Vastavalt nimekirjale 26.05.2025 nr 6-3/25/2354-2
Rootsi „Slite“ meretuulepargi projekti piiriülene
keskkonnamõju hindamine
Rootsi on piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsiooni (Espoo konventsiooni) alusel
teavitanud Eestit „Slite“ meretuulepargi projektist. Arendaja Landinfra Alpha 2 AB kavandab
püstitada Läänemeres Rootsi majandusvööndis kuni 51 tuulikust (maksimumkõrgusega 315 m)
koosneva meretuulepargi. Kirjale on lisatud Rootsi saadetud ingliskeelne ülevaade projektist ning
sellega kaasnevast võimalikust keskkonnamõjust.
Lähtuvalt Rootsi määratud vastamistähtajast ootame hiljemalt 27.06.2025 põhjendatud arvamusi
selle kohta, kas Eesti peaks osalema „Slite“ meretuulepargi projekti piiriülese keskkonnamõju
hindamise menetluses. Juhul kui peate Eesti osalemist menetluses vajalikuks, on oodatud ka
põhjendatud arvamused selle kohta, milline oluline kahjulik piiriülene keskkonnamõju võib
Eestile kaasneda, et sellega saaks arvestada keskkonnamõju hindamise materjalide koostamisel.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Antti Tooming
elurikkuse ja keskkonnakaitse asekantsler
Lisa: piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konsultatsiooni dokument (ingliskeelne ülevaade
projektist)
Lilli Tamm, 626 9133
[email protected]
Suur-Ameerika 1 / Tallinn 10122 / 626 2802/
[email protected] / www.kliimaministeerium.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Consultation document
SLITE VINDKRAFTSPARK
2024-10-15
Assignment: 345330 Landinfra Slite
Title of report: Consultation document Slite Vindkraftspark
Status: Final report
Date: 2024-10-15
Contributors
Client: Landinfra Alpha 2 AB
Contact person: Daniel Bergvall
Consultant: Tyréns Sverige AB
Assignment manager: Johanna Thurdin
Author: Louisa Borthwick, Lucy Morgan, Henrik Schreiber,
Sandra Wärn
Quality Reviewer: Lena Holm
Tyréns Sverige AB 2024-10-15
Phone: 010 452 20 00 www.tyrens.se
Registered office: Stockholm Org.nr: 556194-7986
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Table of contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................... 6
1.1 Background and purpose ...................................................................... 6
1.2 Administrative tasks .............................................................................. 8
1.3 Operator ............................................................................................... 8
2 Consultation and permit process .............................................. 10
2.1 Demarcation ....................................................................................... 10
2.2 Required permits ................................................................................ 10
2.3 Environmental impact assessment...................................................... 11
2.3.1 Consultation.............................................................................. 11
2.3.2 Consultation circle .................................................................... 11
2.3.3 EIA............................................................................................ 11
3 Localisation ................................................................................. 13
3.1 Current location .................................................................................. 13
3.2 Location investigation ......................................................................... 13
4 Operation description ................................................................. 15
5 Conditions for the area ............................................................... 29
5.1 Planning conditions and objectives ..................................................... 29
5.1.1 Maritime spatial plans ............................................................... 29
5.1.2 Municipal plans ......................................................................... 31
5.1.3 Environmental objectives .......................................................... 32
5.2 National interests and protected areas ................................................ 32
5.2.1 National interest in commercial fishing ...................................... 33
5.2.2 National interest outdoor recreation, nature and cultural
environment conservation .................................................................. 35
5.2.3 Communications of national interest ......................................... 39
5.2.4 National interest in the military part of total defence .................. 41
5.2.5 National interest in active outdoor recreation ............................ 43
5.2.6 National interest highly exploited coast ..................................... 43
5.2.7 Natura 2000 sites...................................................................... 43
5.2.8 Nature reserve .......................................................................... 49
5.3 Environmental quality standards ......................................................... 50
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5.3.1 Water management .................................................................. 50
5.3.2 Marine environment management............................................. 53
5.4 Depth and seabed conditions.............................................................. 53
5.4.1 Oceanography .......................................................................... 53
5.4.2 Seabed substrate and sediment dynamics................................ 54
5.4.3 Geology .................................................................................... 56
5.4.4 Ice extent .................................................................................. 56
5.4.5 Contaminated sediments .......................................................... 57
5.4.6 Ammunition ............................................................................... 58
5.5 Natural environment............................................................................ 59
5.5.1 Terrestrial environments ........................................................... 59
5.5.2 Benthic animals and plants ....................................................... 60
5.5.3 Fish........................................................................................... 60
5.5.4 Marine mammals ...................................................................... 62
5.5.5 Bird ........................................................................................... 64
5.5.6 Bats .......................................................................................... 65
5.6 Living environment and landscape ...................................................... 67
5.6.1 Landscape ................................................................................ 67
5.6.2 Housing .................................................................................... 67
5.6.3 Cultural environment ................................................................. 68
5.6.4 Recreation and outdoor life ....................................................... 71
5.7 Infrastructure and shipping.................................................................. 71
5.7.1 Navigation................................................................................. 71
5.7.2 Commercial fishing ................................................................... 72
6 Foreseeable environmental effects ........................................... 75
6.1 National interests and protected areas ................................................ 75
6.2 Natural environment............................................................................ 75
6.2.1 Terrestrial environments ........................................................... 75
6.2.2 Benthic environment ................................................................. 76
6.2.3 Fish........................................................................................... 76
6.2.4 Marine mammals ...................................................................... 77
6.2.5 Bird ........................................................................................... 77
6.2.6 Bats .......................................................................................... 78
6.3 Landscape .......................................................................................... 79
6.4 Cultural environment ........................................................................... 79
6.5 Outdoor recreation and recreation ...................................................... 80
6.6 Living environment and health ............................................................ 80
6.7 Infrastructure, shipping and commercial fishing .................................. 81
6.8 Risk of accidents................................................................................. 82
6.8.1 Collision .................................................................................... 82
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6.8.2 Icing .......................................................................................... 82
6.8.3 Fire and release of chemicals ................................................... 82
6.8.4 Breakdown................................................................................ 83
6.8.5 Accidents in the construction phase .......................................... 83
6.9 Environmental quality standards ......................................................... 83
6.9.1 Water management .................................................................. 83
6.9.2 Marine environment management............................................. 84
6.10 Cumulative effects ............................................................................ 85
7 Continued work ........................................................................... 85
7.1 Planned investigations ........................................................................ 85
7.2 Contents upcoming EIA ...................................................................... 86
8 References................................................................................... 88
Attachments
Appendix 1. Overview map
Appendix 2. Properties within export cable corridors covering water areas
Appendix 3. Proposal for a consultation circle
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1 Introduction
1.1 Background and purpose
Landinfra Alpha 2 AB plans to establish an offshore wind farm named Slite
Vindkraftspark, east of Slite, within Region Gotland.
Slite Vindkraftspark is estimated to produce 3.6 TWh of renewable
electricity when fully developed, which is about the same as Gotland's
entire energy deman. In 2022, 3.7 TWh of energy was consumed by
Region Gotland, of which about 0.9 TWh consisted of electricity. (SCB,
2022)
The establishment of the project is in line with Sweden's national and
Region Gotland's set climate goals.
The production of renewable electricity can reduce Europe's dependence
on fossil energy sources and thus contribute to reducing the pace of climate
change.
The planned activities consist of the investigation area1, export cable
corridors and landfall points. The investigation area is 690 km2 and is
located within Region Gotland in the Baltic Sea's offshore waters, about 14
km southeast of Slite, 12 km northeast of Herrvik and 13 km east of
Åminne. The project area lies entirely within Swedish territorial waters, see
Figure 1.
Six alternative export corridors and landing points for connection cables are
being investigated. All export cable corridors are located within Swedish
territorial waters and within Region Gotland. The export cable corridors are
about 1 km wide and up to 16 km long.
1
The area that is being investigated for the establishment of Slite Vinkraftspark.
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Figure 1. Overview map of the investigation area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors
(anslutningskorridorer), landfall points and the Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
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1.2 Administrative tasks
Applicant Landinfra Alpha 2 AB
559440-3791
c/o Landinfra Energy AB
Hyllie Boulevard 40
215 35 Malmö
Sweden
Contact person Daniel Bergvall
+46 (0)76-005 73 11
[email protected]
Consultant Tyréns Sverige AB
Johanna Thurdin
+46 (0)10-452 34 93
[email protected]
1.3 Operator
Landinfra Alpha 2 AB, hereinafter referred to as Landinfra or the Company,
a subsidiary of Landinfra Energy AB, intends to establish an offshore wind
farm named Slite Vindkraftspark within Region Gotland.
Landinfra Energy AB is a Swedish company that develops and establishes
renewable energy projects, focusing on solar power, onshore and offshore
wind power, energy storage, hydrogen production and electrofuels, with
main focus on the Nordic market. The company is based in Malmö,
Sweden and relies on many years of experience in offshore wind power.
Landinfra is part of the green transition by developing competitive
renewable energy projects and thus contributing to increased electrification,
reduced greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a more sustainable
future. The operation model is based on the development of renewable
energy projects from early phase in close collaboration and partnerships
with land-owners, local stakeholders and investors. Local anchoring and
creating local benefits from the projects is an important part of Landinfra’s
way of working.
Landinfra is developing a portfolio of offshore wind power projects around
the coast of Sweden comprising approximately 6 GW. The projects are
distributed along the entire coast of Sweden and are located in the North
Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Bothnian Sea. The projects shall be both
technically and economically feasible to realize by around 2030. To make
this possible, the company has mainly focused on areas that enable
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bottom-fixed foundation alternatives, have good opportunities for grid
connection and that enable a low electricity production cost.
In connection with the offshore wind power projects, Landinfra aims to
develop facilities for the production of hydrogen and electrofuels to enable
local industries and the transport sector to transition from fossil fuels. The
company is investigating several alternative locations in close proximity to
the projects, such as existing industrial areas and ports for this purpose. By
adding new electricity production and securing the electricity supply, unique
opportunities are created for the existing local operation community, but
also for new establishments of electricity-intensive industry in the regions
where the projects are established. The company is in continuous dialogue
with local stakeholders and industry to enable a faster green transition.
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2 Consultation and permit process
2.1 Demarcation
This consultation document refers to consultations for construction,
operation and decommissioning of a wind farm within the investigation
area, export cable corridors and landfall points, including related activities
such as substations, met masts, internal cable network, export cables and
any follow-on activities such as dumping of dredged masses. Connection to
the electricity grid on land from the landfall point to the overhead grid will be
handled in a separate consultation process and is therefore not included in
this consultation.
The consultation also covers possible effects on Natura 2000 protected
areas.
The planned operations are located within the project area for the wind
farm, alternative export cable corridors and at landfall points, see Figure 1.
The project area of approximately 690 km2 is delimited by coordinates
according to Appendix 1. The project includes a maximum of 51 wind
turbines with a total height of maximum 315 meters.
The export cable corridors are approximately 1 km wide. The landfall points
consist of areas that extend 100 m up on land from the shoreline and have
the same width as the export cable corridor at each landfall point.
Direct impacts are not expected to occur outside a radius of 10 km from the
project area and 500 m from the export cable corridors, which is why the
presentation of the geographical conditions focuses on values within these
distances. To the extent that the activity is deemed to have a direct impact
on any value at a greater distance, this will be described in the upcoming
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Indirect impacts linked to environmental aspects such as climate impact
and the management of natural resources are reported without
geographical delimitation.
2.2 Required permits
The establishment of a wind farm within Swedish territorial waters requires
a permit for environmentally hazardous activities and water operations in
accordance with the Swedish Environmental Code (EC).
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Cable laying during the construction phase requires a permit in accordance
with the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314), a grid concession in accordance
with the Electricity Act (1987:857) and a permit for water operations in
accordance with the EC.
If a measure can have a significant impact on the natural environment in a
Natura 2000 protected area, a Natura 2000 permit may be required in
accordance with the EC.
2.3 Environmental impact assessment
Prior to an application to construct an offshore wind farm, an environmental
impact assessment (EIA) in accordance with the EC must be implemented
and an EIA conducted. According to the environmental assessment decree,
an offshore wind farm constitutes an activity with a significant
environmental impact.
2.3.1 Consultation
Since the activity is associated with a significant environmental impact, no
investigation consultation is required. The environmental assessment
process instead begins with a delimitation consultation. The purpose of the
delimitation consultation is to determine the appropriate scope and
delimitation of the EIA. The consultation includes the location, scope,
design, and environmental effects of the activities, as well as the content
and design of the EIA.
This document forms the basis for the scoping consultation.
2.3.2 Consultation circle
The delimitation consultation takes place with the County Administrative
Board of Gotland, Region Gotland and other government authorities and
individuals who can be assumed to be particularly concerend. Furthermore,
consultations will be carried out with organisations, associations and the
general public. Property owners affected by export cable corridors and
landfall points will receive an invitation to the consultation by letter. For
proposals for a consultation circle, see Appendix 3.
2.3.3 EIA
After the consultation, investigations and inventories are carried out, after
which the EIA and the application are compiled. The application and
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appendices are submitted to the Land and Environment Court, which
decides whether a permit can be granted for the activity.
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3 Localisation
3.1 Current location
The project area is located within Region Gotland in the Baltic Sea's
offshore waters. The northern part of the project area is located about 6 km
from the island of Bunge aur and at about the same distance from the cape
Bungenäs. The southern part of the project area is about 7 km from the
island of Östergarnsholm and just over 10 km from Gotland. The project
area of about 690 km2 are delimited by coordinate corner points as set out
in Appendix 1. The project area lies entirely within Swedish territorial
waters, see Figure 1.
