a favourable

conservation status thereof; a place of

regular gatherings of wintering water birds

of EU importance: velvet scooter (Melanitta

fusca), to ensure a favourable conservation status

thereof; wintering and migrating populations of

razorbill (Alca torda), long-tailed duck

(Clangula hyemalis), to ensure a favourable

conservation status thereof; to conduct

observation (monitoring) of the natural habitat

and the protected species referred to in paragraph

3.1 of the Regulation, studies in relation to the

protected valuables; to collect information on

status thereof; to analyse the impact of human

activities on the marine ecosystem; to ensure the

sustainable use of natural resources; to promote

ideas and ways of biodiversity conservation.

borders

20

Protected area Area, ha Purpose of establishment, protected valuables

Distance from

the boundary

of the

proposed

territory

NATURA 2000 IBPA

Klaipeda-Ventspils

Plateau

31949.309903 to protect gatherings of the wintering velvet

scooter (Melanitta fusca) borders

NATURA 2000 IHPA

Klaipeda-Ventspils

Plateau

17948.498809 1,170 reefs borders

Potential Impact of the Proposed Economic Activity on Biodiversity

The installation of the offshore wind farm may have severe implications for biodiversity, both positively

and negatively.

The main positive aspects are related to the establishment of invertebrate communities on WT piles and

the restriction of fishing. This can make a WT farm a safe place for fish communities, thus, recovering

fish populations in the Baltic Sea.

The main negative aspects for birds are:

- Site avoidance and loss of feeding grounds for seabirds;

- Barrier effect for migrating birds;

- Direct collision and death caused by the WT.

Several negative aspects for other marine animals should be mentioned as well:

- Noise during the construction of a wind farm, which may cause adverse physiological effects

(including damage to organ tissues), disrupt animal communication, influence behaviour

(including eviction from their natural habitats or hunting areas);

- Potential barrier and death effect on migrating bats.

Projected studies and exploratory work to be carry out during EIA

Type of study Projected studies

Seabed habitats Bottom sampling and benthic habitat surveying using a remotely

operated underwater vehicle (ROV).

Distribution of benthic habitats, species composition and

abundance of benthic fauna.

Birds, bats Recording of birds, feeding on water, with the vessel for a period

of two years, every month, during the spring-autumn seasons

(May-October).

Recording of birds, feeding on water, with the plane for a period

of two years, every month, during the autumn-spring seasons

(November-April).

Observation of bird migration using visual and radar method

during spring and autumn migration seasons. During the

monitoring, data on species composition, abundance of migrating

and resting birds will be collected.

Recording of bat migration and flight intensity using an ultrasonic

detector.

Marine Mammals Recording of marine mammals on the plane or vessel every

month for a period of two years.

21

4.1.3. Ambient Air and Climate

The key meteorological factor of favourable conditions for the development of offshore wind energy

projects is wind strength. Based on the aggregate data (Fig. 4.1.2), the wind strength at sea increases as

moving further away from the shore and varies from 7 to 10 m/s. Preliminary data (based on

mathematical modelling) suggest that the average wind speed in the PEA territory may reach approx. 9

m/s. Detailed wind speed measurements are planned to be carried out in the PEA area before the start of

the tender.

Fig. 4.1.2 Average wind speed at sea.

Air pollution is associated with mechanisms of construction and maintenance of wind farms rather than

with the main proposed activity, i.e., electricity production by wind turbines. Main sources of ambient air

pollution during the offshore wind farm installation, operation, and dismantling phases are means of

transport and operated construction machinery.

Renewable energy sources, as a climate change mitigation measure, are particularly welcome in terms of

climate impact. Wind energy is one of the renewable forms of energy, which reduces the use of fossil

fuels and, together, emissions of CO2 and other substances into the ambient air. The use of wind energy

plays a great role in controlling climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy

sector. The PEA implementation is expected to have an indirect positive effect on the climate.

4.1.4. Water

Hydrological and Hydrodynamic Conditions of Lithuania's Baltic Sea

Wave height. The highest waves are observed in autumn and winter; the lowest ones – in summer. An

annual mean wave height is about 0.7 m.

