report on impact assessment of wind farm (80 mw) on...

Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi : IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR Rev. 00, Draft

REPORT ON IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF WIND FARM (80 MW) ON BIODIVERSITY (Especially Birds & Raptors)

For

Proposed Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Pvt Ltd. In YSR District & Anantapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh

Project Proponent

M/s Guttaseema Wind Power Company Private Limited Plot No : 1366, Road No: 45, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad,

Telangana 500033

Environmental Consultant

Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Limited (A Bureau Veritas Group Company)

7-2-C-14, Industrial Estate, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad 500018

February 2017

Impact Assessment Study on Biodiversity

The proposed 80 MW Wind Farm Project at Dorigallu R.F, Proddature &Anantapuramu forest divisions, Andhra Pradesh

M/s Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited Plot No : 1366, Road No: 45, Jubilee Hills,

Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR

Revision: Draft, Rev 01, dated 15/02/2017

Copyright Bureau Veritas India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY

(ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED

BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY

Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi : IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR Rev. 01, Final 3

DISCLAIMER

This Report “Impact Assessment of Wind Farm (80 MW) on Biodiversity” is as per the scope

proposed and, within the Scope and the General Terms & Conditions of Service applicable to the

said project.

This document has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of M/s Guttaseema

Wind Power Company Private Limited, and is subject to and issued in accordance with the

agreement between them and Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt Ltd (BALPL), (a fully owned subsidiary of

Bureau Veritas India), who have local accreditations to National Accreditation Board For

Education & Training (NABET) and MoEF&CC (Govt of India), without any liability or

responsibility, with respect to any use or reliance of this Report including any Third Party.

The technical information or conclusion / recommendations herein enclosed have been derived

based on data provided by M/s Guttaseema Wind Power Company Private Limited or its

representative / facility occupiers. The document has been developed with the best of our

knowledge based on the information provided, and as such shall be considered as a Technical

Professional Opinion. It shall not be construed as a formal opinion and as such shall not relieve

any involved parties from its responsibility nor contractual requirements. As a result, it does not

waive any Party’s rights or obligations with respect to the project requirements at any phase

(including Design, EPC and in Operation).

THESE CONCLUSIONS WILL BECOME NULL AND VOID SHOULD NOT BE KEPT INFORMED

OF SUCH MODIFICATIONS OR ALTERATIONS WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THE

PRESENT DOCUMENT WITH REF. NO. IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR. THIS DOCUMENT IS VALID

ONLY WHEN PRESENTED IN FULL.





A. DECLARATION

Declaration by Experts Contributing to the project - “Impact Assessment of Wind Farm (80 MW)

on Biodiversity” in YSR District & Anantapuramu Districts of Andhra Pradesh by M/s Guttaseema

Wind Power Company Private Limited”

I, hereby, certify that I was a part of this project in the following capacity that developed the above

study.

Project Coordinator:

Name : E Shyam Sundar

Signature & Date :

15/02/2017

Period of Involvement : January 2017 to Present

Contact Information : Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Limited, 7-2-C-14, Industrial Estate,

Sanathnagar, Hyderabad 500018

Experts:

S. No. Functional Areas Name of the Expert Involvement Signature

1 Ecology and

Biodiversity

Dr. Manoj Kumar

Pardeshi

Biodiversity study

and impact

assessment

2 Landuse and

Landcover

Miss. Chaitanya

Reddy

Map preparation





B. REVIEW AND REVISION HISTORY

History of revisions of the present report:

Rev Date Modifications

Rev. 00 Draft 26/01/2017 Draft Report for Customer review

Rev. 01 Final 15/02/2017 Final Report

Document No. IND.BH.41.16.0358/HSR, Rev. 01, Final

Rev.

01

Final

15/02/2017 Final Report Dr. Manojkumar

Pardeshi K. Sandhya E. Shyam Sundar

Rev Date Description Prepared By Review Approval



CONTENTS

Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Ltd. (a Bureau Veritas Group Company) Ref BV Bhagavathi: IND.BH.41.14.0192/HSR

REV. 01, FINAL 6

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 9 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 13

1.1 PROJECT PROPONENT .................................................................................. 13 1.2 WIND POWER IN ANDHRA PRADESH ............................................................ 13 1.3 WIND POTENTIAL OF THE PROJECT SITE .................................................... 14 1.4 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ........................................................................... 14 1.5 LIMITATIONS ................................................................................................... 14 1.6 USE OF THIS REPORT .................................................................................... 15

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 16

2.1 TYPE OF THE PROJECT ................................................................................. 16 2.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT .............................................................................. 17 2.3 LOCATION OF THE PROJECT AREA .............................................................. 18 2.4 WIND TURBINES ............................................................................................. 26 2.5 CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES ................................ 27

2.5.1 ROAD NETWORK ...................................................................................... 27 2.5.2 SITE COMPOUND ...................................................................................... 28 2.5.3 BORROW PIT ............................................................................................. 29 2.5.4 CRANE HARD STANDING ......................................................................... 29 2.5.5 CABLE LAYING .......................................................................................... 29 2.5.6 TURBINE ERECTION ................................................................................. 31

2.6 WATER REQUIREMENT AND WASTE GENERATION .................................... 32 2.7 POWER REQUIREMENT ................................................................................. 32 2.8 STAFF REQUIREMENT ................................................................................... 32 2.9 CONSTRUCTION WASTE ................................................................................ 33 2.10 PROJECT OPERATION ACTIVITIES ............................................................ 33

3 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................... 34

3.1 WIND ENERGY AND GOVERNMENT OF INDIA .............................................. 34 3.2 LEGAL ASPECTS AND INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS ................................... 35

3.2.1 RAMSAR CONVENTION 1971 ................................................................... 35 3.2.2 WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) ACT 1972 ........................................................ 36 3.2.3 CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES 1979 ...................................... 36 3.2.4 FOREST CONSERVATION ACT 1980 ....................................................... 36 3.2.5 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT 1986 ................................................ 37 3.2.6 CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 1992 ................................... 37 3.2.7 THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT 2002 .................................................. 37 3.2.8 THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ACT 1960 ...................... 37 3.2.9 IFC – PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (PS) & ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (EHS) GUIDELINES......................................................................... 38 3.2.10 BASEL CONVENTION............................................................................. 39 3.2.11 KYOTO PROTOCOL ............................................................................... 39

4 DISCRIPTION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................... 40

4.1 WIND ENERGY AND BIODIVERSITY ............................................................... 40 4.2 STUDY PERIOD ............................................................................................... 40



CONTENTS


REV. 01, FINAL 7

4.3 SCOPE OF WORK ............................................................................................ 41 4.3.1 ESTABLISHING THE IMPACTS OF WIND MILLS ON BIRDS .................... 41 4.3.2 SITE SELECTION PROCESS OF WIND FARM TO EXAMINE .................. 41 4.3.3 NATIONAL/STATE LEVEL EXERCISE BY FAC / NBWL ............................ 42

4.4 FOREST TYPE VEGETATION .......................................................................... 42 4.5 PROJECT SITE LOCATION .............................................................................. 42

4.5.1 DELINEATION OF THE STUDY AREA ...................................................... 42 4.5.2 HABITATS / ECOSYSTEMS OF THE STUDY AREA ................................. 42

4.6 METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................. 44 4.6.1 SECONDARY INFORMATION / LITERATURE REVIEW ............................ 44 4.6.2 FIELD DATA COLLECTION ....................................................................... 44 4.6.3 THREAT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ........................................................... 45

4.7 BIODIVERSITY STATUS .................................................................................. 46 4.7.1 FLORA ........................................................................................................ 46 4.7.2 FAUNA ....................................................................................................... 49

4.8 ENDEMIC AND THREATENED BIODIVERSITY ............................................... 56 4.9 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................. 56

5 ANTICIPATED ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ........... 57

5.1 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT............................................................ 57 5.2 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS.......................................... 57 5.3 LIKELY IMPACTS ON ECOLOGY ..................................................................... 57 5.4 EVALUATION AND MITIGATION ...................................................................... 58

5.4.1 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............................................................................ 62 5.4.2 OVERALL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................ 62

6 ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................... 63

6.1 ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................. 63 6.2 ECOLOGICAL MONITORING ........................................................................... 66

7 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 68

7.1 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................. 68 7.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................... 68

8 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 70

TABLES TABLE 1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT .................................................... 16 TABLE 2: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR ANANTAPURAMU FOREST DIVISION ..... 18

TABLE 3: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR PRODDATUR FOREST DIVISION ............ 18

TABLE 4: LOCATION OF WIND FARM PROJECT WITH WGS COORDINATES ......... 21 TABLE 5: PREDOMINANT FLORAL SPECIES OF THE PROJECT SITE / CORE ZONE ...................................................................................................................................... 46 TABLE 6: MAMMALS RECORDED / REPORTED FROM THE STUDY AREA AND THEIR THREAT STATUS ............................................................................................. 49 TABLE 7: HERPETOFAUNA RECORDED / REPORTED FROM THE STUDY AREA AND THEIR THREAT STATUS ..................................................................................... 50



CONTENTS


REV. 01, FINAL 8

TABLE 8: AVIFAUNA / BIRDS RECORDED FROM THE STUDY AREA AND THEIR THREAT STATUS ......................................................................................................... 51 TABLE 9: RAPTOR DISTRIBUTION AND THREAT STATUS IN THE STUDY AREA .. 54 TABLE 10: MIGRATORY STATUS OF THE AVIFAUNA AND DISTRIBUTION IN STUDY AREA ............................................................................................................... 56 TABLE 11: LIKELY IMPACTS ON BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS ................................ 57 TABLE 12: ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................ 63 TABLE 13: ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PLAN AND IFC PS APPLICABILITY ........... 66

FIGURES

FIGURE 1: WIND DENSITY MAP OF INDIA ................................................................ 17

FIGURE 2: PROPOSED LOCATION OF WIND FARM SITE (WTG’S) ON GOOGLE

IMAGERY ..................................................................................................................... 19