Six alternative landfall points will be investigated further. Approximately 1
km wide export cable corridors lead to the landfall points, within which
export cables will be constructed within one or a maximum of two. Landfall
points and export cable corridors are reported in Figure 1. The properties
that are affected by any of the export cable corridors and include a water
area are listed in Appendix 2.
3.2 Location investigation
The chosen location of Slite Vindkraftspark has been preceded by an
extensive location investigation and selection process of suitable areas for
offshore wind power along the entire Swedish coast. Landinfra based
selection process on the new energy areas for offshore wind power
proposed by the Swedish Energy Agency, published during the spring in
2023 (Energimyndigheten, 2023). The Swedish Energy Agency's task was
to, together with eight other authorities, identify suitable areas for energy
production, to enable 90 TWh of annual electricity production from offshore
wind. The assignment forms the supporting document for the Swedish
Agency for Marine and Water Management's ongoing work on proposals for
new maritime spatial plans (see section 5.1.1 ).
Landinfra has based its assessment on the area descriptions and general
assessments presented by the Swedish Energy Agency and evaluated all
proposed energy areas based on the following aspects:
- Sea depth and technical constructability
- Good wind conditions
- Opportunity to establish with existing technology
- Opportunity for financial profitability
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- Proximity to possible grid connection
- Competing interests and projects
- Environmental aspects and other environmental impacts
- Regional need for new electricity production.
Based on these criteria, Landinfra initially selected about ten of the
Swedish Energy Agency's 53 proposed energy areas for a more thorough
selection process. This continued selection process included early dialogue
with selected stakeholders such as commercial fishing organisations,
municipalities and industrial actors to obtain their views on the locations. As
part of the continued development of the projects, the company applied in
the autumn of 2023 for an exploration permit for seabed surveys from SGU
for the areas that the company considered to have the best conditions for
offshore wind power.
At present, Landinfra has chosen to proceed with a handful of projects, the
locations of which are considered more suitable overall. Slite Vindkraftspark
is one of these projects, which is why consultations for future permit
applications are now being carried out.
A location investigation covering the project area, landfall points and export
cable corridors will be attached to the upcoming EIA.
3.3 The zero alternative
In the zero alternative, the wind farm will not be built, there will be no
impact on interests in the immediate area, and there will also be no
production of the renewable electricity that the wind farm could have
contributed with. The impact of the zero alternative will be addressed in the
upcoming EIA.
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4 Operation description
4.1 The wind farm
The planned wind farm consists of wind turbines, foundations, internal
cable networks, substations, connecting cables, landfalls and related
activities that will be constructed within the project area, export cable
corridors and landfall points.
The technical development of offshore wind power is taking place at a high
pace, which is why it is difficult to predict exactly what technology is
available in detailed design and procurement. The company intends to use
the best available technology in the establishment of the wind farm to
enable the lowest possible environmental impact and production cost for
the electricity produced. A technical description will be attached to the
upcoming EIA and the final choice of wind turbine model, foundation
alternatives, cable dimensions and more will be made during the project's
detailed design.
4.1.1 Wind turbine
For the project, three-blade horizontal-axis wind turbines in white or grey
shades are planned. The wind turbines consist of towers, hubs with rotor
blades and machine houses, mounted on a foundation.
Below are two alternative wind turbine models that are considered to be
available on the market at the time of detailed design and procurement.
The wind turbines are estimated to have a rotor diameter between 236–284
m, a total height2 between 263–312 m, and a hub height3 between 145–170
m.
The dimensions above constitute a range that the company believes may
be relevant for the project. In Table 1 Estimated dimensions are compiled
for possible alternatives in the upper and lower range.
2
Height from mean water surface up to the tip of the rotor blade when pointing straight up
3
Height from mean water level to the engine house
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Table 1. Example of design.
Option 1 Option 2
Rotor diameter 284 m 236 m
Hub height 170 m 145 m
Overall height 312 m 263 m
Installed capacity per wind 22 MW 15 MW
turbine
Number of wind turbines 35 51
Effekt wind farm 770 MW 765 MW
For the consultation document, an example layout with 35 wind turbines
has been developed, see Figure 2. The example layout has been optimized
based on aspects such as electricity production cost, power density, water
depth and wind direction. Different design alternatives within the framework
of the maximum number of wind turbines in the project area and the
maximum total height will be investigated further. The final design is based
on the results of future seabed surveys and information gathered during the
consultation phase. The final design is decided during the detailed design
phase.
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Figure 2. Example layout (exempellayout) of possible location of the wind turbines within the
project area. Other groupings, distributions or spreading the works over the area are other
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possible alternatives. Investigation area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors
(anslutningskorridorer) and the Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
4.1.2 Foundation
For Slite Vindkraftspark, bottom fixed foundations are planned for the wind
turbines and substations. There are three main types of bottom fixed
foundations for offshore wind turbines; monopile foundations, Gravity
foundations and Jacket foundations. For a principle sketch of the various
foundation alternatives, see Figure 3.
Figure 3. Principle sketch of bottom-fixed foundation alternatives. (From left: monopile
foundations, gravity foundations, jacket foundations with suction buckets and jacket
foundations with pin-piles). Source: Landinfra.
Monopile foundations consist of a hollow steel pipe that is anchored to
the seabed by piling, vibration, drilling or flushing. The thickness and length
of monopiles depend on things such as bottom conditions, loads from the
wind turbines, water depth, wave and sea conditions, and how deep into
the seabed they need to be anchored. The company currently estimates
that monopiles with a diameter of about 10 m and a length of about 80–120
m are relevant for anchoring the wind turbines, with an anchoring depth of
about 40–60 m.
Jacket foundations are a steel tube jacket structure with usually three or
four legs. The legs of the foundation are anchored to the seabed with pin-
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piles4 that are either piled or drilled down. The length of pin-piles depends
on things such as bottom conditions and how deep into the seabed they
need to be anchored. Jacket foundations can also be anchored with suction
caissons5 , which are anchored to the bottom sediments with their own
weight.
Gravity foundations typically consist of a hollow steel-reinforced concrete
structure with either a cone-shaped or open base with a cylindrical structure
above. The base is usually round or hexagonal and the foundation is
placed on the seabed. Gravity foundations are designed and designed
depending on the site-specific conditions of each wind turbine.
Landinfra currently assesses that monopile foundations are the most likely
foundation alternative for anchoring the wind turbines and that jacket
foundations are the most likely option for anchoring substations and
platforms. A description of current foundation alternatives, current
anchoring methods and dimensions, as well as an assessment of the
environmental impact of each foundation alternative will be described in
detail in the upcoming EIA.
The final choice of foundation options is based on technical conditions such
as wind turbine model, loads and costs, as well as site specific conditions
such as water depth, bottom conditions, weather and sea conditions, and
environmental aspects.
Erosion protection is built around the foundations to avoid erosion due to
currents and waves. The erosion protection usually consists of gravel and
stone and extends about ten meters out from the foundations.
4.1.3 Internal cable network
An internal cable network with several loops is built to connect the wind
turbines to the substations. The company currently estimates that a voltage
level of 66 kV is relevant for the internal cable network, and that each loop
can connect five wind turbines. This type of cable has a diameter of about
15–30 cm. Other dimensions and voltage levels up to 132 kV may also be
relevant.
The company estimates that the total length of the internal cable network
may amount to approximately 105 km. The final routing of the internal cable
network is affected by bottom conditions and is optimized for minimal
4
Smaller variant of monopile / hollow steel tube.
5
Also called sucktion buckets. Steel cylinders with covered top.
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environmental impact and to minimize cost and power losses for the
internal cable network.
To protect the cables, they are mainly laid out in cable trenches. In places
where this method is not suitable due to, for example, cables crossing each
other or the bottom material not allowing burial, they are laid directly on the
seabed and can instead be protected by being covered with stones,
concrete mattresses, artificial seaweed mats or sandbags.
The final location and design of the internal cable network will not take
place until the detailed design stage. The dimensions of the internal cable
network, number of cables and length, as well as the location of the internal
cable network, are optimized based on factors such as the final location
and power of wind turbines and substations, bottom conditions, installation
method and environmental aspects.
4.1.4 Substations
Within Slite Vindkraftspark, offshore substations and platforms are planned
to be mounted on foundations within the project area. In these stations, the
electricity produced by the wind turbines is transformed to higher voltage, to
reduce losses when the electricity is transmitted via the export cables to
land.
When calculating the dimensions of the substations, Landinfra has been
based on sizes that are considered to be available at the time of detailed
design and procurement. It is currently estimated that substations with a
capacity of approximately 700–800 MW are relevant for the project. The
substations are mounted either on a shared or on separate foundations, for
a description of foundation types see section 4.1.2 . The substations and
platforms on the foundations may also be used for servicing the wind farm.
Other dimensions and designs of substations may also be relevant.
In the event that DC cables are used for the export cables, converters will
also be used and the substations will then be called converter stations6.
The final placement and design of the substations and platforms will not
take place until the detailed design phase. The number, size and location of
substations are optimized based on factors such as the wind turbines' final
locations and power, bottom conditions, water depth, and whether direct or
alternating current is used for connecting cables.
6
Converts alternating current to direct current.
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4.1.5 Met masts and measuring stations
Prior to the detailed design, one or more met masts are expected to be
installed to confirm the wind resources in the area. The met masts are
equipped with wind measurement equipment and other equipment to
measure meteorological and hydrological conditions. The met masts are
planned to have a height corresponding to the hub height of the wind
turbines and be anchored to the seabed with foundations similar to those
relevant for the wind turbines, but of smaller dimensions. The met masts
may also remain within the wind farm during the operating period.
As an alternative, or in combination with met masts, the company assesses
that LiDAR7 will be used to measure meteorological and hydrological
conditions in the area. LiDAR uses laser technology to measure the wind
resources in the area and can be mounted either on a buoy or on a
foundation. The company also assesses that one or more measuring
stations that measure water and current conditions can be placed on the
seabed for detailed design.
4.1.6 Obstacle marking
All of the wind farm's plant parts are marked as obstacles and marked in
accordance with current legislation. Wind turbines and met masts will be
marked as obstacles in accordance with the Swedish Transport Agency's
current regulations (TSFS 2020:888), or at the time other applicable
regulations. According to current regulations, wind turbines that constitute
the outer boundary of a wind farm must be marked with white paint and be
equipped with high-intensity white flashing lights on the engine house. This
also applies to wind turbines located inside the outer boundary of the wind
farm, but which are not covered by any of the wind turbines located in the
outer boundary line. For other wind turbines, low-intensity red lights must
be installed. If the turbine housing of the wind turbines has a height above
the water surface of more than 150 m, the tower must be marked with at
least three low-intensity lights at half the height up to the engine house. The
wind farm's plant parts will be designated in accordance with the Swedish
Transport Agency's current regulations (TSFS 2017:669), or at the time
other applicable regulations. The final design of obstacle marking takes
7
Light detection and ranging, optical measuring instrument that measures the properties of reflected
light.
8
The Swedish Transport Agency's regulations and general advice on marking objects that may pose a
danger to aviation and on flight obstacle notification
9
The Swedish Transport Agency's regulations and general guidelines on marking at sea with maritime
safety devices
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place in consultation with the relevant authorities based on the wind farm's
final design.
4.2 Connecting cables
Connecting cables are laid to connect substations to the landfall point. The
company currently assesses that the connecting cables consist of cable
connections with high-voltage alternating current (HVAC10) or high-voltage
direct current (HVDC11) with a voltage level of up to 525 kV, and that one to
four cable connections will be installed. The cable connections are
estimated to have a diameter of 15–30 cm and the maximum length of each
cable joint is estimated to be about 25 km. Other dimensions and lengths
may also be relevant.
The company is investigating several alternative landings with associated
export cable corridors for the export cables. The export cable corridors are
about 1 km wide to be able to take into account factors such as bottom
conditions, protected areas, natural values and any presence of wrecks,
dumped ammunition or waste. The cable connections are mainly placed in
parallel, either in a cable trench, in cable protection pipes, or directly on the
seabed. The cable joints can either be grouped or separated with an
internal distance of up to approx. 250 m. Deviations from the internal
distance can occur under sensitive or technically complicated conditions.
The final design and voltage level of the connecting cables depends on the
power of the wind farm, the choice of substations, whether the transmission
is by high-voltage direct current or high-voltage alternating current, the
transmission capacity and number of the cable joints, and the distance to
and voltage level at the connection point. The final choice of landing gear
with associated export cable corridor depends on factors such as
connection point, bottom conditions, natural values and conditions for
landings. The final location of the connecting cables will be recorded on
nautical charts and marked with signage where the cable connections go
ashore.
4.3 Landfall point
At the landfall point, the cable assemblies will be brought ashore and, at
one or more jointing locations, transition to either underground cables or
overhead lines leading to the onshore connection point. Landinfra is
10
High voltage alternating current
11
High voltage direct current / High voltage direct current
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investigating several alternative landfall points for the export cables, which
will be investigated further in the process.
The landfall points consist of areas that extend 100 m up on land from the
shoreline and are at the investigation stage the same width as the export
cable corridor at each landfall point.
The company currently estimates that each joint point requires an area of
approximately 10 x 20 m, and that up to four joint points may be
constructed. The splice points consist either of a temporary splice pit in
which cable connections are made underground, or in a smaller switching
station. The number of splice points is the same as the number of cable
joints pulled up on land, and splicing can take place in common or in
separate splice pits.
4.4 Phases of the operation
This section describes the construction, operational and decommissioning
phases of the planned operations. The different phases will be described in
more detail in a technical description that will be attached to the upcoming
permit application.
