Vastavalt nimekirjale
13.12.2024 nr 6-3/24/5750-2
Läti „Valka“ tuulepargi projekti piiriülene
keskkonnamõju hindamine
Läti on piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsiooni (Espoo konventsiooni) alusel
teavitanud Eestit „Valka“ tuulepargi projektist, mida kavandatakse 15 km kaugusele Eesti-Läti
piirist.
Arendaja LLC „EWE Neue Energien 1” kavandab rajada Valka omavalitsusse kuni 15 tuulikuga
tuulepargi, mille koguvõimsus on 120 MW (iga tuuliku nimivõimsus on 8 MW, tuuliku
maksimaalne võimalik kõrgus võib ulatuda kuni 260 m ning rootori diameeter jääb vahemikku
160-175 m). Tuulikute täpne arv määratakse kindlaks keskkonnamõju hindamise (KMH) protsessi
käigus. Täpsem teave on toodud Läti saadetud arendaja esitatud tegevusloa taotluses (kirjale
lisatud) ning Läti Keskkonnakaitse Büroo veebilehel1.
Kliimaministeeriumi hinnangul on vajalik Eesti osalemine „Valka“ tuulepargi projekti piiriülese
keskkonnamõju hindamise menetluses. Arvestades Läti määratud vastamistähtaega, ootame
17. jaanuariks 2025 põhjendatud arvamusi selle kohta, milline oluline kahjulik piiriülene
keskkonnamõju võib Eestile kaasneda, et Läti saaks sellega arvestada KMH materjalide
koostamisel. Palume arvamused esitada Kliimaministeeriumi e-posti aadressil
[email protected]
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Antti Tooming
elurikkuse ja keskkonnakaitse asekantsler
Lisa: Tuulepargi projekti tegevusloa taotlus
Ülle Luiks, 623 1220
[email protected]
1
Vēja parka “Valka” un tā saistītās infrastruktūras būvniecība Valkas novada Valkas pagastā (SIA “EWE Neue
Energien 1”). | Vides pārraudzības valsts birojs
Suur-Ameerika 1 / Tallinn 10122 / 626 2802/
[email protected] / www.kliimaministeerium.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Riga, 31 May 2024
To the Environment State Bureau
Rūpniecības Street 23,
Riga, LV-1045
Name of the Proposer: LLC "EWE Neue Energien 1"
Registration No. 40203559480
Legal address: Marijas Street 2, Riga, LV-1050
Phone number: +371 2 9155187
Email address:
[email protected]
Application for the proposed activity of constructing the "Valka" wind farm in the Valka
municipality
In accordance with Section 4, Paragraph 1, Point 1 of the Law "On Environmental Impact
Assessment" and Point 2 of the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 18 of January 13, 2015,
"Procedure for Assessing the Environmental Impact of Proposed Activities and Approving the
Proposed Activity."
Information about the proposed activity
LLC "EWE Neue Energien 1" is owned by one of the largest wind energy companies in Europe,
"Eurowind Energy", which aims to expand the green energy network in Latvia. LLC "EWE Neue
Energien 1" has planned to construct a wind farm "Valka" in the Valka municipality, with the
intention of building up to 15 high-capacity next-generation wind turbines (hereinafter referred
to as WTG), with a total capacity reaching 120 MW. The exact number of WTGs will be determined
during the environmental impact assessment process, considering regulatory requirements for
WTG placement, as well as evaluations by environmental and nature experts regarding the
feasibility of constructing the WTGs.
When initiating the planning of the wind farm, LLC “EWE Neue Energien 1” identified a territory
that is potentially suitable for the implementation of this project and has approached and reached
agreements with landowners regarding their involvement in the wind farm development.
