Edastuskiri

Environment State Bureau

Rupniecibas Street 23, Riga, LV-1045

Application of the proposed activity for the implementation of the Limbaži wind farm

project and its corresponding infrastructure in the municipality of Limbaži

In accordance with Section 4 of the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, Section 7 of the

Law on Procedures for the Construction of Energy Supply Structures Necessary for the

Promotion of Energy Security and Independence, and Paragraph 2 of Cabinet Regulation No.

18 of January 13, 2015, the procedures by which the impact of the proposed activity on the

Environment shall be evaluated and the proposed activity shall be approved.

26 July 2023 Rīga

1. Given name, surname, personal identification number of the initiator (for a legal person

- name and registration number, legal address, telephone number and e-mail address

LLC "Latvijas vēja parki", registration No. : 40203415150, legal address: Pulkveza Brieza

Street 12, Riga, LV-1001, Latvia, email: [email protected]

2. Contact information (address and phone number) for the initiator, as well as the legal

entity's properties:

Pulkveza Brieza Street 12, Riga, LV-1001, Latvia. E-mail: [email protected];

phone: +371 67 728 484, + 371 29131864.

3. Anticipated Action (object) Name

Implementation of the project of the wind farm “Limbaži” and related infrastructure in the

Salacgīva and Viļķenes civil parishes of Limbaži municipality.

4. Information regarding the description of the physical characteristics of the intended

activity, including information regarding the amount, the preparation for the activity

prior to the commencement of the activity, demolition works and solutions thereof (if the

intended activity includes such), types of technologies to be used, necessary infrastructure

objects (e.g. access road, car park, fences, sewage treatment plants, water supply, artetic

boreholes, auxiliary boreholes), and necessary infrastructure objects (e.g. access road, car

park, fences, sewage treatment)

The activity provided for by LLC "Latvijas vēja parki" (hereinafter - the initiator) is the

implementation of the wind farm and related infrastructure project in the Salacgrīvas and

Viļķenes parishes of Limbaži municipality. Annex 1 of the application must be accompanied

by a map of the intended operating area that does not depict the planned locations of wind

turbines. There are plans to construct up to 20 wind turbines at the wind park, where each wind

station's nominal capacity could reach 8 MW. The initiator will conduct an environmental

impact assessment (EIA) in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and

the Law on Procedures for the Construction of Energy Supply Buildings Necessary to Promote

Energy Security and Independence. The total number of wind farms to be installed is intended

to be evaluated during the EIA process, taking into account the requirements of regulatory

enactments for the location of wind farms, the possibility of coordinating the determination of

protection zones with legal possessors of adjacent immovable properties, the available

transmission system capacity, the results of the EIA, economic and other related factors that

may affect the amount of implementation of the in-stream wind energy project.

Wind turbines will be transported disassembled and will be composed of three modules, a rotor,

and wings. Wind turbines are assembled at the installation site. After wind turbines are installed,

wiring and cables are installed.

For the connection of the wind farm to the transformer substation (with medium voltage

switchgear and oil transformer) and the high voltage substation, an electricity supply cable line

(type – aluminium with XLPE insulation) is planned to be constructed.

Existing ground roads will be used as much as possible for access to the wind farm, and new

roads are planned to be constructed in order to facilitate construction and operation of the wind

farm. During construction and operation, the planned wind farm will be accessible via the State

motorway A1 (Rīga – Igaunijas robeža), the regional highways P12 (Limbaži – Salacgrīva), the

State local motorways, V138 (Lāņi – Ķirbiži – Jelgavkrasti) un V143 (Akmeņkalni – Lauvas –

Ķekari), municipal roads, forest roads maintained by Latvia's state forests, as well as newly

constructed or adapted access roads already in place. During the EIA procedure, the technical

characteristics and required improvements of existing access roads will be evaluated, along

with alternative access options and solutions.

Before the installation of the planned wind farms, it is planned to rebuild or improve the existing

infrastructure, including access roads, areas, energy transmission lines, and telecommunication

lines. During the EIA process, the precise layout and technical characteristics of the planned

access roads will be determined by evaluating the need for the construction of existing road

networks, new roads, the feasibility of their construction, and the potential impact on the

environment, including the previously determined natural values within the scope of the

research.