In the south-eastern part of the Baltic Sea direction of wave motion almost coincides with direction of

prevailing winds, i.e - SW-W-NW:

0-2 m high waves, caused by 4-9 m/s speed winds in ~70  of cases;

2-4 m high waves, caused by 10-19 m/s speed winds in ~24  of cases;

22

4-7 m high waves, caused by storm winds in ~4  of cases;

Calm sea is normally observed in summer and spring (~5 ).

Currents. Lithuania's territorial waters have a basic cyclonic direction of currents in the Baltic Sea

(counter-clockwise) (Žaromskis, 1996), which forms prevailing flows of water masses along the coast

from south to north.

The lowest current rates are observed in the spring-summer season, the highest – in autumn-winter. Due

to unevenness of the wind field and intense variation of wind speeds, wind-induced currents have a

complex spatial structure and high variation over time. The speed of wind-induced currents is decreasing

in greater depths.

At the sea surface (0-10 m layer) there are weak and medium currents prevailing, with a speed normally

not exceeding 0.20 m/s (Žaromskis, Pupienis, 2003). The marine area between the coast and 35 m isobath

has northward currents. Currents are directed toward the south far less often, toward the south-west –

least often. The northward direction of the current is determined by the freshwater flowing from Curonian

Lagoon. The 35-45 m deep area away from the shore is predominated by south-west, south, and west

currents. Even further, i.e., beyond the 45 m isobath, currents are directed toward the east and north-east.

In the intermediate water layer (10-30 m), there are various current regimes formed. The water area of up

to 25 m depth, like in the surface layer, mostly has northward currents. Less frequently, currents are

directed south- and westward. Beyond the 45 m isobath, there are north and north-east currents

prevailing. In the intermediate water layer, current speed is 0.11 to 0.14 m/s. Weak, 0.07-0.09 m/s rate

currents normally prevail in the bottom layer. The water area to 35 m isobath mostly has north-west and

south-east currents, in 35 to 45 m isobath – north-west, west, and south-west currents, and beyond 45 m –

north currents (Žaromskis, Pupienis, 2003).

Simulation of average current rates (m/s) and directions (degrees) for different seasons (spring, summer,

autumn, winter) (SMHI BALTICSEA_REANALYSIS_PHY_003_011 2012-2016) shows that weak

surface and bottom currents prevail in the open sea, with the speed averaging 3-5 cm/s in the surface layer

and 1-3 cm/s in the bottom one.

Temperature, Salinity, and Water Clarity Lithuania's marine area in the Baltic Sea is relatively shallow,

as a result, thermal regime of the water responds to seasonal fluctuations of climate conditions very

quickly (Dailidienė et al., 2011). Minimum water temperatures are reached in February (to -0.5°C), and

maximum – in July-August (to 28.2°C).

Variations of salinity in the southeastern Baltic Sea, in Lithuania's marine area, depend on the inflow of

fresh waters from rivers , as well as on the variations of salinity in the central Baltic Sea. In Lithuania's

water area, average water salinity is about 7 ‰.

The Baltic Sea monitoring reports by the Department of Marine Studies of the EPA show that the highest

water clarity is in the open sea where the Secchi depth reaches 4.5 m.

Ice Cover No permanent ice cover is formed in the Lithuanian area of the Baltic Sea. In normal and

severe winters, a shore ice belt, from a few metres to a few kilometres wide, is formed in coastal areas. It

usually consists of piled ice rocks, brought to the shore by wind and water currents which stays stable

only in calm and cold weather.

Water Quality

Ecological and Chemical status of the water bodies is being constantly monitored in the designated

monitoring sites (Fig. 4.1.3).

23

Fig. 4.1.3. Monitoring sites in the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon.

Potential Impact of the Proposed Economic Activity on Water

Under normal operating conditions, the offshore wind farm will not have any significant impact on

seawater quality. However, temporary changes in water quality are possible during construction, i.e.,

when installing foundations and laying cables due to a temporary increase in suspended particles

(turbidity) in the bottom layers of water column.

Where the proposed economic activity relates to the sea, information on the marine environment and its

characteristics shall be provided: geochemical properties of the water of the Baltic Sea, currents, waves,

including medium, storm values, their recurrence, seasonal and perennial fluctuations.