However, given that circumstances may be revealed during the environmental impact assessment
process that could require changes to the initial plan and possibly its scale, LLC “EWE Neue
Energien 1” intends to conduct the environmental impact assessment in a larger area (hereinafter
referred to as the research area), to ensure the best possible wind farm construction in the context
of nature conservation and public health protection. The research area includes a total of 60 land
parcels, the list of which is attached in Annex 1 of the application. Wind turbines and the related
infrastructure will only be built on those land parcels where agreements with the landowners have
been reached regarding the construction of wind turbines or the associated infrastructure. When
analyzing potential wind turbine placement solutions within the research area, each residential
building is considered, with turbines being placed at least 800 meters away from them. The
placement of individual homesteads, as well as the proximity of villages such as Lugaži and Sēļi,
and the towns of Valka and Valga, is also significant.
1
Figure 1. Location of the planned "Valka" wind farm research area
2
The proposer of the planned activity has not yet selected a specific wind turbine model that could
be constructed in the planned wind farm. The choice of WTG model will largely be determined by
the results of the environmental impact assessment, the production potential of a particular
model, and its construction costs. During the environmental impact assessment, it is planned to
evaluate and compare the latest WTG models from various manufacturers, such as Vestas,
Siemens-Gamesa, Enercon, General Electric, or Nordex. The latest models from all these
manufacturers share several common characteristics, which are important for describing the
proposed activity:
• The nominal capacity of each turbine is approximately 8 MW;
• The tallest available WTG towers can reach a height of 175 meters;
• The rotor diameter of the WTGs ranges from 160 to 175 meters;
• The maximum possible total height of a turbine can reach 260 meters.
To ensure the transmission of the generated electricity to the main grid, power transmission lines
will be constructed to connect to the 110 kV substation in Valka, located near the planned wind
farm. The exact location of the transmission lines will be determined during the development of
the WTG and infrastructure layout. When planning the placement of the cable lines, Article 21 of
the Energy Law will be considered, which stipulates that the installation of new energy supply
commercial facilities should, as much as possible, utilize road land boundaries in accordance with
the provisions of Article 18 of the Law "On Roads."
Compliance with the territorial plan
In the research area, which is located in Valka municipality, the Regulations for the Planning, Use
and Building of the Territory of the Valka municipality's territorial plan (for the period from 2017
to 2027, with amendments in 2021)1 are applicable. The planned wind farm area includes zones
designated for the following uses: agricultural, forest, industrial construction, transportation
infrastructure, and water territories. According to the Valka municipality's territorial plan, the
construction of energy supply enterprises is permitted in agricultural, forest, industrial
construction, and transportation infrastructure areas. The Regulations for the Planning, Use and
Building of the Territory specify that when planning the placement of wind turbines, the
requirements of the applicable regulatory acts must be followed.
Public Health and Safety
The most significant aspects that, under certain circumstances, may potentially cause
considerable impacts or disturbances are noise, including low-frequency noise, the flickering
effect, and environmental risks, all of which, along with other environmental aspects, will be
assessed in detail within the framework of the environmental impact assessment.
1
https://geolatvija.lv/geo/tapis#document_22074
3
In Latvia, noise from wind turbines will generally be a minor environmental issue because the
country has established sufficient minimum distances to prevent negative impacts. Specifically,
wind turbines must be built no closer than 800 meters from residential or public areas, which
means that even the loudest available wind turbine models will produce noise well below the
limits set by regulations at this distance. As part of the environmental impact assessment,
environmental noise levels will be evaluated in construction areas where environmental noise
limits apply, and which are located up to 2 kilometers from the planned wind farm. Low-frequency
noise levels will also be assessed in all residential buildings within 2 kilometers of the planned
wind farm.
The flickering effect (also referred to as the "disco effect" or "shadow flickering") is caused by the
movement of the rotor blades, which periodically block the sun and create moving shadows on
the ground and the surfaces of various objects. The flickering effect's impact time limits are
applied by considering the total flicker time produced by all wind turbines in a given construction
area. In summary, the flicker effect in the area of any residential house must not exceed 30
minutes per day, and the total allowable impact time over the course of one year must not exceed
30 hours (assuming no cloud cover) or 8 hours (accounting for actual sunshine). The impact time
of the flickering effect will be assessed in construction areas located up to 3 kilometers from the
planned wind farm.