Using the existing high voltage power cable line, the generated electricity will be transmitted

to the transmission network. For the safety of the connection, new substations will be built. The

location of substations will be evaluated during the preparation of the EIA report.

In the process of drafting the EIA report, solutions planned for the wind farm to store the

generated electricity and the construction of facilities related to this process will be evaluated.

5. Information regarding possible locations of the proposed activity (indicate addresses

and, if possible, cadastral designations of land units) and characterization thereof,

considering the state and sensitivity of the venue's environment and the potentially

affected territory:

The wind farm is due to be built in the northern part of the Limbaži Municipality, about 5-13

km from the Salacgrīva. The total area of the wind farm construction area is 1894 ha.

The land units included in the territory of the intended activity are currently used for carrying

out forestry activities. The area of the intended activity shall comprise the following units of

land (see Table 1):

table 1: Land units and cadastral designations included in the construction of Wind Park

Limbaži

Nr.p.

k.

Real estate name Kadastral number Land parcel

number

1. Salacgrīvas valsts mežs

Nr.6672

66720010129 66720080069

2. Salacgrīvas valsts mežs

Nr.6672

66720010129 66720080070

3. Salacgrīvas valsts mežs

Nr.6672

66720010129 66720050195

4. Salacgrīvas valsts mežs

Nr.6672

66720010129 66720040295

5. Ķirbižu mežs 66880010040 66880010034 In accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 303 of 19 April 2011, personal Protection and use

Regulations of the Ziemeļvidzemes biosfēras rezervāts (North Vidzeme biosphere Reserve) - it

is prohibited to install wind turbines in the NorthVidzeme biosphere Reserve, except in the

territories specified in Annex 2 to these Regulations, under the following conditions:

• Wind turbines shall be located after obtaining a written permit from the Dabas aizsardzības

pārvalde (Nature Conservation Agency);

• Wind turbines shall be located in gable-roofed structures;

• Wind The minimum distance between groups shall be two kilometres.

The planned wind turbines will be located in compliance with the minimum distances specified

in Cabinet Regulation No. 240 of 30 April 2013, General Regulations for planning, use and

Building of the territory (hereinafter Cabinet Regulation No. 240) for the construction of wind

turbines.

6. Where the intended activity is a change in an existing activity, a description of the

existing activity, including information on its volumes, technological solutions, key raw

materials and their storage, use of natural resources, emissions, waste water and the

generation of waste.

Not applicable

7. Distance to nearest populated area

Salacgrīva, which is roughly 5 kilometres away, is the largest settlement closest to the proposed

activity site. Korģene, Vesalaca, Svētciems, Lāņi, Vitrupe, Ķibirži, Viļķene and Plāņi are the

nearest villages (see Annex 1). Several farmsteads are located in the territory of the intended

activity, which are not closer than the distance from wind turbines specified in regulatory

enactments in the Republics of Latvia.

8. Details about the planned activity, including the scope of the activity

The proposed action is described in detail in the fourth section of the application. In the EIA

report, the duration of the proposed activity will be described.

9. Technical description of the equipment

The model and technical specifications of the wind turbines to be installed have not yet been

determined, but it will likely be one of the newest models from Enercon, Vestas, Siemens-

Gamesa, General Electric, or Nordex. Several wind turbine models and technical parameters

will be evaluated as part of the environmental impact assessment procedure. The expected

maximum height of wind turbines is 300 metres, with rotor diameters of up to 200 metres. In

the EIA report, the planned capacity up to 8 MW (per wind turbine) and the maximum total

capacity based on the capacity and number of wind turbines constructed will be specified.

10. A brief description of the technology

As the wind turns the rotor wings, the wind generator generates electricity through underground

cables to the transformer station. Wind generators turn against the wind automatically, so their

position changes. In the absence of wind, the generator remains stationary, but its speed

increases proportionally with the wind speed. This technology has been thoroughly tested and

is fundamentally secure.