FIGURE 3: PROPOSED LOCATION OF WIND FARM SITE (WTG’S) ON SURVEY OF

INDIA TOPOSHEET ...................................................................................................... 20

FIGURE 4: WIND TURBINE COMPONENTS ............................................................... 26

PHOTOGRAPHS PHOTOGRAPH 1: HABITATS IN THE STUDY AREA .................................................. 43 PHOTOGRAPH 2: FIELD STUDY – PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION ........................... 45 PHOTOGRAPH 3: SOME PREDOMINANT PLANT SPECIES IN THE PROJECT SITE / CORE ZONE ................................................................................................................. 47 PHOTOGRAPH 4: SOME FAUNA DIRECTLY SIGHTED IN THE STUDY AREA ......... 54



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


REV. 01, FINAL 9

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Gutttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited (GWECPL) is proposing to set up

Wind Energy project (80 MW) at Dorigallu Reserve Forest, Inter District Boundary of

Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. The proposed project aims to generate 80

MW of reliable, low cost wind energy to the national grid. Greenko approached to the

Bhagavathi Ana Labs Pvt. Ltd. (BALPL) to carry study on “Potential Impacts of Wind Mills

on Bat and Bird”. In view of the mounting evidence from potential adverse impacts of wind

mills all arboreal species including birds, bats and flying squirrels through rotor impacts and

on terrestrial species of wildlife resulting from alternation and damage to habitats. Forest

Advisory Committee (FAC) recommends that all wind mill projects proponents should

fund independent impact assessment on studies of their projects at specific sites.

Proposed project area requires forest land; it will require Forest Clearance (FC) from the

competent authority. The selected area was identified by the project authority for

conducting Wind resource assessment and establishing Wind Power Project. The same

was allotted by Nodal Agency NREDCAP, as per MNRE guidelines it was validated

through C-WET, confirmed that it is a technically feasible and having good wind potential.

This area is highly wind prone and having the predominant winds from West and South

West directions and the terrain is well suited in view of its direction perpendicular to the

wind flow. In view of the above, proposed Reserve Forest area applied for said project to

generate the green power to benefit the state and country.

This project will comprise wind farm at Guttaseema with generating capacity of 80 MW,

equipment lay-down areas, access road network in and around the site for construction,

operations and maintenance purposes. The wind farm site is spread across a distance of

approximately 19 km along the North West to South East direction and approximately 1 km

along the North East to South West direction. The average elevation of the site is 484 m

above mean sea level (amsl).

Wind-powered turbines generating electricity are helpful in achieving greener energy with

no pollution. Despite these positive features, constructing massive numbers of wind-

powered turbines, or wind energy developments popularly called windmills have the

potential to leave an impact on wildlife populations, especially if their placement is without

proper planning. The global growth of wind energy has outpaced our assessment of

possible impacts on wildlife. There is not much literature available on comprehensive

studies on impact of windmills on birds and bats in India. Wind energy and wildlife Rapid

wind energy development in India has raised significant challenges and opportunities in

wildlife management. Such challenges include the large size and extensive placement of

turbines, which may represent potential hazards to birds and bats, and the associated

infrastructure required to support large number of roads and transmission lines can result

in extensive habitat fragmentation and spread of invasive species.

The impact of wind turbines on wildlife, most notably on birds and bats, has been widely

pointed out. There have been evidences of bird and bat deaths from collisions with wind

turbines and due to changes in air pressure caused by the spinning turbines. Habitat



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


REV. 01, FINAL 10

disruption has also contributed to birds and bat deaths. However one of the studies of

National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC) concluded that these impacts are

relatively low and do not pose a threat to species populations.

Biodiversity Survey and Threat Status assessment

Biodiversity survey was carried out during monsoon (August) and winter (January) season

to understand birds, bats and other faunal groups in the core zone / forest area and buffer

zone (5 km. from core zone) of the project study area. Overall study area composed of

mainly four types of habitats i.e. forest, waste lands, river habitat (sandy) and agriculture

areas. There is no wildlife sanctuary, national parks, biosphere reserve or Important Bird

Areas (IBA) present in the buffer zone area of the proposed project site.

Data on birds / avifauna (raptors), mammals (including bats) and herpetofauna (reptiles

and amphibians) was collected by following standard methods. Local residents were also

contacted to understand faunal evidences and movements. Color photographs (pictorial

guide) were shown to people to identify faunal species. All species presented in the report

are assessed by following Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA) - 1972 and International

Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) database.

Flora Project site forest area, being a forest land predominantly comprises many floral species like Catalpa speciosa, Holarrhena pubescens, Albizia amara, Gyrocarpus jacquinii, Euphorbia tirucalli, Dalbergia paniculata, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Syzygium cumini, Tectona grandis, Strychnos potatorum, Pongamia pinnata, Phyllanthus leucopyrus, Ulex europaeus, Ulmus integrifolia, Webera corymbosa, Ziziphus horrida, Grewia rotundifolia, Gardenia gummifera, Corchorus acutangulus, Cedrus deodara, Bauhinia racemosa, Cassia fistula and Aloe barbadensis.

Among fauna, 10 species of mammals, 6 species of herpetofauna (reptile & amphibians) and 48 species of birds have been recorded from different habitats and secondary information.

Mammals (including Bats) All mammals are the part of the forest land as well as other habitats of the buffer zone. Some species i.e. Rhesus Macaque, Indian Gray Mongoose, Five Striped Squirrel were sighted directly sighted in study area while presence of Indian Hare have been confirmed on the basis of presence of pellets in the study area. Bats were neither sighted nor confirmed by people.

Herpetofauna

Overall 6 species of herpetofauna were reported on the basis of direct and secondary

information. Among reptiles, only two species were sighted in the field while other species

are included in the list on the basis of secondary information by the villagers. Indian garden

lizard and Fan Throated Lizard were sighted directly as project site.

Avifauna (migratory and raptor species)

Among birds, 48 species were sighted during present survey. No vultures were sighted

during survey. Out of these species only 6 species Red Rumped Swallow, Eurasian Marsh

Harrier, Barn Swallow, Rosy Starling, Common Stonechat and Montagu`s Harrier reported



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


REV. 01, FINAL 11

as a Winter Visitor (WV). Core zone reported with 4 migratory species (common in buffer

zone also) while buffer zone with all 5 migratory species (including 4 species of core zone).

Similarly, core zone recorded with 2 raptor species i.e. shikra and Black winged Kite (also

recorded from buffer zone) and while buffer zone recorded with 6 raptor species (including

2 species of core zone). Raptors were seen very rarely seen in core and buffer zone of the

study area with few individuals only. None of the species observed are endemic to the

project area.

Threat Status

As per Red Data Book and IUCN threat status assessment no floral species falls under

threatened category. Five plant species are in Least concern (Lc) category, one species is

falls in Lower Risk / least concern (LRlc) category while remaining species are Not

Evaluated by IUCN. Among fauna, among mammals, one species i.e. Sambar falls in

Schedule-III category of IWPA-1972 and Vulnerable (VU) as per IUCN red list. Similarly,

among herpetofauna, one species i.e. Monitor Lizard falls in Schedule-I category as per

IWPA-1972 and Lest Concern as per IUCN red list. Among avifauna, bird species White

Eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Montagu`s Harrier, Indian

Peafowl and Black winged Kite falls in schedule-I category as per IWPA-1972 while Black

Headed Ibis is listed as a Near Threatened category as per IUCN red list.

Inference

Present study inferred that, recorded flora and fauna elements are common component of

the project study area. Bats were not located during site visits. Raptors are rarely seen with

few individuals in the study area. Other species reported from the core zone / project

footprint area are common component of the study area and none of these is restricted to

particular one habitat.

Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures

Impact assessment is carried out considering three project phases i.e. 1. Site clearance

phase; 2. Construction / erection phase; and 3. Operation phase. Overall 8 likely impacts

are identified considering various project activities and associated aspects. Impacts during

first phase can be mitigated by minimizing vegetation clearance while later two phases will

have lower impacts comparatively. No bats have been observed during site visits.

However, 6 species of raptors reported from the study area, out of these 2 species

observed from core zone and all 6 from buffer zone. However, raptors are seen with few

individuals (not abundant) in the study area. Mitigations measures are suggested to

mitigate expected impacts during different phases. Overall, there will be no significant

impacts on faunal components if suggested mitigation measures and management plan

implemented properly.

Ecological Management Plan

Ecological management plan is suggested to deal with various ecological components.

Also, monitoring plan have been suggested covering ecological component, project stage,

monitoring parameters, duration of monitoring, frequency of monitoring and implementation

responsibility.



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


REV. 01, FINAL 12

Conclusion and Recommendations

During site clearance phase, Impacts of vegetation clearance can be mitigated through

minimizing vegetation clearance within the footprint / forest area. Impacts during

construction / erection phase are expected further lower and site specific compare to site

clearance phase. Moreover, impacts in operation phase will further lower (activity specific)

than former two phases. Moreover, impacts in operation phase will further lower (activity

specific) than former two phases. Since no bat species have been reported during site visit

no impact impacts on bats are expected. Totally 6 raptor species have been reported from

study area (core and buffer zone). Out of these, core zone recorded with only 2 species

and buffer zone 6 species (including 2 species of core zone). Raptors are rarely seen (not

abundant) with few individuals in the area. Mitigations measures are suggested to mitigate

expected impacts during different phases. Apart from mitigation measures additional

recommendations are suggested for safe guard of biodiversity of the area Overall, there

will be no significant impacts on faunal components if suggested mitigation measures and

management plan implemented properly.



INTRODUCTION


REV. 01, FINAL 13

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Proponent

The Company is a part of Greenko Group, (hereinafter referred to as “Greenko”),

is one of the mainstream participants in the growing Indian energy industry and a

market leading owner and operator of clean energy projects in India. The Group is

building a portfolio of Wind, Solar, Hydropower, Natural Gas and Biomass assets

within India and intends to increase the installed capacity it operates by developing

new Greenfield assets. The Company is developing wind projects in a phased

manner ensuring long term reliable generation. The total Generation capacity of

the Group is about 1000 MW & 1600 MW is under development. In case of Wind

Power about 556 MW is already commissioned & Another 600 MW is under

construction.

Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited. (Hereinafter referred to as

“GWECPL”), has been registered under Companies Act of 1956 in the office of

Register of Companies, Hyderabad with Registration No.

U40108AP2008PTC059988 dated to develop the proposed wind power project.

1.2 Wind Power in Andhra Pradesh

The New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd

(NREDCAP), is the facilitating agency for implementation of renewable energy

sources in Andhra Pradesh. NREDCAP, is an organization working under the

purview of Energy department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The objectives of

the NREDCAP are to promote renewable energy in the state and to initiate all

necessary actions for energy conservation in the state. The NREDCAP works

through various governmental agencies, private organizations, NGO’s and

accredited energy auditors.

The developer develops the project & on commission will connect the capacity to

the grid. Through Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited

(APTRANSCO) thereby energy is distributed to Andhra Pradesh Distribution

Companies (APDISCOMs) through Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and also

for 3rd party sale through wheeling & banking. So far about 1937.50 MW capacity

wind power projects are under implementation at different stages & 248.52MW has

been commissioned.



INTRODUCTION


REV. 01, FINAL 14

1.3 Wind Potential of the Project Site

The selected area was identified by the project authority for conducting Wind

resource assessment and establishing Wind Power Project. The same was allotted

by Nodal Agency NREDCAP, as per MNRE guidelines it was validated through C-

WET, confirmed that it is a technically feasible and having good wind potential.

This area is highly wind prone and having the predominant winds from West and

South West directions and the terrain is well suited in view of its direction

perpendicular to the wind flow. In view of the above, proposed Reserve Forest

area applied for said project to generate the green power to benefit the state and

country.

1.4 Purpose of the Report

Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited (GWECPL) is proposing to set up Wind Energy project at Dorigallu R.F, Inter District Boundary of Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. Guttasema Wind project is of significant strategic benefit to Andhra Pradesh and India as a whole. The proposed project aims to generate 80 MW of reliable, low cost wind energy to the national grid. The project will comprise

Wind farm at Guttaseema with generating capacity of 80 MW

Equipment lay-down areas, access road network in and around the site for construction, operations and maintenance purposes.

Greenko approached to the Bhagavathi Ana labs to carry study on “potential impacts of wind mills on Bat and Bird”. In view of the mounting evidence from potential adverse impacts of wind mills all arboreal species including birds, bats and flying squirrels through rotor impacts and on terrestrial species of wildlife resulting from alternation and damage to habitats. Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) recommends that all wind mill projects proponents should fund independent impact assessment on studies of their projects at specific sites.

1.5 Limitations

This report is based upon the application of professional judgment to certain facts

with resultants subjective interpretations. Professional judgments expressed herein

are based on the facts currently available within the limits of the scope of work,

information provided by the client or its representative, prevailing secondary data,

budget and schedule. To the extent at more definitive conclusions are desired by

the client than are warranted by the currently available facts, it is specifically

Bureau Veritas’s intent that the conclusions and recommendations stated herein

will be intended as guidance and not necessarily firm course of action expect

where explicitly stated as such. We make no warranties, express or implied,

including, without limitation, warranties as to merchantability or fitness for a



INTRODUCTION


REV. 01, FINAL 15

particular purpose. In addition the information provided by the client in this report is

not to be constructed as legal advice.

1.6 Use of This Report

BALPL Veritas is not engaged in consulting or reporting for the purpose of

advertising, sales promotion, or endorsement of any client interests, including

raising investment, capital, recommending investment decisions or other publicity

purposes. Client acknowledges that the report has been prepared for their and

their clients’ exclusive use and agrees that BALPL reports or correspondence will

not be used or reproduced in full or in part for such purposes, and may not be

used or relied upon in nay prospectus or offering circular. Client should agree that

none of its advertising, sales promotion, and other publicity matter containing

information obtained from this assessment and report will mention or imply the

name of BALPL.



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 16

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Type of the Project

M/s. Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private Limited is proposing to set a wind

farm of 80 MW in Guttasema, Dorigally R.F inter District Boundary of Anantapur

and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. The proposed project does not require an

Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA), as per the Environment Impact

Assessment (EIA) notification of 2006, of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

(EP Act), irrespective of the size of the wind farm, its installed capacity, number of

turbines or the sensitivity of the project location. However, in order to understand

the scale, sensitivity and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts, a

detailed study on birds, bats and other faunal elements is being undertaken for the

project. The salient features of the project are given below,

TABLE 1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

Parameter Details

Project Name Guttaseema Wind Project

SPV M/s. Guttaseema Wind Energy Company Private

Limited

Capacity 80 MW

Wind Farm Location Guttasema, Dorigallu R.F, Inter District Boundary of

Anantapur & YSR Districts

Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh Elevation above Mean sea level 466 - 582 m

Present land use Proddatur Forest Division- 31.68 Ha.

Anantapuram Forest Division-10.66

Ha. Total forest land 42.34 Ha.

Nearest Highway NH-205 Chennai Anantapur Highway 12 KM’s

Nearest railway station Pulivendhula Railway Station 17 km’s

Nearest Airport Ananthapur Airport 45 Km’s

Nearest Habitat Kommanuthala 1.8 Km’s

Nearest town/city Pulivendhula 17 Km’s

Hills / valleys Project is located on the Palakonda Hill

Forests Project is in Dorigallu Reserve Forest

Rivers Madduleru River - approx. 2.8 Km’s

Chitravathi River – approx 9 Km’s



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 17

2.2 Need for the Project

Wind energy makes up the majority, about 70 per cent of the total renewable

energy capacity installed in India. According to the Union Ministry of New and

Renewable Energy (MNRE), Total installed capacity of power stations in India

stood at 305,554.25 Megawatt (MW) as of August 31, 2016. The 12th Five Year

Plan aims to install 15,000 MW between 2012 and 2017, which will almost double

the total capacity of wind power in India. Assuming an average wind turbine

capacity of 1.5 MW, this means a total of 10,000 new turbines in the country. Over

95 per cent of the country’s total wind energy potential is concentrated in the

southern and western states — Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,

Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The wind energy potential sites showing the wind density regions in India is shown

as in following figure. As the wind power is a well proven and cost-effective

technology and expected to be the main way in which industry responds to the

Government's targets, Greenko is proposing a wind farm in the Andhra Pradesh

region.

FIGURE 1: WIND DENSITY MAP OF INDIA



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 18

2.3 Location of the Project Area

Proposed project requires forest land of 42.34 Hector and falls in the two divisions i.e. Proddatur Forest Division and Anantapuram Forest Division. The proposed project will have 80 MW wind power project at Dorigallu R.F, Inter District Boundary of Anantapur and YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. The Guttaseema wind farm project site lies at a distance of approximately 17 km west of Pulivendhula and 3 km east of Dhorigallu. The major approach road to the site is Dhorigallu Road connecting Dhorigallu and Pulivendhula, and which is at a distance of approximately 1 km from the site. The site is accessible by village roads. The wind farm project falls under the Guttaseema village, Kadapa District. The wind farm site is spread across a distance of approximately 19 km along the North West to South East direction and approximately 1 km along the North East to South West direction. The average elevation of the site is 484 m above mean sea level (amsl). The DGPS survey was verified and authenticated by the GIS Wing, O/o Prl. Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), A.P. Guntur through letter Rc.No. 44206/2013//FCA-3(i), dated: 25.01.2017. The area assessed by the GIS Wing is 42.34 Ha (i.e 10.66 Ha in Ananthapuramu Division and 31.68 Ha in Proddatur Division. The break-up the area required as per forest division wise is as below.

TABLE 2: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR ANANTAPURAMU FOREST

DIVISION

DESCRIPTION OF AREA Area in Ha

1. Total Area for M/C plot forms (turbines) 12 nos. 4.29

2. Total area for internal & approach road 1.79

3. Total area for road with electrical line & electrical line 3.85

4. At curves along the R & B road 0.73

TOTAL AREA 10.66

TABLE 3: FOREST LAND BREAKUP FOR PRODDATUR FOREST DIVISION

DESCRIPTION OF AREA Area in Ha

1. Total Area for M/C plot forms (turbines) 28 nos. 9.85

2. Total area for internal & approach road 4.63

3. Total area for road with electrical line & electrical line 9.02

4. At curves along the R & B road 8.18

TOTAL AREA 31.68

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY (ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S

GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED

PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 19

Figure 2: Proposed Location of Wind Farm Site (WTG’s) on Google Imagery

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (80 MW) PROJECT ON BIODIVERSITY (ESPECIALLY BATS & RAPTORS) FOR M/S

GUTTASEEMA WIND POWER COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED

PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 20

Figure 3: Proposed Location of Wind Farm Site (WTG’s) on Survey of India Toposheet



