Vastavalt nimekirjale
30.08.2022 nr 6-3/22/3865-2
Teave Poola meretuulepargi „Baltica 1 OWF”
projekti keskkonnamõju hindamise kohta
Poola on informeerinud Eestit, Soomet, Lätit ja Leedut sellest, et on algatanud Läänemerre
kavandatava meretuulepargi „Baltica 1 OWF” projekti keskkonnamõju hindamise (KMH)
menetluse. Projekti arendaja kavandab püstitada Poola majandusvööndis maksimaalselt 1560 MW
koguvõimsusega meretuulepargi, milles oleks kuni 104 tuulikut. Poola kui päritoluriik ei ole
tuvastanud kavandatava tegevusega olulise piiriülese keskkonnamõju kaasnemist nimetatud
riikidele ning seetõttu ei ole tegemist piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsiooni (Espoo
konventsiooni) kohase ametliku teatega, vaid infovahetusega. Kirjale on lisatud arendaja
ingliskeelsed materjalid: projekti kirjeldav informatsioonidokument, keskkonnameetmete otsuse
taotlus ning teostatud uuringute ülevaated.
Siiski on Poola andnud võimaluse kõnealuses menetluses osaleda: kui riikide hinnangul võiks neile
kavandatava tegevusega kaasneda oluline piiriülene keskkonnamõju, tuleks sellest Poolat
teavitada. Juhul, kui peate vajalikuks Eesti osalemist menetluses, siis lähtuvalt Poola määratud
vastamistähtajast palume 12. septembriks 2022 saata Keskkonnaministeeriumile vastavad
põhjendatud arvamused. Sellisel juhul on oodatud ka võimalikud ettepanekud KMH aruandes
käsitlemist vajava olulise keskkonnamõju kohta, arvestades projekti informatsioonidokumendis
toodut.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Kaupo Heinma
Asekantsler
Lisad: 1. Projekti informatsioonidokument
2. Keskkonnameetmete otsuse taotlus
3. Uuringute metoodikate ülevaade
4. Uuringute ülevaade
Rainer Persidski, 626 2973
[email protected]
Paldiski mnt 96/ Tallinn 13522/ 626 2802/
[email protected]/ www.envir.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Project Information Card:
MFW Bałtyk I S.A. Offshore Wind Farm
MFW Bałtyk I
prepared for
MFW Bałtyk I S.A.
Final version
May 2022
ERM Project No 0618204
Equinor Project No. 465904
The business of sustainability
Title of document Project Information Card: Offshore Wind Farm MFW Bałtyk I
ERM Project No. 0618204
Equinor Project No. 465904
Date 11 May 2022
The author’s team Agnieszka Karaś, M.Sc.Eng.
Joanna Filipkowska, M.Sc.Eng.
Witold Mazur, M.Sc.Eng.
Dorota Kołbuk , M.Sc.
Katarzyna Rachwalska, M.Sc.Eng.
Anna Mitraszewska, M.Sc.Eng.
Customer name MFW Bałtyk I S.A.
www.erm.com Project no: 0618204 Client: MFW Bałtyk I S.A. 11 May 2022
Project Information Card 2
May 2022
Project Information Card:
Offshore Wind Farm MFW Bałtyk I
prepared for
MFW Bałtyk I S.A.
Joanna Filipkowska Agnieszka Karaś
Project Manager Technical Lead
ERM Polska Sp. z o.o.
Chmielna 132/134 Street
00-805 Warsaw
Poland
www.erm.com Project no: 0618204 Client: MFW Bałtyk I S.A. 11 May 2022
Project Information Card 3
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................1
2 CONTENTS OF THE PROJECT INFORMATION CARD .............................................................1
3 IDENTIFICATION OF THE INVESTOR APPLYING FOR THE PERMIT, ITS REGISTERED
OFFICE AND ADDRESS ...............................................................................................................2
4 TYPE, CHARACTERISTICS, SCALE AND LOCATION OF THE PROJECT ..............................2
4.1 Type and characteristics of the project ............................................................................................ 2
4.2 Project classification ........................................................................................................................ 4
4.3 Scale, scope and location of the project .......................................................................................... 5
5 PROVISIONS OF STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS .............................................................................7
5.1 Documents on international and European level (HELCOM / BSAP / European Green Deal) ........7
5.1.1 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ......................................................... 7
5.1.2 Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context ...........7
5.1.3 Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area ...........8
5.1.4 European Green Deal ....................................................................................................8
5.1.5 Other international documents and provisions ............................................................... 8
5.2 Documents on the national level - Poland (“Offshore Wind Act”, PEP 2040, MSP/POM Plan) .......9
5.2.1 Act on the promotion of electricity generation in offshore wind farms ............................. 9
5.2.2 Energy Policy of Poland until 2040 (PEP 2040) ............................................................. 9
5.2.3 Spatial Development Plan for Polish Maritime Areas ................................................... 10
5.3 Other initiatives and documents relating to maritime spatial planning ........................................... 11
6 THE AREA OF OCCUPIED REAL ESTATE, AS WELL AS BUILDING STRUCTURE, THEIR
CURRENT USE AND VEGETATION COVER ........................................................................... 11
6.1 The area of occupied water body, as well as building structures .................................................. 11
6.2 Current use of the area ................................................................................................................. 11
6.2.1 Fishing .......................................................................................................................... 12
6.2.2 Maritime transport ........................................................................................................ 14
6.2.3 Technical infrastructure ................................................................................................ 16
6.2.4 Tourism ........................................................................................................................ 17
6.3 Occurrence of flora (phytobenthos) within the water body ............................................................ 19
7 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................................. 20
7.1 Marine environment surveys ......................................................................................................... 20
7.1.1 Previous surveys conducted in the Project area ........................................................... 21
7.1.2 Research conducted in 2012-2013 for the Project ....................................................... 22
7.1.3 Pre-investment marine environmental research for the Project – in progress .............. 22
7.2 Basic environmental conditions ..................................................................................................... 25
7.2.1 Seabed (Geology and marine sediments) .................................................................... 25
7.2.2 Weather conditions ....................................................................................................... 29
7.2.3 State of the sea waters ................................................................................................. 35
7.2.4 Acoustic background .................................................................................................... 37
7.2.5 Benthos ........................................................................................................................ 38
7.2.6 Ichthyofauna and spawning grounds ............................................................................ 42
7.2.7 Seabirds ....................................................................................................................... 45
7.2.8 Migratory birds.............................................................................................................. 47
7.2.9 Marine mammals .......................................................................................................... 48
7.2.10 Bats .............................................................................................................................. 50
7.3 Biodiversity .................................................................................................................................... 51
7.4 Cultural heritage, including archaeological heritage ...................................................................... 52
7.5 Remains of World War II ............................................................................................................... 53
8 TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY USED ............................................................................................... 55
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8.1 Offshore wind turbine electricity generation technology ................................................................ 55
8.2 Technology of individual project components ................................................................................ 55
8.2.1 WTGs ........................................................................................................................... 56
8.2.2 Foundations.................................................................................................................. 56
8.2.3 Internal power and communication cables ................................................................... 56
8.2.4 Offshore substation ...................................................................................................... 57
9 ALTERNATIVES OF THE PLANNED PROJECT ...................................................................... 57
10 ANTICIPATED USE OF WATER, RAW MATERIALS, FUELS AND ENERGY ........................ 58
10.1 Preparatory work ........................................................................................................................... 58
10.2 Construction phase ....................................................................................................................... 59
10.3 Operational phase ......................................................................................................................... 59
10.4 Decommissioning phase ............................................................................................................... 60
11 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SOLUTIONS ...................................................................... 60
12 TYPES AND PREDICTED AMOUNTS OF SUBSTANCES OR ENERGY RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT WITH THE APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SOLUTIONS ............................................................................................................................... 61
12.1 Construction phase ....................................................................................................................... 61
12.1.1 Air emissions and methods to mitigate their impact ..................................................... 61
12.1.2 Noise and vibration emissions and methods to mitigate their impact ........................... 61
12.1.3 Impact on water and bottom sediments and methods to mitigate it .............................. 61
12.2 Operational phase ......................................................................................................................... 62
12.2.1 Noise and vibration emissions and methods to mitigate their impact ........................... 62
12.2.2 Emissions of electromagnetic radiation and methods for their reduction ...................... 62
12.2.3 Emissions to water and bottom sediments and methods to mitigate their impact ......... 62
12.3 Decommissioning phase ............................................................................................................... 63
13 ANTICIPATED QUANTITIES AND TYPES OF WASTE DISPOSED OF AND THEIR IMPACT
ON THE ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................... 63
13.1 Construction phase ....................................................................................................................... 63
13.2 Operational phase ......................................................................................................................... 66
13.3 Decommissioning phase ............................................................................................................... 68
14 AREAS SUBJECT TO PROTECTION UNDER THE NATURE CONSERVATION ACT .......... 69
14.1 Protected areas ............................................................................................................................. 69
14.2 Ecological corridors ....................................................................................................................... 72
15 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............................................................. 73
15.1 Spatial conditions covering ongoing and completed projects located within the project area and in
the area of influence of the project or whose impacts are within the area of inluence of the
planned project .............................................................................................................................. 73
15.1.1 Offshore wind farms ..................................................................................................... 73
15.1.2 Aggregate Mining in the Southern Middle Bank ........................................................... 75
15.1.3 Cables, pipelines and other .......................................................................................... 76
15.2 Potential cumulative impacts ......................................................................................................... 76
16 POSSIBLE TRANSBOUNDARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .............................................. 78
17 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL SOCIAL CONFLICTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PLANNED
PROJECT ................................................................................................................................... 78
17.1 Potential conflicts with other users of the area in the pre-execution phase ................................... 79
17.1.1 Potential impact on fishing............................................................................................ 79
17.1.2 Potential impact on shipping operations ....................................................................... 79
17.1.3 Potential impact on state defence operations ............................................................... 79
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17.1.4 Potential impact on cables and pipelines ..................................................................... 80
17.2 Potential conflicts with other users of the area at the construction stage ...................................... 80
17.2.1 Potential impact on fishing............................................................................................ 80
17.2.2 Potential impact on shipping operations ....................................................................... 80
17.2.3 Potential impact on state defence operations ............................................................... 80
17.3 Potential conflicts with other users of the area at the operation stage .......................................... 80
17.3.1 Potential impact on fishing............................................................................................ 80
17.3.2 Potential impact on shipping operations ....................................................................... 81
17.3.3 Potential impact on state defence operations ............................................................... 81
17.3.4 Potential impact on cables and pipelines ..................................................................... 81
17.4 Potential conflicts with other users of the area at the decommissioning stage .............................. 81
18 RISK OF A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTER ...................... 82
18.1 Major incidents .............................................................................................................................. 82
18.2 Natural disasters ........................................................................................................................... 83
18.3 Construction disasters ................................................................................................................... 83
19 ANALYSES, STUDIES, ESTIMATIONS AND MODELLING PLANNED FOR THE NEEDS OF
PREPARING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT ............................. 83
20 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 84
LEGAL ACTS ........................................................................................................................................ 87
LITERATURE ........................................................................................................................................ 88
LIST OF APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................ 90
REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE, PRE-INVESTMENT MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ....... 92
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List of Tables
Table 2.1 Content of the Project Information Card
Table 3.1 Investor’s (applicant’s) data
Table 4.1 Characteristic technical parameters of the planned Project
Table 4.2 Geographical coordinates of the points delimiting the offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I
area according to the OLL
Table 7.1 Average concentrations [mmol m-3] in 2020 r. in the surface layer (0–10 m) of mineral
phosphorous compounds (DIP) and nitrogen compounds (DIN) during the winter
months (XII–II), and average concentrations of phosphorous (TP) and total nitrogen
(TN) during the summer months (VI–IX) (2010–2019 decade averages) in the Bornholm
and Eastern Gotland Basins.
Table 7.2 Characteristics of the selected parameters of macrozoobenthos in the DA BI (1NM)
Table 13.1 Expected waste types and quantities at the stage of construction within a year
Table 13.2 Expected types and quantities of waste at the operation stage
Table 14.1 Priority habitats of Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308)
Table 14.2 Protected species of Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308)
Table 14.3 Selected pressures on habitats/species protected in the area Hoburgs bank och
Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308)
Table 15.1 Offshore wind energy projects in the Baltic Sea
Table 15.2 Identification of potential cumulative impacts
List of Figures
Figure 4.1 Illustration of the main components of the MFW Bałtyk I Venture
Figure 4.2 Location of the planned offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I in the Baltic Sea area
Figure 4.3 Map with the coordinates of the planned MFW Bałtyk I
Figure 5.1 Location of the planned OWF in relation to the water bodies designated in the POM
Plan
Figure 6.1 The area of the planned project against the background of the Baltic fishing quadrants
Figure 6.2 Density of fishing vessel routes [n/km2] in 2012
Figure 6.3 Swedish fishing in Polish waters from 2019 and the draft POM Plan of 2019.
Figure 6.4 South Baltic main and customary shipping routes
Figure 6.5 Planned offshore wind farms and existing submarine cables in the planned project area
Figure 6.6 Route distribution and intensity of use by recreational vessels
Figure 6.7 Distribution of routes and intensity of their use by passenger ships
Figure 6.8 Location of wrecks available for diving in the area of the planned Project
Figure 6.9 Photic zones in the Baltic Sea
Figure 7.1 Scheme of distribution of research transects in the area of the Polish part of the
Southern Middle Bank in the framework of marine avifauna surveys performed in 2018-
2019 for the Baltic Power OWF project
Figure 7.2 Location of DA BI (1 NM and 2 NM)
Figure 7.3 Mineral resources in the area of the planned Project
Figure 7.4 Planned Project in relation to prospective deposits of clastic materials
Figure 7.5 Planned Project in the context of geo-environmental map
Figure 7.6 Daily average values of wind energy over the Polish part of the Southern Baltic Sea
calculated based on information from 2013.
Figure 7.7 Sea surface water temperature in 2020 in the Bornholm Basin
Figure 7.8 Sea surface layer salinity in 2020 in the Bornholm Basin
Figure 7.9 Current roses in the 7.5-12.5 m subsurface layer based on measurements from 2010-
2019 (green rectangle - area of the planned Project, red rectangle – magnified areas
J04 and J05)
Figure 7.10 Current roses in the subsurface 7.5-12.5 m layer in 2020. (green rectangle – area of the
planned Project, red rectangle – magnified area J04; no data for area J05).
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Figure 7.11 Velocities of bottom currents in the area of the planned Project
Figure 7.12 Spatial distribution of annual wind wave energy resources in the area of the planned
investment
Figure 7.13 Baltic Sea sub-basins delineated in Polish marine areas according to HELCOM MAS
with updates (HELCOM 2013) with location of MSFD monitoring measurement and
research stations.
Figure 7.14 Continuous noise level related to human activity
Figure 7.15 Location of phytobenthos transects in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a
potential impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Figure 7.16 Macrozoobenthos communities distinguished in the MFW Bałtyk I development area
with a potential impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Figure 7.17 Location of ichthyoplankton research stations in the MFW Bałtyk I development area
with a potential impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Figure 7.18 Hydroacoustic survey route in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a potential
impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Figure 7.19 Location of demersal survey nets in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a potential
impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Figure 7.20 Location of transects within the DA BI (2NM) and reference area along which seabird
observations were made during the survey campaign on 17-18 March 2021 and 28 April
2021.
Figure 7.21 Location of transects after correction, along which seabird observations were made,
during the survey campaign on 25-26 March, 14 and 22 May, 2021.
Figure 7.22 Location of the observation point during bird spring migration studies
Figure 7.23 Location of C-POD devices within the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a potential
impact zone with a width of 2 NM
Figure 7.24 Surveyed flight route during the first observation flight in the spring survey season
Figure 7.25 Location of survey transects and listening post
Figure 7.26 Objects of cultural heritage significance in Polish maritime areas
Figure 7.27 Bathymetric and sonar images with indication of potential wreck location of the vessel
indicated in the maritime administration's spatial information system
Figure 7.28 Proposed project in relation to the dumping sites of chemical weapons and their
transportation routes
Figure 7.29 Location of bottom sediment sampling stations for arsenic, mustard gas and PAH
testing and fish capture areas for arsenic testing
Figure 14.1 Protected areas in the vicinity of the planned investment
Figure 15.1 Offshore wind energy projects in the Polish EEZ*
Figure 15.2 Offshore wind energy projects in the Swedish EEZ in the area of Southern Baltic
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List of Abbreviations
Name Description
Art. Article
CLV Cable Laying Vessel, a vessel used to lay submarine cables
DA BI (1NM) MFW Bałtyk I development area, including a potential impact zone with a radius
of at least 1 nautical mile
DA BI (2NM) MFW Bałtyk I development area, including a potential impact zone with a radius
of at least 2 nautical miles
ED Environmental Decision (PL: Decyzja o środowiskowych uwarunkowaniach)
JoL Journal of Laws (PL: Dziennik Ustaw, Dz.U.)
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment (PL: Ocena oddziaływania na środowisko,
OOŚ)
EIA Act Act of 3 October 2008 on the provision of information on the environment and its
protection, public participation in environmental protection and environmental
impact assessments (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 2373, as amended)
EIA Report Environmental Impact Assessment Report
EPA Act dated April 27, 2001. Environmental Protection Act (Journal of Laws 2021,
item 1973, as amended)
Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context,
Convention done at Espoo on February 25, 1991.
EU European Union
GW Gigawatt
GWh Gigawatt hour
HELCOM The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission – also known as the
Helsinki Commission
HVAC High Voltage Alternating Current
HVDC High Voltage Direct Current
ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
km kilometre
kV kilovolt
l litre
m metre
NPS National Power System (PL: Krajowy System Elektroenergetyczny, KSE)
OWF Offshore Wind Farm; (PL: Morska farma wiatrowa, MFW),
MFW BI/MFW Offshore Wind Farm Bałtyk I (PL: Morska farma wiatrowa MFW Bałtyk I)
Bałtyk I/Project
MFW BI area maritime area designated for the development of MFW BI, according to the OLL
MES Marine Electrical Substation
MSP Maritime Spatial Plan
MW Megawatt
MWh Megawatt hour
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Natura 2000 Programme of the network of nature conservation areas in the territory of the
European Union
NM Nautical mile
Offshore Wind Act of 17 December 2020 on the promotion of electricity generation in offshore
Act wind farms (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 234, as amended).
OGT Macrozoobenthos indicator (presence of typical species)
OLL Offshore Location Licence (PL: Pozwolenie na wznoszenie i wykorzystywanie
sztucznych wysp, konstrukcji i urządzeń w polskich obszarach morskich or
PSZW)
OSS Offshore Substation
PL-1992 National Geodetic Coordinate System 1992 (also: PUWG 1992)
POM Polish maritime areas (PL: Polskie obszary morskie)
POM.60.E Area where the MFW BI is planned under the POM Plan
POM Plan Spatial development plan for internal sea waters, territorial sea and the exclusive
economic zone in the scale 1:200 000, adopted by the Ordinance of the Council
of Ministers of 14 April 2021 (Journal of Laws 2021 item 935) - Maritime Spatial
Plan (MSP)
RDOŚ Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection
MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Directive (PL: Ramowa Dyrektywa Strategii Wodnej,
RDSM)
WFD Water Framework Directive (PL: Ramowa Dyrektywa Wodna, RDW)
ROV Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle
TI Technical Infrastructure (electric power infrastructure)
TI MFW BI Electric power infrastructure connecting the MFW BI with the National Power
System
WGS World Geodetic System
WTG Wind Turbine Generator
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1 INTRODUCTION
MFW Bałtyk I S.A.is the SPV responsible for the preparation and implementation of the Offshore Wind
Farm MFW Bałtyk I together with associated infrastructure, including equipment for power output to the
National Power System ("Venture", "MFW Bałtyk I Venture"). This venture is being implemented jointly
by Equinor and Polenergia.
MFW Bałtyk I S.A., i.e. the Investor, is applying for the determination of the scope of the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the issuance of the decision on environmental conditions (ED) for
the Offshore Wind Farm MFW Bałtyk I in the area 60.E with a total maximum installed capacity of 1560
MW as well as the infrastructure, required for the implementation and operation of the farm ( “Project”,
”MFW Bałtyk I”). Detailed information on the elements of the planned Project are presented in Sections
Błąd! Nie można odnaleźć źródła odwołania.- Błąd! Nie można odnaleźć źródła odwołania. below.
2 CONTENTS OF THE PROJECT INFORMATION CARD
This Project Information Card was developed based on the requirements of Article 62a par. 1 of the Act
of 3 October 2008 on the provision of information on the environment and its protection, public
participation in environmental protection and environmental impact assessments (Journal of Laws 2021,
item 2373, consolidated text); hereinafter referred to as the EIA Act. Table 2.1 below presents the
location of the required elements in this Card..
Table 2.1 Content of the Project Information Card
No. Topics of the Card Location in the
Card – Chapter no.
1 Type, scale and location of the project Chapter 4
2 Area of occupied real estate, as well as building structure, their current use and Chapter 6
vegetation cover
3 Type of technology used Chapter 8
4 Possible project alternatives Chapter 9
5 Anticipated use of water, raw materials, fuels and energy Chapter 10
6 Environmental protection solutions Chapter 11
7 Types and predicted amounts of substances or energy released to the Chapter 12
environment with the application of environmental protection solutions
8 Possible transboundary environmental impacts Chapter 16
9 Areas subject to protection under the Act on Nature Conservation of 16 April Chapter 14
2004
10 Current and completed projects located in the area where the project is planned Chapter 15
to be implemented and in the impact area of the project, or whose impacts fall
within the impact area of the planned project - to the extent that their impacts
can lead to accumulation of impacts with the planned project
11 Risk of a major accident or natural and man-made disaster Chapter 18
12 Anticipated quantities and types of waste disposed of and their impact on the Chapter 13
environment
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3 IDENTIFICATION OF THE INVESTOR APPLYING FOR THE PERMIT, ITS
REGISTERED OFFICE AND ADDRESS
Table 3.1 Investor’s (applicant’s) data
Name of the investor: MFW Bałtyk I S.A.
Address: Krucza St. 24/26, 00-526 Warsaw
Municipality: M.St. Warszawa
County: M.St. Warszawa
Voivodeship: Mazowieckie
KRS: 0000335266
NIP: 5862243743
REGON: 220853643
4 TYPE, CHARACTERISTICS, SCALE AND LOCATION OF THE PROJECT
4.1 TYPE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT
The planned Project covers the construction and operation of the offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I.
The Project will be carried out in the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), about 81 km from the
mainland Łeba municipality.
The aim of the Project is to generate electricity using a non-carbon, renewable source of energy such
as wind force. The kinetic energy of the wind is converted into mechanical energy by a revolving rotor.
Next, the mechanical energy is converted in the generator to low-voltage alternating current, which is
then transformed to medium- or high-voltage for transmission to the substation via internal electricity
infrastructure. The operation of the wind farm is expected to last 25-35 years.
The applicant holds the permit to erect and exploit artificial islands, installations and equipment in Polish
maritime areas for the Project “Morska Farma Wiatrowa Bałtyk Północny” (Offshore Wind Farm Bałtyk
Północny) (hereinafter referred to as "OLL" or Offshore Location License) issued on 16 July 2012 by the
Minister of Transport, Construction and Maritime Economy, no. GT7wp/62/1182060/MFW/1a/2012. In
accordance with the Act of March 21, 1991 on maritime areas of the Republic of Poland and maritime
administration (Journal of Laws 2022, item 457), the permit is valid for a period of 35 years with
a possibility of extension at the operation stage.
The MFW Bałtyk I offshore wind farm will consist of:
◼ Maximum up to 104 wind turbine generators (“WTG”), the basic components of which are:
foundation, tower, nacelle with a power generator and rotor,
◼ Maximum up to 2 internal offshore substations (“OSS”),
◼ Maximum up to 250 km of internal power and telecommunication cables connecting:
• individual WTGs together (into cable circuits),
• WTG groups with internal offshore substations,
• internal offshore substations with one another.
The Project will also include all the necessary infrastructure for the construction and operation of the
farm. The scope of the application for the decision on environmental conditions for MFW Bałtyk I does
not include the infrastructure"(within the meaning of the Act of 17 December 2020 on the
promotion of electricity generation in offshore wind farms (Journal of Laws 2021, item 234,
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consolidated text) for the transmission of electricity generated by the farm to the mainland
National Power System.
The infrastructure for the transmission of electricity generated by the farm to the mainland National
Power System will be a part of a separate administrative procedure for the issuance of the environmental
decision, but for this EIA will be assessed in regards of the cumulative impacts only and will cover the
following elements:
◼ Export cables from the offshore substation constituting a part of the offshore wind farm MFW
Bałtyk I (the Project covered by the application) to the landfall, or alternatively to an offshore
substation forming part of the equipment for the power transmission and then from that
substation to the landfall ,
◼ Onshore export cables from the transition bay to the onshore substation,
◼ Onshore substation including converter equipment,
◼ Onshore export cables from the onshore substation to the NPS station, from which electricity
will be transmitted to Polish electricity grid.
In the area of MFW Bałtyk I about 10-15 km of corridors of export cables will be placed, which are
excluded from the technical scope of MFW Bałtyk I and will be subject to a separate administrative
procedure.
Figure 4.1 presents the elements of the MFW Bałtyk I, that are a part of the Project (marked with red
rectangle) and the other elements of the Venture that will be considered only in regards of the cumulative
impacts.
Figure 4.1 Illustration of the main components of the MFW Bałtyk I Venture
Source: Equinor / Polenergia
The maximum total capacity of the planned MFW Bałtyk I is 1 560 MW, however, the final installed
capacity of the farm as well as the total electricity production will depend on the number and type of
generators used and the meteorological conditions, however the installed capacity will not exceed the
above mentioned maximum capacity.
The investor anticipates that the Project may be implemented in stages. The onshore product will be
electrical energy, ultimately transmitted to the National Power System (KSE).
Table 4.1 below presents characteristic technical parameters of the planned Project.
Table 4.1 Characteristic technical parameters of the planned Project
Technical parameters of MFW Bałtyk I
Distance of the MFW BI from the mainland Approx. 81 km
Surface approved by OLL for the project execution 128,53 km2
Depth range of the selected area 16 – 42 m
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Technical parameters of MFW Bałtyk I
Planned number of the WTG Up to 104
Minimum WTG spacing 800 m
Predicted type of foundations Gravity-based foundation, monopile, tripod or jacket
Total capacity Not more than 1560 MW
Predicted annual energy production 6 864 000 MWh (assuming a power factor of 50%)
Total length of the power lines within MFW 250 km
Offshore substations Maximum 2 OSSs
Source: Equinor / Polenergia
4.2 PROJECT CLASSIFICATION
The subject of the application to which this Project Information Card is attached is to determine the
environmental conditions of the planned project involving the construction of a wind farm in the Baltic
Sea.
The investor - MFW Bałtyk I S.A. - applies for a decision on environmental conditions.
The legal basis for the proceedings for the issuance of the environmental decision for the planned
Project is the EIA Act. Moreover, the planned MFW may potentially require a conducting
a transboundary procedure due to the potential transboundary impacts – area of the MFW Bałtyk I is
adjacent to Swedish EEZ and is located about 47 km from Danish EEZ. Poland's obligations regarding
the transboundary environmental impact assessment are also set out in the Espoo Convention.
The planned project will include the construction of an offshore wind farm, which will comprise of:
◼ WTGs,
◼ OSSs,
◼ internal power and telecommunication cables.
Within the scope of the Project all infrastructure necessary for the implementation and operation of the
farm will be implemented. The said infrastructure may include, among others, helipads installed on the
offshore substations.
According to the current qualification of projects based on the §2 (1) (5) of the Regulation of the Council
of Ministers on projects likely to have a significant impact on the environment, projects likely to always
have a significant impact on the environment, i.e. “group I projects” include "installations using wind
energy to generate electricity: a) with a total nominal capacity of the power plant not less than 100 MW,
b) located in the maritime areas of the Republic of Poland", i.e. offshore wind farms.
In addition, projects that may potentially have a significant impact on the environment include helipads
(§3 (1) pt. 61 "airports other than those listed in §2 (1) (30) or helipads, excluding helipads referred to in
the Regulation of the Minister of Health of June 27, 2019 on the hospital emergency department (Journal
of Laws 2021, item 2048)", that might potentially be installed at the OSSs.
It follows that the construction of the MFW Bałtyk I will require the preparation of the Environmental
Impact Report and obtaining the decision on environmental conditions (ED) before applying for the
building permit.
In addition, it is planned for MFW Bałtyk I to comprise the construction of offshore substations and power
lines. Power substations are not classified by the Regulation on projects likely to significantly affect the
environment (Journal of Laws 2019 item1839) as group I or group II projects and similarly to offshore
cables alone are not subject to the procedure of obtaining environmental decision.
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Pursuant to Art. 75 of the EIA Act, the competent authority to issue the decision on environmental
conditions for the planned offshore wind farm will be the Regional Director for Environmental Protection
in Gdańsk. This authority carrying out the impact assessment procedure in accordance with Article 104
(1) item. 1 of the EIA Act will be obliged to conduct consultations with the affected countries through the
General Director of Environmental Protection (GDOŚ). In accordance with the Espoo Convention,
parties shall take, individually or jointly, all appropriate and effective measures to prevent, reduce and
control significant adverse transboundary environmental impacts resulting from planned activities.
According to the Polish Classification of Economic Activities, the main activity planned by the investor
in the area in question will be activities classified under the code 35.11.Z - generation of electricity.