Annex 2 of the application includes typical wind turbine operating strategies.

11. Chemicals, chemical products, and other materials used as raw materials or

consumables in the manufacturing process that are not classified as hazardous

In the construction and infrastructure process, building materials such as sand, gravel and

chippings for road and site construction, concrete and steel for building the foundations of

wind turbines, etc., will be utilized. In the EIA report, the estimated amount of material will

be detailed.

12. Hazardous chemicals and chemical products used in the manufacturing process as

raw materials, consumables, intermediate or final products

During construction and operation of the wind farm, the use of hazardous chemicals or chemical

mixtures in excess of 100 kg per year is not anticipated. Wind energy production does not

necessitate the use of hazardous chemicals and mixtures. Depending on the wind turbine model

selected, the generator's lubrication system may contain up to 400-450 liters of oil.

13. Production and quantity (annually)

The annual duration of the wind farm and the amount of electricity generated will depend on

the number of final wind turbines, the model of wind turbines selected, the height of wind

turbines, and the meteorological conditions of the given year.

14. Extraction and use of natural resources (specify type and quantity per day, season,

and year)

Not applicable

15. Water supply solution

The connections to the district water supply are not intended to be made during the preparation

and construction of the intended activity's territory. During construction, temporary residence

carriages will be deployed. The delivery of potable water will be made in barrels.

As there is no need for permanent personnel to operate the wind farm, temporary carriages will

be removed following the completion of construction, but alternative water solutions will not

be implemented. Neither the construction nor the operation of the wind farm necessitates

additional activities or enhancements pertaining to the inhabitants of the wind farm's vicinity.

16. Estimated quantity of wastewater (domestic, industrial, precipitation) (m3 per day,

month, or year)

During site preparation and construction, centralized sewerage connections are not planned.

During construction, temporary residence carriages will be deployed. Several exportable bio

toilets are also slated for deployment.

As the operation of the wind farm does not require permanent staff, temporary carriages and

restrooms will be removed after construction is complete, but no alternative sewer solutions

will be implemented. Neither the construction nor operation of the wind farm necessitates

additional activities or enhancements pertaining to the inhabitants of the park's vicinity.

17. Heat supply solution

Not applicable

18. Emissions of air pollutants

Wind is a renewable and clean natural resource. It is not anticipated that the operation of the

wind farm will result in air pollution emissions.

Emissions from the construction of wind farms (including during transport) will be assessed in

the EIA report.

19. Odors

It is not expected that odors will develop during the construction and operation of the wind

farm.

20. Emissions of pollutants into soil

There is no contamination of soil or water during operation of the wind farm.

In the EIA report, emissions from the soil during the construction of the wind farm will be

evaluated.

21. Garbage. Expected waste disposal.

The waste generated during the construction and operation of the wind farm will be managed

in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management Law and the Cabinet of

Ministers (hereinafter Cabinet) Regulations. A small amount of waste is anticipated.

The management of hazardous waste will adhere to the requirements of Cabinet Regulation No.

302 of 19 April 2011, Regulations regarding waste Classification and Hazardous Properties.

The hazardous waste generated during construction will be managed in accordance with the

requirements outlined in Chapters II and III of Cabinet Regulation No. 494 of 7 August 2018,

which governs the procedures for recording waste shipments. The hazardous waste will then be

transferred to a hazardous waste manager who has obtained a permit for the management of

hazardous waste from the State environmental Service in accordance with the prescribed

procedures.

Construction waste will be managed in accordance with the requirements outlined in Cabinet

Regulation No. 199 of 15 April 2014, Procedures for the Recording of Construction Waste and

its Transport.

During the preparation of the EIA report, solutions for waste management following the

cessation of operations will be evaluated.