4.4.1 Construction phase
The construction phase includes preparatory work for the construction of
the wind farm as well as construction work and installation of all parts of the
wind farm. Installation of the wind farm is mainly continuous, and several
different types of construction work may occur simultaneously in the
operating area12. Construction work is ongoing around the clock during the
construction phase, with a break in severe weather conditions. The
company estimates that the construction of the wind farm will last for about
two years.
Before the installation work begins, preparatory work such as dredging and
levelling of the seabed may be necessary.
Installation will then begin with the construction of foundations and erosion
protection, internal cable networks, connecting cables, landholds, splices
and land-based electricity grid infrastructure. After that, wind turbines and
substations will be installed. A general method for installing the wind farm is
described below, but other methods may also be relevant.
12
The area of activity is the area that finally becomes relevant and within which permission to carry out
the activity is obtained.
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Preparatory work
Prior to detailed design and construction, detailed investigations are carried
out to obtain information about marine geological conditions on and under
the seabed prior to the design and optimisation of the wind farm. In 2023,
the company applied for an exploration permit under the Continental Shelf
Act for these explorations.
Met masts, LiDAR and, if necessary, other measuring equipment are
installed to confirm site-specific conditions regarding wind and sea
conditions prior to the procurement and design of wind turbines and other
plant parts.
Installation of foundations
Installation methods for the foundations largely depend on which foundation
alternative is finally relevant for the project. The foundations are transported
from the installation port or manufacturing site to the wind farm by either
installation vessel, barge or by towing.
Monopile and jacket foundations are positioned with a floating crane or
installation vessel and then anchored to the seabed by piling, drilling or
flushing. The methods for the foundations are similar except that the jacket
foundations are anchored with several smaller pin-piles instead of the
monopile foundation where the foundation itself is driven into the seabed.
The installation vessels often have jack-up legs13 or dynamic positioning
systems and are equipped with installation equipment such as drilling
equipment or piling hammers. If piling is used as an installation method,
this can lead to high and impulsive noise levels, which is why sound-
absorbing protective measures such as bubble blinds may be relevant.
Gravity foundations are transported to the installation site on barges,
installation vessels or by towing. The foundation is positioned with the help
of tugboats or cranes and lowered to the seabed by filling the structure with
water. When the foundation has been stabilised on the seabed by its own
weight, the foundation is filled with gravel, sand, stone or pellets, for
example. Erosion protection is then installed around the base of the
foundation with the help of an excavator on a ship or barge.
Installation of internal cable networks and export cables
Internal cable networks and connecting cables are installed on the seabed
from a cable installation vessel. How the installation takes place depends
13 Adjustable legs used to hold a platform above the surface during underwater work
regardless of wave conditions.
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on, among other things, the bottom conditions and the degree to which the
cables need to be protected. At the soft bottom, the cables are placed
about 1–3 m down into the bottom sediment by ploughing, digging or
flushing. In the case of a hard bottom, the cables are placed directly on the
seabed and covered with the necessary cable protection, see section
4.1.3 .
As far as possible, crossovers between new cables and existing cables and
pipelines are avoided. If crossing becomes necessary, this will be done with
regard to existing cables and pipelines after contact with the cable owner.
Existing cables and pipelines can be protected if necessary by covering
them with concrete mats and stone, on which the new cables are then
placed.
Construction of landings
The connecting cables are pulled up on land at the landfall point and routed
to the splice point. Methods for pulling the export cables up on land can be
through an open shaft, trenchless method or a combination of these. Other
methods may also be relevant.
In the case of an open shaft, a cable trench is dug from the sea to the point
of joint. The cable trench in the water is estimated to be 1–2 m deep and
have a width at the bottom of about 1–2 m. The cable trench is kept open
until the cable connections or protective pipes have been laid, and then
covered.
The trenchless method is usually carried out with so-called guided
horizontal drilling (HDD14), which requires a work surface with space for
drilling equipment on land. The size of the work area is estimated to be
about 50 by 50 m. Guided drilling at landfall involves less physical
intervention in the coastal marine environment compared to open shaft, but
instead a greater intervention on land as the need for a working surface is
greater than with an open shaft. Guided drilling requires more
homogeneous ground conditions and has limitations in the length of the
desired drilling.
Installation of substations and wind turbines
Substations are often transported directly from the manufacturing site on a
barge or installation vessel. With a floating crane or installation vessel, the
14
Horizontal Directional Drilling.
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substations are lifted up and mounted on the foundation. These lifts are
often the largest and heaviest performed when installing a wind farm.
The wind turbines are usually transported from the installation port, where
the pre-assembly of the tower, engine house and rotor blades takes place,
on a special vessel intended for the installation of wind turbines. These
vessels have jack-up legs or dynamic positioning systems to enable the
vessel to be completely still during the installation phases. First, the tower
is lifted into place and mounted on the foundation, then the machine house
is lifted and assembled, and finally the rotor blades are installed. The
installation of the wind turbines may have to be interrupted in case of
severe weather conditions.
Vessel traffic
During the construction phase, intensive vessel traffic will be carried out by
survey vessels, installation vessels, transport vessels, dredgers, barges,
surveillance vessels and personnel transports within and to and from the
operational area. The area of operation will be completely or partially
closed to other vessel traffic during the construction phase. Vessel traffic
will comply with the regulations for maritime safety in force at the time.
When designing the wind farm, the company will take into account the
Swedish Maritime Administration's and the Swedish Transport Agency's
recommendations when planning and establishing offshore wind power
(TSS 2023–2506) as well as guidelines from IALA. The extent of vessel
traffic during the construction phase and the impact of this will be described
in more detail in the upcoming EIA. The company will also analyze and
assess an appropriate safety distance to nearby fairways based on the site-
specific conditions and based on proposed protective measures.
Ports
In the construction phase, an installation port is used for pre-assembly,
transshipment and storage of plant parts. Some plant parts can be
transported directly from the production site to the wind farm.
There are several established ports that are possible to use for the project,
but new ports may also be relevant. The final choice of installation port is
made during the detailed design and depends on factors such as the wind
turbine model and installation company.
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Dredged material handling
When constructing foundations, preparatory bottom work is required, such
as dredging, levelling of the seabed and moving of bottom material to
varying extents, which can generate a surplus of masses.
Different options for handling the dredged masses will be investigated and
assessed within the framework of a future EIA. The starting point is to
identify alternatives to limit the scope of mass handling as far as possible.
For example, this could mean that masses are reused within the project for
filling foundations. It may also be necessary to recreate natural bottom
conditions by covering erosion protection with excavated sediments. If it is
not possible to reuse the masses within the project, and if the degree of
contamination of the masses allows it, the company assesses that it may
be possible to dump surplus dredged masses at sea. Such a procedure
requires an exemption from the dumping ban, which is handled either in the
same case as the permit application for the wind farm or in a separate
exemption application.
4.4.2 Operational phase
During the operational phase, the wind farm is continuously monitored
remotely via an operations centre. For regular maintenance of wind
turbines and other plant components, a service port is used for
warehouses, service centres and personnel transport. The service port
needs to be relatively close to the project and the company currently
assesses that several ports in the region, both large and small, can be used
as a service port. During the operational phase, some vessel traffic, mainly
smaller service vessels and personnel transports, will occur within, in the
vicinity and to and from the wind farm.
4.4.3 Decommissioning phase
When the wind farm has reached its expected operating time, the facility
will be decommissioned or extended for life15. Decommissioning normally
takes place in the reverse order compared to the construction phase.
Wind turbines, foundations, substations and any other plant parts above the
seabed are dismantled, recycled and handled in accordance with current
practice and regulatory requirements at the time of decommissioning. The
seabed will be retreated to the required extent after removal of foundations.
Certain elements of the plant, such as internal cable networks, connecting
15
Repowering / Lifetime extension - for example, that the wind turbines and other parts of the wind farm
are completely or partially replaced with new or renovated plant parts in order to extend the service life.
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cables, erosion protection and subsea foundation structures, may be left
under the seabed if the environmental impact is considered to be less than
if they were removed. Decisions on which plant parts are removed or
remain are made at the time of decommissioning together with the
supervisory authority.
4.5 Preliminary timetable
Before the wind farm can be constructed, several different permits are
required, which are processed by authorities, courts and the government.
The company currently estimates that the permit process and
environmental assessment for the wind power project may take two to three
years. Detailed design and procurement are estimated to take two to three
years after the necessary permits have been obtained. The construction
phase is thus expected to begin in 2028–2029 and is expected to last for
about two years.
Landinfra currently estimates that the wind farm's expected operating time
is about 35 years. As a result of technological developments, the operating
time may be longer. The decommissioning phase is estimated to be about
two years from the time the wind farm has been taken out of operation.
The schedule for detailed design, procurement and construction of the wind
farm is highly dependent on the schedule for connection to the transmission
grid.
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5 Conditions for the area
The report on the area's conditions includes all relevant interests within 10
km of the project area and within 500 m of the export cable corridors.
5.1 Planning conditions and objectives
5.1.1 Maritime spatial plans
All EU coastal countries are responsible for their own country's maritime
spatial planning. In Sweden, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water
Management is responsible for producing proposals for maritime spatial
plans, and the government makes decisions. The Swedish maritime spatial
plans cover the territorial sea and the EEZ for the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic
Sea and the North Sea. The maritime spatial plans describe the appropriate
use of marine areas. The purpose of the maritime spatial plans is to
contribute to long-term sustainable development and serves as a guide in
planning and assessment.
The study area is located in the maritime spatial plan area Baltic Sea. It is
described in the maritime spatial plan as an area with high conservation
values, which affects the future establishment of operationes such as wind
power. The maritime spatial plan also describes that the Baltic Sea has
extensive interests in total defence. According to the maritime spatial plan,
the conditions for various activities are good, but the environment needs to
be improved in order to achieve good environmental status, which can be
made more difficult by the establishment of activities such as wind power
and sand extraction. (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2022)
More specifically, the project area is located in the sea area Central Baltic
Sea. The current maritime spatial plan highlights the conditions for energy
extraction in the Central Baltic Sea as good, but the plan does not identify
any specific areas. (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2022)
The largest part of the project area is located within an area of use that has
been designated as an area for general use in the current maritime spatial
plan (G, ID Ö232). General use areas are described as areas where no
particular use takes precedence. The area in question also includes a
project area for shipping and an area for commercial fishing.
The western corner of the project area overlaps with an additional area of
general use (ID Ö236) where special consideration is to be given to high
conservation values for the reef environment and seabirds. The project
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area also partly overlaps with areas for commercial fishing in the west and
in the east. (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2022)
North of the project area there is an area designated for defence interests
(ID Ö239). See (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2022)Figure 4 for a plan
map from current maritime spatial plans.
On 16 May 2024, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management
published a review version of the proposal for amended maritime spatial
plans. The purpose of the update is to enable increased electricity
production. In the review proposal, the central parts of the project area
constitute an area designated as a project area for energy extraction. The
proposal also states that the area requires more investigation into issues
linked to waterfowl. The western parts are in a general use area with
special consideration for natural values and the rest are in general use. See
(Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2024a) Figure 4 for a plan map from the
review proposal to the amended maritime spatial plan.
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Figure 4. Existing maritime spatial plan for the Baltic Sea to the left. Proposal for an
updated maritime spatial plan to the right (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2022) (Havs- och
vattenmyndigheten, 2024a). Commercial fishing (yrkesfiske), shipping (sjöfart), investigation
area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and the Swedish
territorial limit (territorialgräns).
5.1.2 Municipal plans
The current comprehensive plan for Region Gotland was adopted on 14th of
June 2010. The project area is located in an area that is not classified in the
comprehensive plan but was adopted on the 14th of June 2010. The project
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area is located in an area that does not have a classification in the overview
with designation Plan but as Is in connection with a area Kommenterad [JT1]: YOKE
Area in the sea for wind farms Area type 8. The current comprehensive
plan applies until 2025 when a new plan is to be adopted. In the review
proposal for (Region Gotland, 2010) Comprehensive Plan Gotland 2040
overlaps the project area with an area with a development direction energy
production. (Region Gotland, 2024a)
5.1.3 Environmental objectives
National objectives
Sweden has 16 overarching national environmental quality objectives that
have been decided by the Swedish Parliament. The environmental
objectives describe the characteristics that our nature and cultural
environment must have in order for social development to be ecologically
sustainable. The overall goal is to be able to hand over to the next
generation a society where the major environmental problems have been
solved.
For this wind power project, the following national environmental objectives
have been deemed particularly relevant:
- Goal 1, Reduced climate impact.
- Goal 10, Sea in balance and lived coast and archipelago.
- Goal 16, A rich flora and fauna.
Municipal goals
Region Gotland has decided on priorities and goals that will apply to the
entire region from 2024. The following should be prioritised
- Urgent energy and climate transition,
- Sustainable growth.
The region also aims to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by an average
of 15% per year over the period 2024-2027. (Region Gotland, 2024b)
5.2 National interests and protected areas
National interests are geographical areas that have been designated as
containing nationally important values and qualities. Designated values in
an area of national interest must not be significantly damaged, and special
consideration must be shown in permit assessments.
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In Chapter 3. MB the national interests that are identified as a result of their
particular land use interest are described. These areas are designated by
the responsible national authorities. Larger areas that are of national
interest in their entirety are specified in Chapter 4. MB.
The national interests concerned are described in section 5.2.1 - 5.2.6 ,
Natura 2000 sites are described in section 5.2.7 and nature reserves in
sections 5.2.8 .