4.3 SCALE, SCOPE AND LOCATION OF THE PROJECT
The Project will be located in the south-western area of the Baltic Sea in the Polish Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ), within the area defined in the obtained permit to erect and exploit artificial islands,
installations and equipment in Polish maritime areas. This permit defines the shape and the surface of
the offshore area where the construction and operation of the farm may be conducted.
The Project will be implemented at a distance of about 80 km from the Polish seashore (municipalities
of Smołdzino and Łeba in the Pomeranian Voivodeship). The shortest straight-line distance from the
wind farm perimeter to the shore is 81 km.
Surface of the marine area designated for implementation of the offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I
according to OLL is 128.53 km2. It should be emphasized that the aforementioned area is not the same
as the area where it will be possible to locate components of the Project, i.e. its development area.
Restrictions on the Project development area result from the detailed provisions of the obtained OLL
and the Maritime Spatial Plan (“POM Plan”), adopted by the Ordinance of the Council of Ministers of 14
April 2021 on the adoption of the spatial development plan of internal sea waters, territorial sea and
exclusive economic zone in the scale 1:200 000 (Journal of Laws 2021, item 935).
OLL obliges the Investor to develop the layout of the installation, so that none of the planned structures,
i.e. WTGs, OSSs or internal cables, are located closer than 2 nautical miles from the existing navigation
routes and closer than 500 m from the external border of the marine area intended for the
implementation of the offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I.
Additional restrictions in this respect result from the provisions of the Maritime Spatial Plan, according
to which in the body of water 60.E. (dedicated to the development of offshore wind energy) where MFW
Bałtyk I will be located, it is prohibited to erect artificial islands and structures at a distance of less than
2 km from the border of the Natura 2000 area "Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna" (SE0330308).
The planned Project will comply with the conditions of the POM Plan.
Geographical coordinates of the points delimiting the offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I area according
to the permit are presented in the Table 4.2. Water depths in the area ranges from approximately 16 m
to approximately 42 m.
Table 4.2 Geographical coordinates of the points delimiting the offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I
area according to the OLL
Coordinate system WGS 84 DD°MM’SS.ss’’
Point no. Longitude (E) Latitude (N)
1 17°22’48.0842” 55°35’12.9062”
2 17°18’13.6818” 55°33’28.6638”
3 17°18’45.1652” 55°33’13.8068”
4 17°25’18.6708” 55°31’52.4230”
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5 17°24’30.7190” 55°28’28.3090”
6 17°23’21.1507” 55°28’58.3008”
7 17°11’27.7087” 55°28’43.9310”
8 17°08’45.0747” 55°29’53.4755”
9 17°08’05.9219” 55°31’45.3848”
Source: OLL
The MFW Bałtyk I location is shown at the overview map in Figure 4.2 Location of the planned
offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I in the Baltic Sea areaFigure 4.2 and in the more detailed map in Figure
4.3.
Figure 4.2 Location of the planned offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I in the Baltic Sea area
Source: Equinor / Polenergia
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Figure 4.3 Map with the coordinates of the planned MFW Bałtyk I
Source: Equinor / Polenergia
5 PROVISIONS OF STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS
5.1 DOCUMENTS ON INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LEVEL (HELCOM / BSAP /
EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL)
5.1.1 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed in Montego Bay on 10 December 1982
(UNCLOS) is one of the key documents regulating the use of marine waters. The provisions of the
Convention emphasize the sovereignty of the territorial sea (Article 2). Article 60 of the aforementioned
Convention specifies the conditions for the erection of artificial islands, installations and structures within
exclusive economic zones.
According to the provisions of the Spatial Development Plan of the Internal Sea, Territorial Sea and the
Exclusive Economic Zone in the scale 1: 200 000, hereinafter referred to as the “POM Plan” or MSP,
and administrative decisions issued, the proposed Project meets the conditions of UNCLOS.
5.1.2 Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context
The Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context, drawn up in Espoo
on 25 February 1991 (“Espoo Convention”), sets out the procedural framework for carrying out
environmental impact assessments in a transboundary context for projects that are likely to result in
significant adverse transboundary environmental impact from planned activities.
According to the Espoo Convention, a transboundary impact "means any impact, not exclusively of
a global nature, within an area under the jurisdiction of a Party caused by a proposed activity the physical
origin of which is situated wholly or in part within the area under the jurisdiction of another Party ".
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The Espoo Convention deals with "transboundary" issues, i.e. issues that transcend national
boundaries, and identifies "Parties of Origin" and "Affected Parties". Parties of Origin are the - (and their
exclusive economic zones) where construction will take place. Affected States are those that may be
affected by the Project in one way or another, even though no construction activities will take place on
their territory.
The planned Project is located entirely within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Poland.
The Polish national legal basis for the proceedings on transboundary environmental impact is the EIA
Act.
With regard to the proposed Project, as the first step, the Espoo Convention requires the Government
of Poland to notify potentially Affected Parties, as early as practicable and no later than when informing
its own public, that it is considering implementing activities listed in Appendix 1 to the Convention.
The proposed Project is listed in the revised, current Appendix 1 to the Convention, par. 22, under "Large
installations using wind energy to generate electricity (wind farms)". Potentially Affected Parties to be
notified include Sweden and Denmark.
5.1.3 Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea
Area
International cooperation on environmental protection in the Baltic Sea region has a nearly 50-year
tradition and is carried out under the Helsinki Convention (Journal of Laws 2000, no. 28 item. 346). This
Convention defines the principles of cooperation of all Baltic Sea states in the field of comprehensive
protection of the Baltic Sea against all types of pollution and its implementing body is the Helsinki
Commission (HELCOM) with headquarters in Helsinki. Actions undertaken within the framework of
HELCOM, including Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), concern both marine waters and the entire
catchment area of the Baltic Sea.
The planned Project is in line with the concept of sustainable development and EU climate policy
that determines the directions of HELCOM activities.
5.1.4 European Green Deal
The European Green Deal set out a transformational change plan to make the European Union climate-
neutral by 2050. Member States have also set an interim target and committed themselves to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The use of renewable
energy such as wind energy will contribute to achieving these objectives.
One of the actions planned under the European Green Deal is also to reduce the EU's dependence on
external energy sources. The European Commission has identified wind power as the dominant
generation technology by 2050, predicting the development of offshore wind farms with maximum
installed capacity of up to 450 GW. Installations in the Baltic Sea region could reach 85 GW by 2050.
The proposed Project is consistent with the provisions of the document.
5.1.5 Other international documents and provisions
The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Action Plan (EUSBSR, 2018) in the field of
energy identifies among others sub-objectives:
◼ clean water in the sea;
◼ reliable energy markets;
◼ improving the global competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region;
◼ climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management.
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Another relevant European initiative is the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021-2027. 4 priority axes
have been identified in the Programme, with Axis 2 “Sustainable South Baltic - promoting sustainable
development and blue and green economy" and measure 2.1 "2.1 Supporting transition towards green
energy" are of particular importance for the development of offshore wind energy.
The proposed Project is consistent with the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
Action Plan and the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021-2027.
5.2 DOCUMENTS ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL - POLAND (“OFFSHORE WIND ACT”, PEP
2040, MSP/POM PLAN)
5.2.1 Act on the promotion of electricity generation in offshore wind farms
Act of 17 December 2020 on the promotion of electricity generation in offshore wind farms (Journal of
Laws of 2021, item 234, as amended), hereinafter referred to as the Offshore Wind Act sets out, i.a.,
the principles and conditions for the preparation and execution of investments in the construction of
offshore wind farms, as well as the principles for the disposal of an offshore wind farm. Furthermore, it
specifies requirements concerning the construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore wind
farms.
According to the provisions of the Act, an offshore wind farm must meet the requirements in terms of
safety, protection of the marine environment, protection of the state border at sea and state defence
specified in separate regulations.
An offshore wind farm is constructed and operated with due regard for the protection of the marine
environment, navigation safety, compliance with the obtained offshore location licence or with the
agreement or permit to lay cables or pipelines in Polish maritime areas and with the decision on
environmental conditions. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the investor obtained the
Decision No. MFW/1a/12 dated July 16, 2012, the offshore location licence (OLL) for the project entitled
"Morska Farma Wiatrowa Bałtyk Północny”, with a capacity of 1560 MW. The proposed Project is being
developed under the aforementioned decision – the name of the Project has changed (to MFW Bałtyk
I), while its parameters, including location, are consistent with the decision.
The proposed Project is compliant with Annex No. 2 of the Offshore Wind Act, defining the areas
where offshore wind farms may be located.
Currently, the investor is conducting research to identify the marine environment in order to meet the
environmental requirements, both in accordance with the Offshore Wind Act and the EIA Act.
5.2.2 Energy Policy of Poland until 2040 (PEP 2040)
The objective of Poland’s Energy Policy until 2040 (PEP 2040) is to create the conditions for ensuring
energy security while simultaneously ensuring the competitiveness of the economy, energy efficiency
and reducing the environmental impact of the energy sector. The specific objectives cover the entire
energy supply chain – from its acquisition to its sale. Poland's energy transition will be based on three
pillars, including Pillar II: Zero-carbon energy system, which also comprises offshore wind energy
projects.
Within the Strategy, a specific objective was defined as follows: 6. Development of renewable energy
sources, for which the strategic project 6. Implementation of offshore wind energy was defined.
According to the document adopted by the Council of Ministers, it is forecast that in 2040 more than half
of the installed capacity will be zero-carbon sources. One of the key components of the transition, will
be offshore wind energy as a strategic new industry. Offshore wind capacity is planned to reach about
5.9 GW in 2030 to about 11 GW in 2040.
The proposed Project is consistent with the goals and objectives of Poland's Energy Policy until
2040.
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5.2.3 Spatial Development Plan for Polish Maritime Areas
The document, hereinafter referred to as the MSP (Maritime Spatial Plan) or POM Plan, was adopted
by the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 14 April 2021 on the adoption of a spatial development
plan of internal sea waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone in the scale 1:200 000 (Journal
of Laws 2021 item 935).
According to the general provisions of the POM Plan, the location of wind turbines should meet a number
of conditions:
"§ 6. 1. The construction of offshore wind turbines is only permitted in areas with the primary function of
generating renewable energy.
2. If a flight corridor for migratory birds needs to be established, its exact direction and size will be
determined as part of the environmental impact assessment of individual projects. It is recommended
that the width of such a corridor is not less than 4 km, and its axis is a straight line.
3. Artificial islands, structures and equipment of offshore wind farms, including offshore wind turbines,
as well as internal connection infrastructure of offshore wind farms, shall not be located closer than
2 nautical miles from the boundary of bodies of water with the primary function of transport."
As shown in the Figure 5.1, the proposed project is located in the basin POM.60.E.
Figure 5.1 Location of the planned OWF in relation to the water bodies designated in the POM Plan
Source: Spatial Development Plan of Polish Maritime Areas
The POM Plan includes the issued OLL for MFW Bałtyk I. The shipping routes used were shifted in
order to meet the conditions for safe operation of both the sailing routes and the offshore wind farms. In
addition, detailed navigation guidelines for the project area will be developed as part of the navigation
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expertise, prior to the submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for consultation with
the relevant Maritime Office. According to the specific provisions of the POM Plan, the primary function
of the basin POM.60.E is renewable energy generation (E). The functional definition of renewable
energy generation (E) is as follows: "extraction, processing, transmission and storage in Polish maritime
areas of energy from renewable sources, in particular wind, (...) including construction of structures
necessary for the extraction and transmission of energy together with associated infrastructure and
structures for the processing and storage of energy".
5.3 OTHER INITIATIVES AND DOCUMENTS RELATING TO MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING
The Baltic Sea states have jointly implemented several projects to develop a common approach to
maritime spatial planning. The following projects, which constitute only a fraction of long-term
transboundary cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, have provided a wealth of information on
approaches to planning, among other things, infrastructure for energy production from offshore wind
farms:
◼ BaltSeaPlan | 2009 - 2012
◼ PartiSEApate | 2012 - 2014
◼ Baltic Scope | 2015 - 2017
◼ Pan Baltic Scope | 2015 - 2017
◼ BaltSpace | 2015 - 2017
◼ BalticLines | 2016 - 2019
6 THE AREA OF OCCUPIED REAL ESTATE, AS WELL AS BUILDING
STRUCTURE, THEIR CURRENT USE AND VEGETATION COVER
6.1 THE AREA OF OCCUPIED WATER BODY, AS WELL AS BUILDING STRUCTURES
The surface of the area (body of water) designated for implementation of the offshore wind farm MFW
Bałtyk I according to OLL, is 128.53 km2, whereas it is the area of the offshore wind farm specified by
the geographical coordinates.
It should be emphasised that the aforementioned area is not the same as the area where it will be
possible to locate elements of the Project, i.e. its development area. Restrictions on the Project
development area result from the detailed provisions of the obtained OLL and the POM Plan and their
description can be found in Chapter 4.3 above.
The total area of the seabed occupied by the building structures i.e. their foundations, will depend on
the final number of WTGs and type of foundations applied. At the current stage of the project, it is
assumed that in the most far-reaching scenario 104 WTGs with foundations with a base diameter of
60 m (currently considered maximum diameter of the foundation, without scour protection) will be
installed. If gravity-based foundations of polygonal cross-section are chosen, the occupied seabed area
will not exceed the seabed occupation area by foundations with a base diameter of 60 m.
Implementation of the planned project will be consistent with the OLL provisions and the POM Plan
conditions (Chapter 4.3).
6.2 CURRENT USE OF THE AREA
The body of water intended for the implementation of the Project is currently not covered by any buildings
or technical installations. It is used to a small extent by the fishing industry and for maritime transport
and tourism. The extent to which the basin is used for fishing, transport and tourism is discussed in the
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chapters below. This chapter also addresses the issue of technical infrastructure - its location in relation
to the basin and the conditions for its construction in the basin.
6.2.1 Fishing
There is no intensive fishing activity in the area of the planned Project. The analyzed area is located
within four Baltic Sea fishing quadrants - M10, M11, N10, N11 (Figure 6.1). However, it covers only
a small percentage of the quadrants’ area.
According to the data made available by the 2020 Department of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development, the catch in live weight equivalent was as follows in each quadrant: M11 –
3,110 kg, N11 - 140,197 kg, M10 - 890,595 kg, N10 - 1,220,974 kg.
Figure 6.1 The area of the planned project against the background of the Baltic fishing quadrants
Source: Spatial Development Plan of Polish Maritime Areas
The number of Polish vessels fishing in 2020 by fishing quadrant was M11 - 1, N11 - 12 and N10 - 28,
respectively: M11 - 1, N11 - 12, M10 - 28, N10 - 38. Fishing vessels above 12 m of length dominated.
The density of routes and the intensity of their use by fishing vessels is low. The area is crossed by
fishing vessel routes from fishing ports, leading to the fisheries located north of the area.
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Figure 6.2 Density of fishing vessel routes [n/km2] in 2012
Source: Study of Spatial Development Conditions of Polish Maritime Areas together with spatial analyses. Maritime Institute,
Gdańsk 2015.
For the area POM.60.E, where the planned Project is located, the POM Plan establishes no fishing
restrictions until the start of the construction of offshore wind farms. However, during the construction
and operation of the offshore wind farms, in the safety zones of the structures and in the areas
threatening the safety of the inter-array connection infrastructure, it is required to introduce fishing
restrictions by a decision of the relevant director of the maritime office.
During the public consultation on the draft POM Plan with the Environmental Impact Assessment, the
Swedish side (Swedish Maritime and Water Agency) provided information on Swedish fisheries from
2019.
As shown in the figure below, no bodies of water important to Swedish fisheries have been identified
in the immediate vicinity of the proposed Project area.
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Figure 6.3 Swedish fishing in Polish waters from 2019 and the draft POM Plan of 2019.
Source: Appendix to letter of the Director General for Environmental Protection of 10-01-2022, ref. no. BP-UI.402.1806.2021.ID
According to Sweden, the overlap between the areas of interest for Swedish fisheries and the areas for
which the primary function of generation of renewable energy has been designated in the Polish POM
is limited, and therefore the potential impact on Swedish fisheries is likely to be minor.
As part of the pre-investment research, an analysis of the fishing fleet activity in the MFW Bałtyk I area
was conducted. The results of the analysis indicate that between 10 and 23 fishing vessels (>12 m)
were fishing in the MFW Bałtyk I area for an average of 37 days per year between 2015 and 2019. The
vessels were registered in: Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden and Lithuania and
Latvia. The fishing effort in the investment area is very low, and for none of the countries does it exceed
the threshold of 5% (share in total effort).
6.2.2 Maritime transport
In the area of the planned Project, based on vessel traffic monitoring data, two shipping routes have
been identified: shipping route H with traffic of ships and ferries carrying cars and goods from the Gulf
of Gdańsk towards Scandinavia and customary route K leaving the main shipping route for international
traffic in the west and leading to ports of Lithuania and Latvia (Maritime Institute, 2015).
During the analysis of conditions for the POM Plan, a navigation analysis was conducted to determine
the actual use of the area for transportation purposes.
The draft POM Plan indicated that a waterway ran through the proposed project area (Figure 6.4). After
adoption of the POM Plan, the waterway has been moved to the south to avoid the proposed offshore
wind farm location.
Figure 6.4 South Baltic main and customary shipping routes
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Source: Study of Spatial Development Conditions of Polish Maritime Areas together with spatial analyses, annex 13. Maritime
Institute, Gdańsk 2015.
In
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Figure 6.5 Planned offshore wind farms and existing submarine cables in the planned project area
the course of the present shipping routes is presented - they avoid the area of the planned MFW Bałtyk
I.
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Figure 6.5 Planned offshore wind farms and existing submarine cables in the planned project area
Source: SIPAM (https://sipam.gov.pl/geoportal)
According to the provisions of the POM Plan, until the start of the construction of the offshore wind farms,
no restrictions to the operation of transport are established. However, during the exploitation of the
power plants, until the establishment of safety conditions for navigation with the decision of the
appropriate territorial director of the maritime office, navigation is limited to vessels less than 50 m in
length. The exception are the vessels connected with service and maintenance of structures and
equipment of offshore wind farms and aquaculture. The conditions of the POM Plan will not influence
the operations of the windfarm.
6.2.3 Technical infrastructure
According to the POM Plan, the technical infrastructure is understood as telecommunication cables,
substation infrastructure and power cables, including internal and external connection infrastructure of
offshore wind farms, pipelines, including discharge collectors and transmission/product pipelines and
other facilities for: safety of navigation, exploration, prospecting of mineral deposits or extraction and
transmission of minerals, acquisition and transmission of energy, defence, loading and unloading, not
included in port and offshore peripheral infrastructure.
As shown in Figure 6.5 above, no elements of technical infrastructure, including linear infrastructure
(cables, pipelines) are located in the area of the planned project. To the south of the analysed area there
are unused telecommunication cables.
Other offshore wind farms are planned in the vicinity of the project site, both on the Polish and Swedish
side, and they will require implementation of offshore connections.
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In the area of the proposed project, in accordance with the provisions of the POM Plan, the possibility
of installing linear elements of technical infrastructure has been limited to the infrastructure necessary
to perform the function of energy generation.
6.2.4 Tourism
The basis for determining the tourist use of the project area was the studies used in preparation of
conditions for the POM. The area of the planned investment project is located in the open waters of the
Baltic Sea, therefore coastal tourism is not possible in this area. However, marine tourism understood
as activity on the high seas, i.e. on cruise ships, passenger liners, yachts or ferries is present in this
area.
However, vessel monitoring (Maritime Institute, 2015) indicates that these areas are not heavily used
by recreational and passenger vessels (Figure 6.6, Figure 6.7).
Figure 6.6 Route distribution and intensity of use by recreational vessels
Source: Study of Spatial Development Conditions of Polish Maritime Areas together with spatial analyses, annex 13. Maritime
Institute, Gdańsk 2015.
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Figure 6.7 Distribution of routes and intensity of their use by passenger ships
Source: Study of Spatial Development Conditions of Polish Maritime Areas together with spatial analyses, annex 13. Maritime
Institute, Gdańsk 2015.
According to the Maritime Administration Portal (SIPAM) and the Study of Spatial Development
Conditions for the draft POM, there is a wreck number WK-0042 (VIGGO;
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Figure 6.8) in the area of the planned Project, however the pre-investment seabed surveys (bathymetric,
sonar and seismic surveys; Chapter 7.4, Figure 7.27) conducted within the MFW Bałtyk I development
area including the 1 nautical mile wide buffer zone (DA BI (1NM)) did not confirm the presence of the
wreck.
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Figure 6.8 Location of wrecks available for diving in the area of the planned Project
Source: SIPAM (https://sipam.gov.pl/geoportal)
6.3 OCCURRENCE OF FLORA (PHYTOBENTHOS) WITHIN THE WATER BODY
The occurrence of flora in the open sea is a direct result of the availability of solar radiation of 400-700
nm wavelength. The range of the photic zone in the area of the planned Project is presented in the
Figure 6.9.
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Figure 6.9 Photic zones in the Baltic Sea
Source: Maritime Institute in Gdańsk, Environmental impact assessment forecast for draft spatial development plan for internal
maritime waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone, scale 1:200,000, draft forecast (Prognoza oddziaływania na
środowisko projektu planu zagospodarowania przestrzennego morskich wód wewnętrznych, morza terytorialnego i wyłącznej
strefy ekonomicznej w skali 1: 200 000 Projekt Prognozy) (v. 4), Gdańsk 2020
The developer is conducting pre-investment research to gather detailed information on the benthos and
phytobenthos in the area of the planned Project and withing the extent of its potential impact, i.e. in the
area of an offshore wind farm together with a buffer zone of the width of at least 1 nautical mile (DA BI
(1 NM)). Environmental surveys of phytobenthos were conducted in June 2021.
In the area of DA BI (1NM) macroalgae were observed in small quantities at the depths ranging from
19.9 to 26.4 m. In the majority of the studied area, the seabed was formed by hard sediments - boulders
and pebbles, on which phytobenthos – macroalgae – occurred in insignificant amounts: the coverage
of the rocky bottom was less than 1%. In open water, low abundance of red algae Rhodomela
confervoides (0,45 g s.m.∙m-2) and brown algae Sphacelaria cirrosa, Pylaiella littoralis and/or
Ectocarpus siliculosus was observed.
No species protected under the Regulation of the Minister of Environment of 9 October 2014 on the
protection of plant species (Journal of Laws 2014, item 1409) were found in the study area.
See Section 7.2.5.1 for more detailed information on phytobenthos.
7 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
7.1 MARINE ENVIRONMENT SURVEYS
The state of environment in the area of the Project and its vicinity was examined and will be described
in detail in the EIA report. Sources of data on the environment will include research conducted in the
area of the Project, including the Investor's pre-investment marine environmental research programme,
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data from the state environmental monitoring and selected research conducted by other offshore wind
farm investors, as well as other available environmental data.
7.1.1 Previous surveys conducted in the Project area
7.1.1.1 Environmental monitoring
The scope and conduct of marine environmental monitoring studies and the criteria for assessment
of the state of the marine environment are defined, i.a., by:
◼ The Helsinki Convention On the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area,
1974
◼ New Convention On the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area of April 9,
1992 (Journal of Laws 2000 No. 28 item 346),
◼ Directive 2008/56/EC of 19 June 2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy
(Marine Strategy Framework Directive, MSFD),
◼ Act of 20 July 2017 – Water Law Act (Journal of Laws 2021 item 2233, as amended) along with
implementing acts.
In the area of the planned investment there are no state environmental monitoring research stations,
which would monitor particular elements of marine environment of the Polish part of the Baltic Sea within
the scope of HELCOM COMBINE. However, the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (GIOŚ)
conducts research on natural elements such as marine species and habitats in the Middle Bank area,
so in the neighbourhood of the planned Project. The location of the MSFD stations is shown in Figure
7.13 in Chapter 7.2.3.
7.1.1.2 Research conducted by other offshore wind farm investors
For the purposes of the development of the offshore wind farm Baltic Power, marine avifauna surveys
were conducted in the Polish part of the Southern Middle Bank between 2018 and 2019. The research
covered the shoal area limited by the 30 m isobath and its vicinity, including the area of MFW Bałtyk I.
The aim of the study was to obtain data on the species composition, abundance and distribution of birds
associated with the marine environment in the studied area. Surveys of marine avifauna in the Polish
part of the Southern Middle Bank were carried out from October 2018 to April 2019, i.e. during the period
of the most abundant annual occurrence of birds in the Baltic Sea away from the coast. Six transects
with a total length of 77.0 km, covering an area of 46.2 km2, were mapped in the study area. The length
of transects LSR01 and LSR02 running through the area of the MFW BI was 15.0 and 13.0 km
respectively, and the area covered by them was 9.0 and 7.8 km 2 respectively. The location of the
research transects in relation to the MFW Bałtyk I area is presented in Figure 7.1.
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Figure 7.1 Scheme of distribution of research transects in the area of the Polish part of the Southern Middle
Bank in the framework of marine avifauna surveys performed in 2018-2019 for the Baltic Power OWF project
Source: MFW Bałtyk I S.A. based on MEWO/IMUMG data, 2020
Detailed methodology of marine avifauna research and their results are described in the Report on the
inventory of abiotic and biotic resources in the Baltic Power research area, attached as Annex 1 to the
Report on the environmental impact of the offshore wind farm Baltic Power (MEWO/IMUMG, 2020). The
results of the research conducted in the Polish part of the Southern Middle Bank will be used to further
characterise the marine environment in the area of the planned Project and in the zone of its potential
impact, for the purposes of the EIA report.
7.1.2 Research conducted in 2012-2013 for the Project
As part of the preparation of the investment the Investor conducted a number of environmental studies
in 2012-2013. A summary of the studies conducted, along with the scope and timing of the studies, is
included in Appendix 2.
7.1.3 Pre-investment marine environmental research for the Project – in progress
In order to prepare the documentation, including the environmental documentation, the Investor
conducts the “Programme of pre-investment marine environmental research for the purposes of MFW
Bałtyk I Environmental Impact Assessment” (“Research programme”). The aim of the programme is to
identify environmental conditions in the Project area and in the area of its potential impact.
The programme covers the following issues:
◼ Hydrological, meteorological and hydrochemical conditions,
◼ Seabed,
◼ Physicochemical conditions of seabed sediments,
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◼ Marine aggregate research,
◼ Underwater noise,
◼ Benthos,
◼ Ichthyofauna,
◼ Sea birds,
◼ Migratory birds,
◼ Marine mammals,
◼ Bats
◼ Cultural heritage, including archaeological research,
◼ Fisheries analysis.
The spatial scope of the research includes the area of MFW Bałtyk I development, i.e. the area where
according to:
◼ the offshore location licence may be located internal constructions and cables of the MFW Bałtyk I,
i.e. the area located at least 2 nautical miles from the existing shipping lanes and no closer than
500 m from the external borders of the MFW Bałtyk I area;
◼ the draft Spatial Plan of Polish Maritime Areas for the area 60.E, in which the MFW BI will be
located, it is allowed to erect artificial islands and structures, i.e. the area located not less than 2 km
from the borders of the Natura 2000 area "Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308);
together with an impact zone of a width of at least 1 nautical mile - DA BI (1NM), for research within the
following scopes: hydrology, meteorology and hydrochemistry, seabed, physical and chemical
properties of sediments, marine aggregates, benthos, ichthyofauna, cultural heritage, including
archaeological research; and of a width of at least 2 nautical miles - DA BI (2NM) for research within the
following scopes: acoustic background, sea birds, migrating birds, sea mammals and bats (Figure 7.2).
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Figure 7.2 Location of DA BI (1 NM and 2 NM)
Source: Method statement, MEWO S.A.2021.
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Research methodologies are presented in Appendix 1 to this report, and the research schedule –
in Appendix 2.
According to the assumption, the Research programme covered a period of one year - four consecutive
phenological periods (seasons). The research programme started in December 2020. By the time
of submitting the application for the environmental decision for the Project, most of the research
and monitoring works were completed 1. Analytical work and final reports with research results are
currently being compiled. The results of the conducted research along with the description of the
methodology will be included in the EIA report.
7.2 BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
For the purpose of preparing the information on baseline environmental conditions, Marine Waters
Monitoring Program materials, results of the pre-investment research conducted by the investor, and
other environmental data were used.
7.2.1 Seabed (Geology and marine sediments)
7.2.1.1 Mineral and clastic materials
According to the literature data, there are sands, gravels and sand in the bottom sediments in the area
of the planned project. Sands with heavy minerals, glass and molding sands, iron and manganese
concretions and amber are also recorded in the southern Baltic Sea region. Under the seabed there are
deposits of oil, natural gas and shale gas.
In the Polish economic zone of the Baltic Sea, natural gas is present in the following deposits (CBDG,
2022): B4, B6, B21 and together with crude oil in deposits B3 and B8. The B4 and B6 natural gas
deposits have resources in the C2 category and are ready for exploitation (CBDG, 2022). The fields are
located at the following (estimated) distances from the limits of the proposed project:
◼ B4 – approximately 32 km in an east direction,
◼ B6 – approximately 23 km in a south-east direction,
◼ B3 – approximately 46 km in a south-east direction.
No oil or gas deposits have been documented in the project area (Kramarska, 1999), whereas the area
of the proposed project is classified as an area with high prospects for oil and gas condensate
exploration and high prospects for natural gas exploration (
1
The Project is still awaiting permission to survey the seabed and benthos within the potential impact zone of the Project within
the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone.