22. Physical effects (such as electromagnetic radiation, vibration, and noise)

Noise

Construction work, where noise emission is anticipated, will be performed in accordance with

the noise emission limit values specified in Cabinet of Ministers regulations, and outdoor

equipment will be used in accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 163 of 23 April 2002,

Regulations regarding noise emission from outdoor equipment. Taking into account the nature

of the work to be performed and the organizational procedures, it is anticipated that noise

emissions from the machinery will be temporary and that the anticipated impact of changes in

noise limit values will not be substantial. Therefore, the environmental noise limit values

specified in Cabinet Regulation No. 16 of 7 January 2014, Noise Evaluation and Management

Procedures, will not be exceeded. Mechanical noise (operation of the generator and gearbox

selector) and aerodynamic noise characterize the operation of wind turbines. Aerodynamic or

turbulent flow noise is deemed the most important and dominant. As the rotor blades sneeze

through the air, an abrupt, whistling sound is produced that is easily audible against the

background noise and can have a significant impact in the vicinity of wind turbines.

During the preparation of the EIA report, the proximity of proposed wind turbines to residential

structures and their noise impact will be evaluated. Therefore, the location and technical

features of wind turbines will be evaluated.

Vibration

During the operation of the wind turbine, some ground vibration may also occur. Moving

objects generate vibrations that propagate through physical space by transferring to other

physical objects. Depending on the vibration's characteristics, it can have an effect on both the

individual and the equipment, buildings, and structures. Considering the operating principles

of the wind turbine, the technical provision of the wind turbine plant, and the ground

solutions, it is not foreseen that the wind turbine would generate a transfer of vibrations

through the tower and foundations to the ground that could cause significant mechanical

fluctuations in the soil and ground around the plant, or negatively impact human health and

the safety of their buildings.

Flickering

The flickering is caused by the rotation of the rotor blades, which intermittently obscure the sun

and cast moving shadows on the ground and the surfaces of various objects. The effect of

shadows cast by rotor blades near wind farms is relatively low-frequency flickering.

During the preparation of the EIA report, the location of proposed wind turbines in relation to

residential structures will be evaluated, as will the impact of flickering. Therefore, the location

and technical features of wind turbines will be evaluated.

Electromagnetic radiation

The electromagnetic field produced by wind turbines is comparable in intensity to that produced

by domestic electrical appliances and is already insignificant within a radius of 10 m from the

wind turbine.

23. Surrounding bodies of water (watercourses (indicate their distance), impact on fish

resources, impact and groundwater level, possibility of flooding (if necessary, include a

statement from Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center):

The area of the proposed activity is located in the catchment area of the Piejūra. The nearest

bodies of water are the Vitrupe, Svētupe, Vedamurgas river, Korģe rivers. Kliku and Primmas

lakes are the largest bodies of water. Part of the territory of the intended activity shall be crossed

by the amelioration systems of State significance.

When a wind farm is constructed, all existing amelioration systems will be maintained and, if

necessary (if any branch of the system is impacted), restored. As these activities will be

performed in accordance with the design, taking into account the location and functionality of

the enhancement systems, the overall quality of the enhancement systems will not decline.

An expert in the relevant field will assess the potential impacts of the planned construction and

operation of the wind farm (including the impact of the amelioration systems and amelioration

systems on the wind farm), as well as determine the best solutions/precautions, taking into

account the applicability and balance of the proportionality and precautionary principles, when

preparing the EIA report for the proposed activity.

24. Impacts anticipated on specially protected natural areas, species, habitats, and micro

reserves.

Several specially protected nature territories and micro-reserves, species deposits and areas

thereof, habitats of significance to the European Union, and specially protected trees are located

on the territory of the proposed activity, according to information published in the nature data

Management system "OZOLS" of the nature Conservation Agency.

The intended activity is located on the territory of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve

(neutral zone) (a portion of the intended activity area is also located in the landscape

protection zone, but no wind turbines are proposed) (see map in Annex 3).

Table 2 summarises the closest special protection areas - micro reserves and N2000 sites (up

to a distance of 3 kilometres from the boundary of the proposed activity's land units).

table 2: Conservation areas adjacent to the "Limbaži" wind farm (based on data from the

nature data Management system "OZOLS" as of 23 July 2023).