Characteristics of good environmental status of the sea have been established by Order of the Minister of

Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-194 of 4 March 2015 “On Approval of the

Characteristics of the Good Environmental Status of the Lithuanian Marine Area.” The qualitative

descriptors for determining good environmental status (according to Directive 2008/56/EC of the

European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action

in the field of marine environmental policy) have been established in Order of the Minister of

Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-500 of 14 June 2010 “On Approval of the Procedure for

Assessment of the Marine Environmental Status, Setting of Characteristics of Good Environmental Status

of the Baltic Sea, Objectives of Protecting the Marine Environment, the Monitoring Programme and

Measures,” Annex 2.

Operation of the proposed offshore wind farm is not expected to have any significant impact of water; the

EIA will rather be aimed to assess peculiarities of hydrological and hydro-chemical conditions of the

territory in question. Available data will be measured and new studies on hydrological and hydro-

chemical parameters of water will be conducted.

Projected studies and exploratory work to be carry out during EIA

Type of study Projected studies

Hydrological parameters Speed and direction of water currents, temperature, salinity

Hydro-chemical parameters pH, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, petroleum hydrocarbons,

polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals

24

4.1.5. Soil: Seabed and Deep Sea

The seabed of the Lithuanian marine area in the Baltic Sea was caused by glacial activity, by water level

changes in different eras of Baltic Sea evolution, and by modern sedimentation processes. There are two

favourable topographic forms, i.e., plateaus, and adverse forms, i.e., basins, identified at the bottom of the

sea.

The Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau is the main area for potential wind energy development.

Based on foundation technologies, the best conditions for the installation of wind farms are seabed areas

with a depth of 20 to 40 m. The water depth in the PEA territory is ~ 30–40 m.

Distribution of Bottom Sediments

The seabed of the Lithuanian water area is covered with recent and relict bottom sediments (Gulbinskas,

1995). Relict sediments are sediments deposited during the Ice Age and Baltic Sea evolution stages.

They occur in hydrodynamically active areas of the sea where sedimentation no longer takes place today

or, even, where bottom destruction occurs. In many such spots, glacial deposits (moraine) are heavily

eroded; their surface is covered with boulders, pebble, shingle, or uneven-grained sand.

Relict deposits and sediments also cover the Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau, within which the PEA territory

is located. Relict sediments consist of moraine of varied composition (sand, loam, boulder clay) and the

eroded elements (boulders, pebble, shingle). This boulder rock separates the coastline of Lithuania's

mainland from the open sea.

Recent sediments are found in accumulation areas. The main types of sediment are sand, silt and mud)

(Emelyanov et al. 2002). Sand mostly consists of fine-grained sand. There are three areas of dispersal of

such sand: one of them is also found at the foot of Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau; herein the sand deposits at

a depth of 26-40 m. Bottom in deeper marine areas (45–65 m) is covered by silty sediments. Mud

sediments consist of fine and pelitic silt. The said types of bottom sediments are widespread at a depth of

50-60 m and cover the bottoms of Gdansk and Gotland basins.

Fig. 4.1.4. Lithological composition of bottom sediments.

The upper part of the geological section consists of quaternary sediments of 5-10 m thick in plateaus to

more than 100 m in paleosections. Under the quaternary sediments, there occur formations of the Middle

and Upper Devonian periods (sandstone, siltstone, dolomite), Permian (dolomite limestone), Lower

Triassic (clay, clayey siltstone, and marl), Middle and Upper Jurassic (argillite), and Lower and Upper

Cretaceous epochs (Terigenic clay, siltstone, glauconitic-quartz sand).

25

The quaternary sediments consists of three key lithostratigraphic complexes: Pleistocene glacial deposits

(prevailing moraine loams and sandy loams), sediments (clays, sands) formed during various phases of

Baltic Sea evolution (mud of Late Glacial and Holocene periods), as well as recent marine sediments

(sand, silt, mud).

In the PEA territory, quaternary sediments are about 20–30 m thick. Beneath them, there are normally

deposits of the Triassic, less often of the Permian period found.

Mineral Resources

Oil According to the Lithuanian Geological Survey on potential oil structures in the Lithuanian marine

area, the Lithuanian EEZ is supposed to store about 40–80 million tons of oil. The PEA territory does not

fall within the known potential oil locations, though, it is possibly adjacent thereto. Therefore, once the

additional results of potential oil structure surveys are received, this information will be further assessed.

