Environment
Wind projects are governed by the national environmental legislation and the requirements of the financial entities that follow international guidelines. The enforcement of environmental legislation complements the investors’ concern for the care of the environment.
General guidelines
As a first step the national legislation requires a prior location study called Environmental Feasibility Location (or VAL), where the National Entity of Environment (or DINAMA) classifies the project according to the expected environmental impact. In the case of Talas del Maciel I the classification granted was Category B: Moderate Impact, so that an Environmental Impact Study (or EIA) is required. As a result of the EIA and public communication of the Environmental Summary Report (or IAR), DINAMA issued the Prior Environmental Authorization (or AAP) by the resolutions Nr 1386-2013 and Nr 11-2014 (dates of 07-Oct-2013 and 07-Jan-2014 respectively), that authorize the installation of the wind farm on a number of requirements that must be met during the construction, operation and decommissioning stages.
Also the Environmental Management Plan for Construction (or PGA -C) for both the wind farm and the transmission line have been presented. Afterwards the Environmental Study for Operation will be presented to obtain the Environmental Authorization for Operation (or AAO) that will enable the operational phase of the farm.
Additionally there are archaeological aspects that need to be considered if historical evidence is found. In this matter the recommendations of the National Heritage Commission are being followed.
Prior Evaluations
Prior to any work on the site that will be affected by the facilities and its neighborhoods, baseline studies must be conducted in terms of flora and fauna, noise and other factors affecting quality of life of the people living in the area. Evaluations are really wide and include, for instance, the recording of animal species (particularly birds) living or migrating in the studied area. The studies are mainly conducted in periodic field camps. The emphasis is on those species of birds that might have some impact by the presence of wind turbine generators. Waterways, fish stock and marshes among others are also evaluated.
It is important to note that the level of detail and scope of the studies, in addition to meeting its goal, has contributed significantly to the knowledge of flora and fauna of the area because the presence of species that were not believed to inhabit the area has been detected.
Archaeological surveys have been also performed to detect the presence of traces of ancient pre-colonial human activity. It is relevant to note that the wind farm will be located next to the Chamanga Rural Locality, but outside its buffer perimeter.
Additionally farm performance simulations have been carried out to evaluate noise on set distances and the effects of the intermittent shadow that wind turbines produce, in order to take care that their location on site does not produce noticeable effects on permanent residents of nearby homes.
Construction stage
The construction phase will have a limited impact in time of about a year and a half. During this stage machinery will be mobilized, there will be truck traffic, personnel carriers and construction activities will be being conducted such as earth movements, construction of roads, preparation of concrete as well as the assembly of the wind turbine generators, the internal network and substations. As in any major activity impacts are to be controlled, but extra measures will be taken in handling fuels, waste and materials in general, from storage to use in the construction process until final disposal.
Transportation deserves special attention: there must be municipal permissions for circulation in national highways and roads as well as special care while passing by populated towns. Therefore coordination with authorities and communication to the residents of the affected localities is crucial.
From the archaeological point of view, the procedure lies mainly in communicating any finding and the interruption of activities at that location until the intervention of specialists.
Operation stage
The operation phase will last 20 years after the wind farm acceptance. During this stage the presence of personnel will be reduced to carry out maintenance work, local operation and a possible change of major parts. The monitoring of the wind turbine generators and the other facilities will be made with remotely controlled systems full time.
From the environmental point of view changes will be evaluated and compared with the previous situation with regard to disturbances of the quality of life of individuals, as well as monitoring the surrounding wildlife, particularly birds that may eventually suffer some effect by the presence of wind turbines. If any unwanted effects are detected appropriate mitigation measures will be taken.
Decommissioning stage
The decommissioning and restoration of the previous site conditions is established both at the power purchase agreement with UTE and the AAP. This consists in the dismantling and removal of all equipment including the wind turbine generators.
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