All landfall points may be covered by the shore protection provisions in
Chapter 7. 14 § MB. Nor can it be ruled out that landings may affect areas
covered by the general biotope protection, also designated according to
Chapter 7. MB.
The entire coast of Gotland is also a nature conservation area16 .
5.2.1 National interest in commercial fishing
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management points out
national interests for commercial fishing according to Chapter 3. 5 § MB.
National interest in commercial fishing shall work to ensure the fisheries
sector's access to fishing areas, secure important spawning and nursery
areas for significant species, and necessary infrastructure in the form of
ports. (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2024b)
The project area overlaps in the east with the national interest
Salvorev/Midsjöbank RI YF 7 (previously 38-39). The national interest is
extensive and extends from 40 km northeast to 120 km southeast of
Gotland. The national interest is a fishing area for sprat, herring, cod and
turbot. (Fiskeriverket, 2006) (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2019)
West of the project are, the project area itself and all the export cable
corridors overlap with the national interest Gotland ost RI YF 72 (previously
36). The area stretches along the entire east coast of Gotland and is a
fishing area for turbot, cod, herring and sprat. (Havs- och
vattenmyndigheten, 2019) (Fiskeriverket, 2006)
For an overview of national interests for commercial fishing, see Figure
figu5.
16
The form of protection of nature conservation areas was introduced in the Nature Conservation Act in
1974 but was discontinued with the introduction of the Environmental Code. The areas established
before the introduction of the Environmental Code shall be considered nature reserves in their
application, with certain differences.
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Figure figu5. National interest areas of commercial fishing. Commercial fishing (yrkesfiske),
investigation area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and the
Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
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5.2.2 National interest outdoor recreation, nature and
cultural environment conservation
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency points out national interests
for outdoor recreation and nature conservation according to Chapter 3. 6 §
MB. The national interests for outdoor recreation must have good
conditions for people's stay and experiences in natural and cultural
landscapes. National interests for nature conservation represent the main
features of Swedish nature and are the most valuable areas from a national
perspective. The Swedish National Heritage Board decides on national
interests for the preservation of the cultural environment in accordance with
Chapter 3. 6 § MB. Examples of interests that are pointed out are industrial
environments, city centres, older industrial landscapes and post-war
buildings. (Naturvårdsverket, 2005) (Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2012)
For an overview of the relevant areas of national interest for outdoor
recreation, nature and cultural conservation, see Figure 6.
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Figure 6. National interests for outdoor recreation (friluftsliv), nature conservation (naturvård)
and cultural environment conservation (kulturmiljövård). Investigation area
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(utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and the Swedish
territorial limit (territorialgräns).
National interest in outdoor recreation
Most of Gotland's coast is covered by various national interests for outdoor
recreation, but no such national interest overlaps with the project area.
Export cable corridor 1 overlaps with Northeast Gotland's coast and
archipelago. The area is described in the value description as an area of
varied character with great opportunities for enriching experiences in terms
of both natural and cultural values. The area is also well suited for outdoor
activities. (Naturvårdsverket, 2018a)
Export cable corridors 2A, 2B and 3 overlap with The Gotland coast. The
area is described in the value description as untouched and varied nature,
with rich and varied flora and fauna. The area has very good opportunities
for a varied outdoor life and is very suitable for hiking, walking and walking,
canoeing and recreational fishing (Naturvårdsverket, 2018b)
Export cable corridor 4 overlaps with Östergarnslandet (part of). The value
description emphasizes the area's distinctive landscape with great natural,
cultural and beauty values. The area is attractive for outdoor recreation
mainly thanks to its cliffs and mountains, its unexploited coastline and the
sandy beaches within the area (Naturvårdsverket, 2018c).
National interest Östergarnsholm, about 7 km southwest of the project
area, is, according to the value description, one of Gotland's most
distinctive agricultural landscapes, which has been used as pasture for a
very long time. The area is mainly used for hiking and nature
experiences.(Naturvårdsverket, 2018d)
National interest Fårö, about 7 km northwest of the project area, has a
natural environment that has largely remained unchanged for a long time
with free-roaming sheep. The area is attractive for outdoor recreation
mainly because of very high natural and cultural values.(Naturvårdsverket,
2018e)
Nature conservation of national interest
The project area does not overlap with any national interests for nature
conservation.
Export cable corridor 1 overlaps with Northeast Gotland's cliffs and the
northern sub-area of the sea stacks (consists of five sub-areas). The
project area is located 8–9 km away from the two southern sub-areas. The
area is described as having great geoscientific interest, interesting flora and
well-visited sea stacks. (Naturvårdsverket, 1999a)
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Export cable corridor 2A overlaps with Gotehem hammar which is
described as a cliff coast with rich fossil deposits with well-developed
shingle embankments. (Naturvårdsverket, 1999b)
Export cable corridors 2B and 3 overlap with Botvaldevik-Bendes. The area
is described as a large contiguous area of shoreland. The area is of
national interest from both an ornithological and botanical point of view.
(Naturvårdsverket, 1999c)
Export cable corridor 4 overlaps with Snabben-Ljugarn which is described
as a coastline that is largely occupied by low coastal cliffs with numerous
bedrock exposures. The area has erosion forms such as sea pots, sea
stacks and overhangs.(Naturvårdsverket, 1999d)
The project area is located in close proximity to a number of the 17 islands
that are part of the Northern Gotland's islands. The closest is the project
area at a distance of about 5 km. The islands are spread between the
southeastern mouth of Fårösund and Slite and form Gotland's most
distinctive archipelago nature. The islands have different values, including
wetland complexes and wetlands as well as ornithological
values.(Naturvårdsverket, 1999d)
About 6 km southwest of the project area is one of two sub-areas that are
included in the Bästeträsk and surroundings, A natural area that partly has
a wilderness character. In the area there are a large number of wetlands
with high values.(Naturvårdsverket, 1999d)
Södra Fårö, 7 km northwest of the project area is described as a distinct
grazing landscape with long continuity that houses very high conservation
values.(Naturvårdsverket, 1999e)
Östergarnsholm, 7 km southwest of the project area, is described above
under the heading of outdoor recreation, but is also of national interest for
nature conservation.
Cultural heritage conservation of national interest
The project area does not overlap with any national interests for cultural
environment conservation.
Export cable corridor 4 overlaps with Östergarn which is a coastal
agricultural landscape with prehistoric farming and settlement continuity
since the Bronze Age (Farm environment). Export cable corridor 4 also
overlaps with an industrial environment with strong links to the limestone
industry and Gotland's only stately manor house Katthamra gård (Mill
environment). (Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2012)
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Verkegards-Dämba, 7 km northwest of the project area consists of
agricultural landscapes with prehistoric farming and settlement continuity
with small-scale, partly undivided farm environments, interspersed in
grazed heathlands (Pre-industrial production environment).
(Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2012)
Kyllaj-Lörje, 9 km west of the project area consists of lime industrial
environments from the 1600s to the 1900s that reflect the technical
development of lime production (Industrial environment, Farm environment,
Cognitive environment). At a similar distance there is also St. Olofsholm
with a traditional landscape and an industrial environment with Gotland's
oldest lime industry with production from the early 1600s.
(Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2012)(Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2012)
5.2.3 Communications of national interest
The Swedish Transport Administration points out national interests for
communication according to Chapter 3. 8 § MB. This refers to facilities that
constitute national interests for communications in the fields of rail, road,
shipping and aviation. (Trafikverket, 2024)
The project area and the export cable corridors overlap with several public
fairways and maritime traffic routes, for summary see Table 2 and Figure 7.
In addition to the maritime related interests, certain parts of the MSA
overlap17-area for scheduled flights Visby Airport (TM0030) see Figure 7 .
Table 2. A summary of the national interests for communication existing waterways that
coincide with the project area or export cable corridors.
Name Type Fairway Plant parts
number
Salvorev - Slite Maritime traffic 81 Project area, export
routes cable corridor 1
Ölands södra Maritime traffic 28 The project area,
udde - Finska routes Export cable corridor
viken 2B-4
Inloppet till Slite Public fairway 382 Export cable corridor 2A
Inloppet till Public fairway 386 Export cable corridor 1
Fårösund (Södra
gattet)
17
Minimum Sector Altitude: areas within which obstacles may affect flight procedures to and from an
aerodrome covers an area with a radius of 55 km starting from the aerodrome's landing aids.
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Figure 7. National interests for communication. Shipping (sjöfart), aviation (flygplats),
investigation area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and the
Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
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5.2.4 National interest in the military part of total defence
The Armed Forces identify areas that are of national interest for the total
defence in accordance with Chapter 3. 9 § MB. The total defence refers to
all authorities that are part of Sweden's territorial defence that are
responsible for meeting and remedying the dangers that arise when the
nation is faced with threats. (Försvarsmakten, 2023)
Directly adjacent to the northeastern border of the project area is Sankt
Olof (TM0314), designated as a national interest for a naval exercise area.
The southwestern boundary of the project area and export cable corridors 2
A-B, 3 and 4 A-B are located within the impact area of the weather radar
Ase (TM0091).
The project area and all export cable corridors are located within the MSA
area for Visby Airport (TM0030), which has been identified as of national
interest both for communication (as mentioned in section 5.2.3 ) and for the
total defence.
The area around the landing point 4A and B constitutes the impact area in
the rest of Gotland (TM0517). These are areas of national interest or areas
of importance for the military part of total defence. Information about the
exact location of the national interest or area of importance is covered by
confidentiality, so no further information is available.
For an overview of national interests for the military part of total defence,
see Figure 8.
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Figure 8. National interests for the military as a part of the total defence (totalförsvar).
Investigation area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and
the Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
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5.2.5 National interest in active outdoor recreation
National interests for active outdoor recreation consist of large areas in
which the interests of tourism and outdoor recreation, primarily active
outdoor recreation, are particularly taken into account when assessing the
admissibility of development companies or other interventions in the
environment. All areas are listed in Chapter 4. 2 § MB.
The project area and all export cable corridors are entirely within the
national interest for active outdoor recreation Gotland.
5.2.6 National interest highly exploited coast
Areas that are covered by national interest for the Highly Exploited Coast
are coastal areas that are in their entirety of national interest and must be
protected from further exploitation. The areas, which in most cases are
large, have been singled out with reference to great natural and cultural
values. The areas are listed in Chapter 4. Sections 3–4 MB.
(Naturvårdsverket, 2023)
The entire coast of Gotland is covered by the national interest according to
Chapter 4, Section 4, which means that all landfall points and export cable
corridors overlap with the national interest.
5.2.7 Natura 2000 sites
Natura 2000 is a network of valuable natural areas with species or habitat
types that are considered particularly worthy of protection in a European
perspective. It is prohibited to carry out activities or take measures that are
likely to have a significant effect on the environment of Natura 2000 sites
without a permit. Neither the project area nor any of the alternative export
cable corridors are located within any Natura-2000 area.
Below are two Natura 2000 areas that are located within the geographical
delimitation of 10 km from the project area and 500 m from export cable
corridors, as well as two additional Natura 2000 areas, which have been
assessed as being relevant with reference to the fact that they are
designated under the Birds Directive, which is why the impact on these is
deemed to need to be investigated. There are a couple of other smaller
Natura 2000 areas north of the project area that are within 10 km, but they
are not considered to be affected as they are not designated according to
the Birds Directive and are entirely land-based.
The four Natura 2000 areas described in more detail below; Ryssnäs
(SE0340155), Skenholmen (SE0340127), Asunden (SE0340154) and
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Uppstaig (SE0810519), are designated under both the Birds Directive and
the Species and Habitats Directive. Featured areas are highlighted in the
Figure 9.
Figure 9. Natura 2000 areas, nature reserves (naturreservat), animal and plant protection
areas (djur- och växtskyddsområde) and nature conservation areas (naturvårdsområde).
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Investigation area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and
the Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
Ryssnäs
Natura 2000 site Ryssnäs is a headland that is closest to about 7 km
northwest of the project area. Ryssnäs is a grazing coastal landscape with
wetlands and pastures close to the sea that offers habitats for many
species and has great conservation value. The area's rich bird life and old
pine forests carry important ecological functions. The conservation plan
identifies habitat types and species that are to be preserved in the area,
see Table 3 habitat types and Table 6 for bird species. The southernmost
tip of the area is a bird protection area with access prohibited between 15th
of March to 15th of July.
Ryssnäs is also designated as a national interest for nature conservation
and outdoor recreation, according to Chapter 3, Section 6 of the MB. Since
2009, the Ryssnäs also is a nature reserve. (Länsstyrelsen Gotlands län,
2016)
Table 3. Habitat types in the Ryssnäs Natura 2000 area according to the Species and
Habitats Directive.
Code Habitat type
1220 Stone and gravel embankments
6210 Limestone grasslands
6280 Alvar
6410 Wetlands
7120 Damaged raised bogs
7210 Agkärr
9010 Taiga
9070 Wooded pasture
Table 4. Bird species in the Ryssnäs Natura 2000 area according to the Birds Directive.
Code Bird species
A127 Common Crane Grus Grus
A193 Common tern Sterna hirumdo
A194 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
A195 Little tern Sternula albifrons
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A236 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martinus
A246 Woodlark Lullula arborea
A338 Red backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Skenholmen
Skenholmen is an island located about 7 km west of the northernmost part
of the project area. The area consists of flat coastal meadows and is an
important environment and nesting site for several bird species. During the
period of 15th of March to 15th of July, access is prohibited on the whole of
Skenholmen. In Table 5 identified habitat types and in Table 6 bird species
to be preserved in the area. (Länsstyrelsen Gotlands län, 2018)
Table 5. Habitat types in the Skenhomen Natura 2000 area according to the Species and
Habitats Directive.