Although wind turbines are designed as safe and stable structures, wind turbines and wind farms
are high-risk facilities that, in case of technical defects, improper operation and maintenance, or
external factors, can cause accidents or emergencies. Therefore, potential accidents and risks
associated with rotor blade icing, mechanical damage, lubrication system defects, and fires will
also be assessed. During the preparation of the assessment, safety distances from wind turbines
to sensitive areas will be calculated, and if necessary, measures will be identified to eliminate or
reduce risks to acceptable levels.
Specially Protected Nature Territories and Impact on Natural Values
A small part of the planned wind farm research area is located within the Specially Protected
Nature Territories “Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve,” while approximately 1.4 km to the
south of the research area’s border is a state-protected landscape area, and about 2.0 km to the
southwest from the research area’s border is a microreserve and the Natura 2000 area “Bulvāra
Riests.” To the west of the research area, 2.0 km away within the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere
Reserve, lies the “Burgas Meadows” nature reserve, and 6.91 km away is the “Seda Swamp”
nature reserve. Additionally, 8.03 km away is the microreserve and Natura 2000 area “Igaunijas
Riests” (see Figure 2). Surrounding the research area, there are protected natural areas such as
microreserves established with the purpose of protecting specially protected species or habitats
outside of specially protected natural areas. Annex 2 lists all protected species and habitats for
which microreserves have been established within 10 km of the planned “Valka” wind farm
research area (a total of 45 microreserves). According to the Nature Data Management System
OZOLS, one specially Protected Tree, a common oak (Quercus Robur), is registered in the area of
the proposed activity.
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Figure 2. Specially Protected Nature Territories around the "Valka" wind farm
During the environmental impact assessment process, environmental and nature experts will
conduct an in-depth study of the natural values found within the research area and its
surroundings. They will assess the impact of the planned wind farm on these natural values and,
if necessary, provide recommendations for mitigating or eliminating potential impacts.
Surface Water Bodies
The area of the proposed activity is located within the Gauja River basin, where the Seda River, a
state-significant water body (code 5454:01), is found. It is worth mentioning that the planned
“Valka” wind farm area includes drained agricultural land.
Landscape quality and cultural heritage
The impact of wind farms on the landscape is a significant aspect, especially in areas with natural
or minimally altered landscapes. According to the Valka municipality's territorial plan and
Regulations for the Planning, Use and Building of the Territory, there are designated scenic areas
and scenic roads within the municipality. In a protected area like "Northern Gauja" (in Valka,
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Vijciems, and Zvārtava parishes), construction or other activities that could obstruct views from
publicly accessible viewpoints and scenic roads are prohibited2.
In the context of wind farm construction, an equally important aspect that is assessed during the
environmental impact assessment process is the proposed project's impact on cultural heritage.
The nearest cultural monument is located 950 meters from the research area in the town of Valka,
which is a regionally significant cultural monument, and the historical site named “Vidzemes
Teachers' Seminary” (No. 97).
When developing the environmental impact assessment report, the proposed activity's impact on
the landscape quality of the Northern Vidzeme Lowland and the Seda Plain, as well as the cultural
and historical values in the vicinity of the planned wind farm, will be evaluated.
Contaminated Sites and High-Risk Facilities
According to the “Contaminated Site Management System,” there are no potentially
contaminated or contaminated sites within the research area. According to the Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No. 46 of January 21, 2021, “List of High-Risk Facilities,” the nearest high-risk
facility is the AS “VIRŠI-A” fuel station (Rīga Street 80, Valka, Valka municipality), which has been
classified as a Category C facility. This facility is located approximately 1 km away from the research
area.
The information provided in the application is true and complies with the requirements set forth
in the regulatory acts.