Name

Conservation

status

Minimal

distance from

closest wind

turbine

Purpose for

Conservation area

Nr.1407 Micro-reserve 0,3 km Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Nr.385 Micro-reserve 0,5 km Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Nr.1406 Micro-reserve 0,6 km Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Nr.1377 Micro-reserve 0,8 km Bird protection

Nr.3118 Micro-reserve 1,1 km Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Nr.3119 Micro-reserve 1,1 km Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Nr.3120 Micro-reserve 1,1 km Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Vitrupes ieleja

NATURA 2000

1,8 km

Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Salacas ieleja

NATURA 2000

2,1 km

Protection of specially

protected species other

than birds and specially

protected habitats

Niedrāju – Pilkas

purvs

NATURA 2000

2,7 km

Protection of specially

protected species other

than birds and specially

protected habitats

Nr.1405 Micro-reserve 3,0 km Protection of specially

protected species and

habitats

Nr.1754 Micro-reserve 3,4 km Bird protection

Nr.2510 Micro-reserve 4,9 km Bird protection

Nr.2300 Micro-reserve 4,1 km Bird protection

Annex 4 includes a map of conservation areas.

An expert in the applicable field will be involved in the development of the EIA for the proposed

activity. This expert will conduct site monitoring in nature, assess the potential impacts of the

proposed activity during construction and operation, and identify the best solutions/precautions,

taking into account the applicability and balance of the proportionality and precautionary

principles.

25. Conformity with territorial planning (purpose of land use):

In accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 240, it is allowed to install wind turbines with a

capacity greater than 20 kW on industrial building territories (R), technical building territories

(TA), agricultural territories (L), and forest territories (M), so long as they comply with the

spatial plan.

According to the spatial plan for municipality of Limbaži, the construction territory of the wind

farm comprises land units or portions thereof whose planned (permitted) use is primarily as a

forest area. The construction area of the wind farm covers relatively small areas of water or

other land applications.

If necessary, modifications or additions to the spatial planning documents will be made.

26. Amount of land to be modified and previous land use

Currently, the planned activity area is forest land. Given that the wind farm is slated to be built

in a forested area, sufficient deforestation and land conversion will occur in order to construct

the wind farm's infrastructure. If required, the land area needed for access roads will also be

cleared of trees. During the EIA process, the projected forest area where deforestation will be

planned will be determined. In the EIA report, the precise extent and boundaries of deforestation

and land to be transformed will be specified.

27. A description of the environmental impact of the proposed action, including a

description of all potential significant impacts, to the extent that information is available

on these impacts as a result of:

Producing emissions, waste, and by-products

It is not expected that the operation of the wind farm will result in a substantial amount of waste.

If such waste does occur (equipment maintenance, personnel municipal waste, etc.), it will not

be stored on-site, but rather collected and transferred to commercial companies that have

permits for waste management in accordance with the State environmental Service's

procedures.

Typical impacts of construction work are typical during the construction period: noise, air

emissions (from the technology used for construction works), construction and maintenance of

machinery, assembly sites and other temporary objects, transport of building materials and

construction structures, formation of waste, and possibly (only in the event of possible

unfavourable events) local and minor soil contamination with technical fluids of construction

technology.

The waste generated during construction will be collected, sorted, and temporarily stored before

being transferred to commercial companies that have received permits for waste management

in accordance with the State environmental Service's procedures.

There is no contamination of soil or water during operation of the wind farm. It is not

anticipated that the operation of the wind farm will result in air pollution emissions. It is not

anticipated that odours will develop during the installation and operation of turbines.

Physical effects

Regarding the intended activity, noise and flashing are likely to have the greatest impact. During

the preparation of the EIA report, the impact of noise and flashing from the wind farm will be

evaluated, with the location and technical parameters of wind turbines being specified as

necessary.

Landscape impact

Plains landscapes with wide-ranging and distant views are suitable for the installation of large

wind turbines because large-scale wind turbines are relatively well-suited to vast, flat, and slow-

moving regions. Their presence in the landscape will establish new dominance, which can also

be interpreted as environmental landmarks, thereby making the landscape more interesting and

alluring.

In the EIA report, the impact of the proposed action on the quality of the environment will be

evaluated.