Code Habitat type
1210 Operating Fields
1220 Stone and gravel embankments
1630 Coastal meadows by the Baltic Sea
6210 Limestone grasslands
6410 Wetlands
Table 6. Bird species in the Skenholmen Natura 2000 area according to the Birds Directive.
Code Bird species
A045 Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis
A132 Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
A140 European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
A151 Ruff Calidris pugnax
A190 Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia
A191 Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
A193 Common tern Sterna hirumdo
A194 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
A195 Little tern Sternula albifrons
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Asunden
Asunden is an island in the Slite archipelago located 12 km west of the
project area. The island consists of coastal wetlands that offer habitats for
many species. The open, wetland-rich landscape is particularly valuable as
a resting place and nesting place for birds. See Table 7 for designated
habitat types and Table 8 bird species to be preserved in the area.
Asunden is also designated as a national interest for nature conservation,
according to Chapter 3. 6 § MB.(Länsstyrelsen Gotland, 2015)
Table 7. Habitat types in Asunden's Natura 2000 area according to the Species and Habitats
Directive.
Code Habitat type
1210 Operating Fields
1220 Stone and gravel embankments
1230 Vegetation-clad sea cliffs
1630 Coastal meadows by the Baltic Sea
6210 Limestone grasslands
6410 Wetlands
8210 Limestone slopes
Table 8. Bird species in Asunden's Natura 2000 area according to the Birds Directive.
Code Bird species
A045 Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis
A132 Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
A151 Ruff Calidris pugnax
A190 Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia
A191 Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
A193 Common tern Sterna hirumdo
A194 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
A195 Little tern Sternula albifrons
A466 Baltic Dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii
Uppstaig
Natura 2000 site Uppstaig is a 1.9 km2 forest area on Gotland, located 17
km southwest of the project area. The untouched forest in Uppstaig has
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developed into a natural forest with thick trees and plenty of dead wood. A
great deal of biodiversity has Uppstaig from a variation in the age and
moisture of the trees. These conditions create good conditions for many
organisms, including wood-dwelling insects, mosses, fungi and primeval
forest birds. See Table 9 for designated habitat types and Table 10 for
species, which are to be preserved in the area.
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Table 9. Habitat types in the Uppstaig Natura 2000 area according to the Species and
Habitats Directive.
Code Habitat type
3260 Smaller watercourses
6210 Limestone grasslands
6280 Alvar
6410 Wetlands
7210 Sedge fens
7230 Rich fens
9010 Taiga
Table 10. Bird species in the Uppstaig Natura 2000 area according to the Birds Directive.
Code Bird species
A223 Boreal owl Aegolius funereus
A236 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius
5.2.8 Nature reserve
Along the eastern coast of Gotland there are several areas that have been
designated as nature reserves. The largest area is Slite archipelago, see
marked nature reserve outside Slite in Figure 9
Nature reserve Slite archipelago is a protected landscape and marine area,
located on the northeastern coast of Gotland, about 12 km from the project
area. According to the (Naturkartan, u.d.)2 land and 50 km2 of water. The
reserve includes about ten islands, including: Asunden and Furilden. These
islands are characterized by long grazing traditions, which contributes to
biodiversity.
The Slite archipelago is Gotland's only area with an archipelago character
and has high natural values both in the water and on land. The area is an
accessible but relatively untouched area with low buildings and great value
for outdoor life. There is a rich bird life, many cultural remains and typical
geological formations such as sea stacks and beach walls. Below the
surface of the water there is a great variety of eelgrass meadows,
bladderwrack belts and mussel banks. The nature reserve also contains
several flat coastal meadows where many birds lay their eggs.
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In addition to this area, there are a few other nature reserves within 10 km
of the project area or 500 m from the export cable corridors. These are
reported in Figure 9 and in Table 11 where the nature reserves are listed
from north to south.
Table 11. Nature reserves within 10 km of the project area and/or within 500 m of the export
cable corridors.
Area: Character: Area (km2)
Ryssnäs Mosaic 2,12
Bungenäs Old coniferous forest and beach meadow 0,56
Furliden Coastal meadow 1,31
Gadgets Swamp forest 0,31
Storsund Lake 1,18
Groggarnsberget Pebble beach, alvar land and steep cliffs. 2,53
5.3 Environmental quality standards
Environmental quality standards (EQS) are a legal instrument with the aim
of protecting human health or the environment in the long term. Today,
there are environmental quality standards for noise, fish and mussel water,
air, marine environment, and surface and groundwater. For the current
project, the standards for surface water and the marine environment are
most relevant. When assessing the impacts of the construction phase, it
may also be relevant to calculate the impact in relation to the EQS for noise
and air quality.
The EQS for water relevant to Slite Vindkraftspark are covered by the
Water Management Ordinance (2004:660) and the Marine Environment
Ordinance (2010:1341).
5.3.1 Water management
According to the Water Management Ordinance (2004:660) and the work
on water management, coastal waters are divided into water bodies. EQS
indicate the environmental quality to be achieved or prevail. In water
management, good ecological status and good chemical status must
normally be achieved in the water bodies by 2027 at the latest. In some
cases, the water authorities have decided on exemptions with less stringent
requirements or deadlines.
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The project area lies within the water body Part of the Gotland Sea's
offshore waters and the export cable corridors concern four water bodies,
all water bodies are reported in Table 12.
Not all water bodies achieve good chemical status, as they exceed limit
values for brominated diethyl ether and mercury and mercury compounds,
which they have in common with all Swedish water bodies. Both
brominated diphenyl ether and mercury and mercury compounds are
derived from diffuse sources by atmospheric deposition. All water bodies
concerned have a moderate ecological status in terms of nutrients and/or
biological quality factors linked to eutrophication.
Table 12. Summary of water bodies with associated chemical and ecological status, EQS
and comments on impact.
Name and EQS Status Influence
ID
Not achieving
Del av Ö good chemical
Gotlandshave Offshore status Exceeds brominated diethyl
ts utsjövatten water, lacks ether as well as mercury
Achieves good
SE573224- EQS status without and mercury compounds.
190746 overarching
topics
Fårö sö Good
Nutrients and/or biological
Kustvatten ecological Moderate
quality factors linked to
status by ecological status
WA78152661 eutrophication.
2039
Ö Gotlands n Good
kustvatten Moderate Biological quality factors for
ecological
ecological status eutrophication.
WA87715877 status 2027
Ö Gotlands m Good
kustvatten Moderate Biological quality factors
ecological
ecological status linked to eutrophication
WA35955800 status 2027
Ö Gotlands m Good
Nutrients and/or biological
kustvatten ecological Moderate
quality factors linked to
status by ecological status
WA59098932 eutrophication.
2039
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Figure 10. Water bodies adjacent to the project area (utredningsområde), export cable
corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and the Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
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5.3.2 Marine environment management
In the marine environment administration (Marine Environment Ordinance
2010:1341), different geographical divisions are used as so-called
assessment areas. In marine environmental management, good
environmental status is sought. In order to achieve good environmental
status, eleven Swedish EIAs, each of which is followed up via an indicator,
have been established. These environmental quality standards are policy
instruments that are intended to ensure that good environmental status is
maintained or achieved.
The project area is located within the Marine Environment Administration's
area no. 10 Öland's and Gotland's coastal waters and the Ö Gotland Sea's
offshore waters.
5.4 Depth and seabed conditions
5.4.1 Oceanography
The project area is located within the Central Baltic Sea, the part of the
Baltic Sea that stretches from the southern Sea of Åland to the Danish
straits. The average depth in the Central Baltic Sea is about 55 m, but
around Gotland there are deep holes that are important for the mixing and
oxygenation of the water.
The depth within the project area is between 40–80 m, and it is shallower in
the western parts of the project area with a gradually greater depth towards
the eastern parts of the area. The seabed conditions are somewhat more
complex with a higher degree of variation in the southwest around
Östergarnsholm.
The salinity of the Baltic Sea varies from north to south and between
surface and seabed waters. In the southwestern Central Baltic Sea, salinity
varies with changing conditions over the year. In the central parts, the
salinity is low; 6–8 per thousand in surface water and 11–14 per thousand
in seabed water. The change in salinity and oxygenation of the water in the
Central Baltic Sea is dependent on new salt water pouring in over the
shallow thresholds of the Danish Straits. When saline oxygen-rich seabed
water is pushed in, the deep holes of the Central Baltic Sea are
oxygenated, but since there is a difference in salinity between surface and
deep water, this leads to a stable salinity leap layer (halocline) between the
water masses at a depth of about 40 metres in the southern Central Baltic
Sea and about 80 metres deep in the northern Central Baltic Sea. The
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halocline counteracts vertical mixing of the water masses, which can lead
to anoxic seabed conditions.
During the summer months, a temperature leap layer (thermocline) is
usually formed that separates warm surface water from colder seabed
water, which can counteract the mixing even further.
The Baltic Sea is the recipient of a very extensive surrounding catchment
area. In Sweden, the large rivers contribute with a large inflow and the fresh
surface water forms a slow coastal current along the Swedish coast.
Further out to sea, the currents are more irregular because they are largely
driven by prevailing winds and fluctuations in water levels.
5.4.2 Seabed substrate and sediment dynamics
In data available on marine sediments in the Baltic Sea, which are partly
based on data from SGU, marine sediments in the Baltic Sea are classified
into five classes:
1. Bedrock
2. Complex hard seabed (single hard surfaces, coarse sand,
blocks)
3. Sand
4. Hard clay
5. Mud
The documentation compiled in Figure 11 shows that the seabed substrate
in the project area is mainly expected to consist of a mixture of the classes
hard clay and muddy clay. There are significant areas classified as sand
and a smaller contiguous area classified as complex hard seabed. Within
the project area, the occurrence of exposed rock is considered to be very
rare.
Within the export cable corridors, the seabed substrate is expected to be
similar, but slightly more complex hard seabed is found within export cable
corridor 1 in the north.
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Figure 11. Overview surface sediments. Bedrock (berggrund), Complex hard seabed (hård
botten, komplex), Sand, Hard clay (hård lera), Mud (gyttja). Data: (Al-Hamdani & Reker,
2007). Investigation area (utredningsområde).
In coastal areas, there is continuous erosion, transport and accumulation,
especially of sand. The process is mainly driven by wind and wave-induced
currents. Fine particles in silt and clay fractions as well as organic matter
are transported further out into the sea and deposited in environments that
allow accumulation. Within these areas, there may be mighty layers of
postglacial clay and recent deposits. Deposition of post-glacial fines is a
good indicator that conditions are continuously accumulating.
The surface geological interpretation shown in the Figure 11 shows the
presence of sand closest to the coast, which may indicate a continuous
coastal erosion with transport and deposition regulated by the prevailing
northerly current direction along the east coast of Gotland. There is also
hard seabed with exposed rock and friction material. This may indicate that
the conditions on the seabed are transporting, which means that the energy
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of the water mass does not allow for accumulation. Low accumulation may
also be due to a small amount of suspended matter in the water body.
The seabed conditions with relatively large depths of more than 40 m within
the project area are expected to be mainly accumulative. Deep water flows
relatively slowly and with low energy and therefore has a limited eroding
and transporting power. The relationship between accumulation, transport
and possible erosion in the project area is considered to be largely linked to
variation in depth conditions.
5.4.3 Geology
The bedrock outside Slite consists mainly of limestone, clay shale and
sandstone where limestone is dominant. Available information on the
marine geology indicates that sedimentary rock dominates just northeast of
the project area, with a surface geology consisting mainly of postglacial
clay, mud clay, clay mud and smaller areas of glacial clay. In terms of how
the large-scale marine surface geology is distributed off the northeastern
coast of Gotland, equivalent conditions are expected to prevail within the
project area. The marine geological conditions of the project area will be
investigated in more detail within the framework of the EIA.
5.4.4 Ice extent
During a normal ice winter, the Baltic Sea's all-over ice extends as far south
as to the height of Norrtälje, see Figure 12. During a normal ice winter,
neither the project area nor the export cable corridors are therefore
expected to be under ice cover. During severe ice winters, full ice can
reach the project area. In the last 10 years, the maximum extent has not
reached the project area. (SMHI, 2021) (SMHI, 2024)
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Figure 12. Maximum ice extent in the Baltic Sea (SMHI, 2021). Mild (lindrig), normal
(normal) and severe (svår).
5.4.5 Contaminated sediments
Swedish industrial history has left traces in the form of pollution, soil and
sediment. The chemical industry, pulp industry, sawmills and waste
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management are examples of operationes whose old emissions of
pollutants can be found in the sediments along the nearby coast. However,
it is possible that pollutants have been carried to sites further out from the
coast and deposited in sediments on the accumulation seabed.
(SGU, 2022) SGU has mapped environmental pollutants in coastal and
offshore sediments, as part of the national monitoring program of
environmental toxins in sediments. Positions for sampling in offshore
sediments off the east coast of Gotland are at greater depths than those
within the project area, but may provide an indication of which pollutants
may also be present within the project area. The sampling stations closest
to the project area are located at a depth of 195 m (SE-6) and 173 m depth
(SE-7), see Figure 13.
Figure 13. Sampling points in SGU's monitoring program for environmental toxins, points
SE-6 and SE-7 are adjacent to the project area. (SGU, 2022)
Sediment samples from these sampling points have shown elevated levels
of cadmium, copper and zinc compared to reference values representing
pre-industrial levels.