Sincerely,
Member of the Board of SIA "EWE Neue Energien 1" Arne Heeck
THIS DOCUMENT IS ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED WITH A SECURE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE AND
CONTAINS A TIMESTAMP
2
Valkas novada dome. 2014. Valkas novada ilgtspējīgas attīstības stratēģija 2013.–2037. gadam. Valka, Valkas
novada dome. Pieejams https://www.valka.lv/lv/media/2114/download?attachment
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Annex 1. Land parcels within the research area of the planned "Valka" wind farm
No. Cadastral parcel Cadastral number Property name
1 94880100262 94880070032 Jaunosīši
2 94880090003 94880090003 Cerbuļi
3 94880090008 94880090006 Lejas Ģērķi
4 94880090009 94880090006 Lejas Ģērķi
5 94880090006 94880090006 Lejas Ģērķi
6 94880090007 94880090006 Lejas Ģērķi
7 94880090010 94880090010 Liepkalni 1
8 94880090020 94880090019 Liepkalni 2
9 94880090022 94880090019 Liepkalni 2
10 94880090019 94880090019 Liepkalni 2
11 94880090123 94880090035 Dzelzceļš 162. km
12 94880090035 94880090035 Dzelzceļš 162. km
13 94880100060 94880090058 Kalnpilēnieši
14 94880100070 94880090061 Jaunpilēnieši
15 94880090078 94880090061 Jaunpilēnieši
16 94880090066 94880090066 Bez nosaukuma
17 94880090069 94880090069 Lauciņi
18 94880090080 94880090080 Vecsaulieši
19 94880090095 94880090081 Kalnsaulieši
20 94880090082 94880090082 Jaunsaulieši
21 94880090091 94880090090 Buli
22 94880090110 94880090110 Stacija Lugaži
23 94880090111 94880090111 Ceļš Ausekļi - Liepkalni
24 94880090207 94880090111 Ceļš Ausekļi - Liepkalni
25 94880090083 94880090142 Dzenīši 3
26 94880090081 94880090147 Kalnsaulītes
27 94880090079 94880090148 Paceplīši
28 94880090187 94880090187 Dukāti
29 94880100318 94880100001 Bābernieki
30 94880100042 94880100001 Bābernieki
31 94880100004 94880100003 Lielkājas
32 94880100005 94880100005 Dumpi
33 94880100007 94880100007 Rijsalas - 2
34 94880100008 94880100008 Rijsalas - 1
35 94880100012 94880100012 Saulstari
36 94880100090 94880100026 Antiņi
37 94880100039 94880100035 Vecavēni
38 94880100035 94880100035 Vecavēni
39 94880100036 94880100036 Avēni
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40 94880100044 94880100044 Zīlēni
41 94880100049 94880100049 Smēķi
42 94880100048 94880100052 Vēverzemnieki
43 94880100157 94880100052 Vēverzemnieki
44 94880100150 94880100052 Vēverzemnieki
45 94880100055 94880100055 Sedaskalni
46 94880100058 94880100058 Karjers
47 94880100059 94880100059 Valsts brīvā zeme (ZET)
48 94880100257 94880100090 Sedieši
49 94880100091 94880100120 Sedaskalni
50 94880100056 94880100120 Sedaskalni
51 94880100152 94880100177 Autoceļš P24
52 94880100177 94880100177 Autoceļš P24
53 94880100245 94880100245 Bez nosaukuma
54 94880100255 94880100255 Sedaskalni
55 94880100319 94880100320 Kramiņi
56 94880100317 94880100320 Kramiņi
57 94880100261 94880100331 Svīres
58 94880100329 94880110072 Sedas upe
59 94880130031 94880130007 Ciņi
60 94880100088 94880140043 Kaičupes
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Annex 2. Microreserves located within a 10 km radius of the "Valka" wind farm research area
No. Name Number of microreserves
1 Western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus 11
2 Riverside forest habitat 8
3 The white-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos 4
4 Eurasian three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus 4
5 Broadleaf forest habitat 3
6 Biotree 2
7 Lesser spotted eagle Clanga pomarina 2
8 Primary forests in river meander bends 2
9 Osprey Pandion haliaetus 2
10 Cedar Bark Beetle Ceruchus chrysomelinus 1
11 Cinnamon bracket Hapalopilus croceus 1
12 Hermit beetle Osmoderma eremita 1
13 Black stork Ciconia nigra 1
14 Black alder swamp 1
15 Mixed coniferous-deciduous forest habitat 1
16 Flattened Clubmoss Diphasiastrum complanatum 1
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