Sand and Gravel The sand and gravel resources in the Lithuanian EEZ have not been yet explored or

included in the state register of mineral resources as a mineral deposit. Nonetheless, there have been

found accumulations of these resources during the geological mapping. In the marine area, there are two

locations defined as potential sources of sand for shore management:

• The south-eastern slope of Klaipeda-Ventspils Plateau, 25-30 m deep, coastal formations of the

transgressive and regressive phases of the Baltic Sea. Sand dispersal over relatively large areas on the

slopes of the plateau. A sand layer thickness reaches 1 metre and more.

• On the surface of the Curonian-Sambian Plateau, there are found relict formations of the Ice Age

or the Baltic Sea evolution stages. Sea depth is 20-30 metres. Sand dispersal range is the largest here; a

layer thickness is over 3 metres.

• In Preila-Juodkrante district, the most promising elevation area is between 20-27 m isobaths.

When implementing the Coastal Strip Management Programmes, the sand from the district of Preila -

Juodkrante was used for restoration of beaches of Palanga.

There are no approved sand deposits in the PEA territory.

26

Fig. 4.1.5. Layout of the PEA in respect of mineral deposits.

Potential Impact of the Proposed Economic Activity on Seabed

The geological structure of the area has a greater impact on the processes of installation of the WTs,

cabling, and the selection of foundation structures. The EIA will especially focus on assessment of

geological conditions of the PEA territory so that to measure a potential impact of the WT installation on

the integrity of the seabed.

Projected studies and exploratory work to be carry out during EIA

Type of study Projected studies

Submarine morphology Seabed surveys.

Geological structure of the

bottom surface

Distribution and composition of bottom sediments.

Geochemical surveys Contamination of bottom sediments.

27

4.1.6. Landscape

Landscape/Seascape

Based on the morphological zoning of the landscape, there have been defined the Eastern shallow marine

section of the Baltic Sea South-East Baltic Sea submarine plateau area Curonian-Western Samogitia

coastal submarine plateaus and depressions of the Baltic Sea. There is a prevailing seascape of submarine

plateaus and depressions.

The PEA territory is located in the open sea, more than 29 km away from the shore, and is beyond the

boundaries of the general landscape defined in the National Landscape Management Plan. 8

The EIA will include the assessment of the potential visibility of the offshore wind farm from onshore

observation sites.

Projected studies and exploratory work to be carry out during EIA

Type of study Projected studies

Visibility of WT farm Assessment of visual pollution of the object and visualisation by

modelling

4.1.7. Cultural Heritage

According to the Cultural Heritage Register of Lithuania, there are 9 valuables registered in the maritime

territory of Lithuania. The PEA territory contains no registered cultural valuables. The distance to the

closest registered marine cultural valuable, i.e., the vessel 38471 “L-14” sunken in the Baltic Sea, is

approx. 24 km.

According to the charts of the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration, there are several dozen sunken

objects marked in the Lithuanian EEZ that are not included in the Cultural Heritage Register.

Most of the sunken objects are industrial ships; though, remains of wooden vessels great scientific value

were discovered, too. There were also several valuable habitats of cultural underwater seascape with

natural relics and tree remains found.

One discovery site is marked nearby the PEA territory but does not fall within it.

Information to be provided in the EIA report:

Projected studies and exploratory work to be carry out during EIA

Type of study Projected studies

Search for sunken objects Seabed surveys.

4.1.8. Material Valuables

The feasibilities of developing offshore wind energy are directly related to other activities currently

carried out in the marine area, i.e., shipping, navigation routes; fishing; mining sites for excavated soil,

potential locations for sand excavation to nourish beaches; offshore engineering installations (power and

communication lines, pipelines, etc.) and their safety zones; restricted-use areas (military exercise

grounds, sunken ships, dangerous objects, cultural heritage values); marine areas for conservation

purposes; other potential activities (prospect sites of useful resources).

In order to rationally use marine areas and sea resources, it is important to coordinate basic and projected

activities with interests of sea users.

It should be noted that the installation of the offshore wind farms will significantly contribute to the

implementation of objectives of the Lithuanian Energy Independence Strategy.