SGU reports analyses of organic pollutants; PAHs, Tributyltin, DDT, PCBs
and dioxins, in sampling points in the Central Baltic Sea. The
concentrations detected in this study were higher east of Gotland than
between Gotland and the Swedish mainland. (SGU, 2023b)
5.4.6 Ammunition
The eastern part of the project area is partly within an area that has been
classified by the Armed Forces as "Presence of ammunition". The basis
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comes from the Swedish Armed Forces' brochure "Information about
mines, unexploded ordnance and chemical warfare agents". The presence
of ammunition is divided into three classes, Low incidence, Occurrence and
High incidence. The approximate extent of the area can be seen in
(Försvarsmakten, u.d.) Figure 14.
Figure 14. Overview of ammunition in the project area (utredningsområdet). The surface
area is approximate.
5.5 Natural environment
5.5.1 Terrestrial environments
The east coast of Gotland consists of a distinctive natural environment that
is strongly influenced by the sea, weather conditions, and the calcareous
bedrock. Wetlands, sandy beaches and pebbles occur alternately with
herbaceous meadows, deciduous forests and rocky outcrops.
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5.5.2 Benthic animals and plants
Depth within the field of investigation varies between about 40 and 80 m.
The seabeds are dominated by hard clay and mud with smaller sections of
sandy and hard seabeds Figure 11.
Benthic vegetation is considered absent within the investigation area due to
the considerable depth. The benthic fauna community at these depths in
the Baltic Sea is sparse and species-poor. Species found here include the
amphipod Monoporeia affinis, the isopod Saduria entomon, the blue mussel
(Mytilus edulis), the Baltic clam (Macoma balthica), the lagoon cockle
(Cerastoderma glaucum), and various polychaete worms (Polychaeta),
including the invasive Marenzelleria viridis.On hard substrates, mainly
present in smaller and slightly shallower areas within the investigation area,
species such as sponges (Porifera), hydrozoans (Hydrozoa), barnacles
(Balanus spp.), and bryozoans (Bryozoa), including Electra spp., may
occur.
The shallow and coastal seabeds that may be affected in the export cable
corridors are typically vegetated with bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus),
sea lace (Chorda filum), and various filamentous algae. On sandy bottoms
in more sheltered environments, eelgrass (Zostera marina), spiral
tasselweed (Ruppia spiralis) and beaked tasselweed (Ruppia maritima), as
well as various pondweed species (Stuckenia spp. and Potamogeton
perfoliatus), are often found. The benthic fauna in these vegetated seabeds
is richer in both species and individuals. In addition to the species
mentioned above, various types of crustaceans may occur, such as
Gammarus spp., the European mud scud (Corophium volutator), and
insects like Bloodworms (Chironomidae). (SLU artdatabanken, 2024a)
All mentioned species of benthic fauna are classified as viable (LC)
according to the Swedish Species Information Centre's Red List.
5.5.3 Fish
The Baltic Sea is a brackish sea that goes from almost limnic conditions at
the far end of the Gulf of Bothnia to a salinity of 10 per thousand at the
Sound. The salinity in the central parts of the Central Baltic Sea, in which
the study area is located, is 6–8 per thousand for surface water and 11–14
per thousand in the deeper parts. (Havet.nu, u.d.)
The low salinity limits the distribution of marine species, which means that
the number of fish species is lower than in most other sea areas. Around 90
species of fish reproduce in the Baltic Sea and the Belt Sea. A large
proportion of the biomass of fish inhabiting the open water column consists
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of Baltic herring (Clupea harengus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus), three-spined
stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), and also cod (Gadus morhua), of
which all except the stickleback are commercially important species. Black
goby (Gobius niger), the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus),
sand gobies (Pomatoschistus spp.), as well as flounder (Platichthys flesus)
and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), are also commonly found.
There are signs that both the herring population and the body size of the
fish have declined in recent decades. Stocks in the Baltic Sea are close to
the limit of what is viable. In the Baltic Sea, spawning takes place at a
depth of 0–10 m, especially around May-June, but there are also autumn
spawning stands. In the project area, the depth is great and suitable
spawning areas are only considered to be located near landfall
points.(Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2023)
Sprat is generally found throughout the Baltic Sea and lives in large shoals
mainly pelagically near the coast. Sprat is found down to a depth of 150 m,
but usually at a depth of 10–50 m. It dwells at greater depths during the day
and less deep at night. The species spawns along the coast at depths of
10–40 m during March–August. The stocks of herring and sprat are
assessed as viable (LC) according to the Swedish Species Information
Centre's Red List. The western parts of the project area overlap with areas
that have the potential to be a spawning area for sprat, while the eastern
side is most likely to be a spawning area. (SLU Artdatabanken,
2024b)(Helcom, 2021)
Cod (Gadus morhua) resides mainly near the coastal seabed and coastal
seas over the continental shelf. It is often found at a depth of 0 to 600 m,
but usually between 10 and 200 m. In the Baltic Sea, cod mainly spawn
during the summer months, with spawning areas in the Central Baltic Sea
and Belts. Successful reproduction in the Baltic Sea requires oxygen-rich
water and a salinity of at least 11 per thousand, something that does not
occur regularly in the Baltic Sea. Since water with this salinity does not
occur at the relatively small depths in the project area, cod are not
expected to reproduce in connection with the project area. The stocks of
cod are assessed as vulnerable (VU) according to the Swedish Species
Information Centre's Red List, high fishing pressure is currently the greatest
threat to .(SLU Artdatabanken, 2024c)
Three-spined Stickleback live in pelagic shoals during the winter months,
but during spawning during the summer, the individuals spread out along
the coast. The species is small but numerous and has been shown to have
major effects on the ecology of the Baltic Sea.
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5.5.4 Marine mammals
In the Central Baltic Sea, grey seals and harbour porpoises are found.
Other marine mammals are only sporadic visitors. The ringed seal is mainly
found in the northern Baltic Sea and is therefore not described in more
detail in this report.
Porpoise
Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are the most common whale in
Swedish waters. The Swedish harbour porpoises have been divided into
populations based on three areas:
- Skagerrak population: North Sea, Skagerrak, northern Kattegat
- Belt Sea population: Southern Kattegat, Belt Sea
- Baltic Sea population: Inner Baltic Sea
Harbour porpoises that live in the Central Baltic Sea belong to the Baltic
Sea population. The number of reproductive individuals has been estimated
at about 100 and the population is classified as critically endangered (CR)
in the Swedish Red List. The Baltic Sea porpoise moves from east of
Bornholm up to the Stockholm archipelago. Hanö Bay, the area south of
Öland, the Midsjö banks and the Hoburgs bank, as well as the area around
northern Öland, are all very important for the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise.
(SLU Artdatabanken, 2024d)(Carlström & Carlén, 2016)
Parts of the project area are likely to be an important area for the harbour
porpoise's reproduction during February-April when last year's calves stop
suckling. Areas that are likely to be of importance to harbour porpoises are
illustrated Figure 15.
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Figure 15. Important areas for harbour porpoises (tumlare) in Swedish waters (Sveegaard et
al. 2011b, SAMBAH 2016). Management boundaries (dotted lines) for the Belt Sea
population according to Sveegaard et al. (2015) and geographical population division
between the Belt Sea and Baltic Sea populations according to SAMBAH. (Figure taken from
Carlström, J & Carlén, I. 2016). Overlay graphics: Tyréns
According to the Species and Habitats Directive (Council Directive
92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of
wild fauna and flora), the harbour porpoise is a species of Community
interest and it is protected by the Swedish Constitution by Section 4a of the
Species Protection Ordinance (2007:845). This means, for example, that it
is forbidden to deliberately capture, deliberately kill or deliberately disturb
individuals of the specie. Nor may you damage or destroy breeding sites or
resting places.
The harbour porpoise is also listed in Annex II of the Berne Convention for
strict protection and is covered by the International Agreement on Small
Cetas in the Baltic, North-East Atlantic, Irish Sea and North Sea
(ASCOBANS) which is subject to the Bonn Convention. The harbour
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porpoise is also included on OSPAR's list of threatened species and
habitats and on HELCOM's Red List.
Grey seal
Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) is the largest of the Swedish seal species
and is found throughout the Baltic Sea. In Swedish law, grey seals are
covered by the protection in Section 5 of the Species Protection Ordinance
and are listed in Annex 2 of the Species and Habitats Directive and in
Annex III of the Berne Convention.
The grey seal is out at sea most of its life. It is only during the reproductive
period that they are on land. The most important reproduction areas are in
the Bay of Bothnia, the Northern Quark and the Gulf of Finland, but also the
Stockholm archipelago, Åland and Estonia. Seal cubs are born on land in
the Stockholm archipelago, on Åland or in Estonia, but also on the ice in
the Gulf of Bothnia, the Northern Quark or the Gulf of Finland. The period
occurs during February-March when the females give birth to their cubs
and then mating takes place. The female leaves the cub at the end of the
lactation period to go out to sea to replenish her energy supply. In May,
they shed their fur and are also then on land. Today, there are about
30,000 grey seals in the Baltic Sea and the species is categorized as
Viable (LC) in the Swedish Red List. (SLU Artdatabanken, 2024e)
5.5.5 Bird
The Central Baltic Sea and its coasts are home to habitats for a large
number of bird species During spring and summer, seabirds such as loons,
grebes, and gulls nest in coastal areas. Inland-breeding species like eagles
and ospreys may also move toward the coast and sea in search of food.
During spring and autumn, there is extensive migration across the Baltic
Sea between summer and winter settlements. Several seabird species
overwinter in ice-free seas adjacent to shallows and offshore banks.
The Natura 2000 areas closest to the project area are: Ryssnäs and
Skenholmen, both located about 7 km from the project area. Both Natura
2000 areas are also fully or partially bird protection areas with access
prohibited during the breeding season. Protected areas are discussed in
more detail in section 5.2.7 .
Nesting birds
No bird species are considered to breed in the study area, as the
environment consists of open sea. Birds that breed on the coast can forage
in and around the project area. It is likely that birds that eat benthic
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organisms such as mussels are only found to a small extent in the project
area, due to the lack of shallow areas.
Migrating and resting birds
The Central Baltic Sea is part of the migration routes of a large number of
bird species that move between summer and winter. Gotland is an
important resting place, for example for loons, geese, ducks, passerines,
and more. Several of the nature reserves and Natura 2000 areas that are
designated on Gotland are with regard to resting birds, including Asunden,
Skenholmen, and Ryssnäs.
Wintering birds
A large number of birds winter along the coast of Gotland. Offshore banks
and shallows in the Central Baltic Sea are particularly important for long-
tailed ducks, where a high proportion of the global population overwinters.
Other species groups that overwinter along Gotland's coast and use the
sea for foraging include auks, loons, gulls, and terns.
Benthic foraging overwintering diving ducks, such as scoter, common eider,
long-tailed duck, and velvet scoter, typically use the same geographical
areas year after year, primarily shallow areas and offshore banks. This is
because the foraging areas need to have a high density of mussels to meet
the birds' energy requirements. The distribution of fish-eating overwintering
birds can vary to a greater extent, as their food availability is not as closely
linked to seabed conditions.
5.5.6 Bats
In Sweden, there are 19 bat species, of which 18 are reported as observed
on Gotland. All bat species are protected under Section 4 of the Species
Protection Ordinance, and all are listed in Annex 4 of the Habitats Directive.
A number of species are classified as high-risk species for wind power, as
they like to forage for insects in the open air at altitudes above treetop
height. These species include the Common noctule (Nyctalus noctule),
Nothern bat (Eptesicus nilssonii), Parti-coloured bat (Vespertilio murinus),
Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), Common pipistrelle
(Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii).
(SLU Artdatabanken, 2024f) (Rydell, et al., 2017)
Bats generally follow a pattern of a spring migration, reproduction period
during the summer, autumn migration and a winter rest. Some species are
stationary and do not migrate at all or only very short distances from the
colony site, while others are long-migrating and can move hundreds to
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thousands of kilometers between summer and winter habitats. It also differs
between species how far from the colony and in which environments
foraging takes place during the reproductive period.(Schneider & Fritzén,
2020)
Gotland is part of a migration route that is used by bats during the migration
periods. However, it is not known how strictly the bats adhere to these
migration routes, or how they choose to use them. Studies have shown that
bats are unlikely to migrate solely by flying directly in one direction, but can
oscillate between directions before finally reaching their destination. This
means that bats potentially stay in migration routes for longer periods of
time and can pass the same points several times. (Gaultier, et al.,
2020)(Voigt, et al., 2023)
5.5.6.1 Species deemed relevant
The bat species that are currently considered to be of interest to Slite
Vindkraftspark are those that have been found along the east coast of
Gotland, are long- or regionally migratory, and/or exhibit foraging behaviors
that mean that they may occur within the project area. (SLU
Artdatabanken, 2024f)
The Nathusius' pipistrelle is found scattered along the eastern coast of
Gotland, including in Katthammarsvik and Valleviken by the periods that
coincide with spring migration, reproduction time and autumn migration.
The species is highly migratory and can be assumed to migrate to and from
Gotland during spring and autumn. The Nathusius' pipistrelle is a high-risk
species for wind power.
Parti-coloured bat is found scattered along the eastern coast of Gotland
during the reproductive period. The observations were made within the sub-
programme for bats in the regional environmental monitoring. The species
is highly migratory and can be assumed to migrate to and from Gotland
during spring and autumn. The Parti-coloured bat is a high-risk species for
wind power.
Common noctule (Nyctalus noctule) is found scattered along the eastern
coast of Gotland during periods that coincide with spring migration,
reproduction time and autumn migration. The species is long-migratory, a
high-risk species for wind power, and has been found in studies foraging far
from colonies over the open sea.(Lagerveld & Mostert, 2023)
Soprano pipistrelle have been found along the eastern coast of Gotland,
with an emphasis on observations in Fide, located on southern Gotland.