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 21

The proposed wind power project location has all of the key elements required

for the development of a successful wind power project: an excellent stable wind

resource, access to high voltage transmission lines, supportive landowners, good

transportation access and compatible land use and a supportive local community

and government. The details geographic coordinates of the WTG’s are as

follows,

Table 4: Location of Wind Farm project with WGS coordinates

Guttaseema-80 MW-WTG Location Coordinates

S.N

o

Point

Ref. Easting Northing Code E N

1 WTG-

T01

176397.8

6 1604901.853

CR1 176372.6 1604887

CR2 176386 1604937

CR3 176438.9 1604871

CR4 176453.6 1604919

2 WTG-

T02

176625.3

9 1604730.822

CR5 176613.8 1604705

CR6 176595.6 1604752

CR7 176661.8 1604776

CR8 176679.2 1604730

3 WTG-

T03

176570.4

6 1604429.017

CR9 176566.9 1604462

CR10 176629.1 1604435

CR11 176608.1 1604390

CR12 176543.6 1604422

4 WTG-

T04

176489.4

7 1604146.072

CR13 176476 1604179

CR14 176467.9 1604129

CR15 176534.9 1604120

CR16 176545.1 1604165

5 WTG-

T05

176627.5

5 1603951.123

CR17 176633.7 1603989

CR18 176601.1 1603951

CR19 176661.9 1603906

CR20 176687.2 1603953

6 WTG-

T06

176901.7

7 1603730.69

CR21 176901.2 1603766

CR22 176864.7 1603726

CR23 176932.1 1603690

CR24 176960.1 1603728

7 WTG- 177145.3 1603579.099 CR25 177149.2 1603637



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 22


S.N

o

Point


T07 8 CR26 177123.1 1603571

CR27 177149.2 1603637

CR28 177194.5 1603620

8 WTG-

T08

177384.6

6 1603336.427

CR29 177382.2 1603372

CR30 177358.3 1603328

CR31 177422.8 1603298

CR32 177445.1 1603340

9 WTG-

T09

177641.5

9 1603211.94

CR33 177641.1 1603249

CR34 177615.5 1603206

CR35 177675.2 1603170

CR36 177700 1603213

10 WTG-

T10

177885.7

4 1603067.551

CR37 177898.4 1603103

CR38 177855.9 1603063

CR39 177910.8 1603016

CR40 177942.9 1603055

11 WTG-

T11

178106.0

6 1602849.58

CR41 178108.1 1602885

CR42 178078.3 1602848

CR43 178132.3 1602803

CR44 178165.2 1602839

12 WTG-

T12

178309.1

3 1602655.343

CR45 178316.7 1602691

CR46 178283.3 1602657

CR47 178331.4 1602606

CR48 178367.3 1602643

13 WTG-

T13

178565.7

7 1602447.914

CR49 178534.8 1602490

CR50 178506.6 1602446

CR51 178565.5 1602414

CR52 178594.3 1602452

14 WTG-

T14 178769.3 1602298.862

CR53 178764.3 1602327

CR54 178735.2 1602286

CR55 178792.3 1602245

CR56 178821.4 1602286

15 WTG- 178994.5 1602153.458 CR57 178994.5 1602190



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 23


S.N

o

Point


T15 8 CR58 178966.3 1602147

CR59 179025.1 1602108

CR60 179052.9 1602150

16 WTG-

T16

179267.9

2 1601938.916

CR61 179266 1601967

CR62 179232.7 1601928

CR63 179285.5 1601882

CR64 179318.9 1601920

17 WTG-

T17

179472.9

9 1601729.638

CR65 179433.7 1601767

CR66 179414.5 1601720

CR67 179479.7 1601694

CR68 179498.3 1601741

18 WTG-

T18

179685.1

8 1601528.505

CR69 179700.2 1601586

CR70 179650 1601537

CR71 179684.4 1601500

CR72 179735.3 1601548

19 WTG-

T19

179721.4

9 1601227.41

CR73 179688.2 1601274

CR74 179667.1 1601230

CR75 179732.9 1601200

CR76 179751.6 1601246

20 WTG-

T20

180091.6

3 1601161.061

CR77 180098 1601196

CR78 180062.7 1601159

CR79 180113.8 1601110

CR80 180149.4 1601148

21 WTG-

T21 180272.7 1600996.316

CR81 180282.7 1601029

CR82 180244.9 1600996

CR83 180292.2 1600944

CR84 180329.2 1600978

22 WTG-

T22

180518.8

4 1600741.497

CR85 180525.8 1600777

CR86 180489.3 1600742

CR87 180538.5 1600692

CR88 180576.1 1600727

23 WTG- 180468.0 1600436.1 CR89 180465.9 1600499



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 24


S.N

o

Point


T23 3 CR90 180425.9 1600470

CR91 180465.6 1600413

CR92 180506.8 1600442

24 WTG-

T24

180642.3

7 1600221.676

CR93 180622.9 1600277

CR94 180590.8 1600237

CR95 180644.5 1600193

CR96 180680 1600232

25 WTG-

T25

180876.0

4 1599996.314

CR97 180858.8 1600049

CR98 180858.6 1599978

CR99 180904.9 1599976

CR100 180906.2 1600046

26 WTG-

T26

181323.3

3 1599990.344

CR101 181328.3 1600025

CR102 181294.5 1599988

CR103 181346.9 1599940

CR104 181382 1599977

27 WTG-

T27

181540.2

3 1599780.077

CR105 181549.8 1599815

CR106 181512.8 1599783

CR107 181558.6 1599729

CR108 181595.7 1599763

28 WTG-

T28

181745.9

3 1599607.05

CR109 181755.5 1599642

CR110 181717.3 1599607

CR111 181761.6 1599556

CR112 181800.4 1599588

29 WTG_T2

9

181962.6

4 1599363.111

CR113 181972 1599397

CR114 181934.7 1599365

CR115 181979.8 1599312

CR116 182017.6 1599345

30 WTG-

T30

182105.1

5 1599171.702

CR117 182110.3 1599207

CR118 182076.7 1599171

CR119 182127.6 1599123

CR120 182161.7 1599159

31 WTG- 182350.8 1599000.034 CR121 182345.5 1599044



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 25


S.N

o

Point


T31 7 CR122 182300.1 1599019

CR123 182351.6 1598972

CR124 182385.7 1599008

32 WTG-

T32

182691.6

4 1598889.237

CR125 182684.6 1598912

CR126 182661.6 1598870

CR127 182725 1598838

CR128 182746.9 1598882

33 WTG-

T33

182946.8

6 1598709.998

CR129 182953 1598745

CR130 182918.1 1598709

CR131 182969.1 1598662

CR132 183003.5 1598697

34 WtG-T34 183175.3 1598507.636

CR133 183180.9 1598543

CR134 183180.9 1598543

CR135 183146.2 1598507

CR136 183197 1598459

35 WTG-

T35

183281.8

1 1598280.209

CR137 183288 1598315

CR138 183253 1598279

CR139 183303.7 1598230

CR140 183339 1598267

36 WtG-T36 183337.1

3 1598045.109

CR141 183343 1598080

CR142 183309 1598044

CR143 183360.1 1597996

CR144 183394.2 1598031

37 WTG-

T37

183423.4

4 1597739.384

CR145 183430.2 1597777

CR146 183397.1 1597737

CR147 183446.8 1597692

CR148 183481.1 1597728

38 WTG-

T38 183718.2 1597651.172

CR149 183735.9 1597703

CR150 183687.5 1597651

CR151 183724.8 1597618

CR152 183773.1 1597669

39 WTG- 183889.6 1597427.208 CR153 183895 1597461



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 26


S.N

o

Point


T39 2 CR154 183860.1 1597425

CR155 183912 1597378

CR156 183946.9 1597414

40 WTG-

T40

184087.5

2 1597236.907

CR157 184093.8 1597272

CR158 184059 1597236

CR159 184109.9 1597188

CR160 184144.6 1597225

2.4 Wind Turbines

A typical wind power project comprises of the following components:

Wind turbines mounted on towers; besides these the associated facilities may

include access roads, operation and maintenance facilities, and meteorological

tower(s). Wind turbine is a structure that comprises of a tower, blades, a rotor hub,

a generator and a transformer enclosed in a nacelle. A typical wind turbine and

components is shown below in the Figure.

Figure 4: Wind Turbine Components



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 27

A wind turbine traps the energy of moving wind, and converts the mechanical

energy to electrical energy, thus, generating electricity. There are two types of

wind turbines — vertical axis and horizontal axis. The more commonly used are

the horizontal axis turbines. When a number of wind turbines are in a cluster, it is

referred to as a ‘wind farm’. A typical wind farm consists of turbines, access

roads, transformers, office buildings, a grid connection point and transmission

lines.

Parts of the Turbine

Tower: Vertical structure which supports the turbine and its auxiliary parts.

The height of a tower is site-specific and depends on the rotor diameter and

available wind at the site. The tower structure can be tapered, tubular steel or

with a concrete base with steel upper sections. Sometimes, lattice towers are

also used.

Blades: A typical modern wind turbine has three blades, although other

designs are also available. The blades are usually made of fiberglass

reinforced-polyester, epoxy resin or carbon fibre.

Nacelle: An enclosure which contains the main components of the turbine like

the gear box, the generator and other auxiliary parts

Rotor hub: Structure on which the blades of the turbine are attached. It

circulates at a rate of 10 to 25 revolutions per minute (rpm). The speed of the

rotor varies depending on the size of turbine and its design. It is further

attached to a low speed shaft connected to the gearbox.

Gear box: It is enclosed in the nacelle. It is a vital component, which converts

the slow rpm to a high speed ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 rpm.

Generator: It is also enclosed in the nacelle and converts mechanical energy

to electrical energy.

Transformer: Its main function is to step-up medium voltage in between 10 kV

to 35 kV depending on the grid’s requirement.

2.5 Construction and Infrastructure Facilities

2.5.1 Road Network

The proposed wind energy facility can be accessed by the following roads:

National Highway - 205 (Chennai Anantapur Highway)

Village road connecting Guttaseema to Dorigallu

Village road connecting Dorigallu and NH205



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 28

Access will be required between the turbines for construction purposes (and for

maintenance purposes in the operational phase). The tracks will be surfaced and

designed to standards that ensure control of water and integrity of the road

surface. The design requirements are for a road capable of carrying large vehicles

approximately 50m long and capable of sustaining the construction and

operational phase traffic to the project area.

Permanent internal roads will require a minimum width of 5-6m although these

may temporarily increase during the construction phase. The road width will be

increased proportionately for bends and passing/turning places. The road

alignment and gradients will be set out to fit existing landforms as far as possible

and shall be marked out prior to commencement of the works. Cut–and-fill

operations will be designed to achieve a good balance where possible and will be

designed to cause the minimum amount of impact to the area. Surface soils will be

used to dress the slopes and verges if required. Three bridges will be constructed

to enable vehicles carrying wind turbine components to move without

encumbrances.