8 approved by Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania no. D1-703 of 2 October 2015 “On

Approval of the National Landscape Management Plan.”

28

5. INFORMATION OF THE POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT TRANSBOUNDARY IMPACT

The expected transboundary impact will be assessed as part of the EIA. Due to its peculiarities, the PEA

may have a transboundary impact in the following aspects:

Aspect /

Environmental

component

Description of potential impact

Impact on birds

and bats

The WT farm may be a barrier to birds and bats migrating over the Baltic Sea It is

known that there are intense migrations of geese, gruiformes, diver, passerine, and

other bird families observed over Lithuania's territorial waters. Research data shows

that there is a probability that bats, under favourable natural conditions, may migrate

to wintering grounds over the Lithuanian marine area of the Baltic Sea, near the

coastline.

Shipping As mentioned above, the PEA territory is outside the established international

shipping routes, roadsteads, or anchorage sites; neither is it bordering them.

Therefore, no significant impact on shipping or international shipping routes is

expected.

Visual effect The PEA territory is located about 30 km from the Latvian coastline. At such a

distance, offshore wind farms will be barely visible from onshore observation sites,

therefore, significant visual effect is unlikely.

Mineral

Resources

The northern part of the PEA territory overlaps with the boundaries of potential oil

production structures. The potential oil production locations are also known in the

marine area of the Republic of Latvia. A distance from the PEA border to the sea

border with Latvia is about 2.8 km, therefore, an impact on oil resources in the

Republic of Latvia and prospective mining is unlikely.

The PEA territory does not fall into the corridors of international shipping lines crossing and planned in

the maritime territories of Lithuania and Latvia (Fig. 5.1.1), therefore no negative impact on international

shipping is foreseen.

29

Fig. 5.1.1. Layout of the proposed territory in respect of the solutions of the technical infrastructure scheme

in the Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania supplemented with the part “Marine

Territories” and Maritime Spatial Plan of Republic of Latvia.

The PEA development area fits into the potential areas most suitable for the development of offshore

renewable energy projects, including wind energy alternative energy production territories defined in the

technical infrastructure drawing of the Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania

(2015), supplemented with the part “Marine Territories” (Fig. 5.5.1). The solutions of this plan has been

transferred to the new Comprehensive Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania “Lietuva 2030”.

It should be noted that during the planning processes, a strategic environmental impact assessment and

transboundary consultations were carried out for these areas and the solutions planned in them.

30

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Geografija, Vilnius, 2003, T39(1), p. 16–23.

Narva maantee 7a/ Tallinn 15172/ 626 2802/ [email protected]/ www.envir.ee/

Registrikood 70001231

Vastavalt nimekirjale

20.12.2021 nr 6-3/21/6080-2

Leedu meretuulepargi projekti piiriülene

keskkonnamõju hindamine

Vastavalt piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsioonile (Espoo konventsioonile) on Leedu

teavitanud Eestit Läänemerre kavandatavast kuni 700 MW meretuulepargi projektist.

Planeeritavate tuulikute nimivõimsus on kuni 20 MW, hinnanguliselt on tipukõrguseks 140–300 m

ning arvuks 43–87. Arendajaks on Leedu Energiaministeerium. Kirjale on lisatud ingliskeelne

projekti ja selle elluviimisega kaasnevat keskkonnamõju (sh piiriülest keskkonnamõju) kirjeldav

keskkonnamõju hindamise programm, nii terviktekstina kui kokkuvõttena.

Ootame 14. jaanuariks 2022 põhjendatud arvamusi selle kohta, kas Eesti peaks osalema kõnealuse

projekti piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise menetluses. Juhul, kui peate vajalikuks Eesti

osalemist menetluses, on oodatud ka arvamused selle kohta, milline oluline kahjulik piiriülene

keskkonnamõju võiks Eestile kaasneda, et arendaja saaks sellega arvestada keskkonnamõju

hindamise materjalide koostamisel.

Lugupidamisega

(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)

Kaupo Heinma

Asekantsler

Lisad: Lisa 1: keskkonnamõju hindamise programm

Lisa 2: keskkonnamõju hindamise programmi kokkuvõte

Rainer Persidski, 626 2973

[email protected]