The observations were made during the reproductive period. The species is
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a high-risk species for wind power and is regionally migratory, where
migration of up to 200 km has been demonstrated. (Schneider & Fritzén,
2020)
Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) has been found a few times on
Gotland, all observations during the reproduction period. The species is a
high-risk species for wind power and is regionally migratory where
migration of up to 200 km has been demonstrated. (Schneider & Fritzén,
2020)
5.6 Living environment and landscape
5.6.1 Landscape
The landscape image is the experience and impression that people get of a
given landscape. The experience and impression include both visual and
emotional aspects, which means that the summarized landscape image
becomes subjective.
The project area and its immediate area consist of open sea, where the
landscape is characterised by flat surfaces and long sight lines. Depending
on the direction, the horizon line can be broken by islands and skerries,
with or without vegetation. However, the coastline at the height of the
project area is relatively poor on islands and skerries, which provides clear
lines of sight both from the sea inland towards land, and from the mainland
over the sea and the horizon.
The Gotland coastal landscape is unique with its variety of sandy beaches,
sea stacks, alvar lands, deciduous forests, and more. The buildings are
mainly low, with churches and lighthouses as the tallest structures. In many
places, pastures stretch all the way to the sea, and the calcareous soil
combined with sometimes barren weather conditions gives rise to a
distinctive flora and landscape.
5.6.2 Housing
The project area is located about 11 km from Fårösund, which is the
closest urban area. Other communities along the coast with visibility in the
direction of the project area are Bungenäs (6 km), Nystugu (9 km), Slite (14
km), and Herrvik (13 km).
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5.6.3 Cultural environment
Gotland's eastern coast has a strong cultural-historical connection to the
sea. Several cultural environments with fishing villages, lighthouses and
harbours can be found along the coast. Several national interests for
cultural heritage conservation are located along the east coast of Gotland,
including Östergarn, Verkegards-Dämba, and Kyllaj-Lörje. National
interests are described in more detail in section 5.2.2 .
A search of the Swedish National Heritage Board's Fornsök reveals eight
pieces of information about ship remains within the project area. Two of the
data points are deleted as these are likely double registrations. Of those
that remain, three of the remains have not been confirmed in the field,
which is why no antiquarian assessment has been made. One relic has
been assessed to be a possible ancient relic from a ship wrecked before
1850, based on side scan sonar images. Two remains have been
confirmed and have been assessed to be Other cultural-historical remains
from after 1850. For a summary of remains within the project area and the
export cable corridors, see Table 13 and for illustration see Figure 16.
Table 13. List of remains within the project area.
Remnant Antiquarian Type of Overlap
number assessment Drop-off
L1975:6409 Deleted: Double Ship/boat Project area
registration of L1975:6498 drop-off
L1975:6562 Deleted: Probable double Ship/boat Project area
registration of L1975:6762 drop-off
L1975:6762 Other cultural-historical Ship/boat Project area
remains drop-off
L1975:7722 Possible ancient monument Ship/boat Project area
drop-off
L1975:6498 Other cultural-historical Ship/boat Project area
remains drop-off
L1975:6751 No antiquarian assessment Ship/boat Project area
drop-off
L1975:6688 No antiquarian assessment Ship/boat Export cable corridor
drop-off 4B
L1975:6517 No antiquarian assessment Ship/boat Export cable corridor
drop-off 3
In addition to the remains located within the project area or export cable
corridors, there are approximately 300 remains in the vicinity of the project
area or export cable corridors. The majority of the remains consist of
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ships/boat remains, clearing cairns and stone settings, and most are
classified as Other cultural-historical remains. For a breakdown between
different antiquarian assessments, see Table 14, for an overview see
Figure 16.
Table 14. Remains within 500 m of the export cable corridors and 10 km of the project area,
divided on an antiquarian assessment.
Assessment Number
Other cultural-historical remains 140
Ancient monument 67
No antiquarian assessment 50
Possible ancient monument 35
Total 292
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Figure 16. Registered remains within and near the project area and export cable corridors.
Project area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and the
Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
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5.6.4 Recreation and outdoor life
Recreation and outdoor recreation include organized outdoor recreation
such as guided tours and courses, as well as unorganized outdoor
recreation, such as hiking and sailing.
The nearest designated outdoor recreation area is the national interest in
outdoor recreation Östergarnsholm. The eastern coast of Gotland at the
height of the project area is as a whole designated within several national
interests for outdoor recreation: Östergarnslandet, Gotland, and
Northeastern Gotland's coast and archipelago. Activities that are included
in the national interests are, for example, swimming, boating, horseback
riding, recreational fishing, and nature experiences. More about national
interests can be found in section 5.2 .
Parts of the export cable corridors are expected to be used by motorboats,
sailboats, sea kayaks and jet skis in the summer. In winter, the coastal
environments are used for walks and other unorganized outdoor activities.
5.7 Infrastructure and shipping
5.7.1 Navigation
As mentioned under section 5.2.3 The project area lies between national
interests for communication for existing maritime traffic routes. This is well
in line with the maritime traffic that is conducted in connection with the
project area with the highest traffic east of the area. All export cable
corridors cross at least one fairway or maritime traffic route, see section
5.2.3 and Figure 7.
For an illustration of vessel traffic in 2022, based on AIS data, see Figure
17.
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Figure 17. Vessel density based on AIS data for all vessel types from 2022. (Helcom, 2022)
Project area (utredningsområde), export cable corridors (anslutningskorridorer) and the
Swedish territorial limit (territorialgräns).
5.7.2 Commercial fishing
The project area is located in catch area 27.3.d Baltic Sea, subdivision 28
East about Gotland and the Gulf of Riga. The subdivision is divided into
28.1 Gulf of Riga and 28.2 East of Gotland in which the project area is
located, see Figure 18.
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Figure 18. ICES subdivisions in the Baltic Sea (ICES, 2019). The Swedish territorial limit
(territorialgräns).
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In the area, the largest fishery in terms of landed weight is for herring, sprat
and flounder. Nearby national interests for commercial fishing include
fishing areas for herring, sprat, cod and turbot, which is why commercial
fishing after these is also described below. An average of 56,000 tonnes of
sprat were landed annually in the period 2013–2022, during the same
period an average of 24,000 tonnes of herring, 900 tonnes of flounder, 130
tonnes of cod and 5 tonnes of turbot were landed. The Swedish and
Latvian fisheries are largest in the sub-area. For distribution between
countries, see Figure 19.
Figure 19. Volumes of landed fish caught in SD28.2 during the period 2013-2022, note that
the scale on the x-axis varies. From left, top to seabed: 1: Sprat (Skarpsill) species code
SPR, 2: Herring (Sill/strömming) species code HERE, 3: Flounder (Skrubbskädda) code
PLE), 4: Cod (Torsk) species code COD, 5: Turbot (Piggvar) species code TUR. Substrate:
ICES
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6 Foreseeable environmental effects
The establishment of the wind farm entails a risk of significant
environmental impact. The risks to environmental impacts identified are
described below.
6.1 National interests and protected areas
Any impact on national interests depends on the extent to which the
environmental aspects that form the basis of the national interest are
affected. The impact on commercial fishing described in section 6.7 could
potentially affect national interest in commercial fishing. Similarly, the
impacts described in section 6.2 potentially have an impact on nature
conservation in the national interest. Furthermore, the impact on aviation,
shipping and total defence is reported in sections 6.7 . Impact on outdoor
recreation in sections 6.5 and impact on cultural environment management
in section 6.4 . In the upcoming EIA, the impact on each national interest
will be assessed.
The Natura 2000 areas that are considered to be affected by the planned
activities are Skenholmen, Asunden, Ryssnäs and Uppstaig. The risk of
any impact from the wind farm on the Natura 2000 areas will be thoroughly
investigated in the upcoming EIA. Aspects that will be investigated further
include:
Impact on birds with habitats in Natura 2000 areas that forage within
the wind farm.
Barrier effects for the migratory bird species that occur in the Natura
2000 areas and whose migration routes cross the Central Baltic Sea
and Gotland.
Impact on habitats from, for example, turbidity.
If further investigations show that there is a risk of significant impact on the
Natura 2000 areas, a Natura 2000 permit will be applied for.
6.2 Natural environment
6.2.1 Terrestrial environments
At the final landfall point, the natural environment will be affected by
earthworks. Depending on the species composition, impacts can also occur
as a result of construction noise during construction work. The extent of the
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impact depends on the landfall point chosen and the methods deemed
appropriate for the execution of the work.
Further work includes investigating the natural environment within the
landfall points, after which landfall points with overall poorer conditions may
be delimited. In the EIA, protective measures will be proposed if they are
deemed appropriate to reduce the impact on the natural environment at
landfall points.
6.2.2 Benthic environment
The benthic environment is considered to be affected by the fact that
facilities occupy a certain living space as well as by turbidity and increased
sedimentation in the construction phase. The area for the plant's use is
limited and the increased turbidity and sedimentation that occurs is
considered to be short-lived. In the long term, the facility can benefit benthic
fauna by reducing the impact of bottom trawling and by creating an
increased habitat for species that live on hard substrates.
6.2.3 Fish
Increased noise levels, especially during the construction phase, could
disturb fish in connection with the wind farm. Fish without or with a small
swim bladder can only perceive sounds with a low frequency, while fish
with a swim bladder can also perceive higher frequencies. Fish with swim
bladders also use hearing to judge distance. During the construction and
decommissioning phase, impulsive noises may occur from, for example,
piling or similar measures, and continuous noise from, for example, ships.
These sounds can be disturbing to fish that are in the area. (Båmstedt, et
al., 2009)
During the construction and decommissioning phase, fish can also be
affected by increased turbidity during e.g. preparatory dredging, installation
of foundations and laying of connecting cables. However, the turbidity is not
considered to be of such a magnitude that fish stocks are harmed.
Magnetic fields in connection with electric cables have been shown to be
able to cause migratory fish such as salmon and eels to temporarily reduce
their movements. Single magnetic fields are not considered to affect
migration behaviors, but the cumulative effect will be analyzed in future
EIAs. (Öhman, 2023)
Positive effects can occur as a result of the foundations creating artificial
reefs and vertical hard seabeds that can provide habitats for fish and their
food, so-called reef effects.
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The impact and appropriate protective measures for fish will be investigated
further within the framework of the upcoming EIA.
6.2.4 Marine mammals
The porpoise has very good hearing in a wide frequency range, with the
best sensitivity at 125 kHz. Despite this special adaptation to high
frequencies, the hearing is also very good down to below 10 kHz. This
means that harbour porpoises hear and can be disturbed by most of the
noise in the sea generated by humans, with the possible exception of low-
frequency noise (<200 Hz). Harbour porpoises react negatively to impulsive
sounds that are 40–50 dB louder than they have the ability to perceive,
regardless of frequency. (Amundin, 1991)(Southall, et al., 2007)
Seals have well-functioning hearing both in the air and underwater. Of the
Swedish seal species, there are published data for harbor seals and ringed
seals, where ringed seals are described as the more sensitive of the two.
Grey seals are believed to be similar to harbor seals when it comes to
sensitivity. In air, seals' hearing is similar to that of humans, while below the
surface of the water, they have a larger frequency range. The seals'
hearing is used in foraging, navigation and communication.(Tougaard,
2021)
Marine mammals can be adversely affected mainly during the construction
phase and during preparatory investigations when there is a risk of
increased impulsive and high-intensity noise, mainly in connection with
preparatory work and assembly. The increased noise levels are associated
with behavioural reactions such as fleeing the area but can also result in
hearing damage if the animal remains in the area (Tougaard, 2021). High
noise levels can also affect the animals' communication.
In the operational phase, the wind farm, as described in section 6.2.3 ,
provide reef effects and thus potentially provide an increased food
availability in connection with the area of activity, which can also have
positive effects for marine mammals.
The consequences and appropriate protective measures are further
investigated in the EIA.
6.2.5 Bird
Birds can be affected by offshore wind power through the risk of collision,
displacement effects, and barrier effects during migration and movement.
The impact primarily occurs during the operational phase, but some
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disturbance can also occur during the construction and decommissioning
phase through increased human presence and noisy activities.
The risk of collision is greatest for species that exhibit low avoidance
behaviors and can therefore be in close proximity to the rotor blades. This
may occur as a result of increased food availability around the wind farm.
Examples of species that can reside around offshore wind turbines are
gulls and gulls. Collision can also occur during migration if the avoidance
behavior is low.
Species groups that are particularly sensitive to displacement as a result of
offshore wind power include loons and certain ducks, all of which are at risk
of being displaced from foraging areas and resting places. Displacement
can occur as an effect of changed foraging availability, or as an effect of
disturbing noise, movement or lighting from the wind farm.
Barrier effects can occur during migration and movement when birds
choose to take a longer route to avoid wind power establishments.
Sensitivity to the barrier effect varies between species groups. Species that
can rest on the sea surface and species that migrate long distances are
likely to be less sensitive to detours, while species that are reluctant to stay
over open water and species that migrate short distances are likely to be
more sensitive to changes in routes.
During the continued process, the wind farm's impact on bird life will be
investigated. The investigation will include a survey of which bird species
currently use the project area for foraging and which species migrate
through the area. The conservation plans for the Natura 2000 areas
Asunden, Ryssnäs, Skenholmen and Uppstaig include several species that
either use the open sea for migration or for foraging, and it cannot be ruled
out that an impact on these species would occur at present. Extra focus will
therefore be placed on investigating possible impact on these species.
6.2.6 Bats
Bats are at risk of being affected by collision if they fly too close to the wind
turbines. The individuals can be killed as a result of the pressure changes
that occur around the rotor blades, or as a result of a direct collision with
the rotor blades or turrets. If bats are present in the project area, it is likely
to occur at low wind speeds and favourable weather conditions, i.e. at times
when the wind turbines rotate slowly or are switched off.