2.5.2 Site Compound

During the construction period, a civil and an electrical construction compound

may be required; this will include a laydown and storage area for components of

the wind energy facility awaiting installation and for equipment required for that

installation. Surface soils will be excavated and set aside for reinstatement on

completion of the project. These soils will be separated following best practice for

re-use. Any existing drainage ditches will be diverted around the extent of the

compound where necessary. Unsuitable soils will be excavated and stockpiled

until a suitable formation is reached.

Dependent upon the civil contractor’s design, geotextiles may be placed where

required to ensure optimal weight distribution. Rock excavated from the borrow

pits and/or the cut–and fill operations will be spread and compacted in layers.

Finer crushed rock will be used in the final layers to provide an adequately smooth

running surface. Appropriate pollution control measures will be used as

determined by the civil contractor. Facilities for waste management, refueling,

power, water supply and chemical storage will be provided as per the norms of

Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APPCCB). All welfare facilities will

be provided for the duration of the Construction.



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 29

2.5.3 Borrow Pit

Borrow pits and/or quarries will have to be identified during the detailed

engineering design stage of the project. In general, borrow pits are usually worked

in strips to ensure that only enough aggregate for the project is obtained, and to

limit the impacts of the borrow pit to as small an area as possible. A borrow pit

design and restoration plan should be produced prior to commencement of the

work. Any top soils and sub-soils will be separated and progressively stored in a

temporary storage area. The storage mound should also be terraced, where

possible, to ensure stability. All temporarily stored materials shall be utilized in the

restoration of the borrow pit.

2.5.4 Crane Hard Standing

Crane pads are required to provide a suitably robust and level area, upon which

cranes are used to lift turbine components into place. The location of the crane

pads will be optimized to make best use of the existing topography where possible,

and chosen erection procedure. As with access tracks, topsoil and sub-soils will be

excavated and stored for later reinstatement. The area will be set out to the

required dimensions and excavated to a suitable formation. Plate bearing tests will

be conducted at regular intervals across the excavation to prove the bearing

capacity of the underlying strata. Coarse rock fill will then be placed and

compacted in layers using compaction equipment. Grading is likely to be carried

out to determine the compaction methodology. Geotextile matting to facilitate

better distribution of weight may be used depending on the suitability of the

underlying strata. The final surface will be formed from selected granular material

and trimmed to allow surface water run-off, to drainage ditches Crane pads will be

formed as the construction of site tracks progress. However the pads may be

formed initially to provide lay-down areas for materials associated with wind

turbine foundation materials and finalized closer to the lifting operations.

2.5.5 Cable Laying

Cables are required between the turbines and the substation depending on the

final grid connection and hence substation location, and will be located alongside

the access tracks. The cables will be laid with minimal disturbance to vegetation

and hydrology at the site where possible. The trench will fall within the envelope of

felling for the access track. The position of trenches will be marked out and the line

stripped of surface soils and set aside for reinstatement. The trench will be

excavated to the required dimensions and the spoil set aside for backfill if suitable.

Trenches will be excavated to follow the profile of the existing ground where

practical. Typically, sand bedding will be placed and leveled following insertion of



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 30

earth conductors (if required). The cable will be laid onto the sand bedding and a

further layer of sand installed to provide suitable protection to the cable. Following

testing by the electrical works contractor, the trench will be backfilled and

compacted in layers with suitable material and reinstated with previously

excavated surface soils. Cable ducts will be used over water crossings, under

sections of track and hardstandings. When going up and down hills, the cable

trenches will be bunded to ensure that the trench does not become a drain. Cable

markers will be used to mark the route of cables.

Turbine Foundations

Large reinforced concrete foundations are required to support the large turbine

structures. The bases will need to be constructed with minimal disturbance to the

vegetation and surrounding hydrology. The position of each wind turbine will be set

out with the extent of the foundation will be marked on the ground and an

allowance made for working space and shuttering. Any adjacent ditches which

would convey surface water towards the area will be diverted in advance of any

excavations. The required area will be excavated with the topsoil and sub-soils set

aside for reinstatement. The area will be excavated to a suitable formation and

cleared of all loose, fractured rock.

Drainage ditches will be excavated around the perimeter to keep the excavation

dry. An outfall ditch will be created where possible or a sump formed for pumping

out of the excavations. Batters will be formed where appropriate and in cases

where these are adjacent to site tracks, berms will be formed along the top edge.

In some instances, it may be the case that site tracks need to be widened to allow

safe passage of construction plant and vehicles. Blinding concrete will be placed

and leveled to the required dimensions and level and finished with a vibrating

power screed. The base will be set out to the required dimensions and offered for

inspection prior to steel fixing. Reinforcement bar will be delivered to site and

stored adjacent to the excavation. A telehandler will deposit the largest bundles of

bars onto the blinding concrete to cut down on manual handling. Steel fixers will

form the reinforcement cage to the required dimensions and levels as indicated on

the design drawings and schedules. All steel will be adequately supported on

chairs, cover blocks and tied securely. The area will be cleared of all debris prior to

edge formwork being inserted. All ducts, earth connectors, drainage pipes and bolt

assemblies will be inserted in accordance with the drawings. Once the steelwork

has been partially completed, a foundation tower adapter provided by the turbine

manufacturer will be lifted into the center of the foundation by a mobile crane. This

adapter will then be thoroughly leveled by an engineer and tied into the remaining



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 31

foundation using reinforcement bar – and designed so that it will remain at least

300mm proud of the finished concrete surface of the foundation.

Edge formwork will be positioned to the required dimensions and adequately

shored. Height checks will be set where necessary and on completion the base will

be offered for inspection in advance of the concrete pour.

The concrete will be delivered to the turbine locations in truck mounted mixers and

discharged through a mobile concrete pump into the formwork until the required

profile and level is achieved. Concrete deliveries will be slump tested and cubes

taken at the required frequency for later testing. The exposed faces will be finished

and an appropriate curing agent applied in accordance with the manufacturers

recommendations. Covers will be applied when necessary. Formwork will be

removed on satisfactory curing and care taken so as not to damage any ducts or

inserts. Extensive earthing protection will be installed to the foundation for turbine

earthing, and lightning protection. This would typically take the shape of bare

copper wires laid underground from the 4 corners of the base for about 30m

outwards (the actual length would be determined by the calculation completed

after the electrical resistivity testing).

2.5.6 Turbine Erection

The components of the wind turbine (towers, nacelles and blades) will be delivered

directly from the highway network via the access tracks (to the working area at the

prepared wind turbine bases. The cranes will be brought to the site in a

disassembled condition. All counterweights and boom sections will be delivered by

articulated Lorries. The tail cranes will be smaller, hydraulic, and telescopic, rough-

terrain cranes that may also require one or two articulated Lorries to supply the

counterweights and other parts. Before moving on the site the main cranes will

require disassembling to reduce the overall weight and the axle loading. The

towers will be erected from the delivery trailer onto the foundation. The heavy

goods vehicles and cranes will operate from the track and the hardstanding at

each base location. The nacelle will be unloaded from its trailer and laid adjacent

to the base within the base working area prior to erection on the tower using the

crane. Upon delivery, the blades will be fitted onto the rotor. The rotor assembly

will then be lifted onto the previously erected nacelle by crane. Alternatively the

hub may be lifted and attached to the nacelle followed by a one-at-a-time

installation of the blades. It is anticipated that the installation of each turbine will

take 2 lifting days in good weather; however, the construction program will make

allowance for an amount of weather downtime.



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 32

2.6 Water Requirement and Waste Generation

It is envisaged that the following quantity of water will be required for the project:

70 m3 of water will be required daily for dust suppression purposes during the dry

season. Assuming that construction works are undertaken 22 days in a month, it is

anticipated that about 1540 m3 of water per month will be required for dust

suppression; and 1m3 will be required for curing each concrete foundation, which

implies that a total of about 26 m3 will be required in total.

The maximum water demand during construction phase, per month is expected to

be approximately 1540m3.

This water demand could be satisfied in one of three ways namely:

Abstraction of water from the existing boreholes in the area after getting formal

consent from the borehole owner; or

Use of water bowsers and storage of water in tanks in the lay down area; or

Drilling new boreholes in accordance with the local regulations or Central

Ground Water Authority (CGWA) requirements

Since no labour campsites will be set up during the construction phase of the

project, waste water generation from the construction activities will be limited to

washing and cleaning activities related to construction activities. Portable toilet

with septic tank soak pits will be provided at construction site to facilitate the

disposal of sewage generated.

2.7 Power Requirement

The power requirement during the construction phase will be from diesel generator

sets.

2.8 Staff Requirement

During construction stage man power ranging from 60-80 will be required during

normal functions while peak construction activities will require 250-300 workers.

The unskilled labour required for construction activities will be locally hired and

therefore labour camp will not be required to be set up except for when skilled

workers are hired from outside. Skilled workers for crane operation and electrical

works will be brought in from outside, which will be limited to 50-60 individuals.

The workers coming from outside will be lodged in rented accommodation in

nearby towns. Adequate facility for drinking water and sanitation will be provided at

the construction site.



PROJECT DESCRIPTION


REV. 01, FINAL 33

2.9 Construction Waste

Construction waste will be limited to packaging and crafting material of turbines

and construction debris. Earth moving activities and construction of wind energy

facilities will require use of heavy machinery /equipment which would generate

waste oil, gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, lubricant, cleaning fluids, paints, degreasers

and other similar substances, these substances are categorised as hazardous

waste and shall be dealt with as per the Hazardous Waste Management Handling

and Trans-boundary Movement Rules 2008 and its amendments. As per the rules

the hazardous waste generated shall be supplied to an approved vendor.

2.10 Project Operation Activities

Wind projects require a dedicated Operation and Maintenance (O&M) facility for

storing equipment and supplies required during operation. The site shall

undertake 24 hours on site monitoring under the supervision of technically skilled

and experienced staff to look after the O&M requirements of the entire Wind Farm.