2
Recognition of a hydrocarbon deposit (excluding shale gas and oil shale deposits) in category C meets the following
requirements - the boundaries of a hydrocarbon deposit are defined on the basis of geophysical research and geological
interpretation; the obtained data included in the geological-investment documentation of a hydrocarbon deposit make it possible
to design the works necessary for further exploration of the deposit or its development, after obtaining from at least one
borehole a flow in an economically significant quantity or, in the case of multi-horizon deposits after determining the saturation of
gas- and oil-bearing horizons with hydrocarbons on the basis of geophysical drilling profiling, with the existence of at least one
borehole with industrial inflow of resources, while the error of estimating average values of deposit parameters and resources
may not exceed 50%. (In accordance with: Journal of Laws 2015 item 968, of 2015.07.10)
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Figure 7.3).
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Figure 7.3 Mineral resources in the area of the planned Project
Source: Kramarska R., Szarafin T.: Geoenvironmental map of Polish marine areas, sheet B. Hydrocarbons - deposits and ranking
of prospective areas, scale 1:1 000 000, Polish Geological Institute-PIB, 2019.
In addition, in the area of the planned project there is a possibility of prospective occurrence of
unconventional hydrocarbon deposits under the seabed, including dry gas in the Upper Cambrian and
Upper Ordovician shale formations, however at present it is not possible to determine the economically
justified production.
To the east of the planned project there is a documented deposit of natural gravel-sand and sand-gravel
aggregate "South Middle Bank" ("Południowa Ławica Środkowa"). The deposit is exploited under
a concession issued by the Minister of Environment No. 3/2006 dated 15 November 2006. The
concession is valid until 15 November 2031 (Figure 7.4Figure 7.4).
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Figure 7.4 Planned Project in relation to prospective deposits of clastic materials
Source: Kramarska R. (ed.), Atlas of lithological parameters of surface sediments in the South Baltic, Table 17 - Deposits and
prospective areas of raw materials, Polish Geological Institute-PIB, 2019.
In the area of the planned investment there is also a perspective zone of occurrence of rocks and liquids
having mineral characteristics, where geological and mining conditions do not exclude the possibility of
their exploitation (
Figure 7.4Figure 7.5).
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Figure 7.5 Planned Project in the context of geo-environmental map
Source: Kramarska R.,(ed.) Geo-environmental map of Polish maritime areas (Mapa geośrodowiskowa polskich obszarów
morskich), scale 1:250 000 Sheet A. PIG-PIB. CBDG.Map portal – Geology of the Baltic Sea, Polish Geological Institute – National
Research Institute, 2019.
7.2.1.2 Physicochemical properties of sediments
Sediments are a very important element of the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea, which is a shallow sea with
limited water exchange and an area approximately four times smaller than its drainage basin.
In order to obtain a comprehensive characteristic of the physicochemical properties of sediments from
the area of the planned Project the following physicochemical parameters were selected for testing:
humidity, loss on ignition, content of metals and of their labile forms (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, As, Hg),
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polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (7 PCB congeners: 28, 52, 101,
118, 138, 153, 180), mineral oils,137 Cs radioactivity, organic tin compounds (TBT, DBT, MBT) and 2
times per year (due to seasonal variations) the content of biogenic substances (total nitrogen and total
phosphorus). Additionally, granulometric analysis of sediment samples was performed once.
Two sediment sampling campaigns (winter- and summertime) were conducted. Sampling was carried
out at 188 sampling stations distributed in a uniform grid of 1 sample per 1 km 2. No permission was
obtained to conduct surveys in the potentially impacted area, located within the Swedish Exclusive
Economic Zone. However, 11 survey stations previously planned on the Swedish side were relocated
to the Polish EEZ.
The study showed that the dominant sediment type in DA BI (1NM) is coarse-grained sediment,
dominated by fine sands with medium sand admixture. Only a few samples showed the presence of
gravel. Physicochemical analyses showed the presence of organic carbon (TOC) at a maximum level
of 2.2 g/kg, total nitrogen at a maximum level of 239 mg/kg, mercury - 0.03 mg/kg, aromatic
hydrocarbons - 70 mg/kg, PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) - 0.0012 mg/kg. No significantly
contaminated sediments have been identified.
7.2.2 Weather conditions
7.2.2.1 Wind
The station in Łeba is the closest measuring station on the Polish coast in relation to the planned
investment.
During the years 2010-2019, westerly winds dominated at the Łeba station. The average wind velocity
at the station in Łeba for the years 2010-2019 was 4.9 m/s (GIOŚ, 2021a), while the average annual
wind velocity in the Baltic Sea ranges from 6 to 8 m/s, values lower than 6 m/s are measured in the
coastal zone, while values higher than 7 m/s are measured in the open sea (IMGW). The mean wind
velocity at Łeba station in 2020 did not differ significantly from the multi-year mean values - the absolute
differences were usually not greater than ±0.4 m/s.
For the operation of offshore wind farms the wind energy potential is an important parameter.
An assessment of energy resources of the Polish Baltic Sea area, including among others an analysis
of wind energy resources, was conducted during the preparation of conditions for the POM Plan.
Modelled average daily values of wind energy conducted by the Maritime Institute in Gdańsk in the area
of the planned project range between 38-40 MWh/m2 (
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Figure 7.6)
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Figure 7.6 Daily average values of wind energy over the Polish part of the Southern Baltic Sea
calculated based on information from 2013.
Source: Study of Spatial Development Conditions of Polish Maritime Areas together with spatial analyses, annex 3: Assessment
of energy resources of Polish areas. Maritime Institute, Gdańsk 2015.
7.2.2.2 Temperature
In 2020, the mean monthly temperature in the surface layer (0-10 m) in the Bornholm Basin, where the
planned project is located, was ranging from 5.2 to 18.0°C. This range was narrower than that observed
last year. This means that the surface layers had higher temperatures in winter than in 2019, while
having lower values observed in summer.
In March, temperature values in the Bornholm Basin, in the Gdansk Basin, and in the Eastern Gotland
Basin were very similar and remained within a relatively narrow range of 5.0 to 5.5°C and were
noticeably higher than the values determined for the 2010-2019 period (3.3-3.8°C). Positive deviations
from the average value for the decade also occurred in January and November for all basins listed
above. This indicates a visibly warmer winter period. In all the other months, average temperatures were
very close to or slightly lower than the averages for the preceding decade.
In January, the increase in mean temperature in open sea areas compared to the values determined for
the reference period was at the level of 2°C. In March, the difference was between 1.6°C and 1.8°C.
November also saw an increase of 1.5°C in the Bornholm Basin.
In June the temperature was 0.7 °C lower respectively compared to the decade. In the high seas, the
greatest differences, excluding the winter period, between 2020 and the reference period occurred in
August, when temperatures in the year in question were 1.7°C lower in the Bornholm Basin, respectively.
In the Bornholm Basin in 2020, the maximum temperature value was 19.0°C (
Figure 7.7), which was also lower than the values recorded in the area in August 2019, which equalled
22.3°C. The minimum temperature value in the Bornholm Basin was recorded in January and was 4.3°C,
which is 2.5°C higher than the previous year.
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Figure 7.7 Sea surface water temperature in 2020 in the Bornholm Basin
The graph shows data for months for which statistics could be calculated); bar - mean 2010-2019; whiskers - mean ± standard
deviation 2010-2019; points - mean 2020.
Source: Assessment of the state of the environment of Polish marine areas of the Baltic Sea on the basis of monitoring data from
the year 2020 against the background of the decade 2010-2019, Warsaw 2021
7.2.2.3 Salinity
According to Environmental Assessment of the Polish Marine Areas of the Baltic Sea, in 2020 in the
Bornholm Basin where the proposed project is located the average salinity of the surface water layer
ranged from 7.52 to 7.77‰, with January having the lowest average value and September having the
highest (Figure 7.8). In most cases, the mean values of salinity measurements for 2020 were higher
compared to the 2010-2019 decade.
Figure 7.8 Sea surface layer salinity in 2020 in the Bornholm Basin
Graph shows data for months for which statistics could be calculated; bar - mean 2010-2019; whiskers - mean ± standard
deviation 2010-2019; points - mean 2020.
Source: Assessment of the state of the environment of Polish marine areas of the Baltic Sea on the basis of monitoring data
from the year 2020 against the background of the decade 2010-2019, Warsaw 2021
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7.2.2.4 Ice
One of the most important problems for the operation of shipping and water transport is the ice situation.
During a harsh winter, ice builds up at a rate of 1.5 tonnes per hour on a vessel of approximately 300-
500 tonnes of buoyancy, which can lead to instability (Rokiciński, 2007).
The occurrence of ice events in the central part of the southern Baltic Sea is small (number of ice days,
length of ice season, dates of ice appearance and disappearance) in comparison to the rest of the Baltic
Sea. Ice phenomena occur here only in severe and very severe winters, which, due to global warming
observed during the last decades, did not occur in the Baltic Sea area. The winters 2020/2021 and
2021/2022 can be classified as mild winters, hence no ice phenomena occurred in the study area.
7.2.2.5 Currents and water exchange
Depending on depth, surface, subsurface and bottom currents are distinguished. Considering the short-
term scale, the surface and subsurface currents of the Baltic Sea are mainly generated by the wind and
determined by the morphology of the shores and the topography of the seabed. Hence, more dynamic
changes of sea currents can be observed in the coastal zone than in the open sea.
The general characteristics of the current distribution are presented in the form of current roses
determined for individual Baltic squares (Figure 7.9) and refer to the period from 2010 to 2020 (GIOŚ,
2021a). In the Bornholm Basin area, currents from the northeast dominated during 2010-2019.
Figure 7.9 Current roses in the 7.5-12.5 m subsurface layer based on measurements from 2010-2019
(green rectangle - area of the planned Project, red rectangle – magnified areas J04 and J05)
Source: Assessment of the state of the environment of Polish marine areas of the Baltic Sea on the basis of monitoring data from
the year 2020 against the background of the decade 2010-2019, Warsaw 2021
A general characterisation of the current distribution in 2020 in the form of current roses for the individual
Baltic quadrants shown in Figure 7.10 indicates that the Bornholm Basin experienced currents in the
northeast and southeast directions (sector H03) and in the southwest directions (sectors I03, I04).
Currents in southwest and northeast directions were observed in sectors along the coast (J03).
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A comparison of the wind roses developed from the 2010-2019 multiyear data and the 2020 data
indicates that the maximum scale range of the percentage of directions in the currents figures for the
2010 - 2019 multiyear and the 2020 data is 20%.
Figure 7.10 Current roses in the subsurface 7.5-12.5 m layer in 2020. (green rectangle – area of the planned
Project, red rectangle – magnified area J04; no data for area J05).
Source: Assessment of the state of the environment of Polish marine areas of the Baltic Sea on the basis of monitoring data from
the year 2020 against the background of the decade 2010-2019, Warsaw 2021
In the area of the planned project the water exchange is connected with irregular inflow of saltwater from
the North Sea through Skattegat. This water exchange takes place over the underwater sills in Øresund
(depth 8 m) and Great Belt (depth 15-16 m). Deep water renewal can only take place as a result of
extreme inflows into the Baltic Sea.
In autumn 2014, one of the largest saltwater inflows from the North Sea took place. According to the
Leibniz-Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde (www.io-warnemuende.de), the inflow water volume
was 198 km3, while the amount of salt transported was about 4 Gt. Salinity, oxygen and temperature
conditions were affected. The effects of this inflow were evident the following year, and very high salinity
values were recorded in the bottom layers of the Bornholm Basin waters during monitoring cruises.
The situation in the deep basins of the Baltic Sea was mainly shaped by the moderate Baltic Sea inflows
that occurred in November 2015 and January-February 2016, and smaller ones in between. In 2016,
three smaller inflows occurred between October and December with estimates ranging from 171 km³ to
184 km³. In 2017, there were inflows with an estimated volume of 210km³. In 2018, there were two
inflows with estimated volumes between 215 km³ and 233 km³. Weak barotropic inflows were recorded
in late 2018 and early 2019 and in April, June, September, and December 2019. No significant inflows
to the Baltic Sea were recorded in 2020.
The movement of water over the seafloor causes movement of bottom sediments, which limits the
occurrence of fine sedentary organisms and allows filter feeding organisms to feed effectively. Areas of
strong currents (above 50 cm-s-1) are characterized by a lack of fine sediments and the presence of
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deposits of hard clay with gravel and well-washed stones. The bottom current velocities in the area of
the planned project are on average 10-25 cm-s-1 (Figure 7.11).
Figure 7.11 Velocities of bottom currents in the area of the planned Project
Source: Atlas siedlisk dna polskich obszarów morskich, Institute of Oceanology PAS, Gdynia 2009
7.2.2.6 Wave action
Waves in marine areas are an important element influencing water mixing, morphological variability of
the seabed in the coastal zone and coastal erosion. The size and frequency of waves are strongly
influenced by atmospheric conditions (wind direction and speed), seabed and coastal relief.
Significant wave height (Hs) and mean period describe the spatial-temporal dynamics of wave
conditions. According to the study "Assessment of environmental state of Polish marine areas of the
Baltic Sea on the basis of monitoring data from the year 2020 against the background of the decade
2010-2019" (GIOŚ, Warsaw 2021) (GIOŚ, Warsaw 2021), significant wave height is defined as the
average wave height, from trough to crest, of the highest one-third of the waves.
Wave conditions, according to the Monitoring programme of the state of sea waters, are determined
based on measurements recorded at the Petrobaltic platform, at a point representing open sea zone
conditions. In 2020, significant waves with height of 0.2 -1.2 m and average period of 4-5 s (GIOŚ,
2021a) dominated. The distribution of significant wave height and mean wave period in 2020 was similar
to that for the reference period 2010-2019, with dominant periods in the range 3.8-4.2 and dominant
wave height in the range 0.4-1 m.
The highest value of total storm duration (sea state above 5 degrees on the Douglas scale
corresponding to wave heights above 2.5 m) was recorded in 2020 with total of 1005 hours. The total
duration of storms above the 2010-2020 multiyear average, apart from 2020, was also recorded in 2011
and 2015-2017. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 with 546 hours of storm duration.
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The spatial distribution of the annual wind wave energy resources is shown in the Figure 7.12 below.
The developer is conducting a pre-investment study that includes wave measurements.
Figure 7.12 Spatial distribution of annual wind wave energy resources in the area of the planned
investment
Source: Assessment of energy resources of the Polish Baltic Sea areas, Operational Oceanography Department, Gdańsk 2014
7.2.3 State of the sea waters
Assessment of the state of the marine environment is carried out within the framework of state
environmental monitoring, in accordance with the provisions of the Water Law and executive acts, as
well as the HELCOM COMBINE guidelines.
Monitoring of sea water status is conducted at measurement stations, the location of which is presented
in the figure below. The proposed project is located in the area of the Middle Bank, surrounded by the
Bornholm Basin, the Eastern Gotland Basin and the Słupsk Channel to the south (Figure 7.13). In terms
of marine water monitoring (subdivision of the Baltic Sea into water bodies as per the MSFD), the
proposed Project is located in the Bornholm Basin.
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Figure 7.13 Baltic Sea sub-basins delineated in Polish marine areas according to HELCOM MAS with
updates (HELCOM 2013) with location of MSFD monitoring measurement and research stations.
Source: Assessment of energy resources of the Polish Baltic Sea areas, Operational Oceanography Department, Gdańsk 2014
The measuring stations located in the Bornholm Basin and closest to the planned project are: P3, P5C,
and the measuring station P2 located in the Eastern Gotland Basin. The following parameters are
examined at the abovementioned stations: phytoplankton, zooplankton and zoobenthos, and P39Z,
where nutrients, oxygen and hydrological parameters are examined.
Average concentrations of nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, in the Bornholm and Eastern Gotland
Basins are as follows (Table 7.1):
Table 7.1 Average concentrations [mmol m-3] in 2020 r. in the surface layer (0–10 m) of mineral
phosphorous compounds (DIP) and nitrogen compounds (DIN) during the winter months (XII–II), and
average concentrations of phosphorous (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) during the summer months (VI–IX)
(2010–2019 decade averages) in the Bornholm and Eastern Gotland Basins.
Basin DIP DIN TP TN
Bornholm Basin
2020 0,61 3,48 0,66 21,48
2010-2019 0,63 6,46 0,94 25,22
Eastern 2020 0,64 0,64 0,64 0,64
Gotland Basin
2010-2019 0,61 4,59 0,88 24,78
Source: Assessment of energy resources of the Polish Baltic Sea areas, Operational Oceanography Department, Gdańsk 2014
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Phytoplankton blooms are a derivative of nutrient concentrations in marine waters. A measure of the
intensity of phytoplankton blooms is the chlorophyll content of the seawater. In 2020, the Bornholm
Basin had slightly lower summer concentrations of chlorophyll a than annual averages. The mean
chlorophyll a content, both seasonally and for the whole year 2020, was lower compared to the survey
results from the last decade.
Water transparency in the Bornholm Basin was on average 6.5 m, with an average of 5.1 m during
the summer months.
Based on the above parameters, the marine water status of the Bornholm Basin was assessed as
inadequate according to the MSFD.
In 2020, mean caesium 137Cs concentration in the Bornholm Basin was approximately 19 Bq m-3.
The environmental status regarding radioactive contamination with 137Cs is inadequate according
to the requirements of the MSFD.
No limit values have been established for strontium 90Sr. The average concentration of 90Sr
in the Bornholm Basin was 4,8 Bq m-3.
7.2.4 Acoustic background
Acoustic background in the marine environment may be determined by sources of natural
or anthropogenic origin. Sources of natural continuous noise are e.g. wind, rainfall, wave action, while
anthropogenic sources are maritime transport, bridges, offshore wind turbines, and mineral extraction.
Impulse noise is primarily generated by the operation of sonars and echosounders, geological
exploration explosions, practice detonations at offshore military training grounds, underwater explosions
when destroying munitions, and marine animals. It is expected that at least part of the noise sources
listed above will appear during implementation and operation of the planned project.
In accordance with the results of studies presented in the Update of the initial assessment of status
of marine waters, the acoustic background in Polish sea areas does not exceed 75 dB re μPa along the
coast (a zone of about 15 km width) and in the Gulf of Gdańsk. As shown in the
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Figure 7.14, the noise level increases towards the north, but nowhere exceeds 90 dB re μPa.
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Figure 7.14 Continuous noise level related to human activity
Source: Update of the initial assessment of the environmental status of marine waters, GIOŚ, Warszawa, 2018
As part of the pre-investment studies, background noise measurements are being conducted. Based on
the studies conducted from December 2020 to January 2022, it was found that underwater noise levels
of particular bands (and their ranges of variability) show characteristic values for the South Baltic area,
observed in sound propagation conditions typical for the winter season and the transition season
between the winter season and early spring.
7.2.5 Benthos
7.2.5.1 Phytobenthos
The occurrence of phytobenthos depends on the depth to which the minimum amount of light necessary
for the photosynthesis can reach. Depth of occurrence of plants rooted in the bottom is up to about 8
metres (Kruk-Dowgiałło, 2000), and macroalgae associated with hard substrate up to approximately 21
metres (Kruk-Dowgiałło, 2011).
The qualitative and quantitative structure of phytobenthos in the Baltic Sea is shaped mainly by abiotic
environmental factors, such as the type of substrate, light availability, or water dynamics (Erikson &
Bergstrӧm, 2005; Snickars et al., 2014; Wallin et al., 2011). In the area of the OWF (
Figure 7.15), these conditions are unfavourable to the development of phytobenthos.
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Figure 7.15 Location of phytobenthos transects in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a potential
impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Source: Final report – benthos, MEWO, 2022
As part of the environmental survey in the pre-investment phase, in June 2021 (MEWO, 2022),
an underwater inspection was performed along the determined transects by means of filming the seabed
with the ROV underwater vehicle in the area of MFW Bałtyk I development, including a buffer zone of
1 nautical mile. Sample research showed that the hard bottom, which is crucial for the development of
macroalgae, occupies a small area, only 19.6% (i.e. 35 km²) of the MFW Bałtyk I development area
(including an impact zone with a width of at least 1 nautical mile; DA BI (1NM)).
Hard bottom in the Project area is located at the depth of approx. 20 m, where the penetrating light
necessary for photosynthesis is negligible. There are also strong bottom currents which limit the growth
of macroalgae.
In the MFW Bałtyk I area, macroalgae were found within a depth range of 19.9–24.8 m, and in very low
amounts, i.e. < 1%. Red algae Rhodomela confervoides (0.45 g DW∙m2) and brown algae Sphacelaria
cirrosa, Pylaiella littoralis and/or Ectocarpus siliculosus were identified in the area. All species are
recorded in the open waters in low abundance.
Since no protected species were found in the survey area (in accordance with the Regulation of the
Minister of the Environment on the protection of plant species (Journal of Laws 2014, item 1409)), and
the fact that macroalgae were present in negligible amounts, the area of the MFW Bałtyk I is considered
devoid of natural values in terms of phytobenthos. This is typical of the seabed areas located at depths
of approx. 20 m in the Polish marine areas.
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7.2.5.2 Zoobenthos
The occurrence of zoobenthos is mainly dependent on physical and chemical factors such as sediment
type, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration, and biotic factors such as food
availability, biotic potential of individual species and interspecies relationships. The shallow zone of the
Baltic Sea (to the depth of approx. 40 metres) is richer in zoobenthic organisms than areas of greater
depth due to, among other things, higher salinity, lower temperatures and periodic or permanent lack of
oxygen in areas of considerable depth (e.g. Laine, 2003; Bonsdorff, 2006).
Macrozoobenthos research in the DA BI (1NM) was conducted in the pre-investment research
phasebetween May and June 2021 (MEWO, 2022). For this purpose, 186 macrozoobenthos sampling
stations were established, from where samples were taken with a van Veen grab sampler in case of soft
seabed or with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with a macrozoobenthos collection tube in
case of hard seabed. Twenty of the sampling stations did not provide any results on macrozoobenthos
due to technical issues with the van Veen grab sampler, therefore they were excluded from further
analysis.
Details of the most important results from the surveys of macrozoobenthos inhabiting the soft and hard
bottom in the DA BI (1NM) are presented in the table below (Table 7.2), while 4 identified macrobenthic
communities are shown in Figure 7.16.
Table 7.2 Characteristics of the selected parameters of macrozoobenthos in the DA BI (1NM)
Parameter Soft bottom Hard bottom
Number of stations 157 9
Depth [m] 17,5–70 21,4–31
Number of taxa
total: 25 16
range on one station: 2–12 6–10
Abundance [ind.∙m-2]
average: 1526 49698
range: 40–7680 37891–65774
Biomass [g m.m.∙m-2]
average: 23,1 1810,7 ±522,9
range: 0,2–174,8 1216,9–2610,9
B index
Average/ecological status on
the basis of macrozoobenthos: 2,77/moderate not applicable
range: 1,55–4,29
TSO index
average/ecological status
based on macrozoobenthos: not applicable 3/good
range: 2–4
The most common species Pygospio elegans Mytilus trossulus
(absolutely constant) Bylgides sarsi
Jaera (Jaera)
albifrons
Einhornia
crustulenta
Pygospio
elegans
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Distinguished 3 communitites: 1 community:
macrozoobenthos Community I – Oligochaeta Community IV –
communities Community II – Pygospio Mytilus trossulus
elegans
Community III – Marenzelleria
sp.
Dominant species of bivalves Limecola balthica Mytilus trossulus
Source: Final report – benthos, MEWO, 2022
Figure 7.16 Macrozoobenthos communities distinguished in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with
a potential impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Source: Final report – benthos, MEWO, 2022.
The results of the qualitative structure of macrozoobenthos, i.e. the taxonomic composition and
frequency of taxa at stations located on the soft bottom indicated that this area was inhabited by
a relatively diversified benthic macrofauna. In the survey area, the occurrence of 25 macrozoobenthos
taxa was found. Taxa typical of the medium-deep seabed (up to about 40 m below sea level) of the open
waters of the Southern Baltic dominated.
Within the soft bottom, 3 macrozoobenthos communities, which differed in taxonomic composition and
abundance, were distinguished. Community I, dominated by Oligochaeta, which is considered to be an
indicator of the contaminated seabed, occurred mainly on a gravelly seabed located irregularly at single
points in the entire survey area. Community II – the most characteristic for the investigated area –
covered most of the sandy bottom, in which psammophylous polychaetes Pygospio elegans (an
indicator of clean or moderately clean sediments with little additives of organic matter) dominated in
terms of abundance. On the other hand, community III – Marenzelleria sp. occurred at points in the
central and eastern parts of the DA BI (1NM) area on the sandy and gravelly seabed. This community
was characterised by a very poor taxonomic composition (Table 7.2).
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The community of macrozoobenthos living on the hard bottom (community IV) is located primarily in the
northern part of the DA BI (1NM) area. It consisted of 16 taxa of the common fouling fauna (Mytilus
trossulus, Einhornia crustulenta, Gonothyraea loveni, Amphibalanus improvisus) in the Southern Baltic,
and accompanying fauna, i.e. small invertebrates inhabiting the spaces between shells of mussels and
boulders that form the reef (mainly Bylgides sarsi, Jaera (Jaera) albifrons and Gammaridae). The mussel
Mytilus trossulus growing on the surface of the stones dominated in the abundance and biomass
structure (Table 7.2).
The ecological status of the macrozoobenthos community of the soft bottom was assessed as moderate
and of the hard bottom as good. In DA BI (1NM), no protected species of macrozoobenthos were found,
whereas 4 bivalve species (Mytilus trossulus, Limecola balthica, Mya arenaria i Cerastoderma glaucum)
were observed. They constitute a potential food base for benthophagous birds, mainly ducks and fish.
7.2.6 Ichthyofauna and spawning grounds
According to the report "State of the Baltic fish stocks and ICES-recommended total acceptable catches
(TAC) in 2022" (Maritime Institute of Fisheries - National Research Institute), the number of Eastern
Baltic cod is decreasing all the time, therefore it is recommended to stop its fishing. The herring stock is
threatened by an increased risk of losing its full recovery capacity, which is also connected with fishing
restrictions. Sprats, on the other hand, are exploited sustainably (see Chapter 6.2.1).
To determine the diversity and abundance of ichthyofauna and the presence of spawning grounds in
the area of the planned project, a comprehensive pre-investment survey was carried out, based on:
◼ catches of ichthyoplankton conducted at 7 stations from r/v BALTICA vessel (station locations are
- Figure 7.17),
analysis of the density and characteristics of the pelagic fish community in the study area using
complementary methods of hydroacoustic sounding and pelagic control hauls (
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◼ Figure 7.18),
◼ demersal fishing with bottom gillnets from the fishing vessel UST-52 (Figure 7.19).
The work area included a 1 nautical mile buffer zone from the wind farm boundary. Surveys were
conducted from December 2020 to November 2021, their results (MEWO, 2022) are presented below.
◼ Species diversity: the analysis of the catch results and the catch per unit effort of the fish occurring
within the BI DA (1 NM) shows that the area is typical in terms of species diversity, with a clear
predominance of cod (Gadus morhua) and flounder (Platichthys flesus) in demersal catches, and
herring (Clupea harengus) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in pelagic catches, which is typical of
southern Baltic waters. In case of ichthyoplankton catches, low taxonomic diversity was observed
(eggs of 1 species and larvae of 11 fish taxa).
◼ Spawning grounds: Late spring and summer spawning of sprat was observed, but its intensity was
relatively low compared to other shallow water areas. In addition, data indicate that sand lances
(Ammodytidae) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) may also spawn here.
◼ The results of the herring control catches indicate that the DA BI (1 NM), only in autumn, was the
site of a temporary, clear aggregation of part of the herring stock. In summer, typical intensive
foraging of herring did not take place.
◼ For sprat, the DA BI (1 NM) in the four survey seasons in 2021 was a temporary residence and
migration area. The spawning process and spawning migrations of sprat took place from March to
July. The spawning fish were most abundant in the spring samples. The highest biomass surface
density of sprat was estimated for the summer research campaign. The lowest value of surface
biomass of sprat was recorded during the winter survey campaign. The results of the cod
abundance surveys indicate that the DA BI (1 NM) was characterised by quite considerable
quantitative variation in the abundance of these fish over the annual cycle. Cod were most abundant
in summer and least abundant in winter. The study area was found to be an attractive feeding area
for both small and larger cod, as both fish and crustaceans of different species were found in their
diet.
◼ The area of the planned investment was a seasonal habitat for mainly adult flounder. Flounder were
most abundant in spring and summer to feed after spawning in the deeps. Flounder do not spawn
directly in the area because the salinity is too low to allow successful fertilisation.
Figure 7.17 Location of ichthyoplankton research stations in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with
a potential impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
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Source: Final report – ichthyofauna, MEWO, 2022.
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Figure 7.18 Hydroacoustic survey route in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a potential impact
zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Source: Final report – ichthyofauna, MEWO, 2022.
Figure 7.19 Location of demersal survey nets in the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a potential
impact zone of at least 1 nautical mile
Source: Final report – Ichthyofauna, MEWO, 2022.
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7.2.7 Seabirds
In recent years, a number of seabird surveys have been conducted near Southern Middle Bank due to
the high importance of this area during wintering or as a stopover during migration. In addition to the
surveys conducted by the Investor between 2012 and 2013, between October 2018 and November 2019
surveys were also conducted by Baltic Power Sp. z o.o., which carried out 13 campaigns in the area.
During these studies, few birds were observed in the Southern Middle Bank area.
As part of the pre-investment survey (MEWO, 2022), observations of seabirds are also conducted in the
DA BI (2NM) and in the reference area, located to the north-east of the planned location of the MFW
Bałtyk I. (Please refer toFigure 7.20 and
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Figure 7.21; transects were adjusted to minimize navigational risk).