Impact on biodiversity

In the earliest phases of the proposed operation, special protection areas and micro-reserves, as

well as their distances, were identified. Involved in the preparation of the environmental impact

assessment of the proposed activity will be experts in the relevant field, who will conduct site

surveys in nature, assess the potential impacts of the construction and operation of the proposed

wind farm, and identify the best solutions/precautions, taking into account the applicability and

balance of the proportionality and precautionary principles.

28. A description of the planned measures to prevent or eliminate situations likely to have

significant adverse environmental effects:

Wind turbine installations are equipped with sensitive sensors and electronic control systems

that automatically unlock wind turbines in response to unforeseen weather conditions (storm,

icing) and equipment defects. The equipment must be equipped with a lightning protection

system and multiple fuses that disconnect the generator and stop the rotor in the event of

electronic errors. Wind turbines are technologically designed to mitigate various dangers. The

EIA report will evaluate facilities and equipment for protecting biodiversity (including

ornithofauna).

During the preparation of the environmental impact assessment report, the developed solutions

will be evaluated and, if necessary, solutions will be created to mitigate significant adverse

effects.

29. If the activity is intended in the internal waters, territorial sea or exclusive economic

zone of the Republic of Latvia:

Not applicable

Following attachments are included with the application:

1. The intended activity's territory;

2. Technological circuits for the operation of wind turbines;

3. The intended activities of the nearby special conservation area.

Five pages of information are attached to the application.

The information provided in the submission, the documents attached to the submission, and

any other information must be accurate and in accordance with the requirements specified in

regulatory statutes.

Suur-Ameerika 1 / Tallinn 10122 / 626 2802/ [email protected] / www.kliimaministeerium.ee/

Registrikood 70001231

Vastavalt nimekirjale

19.10.2023 nr 6-3/23/4774-2

Läti „Limbaži“ tuulepargi projekti piiriülene keskkonnamõju hindamine Läti on piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsiooni (Espoo konventsiooni) alusel teavitanud Eestit „Limbaži“ tuulepargi projektist. Arendaja Latvijas vēja parki Ltd kavandab rajada kuni 20 tuulikuga tuulepargi, milles tuulikute maksimaalne nimivõimsus on 8 MW, eeldatav maksimaalne kõrgus 300 m ning rootori diameeter kuni 200 m. Tuulepargi ehitusala kogupindala on 1894 ha. Kavandatava tegevuse asukohaks on Salacgriva ja Vilkene vallad Limbaži haldusüksuses, mis jääb Eesti piirist umbes 13 km kaugusele. Kirjale on lisatud Läti saadetud arendaja ingliskeelne tegevusloa taotlus, milles kirjeldatakse projekti ja selle elluviimisega kaasnevat keskkonnamõju, ning kaardimaterjal. Keskkonnamõju hindamise (KMH) menetluses on väljastatud KMH programm1. Arvestades Läti määratud vastamistähtaega, ootame 10. novembriks 2023 põhjendatud arvamusi selle kohta, kas Eesti peaks osalema „Limbaži“ tuulepargi projekti piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise menetluses. Juhul kui peate vajalikuks Eesti osalemist menetluses, on oodatud ka põhjendatud arvamused selle kohta, milline oluline kahjulik piiriülene keskkonnamõju võib Eestile kaasneda, et Läti saaks sellega arvestada KMH materjalide koostamisel. Palume arvamused esitada Kliimaministeeriumi e-posti aadressil [email protected]. Lugupidamisega (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) Antti Tooming Elurikkuse ja keskkonnakaitse asekantsler Lisad: 1. Arendaja tegevusloa taotlus

2. Kaardimaterjalid 1–5

1 Lätikeelne KMH programm on leitav aadressil https://www.vpvb.gov.lv/lv/ietekmes-uz-vidi-novertejumu-projekti/vej a-

parka-limbazi-un-ta-saistitas-infrastrukturas-projekta-istenosana-limbazu-novada-salacgrivas-un-vilkenes-pagastos-sia-

latvijas-veja-parki

Rainer Persidski, 626 2973 [email protected]