There shall be a workshop facility available at site to take care of regular

maintenance requirement of the Wind Turbines. A tool room with sufficient stock of

tools and spares as well as critical components will be maintained at the site.

There will be an off remote O&M facility involving the supervisory control and data

acquisition (SCADA) system. This system provides two-way communication with

each wind turbine. A SCADA system allows a central computer system to monitor

and control each turbine‘s operation. The typical maintenance and repair activity

during operation phase involves preventive and breakdown maintenance of Wind

turbines and/or the related equipment in accordance with the safety management

plans and procedures as applicable and/or in accordance with accepted industry

practices.



LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS


REV. 01, FINAL 34

3 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Wind Energy and Government of India

In India development of wind power as a source of renewable energy began in

1990’s under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The MNRE is

promoting wind energy sector in view of rapid growth and shortage of power in the

country. Today, it is one of the fastest growing wind power industries in the world.

The worldwide installed capacity of wind power reached 435 GW. The capacity

has significantly increased in the last few years and as of 31 Aug 2016 the

installed capacity of wind power in India was 27,676.55 MW.

In India, wind power accounts for 8.6% of India's total installed power capacity,

and it generates 2.5% of the country's power. In the year 2015, the MNRE set the

target for Wind Power generation capacity by the year 2022 at 60,000 MW.

Various states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan,

Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and others are generating wind power in

India. The approximate wind power capacity for the state of Andhra Pradesh as in

2016 was approximately 1866.35 MW.

It is increasingly agreed by the scientific community that anthropogenic

infrastructure development technologies are likely to pose a long term risk to the

survival of several animal and plant species, from causes such as emissions of

greenhouse gases, habitat destruction, and release of other pollutants in the

environment (IPCC 2007). The wind power sector is characterized by zero

emissions and low carbon foot print and is perceived to be a better alternative to

fossil fuel energy technology (Nelson and Curry 1995; Ledec 2012). Today the

wind power sector is rapidly growing Osborn et al 2000).

However, the wind power sector has its unique problems such as noise, flicker,

radar signal interference, cultural issues, aesthetic issues, benefit sharing, land

acquisition and settlement problems (Ledec 2012). Such impacts will be

considered separately under ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Study). Impacts on biodiversity are site specific and are related to habitat

destruction, power transmission lines, road constructions, etc. Such effects should

be studied and mitigation measures should be initiated to minimize the negative

effects.





REV. 01, FINAL 35

The major effects of wind power sector include i) Habitat destruction and

fragmentation; and ii) Effects on birds and bats such as barrier effect, collisions

and electrocutions. Though the apparent footprint of an individual wind turbine

generator (WTG) is small, the long term effects include species displacement due

to habitat modification.

3.2 Legal Aspects and International Concerns

In India, the MNRE has presently given substantial incentives to the wind power

sector.

These include

Wind Power Projects have an exemption from ‘Environmental Clearance’

under the Environment Protection Act, 1980.

Wind power plant falls under white category and therefore it is exempted to

obtain CTE and CTO from state pollution control board. Wind power plant is

exempted to obtain CTO. However, SPCB needs to be informed by the project

proponent while starting the project.

The MNRE, Government of India, has issued guidelines for projects utilizing

wind energy on 10.11.2003, and further amendments (F.No.8-84/2002-FC

dated 14-5-2004) for diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes under the

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

Guidelines for declaration of Eco-Sensitive zones (ESZ) around National Parks

and Wildlife Sanctuaries issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests

(MOEF), Government of India, dtd 9th February 2011 also suggest promotion

of green technology and use of renewable energy in these zones.

Eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) notification by MOEF, Government of India,

promotes setting up of non- conventional wind and solar energy sources.

There remain certain major problems such as negative impacts on wild fauna and

flora and their natural habitats if the wind projects are placed in areas of high bio-

diversity areas, endemic areas, migration corridors, adjacent to protected areas

and in sensitive eco-zones. Some of the treaties and conventions of National and

International importance are kept below.

3.2.1 Ramsar Convention 1971

Ramsar Convention, the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) is an

intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries





REV. 01, FINAL 36

to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance

and to plan for the "wise use" (sustainable use), of all of the wetlands in their

territories. It is not affiliated with the United Nations system of Multilateral

Environmental Agreements, but it works very closely with the other MEAs and is a

full partner among the biodiversity-related cluster of treaties and agreements. India

is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention and has declared several wetlands as

Ramsar Sites

3.2.2 Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972

The Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 is enacted by the government of India, with the

objective of protecting the Indian wild life and to control poaching, smuggling and

illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives. The Act was amended and made more

stringent in 2003. The MOEF has proposed further amendments in the law from

time to time by introducing more rigid measures to strengthen the Act. The

objective is to provide protection to the listed (in its various schedules) endangered

flora and fauna and ecologically important protected areas.

3.2.3 Convention on Migratory Species 1979

The treatises under this Convention may range from legally binding Agreements to

MOU’s. The Bonn Convention or the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory

Species (CMS) of Wild Animals aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian

migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, signed

under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Program at Bonn in 1979,

concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. The

Convention entered into force in 1983. Migratory species threatened with

extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention. CMS Parties strive towards

strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places where they

live, mitigating obstacles to migration and controlling other factors that might

endanger them. CMS establishes obligations for each State joining the Convention

and promotes concerted action among the Range States of many of these

species.

3.2.4 Forest Conservation Act 1980

This regulatory and restrictive Act controls the diversion of forest land for non-

forest purposes without the prior approval of the Central Government.

The wind turbine blades should be coloured near the tip and the placement of

WTG’s should be monitored by State Governments to reduce negative effects

such as humming noise on avian habitats.





REV. 01, FINAL 37

National Parks and Sanctuaries, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

(AONBs), Natural Heritage Site, sites of Archaeological importance and sites of

Special Scientific Interests and other important landscapes should not be

considered for the wind energy farms.

The wind power projects should be placed at a safe distance from the above

sites.

The wind farm project should be sited at a distance of at least 300 m from

human habitations and highways.

3.2.5 Environment Protection Act 1986

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) has issued rules under sections

3 and 5 of the EP Act, 1986. The MOEF ensures the implementation of this Act.

3.2.6 Convention on Biological Diversity 1992

To promote and ensure sustainable development, the Convention on Biological

Diversity (CBD) has three main goals: 1) conservation of biological diversity (or

biodiversity); 2) sustainable use of its components; and 3) fair and equitable

sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It is an internationally legally

binding convention and India is a signatory. Its objective is to develop national

strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity During the

International Year of Bio-diversity in 2010, at the 10th Conference of Parties (COP)

to the convention on Biological Diversity in October in Nagoya, Japan, the Nagoya

Protocol was adopted. On 22 December 2010, the UN declared the period from

2011 to 2020 as the UN-Decade on Biodiversity.

3.2.7 The Biological Diversity Act 2002

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992 has set forth

objectives which recognize the sovereign rights of states to use their own

Biological Resources. It ensures conservation of biological resources and the

associated knowledge and facilitating access to them in a just and sustainable

manner. A National Biodiversity Authority is established at Chennai for the

facilitation of the implementation of the provisions of this Act.

3.2.8 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960

This Act was passed to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on

animals and to amend the existing laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to

animals. The Animal Board of India was formed under the provisions of this act for

the promotion of animal welfare in our country.





REV. 01, FINAL 38

3.2.9 IFC – Performance Standards (PS) & Environmental, Health, and Safety

(EHS) Guidelines

The International Financial Corporation (IFC) is institution that have developed the

“Performance Standards” in order to ensure that the project being financed by

them are developed in a manner that is socially responsible and reflect sound

environmental management practices. In India, wind power projects are

categorized as green projects and categorized as having low impact.

Cognizance has to be taken of the following standards and guidelines (amongst others) in the preparation of the management and monitoring plan.

Applicable mandatory legislative requirements;

Guidance on IFC – PS (2012);

Guidelines and policies of international agencies – Wind energy specific EHS guidelines published by the IFC (2007);

International conventions applicable to the proposed wind power project;

Group Environment Policy;

Compliance status of various environmental permits obtained for proposed wind power project;

Proposed standards for Wind power project by MoE&F/CPCB/SPCB and other related;

The following IFC – Performance Standards (PS) (2012) are listed below - PS -1: Social and Environmental Assessment and Management Systems PS- 2: Labour and Working Conditions PS- 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement PS-4: Community Health, Safety and Security PS-5: Land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, PS-6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural resource Management PS-7: Indigenous People PS-8: Cultural Heritage

The actions required to be taken up under “PS-6: Biodiversity Conservation and

Sustainable Natural resource Management” performance standards are described

in the following sub sections.

Performance Standard (PS) -6 Protection and Conservation of Bio diversity

PS- 6 applies to all habitats, whether or not previously disturbed or legally

protected. The standard is on protection and conservation of biodiversity, including

endangered species and sensitive ecosystems in modified, natural and critical

habitats, and identification of legally protected areas. Not a single species was

observed to be threatened in the study area. The fauna which area are observed

in the study area including measures to be taken to curtail avian fauna collisions to





REV. 01, FINAL 39

all WTG in and around the proposed wind power project area are detailed in

description of Biological environment chapter.

3.2.10 Basel Convention

Basel convention was signed by India in March 1990 and ratified in June 1992.

The import and export norms for the hazardous waste have been provided in

conformance with the Basel Convention.

As per the current understanding, it is assumed that the project is not requiring any

import and or export of hazardous wastes. However, in case of any such

requirement, if arises, it will be strictly dealt under the Hazardous Wastes

(Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 and

amended on 30th March 2010.

3.2.11 Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto protocol was signed by India in August 2002 and ratified in February

2005. The convention pertains to the United Nations framework on Climate

Change. The 3rd Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on

Climate Change (FCCC) in Kyoto in December 1997 introduced the Clean

Development Mechanism (CDM) as a new concept for voluntary green house gas

emission reduction agreements between industrialized and developing countries

on the project level.



DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT


REV. 01, FINAL 40

4 DISCRIPTION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

4.1 Wind Energy and Biodiversity

Wind-powered turbines generating electricity are helpful in achieving greener

energy with no pollution. Despite these positive features, constructing massive

numbers of wind-powered turbines, or wind energy developments popularly called

windmills have the potential to leave an impact on wildlife populations, especially if

their placement is without proper planning. The global growth of wind energy has

outpaced our assessment of possible impacts on wildlife. There is not much

literature available on comprehensive studies on impact of windmills on birds and

bats in India. Wind energy and wildlife Rapid wind energy development in India

has raised significant challenges and opportunities in wildlife management. Such

challenges include the large size and extensive placement of turbines, which may

represent potential hazards to birds and bats, and the associated infrastructure

required to support large number of roads and transmission lines can result in

extensive habitat fragmentation and spread of invasive species (Narwade, S.S. et.

al. 2013)

The impact of wind turbines on wildlife, most notably on birds and bats, has been

widely pointed out. There have been evidences of bird and bat deaths from

collisions with wind turbines and due to changes in air pressure caused by the

spinning turbines. Habitat disruption has also contributed to birds and bat deaths.

However one of the studies of National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC)

concluded that these impacts are relatively low and do not pose a threat to species

populations (Reference: Wind energy status in india 2014-15, TERI, ENVIS Centre

on Renewable Energy and Environment). NWCC is a consensus-based network of

stakeholders formed in 1994 to support the development of environmentally,

economically, and politically sustainable commercial markets for wind power. The

mission of the NWCC Wildlife Workgroup is to identify, define, discuss, and

through collaboration address wind-wildlife and wind-habitat interaction issues by

seeking broad stakeholder involvement on scientific and public policy questions. In

addition to convening biennial meetings on the state of the art in wind-wildlife

research, the workgroup seeks to provide reference documents as a resource to

stakeholders.

4.2 Study Period

During the period of monsoon season i.e. July - August, 2016 and winter season

i.e. December - January, 2017.





REV. 01, FINAL 41

4.3 Scope of work

4.3.1 Establishing the impacts of wind mills on birds

To establish whether wind mills, and which type of windmills, kill or injure birds

and bats or otherwise pose impediment for the movement of birds to their

destination. This should be done keeping in view annual migration patterns as

well as nearby roosting sites.

To establish which size classes or groups of birds, bats and other arboreal

primates and gliding species, are vulnerable / affected by wind mill farms.

To examine if ground nesting birds nest in wind mill farms, and if the patterns

of nest densities / nesting success are similar when compared to areas without

farms.

To examine the impact of a wind mill farm on roost or congregation site for

species like harriers/ fruit bats along with the status of the congregation site

post construction of the wind farm.

To examine if the wind farm adversely affects the foraging capabilities of the

birds of the area.

To assess if the forest canopy contiguity is likely to be affected and the

consequent impacts on glider species (e.g. flying squirrels).

To suggest preventive, ameliorative and restorative strategies for addressing

significant potential impacts of proposed windmill farms on wildlife.

4.3.2 Site selection process of wind farm to examine

If large bodied birds, such as bustards, vultures or cranes or larger bat species

are present in the existing / proposed wind mill farm site.

To examine if the wind mill farm is situated along migratory routes of birds

either local or long distance.

To examine if the wind mill is situated along and across pathways of birds on

routes to or from roosts

To examine if the site holds other forms of terrestrial birds/mammals/ reptiles

and assess how these would be affected by the establishment of the project.

To assess the impact of wind mill farm location on landuse of the area and the

consequent shift of anthropogenic pressures to other ecologically sensitive

areas/ habitats.





REV. 01, FINAL 42

4.3.3 National/state level exercise by FAC / NBWL

To map the location of windmill farms existing / proposed and to examine these

sites for wind mill vulnerable bird species.

To develop an atlas of 'no' and 'yes' sites for windmill farms in India based on

energy and bird / wildlife priorities.

Review the performance of existing windmill farms with respect to the

incorporation of best practices and good mitigation strategies for addressing

biodiversity/ wildlife conservation concerns to accordingly set criteria for

environmental appraisal of windmill farm projects.

4.4 Forest Type Vegetation

As per Champion and Seth's classification, the Forests of Anantapur Division fall

under Tropical dry deciduous, Tropical Moist deciduous, Tropical Semi-evergreen

and Tropical Thorn Forest types. Proposed project study area mainly consists of

the hills of the Dorigallu Reserve Forest area of two divisions i.e. Anantapur

division (Anantapur district) and Proddatur (WL) division (Cuddapah district) and

its surrounding agriculture land, waste land etc.

4.5 Project Site Location

The selected area was identified by the project authority for conducting Wind

resource assessment and establishing Wind Power Project. The same was allotted

by Nodal Agency NREDCAP, as per MNRE guidelines it was validated through C-

WET, confirmed that it is a technically feasible and having good wind potential.

This area is highly wind prone and having the predominant winds from West and

South West directions and the terrain is well suited in view of its direction

perpendicular to the wind flow. In view of the above, proposed Reserve Forest

area applied for said project to generate the green power to benefit the state and

country.

4.5.1 Delineation of the Study Area

Core zone: Project foot print area

Buffer Zone: 5 kilometer from boundary of core zone

4.5.2 Habitats / Ecosystems of the Study Area

Overall study area composed of mainly four types of habitats i.e. forest, waste

lands, river habitat (sandy) and agriculture areas. There is no Important Bird Area





REV. 01, FINAL 43

(IBA) in Annatapur district (http://www.birdlife.org/). Also, no wildlife sanctuary,

national parks or Important Bird Areas present in the buffer zone area of the

proposed project site.

Photograph 1: Habitats in the Study Area

Dorigallu RF - Moderate

Forest

Dorigallu RF - Sparse Forest

Dorigallu RF – Rocky Terrain Chitravati River - Dry

Waste Lands Near Villages

Agriculture Area





REV. 01, FINAL 44

4.6 Methodology

4.6.1 Secondary Information / Literature Review

Data from forest department on tree species has been used to understand floral

status in forest area.

4.6.2 Field Data Collection

Avifauna – Birds (including Raptors)

Random walk and opportunistic observations was used for documenting the birds.

With the aid of binoculars the bird sampling was carried out during morning (06:00

to 10:00 hrs) and evening (17:00 to 19:00 hrs) hours. Point count methods were

used for enumerating the avifauna of the study area. The bird observations were

repeated at each point for five minutes intervals to see the species richness of the

area. Direct sightings as well as calls were used for recording the birds. Grimmet

et al. (2001) and Manakadan et. al (2011) were referred for the identification of

birds. Specific care was taken to see the bird migration and migratory flyways in

the core area.

Mammals (including Bats)

During the present study period, both direct and indirect methods (tracks & signs

and visual encounter survey) were used to document the mammals occurring in

the area. Indirect evidences such as pugmarks, calls, and signs were identified by

following Bang et al. (1972), Burnham et al. (1980) and Heyer et al. (1994).

Specific care was taken to see the bat migration in the core area, if any. In order to

get direct information on bat migration from roosting place, the investigation work

was carried out till night.

Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)

Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method is followed for the survey of the herpeto

fauna (amphibians and reptiles) in the study area. VES is a method one in which

field personnel walk through an area or habitat for a prescribed time period

systematically searching for animals. During the search leaf litter, fallen logs, trees

(bark, buttress, root and holes), shrubs, boulders, rocks and rock crevices were

examined. The identification of herpetofauna was done with the help of Boulenger

(1890), Daniel and Sekar (1989), Daniels (2005), Das (2003), Whitaker and

Captain (2004).





REV. 01, FINAL 45

Consultation of Local People

Local residents were also contacted to understand faunal species movements.

Color photographs (pictorial guide) were shown to people to identify species.

4.6.3 Threat Assessment Criteria

Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA) - 1972 and International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN) database.

Photograph 2: Field study – Primary Data Collection

Project Site Visit - Dorigallu RF

Area

On Site Discussion with Client

Representative

Bat Search in Rock Crevices

In Field discussion with Local

Villager

Discussion With Local People





REV. 01, FINAL 46

4.7 Biodiversity Status

4.7.1 Flora

Project site forest area predominantly represents floral biodiversity of 23 species of

plants. Predominant Species reported from the project site forest area are enlisted

in the following table.