Figure 7.20 Location of transects within the DA BI (2NM) and reference area along which seabird
observations were made during the survey campaign on 17-18 March 2021 and 28 April 2021.
Source: Final Report – birds, MEWO, 2022.
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Figure 7.21 Location of transects after correction, along which seabird observations were made,
during the survey campaign on 25-26 March, 14 and 22 May, 2021.
Source: Quarterly survey progress report, MEWO, 2022.
◼ During the spring migration period (March – May 2021), six survey campaigns were performed,
covering all transects in the DA BI area (2NM) and the reference area each time. A total of 803
birds were observed perched along the survey route during the migration period in the DA BI (2NM).
A total of 11 species were observed, of which the most numerous were long-tailed duck (Clangula
hyemalis) - 72.7%, black-throated diver (Gavia arctica) - 9.6%, silver gull (Larus argentatus) - 8.7%
and razorbill (Alca torda) - 5.4%. Flights observed over the DA BI area (2NM) were at low heights.
◼ Six survey campaigns were conducted between June and August (similarly to the spring campaign).
During the summer, 297 birds were observed perched in the DA BI area (2NM) along the survey
cruise route. The average number of birds observed per campaign along the cruise route was lower
than in spring, at 49.5 individuals. Seven species were observed, with the most abundant species
being common guillemot (Uria aalge) and silver gull (Larus argentatus), accounting for a total of
95.3% of all birds observed. Few flights over DA BI (2NM) were observed, in addition at low altitudes
(<20 m).
◼ Six survey campaigns were also conducted during the fall migration period (September-November).
A total of 639 birds were observed sitting on the water along the route followed by the research
cruise. The average number of birds observed per campaign along the ship route was low at 106
individuals. The presence of 8 species was recorded, of which the most numerous were common
guillemot and silver gull, representing a total of 69.8% of all birds found; lesser black-backed gull
(Larus fuscus) - 14.2%, razorbill (Alca torda) - 7.7% and long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) -
2.2%. The vast majority of flights took place at altitudes up to 20 m.
The research conducted so far it appears that the species composition of seabirds present in the DA BI
(2NM) and in the reference area is typical for areas located on the Baltic Sea far from the coast.
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7.2.8 Migratory birds
As part of the pre-investment monitoring (MEWO, 2022), observations of migratory birds are also
conducted in the DA BI (2NM). Spring bird migration surveys were conducted from March to May 2021,
while fall migration surveys were conducted from September to November 2021 (Figure 7.22).
Figure 7.22 Location of the observation point during bird spring migration studies
Source: Final report – migratory birds, MEWO, 2022.
7.2.8.1 Spring migration
Eight survey cruises were made between March and May 2021 during the spring migration. A total of
70 species were observed. The most numerous species observed were: sea ducks, geese, Anatini
ducks (so called proper ducks, e.g. mallard, mewling, common pochard) and auks, which is consistent
with previous available surveys conducted in this region of the Baltic Sea (DHI, 2015a, 2015b).
Monitoring with horizontal radar allowed to identify flight direction of 66 species. The most numerous
flight traces were recorded for common scoter and long-tailed duck, common scoter, little gull and for
categories of ducks and divers not identified to species. April had the highest number of recordings. The
general direction of flight (for all recorded flight tracks) was mainly northeast and northwest. The
direction of flight did not differ significantly between successive months of the study. The flight direction
of sea ducks (common scoter, long-tailed duck, and velvet scoter) was similar to that of all birds.
The vertical radar data showed that migration was most intense in April and March, while in May the
number of birds recorded by the radar decreased by more than half, which is related to reaching the
northeastern and northern European breeding grounds at that time. Spring migration was more intense
at night in each of the three months, which corresponds to the nocturnal mass migration of passerine
birds migrating across the Baltic Sea.
Based on acoustic data, passerines (blackbirds, thrushes, songbirds, and redwings) dominate among
the night migrating passerines.
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7.2.8.2 Autumn migration
During fall migration surveys, nine survey cruises wereconducted in September, October, and
November 2021. 46 bird species were observed. The most numerous birds were long-tailed ducks,
unidentified passerines, geese and ducks, followed by white wagtails, starlings, auks (common
guillemots and razorbills), rooks and wigeons, which are characteristic for the Baltic Sea region.
Monitoring with horizontal radar allowed to identify flight direction of 41 species. The most numerous
flight footprints were recorded for long-tailed ducks, unidentified ducks, geese and passerines, auks
(common guillemots and razorbills) and little gulls. The general direction of flight (for all recorded flight
paths) was mainly southwest and west, while passerine birds headed mainly south.
The vertical radar data showed that autumn migration between September and November is particularly
intense during the night hours, which is associated with mass migration of passerine birds moving over
the Baltic Sea, which was also confirmed by the acoustic recordings.
7.2.9 Marine mammals
As part of the environmental studies, passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the pre-investment
phase between December 2020 and February 2022 in the MFW Bałtyk I development area DA BI
(2NM)). C-POD equipment was used as monitoring system (Figure 7.23). Additionally, aerial
observations were conducted in the DA BI area (2 NM) and adjacent waters to confirm the presence of
porpoises and other marine mammal species (Figure 7.24). Furthermore, observations of marine
mammals were conducted during cruises performed as part of seabird surveys.
Figure 7.23 Location of C-POD devices within the MFW Bałtyk I development area with a potential impact
zone with a width of 2 NM
Source: Final report – marine mammals, MEWO, 2022.
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Figure 7.24 Surveyed flight route during the first observation flight in the spring survey season
Source: Final report – marine mammals, MEWO, 2022.
Survey results were reported quarterly (MEWO, 2022) and are summarized below:
◼ Results of acoustic monitoring for harbour porpoise conducted between December 11, 2020 and
February 24, 2021 in the DA BI (2NM) showed 9 days with harbour porpoise detections.
Additionally, an observation flight was conducted during the winter season, during which no marine
mammals were observed.
◼ There were 8 days with harbour porpoise detections within DA BI (2NM) between February 24, and
May 14, 2021. No marine mammals were observed during observation flights or observations made
during seabird surveys.
◼ There were 54 days with harbour porpoise detections within the DA BI (2NM) between May 14 and
August 23, 2021. One gray seal sighting was made during observation flights on August 9, 2021.
Additionally, five seal sightings were recorded during seabird survey cruises. The number of
porpoise detections recorded during this period is higher compared to the results of previous
monitoring campaigns. According to the results of SAMBAH (Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic
Sea Harbour Porpoise) project, an increased presence of harbour porpoises in the study area can
be expected until the end of August, which is confirmed by the increased values of detections. The
OWF area is located in the immediate vicinity of the Natura 2000 area Hoburgs bank och
Midsjöbankarna, identified as an important habitat for harbour porpoises. According to the SAMBAH
project, this area is used by harbour porpoises during calving and mating season between May and
August.
◼ There were 31 days with harbour porpoise detections within the DA BI (2NM) between August 21,
and November 30, 2021. No marine mammals were recorded during the observation flight, while
thirteen grey seal sightings were made during the seabird observation cruises. According to the
SAMBAH project results, an increased presence of harbour porpoises in the Project area can be
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expected until the end of August, while a decrease in the number of porpoise detections is usually
expected in the following months, which is related to the movement of the porpoise population
westwards (towards the Danish straits) during winter season.
7.2.10 Bats
According to the guidelines, bat activity surveys in the DA BI (2NM) were conducted using the same
methods as bat monitoring on land. However, monitoring in marine areas is limited to periods of
expected seasonal bat migration – i.e. spring and autumn (MEWO, 2022).
Acoustic signals were recorded during cruises along the designated transect route with a total length of
approximately 49 km and at a monitoring station (measurement buoy) (see Figure 7.25). To monitor bat
activity, a system was used which records the acquired acoustic data on a memory device for future
analysis. This system is designed for long-term surveys, allowing continuous assessment of bat activity
at the same site throughout the night and along designated transects.
Figure 7.25 Location of survey transects and listening post
Source: Final report – bats, MEWO, 2022..
During the spring migration period, seven survey campaigns were conducted from the ship along
designated transects (BT_01, BT_02, BT_03) from April, 20 to May 28, 2021 to record bat activity.
Additionally, continuous recording of bat activity (every night from sunset to sunrise) was conducted at
a monitoring station (measurement buoy) from 11 April to 2 June 2021.
During the autumn migration period, six survey campaigns were conducted from August 4 to November
13, 2021 from the research unit to record bat activity along the transects. In addition, from 1 August 1,
2021 to October 31, 2021 bat activity was recorded continuously (every night from sunset to sunrise) at
the monitoring station located on the measurement buoy).
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Throughout the survey of the Project area covering the spring and autumn migration period, bat activity
indicators show very low bat activity in the area. According to the survey results, the area is not
particularly important for bat migration.
During the spring campaign (surveys along the transects), only one bat species (Nathusius' pipistrelle)
was detected, whereas during the surveys at the monitoring station, two recordings were made
containing sequences of bat voices, assigned to a Nyctaloid individual and Nathusius' pipistrelle,
respectively.
. During the autumn campaign (surveys along the transects), one bat species (Nathusius' pipistrelle;
registered in multiple recordings) was detected, whereas seven recordings containing sequences of bat
voices (Nathusius' pipistrelle and Nyctaloid individuals) were made at the monitoring station.
7.3 BIODIVERSITY
The Baltic Sea is one of the largest areas of brackish water in the world. It is also very shallow, with
a maximum depth of 460 m and an average depth of 60 m. The rare brackish conditions ensure the
presence of unique genetic lines of many species (Wennerström et al., 2017). The Baltic Sea (including
the Kattegat Strait) provides habitats for at least 2700 macroscopic species, including 1907 species of
invertebrates, 531 species of macrophytes, 230 species of fish and lampreys, 4 species of mammals
and 57 species of birds. Additionally, numerous microscopic organisms are found in the Baltic Sea.
In many taxa, the high sub-regional variation is related to salinity, which in the Baltic shows a significant
gradient decreasing from southwest to northeast of the basin (Ojaveer et al., 2010).
According to Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP; HELCOM, 2021), biodiversity in the Baltic Sea is
deteriorating due to threats from various human activities. The catchment area of the Baltic Sea includes
14 countries, which makes the sea strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities, including shipping
and fishing (Heino et al., 2008). The effects of anthropogenic pressure are exacerbated by climate
change. According to the BSAP, nearly 100 macro-species in the Baltic Sea (about 3.5% of all Baltic
Sea macro-species) are threatened with regional extinction, while deterioration at the food web and
ecosystem level is becoming more frequent.
Results for benthic and pelagic communities, fish and mammals were presented using a standardized
Biological Quality Ratio (BQR), where values below 0.6 are considered as low, between 0.6 and 0.8 as
high, above 0.8 as very high. In the case of birds, a threshold was used for the frequency of occurrence
of given populations in and outside the breeding season; values above this threshold can be regarded
as favorable for biodiversity. Below is an assessment of biodiversity according to BEAT system for the
Bornholm Basin, where the MFW Bałtyk I area is located:
◼ Benthic environment (characterized by soft-bottom macrofauna, macrophytes, eutrophication
indices, water clarity, and oxygenation): BQR = 0.00 (very low biodiversity);
◼ Pelagic environment (characterized by zooplankton size and quantity, eutrophication indices, and
cyanobacterial blooms): BQR = 0.46 (low biodiversity level);
◼ Fish (characterized by frequency of pelagic and demersal species): BQR = 0.15 (pelagic), 0.68
(demersal); (low and high biodiversity levels, respectively);
◼ Mammals (characterized based on trends in abundance, distribution, and overall population status):
BQR = 0.3 (low biodiversity);
◼ Waterbirds (characterized based on frequency of occurrence during and outside the breeding
season): biodiversity outside the breeding season for all species scored positively, and negatively
during the breeding season (except for grazing feeders).
The Southern Middle Bank, where the MFW Bałtyk I will be located, is a typical sand and gravel bottom
habitat with relatively low zoo- and phytobenthic species diversity and low fish species diversity (See
Sections 7.2.5, 7.2.6). Notably, the area of the Bank is important for wintering and feeding seabirds;
Swedish part of the site is considered a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA, 2016) by the International Union
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for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The site is also important for the conservation of the harbour porpoise
(Phocena phocena) population in the southern Baltic Sea (Eisfeld-Pierantonio, 2014).
7.4 CULTURAL HERITAGE, INCLUDING ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE
A map of the wrecks identified for the development of the POM Plan is shown in Figure 7.26.
In the entire area there are no protected objects and areas established on the basis of regulations on
the protection and care of historical monuments. According to the Maritime Spatial Plan for POM, the
POM.60.E area, where the planned project is located, allows for the cultural heritage function, but no
prohibitions or restrictions on the use and conditions of use of the basin are established due to this
function.
The investor conducts pre-investment research of cultural heritage and archaeological objects.
During the reporting periods from December 2020 to February 2021 and from March to May 2021, the
Maritime Institute in Gdańsk conducted a study of the archival and literature data in order to characterise
the cultural changes that took place in the South Baltic area during the Stone Age and to locate
shipwrecks lost in the area of the planned MFW Bałtyk I project.
According to the portal of the Maritime Administration (SIPAM) and the Study of conditions for the draft
POM, the VIGGO shipwreck (Wreck ID mgm.wre.0000162) is located in the area of the planned Project;
however, it does not constitute a cultural heritage object. Importantly, bathymetric, sonar and seismic
surveys conducted during the pre-investment phase to date have not confirmed, based on geophysical
surveys, the occurrence of shipwrecks in the area of the planned MFW Bałtyk I, including the
aforementioned VIGGO wreck (see Figure 7.27).
Figure 7.26 Objects of cultural heritage significance in Polish maritime areas
Source: Maritime Institute in Gdańsk, based on HELCOM MUNI data
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Figure 7.27 Bathymetric and sonar images with indication of potential wreck location of the vessel indicated
in the maritime administration's spatial information system
Source: MFW Bałtyk I S.A.
7.5 REMAINS OF WORLD WAR II
After World War II, munitions were dumped in the Baltic Sea in many places, which poses a significant
problem for sea users and the environment. An additional hazard is the incidence of chemical weapons
on the Baltic dumpsites. There are no documented reports of dumped chemical weapons in the area of
the planned project and the nearest such location is approximately 28 km to the southwest (Figure 7.28).
There is an official chemical weapons dumping area to the east of Bornholm, to which there are specially
designated routes for their transport. None of these exist in the planned Project area. According to
HELCOM MUNI data, the area is crossed by a probable unofficial route used to transport weapons to
a storage site in the Gotland Deep (Maritime Institute, 2015).
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Figure 7.28 Proposed project in relation to the dumping sites of chemical weapons and their
transportation routes
Source: Maritime Institute in Gdańsk, based on HELCOM MUNI data
Detailed spatial information on all dumpsites with dumped chemical weapons is lacking.
In 2020, a monitoring of arsenic,mustard gas, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons began (within the
framework of sea water monitoring; IMGW-PIB commissioned by GIOŚ), as these chemicals may
originate from post-WWII sunken chemical warfare agents and shipwrecks (Figure 7.29). Polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons were investigated in the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk.
In the surface layers of sediments in the Bornholm Basin, arsenic concentrations ranged from 3.5 to
17.8 mg kg-1 s.m.
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Figure 7.29 Location of bottom sediment sampling stations for arsenic, mustard gas and PAH testing
and fish capture areas for arsenic testing
Source: GIOŚ, 2021; Update of the marine water monitoring program
8 TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY USED
8.1 OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE ELECTRICITY GENERATION TECHNOLOGY
Offshore WTGs are installations used to generate electricity using generators driven by the kinetic
energy of the wind. In the turbine generator, the mechanical energy of the rotating rotor is converted
into low-voltage alternating current, which is then transformed in the turbine, usually to high-voltage for
further transmission via internal power cables to the offshore substations - transformer and/or converter,
depending on the technical solution adopted, i.e. the voltage level and type of electric current transmitted
onshore.
Electricity generation in wind turbines does not require combustion of fuel. Normal operation of offshore
wind farms does not cause pollution of the marine environment, including emissions of greenhouse
gases.
8.2 TECHNOLOGY OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECT COMPONENTS
Below are brief descriptions of possible technologies for: wind turbines, their foundations, internal power
and communication cables and offshore substations. The basic elements of a wind turbine are the
foundation, tower,nacelle and rotor assembly.
This chapter describes technical solutions, which may be applied in the construction of an OWF. Specific
models will be selected later, at the stage of the Project execution, and the selection will be based mainly
on technical and economic criteria and environmental conditions of the planned MFW Bałtyk I, which
will be indicated in the decision on environmental conditions.
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8.2.1 WTGs
A standard wind turbine has a rotor consisting of three blades and a hub located at the front of the
nacelle. The rotor is attached to a main shaft supported by bearings which generates rotational energy
which is transferred through a system of gears to a generator which converts it into electricity. Some
turbine suppliers also use so-called direct drive technology, in which there are no gearboxes.
The transformer can be built inside the nacelle or inside the tower. Its task is to raise the voltage of the
electricity generated before sending it to the offshore substation.
The tower is typically made of steel sections which are bolted together, but other connection
technologies are being explored in the wind industry and may be widely used in future projects. The
tower sections can either be pre-assembled onshore at assembly port or potentially also assembled
directly by sequential stacking on the foundations in the wind farm area. The height of the tower depends
on the turbine model chosen and the local wind and wave conditions. Inside the tower are cables
transmitting electricity from the generator and other components necessary for the operation and
functioning of the wind turbine.
The developer plans to install a maximum of 104 wind turbines.
At this stage of project advancement, it is assumed that 1-2 Heavy Lift Jack-Up Vessels or Dynamic
Positioning (DP) Vessels, and support vessels and barges will be used to install the turbines. During
operation, offshore wind turbines do not require permanent on-site personnel and are
operated/monitored remotely from a control centre usually located at the same site as the maintenance
and service base. Supervision and maintenance of turbine operation is carried out in accordance with
operating procedures and instructions by a technical team that maintains the turbines.
8.2.2 Foundations
The type of foundation will be defined after geotechnical survey and will depend on, among other things,
the selection of a specific wind turbine model and the structure of the seabed. The most commonly used
foundations include, but are not limited to: monopile, tripod, jacket, gravity-based foundations.
The key parameter of the foundations, which is important for the environmental impact, is the area of the
seabed occupied by the given foundation. At the stage of construction of the OWF an important
parameter influencing the scale of environmental impact is the level and duration of noise emission
in the process of preparing for the foundation. The noise is connected with driving into the bottom of the
piles for fixing the jacket foundation, and the level of emission will depend on the type of foundation, its
dimensions, the number of piles fixing the foundation and their diameter, the depth of driving into the
bottom and soil conditions. Also, during the installation of the foundations, bottom sediments may be
disturbed and suspended, which may cause a temporary an increase in point disturbance.
The final decision on the method of foundation will be taken at the stage of construction design based
on geotechnical conditions and selected types of turbines and substations, as well as technical solutions
available at this stage of the Project.
8.2.3 Internal power and communication cables
Individual WTGs will be connected by internal cables to form series and then groups of turbines will be
connected to the marine substation. The design of the cable system will be based on radial cable routes
leaving from the marine substation and connecting the turbines in series. It is planned to install internal
AC cables of 66 kV or 132 kV. The total length of the internal cables and individual cables in the series
will depend on the distance between the turbines and the distance between the first turbine in the series
and the marine substation. The realistic maximum length of the internal cables will serve as the basis
for the assessment.
The turbines will be connected to the offshore substation by internal cables, together with signal fibre
optic cables. The cables will be buried in the seabed and will connect the first turbine in each row to the
66kV or 132kV switchgear at the offshore substation.
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Alternative voltage levels and internal cable configurations are also permitted to ensure an optimal
technical and economic solution.
The maximum total length of the internal cables will be 250 km. They will be buried at a maximum depth
of 3 m below the seabed level or, in certain cases, left on the seabed and then properly secured by
laying rock, concrete mattresses or other technological solutions providing permanent protection against
damage. Cables will be secured with an appropriate protection system near the entrance hole to the
WTG or OSS foundation. The cables will be monitored in real time using an appropriate system. In
addition, periodic monitoring of cable exposures on the seabed may be performed by a Remotely
Operated Vehicle (ROV).
Cable laying will be performed by a specialised CLV (Cable Laying Vessel).
8.2.4 Offshore substation
The cables connecting the wind turbines will be routed to an offshore substation suitably located to
optimise the length of the internal and export cables. The offshore substation will receive AC power
transmitted via 66 kV or 132 kV internal cables and, depending on the onshore power transmission
technology, will raise the voltage to that required for the export cables or raise and convert it to high
voltage direct current to reduce losses during onshore power transmission. The OSS will be located on
the OWF site and its location and detailed technical data will be confirmed at the stage of construction
design. It is foreseen to build one or two such offshore substations for the MFW Bałtyk I.
The installation of the offshore substation will be performed by heavy lift jack-up vessels, transport
vessels and service vessels. The offshore substation will be a facility without permanent maintenance
and service personnel.
The main elements of the electrical installation, which will be included in the application for the
environmental decision for MFW Bałtyk I and not included in this application, are specified in Chapter
4.1.
9 ALTERNATIVES OF THE PLANNED PROJECT
The aim of the Project is to generate electricity using a renewable energy source - wind. In Polish legal
order the first stage of development of the project of an offshore wind farm, is the selection of the
location, confirmed by obtaining the permit to erect and exploit artificial islands, installations and
equipment in Polish maritime areas (”OLL”).
The application for the environmental decision is submitted after obtaining the OLL. Such legal
construction of the development process of the offshore wind farm causes that at the stage of the
environmental impact assessment the location of the farm is determined by the borders defined in the
obtained OLL. Therefore, at the current stage it is not rational and justified to consider any alternative
locations for the MFW Bałtyk I. Due to the fact that in the OLL the location of particular wind turbines
and other elements of the farm are not specified, neither are their specific number (only the maximum
number of power plants is specified), and the type of turbines, nor the types of foundations selected, the
subject of the effective and rational variants may be the technical parameters of the Project, that
significantly affect the type and scale of the environmental impacts. Such parameters include e.g.:
number of WTGs, rotor diameter, height of the structure. These parameters are directly connected with
the power of the generators used.
Each year, new types of turbines enter the market. The power output of the turbines increases which is
achieved by using larger rotors, mounted on new types of foundations and even taller towers. 3.6 MW
turbines were commonly installed 10 years ago. Currently, turbines of 9-12 MW are being installed in
OWFs and 12-15 MW turbines are likely to be installed in 2023-2025; 15-25 MW units can be expected
after 2025. Each such change can reduce the number of WTGs required for achieving the maximum
capacity of the farm, reducing the total seabed occupation, while increasing the height of the structure
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and the rotor diameter and increasing the distance between WTGs. These are key changes that
determine the magnitude of impacts to the marine ecosystem.
As the construction phase of MFW Bałtyk I is due to start in 2027, the turbine models which could be
used are still not available in the market. The selection of the wind turbine model will take place at later
stage in the design phase and will be based primarily on technical and economic criteria and
environmental conditions of the Project, indicated in the environmental decision.
Technical criteria for the selection of a specific turbine type are in particular: wind analysis, currents,
waves, sea level, climatic conditions, temperature, ice cover, seabed conditions, as well as the target
installed capacity of the farm, planned spacing of the turbine and existing environmental constraints.
Financial criteria are related, among others, to production optimization, construction and operation
costs of the investment, and risk factors such as quality, acceptability by financial institutions, contractual
conditions, conditions of the RES investment support system by the state, etc.
Key parameters of offshore wind turbines, which influence the scale and type of environmental
impacts, are rotor diameter, rotor zone, rotor location in space, number of rotors and thus the total rotor
zone and distances between individual rotors.
Taking into account the obligation to assess the environmental impact of the preferred variant and the
rational alternative variant, as well as the significance of the potential environmental impact when
selecting the variant, the investor plans to assess the variants defined on the basis of the boundary
parameters.
10 ANTICIPATED USE OF WATER, RAW MATERIALS, FUELS AND ENERGY
10.1 PREPARATORY WORK
WTGs, offshore substation and cables will be transported from manufacturers as ready-to-install
components. The types and quantities of materials from which they will be built will depend on the
selected manufacturer and total number of WTGs. Nevertheless, it can already be pointed out that the
main construction materials for towers of power plants include steel, plastic and aluminium, used e.g. in
ladders, platforms, connectors, access systems, platforms, J-tubes, cranes; for foundations: steel
(monopile, jacket, tripod) and concrete (gravity-based foundation), for blades: epoxy resins, polyester,
carbon fibre, glass fibre, laminates, composites, metal lightning conductors; and for nacelles: steel, cast
iron, copper, lead, glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GRP), epoxy, polyester, fibreglass. The materials
specified above are for only reference and other materials may be selected for OWF structures and
components.
It will be necessary to transport the above-said elements of the farm from the manufacturers to the
assembly port or directly from manufacturer to farm. The transport of the individual components of the
offshore wind farm will be carried out primarily by sea. Dozens of special vessels and land-based
vehicles will be used to transport the elements of the power plant, but the transport route is currently not
yet known. In the case of land vehicles, fuel consumption per vehicle per 100 km will be approximately
25 l of diesel fuel.
Moreover, it is likely that before the transport phase of large-scale elements of the power plant,
construction or reconstruction of the existing access roads will be required. For example, it can be stated
that the construction of 1 km of road with aggregate surface may require the use of approximately 700m 3
of sand or silt and approximately 1800 m3 of aggregate. It can also be assumed that some of the plant
components will be made by facilities located on the coast, with capabilities for loading these
components onto ships for transport by sea.
For test drilling, a small drilling platform or a drilling vessel is required to survey the subsurface.
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10.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
During the construction phase of the offshore wind farm there will be consumption of materials, fuels
and energy. Construction works at this stage include:
◼ surveys and measurements,
◼ dredging sea bottom and cleaning of the substrate,
◼ levelling of seabed with rock/gravel pad in case of gravity-based foundations,
◼ erosion/scour protection of seabed around foundations with rock dumping,
◼ drilling or piling of foundation piles,
◼ installation of gravity-based foundations,
◼ securing cable conductors,
◼ cable installation and safe positioning,
◼ installation of wind turbines,
◼ installation of OSS.
All these activities require consumption of fuel.
Construction of the wind farm will begin with the installation of foundations or a first layer of scour
protection/seabed levelling. Jack-up vessels or floating installation vessels will be required for drilling,
pilling, driving and lifting the structural elements as well as for grouting or bolting of structural elements.
Such vessels have their own drives for positioning and prepare the work front for assembly works.
In case of using concrete or steel gravity-based foundations, it will be necessary to add mass by internal
ballasting using e. g. stones or gravel.
Cable laying will be carried out by a specialised Cable Laying Vessel (CLV). Cable burial may be carried
out immediately after or at a later stage. The preferred method for burial are jetting and ploughing. It is
typically carried out using a vessel and a ROV. In case of unfavourable ground conditions, it is also
possible to use sectional mechanical methods or to lay rock or concrete mattresses to protect the cable.
Other vessels required during construction are:
◼ barges for transporting the elements of foundations and the power plant,
◼ auxiliary vessels (supply, transport and crew service, underwater work, noise mitigation deployment
etc.).
◼ research vessels.
The amount of fuel consumed cannot be estimated at this stage of the Project.
10.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE
The production of electricity by OWF does not require the supply of any raw materials or fuels, except
in case of windless weather. In such case it is necessary to supply a small amount of electricity. The
electricity demand includes powering the azimuth thruster, control system, lighting and hydraulic pumps,
among others. The annual electricity demand for average wind conditions is typically between 4,000
and 10,000 kWh per power plant / WTG.
OSS, on the other hand, may require the intake and discharge of seawater for the cooling of the electrical
system. . The OSS will be equipped with an emergency power generator with a Diesel engine. In
addition, temporary power generators can be used during maintenance and service work and
emergency repairs.
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During the exploitation of the OWF the fuel consumption is related mainly to the operation of vessels
and helicopters transporting the personnel operating and maintaining the power plant. This results from
the fact that wind turbines are mostly unmanned objects, which do not use raw materials or fuels. At the
stage of exploitation of the OWF maintenance and service works will be conducted.
10.4 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE
Activities at the decommissioning stage may be very similar to those at the construction stage. It will be
necessary to dismantle at least parts of the OWF and transport its components onshore, and then to
manage them according to the most environmentally beneficial scenarios, such as recovery of parts and
their re-use. Consumption of raw materials at this stage will come primarily from fuel consumption by
vessels used for farm dismantling and vessels transporting the components both at sea and on land.
11 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
The use of renewable energy sources in itself is a solution for environmental protection as it is an
alternative to the production of electricity from conventional, fossil-fuel dependent sources. However, at
all stages of the Project, the Investor will take measures to limit its impact on the environment.