During migration periods, bats seek food and rest in places accessible
along the migration route. Insects could reside around offshore wind
turbines, which in turn could lead to bats being attracted to the area to a
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greater extent than at present. With more bats in the project area, the risk
of collision may also increase.(Ahlén, et al., 2009)
During the reproductive period, species such as the greater brown bat, in
particular, can fly far from the colony site for foraging. Bays and other
coastal environments are probably used to a greater extent than the open
sea for foraging, but it cannot be ruled out that sporadic occurrences may
be found in the project area under favourable conditions.(Lagerveld &
Mostert, 2023)
The wind farm's impact on bats will continue to be investigated. Particular
focus is planned to be placed on the migration periods, when it is
considered to be the time when the density of bats in the project area may
be greatest.
In the upcoming EIA, the protective measures that will be taken are
reported as well as an assessment of the impact on bats.
6.3 Landscape
Regardless of whether wind turbines are placed at sea or on land, new
sight lines are created that affect the landscape. The impact of a wind farm
depends on the number of wind turbines, their height, location and distance
between them. The impact is also determined by how the landscapes are
perceived and how sensitive certain places are to visual impacts.
Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of both
the landscapes and people's relationship to them. The landscapes around
the sea are of great importance for cultural and natural environments,
recreational and outdoor life values, attractive housing locations and
communities. A complete landscape image analysis and impact
assessment of the wind farm's visual impression will therefore be carried
out as part of the EIA.
To ensure that the assessment of the landscape is representative,
proposals are requested within the framework of the delimitation
consultation for specific locations that are suitable for special analysis and
production of photomontages.
6.4 Cultural environment
The impact on cultural environment values may arise from the visibility and
change of landscape that the planned wind farm entails. Depending on the
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final choice of landfall point, the impact may occur on cultural values and
remains in the area in question.
Cultural environment values whose experience values are linked to a place
or environment, in this case the sea, can be particularly sensitive to visual
impacts. In order to investigate the impact on the cultural environment
along the east coast of Gotland, which through sub-areas in its entirety is
designated as of national interest based on several aspects, a
comprehensive landscape analysis will be carried out. In order to
investigate the conditions in the project area and the export cable corridors,
a maritime archaeological investigation will be carried out.
Any protective measures taken to reduce or avoid the impact on cultural
environment values will be reported in the forthcoming EIA.
6.5 Outdoor recreation and recreation
The project area is considered to be able to be used for recreational boat
traffic. Outdoor recreation and recreation are considered to be affected by
visibility from the wind turbines, which can affect the experience values in
the places where outdoor recreation is practiced.
The export cable corridors are expected to be used frequently for outdoor
recreation and the accessibility may be affected during the construction
phase. In the operational phase, the area where the export cables are
located can be used as usual again, and no restrictions are planned on the
use of recreational boats between the wind turbines. Depending on the final
chosen export cable corridor, some impact on an area with value for
outdoor recreation on land may be relevant during the construction phase.
This will be investigated and described in the EIA.
The EIA will also include a description of how outdoor life on land may be
affected by the wind turbines being visible out at sea.
6.6 Living environment and health
The influencing factors that are currently considered regarding the living
environment and health are sound, shadow, and visibility from obstacle
lighting.
Noise is expected to occur in the construction and decommissioning phase
as a result of, for example, the installation of foundations. During the
operational phase, noise is expected as a result of the passage of the rotor
blades through the air. The project area is located about 6 km from the
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nearest settlement (Bungenäs) and the noise levels are not expected to
exceed the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines of
40dB(A) for permanent or holiday homes. (Naturvårdsverket, 2020)
Moving shadows occur as a result of solar radiation on the rotor blades.
The distance from the project area to the nearest buildings means that no
moving shadows are expected to affect the living environment.
The wind turbines will be equipped with obstacle lighting in accordance with
the Swedish Transport Agency's regulations (TSFS 2020:88). Especially
during the dark hours of the day, the wind turbines' lighting will be visible in
good weather conditions. The impact can be reduced by synchronizing the
flashing of the obstacle lights to give a calmer impression and by lowering
the intensity to the minimum permitted brightness according to current
regulations during the dark hours of the day.
The impact of the wind farm on the living environment and health will be
further investigated in the upcoming EIA through, among other things,
sound immission calculations, modelling of shadow, visibility analysis, as
well as the production of photomontages and visualisations during both day
and night. Current guidelines and recommendations regarding sound,
shadow, and obstacle lighting will be followed.
6.7 Infrastructure, shipping and commercial fishing
The impact on air traffic will be investigated in collaboration with the
Swedish Civil Aviation Administration and Visby Airport. If it turns out that
there is an impact due to wind turbines being proposed to be located in an
area used by aviation, the design of the wind farm may need to be adapted.
Alternatively, the airport's routes or MSA area can be adjusted.
The wind farm and associated plant parts may affect the interests of the
Armed Forces during all phases. The impact on the interests of the Armed
Forces will be investigated in consultation with the Armed Forces and will
be dealt with in the upcoming EIA.
Shipping can be affected if fairways need to be relocated or if the capacity
of the fairway is affected, especially in the construction phase. An
appropriate safety distance between wind turbines and the fairway will be
investigated through a nautical risk analysis.
Commercial fishing in the area can be affected in all phases as the wind
farm constitutes a physical obstacle that limits the possibility of conducting
fishing in the area. However, the wind farm can have a positive effect on
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fish stocks and thus have an indirect positive effect on commercial fishing.
Both local fishermen and professional fishing interest groups are invited to
consultation, and the comments received will form the basis for further
investigations of the wind farm's possible impact on fishing. The company
intends to have an ongoing dialogue with the commercial fisheries' interest
groups regarding the project.
6.8 Risk of accidents
The types of accidents that can affect the environment or third parties can
be summarized under the headings, breakdown, collision, icing, fire,
chemical release and accidents in the construction phase.
Climate-related events, such as extreme storms, can affect the risk of
accidents in both the construction and operation phases and need to be
taken into account in the EIA.
6.8.1 Collision
The obstacle marking is designed according to the Swedish Transport
Agency's rules and must be visible to ships and aircraft in all directions.
Marking on nautical charts and flight maps complements the lighting. Wind
turbines and substations must also be equipped with maritime safety
devices in accordance with international guidelines and the Swedish
Transport Agency's rules.
6.8.2 Icing
During the operational phase, ice can form on the rotor blades of wind
turbines. Ice that comes off the rotor blades poses a risk of accidents for
people in the vicinity. Since the planned wind farm is so far from the coast,
there are probably very few people staying in the area in winter.
6.8.3 Fire and release of chemicals
A fire can occur in a wind turbine during the operational phase, but is rare.
A fire could lead to the release of oil from the wind turbine's engine
housing. Breakdowns and collisions could also lead to spills of oil or other
chemical substances that may be present in wind turbines and substations.
In order to prevent and prevent spills, there are monitoring systems,
collection containers and procedures for accident preparedness, which will
be described in the EIA.
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6.8.4 Breakdown
A very rare accident in wind turbines is that all or part of a wind turbine's
rotor blades break and fall under the wind turbine.
6.8.5 Accidents in the construction phase
In the construction phase and in the decommissioning phase, large cranes,
large vessels and a large number of transports on land and at sea will entail
increased risks for people staying in the project area and between the port
and the construction sites. The work will be planned so that it can be
carried out in a safe way both in terms of the working environment and for
third parties and the environment. Detailed planning of the construction
phase with risk analyses of all elements will be carried out during the
detailed design, but certain general protective measures will be addressed
in the EIA.
6.9 Environmental quality standards
The starting point for assessing the project's impact on the EQS is that it
can be shown that no unauthorised impact on the ecological or chemical
status of the water bodies concerned, on protected areas under water
management, or on the EQS under the Marine Environment Ordinance.
The assessment of the impact on EQS is based on the cumulative effects
of planned activities and other planned activities carried out in other
projects in the area.
6.9.1 Water management
Assessment of the impact on the chemical and ecological status of surface
water is based on Chapter 5. MB, the Swedish Agency for Marine and
Water Management's regulations (HVMFS 2019:25) and current practice as
follows:
The existing status and impact on the water body are based on the
most recently updated information in VISS 2024-09-30.
Analyses regarding the impact on ecological status are made at the
quality factor level and chemical status is assessed at the
parameter level.
If limit values to a lower class limit are exceeded on a permanent
basis for the water body representative monitoring stations, the
assessment is made that unauthorized influence occurs. This
applies to biological and physicochemical quality factors as well as
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chemical status. In addition, for quality factors that are subject to
maximum permitted concentration limit values for a substance,
unauthorised influence occurs if the concentration exceeds the
maximum permitted concentration limit value on a single occasion in
a monitoring station representative of the water body.
In the event that the status of a quality factor has been assessed as
its worst status class, unlawful influence arises if the planned
activity further deteriorates the condition of the quality factor, even if
it does not lead to a lower status class in these cases.
Unauthorized influence occurs if the planned activity jeopardizes the
possibility of achieving EQS in terms of ecological status.
Assessment of the impact on EQS is also made on the basis of any impact
on protected areas of relevance to water management, i.e. areas covered
by Annex IV of the EU Directive. This includes Natura 2000 areas with
aquatic Natura 2000 habitat types.
The environmental effects of the planned activities that are of relevance to
ecological or chemical status are mainly assessed to be the use of the
seabed and habitats, changes in the wave regime and, in the construction
and decommissioning phase, the effects of increased turbidity,
sedimentation and possible mobilisation of environmental toxins. The
project can also lead to indirect positive effects in the form of increased
amounts of fish as a result of fishing ceasing in the area and through so-
called reef effects. Reef effects can occur when a relatively homogeneous
sea area is added to an increased amount of physical structures that create
living space for more individuals and species of different organism groups.
If necessary, technical adaptations and protective measures can be
implemented in order to avoid negative effects on ecological and chemical
status.
In the forthcoming EIA, the effects of these types of impacts on decided
EQS, indicators and descriptors will be described.
6.9.2 Marine environment management
The environmental effects of the project in the parts of the sea covered by
marine environment management are assessed to be largely the same as
in the coastal water bodies, see section 6.9.1 .
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In the upcoming EIA, the impact, effects and consequences on decided
environmental quality standards, indicators and descriptors will be
assessed.
6.10 Cumulative effects
If a natural area, species or other value is affected by several wind farms or
by other activities at the same time, cumulative effects may occur. In the
EIA, the consequences for each environmental aspect will be described
both in terms of the impact from Slite Vindkraftspark and also in terms of
cumulative impact from other sources of impact.
Cumulative impacts are considered to be relevant primarily for the aspects
of the natural environment (birds), landscape, EQS, commercial fishing,
shipping and defence.
7 Continued work
7.1 Planned investigations
Before the permit application and EIA are completed and submitted to the
review authorities, the following investigations may be relevant:
Locating export cables and landfall point. Continued investigation of
export cable corridors and landfall points.
Sound and shadow. Calculation of sound levels at land and spread of
underwater noise. Calculation of shadow impact at land.
Visualizations. Photomontages from places that are important from a
landscape and cultural environment perspective.
Bird inventory. How the project area is used by stationary and migratory
birds. Migration routes, resting and foraging facilities.
Inventory of fish. Can be carried out, for example, through the study of
catch data and/or test fishing adapted to relevant species.
Marine mammals. Seals are considered to be common in the area and the
impact is considered to be able to be evaluated without an inventory in the
field.
Seabed environment. Marine conservation value inventory to map benthic
flora and benthic fauna.
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Impact on Natura 2000 sites. Habitats, natural habitat types and impacts
on species, especially birds and seals.
Landscape image analysis. Investigation of the impact of the planned
wind farm on the landscape and cultural environment.
Archaeological investigation. If there are suspected cultural-historical
remains within the project area and export cable corridors.
Flight. Continued investigation together with the airport and the Swedish
Civil Aviation Administration.
Shipping. Nautical risk analysis with investigation of how fairways are
affected.
Commercial fishing. Investigation of how the area is used and potential
impact.
Geophysical and geotechnical surveys. Mapping of bathymetry and
objects on the seabed. Mapping of bedrock and sediment layer sequence
and sampling of surface sediments.
Weapons left behind. Investigation of the presence of it on the seabed
Sediment dispersion modelling. Modelling of sediment dispersion during
the construction phase.
7.2 Contents upcoming EIA
The forthcoming EIA is proposed to contain the following chapters:
Summary
Introduction
- Background
- Administrative information
- Words and concept
- The permit process
Environmental assessment
- Purpose
- Demarcation
- Assessment criteria
- Uncertainties
Consultation
Overall conditions (current situation)
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- Description of the area
- Plans
- National interests
- Protected areas (Natura 2000)
Zero alternative
Planned activities
- Localisation
- Wind farm (scope and design)
- The construction phase
- Alternatives
Environmental impact
- Visibility and Landscape
- Cultural environment (land-based values, maritime archaeology)
- Natural values
- Birds
- Bats
- Fish
- Marine mammals
- Bentic flora and fauna
- Natura 2000 habitat types
- Recreation and outdoor life
- Human health (sounds, shadows)
- Marine geology
- Oceanography, wind and currents
- Shipping and aviation
- Fishing industry
- Conservation of natural resources
- Risk and safety (including climate adaptation)
- Carbon footprint
Overall assessment
- Environmental impact
- National interests and protected areas
- Environmental quality standards
- Environmental objectives
- Natura 2000
Monitoring programme and follow-up
Expertise
References
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