The environmental protection solutions planned to be applied as part of the Project include the following:
◼ use for construction and maintenance works only materials with the required certificates, technical
approvals and attestations,
◼ using for construction, operation and decommissioning only technically efficient equipment and
vessels complying with the standards for noise and fume emissions,
◼ regular inspections of the technical condition and repairs of the equipment and vessels used, in
order to protect sea waters against spills of hydrocarbons,
◼ supplying vessels with means for eliminating spills of hydrocarbons,
◼ carrying out proper waste management, in accordance with the provisions of the Waste Act, of
waste generated at all stages of the Project, including among others transfer of waste to entities
holding permits for transport or collection of waste,
◼ the inclusion, at all stages of the Project, of measures to prevent collision with ships, including the
designation of safety zones around construction and demolition sites to reduce the risk of collision
with other users of the sea area,
◼ notification to the competent authority for maritime affairs of the schedule of construction/
decommissioning works in order to adequately safeguard and reduce the impact of the investment
on other sea users,
◼ the supervision and proper organisation of the work at all stages of the Project to prevent accidents
or, if they can be avoided, to react immediately to emergencies in order to reduce their negative
impact on the environment,
◼ appropriate organisation of works at the stage of construction and decommissioning of the Project
in order to reduce as much as possible the period of installation and dismantling of farm elements,
◼ if monopile foundations are selected, the application during their driving of appropriate technical
(e.g. bubble curtains) and organizational solutions (e.g. procedures of gradual increase of piling
power in increments of time until the full operational power is reached, the so-called "soft start")
aimed at limiting the emission of underwater noise and its impact on marine fauna.
Specific environmental protection solutions at all stages of the Project life cycle, including mitigation
measures, will be analysed at the stage of the EIA report development.
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12 TYPES AND PREDICTED AMOUNTS OF SUBSTANCES OR ENERGY
RELEASED TO THE ENVIRONMENT WITH THE APPLICATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
The following Sections describes the types of substances and energy introduced into the environment
while using the predicted environmental protection solutions described in Chapter 11:
◼ during the construction phase,
◼ during the operational phase, and
◼ during possible decommissioning of the farm.
Specific protective measures for each stage of the development of MFW Bałtyk I will be analysed
within the scope of the EIA procedure.
12.1 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
The sections below present the most important Project related activities during the implementation
phase together with the associated direct emissions to environment.
12.1.1 Air emissions and methods to mitigate their impact
Emissions to air during the construction phase will be related to ship traffic and air traffic (helicopters)
and will be assessed at the stage of the EIA report. They will depend on the construction time, i.e. the
uninterrupted activity of construction units in the area.
Reduction of air emissions will be affected by such factors as: good planning and effective management
of the supply chain of the OWF elements, use of low-emission fuels, monitoring of technical condition of
ships, availability of specialist equipment, but also to a large extent by weather conditions during the
installation.
12.1.2 Noise and vibration emissions and methods to mitigate their impact
The main source of noise at the stage of implementation of the Project will be the installation
of foundations of power plants and substations, especially during the driving of foundation piles.
Similar to air emissions, during the construction phase noise and vibration emissions will also depend
on ship traffic during installation of the farm, and during transport of workers by helicopter. The use
of appropriate technical and organizational solutions to reduce noise emissions to the environment will
be crucial in reducing underwater noise emissions.
12.1.3 Impact on water and bottom sediments and methods to mitigate it
Construction of the MFW Bałtyk I is preceded by the research of sediment properties and recognition
of the condition and seasonal variability of macrofauna. Pre-investment monitoring makes it possible to
properly plan methods of limiting the impact of the Project on the environment.
As a result of the construction and assembly works of the OWF elements, as well as the offshore station
or submarine cables, bottom sediments might be agitated, which in turn could lead to the release
of certain compounds and cause periodic and local changes of concentration of chemical elements or
compounds in the water. Water turbidity will temporarily increase due to disturbance of sediments during
seabed preparation for the installation of foundations and during driving of foundation piles and cable
laying. Sediment resuspension will reduce the range of the photic zone, which may affect planktonic and
benthic communities.
These impacts will be local in character and will cease after construction.
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On the other hand, at exploitation stage wind farms can provide refuge for benthic organisms while
increasing local biomass and biodiversity levels - offshore wind farms act as "artificial reefs", rapidly and
intensively colonized by epibenthic species (Causon & Gill, 2018).
12.2 OPERATIONAL PHASE
These sections present Project related activities during the operation phase together with the associated
emissions.
12.2.1 Noise and vibration emissions and methods to mitigate their impact
At the operation stage the primary source of noise will be the operation of the wind turbines i.e. noise
from the rotating rotor and noise associated with air flow at the edge of the wind turbine blades.
In addition, maintenance work will be a source of noise and vibration emissions. These emissions will
depend on the volume of ship traffic, the extent of maintenance work and the transport of workers by air
or sea. In this case too, good work organization, efficient supply chain management as well as weather
conditions during works will be crucial in reducing noise emissions.
12.2.2 Emissions of electromagnetic radiation and methods for their reduction
Within the framework of this Project only internal cables and power substations, which can be a
potential source of electromagnetic radiation, are planned to be constructed within MFW Bałtyk
I.
During operation of the proposed farm, electromagnetic fields will come from the following sources:
◼ up to 104 WTGs,
◼ internal connection infrastructure of the offshore wind farm - with voltage of 66 kV,
◼ offshore substations.
With regard to the source of occurrence, electromagnetic field of natural (such as geomagnetic field of
the Earth) and anthropogenic origins are distinguished. The value of the intensity of the natural electric
field of the Earth in the marine environment is about 120 V/m.
In the marine environment, the source of electromagnetic radiation are submarine cables and OSSs -
primarily elements of the power grid. The change of electromagnetic field strength is significant in the
vicinity of the cable, but at a distance of 20 m from the cable the field strength does not differ from that
in natural conditions. The impact of electromagnetic field may have negative effects, although this
depends, inter alia, on the distance from the source, the intensity or the time of staying near the source
(GIOŚ, 2021b).
In 2017, in Polish maritime areas there were a total of about 350 km of telecommunication cables and
elements of the electrical power network (HELCOM, 2018). In addition, there are also sections of cables,
which are the result of unfinished investments (540 km), but there is no detailed information about them.
Currently, there are no anthropogenic sources of electromagnetic fields in the area of the planned
investment.
12.2.3 Emissions to water and bottom sediments and methods to mitigate their
impact
The operation of the offshore wind farm is not directly associated with the introduction of chemicals into
the environment and will not significantly affect the hydrological and hydrochemical conditions in the
area. At the stage of operation, emissions to water will be associated with wind farm maintenance.
Waste and sewage will be generated as a result of operations carried out by vessels and workers
operating the OWF. Waste management is discussed in detail below (Chapter 13). A waste
management program will be implemented for the Project. Waste and wastewater will be hauled to shore
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at each stage of the Project and properly recycled or disposed of. In addition, the heated water in the
cooling system of the offshore substation will be discharged into marine waters in accordance with
applicable legal requirements.
When considering potential emissions, it is also necessary to take into account possible failures at the
stage of operation of the farm. These failures can be related to oil spills from service vessels and leakage
of lubricants and oils from damaged turbines. In case of an emergency, oil spills in the water are
a potential threat to the environment. The investor will prepare an Emergency Action Plan and Oil
Pollution Prevention Plan for the stage of construction, operation and liquidation of the OWF.
12.3 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE
Impacts at the stage of decommissioning can be very similar to those at the construction stage. They
will be related to the movement of service and transport units between the port and the OWF and work
in the area of the OWF, decommissioning of foundations, wind power plant and substation components,
as well as submarine cables.
Due to the significant time perspective and probability of technological and regulatory changes at this
stage it is difficult to predict what methods of decommissioning offshore wind farms will be used in 30-
50 years. The most likely seems to be the complete removal of blades, nacelles and towers, their
transport to shore and disposal or recycling. In terms of foundations, in the case of piles they will
probably be cut 1-2 m below the seabed, while gravity foundations will remain in the seabed. However,
a different approach for WTG and OSS foundations cannot be ruled out. Therefore, at the present stage,
all methods of decommissioning of foundations seem possible, including: leaving the foundations in-
situ, their partial or complete dismantling and transporting them onshore for management. The actual
decommissioning method will depend on the applicable legislation and technical capabilities available
at the time of decommissioning
13 ANTICIPATED QUANTITIES AND TYPES OF WASTE DISPOSED OF AND
THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Waste will be managed in accordance with the applicable law, in particular with the provisions of the Act
of March 16, 1995 on prevention of marine pollution from ships (Journal of Laws 2020 item 1955) and
the Act of December 14, 2012 on waste (Journal of Laws 2022 item 699).
Classification of waste produced in connection with the construction, exploitation and decommissioning
of the OWF was performed according to the Regulation of the Minister of Climate of January 2, 2020 on
the waste catalogue (Journal of Laws 2020 item 10).
The chapter was divided into three parts (subsectiond), corresponding to the stages of construction,
operaration and decommissioning. Each of the following subsections describes the activities of the
Project leading to the generation of wastewater and waste.
13.1 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Waste and wastewater will be generated during loading, unloading and storage of materials in the
construction and assembly port and during the construction process of power plants, substations and
cable laying.
The types and quantities of waste envisaged for the construction phase are presented in the Table 13.1
below.
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Table 13.1 Expected waste types and quantities at the stage of construction within a year
Code Type of waste Mass
[Mg/year]
08 01 11* Waste paint and varnish containing organic solvents or other dangerous 2,00
substances
08 01 12 Waste paint and varnish other than those mentioned in 08 01 11 2,00
12 01 13 Welding waste 100
13 01 09* Mineral hydraulic oils containing chloroorganic compounds 2,00
13 01 10* Mineral hydraulic oils free of chloroorganic compounds 2,00
13 01 11* Synthetic hydraulic oils 2,00
13 01 12* Readily biodegradable hydraulic oils 2,00
13 01 13* Other hydraulic oils 2,00
13 02 04* Mineral engine, gear and lubricating oils containing chloroorganic 20
compounds
13 02 05* Mineral, non-chlorinated engine, gear and lubricating oils 20
13 02 06* Synthetic engine, gear and lubricating oils 10
13 02 07* Readily biodegradable engine, gear and lubricating oils 10
13 02 08* Other engine, gear and lubricating oils 10
13 03 01* Insulating or heat transmission oils and other liquids containing PCBs 50
13 04 03* Bilge oils from seagoing vessels 100
13 05 02* Oil/water separator sludges 50
13 05 06* Oil from oil drain in separators 20
13 05 07* Oiled water from oil dewatering in separators 20
13 07 01* Fuel oil and diesel 5
13 07 02* Petrol 10
13 08 80 Oiled solid waste from ships 50
14 06 01* Freons, HCFC, HFC 10
14 06 02* Other chloroorganic solvents and solvent mixtures 10
14 06 03* Other solvents and solvent mixtures 5
15 01 01 Paper and cardboard packaging 10
15 01 02 Plastic packaging 10
15 01 03 Wood packaging 10
15 01 04 Metal packaging 10
15 01 05 Multi-material packaging 10
15 01 06 Mixed packaging waste 50
15 01 07 Glass packaging 10
15 01 09 Textile packaging 10
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Code Type of waste Mass
[Mg/year]
15 02 02* Sorbents, filter materials (including oil filters not included in other groups), 50
wiping cloths (e. g. rags, cloths) and protective clothing contaminated by
hazardous substances (e. g. PCBs)
15 02 03 Sorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing other than 50
those mentioned in 15 02 02
16 06 01* Lead batteries and accumulators 50
16 06 02* Nickel-cadmium batteries and accumulators 50
16 06 03* Batteries containing mercury 40
16 06 04 Alkaline batteries (except 16 06 03) 10
16 06 05 Other batteries and accumulators 10
16 81 01* Wastes with hazardous properties 50
16 81 02 Wastes other than those mentioned in 16 81 01 2
17 01 01 Concrete waste and concrete rubble from demolition and refurbishment 2
17 01 03 Waste of other ceramic materials and equipment 3
17 01 07 Mixed waste of concrete, brick rubble, ceramic materials and equipment 100
other than those mentioned in 17 01 06
17 01 82 Other wastes not otherwise specified 50
17 02 01 Wood 10
17 02 02 Glass 1
17 02 03 Plastics 20
17 04 01 Copper, bronze, brass 2
17 04 02 Aluminium 2
17 04 04 Zinc 5
17 04 05 Iron & Steel 20
17 04 07 Mixed metals 5
17 04 11 Cables other than those mentioned in 17 04 10 20
17 09 03* Other construction, repair and dismantling wastes (including mixed 20
wastes) containing dangerous substances
17 09 04 Mixed construction, renovation and dismantling wastes other than those 20
mentioned in 17 09 01, 17 09 02 and 17 09 03
19 08 05 Stabilised municipal sewage sludge 1
20 01 01 Paper and cardboard 1
20 01 02 Glass 1
20 01 08 Biodegradable kitchen waste 1
20 01 10 Clothing 1
20 01 21* Fluorescent tubes and other waste containing mercury 2
20 01 23* Equipment containing CFCs 2
20 01 29* Detergents containing dangerous substances 2
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Code Type of waste Mass
[Mg/year]
20 01 30 Detergents other than those mentioned in 20 01 29 2
20 01 33* Batteries and accumulators including those mentioned in 16 06 01, 16 06 10
02 or 16 06 03 and unsorted batteries and accumulators containing these
batteries
20 01 34 Batteries and accumulators other than those mentioned in 20 01 33 10
20 01 35* Used electrical and electronic equipment other than listed in 20 01 21 and 10
20 01 23 containing dangerous components (1)
20 01 36 Used electrical and electronic equipment other than listed 10
20 03 01 Unsegregated (mixed) municipal waste 25
13.2 OPERATIONAL PHASE
Waste generated in connection with the functioning of the OWF is a result of technological processes
and operation of equipment and machines.
The expected types and quantities of waste generated within one year at the operation stage are shown
in Table 13.2 below.
Table 13.2 Expected types and quantities of waste at the operation stage
Code Type of waste Mass
[Mg/year]
08 01 11* Waste paint and varnish containing organic solvents or other dangerous 1
substances
08 01 12 Waste paint and varnish other than those mentioned in 08 01 11 1
12 01 13 Welding waste 0,1
13 01 09* Mineral hydraulic oils containing chloroorganic compounds 1
13 01 10* Mineral hydraulic oils free of chloroorganic compounds 1
13 01 11* Synthetic hydraulic oils 1
13 01 12* Readily biodegradable hydraulic oils 1
13 01 13* Other hydraulic oils 1
13 02 04* Mineral engine, gear and lubricating oils containing chloroorganic 1
compounds
13 02 05* Mineral, non-chlorinated engine, gear and lubricating oils 1
13 02 06* Synthetic engine, gear and lubricating oils 1
13 02 07* Readily biodegradable engine, gear and lubricating oils 1
13 02 08* Other engine, gear and lubricating oils 1
13 03 01* Insulating or heat transmission oils and other liquids containing PCBs 1
13 04 03* Bilge oils from seagoing vessels 1
13 05 02* Oil/water separator sludges 1
13 05 06* Oil from oil drain in separators 1
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Code Type of waste Mass
[Mg/year]
13 05 07* Oiled water from oil dewatering in separators 3
13 07 01* Fuel oil and diesel 3
13 07 02* Petrol 0,05
13 08 80 Oiled solid waste from ships 4
14 06 01* Freons, HCFC, HFC 0,05
14 06 02* Other chloroorganic solvents and solvent mixtures 0,05
14 06 03* Other solvents and solvent mixtures 0,05
15 01 01 Paper and cardboard packaging 0,1
15 01 02 Plastic packaging 0,1
15 01 03 Wood packaging 0,1
15 01 04 Metal packaging 0,1
15 01 05 Multi-material packaging 0,1
15 01 06 Mixed packaging waste 0,1
15 01 07 Glass packaging 0,1
15 01 09 Textile packaging 0,1
15 02 02* Sorbents, filter materials (including oil filters not included in other groups), 0,3
wiping cloths (e. g. rags, cloths) and protective clothing contaminated by
hazardous substances (e. g. PCBs)
15 02 03 Sorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing other than 0,3
those mentioned in 15 02 02
16 06 01* Lead batteries and accumulators 0,1
16 06 02* Nickel-cadmium batteries and accumulators 0,1
16 06 03* Batteries containing mercury 0,01
16 06 04 Alkaline batteries (except 16 06 03) 0,01
16 06 05 Other batteries and accumulators 0,01
16 81 01* Wastes with hazardous properties 0,3
16 81 02 Wastes other than those mentioned in 16 81 01 0,3
17 01 01 Concrete waste and concrete rubble from demolition and refurbishment 5
17 01 03 Waste of other ceramic materials and equipment 1
17 01 07 Mixed waste of concrete, brick rubble, ceramic materials and equipment 5
other than those mentioned in 17 01 06
17 01 82 Other wastes not otherwise specified 5
17 02 01 Wood 0,2
17 02 02 Glass 0,1
17 02 03 Plastics 0,5
17 04 01 Copper, bronze, brass 0,05
17 04 02 Aluminium 0,05
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Code Type of waste Mass
[Mg/year]
17 04 04 Zinc 0,05
17 04 05 Iron & Steel 1
17 04 07 Mixed metals 0,05
17 04 11 Cables other than those mentioned in 17 04 10 5
17 09 03* Other construction, repair and dismantling wastes (including mixed 2
wastes) containing dangerous substances
17 09 04 Mixed construction, renovation and dismantling wastes other than those 2
mentioned in 17 09 01, 17 09 02 and 17 09 03
19 08 05 Stabilised municipal sewage sludge 3
20 01 01 Paper and cardboard 2
20 01 02 Glass 2
20 01 08 Biodegradable kitchen waste 2
20 01 10 Clothing 2
20 01 21* Fluorescent tubes and other waste containing mercury 0,1
20 01 23* Equipment containing CFCs 0,1
20 01 29* Detergents containing dangerous substances 0,1
20 01 30 Detergents other than those mentioned in 20 01 29 0,1
20 01 33* Batteries and accumulators including those mentioned in 16 06 01, 16 06 3
02 or 16 06 03 and unsorted batteries and accumulators containing these
batteries
20 01 34 Batteries and accumulators other than those mentioned in 20 01 33 3
20 01 35* Used electrical and electronic equipment other than listed in 20 01 21 and 3
20 01 23 containing dangerous components (1)
20 01 36 Used electrical and electronic equipment other than listed 3
20 03 01 Unsegregated (mixed) municipal waste 30
The generation of waste, especially hazardous waste will involve the development of internal procedures
on how to transfer this waste to authorised entities. Vessels, due to the predicted amounts of generated
hazardous waste, should transfer waste in accordance with the provisions of the Waste Act and not the
port regulations. The waste generator should be registered with BDO (Baza Danych Odpadowych;
waste register) and follow the applicable provisions of the Waste Act.
13.3 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE
During the decommissioning stage, significant amounts of waste will be generated, associated with the
physical removal of farm facilities defined at the decommissioning stage. The most probable scenario
assumes that the facilities will be decommissioned in the following way:
◼ power plants - removed in full;
◼ monopile foundations - removed to a depth of 1-2 m below the seabed level, gravity-based
foundations – left in place;
◼ internal cables - removed or left in the seabed, covered by sediments;
◼ scour protection - left in place.
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At this stage, the model of the WTG, the type of foundation or the length of cable sections between
individual power plants are not known. It should also be emphasised that there is a very low probability
of decommissioning of the entire farm. It is much more probable that individual devices will be replaced
instead, and that the farm will continue functioning.
14 AREAS SUBJECT TO PROTECTION UNDER THE NATURE CONSERVATION
ACT
14.1 PROTECTED AREAS
Proposed project is located outside national forms of nature conservation and outside areas
belonging to the European Natura 2000 network. The closest Natura 2000 protected area on the
Swedish side is Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308), which borders the project area
to the north for approximately 3 km. The closest Polish protected area is the Natura 2000 Słupsk
Bank area (PLC990001; Figure 14.1), which is located approximately 54 km from the planned
Project.
Figure 14.1 Protected areas in the vicinity of the planned investment
Source: HELCOM
Słupsk Bank
The Słupsk Bank Natura 2000 area (PLC990001) was designated to protect natural habitats (Habitats
Directive) and bird species (Birds Directive). The area is characterised by a highly differentiated bottom
with numerous depressions and elevations, with depths between 8 and 35 m. The shallows are inhabited
by many invertebrates which constitute a food base for wintering and resting wetland birds in autumn.
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The objects of protection of the Słupsk Bank are submarine sandbanks (code 1110), rocky and stony
seabed, reefs (code 1170) and the following bird species: common guillemot (Cepphus grille), long-
tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), and velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca).
The site, at the time of application, does not have an approved conservation plan, and its list of objects
of protection is still being consulted.
Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna
The area is characterized by a mosaic of shallow sandbanks and reefs. The area is important for
wintering and feeding seabirds and is important for the harbour porpoise population in the Baltic Sea.
The objects of protection of the Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna are submarine sandbanks (code
1110), rocky and stony seabed, reefs (code 1170) and the following species: common guillemot
(Cepphus grille), long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), common eider (Somateria mollissima) and
harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).
Basic information on natural habitats and animal species is presented in the Tables 14.1 and 14.2.
Table 14.1 Priority habitats of Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308)
Habitat Name Cover Representativity Relative Conservation Global
code [ha] surface
1110 Offshore 220 000 B B B B
sandbanks
1170 Rocky 20 000 B C B B
substrates,
reefs
Source: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/
Legend:
Representativity: Ranking system for assessing representativeness: A: excellent, B: good, C: significant, D: not significant
Relative surface: A: 100 ≥ p > 15%, B: 15 ≥ p > 2%, C: 2 ≥ p > 0%
Conservation: A – excellent, B – good, C – in average or poor condition
Global: A – excellent, B – good, C – significant
Table 14.2 Protected species of Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308)
Species Population type Site assessment Population size
for the
minimum maximum
population*
Common guillemot Cepphus wintering C 1000 5000
grylle
Long-tailed duck Clangula wintering A 200 000 1 000 000
hyemalis
Common eider Somateria staging C 5 000 50 000
mollissima
Harbour porpoise Phocoena resident A 100 100
phocoena
Source: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/
Legend:
Population type: resident, i.e., to be found throughout the year on the site. This type includes non-migratory species, plants,
resident populations of migratory species; breeding/reproducing, i.e., using the area for breeding and/or raising young; staging,
i.e., using the area for resting or gathering during migration or for moulting outside the breeding grounds; wintering, i.e., using the
site during the winter
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Size and density of the population of the species in relation to the populations present within national territory; class intervals: A:
100 ≥ p > 15%, B: 15 ≥ p > 2%, C: 2 ≥ p > 0%; D: non-significant
Significant threats to the conservation areas of Hoburgsbank och Midsjöbankarna are: shipping routes,
active fisheries and oil spills at sea and, to a lesser extent, net fishing, surface water pollution, nitrogen
inputs and invasive alien species. A conservation plan is in place for the area. Table 14.3 presents
anthropogenic pressures.
Table 14.3 Selected pressures on habitats/species protected in the area Hoburgs bank och
Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308)
Habitats/protected Selected pressures
species
1120 (offshore sandbanks) • eutrophication,
• construction of wind farms and gas pipelines that may alter hydrological
conditions for natural habitats,
• intersecting shipping routes with heavy traffic near the Natura 2000 site,
which carry a high risk of oil spills/leaks,
• invasive species that may affect the species composition of habitats.
1170 (rocky substrates, • eutrophication,
reefs) • construction of wind farms and gas pipelines that may alter hydrological
conditions for natural habitats,
• physical disturbance of habitats e.g.: trawling, dredging, backfilling, sand and
gravel extraction, which adversely affect the reef (impact through increased
sedimentation)
• intersecting shipping routes with heavy traffic near the Natura 2000 site,
which carry a high risk of oil spills/leaks,
• elevated water temperature posing a threat to species composition,
• invasive species that may affect the species composition of habitats.
Harbour • passive fishing gear causing porpoise bycatch,
porpoise, Phocoena • pollution of marine waters with toxins (PCBs) affecting reproduction and
phocoena survival of porpoises,
• underwater impulse noise, e.g. from sonar, seismic surveys (porpoises stop
echolocating and feeding),
• continuous underwater noise, e.g. shipping routes, construction works and
OWF operations can cause behavioral impacts,
• fishing and climate change causing changes in the quality and quantity of
food, which in turn increases the risk of impaired reproductive capacity and
feeding of offspring.
Long-tailed duck, Clangula • use of fishing nets on reefs,
hyemalis • wind energy production (population is excluded from important foraging
habitats),
• shipping routes established through or near important wintering areas for
birds (potential accidents - oil spills).
Common guillemot, • exploitation of offshore banks for wind energy production, which can
Cepphus grylle adversely affect the species and its wintering survival by excluding
populations from important habitats,
• shipping routes established through or near important wintering areas for
birds (increased vessel traffic and potential accidents - oil spills),
• changes in fish stocks.
Source: Bevarandeplan för Natura 2000-området SE0330308 Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna, Gotlands län, Kalmar län, 511-
2908-2021
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14.2 ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS
According to the Nature Conservation Act of April 12, 2004 (Journal of Laws 2021, item 1098,
consolidated text) an ecological corridor is defined as an area allowing migration of plants, animals
or fungi.
No conception or documentation defining ecological corridors in the South Baltic area has been
developed. The last strategic document in force within the administrative boundaries of the Exclusive
Economic Zone of the Republic of Poland is the POM Plan, for which a prognosis of environmental
impact was prepared as part of a strategic evaluation. This document does not analyse the ecological
corridors.
Ecological corridors can be defined as interconnected and intertwined strips of land, which ensure the
occurrence of functional natural processes due to the preserved conditions and natural land cover.
Corridors enable the existence and exchange of the gene pool, numbers, and above all migration of
species and individuals, conditioning the preservation of environmental biodiversity. Their borders
include forest areas, surface waters, valuable natural habitats, as well as agricultural land, where a small
share of communication and built-up areas is visible. Depending on the extent of space and the rank of
influence, the terrestrial corridors can be divided into: supraregional, regional, subregional and local
(PBPR, 2014). For the purposes of this study, this definition was extended to include maritime areas.
The most important groups of migratory organisms associated with the marine environment are: fish,
mammals, birds and bats.
According to the general classification of the waterbird migratory system in Eurasia, the South Baltic
Sea is located within the range of two migration corridors: Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean/Black
Sea.
Migration corridors of seabirds in the Baltic region are very poorly recognized (Maritime Institute, 2020).
During summer (July-August), migrations of sea ducks (scoter) (Melanitta nigra) are observed from the
Gulf of Finland towards the Danish Straits. Common eider (Somateria mollissima) and velvet scoter
(Melanitta fusca) are also recorded among the ducks. Autumn migration of seabirds among some
species starts already in August. Some species are migratory, others stay in Poland for the winter, e.g.
Sterna and Chlidonias terns. Throughout the migration and wintering period the following are recorded:
sea ducks (Melanitta nigra), auks (Alcidae), divers (Gaviidae), grebes (Podicipedidae) (Olenycz et al.,
2017).
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is occasionally observed in Polish marine areas (HELCOM
Map and Data Service). The results of the monitoring of marine mammals in the Polish marine areas
showed that harbour porpoises occur continuously in the western part of the marine waters,
in Pomeranian Bay. The Middle Bank may also be a site for porpoise reproduction and juvenile rearing;
detailed studies of the Bank are important to verify porpoise intensity and its variability over time.
If confirmed, the shoal should be protected from exploration in the area of porpoise reproduction and
juvenile rearing (GDOŚ, 2022).
The south Gotland area has been designated as an area of ecological or biological importance for
harbour porpoises (EBSA). It is a significant area for the critically endangered harbour porpoise
(Phocoena phocoena) subpopulation in the Baltic Sea around the islands of Öland and Gotland, and
serves as a key breeding area for the population. The population has been estimated at 497 individuals
and has declined dramatically since the mid-20th century. The area also supports a vulnerable
subpopulation of the Kalmarsund harbour seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina) and is the main wintering area
for the endangered long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis).
In the southern Baltic Sea, fish, seals and harbour porpoises all migrate for food. Birds migrate in spring
and autumn. There are also scientific publications about bats migrating over the Baltic Sea (Ahlén et al.,
2009; Rydell et al., 2014).
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A detailed analysis of the ecological corridors will be conducted during the Environmental Impact
Assessment and will take into account the results of comprehensive, pre-investment environmental
research programme, carried out for the Project development purposes.
15 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Emissions and disturbances as well as existing and planned projects, which may cause cumulative
impacts with MFW Bałtyk I in the marine environment, are presented in the following chapters. The basic
assumptions for the cumulative impact analysis will also be presented.
15.1 SPATIAL CONDITIONS COVERING ONGOING AND COMPLETED PROJECTS LOCATED
WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA AND IN THE AREA OF INFLUENCE OF THE PROJECT OR
WHOSE IMPACTS ARE WITHIN THE AREA OF INFLUENCE OF THE PLANNED PROJECT
A preliminary identification of projects, whose impacts may lead to the accumulation of impacts with the
MFW Bałtyk I was made. At this stage only the spatial aspect of the possible cumulative impacts of the
MFW BI with the impacts of other projects was analysed.
15.1.1 Offshore wind farms
So far, no offshore wind farm has been built in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea, however there are ten
planned projects at the development stage. List of offshore wind farm projects with information on
obtained OLL, environmental decision and information on Grid Connection Conditions to the National
Power System (KSE) is presented in Table 15.1 and Figure 15.1.
Table 15.1 Offshore wind energy projects in the Baltic Sea
No. Investor Area Grid connection (OLL – Environmental
(km2) obtained, GCC – Grid decision
Connection Conditions) (issue year)
1 Equinor/Polenergia - MFW 128 1560 MW(OLL/GCC) -
Bałtyk I*
2 Equinor/Polenergia – MFW 122 720 MW (OLL/GCC) yes (2017)
Bałtyk II*
3 Equinor/Polenergia - Bałtyk 116 720 MW (OLL) yes (2016)
MFW III*
4 PGE/Ørsted - Baltica 2** 189 1498 MW (OLL/GCC) yes (2020)
5 PGE/Ørsted - Baltica 3** 131 1045,5 MW (OLL) yes (2020)
6 PGE - Baltica 1** 108 896 MW (OLL/GCC) -
7 RWE - FEW Baltic-II*** 42 350 MW (OLL/GCC) yes (2021)
8 PKN Orlen/Northland 131 1200 MW (OLL/GCC) -
Power**** - Baltic Power
9 Ocean Wind - C-Wind***** 42 399 MW (OLL) -
10 Ocean Wind – B-Wind 49 -
Total 1058 11979,5MW
Source: PSEW Report Sept 2020; Hogan-Lovells, Offshore wind farms (OWF) – an update from Poland, 2020;; updated based
on data made available to the public on investors’ websitesand the list of companies applying for the connection of sources to
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the National Power System (as of 31.01.2022)
* SPVs of Equinor and Polenergia, which applied for grid connection conditions are, respectively, MFW Bałtyk I Sp. z o.o., MFW
Bałtyk II Sp. z o.o. and MFW Bałtyk III Sp. z o.o.
** PGE/Ørsted owns Elektrownia Wiatrowa Baltica-2 Sp. z o.o. and Elektrownia Wiatrowa Baltica-3 Sp. z o.o. PGE owns
Elektrownia Wiatrowa Baltica-1 Sp. z o.o.
*** RWE Renewables GmbH owns Baltic Trade and Invest Sp. z o.o,
**** PKN Orlen and Northland Power own Baltic Power Sp. z o.o.
***** The investor holds the right to develop offshore wind farms in two adjacent locations designated as B-Wind and C-Wind
(also known as B&C Wind Project), while their connection conditions are jointly determined by PSE S.A. The SPV, which has
been granted connection conditions, is named C-Wind Polska Sp. z o.o.
Figure 15.1 Offshore wind energy projects in the Polish EEZ*
Source: PSEW Report Sept 2020
*numbering of projects according to Table 15.1 above
Among all the above-mentioned offshore wind farm projects planned in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea,
only the Baltica 1 project is located in the vicinity of the MFW Bałtyk I (in the area 60.E, as specified in
the POM Plan). Other projects are located at a distance of more than 40 km from the area of the planned
farm.
North of the MFW Bałtyk I area, in the area of the Southern Middle Bank located within the Swedish
exclusive economic zone, the Södra Midsjöbanken offshore wind farm project is planned to be
implemented (the shortest distance between the border of this farm and the borders of the MFW Bałtyk
I is 1.85 km). An application for a permit to construct and operate the aforementioned farm was submitted
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in 2012 by E.ON Wind Sweden AB, currently RWE Renewables Sweden AB. Following the
establishment of a Natura 2000 protection area in the Southern Middle Bank in the Swedish EEZ in
2016, the Swedish government in 2019 issued a statement that RWE's application must be
accompanied by a so-called Natura 2000 permit. In 2020, The Swedish Environmental Protection
Agency issued notifications to contact points in Poland, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
and Russia regarding the planned Södra Midsjöbanken offshore wind farm. The planned farm will be
approximately 80 km from the Swedish mainland and will be located nearby the Polish EEZ and two
areas designated in the POM Plan for the development of offshore wind energy, including the area
POM.60.E. On 20 December 2021, the geophysical and environmental surveys for the Södra
Midsjöbanken OWF project were completed, which included the farm site and the planned cable
corridors. The investor assumes that the necessary permits will be obtained in 2024/2025 and the OWF
operations can start in 2029.
Figure 15.2 Offshore wind energy projects in the Swedish EEZ in the area of Southern Baltic
Source: RWE consultation document by SWECO, 2020
In the context of the cumulative impact analysis, the impacts of the MFW Bałtyk I power output elements,
not included in the scope of this document and environmental decision application for MFW Bałtyk I, will
also be taken into account.
15.1.2 Aggregate Mining in the Southern Middle Bank
In the Southern Middle Bank, in the immediate vicinity of the Project area (NE border), there is
an extraction of natural aggregate from the deposit "Południowa Ławica Środkowa - Bałtyk Południowy".
This extraction is carried out on the basis of Concession No. 3/2006 dated 15.11.2006, issued by the
Minister of Environment in accordance with the Geological and Mining Law of June 9, 2011 (Journal of
Laws 2021, item 1420). The concession is valid until 2031.
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The deposit is divided into 9 fields ranging in size from 0.5 to 16.9 km2 (about 26 km2 in total), with
an average thickness of the deposit layer of 0.9 m (maximum > 5 m).
Proved balance resources in the C2 category amount 56.5 million tons, and industrial resources amount
56 million tons. The deposit consists of three mining areas: "Południowa Ławica Środkowa A",
"Południowa Ławica Środkowa B", " Południowa Ławica Środkowa C" and one mining area " Południowa
Ławica Środkowa" (IMG, 2015).
15.1.3 Cables, pipelines and other
Currently, in the area of the Project, there are no pipelines or cables that could directly affect the area
of the planned MFW Bałtyk I project.
The nearest such installations in the Swedish EEZ are: (1) the NordBalt power cable located north of
the Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna Natura 2000 area, transferring electricity between Sweden and
the Baltic countries; (2) the Nord Stream gas pipeline transporting gas from Russia to Germany; (3)
SwePol Link - a high voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cable between the Stärnö peninsula near
Karlshamn in Sweden and Bruskow Wielki near Slupsk. It runs through the Swedish, Danish and Polish
EEZs at a distance of approx. 60 km from the Baltic I offshore wind farm; (4) C-Lion 1 and Nordbalt
HVDC are submarine communication cables between Finland and Germany (C-Lion) and Sweden and
Lithuania (Nordbalt). Both run through the Swedish EEZ near Södra Midsjöbanken.
There is also intensive commercial shipping in the Swedish EEZ using the sea routes passing through
the Natura 2000 area north of Södra Midsjöbanken, and outside the Natura 2000 area south of Södra
Midsjöbanken (SVT, 2020) (See Figure 15.2).
15.2 POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative impacts will be analyzed at the stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment report for
the planned Project.
They can be primarily associated with spatial disturbance by creating a barrier restricting the free
movement of, among others, fisheries, transit and tourist traffic, radar interference, underwater noise
and a temporary increase in suspended solids concentration and sedimentation at the construction
stage. The creation of a physical barrier could potentially significantly impact migrating birds and their
flyways and seabirds and their passage between resting and/or feeding areas.
In combination with other projects, MFW Bałtyk I may affect birds and marine mammals to a greater
extent than individually.
The planned OWF may cumulatively affect other OWFs in terms of underwater noise, by spatially
increasing the potential coverage of underwater noise emission. In case of choosing monopile
foundations in order to limit noise emission to the environment during the construction phase of the
Project appropriate technical (e.g. bubble curtains) and organizational solutions will be applied during
driving of the foundations (e.g. procedure of gradual increase of piling power in increments of time until
full operational power is reached, so called "soft start").
Table 15.2 presents the identification of potential cumulative impacts and accumulation zones. Actions
aimed at avoiding negative cumulative impacts on the marine environment include creating methods for
conducting environmental monitoring at the stage of construction and operation, e.g. with respect to
underwater noise, fish spawning, fish migration, sediments and electromagnetic radiation. All
applicable minimizing measures will be analysed at the stage of environmental impact
assessment.
Table 15.2 Identification of potential cumulative impacts
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Type of Source of Type of
Type of impacts Cumulation zone
emission emissions Project
Increase in - Foundation piling - Displacement from habitats - OWF Around the investment
underwater - Cable laying - Change in habitat - Mining industry in case of piling of
noise - Vessel traffic - Injury - Transmission foundations in the
(construction - Mortality infrastructure centre of the farm
phase) - Reduction in catches
Heat emission Cables - Changes in oxidation- - OWF On the spot
from cables reduction potential - Transmission investments
- Changes in microbiological infrastructure
activity of sediments
- The appearance of alien
species
The emergence - Foundations/ - Barrier effect - OWF In the investment site
of new Tower - Changes (positive - Mining industry and in its immediate
structures under - Pipelines included, e.g. the “artificial - Transmission vicinity
the sea reef” effect) in habitats infrastructure
- Difficulties for
navigation and shipping
Electromagnetic - Cables - Orientation disorder - OWF In the investment area
radiation - OSS - Changes in the use of - Transmission
space infrastructure
- Interference with radar
systems
- Disturbance to navigation
and shipping
The emergence - Turbine - Barrier effect - OWF In the investment area
of new - Tower - Displacement from habitats - Mining industry and around the
structures above - Collision fatality rate investment
sea level - Landscape changes
- Difficulties for navigation
and shipping
Noise emission - Turbine - Scaring - OWF In the investment area
surface - Vessel traffic - Displacement from habitats - Mining industry
- Electricity
substations
Air pollutant - Ships - Deterioration of animal - OWF In the investment area
emissions - Helicopters habitat - Mining industry
- Transmission
infrastructure
- Sailing
Water pollution - Ships - Deterioration of living - OWF In the investment area
emissions - Ship leaks conditions - Mining industry and around it
and pipelines - Transmission
- Protection from infrastructure
corrosion - Sailing
- Grouting
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Type of Source of Type of
Type of impacts Cumulation zone
emission emissions Project
Waste - Construction - Deterioration of living - OWF In the investment area
generation process conditions in case of - Mining industry
- Construction emergency release of waste - Transmission
Ships to the environment infrastructure
servicing - Sailing
- Construction and
service support
16 POSSIBLE TRANSBOUNDARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The area of the planned MFW Bałtyk I is located in the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone, at the border
with the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone, approximately 81 km north of the coastline at the level
of the Łeba municipality.
Considering the location of the MFW Bałtyk I area, the current knowledge on the environmental impact
of offshore wind farms and the results of the impact assessment of other offshore wind farm projects
in Polish maritime areas, the planned Project may potentially require conducting a transboundary impact
assessment procedure. Potential impact of the planned project must be considered in accordance with
relevant EU regulations, in particular the Espoo Convention due to the direct border with Swedish EEZ
and the distance of about 47 km of the planned OWF to Danish EEZ (please refer to Chapter 5.1.2).
The assessment of transboundary impacts will consider the results of the assessment of impacts on
Natura 2000 sites, in particular the Swedish "Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna" SE0330308 and the
coherence of the Natura 2000 network in the vicinity of the planned MFW Bałtyk I
The planned OWF is located in the Polish EEZ and is directly adjacent to the Swedish EEZ. Most impacts
are of local nature and will be restricted to the borders of the basin. However, a potentially significant
transboundary impact of the planned wind farm cannot be excluded. The source of such impact may be
e.g. the emission of underwater noise generated during the installation of foundations of WTGs and
OSS with regard to marine mammals and fish.
The transboundary impact of the planned OWF will be analysed in detail during Environmental Impact
Assessment and will also cover possible malfunctions at the stage of construction and exploitation.
17 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL SOCIAL CONFLICTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE
PLANNED PROJECT
The establishment of wind energy in Poland, both onshore and offshore, has raised concerns among
residents. An article published by Energy Research & Social Science (Walker et al., 2014) indicates
that, typically, offshore wind farms receive higher levels of support than onshore wind farms.
A survey of environmental awareness regarding wind energy (onshore and offshore) conducted in
November 2020 for the Ministry of Climate and Environment (MKiŚ, 2020) (n=1005) indicated that 83%
of Polish residents support the development of offshore wind farms and 76% of respondents would like
to use electricity from this source. 67% of respondents have a positive view of the environmental impact
of offshore wind farms and 25% of them have no opinion. 71% of the people surveyed have negative or
average opinion on their knowledge about offshore wind power. Despite that, an overwhelming majority
(81%) of respondents believe that offshore wind farm development will increase Poland's energy
security.
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One initiative that required significant industry involvement was the Polish Offshore Wind Sector Deal,
developed by six working groups as part of a wider process to support offshore wind energy
development in Poland by the Ministry of Climate and Environment in collaboration with the Polish Wind
Energy Association (PWEA) and the Polish Offshore Wind Energy Society (PTMEW). It was agreed in
September 2021 to increase the participation of Polish entrepreneurs in the supply chain for offshore
wind energy. All stakeholder groups were involved in the adoption of the Agreement, including fisheries
organisations. Polenergia and Equinor were represented in all PWEA working groups, one of the groups
(Gr. 6 - Cooperation with stakeholders) was moderated by Polenergia representation. Currently the
Ministry is planning to continue this cooperation and has established the Offshore Wind Energy
Coordination Council for this purpose, in which both companies are represented.
17.1 PURSUANT TO ART. 66 PT 15 OF THE EIA ACT, A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL
PUBLIC CONFLICTS, PRESENTED BELOW, WILL BE CONDUCTED DURING THE IMPACT
ASSESSMENT PHASE.POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WITH OTHER USERS OF THE AREA IN THE
PRE-EXECUTION PHASE
17.1.1 Potential impact on fishing
The OWF will be designed, developed and operated taking into account the issues related to the
possibility of conducting activities related to commercial fishing in this area to the extent permitted by
the applicable regulations and permits.
The design works will follow the guidelines and solutions aimed at minimizing the impact of offshore
wind farms on sea fishing. The detailed conditions for commercial fishing in the OWF will ensure safe
navigation and transit with the necessary safety standards (concerning safety zones, maximum
authorised length of vessels, etc.) described in separate regulations.
The fishing sector is a particularly important stakeholder associated with the development of OWF in
Poland. The sector is under significant pressure from numerous regulations and fishing restrictions, such
as the establishment of fishing quotas for Baltic cod (EU Council Regulation 2021/1888 of 27 October
2021) and other fish (herring, plaice, salmon, sprat). In response to the recreational fishing restrictions,
there have been several protests by recreational fishermen who claim that offshore wind farm
infrastructure in the Baltic Sea will harm fisheries (Rapacka, 2021).. On the other hand, there are no
existing or planned additional fishing restrictions regarding the development of offshore wind farms.
Moreover, the planned MFW Bałtyk I may also have a positive impact on the fisheries sector by creating
new jobs for fishermen in, among other things, service ports.
In summary, the main issues and concerns identified by stakeholders during earlier engagement and
consultation were as follows:
◼ there will be new potential and direct significant impacts on the marine environment that will have a
direct negative impact on fishermen's income and the local economy: these include fishing
restrictions and navigational barriers;
◼ potential harmful effects on the environment;
◼ social and distributive justice: uncertainty about compensation in the event of economic losses.
17.1.2 Potential impact on shipping operations
According to the POM, designated shipping routes avoid the area of the planned MFW Bałtyk I (Figure
6.5; details in Chapter 6.2.2). For the planned project a navigational expertise will be prepared, which
results will be used when preparing the EIA report.
17.1.3 Potential impact on state defence operations
The conditions of its implementation of the MFW Bałtyk I project will have to be reviewed and agreed
upon at the planning and construction stage by the relevant authorities competent for national defence.
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A properly planned method of organization of the offshore wind farm will not deteriorate the operations
of the Polish Navy in the OWF area. For the needs of the project, appropriate analyses will be prepared
relating to the OWF impact on communication and radar systems of the Navy, Maritime Search and
Rescue Service, Border Guard, etc.
17.1.4 Potential impact on cables and pipelines
No cables or pipelines running on the seabed were identified in the offshore wind farm area.
17.2 POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WITH OTHER USERS OF THE AREA AT THE CONSTRUCTION
STAGE
17.2.1 Potential impact on fishing
For safety reasons, offshore wind farms limit or completely exclude the possibility of performing other
functions in their area. Features of the OWF that significantly affect the functioning of fishing include:
◼ location of the farm in relation to the existing fishing grounds,
◼ total area of the farm, including development area,
◼ number of wind turbines and associated infrastructure elements with distances between them,
◼ route and length of cable sections being a part of the internal infrastructure of the offshore wind
farm,
◼ number of vessels and intensity of traffic in the area and in the area of the offshore wind farm.
Close cooperation and dialogue with relevant authorities and the fishing community, while respecting
the interests of both parties, is essential at the stage of the OWF construction.
17.2.2 Potential impact on shipping operations
At the construction stage, the area of the planned OWF will be excluded from regular shipping due to
safety reasons. The traffic of vessels responsible for the construction of the wind farm will be permitted.
Excluding the offshore wind farm area from regular shipping traffic will result in extension of the route
of offshore vessels.
The conditions of the OWF construction will have to be reviewed at the stage of the navigational
expertise in regards of the impact of the OWF on the safety and efficiency of the shipping operations in
the Polish maritime areas.
17.2.3 Potential impact on state defence operations
The conditions of the OWF construction will have to be reviewed at the stage of the technical expertise
in regards of the impacts on the National Maritime Safety System.
17.3 POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WITH OTHER USERS OF THE AREA AT THE OPERATION STAGE
17.3.1 Potential impact on fishing
At the stage of operation of the offshore wind farm, until its decommissioning, the following restrictions
to fishing are anticipated:
◼ partial exclusion of the OWF area from the possibility of fishing,
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◼ increase in fishing intensity in other areas as a result of the relocation of vessels from the excluded
area,
◼ potential destruction of fishing gear left in the area excluded from fishing,
◼ extending the route of fishing vessels to fishing grounds,
◼ disruption of fishing as a result of increased vessel traffic,
◼ temporary relocation of fish as a result of fish deterrence and habitat destruction,
◼ quantitative changes in stocks of caught fish species.
In the basin area, mainly cod, sprat and herring are caught, which are species commonly caught in the
entire Baltic Sea area. The value of the resource in the basin should be considered low. The widespread
use of these species makes it possible for fishing vessels to change their fishing grounds, but this may
be related to the extension of the route to the fishing grounds and possible decrease in the fishing
capacity of other fishing grounds.
Installed WTGs and the linear internal infrastructure of the offshore wind farm generally do not pose
a risk to fish and marine mammals. A significant risk will be posed by lost or abandoned fishing gear,
mooring lines and other artificial materials in which animals can become entangled. In order to reduce
the risk and to resolve the issue of management of lost fishing gear, a discussion with fishermen should
be undertaken, presenting not only the economic perspectives of the loss of fishing gear, but also the
ecological perspectives of the issue.
17.3.2 Potential impact on shipping operations
The functioning of the OWF will require regular maintenance with the use of service vessels and
specialized vessels. These vessels will move between the service ports and the OWF area. Regular
maintenance of the wind farm will increase the intensity of shipping traffic between the farm and ports.
After completion of the linear infrastructure, i.e. telecommunication and power networks, in the area of
the offshore wind farm, due to the possibility of disturbing the infrastructure elements, emergency
anchoring of vessels or the use of certain fishing gear may be impossible. The impact of the OWF on
maritime shipping activities will be subject to arrangements and navigational expertise.
17.3.3 Potential impact on state defence operations
OWF area is not a place of naval manoeuvres. The OWF may affect military aviation due to its height
(WTGs may constitute a physical obstacle), and the components of the OWF may cause disturbances
in the operation of radar systems used in aviation, therefore the designed OWF needs to obtain
appropriate opinions and approvals, i.a., of the Air Traffic Service of the Polish Armed Forces.
A properly planned method of organization of the offshore wind farm will not deteriorate the operations
of the Polish Navy in the OWF area.
17.3.4 Potential impact on cables and pipelines
Submarine cables pose electric shock hazard in case of emergency anchor dropping by the vessel and
cable damage. Such a hazard is minimized by the automatic protection system, which isolates the
power to the cable in the event of a fault occurring.
17.4 POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WITH OTHER USERS OF THE AREA AT THE DECOMMISSIONING
STAGE
The decommissioning of the wind farm will open the area to other users, which will involve the removal
of existing conflicts. However, during the decommissioning stage, many disturbances and limitations will
arise.
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18 RISK OF A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTER
The following potential unplanned events or failures have been identified in relation to the planned
Project:
◼ leakage of petroleum-resistant substances as a result of a collision, failure or construction disaster,
◼ accidental release of municipal waste or sewage,
◼ accidental release of building materials,
◼ release of impurities from anthropogenic objects at the bottom,
◼ explosions of unexploded ordnances (UXO), during deliberate bottom cleaning in preparation for
construction or as a result of accidental damage to undetected ammunition during work.
It has been assessed that the main environmental hazards resulting from unplanned events associated
with the offshore wind farm project are the spills of petroleum substances, including marine gas oils
(MGO), machine oils (engine oils), hydraulic oils, transformer oils, gear oils and lubricating oils. Events
that may cause the aforementioned spills during the construction and decommissioning stages of the
project include:
◼ collision of two vessels,
◼ collision of a vessel with an object within the farm area,
◼ grounding of a vessel or its sinking,
◼ failure of the construction equipment (e.g. hose or coupling), and
◼ operational leaks and spills (minor oil spills during routine operations e.g. connecting or
disconnecting hoses and couplings).
At the stage of operation of the offshore wind farm the release of oil substances may occur as a result
of:
◼ collision of a vessel with an object within the area of the farm,
◼ oil leakage from the wind turbine transformer,
◼ leakage from the transformer at the offshore substation,
◼ incidental oil spill associated with inspections and repair works.
The possibility of the release of contaminants from anthropogenic objects lying on the seabed or the
explosion of unexploded ordnance of military origin (UXO) during bottom clearance in preparation for
construction or as a result of accidental damage to undetected munitions during the preparatory works
cannot be completely excluded.
18.1 MAJOR INCIDENTS
Within the meaning of the Act on Environmental Protection Law a serious accident is an event, in
particular an emission, fire or explosion, resulting from an industrial process, storage or transport, in
which one or more dangerous substances are present, leading to an immediate threat to human life or
health or to the environment, or to a delayed occurrence of such a threat. A major industrial accident
means a major accident at an establishment. An establishment shall be understood as one or more
installations together with the land to which the operator has legal title and the equipment on it.
Therefore, also an offshore wind farm should be considered as a facility within the meaning of the
provisions of the EPA.
The EPA qualifies the plants in terms of the risk of accidents into high or low risk plants, depending on
the expected amount of hazardous substances, which are to be used. However, in case of the OWF,
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according to the provisions of the EPA, the rules protecting the sea against ship-pollution and
administrative bodies competent in these matters specify separate regulations. Therefore, the OWF will
not be qualified as a high risk or increased risk plant.
In case of possible consideration of the OWF in these categories, it will not be qualified to any of those
categories due to the small quantities of applied hazardous substances. For the OWF area the
probability of a ship-to-ship collision at the stage of construction/decommissioning is estimated as
extremely rare and practically impossible. Other events, such as fires, explosions on ships, their
collisions with installations at sea or shipwreck were also analysed, which show that they are much less
likely.
Also, risk analysis of oil and hazardous substances spills in the Baltic Sea carried out by HELCOM
between 2009 and 2012 under the BRISK project concluded that ship-to-ship collisions are the most
likely type of incident leading to a major accident.
18.2 NATURAL DISASTERS
A natural disaster in accordance with the Act on the state of natural disasters of April 18, 2002 (Journal
of Laws 2017, item 1897) shall be understood as an event related to the operation of forces of nature,
in particular lightning, seismic shocks, strong winds, intense precipitation, prolonged occurrence of
extreme temperatures, landslides, fires, droughts, floods, ice phenomena on rivers and the sea as well
as lakes and water reservoirs, mass occurrence of pests, plant or animal diseases or infectious diseases
of humans or the action of another element.
The risk of a natural disaster is minimal. This is due to the fact that all OWF installations are designed
to operate for many years under difficult conditions. The most serious risks are storms and lightning,
which can weaken the turbine structure or parts of it and, in special circumstances, can lead to a fire.
18.3 CONSTRUCTION DISASTERS
In accordance with the definition specified in the Art. 73. of the Building Law a construction disaster is
an unintentional, sudden destruction of a construction object or its part, as well as structural elements
of scaffolding, elements of forming devices, sheet piling and excavation lining.
The area subject to the risk of a construction disaster is primarily the assembly and construction ports
and the locations of individual farm facilities. The risk of a construction breakdown of one of the farm
facilities occurs mainly at the stage of construction or decommissioning, while at a stage of exploitation
or maintenance works it is much smaller.
Events leading to construction disasters in the OWF area are:
◼ ship collisions with an object located within the farm,
◼ weakening of the structure of the object resulting from atmospheric conditions (e.g. lightning strikes).
It should be noted that the most environmentally significant effects of construction disasters will be
mainly oil spills.
19 ANALYSES, STUDIES, ESTIMATIONS AND MODELLING PLANNED FOR
THE NEEDS OF PREPARING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT REPORT
In addition, at the stage of preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment report, the necessary
analyses, studies and modelling will be prepared in accordance with Article 62 (1) and Article 66 of the
EIA, including:
◼ numerical modelling of propagation of underwater noise generated during the construction phase,
◼ quantitative and qualitative analysis and significance of species and communities of marine benthos,
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◼ expert opinion on the safety impact of the project related to research, recognition and exploitation
of mineral resources of the seabed and the Earth's interior,
◼ hydrodynamic modelling of the spreading of sediments during the construction phase,
◼ navigational study regarding the assessment of the impact of the planned project on the safety of
ships in Polish maritime areas and the efficiency of their navigation, taking into account existing
navigation routes and traffic separation schemes,
◼ analysis of anticipated impacts on migrating avifauna, including the estimation of the so-called
barrier effect and the risk of collisions of birds with wind turbines, including populations protected
within the Natura 2000 areas, at all stages of the project,
◼ analysis of Project alternatives,
◼ analysis of transboundary impacts,
◼ analysis of cumulative impacts,
◼ analysis of potential emergency situations, and
◼ analysis of potential social conflicts.
Currently, the investor is already conducting pre-investment environmental research programme, which
commenced already in December 2020. Research was conducted by MEWO S.A. The research covered
the Project development area together with its potential impact zone. More information on the research
programme is presented in Chapter 7.1.3 and Appendices 1 and 2.At the same time, the Environmental
Impact Assessment will also be carried out using historical knowledge from reports prepared by DHI,
among others:
◼ Ornithological monitoring of the area under construction of marine wind farms „Bałtyk Północny” and
„Bałtyk Środkowy III” in 2012 (DHI, 2013a),
◼ Bird migration studies from 2013, prepared by DHI i IfAÖ (DHI & IfAÖ, 2013),
◼ EIA assessment on birds – final report for Bałtyk Północny S.A., v2 of 2013 (DHI, 2013e),
◼ Evaluation of the Interim Reports No. 2 Ornithological monitoring of the area under construction
of marine wind farms „Bałtyk Północny” i „Bałtyk Środkowy III” and reference area „Ławica Słupska”
(DHI, 2013b),
◼ Hydrographic conditions – final report for Bałtyk Północny S.A of June 2013 (DHI, 2013c), and
◼ EIA assessment on marine mammals – final report concerning research on underwater noise for
Bałtyk Północny S.A. of July 2013 (DHI, 2013d).
When preparing the EIA report for the planned Project, the results of the research on the marine
environment conducted in the area of the Project in 2012-2013 will be taken into account, including
archaeological, hydrological, ichthyological, chiropterological and ornithological research.
An additional source of information on the state of the environment will be data from the State
Environmental Monitoring and results of research on marine environment conducted by other offshore
wind farm investors, including studies conducted in 2018-2019 for the MFW Baltic Power. Thanks to
intensive research in recent years, the state of recognition of the environmental conditions of the
southern Baltic Sea is very good.
20 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The subject of the application, to which this Project Information Card is an attachment, is to determine
the environmental conditions of the planned project consisting in the construction of a wind farm in the
Baltic Sea called MFW Bałtyk I. Due to the possibility of the Project's potential transboundary impact,
it is necessary to determine the scope of the EIA report before issuing the decision on environmental
conditions.
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The planned project consists of the construction of the offshore wind farm Bałtyk I with a capacity of
1560 MW. The project will be implemented in the Polish exclusive economic zone, at a distance of
approx. 81 km from the shore in the Łeba municipality (Pomeranian voivodeship). The investor, MFW
Bałtyk I S.A., holds an offshore location licence. The licence is valid for 35 years.
The offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I will consist of:
◼ up to 104 wind turbine generators (WTGs), whose basic components are the foundation, tower,
nacelle with power generator and rotor,
◼ up to 2 offshore substations (OSS),
◼ a maximum of 250 km of internal power and telecommunications cables connecting:
o individual WTGs with each other (into cable circuits),
o WTG groups with offshore substations,
o offshore substations among themselves.
The Project also covers infrastructure necessary to construct and operate the offshore wind farm.
The Project aims to generate electricity from a renewable energy source such as wind power. The
generated power will bethen transmitted via cables onshore, ultimately to the National Power System
(KSE). The scope of the MFW Bałtyk I, covered by this application for the issuance of
environmental decision, does not include any infrastructure for the transmission of electricity
generated by the farm to the shore. External infrastructure, which will be subject to a separate
administrative procedure and will not be part of the offshore wind farm project MFW Bałtyk I, will
be included in the analysis of cumulative impacts.
MFW Bałtyk I will be designed in accordance with applicable regulations, international standards,
engineering arts and environmental protection requirements. Technologies applied in wind energy are
constantly improved, as well as technical equipment of wind turbines. This results in reduced
environmental impact and increased production capacity. The developer will use the available state-of-
the-art construction materials for the WTGs and foundations.
Since December 2020, the investor has been conducting a comprehensive, pre-investment marine
environmental research programme or the environmental impact assessment of the MFW Bałtyk I
project. The aim of the programme is to identify the environmental conditions in the area of the Project
and its potential impact zone. By the time of submitting the application for the decision on
environmental conditions for the Project most of the research and monitoring works have been
completed. At the moment the analytical and final reports with the research results are being prepared.
The results of the conducted research along with the description of the methodology will be included in
the EIA report.
The area of the MFW Bałtyk I is located in the Polish EEZ, on the border with the Swedish EEZ and
about 47 km from the Danish EEZ. Considering the location of the MFW Bałtyk I area, the current
knowledge on the environmental impact of offshore wind farms and the results of impact assessments
of other offshore wind farm projects in Polish maritime areas, the planned investment may potentially
require the conduct of a procedure on transboundary environmental impact
Societal impact of the Project, including health and living conditions, and potential conflicts with other
users of the area of the planned Project, especially fishermen, will be analysed in the EIA report.
They will be analysed and discussed in order to develop a comprehensive approach to the planned
project, considering the interests of all stakeholders. Apart from the EIA report, in order to ensure Project
bankability, a set of social communication documents will be developed: a Social Communication Plan
(SCP), developed in order to (1) establish mechanisms and procedures for responding to stakeholders'
concerns and expectations regarding the planned project and (2) to ensure that their views are taken
into account during all phases of the project; Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), which will present
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in detail the scope of stakeholder engagement activities, and Environmental and Social Action Plan
(ESAP)..
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LEGAL ACTS
Act of 21 March 1991 on on maritime areas of the Republic of Poland and maritime administration
(Journal of Laws 2022, item 457, consolidated text)
Act of July 7, 1994 - Building Law (Journal of Laws 2021, item 2351 consolidated text)
Act on Prevention of Sea Pollution from Ships dated March 16, 1995 (Journal of Laws 2017, item
2000)
Act of 27 April 2001. Environmental Protection Act (Journal of Laws 2021, item 1973, as amended)
(EPA)
Act of 18 April 2002 on the state of natural disaster (Journal of Laws 2017, item 1897, consolidated
text)
Act of 16 April 2004 on nature protection (Journal of Laws 2021, item 1098, consolidated text)
Act of 3 October 2008 on the provision of information on the environment and its protection, public
participation in environmental protection and environmental impact assessments (Journal of Laws
2021, item 2373, consolidated text) (EIA Act)
Act of 9 June 2011 – Geological and Mining Law (Journal of Laws 2021, item 1420, as amended)
Act of 14 December 2012 on waste (Journal of Laws 2022, item 699, consolidated text)
Act of 20 July 2017 - Water Law (Journal of Laws 2021, item 2233, consolidated text)
Act of 17 December 2020 on the promotion of electricity generation in offshore wind farms (Journal
of Laws 2021, item 234, as amended)
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed in Montego Bay on December 10, 1982.
(UNCLOS)
Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context, signed in Espoo
on February 25, 1991, hereinafter referred to as the "Espoo Convention".
Helsinki Convention "On the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area" and the
New Convention "On the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area" of April 9,
1992. (Journal of Laws 2000 No. 28 item 346)
Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 10 September 2019 on projects that may significantly
affect the environment (Journal of Laws 2019 item 1839)
Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 14 April 2021 on the adoption of a spatial development
plan of internal sea waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone in the scale 1:200 000
Journal of Laws 2021 item 935), referred to as "POM Plan"
Regulation of the Minister of Environment of 9 October 2014 on the protection of plant species
(Journal of Laws 2014, item 1409)
Regulation of the Minister of Climate of 2 January 2020 on the catalog of waste (Journal of Laws
2020 item 10).
Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 25 February 2021 on the Adoption of an updated set
of properties typical for good environmental status of marine waters (Journal of Laws 2021, item
568)
EU Council Regulation 2021/1888 of 27 October 2021 fixing for 2022 the fishing opportunities for
certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Baltic Sea and amending Regulation
(EU) 2021/92 as regards certain fishing opportunities in other waters
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Announcement of the Minister of Climate and Environment of 2 March 2021 on the state energy
policy until 2040. (M.P. 2021 item 264)
LITERATURE
Ahlén, I., Baagøe, H. J., & Bach, L. (2009). Behavior of Scandinavian bats during migration and
foraging at sea. Journal of Mammalogy, 90(6), 1318-1323, 2009.
Bonsdorff, E. Zoobenthic diversity-gradients in the Baltic Sea: continuous post-glacial succession in
a stressed ecosystem. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 330(1), 383-391, 2006.
Causon, P. D., & Gill, A. B. Linking ecosystem services with epibenthic biodiversity change following
installation of offshore wind farms. Environmental Science & Policy, 89, 340-347, 2018.
CBDG Midas (http://dm.pgi.gov.pl/)
DHI, Evaluation of the Interim Reports No. 1 Ornithological monitoring of the area under construction
of marine wind farms “Bałtyk Północny” and “Bałtyk Środkowy III”, R. Żydelis, H. Skov, 2013a
DHI, Evaluation of the Interim Reports No. 2 Ornithological monitoring of the area under construction
of marine wind farms “Bałtyk Północny’ and “Bałtyk Środkowy III” and the reference area “Ławica
Słupska”,R. Żydelis, H. Skov, 2013b
DHI, EIA offshore wind farms Poland EEZ – OWF BP, Hydrographic conditions – final report for
Bałtyk Północny S.A, v3, czerwiec 2013c
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Bałtyk Środkowy II. Raport końcowy z wynikami badań, 2015b
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GIOŚ, Ocena stanu środowiska polskich obszarów morskich Bałtyku na podstawie danych
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GIOŚ, Ocena poziomu pól elektromagnetycznych w środowisku w roku 2020 – opracowana na
podstawie pomiarów wykonanych przez Inspekcję Ochrony Środowiska, Warszawa 2021b
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Gdańsk, 2015
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zagospodarowania przestrzennego morskich wód wewnętrznych, morza terytorialnego i wyłącznej
strefy ekonomicznej w skali 1: 200 000 Projekt Prognozy (v. 4), Gdańsk, 2020
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Instytut Geologiczny Gdańsk–Warszawa, 1999
Kruk-Dowgiałło L. (red.), Przyrodnicza waloryzacja morskich części obszarów chronionych
HELCOM BSPA województwa pomorskiego, cz. 3, Nadmorski Park Krajobrazowy, CRANGON 6,
CBM PAN, Gdynia, 2000
Kruk-Dowgiałło L., Kramarska R. i Gajewski J. (red.). Siedliska przyrodnicze polskiej strefy Bałtyku:
Głazowisko Ławicy Słupskiej. Autorzy rozdziałów monografii: Błeńska M., Brzeska P., Gajewski J.,
Gajewski L., Hac B., Kałas M., Kramarska R., Kruk-Dowgiałło L., Opioła R., Osowiecki A.,
Staśkiewicz A., Zachowicz J. Wydawcy: Instytut Morski w Gdańsku, Państwowy Instytut
Geologiczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy. Gdańsk – Warszawa, 2011
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environmental variability. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 57(1-2), 87-97, 2003.
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2021.
MEWO, Reports (list in Appendix 2) from the comprehensive, pre-investment marine environmental
studies, 2022.
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mieszkańców Polski dot. energii wiatrowej (lądowej i morskiej), 2020
Ojaveer, H., Jaanus, A., MacKenzie, B. R., Martin, G., Olenin, S., Radziejewska, T., Telesh, I.,
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Methodology for comprehensive, pre-investment studies of the marine environment
carried out by the Investor
Appendix 2 Review of comprehensive, pre-investment marine environmental studies
www.erm.com Project no: 0618204 Client: MFW Bałtyk I S.A. 11 May 2022
Project Information Card 97
APPENDIX 1
Methodology for comprehensive, pre-investment studies of the marine environment carried out by the
Investor
www.erm.com Project no: 0618204 Client: MFW Bałtyk I S.A. 11 May 2022
Project Information Card 98
APPENDIX 2
REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE, PRE-INVESTMENT MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDIES
www.erm.com Project no: 0618204 Client: MFW Bałtyk I S.A. 11 May 2022
Project Information Card 99
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APPLICANT Warsaw, 12 May 2022
Ref. MFWBI-008/2022/AM
MFW Bałtyk I S.A.
Krucza 24/26,
00- 526 Warsaw
Regional Director of Environmental Protection in Gdańsk
Chmielna Street 54/57,
80-748 Gdańsk
Application for the issuance of environmental decision for the project
Offshore Wind Farm MFW Bałtyk I
Pursuant to Article 71 and Article 82 of the Act of 3 October 2008 on the provision of information on the
environment and its protection, public participation in environmental protection and environmental
impact assessments (Journal of Laws 2021, item 247) and in connection with §2 sec. 1 item 5 l. b) of
the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 10 September 2019 projects that may significantly affect
the environment (Journal of Laws 2019, item 1839), I apply for the issuance of the environmental
decision for the project regarding the construction of an offshore wind farm MFW Bałtyk I.
The planned MFW Bałtyk I is classified as a project which could always have a significant impact
on the environment.
Due to the possibility of a transboundary impact of the project on the environment, I hereby
apply, pursuant to Article 69 section 2 of the EIA Act, for the determination of the scope of the
environmental impact report.
..............................................
Applicant's signature
Attachments:
1. Current excerpt from the applicant's National Court Register
2. Project Information Card - 3 copies.
3. Map on a scale ensuring the legibility of the presented data with the indication of the predicted
area on which the project will be implemented, and with the indication of the predicted area
which will be affected by the project (for the area of the planned project there is no register
map).
4. Record of the Project Information Card in electronic form on a data carrier and the
aforementioned map in an electronic form – 3 copies. Record of the aforementioned map in an
electronic form.
5. Power of attorney to represent the Investor
6. Proof of payment of stamp duty for the issuance of the decision on environmental conditions.
APPENDIX 1
METHODOLOGY FOR COMPREHENSIVE, PRE-INVESTMENT STUDIES OF
THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT CARRIED OUT BY THE INVESTOR
Timetable for comprehensive studies of the marine environment
No Scope of Quarterly Methodology used Spatial
monitoring reports (time scope of the
range) survey
The methodology of physico-chemical examination of waters is compliant with the Regulation of the Minister of
1 Hydrological, December 2020 MFW BI
Infrastructure of 13 July 2021 on forms and methods of conducting monitoring of surface water bodies and
meteorological - August 2021 development
groundwater bodies.
and area with the
hydrochemical impact zone
Hydrological monitoring is carried out at two measuring stations, at the central point of the study area and at the
monitoring of the width
shallowest point of the sea area. Meteorological conditions are measured at both measuring stations. Within the
of at least 1
framework of hydrological and meteorological monitoring, the following parameters are measured: air temperature,
nautical mile
water temperature, atmospheric pressure, flow in the water-depth, wave movement on the sea surface, water
salinity, electrical conductivity of water, wind at the height of approx. 5 m above sea level (direction and speed)
and water pressure. Methodology follows the guidelines of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO No. 8
Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observations).
Hydrochemical monitoring samples are collected from 38 research stations. Research profiles at the selected five
stations follow the guidelines of the HELCOME COMBINE programme. Sampling of seawater for analyses of
physicochemical indicators is performed in accordance with the recommendations in the Regulation [70].
Measurements and analyses include the following indicators: oxygen conditions, total organic carbon (TOC),
acidification (pH) and alkalinity, nutrients (ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total nitrogen, mineral nitrogen
(DIN), phosphates, total phosphorus), total suspended solids, as well as analyses of the content of substances
particularly harmful to the environment, such as: mercury, nickel, lead, cadmium, arsenic, total chromium,
chromium (VI), phenols, cyanides, mineral oils, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs), polychlorinated
biphenyls (7 PCB congeners) and measurements of radioactivity of caesium (137Cs) and strontium (90Sr) isotopes.
The following standards and references are used during hydrological and meteorological monitoring and in data
analyses:
• Fofonoff N.P., Millard R.C. Jr, Algorithms for computation of fundamental properties of seawater,
UNESCO Technical Papers in Marine Science 44, UNESCO/SCOR/ICES/IAPSO Joint Panel on
Oceanographic Tables and Standards and SCOR Working Group 51, 1983;
• Massel S.R, Ocean Surface Waves. Their Physics and Prediction, Advanced Series on Ocean
Engineering, Volume 36, 2nd ndedition, World Scientific 1984;
APPENDIX 1 2
• Nortek AS, AWAC. Acoustic wave and current meter. User manual. Doc. No. N3100-126, 2005;
• Nortek AS, Installation guidelines, 2012.
• Nortek AS, Principles of operation. Current and wave measurement, 2013;
• EN ISO 18365:2014-02E: Hydrometry - Selection, set-up and operation of a measuring station.
• World Meteorological Organization, Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observation. Volume I -
Measurement of Meteorological Variables. WMO-No. 8, Geneva 2018;
• World Meteorological Organization, Guide to meteorological services, WMO-No. 481, Geneva 2001.
The following reference documents are used for sampling and analysis:
• Manual for Marine Monitoring in the COMBINE Programme of HELCOM, 2002; HELCOM, Environment
of The Baltic Sea area 1994-1998, Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings No. 82B, Helsinki Commission -
water monitoring results;
• HELCOM, Annex B-15, 2012 Technical note on the measurement of total alkalinity in seawater. §
Guidelines for monitoring waterborne pollution loads to the Baltic - salinity measurement;
• Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure [70].
• Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 25 June 2021 on the classification of ecological status,
ecological potential, chemical status and the method for classifying the status of surface water bodies
and environmental quality standards for priority substances (Journal of Laws 2021, item 1475).
2 Seabed surveys March to August Seabed surveys are carried out in accordance with the methodology developed by MEWO S.A. and include the
2021. following activities: geophysical surveys, bathymetry, side scan sonar, shallow seismic and seismoacoustic
surveys, magnetometry, and shallow core sampling.
They are conducted in accordance with the following standards and guidelines:
• ASTM, D7128-05, Standard Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow Subsurface
Investigation, 2010.
• BS 1377-2 Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Classification tests.
• IHO SP-44, Standards for Hydrographic Surveys, Special Publication No. 44 published by the
International Hydrographic Bureau, 5th edition, 2008.
• IMO, ISM Code and Guidelines on Implementation of the ISM Code, 1998. International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the latest version.
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) 1973, signed in London
on the 17th of February 1973, the latest version.
• ISO 9000: Standards on quality management and quality assurance.
• PN-B-04481:1988: Construction soils. Soil sample testing.
APPENDIX 1 3
• Przezdziecki P., Seismostratigraphy of Quaternary Sediments in the Polish Part of the Baltic Sea, Bulletin
of Polish Geological Institute 2004, 413: 8-126.
• The UNESCO Convention 2001 - Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, adopted
by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 31st session in Paris on the 2nd of November, 2001.
• UKOOA, Guidelines for the use of differential GPS in offshore surveying, September 1994. Guidelines
for the use of differential GPS - procedures and statistics, 1996, 2005.
• EN ISO 14688-1:2018-05 Geotechnical investigation and testing - Determination and classification of
soils - Part 1: Determination and description.
• PN-EN ISO 17892-4:2017-01 Geotechnical investigation and research - Laboratory testing of soils - Part
4: Testing of soil grain size distribution.
Sampling points of surface sediments for examination of physicochemical conditions were delineated in a uniformly
3 Studies on Winter
distributed measurement grid with a density of 1 sample per 1 km2. A total of 305 sampling sites were delineated.
physicochemical campaign
Surface sediment samples for chemical analyses were collected in two study campaigns.
parameters of (February to
During the winter campaign, surface sediment samples were collected for sieve and/or aerometric analysis and
sediments May 2021 )
analysis of moisture, loss on ignition, total organic carbon, content of heavy metals and their labile forms (Pb, Cu,
Summer Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, As, Hg), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), total nitrogen
campaign (July and total phosphorus. In addition, analyses of mineral oils, butyltin (BT) compounds and 137Cs radioactivity were
to August 2021) performed on selected samples.
(growing During the summer campaign, surface sediment samples were collected for analysis of total nitrogen and total
season) phosphorus due to seasonal variations.
The following principles were applied when sampling and analysing seabed surface sediments:
• OIMO, Guidelines for the sampling and analysis of dredged material intended for disposal at Sea, Chapter
5, "Building a sampling plan - detailed considerations", Point 5.5. Sample number and location, 2005;
• HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, HELCOM Ministerial Meeting Kraków, 15.11.2007 - document
"Indicators and targets for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan";
• HELCOM Guidelines for the Management of Dredged Material at Sea, March 2015 - Point 7. sampling of
dredged material;
• Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area, done at Helsinki on April
9, 1992. (Journal of Laws of 2000, No. 28, item. 346) - Annex 1 Harmful substances;
• PN-EN ISO 5667-19:2006 Water quality. Sampling. Part 19: Guidelines for sampling in marine sediments;
• PN-EN ISO 5667_1:2008 Water quality. Sampling. Part 1: Guidelines for the design of sampling
programmes and sampling techniques;
APPENDIX 1 4
• Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 11 May 2015 on the recovery of waste outside
installations and equipment (Journal of Laws 2015, item 796);
• PN-EN ISO 14688-1:2018/Ap1:2012P Geotechnical investigation and testing - Soil identification and
classification - Part 1: Identification and description;
• PKN-CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2017 Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part
4: Determination of particle size distribution.
4 Marine March to August The exploration of the resources began with the analysis of data collected from seabed surveys and the physical
aggregate 2021. and chemical properties of the sediments. Available bathymetric, sonar, seismic-acoustic data, shallow core
research sample data, grab sample data and literature review were used to identify the presence of mineral resources.
The following standards and guidelines were applied in the sampling and analysis of seabed surface sediments:
• ASTM, D7128-05. standard guide for the use of the seismic-reflection method in shallow ground
investigation, 2010.
• Dadlez R., Przekroje geologiczne, utworów przedkenozoiczne, [w:] Mojski J.E. (red.), Atlas geologiczny
południowego Bałtyku, Tabl. X, PIG, Sopot-Warszawa 1995 .
• Gudelis W.K., Yemelyanov J.M., Geology of the Baltic Sea, Wydawnictwa Geologiczne, Warsaw 1982.
• Jurys L., Przeździecki P., Methodology of documenting Baltic natural aggregate deposits. Górnictwo
Odkrywkowe 2006, 1-2: 166-173.
• Kramarska R., Jegliński W., Jurys L., Przeździecki P, Uścinowicz S., Zachowicz J., Atlas parametrów
lithologicznych osadów powierzchniowych południowego Bałtyku ze szczególnym uwzględaniem
geologiczno-górniczych warunków występowania surowców okruchowych, Złoża i obszary
perspektywiczne surowców okruchowych, Tab. 17, PIG, Gdańsk2005 .
• Kramarska R., Krzywiec P., Dadlez R., Mapa geologiczna dna Bałtyku bez utworów czwartorzędowych,
1 : 500 000, PIG, Gdańsk-Warszawa 1999.
• Kramarska R., Osady na głębokości 1 m poniżej powierzchni dna, [w:] Mojski J.E. (red.), Atlas
geologiczny Południowego Bałtyku, Tab. XXI, Państwowy Instytut Geologiczny, Sopot-Warszawa 1995
a.
• Kramarska R., Osady powierzchni dna, [w:] Mojski J.E. (red.), Atlas geologiczny Południowego Bałtyku,
Tab. XXV, Państwowy Instytut Geologiczny, Sopot-Warszawa 1995 b.
• Kramarska R., Przezdziecki P., Uścinowicz S., Zachowicz J., Przekroje geologiczne (I), [w:] Mojski J.E.
(red.), Atlas geologiczny Południowego Bałtyku, Tab. XXIV, Państwowy Instytut Geologiczny, Sopot-
Warszawa 1995.
• Mojski J.E. (ed.), Atlas Geologiczny Południowego Bałtyku, Państwowy Instytut Geologiczny, Sopot-
Warszawa 1995.
APPENDIX 1 5
• Nieć M., Lamberger M., Radwanek-Bąk B., Górecki P., Methodology of documenting solid mineral
deposits. Part I. Exploration and prospecting of deposits. Planning and organisation of geological works.
Publishing House of the Institute of Geology and Earth Sciences, Cracow 2012.
• Pikies R., Morfogeneza dna, [in:] Mojski J.E. (ed.), Atlas geologiczny Południowego Bałtyku. Tab. XXIV,
PIG, Sopot-Warszawa 1995.
• Przeździecki P., Sejsmostratygrafia osadów czwartorzędowych w polskiej części Morza Bałtyckiego,
"Biuletyn Państwowego Instytut Geologicznego" 2004, 413: 8-126.
• Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 1 July 2015 on geological documentation of a mineral
deposit, excluding hydrocarbon deposits (Journal of Laws 2015, item 987).
• UNESCO 2001 Convention - Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, adopted
by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 31st session in Paris on 2 November 2001.
• Uścinowicz S., Miąższość czwartorzędu, [w:] Mojski J.E. (red.), Atlas geologiczny południowego Bałtyku,
Tabl. XIII, PIG, Sopot-Warszawa 1995.
• Uścinowicz S., Zachowicz J., Mapa geologiczna dna Bałtyku w skali 1:200 000, sheet Łeba, Słupsk, PIG-
PIB, Warszawa 1988.
• Uścinowicz S., Zachowicz J., Explanations to the geological map of the Baltic Sea bottom in the scale
1:200 000, sheet Łeba, Słupsk, PIG-PIB, Warsaw 1991.
• Act of 9 June 2011. Prawo geologiczne i górnicze (Dz.U. 2011 Nr 163, poz. 981).
Phytobenthos video surveys are conducted along transects. Their location was determined by sediment mapping
5 Benthic surveys March to August
and seabed bathymetry. Transects weree located in areas potentially covered by phytobenthos, i.e. on rocky
2021.
seabed (up to approx. 30 m depth), which is a substrate suitable for macroalgae development. The strategy for
the macrozoobenthos surveys was to designate a representative number of sampling stations taking into account
seabed habitat delimitation and sediment type as determined by bathymetry and sediment mapping and ROV
video documentation (also collected during the phytobenthos surveys).
Sampling methods are in accordance with the Manual for Marine Monitoring in the COMBINE Program of
HELCOM. Annex C-8 Soft bottom macrozoobenthos (HELCOM 2017) and the Guide for monitoring biological
elements and classifying the ecological status of surface waters. Methods update. Macrozoobenthos in transitional
and coastal waters (Guidelines to the monitoring of the biological elements and the classification of the ecological
status of the surface waters. Updated methods. Macrozoobenthos in transitional and coastal waters, Osowiecki
and Błeńska 2020). One macrozoobenthos sample will be collected at each site.
The following standards and recommendations were applied in the sampling and analysis of benthic organisms:
• Barańska A., Michałek M., Kruk-Dowgiałło L., Brzeska-Roszczyk P., Osowiecki A., Methodology for
monitoring and assessing conservation status, 1170 Rocky and stony seabed, reefs, 12 pp.
(http://morskiesiedliska.gios.gov.pl/pl/do-pobrania/przewodniki-metodyczne), 2018.
APPENDIX 1 6
• Brzeska-Roszczyk P., Opioła R., Macroalgae and angiosperms in transitional and coastal waters, [in:]
Handbook for monitoring biological elements and classification of ecological status of surface waters.
Methods update. A. Kolada (ed.), Library of Environmental Monitoring, Warsaw 2020, 331-344, 2020.
• Błeńska M. , Osowiecki A., Brzeska P., Kruk-Dowgiałło L., Dziaduch D., Barańska A., Badania bentosu
na obszarze MFW Bałtyk Środkowy II. Final report with research results, [in:] Morska Farma wiatrowa
Bałtyk Środkowy II, Raport o oddziaływaniu na środowisko. Volume III, section 6. SMDI Doradztwo
Inwestycyjne Sp. z o.o. , Warsaw 2015 (a).
• Błeńska M., Osowiecki A., Brzeska P., Barańska A., Dziaduch D., Badania bentosu na obszarze MFW
Bałtyk Środkowy III. Final report with research results, [in:] Morska Farma wiatrowa Bałtyk Środkowy III,
Raport o oddziaływaniu na środowisko. Volume III, Chapter 6. SMDI Doradztwo Inwestycyjne Sp. z
o.o., Warsaw 2015 (b).
• HELCOM- Manual for Marine Monitoring in the COMBINE Program of HELCOM. Annex C-8 Soft-
bottom Macrozoobenthos, 2017.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiNm7b8xb7tAhU
EAxAIHWv7BNEQFjAAegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelcom.fi%2Fmedia%2Fpublications%2FMa
nual-for-Marine-Monitoring-in-the-COMBINE-Programme-of-
HELCOM.pdf&usg=AOvVaw06Te5deG9klea3r4TPL6hS.
• Nowak J., Design and construction of an operational device for collection of biological samples from solid
objects deposited on the seabed. Research supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education
under statutory funds, WW IM 7140A, 9 p., 2017.
• Odum E., Fundamentals of ecology. Edition III. Państwowe Wydawnictwo Rolnicze i Leśne, Warszawa,
661 p., 1982.
• Osowiecki A., Błeńska M., Makrozoobentos w wodach przejściowych i przybrzeżnych, [in:] Przewodnik
do monitorowania elementów biologicznych i klasyfikacji stanu ekologicznego wód powierzchniowych.
Methods update, A. Kolada (ed.), Environmental Monitoring Library, Warsaw, 331-344, 2020
• Osowiecki A., Łysiak-Pastuszak E., Kruk-Dowgiałło L., Błeńska M., Brzeska P., Kraśniewski W.,
Lewandowski Ł., Krzymiński W., Opracowanie narzędzi do oceny jakości ekologicznej na polskich
obszarach morskich zgodnie z Ramową dyrektywy Wodną. Part IV - Preliminary assessment. Studia
Oceanologiczne i Hydrobiologiczne, 41 (3), 1-10, 2012.
• Trojan P., General ecology. Edition IV. PWN, Warsaw, 419 p., 1980.
Ichthyoplankton surveys were conducted at 7 stations from r/v BALTICA. In the winter season, hydroacoustic
7 Research on Winter
surveys were conducted from the r/v BALTICA vessel using complementary methods of hydroacoustic sounding
ichthyofauna campaign
and pelagic survey hauls. Demersal fish were caught using set nets from a fishing vessel and included two net
(December
exposures at 7 stations. Analysis of the density and characteristics of the pelagic fish assemblage was carried out
APPENDIX 1 7
2020 to using complementary methods of hydroacoustic sounding and pelagic control hauls. Groundfish fisheries were
February 2021) conducted using set gillnets. Set gillnets were placed in 20 locations distributed evenly throughout the OWF area.
The following standards and recommendations were applied in the sampling and analysis of ichthyofauna:
Spring
campaign • HELCOM 2015., Guidelines for COASTAL FISH monitoring sampling methods of HELCOM.
(March to May • Horbowa K., Fey D.P., Atlas of early life stages of fish. 34 species of fish of the southern Baltic Sea and
2021) its lagoons [in Polish: Atlas of early fish life stages. 34 species of fish of the southern Baltic and its
lagoons], Polish Sea Fisheries Institute, Gdynia 2013.
Summer • ICES 2014, Manual for the International Baltic Trawl Survey (BITS). Series of ICES Survey Protocols
campaign (June SISP 7 - BITS. 71 pp.
to August 2021) • ICES. 2017, Manual for the International Baltic Acoustic Surveys (IBAS). Series of ICES Survey Protocols
SISP 8 - IBAS. 47 pp. http://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.3368
Autumn
• ICES SGSIPS Report 2010, Report of the Study Group on Standards in Ichthyoplankton Surveys
campaign
(SGSIPS). ICES CM 2010/SSGESST:21.
(September to • ICES SGSIPS Report 2012, Report of the Study Group on Standards in Ichthyoplankton Surveys
November (SGSIPS). ICES CM 2012/SSGESST:10.
2021) • Munk P., Nielsen J.G., Eggs and larvae of North Sea fishes, Biofolia, Denmark 2005.
• Zooplankton fixation and conservation, ed. by F.H. Steedman, UNESCO, Paris 1976, Monographs on
Oceanographic Methodology, 4.
Heritage research consisted of analysis of archival material, analysis of data collected during seabed surveys
8 Cultural heritage From December
(shallow core sampling data, bathymetric, sonar, seismic and magnetic anomaly data) and inspection of selected
surveys 2020 November
sites by ROV.
including 2021.
archaeological
The following standards and recommendations apply during heritage surveys together with archaeological
investigations
investigations:
• The Act of 23 July 2003 on the protection and care of historical monuments (Dz. U. of 2021, item 710, as
amended) and the provisions of its implementing acts (Regulation of the Minister of Culture and National
Heritage of 2 ndAugust 2018 on conducting conservation works, restoration works and conservation
research on a monument entered in the register of monuments or on the Heritage Treasures List, as well
as construction works, architectural research and other activities on a monument entered in the register
of monuments, and archaeological research and search for monuments (Journal of Laws, item 1609, as
amended).
• UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, adopted on 2 November
2001 in Paris, translated into Polish by Dorota Bartz.
APPENDIX 1 8
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed on 10 December 1982 in Montego Bay. Journal
of Laws 2002, No. 59, item 543.
• European Convention for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised), signed at Valletta on
16 January 1992, OJ 1996. No. 120, pos. and 564565.
Monitoring of the acoustic background within OZ BI (2 Mm), was conducted using stand-alone SM4M Submersible
9 Monitoring of From December MFW BI
Wildlife Acoustics sound recorders equipped with an HTI-96 omnidirectional ultrasonic hydrophone recording
acoustic 2020 to development
ambient noise in the frequency range of 2 Hz to 192 kHz. Monitoring was carried out in accordance with
background November 2021. area with the
international standards.
impact zone
of the width
The following standards and recommendations apply when monitoring the acoustic background:
of at least 2
• Ainslie M., Dekeling R.P.A., Proposals for the TG Noise 2019 update, TG-Noise meeting, Brussels, nautical miles
Belgium, 6 November. 2018.
• Betke K., Folegot T., Matuschek R. et al. , BIAS Standards for Signal Processing. Aims, Processes and
Recommendations. Verfuss U.K., Sigray P. (eds.), Revised version, 2015.
• Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH), Offshore-windparks. Messvorschrift für
unterwasserschallmessungen. Aktuelle vorgehensweise mit anmerkungen. Anwendungshinweise.
Hamburg 2011.
• Dekeling R.P.A., Tasker M.L., Van der Graaf A.J. et al. , Guidelines for monitoring underwater noise in
European seas. Part I: Executive Summary. JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26557 EN,
Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg 2014.
• Dekeling R.P.A., Tasker M.L., Van der Graaf A.J. et al. Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in
European Seas. Part II: Monitoring Guidance Specifications, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR 26555
EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. 2014.
• Dekeling R.P.A., Tasker M.L., Van der Graaf A.J. et al. Monitoring Guidance for Underwater Noise in
European Seas. Part III: Background Information and Annexes, JRC Scientific and Policy Report EUR
26556 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. 2014.
• Johansson T.A., Andersson M.H., Ambient underwater noise levels at Norra Midsjöbanken during the
construction of the Nord Stream pipeline, Nord Stream AG and Naturvårsverket, Stockholm. 2012.
• OSPAR, Overview of the impacts of anthropogenic underwater sound in the marine environment, Vol.
OSPAR, Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, 2009.
• Van der Graaf A.J., Ainslie M.A., André M. et al. , European Marine Strategy Framework Directive - Good
Environmental Status (MSFD GES). Report of the technical subgroup on underwater noise and other
forms of energy, 2012.
APPENDIX 1 9
Seabird surveys were conducted along designated transects in the MFW BI area and the reference area. The
10 Seabird surveys From December
reference area is partly designated in the Natura 2000 area "Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna" (SE0330308),
2020 to
as this is an area where no wind energy projects are planned in the long term, and also due to its close proximity
November 2021.
to MFW BI.
In addition, the designated reference area is similar to the MFW BI area in terms of area and has similar depth
classes.
Observations were conducted on an annual cycle covering four phenological periods, i.e. winter, spring migration,
summer migration and autumn migration, and will begin in March 2021. Two observation campaigns are conducted
each month covering the BI DA area (2 NM) and the reference area.
Birds are counted from the shipboard in accordance with the methodology described in the methodological manual
published by the General Directorate for Environmental Protection (Meissner 2011). During cruises along the
designated transects, all birds sitting on the water and flying over are counted, including separate identification of
birds occurring within a 600 m wide strip (300 m from each side of the ship). Counting is done simultaneously by
two persons standing close together, each counting birds on one side of the ship (port/starboard). A third person
from the counting team controls the position and speed of the vessel using a GPS device and records the depth
of the sea area according to sonar readings and weather conditions.
Due to the expected modelling of bird densities in the study area, the survey methodology described in the CIEP
methodological manual was modified (Meissner 2011). This modification allows for better estimation of abundance
of individual species. The correction consists in division of transect strip into 4 zones (according to the distance
from the ship) on each side of the ship:
• up to 50 m;
• 50-100 m;
• 100-200 m;
• 200-300 m.
This partitioning allows corrections for decreasing bird detectability as distance from the ship's side increases to
be included in the final analyses. This is standard procedure in studies of bird abundance in marine areas (Ronconi
& Burger 2009).
In addition, birds in flight will be counted using the "snap-shot" technique (taking snap-shots of birds in flight within
the transect belt at a given time). In accordance with the methodology used (Komdeur et al. 1992, Meissner 2011),
birds accompanying the ship are not be counted as this would overestimate their numbers by counting the same
individuals multiple times.
APPENDIX 1 10
The results of the bird counts are presented separately for birds present in the surveyed sea area and for birds
flying over it. The obtained results are presented in the form of tables containing abundances of all taxa found
during the consecutive survey campaigns divided into three groups of species:
1) seabirds, which during the non-breeding season tend to be at sea, reaching their highest numbers in the
coastal zone more than 1 km offshore. Exceptions are gulls that accompany fishing boats on their fishing
grounds as their occurrence in the open sea is strongly influenced by human activities. Among seagulls
the black-headed gull, the common gull and the Mediterranean gull are excluded from the seabird group
as they are rarely found in the open sea;
2) waterbirds, which are mainly associated with inland reservoirs and occur in large numbers at sea only
close to shore, mainly in estuaries, and in coastal bays and lagoons;
3) birds associated exclusively with terrestrial environments that only fly over the area and are not able to
stay on the water.
The results obtained are compared with publicly available literature on the occurrence and density of seabirds
wintering in the Baltic Sea (Durinck et al. 1994, Meissner 2010, Skov et al. 2011, Chodkiewicz et al. 2018).
The following standards and recommendations were used during seabird monitoring:
• BSH 2013. standard "Studies of the impacts of offshore wind turbines on the marine environment".
(StUK).
• Burnham K.P., Anderson D.R., Model selection and multimodel inference: a practical information-
theoretic approach, Springer, New York 2002.
• Chodkiewicz T., Meissner W., Chylarecki P., Neubauer G., Sikora A., Pietrasz K., Cenian Z., Betleja J.,
Kajtoch Ł., Lenkiewicz W., Ławicki Ł., Rohde Z., Rubacha S., Smyk B., Wieloch M., Wylegała P., Zielińska
M., Zieliński P., Monitoring Ptaków Polski w latach 2015-2016, Biuletyn Monitoringu Przyrody 2016, 15,
1-86.
• Garthe S., Markones N., Hüppop O., Adler S., Effects of hydrographic and meteorological factors on
seasonal seabird abundance in the southern North Sea, Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 2009, 391: 243-255.
• Heinemann D., A range finder for pelagic bird censusing, Journal of Wildlife Management 1981, 45: 489-
493.
• Hoekman S.T., Moynahan B.J., Lindberg M.S., Sharman L.C., Johnson W.F., Line transect surveys for
murrelets: accounting for incomplete detection and identification, Marine Ornithology 2011, 39: 35-44.
• Komdeur J., Bertelsen J., Cracnell G., Manual for Aeroplane and Ship Surveys of waterfowl and Seabirds,
IWRB Special Publication No. 19, Slimbridge, 1992.
• Meissner W., Sea birds, [in:] Sikora A., Chylarecki P., Meissner W., Neubauer G. (eds.), Monitoring of
wetland birds during migration. Poradnik metodyczny, GDEP, Warsaw 2011: 93-102.
APPENDIX 1 11
• Meissner W., Chodkiewicz T., Monitoring of Wintering Sea Birds, [in:] Chodkiewicz T., Moczarska J.,
Bobrek R. Monitoring of birds with consideration of special bird protection areas Natura 2000 years 2015-
2018, OTOP, Marki 2018: 195-210.
• Ronconi R.A., Burger A.E., Estimating seabird densities from vessel transects: distance sampling and
implications for strip transects, Aquatic Biology 2009, 4: 297-309.
• Spurr E.B., Borkin K.M., Drew K.W., Line-transect distance sampling compared with fixed-width strip-
transect counts for assessing tomtit (Petroica macrocephala) population trends, New Zealand Journal of
Ecology 2012, 36.
Key objectives of migratory bird monitoring include recording and identifying migratory bird species, estimating
11 Migratory bird A spring period
relative migration intensity and describing phenology. In addition, important details such as migration directions,
surveys (minimum 22
flight altitude and migration trajectories are recorded, which will allow generalisations to be made about the main
survey days
routes and altitudes of bird migration. Data are collected from ships and include the following observation
between March
procedures:
and May 2021)
and one autumn • Visual observations, during the day;
period • Horizontal radar flight tracking, including species identification, during the day;
(minimum 22 • Registration of flight altitude by vertical radar, both day and night;
survey days • Acoustic recordings, both day and night.
between August Research cruises were planned to cover the spring and autumn bird migration periods in a representative way and
and November provide a minimum of 44 days of observation. The number of research cruises and observation days is planned
2021). taking into account known bird migration schedules.
The monitoring programme includes several methods, each with a different sensitivity to weather conditions (visual
observations, rangefinder height measurements, horizontal radar tracking, vertical radar records, acoustic
recordings). In this way, the methods used complement each other and even if weather conditions prevent the
application of all methods, some of them still lead to effective data collection. Each observation method serves its
purpose, but the application of some methods may be limited by lack of daylight, weather conditions and sea state.
Even under suitable environmental conditions, none of the devices will be used continuously, but at regular
intervals, which means that sampling of bird migration data will be carried out.
The following standards and recommendations apply when monitoring migratory birds:
• BSH 2013 Standard "Studies of the impacts of offshore wind turbines on the marine environment".
(STUK).
• Ohrt H., Method recommendations for future EIA bird surveys. SEACON Report 1011-1-1L002 rev.8.
Commissioned by DONG Energy, 2011.
APPENDIX 1 12
• Ronconi R.A., Burger A.E., Estimating seabird densities from vessel transects distance sampling and
implications for strip transects. Aquat. Biol. 2009, 4: 297-309.
• Stryjecki M., Mielniczuk K., Wytyczne w zakresie prognozowania oddziaływań na środowisko
gospodarstw wiatrowych. General Directorate for Environmental Protection, Warszawa 2011.
Acoustic monitoring was conducted using C-POD detectors (Chelonia Limited). 10 basic stations were selected in
12 Monitoring of January 2021 -
order to evenly cover the whole area of the MFW Bałtyk I. Additionally, to avoid the risk of not obtaining the
marine January 2022
expected coverage, 2 additional devices are placed in the water. C-PODs were previously used in the SAMBAH
mammals
(Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Harbour Porpoise in the Baltic Sea) project (SAMBAH 2016) and the
methodology of this study is similar to that presented in the SAMBAH study. The C-POD detection range for
porpoise clicks is approximately 400 m (Thomsen et al. 2004, Gauger et al. 2012).
The following standards and recommendations apply when monitoring marine mammals:
• Chelonia Limited, CPOD user guide, available online: www.chelonia.co.uk/downloads/CPOD.pdf.
• SAMBAH 2016. final report for LIFE+ SAMBAH project LIFE08 NAT/S/000261 covering project activities
from 01/01/2010 to 30/09/2015. report date 29/02/2016: 1-77.
• Gauger M., Jansen C., Hagedorn B., Culik B., Testing POD detection coverage under optimal field
conditions, [in:] 26thth European Cetacean Society Conference. Galway ECS, vol. 2012.
1. Thomsen F., Laczny M., Piper W., Methodik zur Erfassung von Schweinswalen (Phocoena phocoena)
und anderen marinen Säugern mittels Flugtransekt-Zählungen, SEEVÖGEL 2004, 25 (1): 3-12.
2. BSH 2013 Standard - Study of the impact of offshore wind turbines on the marine environment (StUK
4), Hamburg Bundesamt fuer Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie, 2013.
3. Hammond P.S., Berggren P., Benke H., Borchers D.L., Collet A., Heide-Jorgensen M.P., Heimlich S.,
Hiby A.R., Leopold M.F., Oien N., Abundance of harbour porpoise and other cetaceans in the North Sea
and adjacent waters, Journal of Applied Ecology 2002, 39: 361-376.
4. SCANS 2006. small cetaceans in the European Atlantic and North Sea (SCANS II). Final project report,
2006.
5. Thomsen F., Laczny M., Piper W., Methodik zur Erfassung von Schweinswalen (Phocoena phocoena)
und anderen marinen Säugern mittels Flugtransekt-Zählungen, SEEVÖGEL 2004, 25 (1): 3-12.
Surveys were performed according to the direct survey method (Kepel et al. 2011, 2013). Acoustic signals were
13 Bat monitoring Spring migration
recorded during cruises along a designated transect route with a total length of approximately 49 km and at one
surveys (1 April - 31 May
monitoring station located on a survey buoy. All recorded data were reviewed, assigned to a monitoring station or
2021)
transect route and prepared for further analysis. All recorded files were selected automatically and then the
Autumn selected files were analysed manually. The ecoObs software (bcAdmin, bcAnalyzePro and batIdent,
migration (1 http://www.ecoobs.com/cnt-software.html) was used in this process. Recordings that occurred at the same time
APPENDIX 1 13
August - 30 (maximum five seconds deviation between two call sequences) and contained calls of the same species were be
September) counted only once to avoid overestimation. Conversely, recordings that did not occur at the same time (with a
deviation of more than five seconds between two call sequences) and contain calls of the same species were
counted, as two calls according to Kepel et al. (2011, 2013).
Call sequences within the Nyctaloid group that cannot be assigned to a specific species were classified into a
genus group (e.g. Nyctalus spp. or Nyctalus + Eptesicus + Vespertilio spp.).
In Poland, there are no binding legal regulations concerning bat monitoring methodology. In order to monitor and
analyse the bat population in the study area, the research methodology was adopted based on the draft
"Guidelines for assessing the impact of wind farms on bats" prepared by Polish specialists and practitioners
commissioned by the General Directorate for Environmental Protection in 2011 and updated in 2013 (Kepel et al.
2011, 2013) and on the Annex to Resolution No. 7.5 of "The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of
European Bats EUROBATS" (Rodrigues et al. 2015).
The following standards and recommendations apply when monitoring bats:
• BSH, Study on the impact of offshore wind turbines on the marine environment (StUK 4), Germany 2013.
• Kepel A., Ciechanowski M., Jaros R., Projekt: Wytyczne dotyczące oceny oddziaływania elektrowni
wiatrowych na nietoperze, GDEP, Warszawa 2011.
• Kepel A., Ciechanowski M., Jaros R., Guidelines for assessing the impact of wind power plants on bats,
Draft - November 2013 version, GDEP, Poznań 2013.
• Rodrigues L., Bach L., Doubourg-Savage M.J., Karapandza B., Kovac D., Kervyn T., Dekker J., Kepel
A., Bach P., Colling J., Harbusch C., Park K., Micevski B., Minderman J., Guidelines for consideration of
bats in wind farm projects - revision 2014, EUROBATS Publication Series no. 6 (English version),
UNEP/EUROBATS Office, Bonn 2015.
APPENDIX 1 14
APPENDIX 2
REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE, PRE-INVESTMENT MARINE
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Review of comprehensive, pre-investment marine environmental studies
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
1 Hydrological, The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny December 2020 – February 2021 MEWO S.A., “Quarterly survey progress report 1,
meteorological (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide Pre-investment marine environmental survey
and buffer from the development area border. programme for environmental impact assessment of
hydrochemical Meteorological, hydrological and hydrophysical the MFW Bałtyk I project”, issued 17.05.2021
studies monitoring was performed in accordance with (hereinafter referred to as “Quarterly Report 1”,
the methodology and scope of work described in MEWO S.A.)
Appendix 2 of this Project Information Card.
March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
Hydrological monitoring is carried out at two
measuring stations, at the central point of the
June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
study area and at the shallowest point of the
marine area. Meteorological conditions are
September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
measured at both measuring stations. Within the
framework of hydrological and meteorological
monitoring, the following parameters are January 2021 – February 2022 (12+1 Final Report, MEWO S.A., issued 14.02.2022
measured: air temperature, water temperature, months)
atmospheric pressure, flow in the water-depth,
wave movement on the sea surface, water
salinity, electrical conductivity of water, wind at
the height of about 5 m above sea level
(direction and speed) and water pressure.
Hydrological, The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny Year-long study (12+1 months) Maritime Institute in Gdańsk: Study of Maritime
meteorological and (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide Environment for the Environmental Impact
The study was completed in January
hydrochemical buffer from the development area border and Assessment of Bałtyk Północny Offshore Wind Farm,
2013 (incomplete study period)
studies – archival included: Regular Autumn Report, Hydrological Surveys, May
research 2013
• Studies of ocean currents and
hydrometeorological conditions. Maritime Institute in Gdańsk: Study of Maritime
Environment for the Environmental Impact
APPENDIX 2 2
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
• Water quality testing: 6 times a year of the Assessment of Bałtyk Północny Offshore Wind Farm,
following hydrochemical parameters: aerobic Regular Winter Report, Hydrological Surveys, May
conditions (dissolved oxygen, five-day 2013
oxygen demand (BOD5), total organic
carbon (TOC), acidification (pH), alkalinity,
biogenic substances (ammonia nitrogen,
nitrate nitrogen, total nitrogen, mineral
nitrogen, phosphates, total phosphorus),
suspended matter in the surface and bottom
layers.
• Determination on the basis of analyses of
water samples taken once a year, at two
points, of the content of substances
particularly harmful to the environment, such
as: mercury, nickel, lead, cadmium, arsenic,
total chromium, chromium (VI), phenols,
cyanides, mineral oils, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB).
Hydrographic The modeling area included the MFW Bałtyk April – June 2013 DHI: EIA offshore wind farms Poland EEZ – OWF
conditions – Północny area. DHI created and refined a full 3D BP Hydrographic conditions – final report v3, June
archival research model of the internal Danish and Baltic waters to 2013
calculate the hydrodynamics around the wind
farm.
Hydrographic modeling in order to:
• establish initial conditions with respect to
sea currents, salinity and water
temperature
APPENDIX 2 3
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
• assess long term impacts on
hydrodynamic conditions due to operations
and short term impacts due to dredging
• assist in the identification of the distribution
of suitable habitat for marine mammals
and waterbirds (temporal and spatial
distribution of e.g. salinity, currents,
depths, etc.).
The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny
2 Seabed survey December 2020 – February 2021 Quarterly Report 1, MEWO S.A., issued 17.05.2021
(now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide
buffer from the development area border.
March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
Bathymetric, sonar, and seismic measurements
(shallow seismic and seismoacoustic profiling)
June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
were taken from a SITULA unit. Research:
geophysical surveys, bathymetry, side scan
September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
sonar, shallow seismic and seismoacoustic
surveys, magnetometry and shallow core
sampling.
3 Studies on The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny December 2020 – February 2021 Quarterly Report 1, MEWO S.A., issued 17.05.2021
physicochemical (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide
properties of buffer from the development area border. The
sediments surveys followed the methodology described in
Appendix 2. Sediment sampling was initiated as
part of the study of sediment physicochemical
properties. This was conducted from the MINTIS
unit on February 23 and 24, 2021. Sampling was
conducted at 20 test stations out of 188 planned.
APPENDIX 2 4
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
Sediment sampling for the first campaign was
March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
completed. Testing included granulometric and
physicochemical analysis of the sediments.
Sediment sampling was conducted as part of the June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
second campaign to investigate the
physicochemical properties of sediments. As
part of the second campaign, the study covered
the summer period and consisted of
physicochemical analysis of the collected
sediments and macroscopic description.
Continued and completed laboratory analyses of
September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
sediment samples collected in the area as part
of the second campaign for testing physical and
chemical properties of sediment samples.
4 Marine aggregate The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny December 2020 – February 2021 Quarterly Report 1, MEWO S.A., issued 17.05.2021
research (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide
buffer from the development area border. The
surveys followed the methodology described in
Appendix 2. Analysis of data collected during
seabed and sediment physicochemical
properties surveys has begun.
Analysis of data collected during seabed and March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
sediment physicochemical properties surveys
was performed.
Bathymetric and sonar data, including data from June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
follow-up surveys conducted during the reporting
period, were analyzed to identify potential areas
APPENDIX 2 5
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
of exploitable resources. Core sampling began
in late August.
5 Acoustic The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny December 2020 – February 2021 Quarterly Report 1, MEWO S.A., issued 17.05.2021
background (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 2 NM wide
research buffer from the development area border. The March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
surveys followed the methodology described in
Appendix 2. Background sound monitoring was June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
conducted using stand-alone SM4M
Submersible Wildlife Acoustics sound recorders September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
equipped with an HTI-96 omnidirectional
ultrasonic hydrophone recording ambient noise
in the frequency range of 2 Hz to 192 kHz.
Monitoring was conducted in accordance with November 2021 – February 2022 Final report, MEWO S.A., issued 28.02.2022
international standards and methodology
described in Appendix 2.
Acoustic The research concerned the area of the MFW Acoustic background was monitored DHI: EIA offshore wind farms Poland EEZ – OWF
background – Bałtyk Północny near the Southern Bank and for October 2012 through January BP
archival research included 2 measuring stations. The purpose of 2013, and then from January 2013
EIA assessment on marine mammals – final report
this study was to monitor external noise along using a different receiver through
concerning research on ambient noise, v3, July 2013
with porpoise monitoring using C-POD. April 2013.
6 Benthos research The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
(now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide
buffer measured from the development area
border. The surveys followed the methodology
described in Appendix 2. Macrozoobenthos
surveys were initiated in the MFW Bałtyk I area
during this reporting period.
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No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
Phytobenthos surveys were conducted. Surveys June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
were conducted in June and July 2021. The
surveys followed the methodology described in
Appendix 2.
Phytobenthos and macrozoobenthos surveys in As above. Final Report, MEWO S.A., issued 19.01.2022
accordance with the quarterly reports described
above.
7 Ichthyofauna The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny December 2020 – February 2021 Quarterly Report 1, MEWO S.A., issued 17.05.2021
research (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide
buffer measured from the development area
border. The surveys followed the methodology
described in Appendix 2.
Winter campaign research began. Conducted
surveys: (1) fishing for ichthyoplankton at 7
stations from the vessel r/v BALTICA, (2)
hydroacoustic surveys from the ship (analysis of
the density and characteristics of the pelagic fish
assemblage in the study area was realized using
complementary methods of hydroacoustic
sounding and pelagic control hauls), (3) fishing
for demersal fish using gillnets.
The spring campaign included ichthyoplankton March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
sampling, pelagic hauls, and fishing with gillnets.
The summer campaign included ichthyoplankton June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
sampling, pelagic hauls, and fishing with gillnets.
APPENDIX 2 7
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
The autumn campaign included ichthyoplankton September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
sampling, pelagic hauls, and fishing with gillnets.
Final Report, MEWO S.A., issued 13.01.2022
Ichthyofauna – The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny 04-08 October 2012 Maritime Institute in Gdańsk: Ichthyofauna study in
archival research (now MFW Bałtyk I) together with the buffer of 1 the area of the Northern Baltic Marine Wind Farm
13-14 November 2012
Mm offshore measured from the development (MFW BP)
area border and covered:
Fall report for reporting period I (September –
• Pelagic fish assemblage surveys including: November 2012 r.)
hydroacoustic surveys, pelagic control hauls,
ichthyoplankton surveys, and
hydrometeorological measurements, as well
as
• Studies of demersal fish communities
8 Seabirds and The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
miratory birds (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 8 NM wide
buffer measured from the development area
border. The surveys followed the methodology
described in Appendix 2.
First reporting period. Adjustments were made
to transects for seabirds. Applied methodology
was in accordance with Appendix 2.
Surveys of spring migration of birds were carried
out. Monitoring of migratory birds was performed
in accordance with the methodology and the
scope of work, as well as in accordance with
applicable recommendations and regulations.
APPENDIX 2 8
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
During the reporting period, seabird June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
observations were conducted and autumn bird
migration surveys were initiated.
During the autumn season, covering the months September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
of September through November, six seabird
survey campaigns consisting of a single cruise Spring (March – May) and autumn Final Report, MEWO S.A., issued 28.02.2022
were conducted, covering all transects each (August – November) 2021
time. Surveys of autumn bird migration
continued.
Seabirds and Study area MFW Bałtyk Północny (now: MFW June – September 2012 Pomarinus Ornithological monitoring of the area
migratory birds – Bałtyk I) and Bałtyk Środkowy III. Studies under construction of marine wind farm “Bałtyk
archival research included: Północny” Interim Report No. 1
• Daytime surveys: observing (counting birds
took place not only in the area allocated to
the project but also in the adjacent water
body
October – December 2012 Pomarinus Ornithological monitoring of the area
• Night-time surveys: acoustic and radar under construction of marine wind farm “Bałtyk
measurements Północny” Interim Report No. 2
January – February 2013 Pomarinus Ornithological monitoring of the area
under construction of marine wind farm “Bałtyk
Północny” Interim Report No. 3
APPENDIX 2 9
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
Study area MFW Bałtyk Północny (now MFW April – May 2013 DHI: “EIA offshore wind farms Poland EEZ – OWF
Bałtyk I) BP. EIA assessment on birds – final report” v2, June
August – October 2013
2013
Analysis of historical bird distribution surveys
(2004/2005 and 2007) for the Bałtyk Środkowy II Including Annex 3 prepared by DHI: R. Żydelis
and Bałtyk Środkowy III areas. "Evaluation of Interim Reports No. 2: "Ornithological
Monitoring of the MFW Bałtyk Północny" and "Bałtyk
Analysis of quarterly reports prepared by Prof.
Środkowy" and the reference area "Slupsk Bank".
W. Meissner (Pomarinus Ornithological
monitoring of the area under construction of
marine wind farm “Bałtyk Północny” Interim
Report No. 1 and Pomarinus Ornithological
monitoring of the area under construction of
marine wind farm “Bałtyk Północny” Interim
Report No. 2).
Surveys in the Southern Middle Bank area were October 2018 – November 2019 Environmental Impact Assessment of Baltic Power
also conducted by Baltic Power Sp. z o.o. as this offshore wind farm, MEWO S.A. and Maritime
area is important for birds during wintering or Institute of Gdynia Maritime University, July 2020
can be a stopover during migration. Birds were
observed from the boat in the whole area, on
water and in migration. Surveys were divided
into 4 migration periods: spring, summer, fall
and winter. A total of 13 survey campaigns were
conducted.
9 Marine mammals The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny December 2020 – February 2021 Quarterly Report 1, MEWO S.A., issued 17.05.2021
(now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 2 NM wide
buffer measured from the development area March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
border. The surveys followed the methodology
described in Appendix 2. June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
APPENDIX 2 10
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
Passive acoustic monitoring using C-POD September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
equipment was conducted to confirm the
presence of porpoises. In addition, aerial
observations were made in the area and
adjacent waters to confirm the presence of
harbour porpoises and other marine mammal
December 2021 – March 2022 Final Report, MEWO S.A., to be issued in March
species. Furthermore, observations of marine
2022
mammals were conducted during cruises
performed as part of seabird surveys.
Marine mammals – The research concerned the area of the MFW Acoustic monitoring was carried out DHI: EIA offshore wind farms Poland EEZ – OWF
archival research Bałtyk Północny near the Southern Bank and in: October 2012, January and April BP, EIA assessment on marine mammals – final
included 3 measuring stations. Passive acoustic 2013 report, v3, July 2013
monitoring along with porpoise monitoring using
Visual monitoring was carried out on:
C-POD. Visual monitoring from the plane
12 October and 19 November, 2012
(approx. 6000km2)
10 Chiropterofauna The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
(now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 2 NM wide
buffer measured from the development area
border. Monitoring surveys and bat population
analyses were performed according to the
methodology described in Appendix 2.
Surveys during the fall migration were initiated. June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
During the indicated period, 2 survey campaigns
were conducted from the survey unit to record
bat activity along the transect route. In addition,
continuous surveys from a monitoring station
APPENDIX 2 11
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
(measurement buoy) were initiated during the
autumn migration period.
Three survey campaigns were conducted from
September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
the survey unit during the indicated period to
record bat activity along the transect route. Due
to adverse weather conditions, the last survey Final Report, MEWO S.A., issued 7.02.2022
campaign scheduled to take place in October
had to be postponed until November 2021.
10 October – 30 November, 2012
Chiropterofauna – The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny Maritime Institute in Gdańsk: Study of Maritime
archival research (now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 2 NM wide Environment for the Environmental Impact
buffer measured from the development area Assessment of Bałtyk Północny Offshore Wind Farm,
border. Study covered observations of bats in Regular Autumn Report, Bat Research, May 2015
the OWF area.
The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny
11 Cultural heritage March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
(now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide
and
buffer measured from the development area
archaeological
border. The surveys followed the methodology
research
described in Appendix 2.
A search of archival and literature data was
conducted in order to characterize the cultural
changes that took place in the South Baltic area
during the Stone Age and to locate shipwrecks
lost in the area of the planned MFW Bałtyk I
project.
Further search of archival and literature data
June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
was conducted to characterize selected
Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic sites located
September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
APPENDIX 2 12
No. Environmental Research scope Research period Source document
component tested
in the southern Baltic coastal zone as part of the
study of prehistoric remains.
Archaeology – The area of the MFW Bałtyk Północny (now Archival data analysis Maritime Institute in Gdańsk: Study of Maritime
archival research MFW Bałtyk I) together with the buffer of 1 Mm Environment for the Environmental Impact
offshore measured from the development area Assessment of Bałtyk Północny Offshore Wind Farm,
border. Regular Autumn Report, Archaeological Research,
June 2013
Analysis of archival material on potential
archaeological sites. Maritime Institute in Gdańsk: Study of Maritime
Environment for the Environmental Impact
Assessment of Bałtyk Północny Offshore Wind Farm,
Regular Winter Report, Archaeological Research,
May 2013
12 Fishery analysis The study area included MFW Bałtyk Północny December 2020 – February 2021 Quarterly Report 1, MEWO S.A., issued 17.05.2021
(now MFW Bałtyk I) along with a 1 NM wide
buffer measured from the development area March – May 2021 Quarterly Report 2, MEWO S.A., issued 03.08.2021
border. The surveys followed the methodology
described in Appendix 2. June – August 2021 Quarterly Report 3, MEWO S.A., issued 23.11.2021
Analysis of VMS data was performed using the
September – November 2021 Quarterly Report 4, MEWO S.A., issued 14.01.2022
R program and following the WGSFD - ICES
methodology. Source data were extracted from
the Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) database
for all countries/vessels that reported any activity
in the analysis area.
APPENDIX 2 13