Table 5: Predominant Floral Species of the Project Site / Core zone

S. No. Family Scientific Name Common

name

IUCN Threat

Status

1 Bignoniaceae Catalpa speciosa Neeruddhi NE

2 Apocynaceae Holarrhena

pubescens

Palavara LC

3 Fabaceae Albizia amara Chinguru

chettu

NE

4 Hernandiaceae Gyrocarpus jacquinii Poliki chettu NE

5 Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia tirucalli Kali chettu LC

6 Leguminosae Dalbergia paniculata Pachaara

chettu

NE

7 Lythraceae Lagerstroemia

parviflora

Bondara chettu NE

8 Myrtaceae Syzygium cumini Neredu chettu NE

9 Lamiaceae Tectona grandis Teak chettu NE

10 Loganiaceae Strychnos potatorum Chilla chettu NE

11 Fabaceae Pongamia pinnata Kanuga chettu LC

12 Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus

leucopyrus

Puli Maanla

Podha

NE

13 Phyllanthaceae Ulex europaeus Gorise podha LC

14 Ulmaceae Ulmus integrifolia Thapisi chettu NE

15 Rubiaceae Webera corymbosa Kommi manla

podha

NE

16 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus horrida Gutika chettu NE

17 Tiliaceae Grewia rotundifolia Jaana chettu NE

18 Rubiaceae Gardenia gummifera Bhikki chettu LRlc

19 Tiliaceae Corchorus

acutangulus

Kalesa NE





REV. 01, FINAL 47

S. No. Family Scientific Name Common

name

IUCN Threat

Status

20 Pinaceae Cedrus deodara Devadaru

podha

LC

21 Caesalpiniaceae Bauhinia racemosa Aare manu NE

22 Caesalpiniaceae Cassia fistula Rela chettu NE

23 Asphodelaceae Aloe barbadensis Kalmandha

Bondhalu

NE

Abbreviations- LC: Least Concern, LRlc: Lower Risk / least concern, NE: Not

Evaluated

Adjacent habitats of buffer zone / village areas represents presence of many

common species like Acacia, Tamarindus lndica (Chinta); Ficus bngalensis (Mam);

Azardhicta lndica (Vepa); Acacia farnesiana (Kampa Thumma); Anona Squamosa

(Seethapalam); Mangifera lndica (Mamidi); Cassia auriculata (Thangedu), Acacia

catechu (Sandra), Aegle marmelos (Maredu), Artemisia Bauhinia variegata (Deva

Kan-chanam), Butea monosperma (Moduga), Calotropis gigantea (Tella jilledu),

Cassia fistula (Rela), Curcuma longa (Pasupu), Cynodon dactylon (Garika),

Dalbergia sissoo (Iridi), Ficus benghalensis (Marri) , Ficus racemosa (Medi) , Ficus

religiosa (Ravi), Jasminum sambac (Gundu malle), Madhuca indica (Ippa),

Nelumbo nucifera (Tamara), Ocimum basilicum (Bhu tulasi) , Ocimum sanctum

(Krishna tulasi), Prosopis cineraria (Jammi) , Saraca asoca (Sitamma asoka),

Shorea robusta (Guggilam) , Syzygium cumini (Skeels Neredu), Tabernaemontana

divari-cata (Nandivard-hanam), Terminalia arjuna (Tella maddi). All the species

exists in the forest area are also found in the buffer zone area.

Photograph 3: Some Predominant Plant Species in the Project site / Core

Zone





REV. 01, FINAL 48





REV. 01, FINAL 49

4.7.2 Fauna

During present survey, 10 species of mammals, 6 species of herpetofauna (reptile

& amphibians) and 46 species of birds have been recorded from different habitats

and basis of secondary information.

Mammals

Among mammals, Bonnet macaque, Indian gray mongoose, Five Striped squirrel

were sighted directly in forest area and also in adjacent village areas while

presence of Indian Hare have been confirmed on the basis of presence of pellets

in project site also in many places of buffer zone too. Other mammal species

included in the list on the basis of secondary information provided by local

villagers. Threat status, as per Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA)-1972 and

IUCN for mammals are given in the following table. No bats were sighted in the

study area during site visit however one of villager from Eguvapalle village

mentioned that he has sighted small sized bats from the forest area. But people

from other villages were not confirmed same.

Table 6: Mammals Recorded / Reported From the Study Area and Their

Threat Status

S.

No

.

Scientific Name Common name

Threat Status Presence

Zone

IWPA-

1972

IUC

N

CZ BZ

1

Five Stripped

Squirrel

Funambulus

pennanti

- LC Y Y

2

Common House

Rat Rattus rattus

Schedule-

V

LC Y Y

3

Common

Mongoose

Herpestes

edwardsi

Schedule-II LC Y Y





REV. 01, FINAL 50

S.

No

.

Scientific Name Common name


Zone

IWPA-

1972

IUC

N

CZ BZ

4 Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis

Schedule-

IV

LC Y Y

5 Bonnet Macaque Macaca radiata Schedule-II LC Y Y

6 Wild Boar* Sus scrofa

Schedule-

III

LC Y Y

7 Sambar* Cervus unicolor

Schedule-

III

VU Y Y

8 Jungle Cat* Felis chaus Schedule-II LC Y Y

9 Jackal* Canis aureus Schedule-II LC Y Y

10 Indian Fox*

Vulpes

bengalensis

Schedule-II LC Y Y

*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local people,

LC; Least Concer, NT: Near Threatened, VU: Vulnerable, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer

Zone, Y: Yes present.

Herpetofauna

Totally 6 species of herpetofauna were reported on the basis of direct and

secondary information. Among reptiles, only two species were sighted in the field

while other species are included in the list on the basis of secondary information

by the villagers. All reptile species are enlisted in the following table.

Table 7: Herpetofauna Recorded / Reported from the Study Area and Their

Threat Status

S.

No. Common name Scientific Name


Zone

IWPA-

1972 IUCN

CZ BZ

1 Indian garden

lizard

Calotes

versicolor

Schedule-

IV

- Y Y

2

Monitor Lizard*

Varanus

bengalensis

Schedule-I LC - Y

3 Fan Throated

Lizard

Sitana

ponticeriana

- - Y Y





REV. 01, FINAL 51

S.

No. Common name Scientific Name


Zone

IWPA-

1972 IUCN

CZ BZ

4 South Indian

Toad

Bufo

melanostictus

Schedule-

IV

LC - Y

5 Ordinary frog* Rana

hexadactyla

Schedule-

IV

- - Y

6 Rat snake* Ptyas mucosus Schedule-

II

- - Y

*included in the list on the basis of secondary information – informed by local

people, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer Zone, Y: Yes present.

Avifauna / Birds

Among birds, 48 species were sighted during present survey. As per IIWPA-1972,

40 species falls under Schedule-IV while 7 species i.e. White Eyed Buzzard,

Shikra, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Montagu`s Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Indian Peafowl

and Black winged Kite falls in schedule-I category. As per IUCN status, 47 species

of bird falls in Least Concern (LC) category while one species i.e. Black Headed

Ibis falls in the Near Threatened (NT) category. Two individuals of Black winged

Kite (Raptor) were sighted from agriculture habitats (one seating on transmission

line and one on pole) between Murarichintala – Digurapalle villages. Montagu`s

Harrier was sighted near the Edulapalli village.

Table 8: Avifauna / Birds Recorded from the Study Area and Their Threat

Status

S.

No

.

Scientific Name Common Name

Threat

Status

Presence

Zone

IWPA-

1972

IUC

N CZ BZ

1 Accipiter badius Shikra I LC Y Y

2 Acridotheres tristis Common Myna IV LC Y Y

3 Anthus rufulus Paddy field Pipit IV LC - Y

4 Apus affinis Little Swift IV LC Y Y

5 Ardea cinerea Grey Heron IV LC - Y

6 Ardeola grayii Pond Heron IV LC Y Y

7 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret IV LC - Y





REV. 01, FINAL 52

S.

No

.


Threat

Status

Presence

Zone

IWPA-

1972

IUC

N CZ BZ

8 Butastur teesa White Eyed Buzzard I LC - Y

9 Cecropis daurica

Red Rumped

Swallow - LC

Y Y

10

Centropus (sinensis)

parroti Southern Coucal IV LC

Y Y

11 Cinnyris asiaticus Purple Sunbird IV LC Y Y

12 Circus aeruginosus

Eurasian Marsh

Harrier I LC

- Y

13 Columba livia Rock Dove - LC - Y

14 Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie

Robin IV LC

Y Y

15

Coracias

benghalensis Indian Roller IV LC

Y Y

16 Corvus splendens House crow IV LC Y Y

17

Dicrurus

macrocercus Black Drongo IV LC

Y Y

18 Egretta garzetta Little Egret IV LC - Y

19 Elanus caeruleus Black winged Kite I LC Y Y

20 Eremopterix griseus

Ashy crowned

Sparrow Lark IV LC

Y Y

21

Eudynamys

scolopaceus Asian Koel IV LC

Y Y

22

Francolinus

pondicerianus Grey Francolin IV LC

- Y

23 Fulica atra Common Coot IV LC - Y

24 Halcyon smyrnensis

White Throated

Kingfisher IV LC

- Y

25 Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite I LC - Y

26 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow - LC Y Y

27 Lanius vittatus Bay Backed Shrike - LC Y Y

28 Merops orientalis Green Bee-eater IV LC Y Y

29 Microcarbo niger Little Cormorant IV LC - Y

30 Mirafra affinis Jerdon`s bushlark IV LC Y Y





REV. 01, FINAL 53

S.

No

.


Threat

Status

Presence

Zone

IWPA-

1972

IUC

N CZ BZ

31

Motacilla

maderaspatensis

White Browed

Wagtail IV LC

Y Y

32 Passer domesticus House sparrow IV LC - Y

33 Pastor roseus Rosy Starling IV LC Y Y

34 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl* I LC - Y

35 Psittacula krameri

Rose ringed

Parakeet IV LC

Y Y

36 Pycnonotus cafer Red Vented Bulbul IV LC Y Y

37 Saxicola caprata Pied Bushchat IV LC Y Y

38 Saxicola rubicola Common Stonechat IV LC Y Y

39

Saxicoloides

fulicatus Indian Robin IV LC

Y Y

40

Streptopelia

decaocto

Eurasian Collared

Dove IV LC

- Y

41

Streptopelia

senegalensis Laughing Dove IV LC

- Y

42 Sturnia pagodarum Brahminy Starling IV LC Y Y

43

Threskiornis

melanocephalus Black Headed Ibis IV NT

- Y

44 Turdoides affinis Yellow Billed babbler IV LC Y Y

45 Upupa epops Common Hoopoe - LC Y Y

46 Vanellus indicus Red Wattled Lapwing IV LC - Y

47 Vanellus indicus

Yellow-Wattled

Lapwing IV LC

- Y

48 Circus pygargus Montagu`s Harrier I LC - Y

*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local people,

LC; Least Concern, NT: Near Threatened, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer Zone, Y: Yes

present.





REV. 01, FINAL 54

Table 9: Raptor Distribution and Threat Status in the study Area

S.

No. Scientific Name Common Name

Threat Status Presenc

e Zone

IWPA-

1972

IUC

N CZ BZ

1 Accipiter badius Shikra I LC Y Y

2 Butastur teesa White Eyed Buzzard I LC - Y

3

Circus

aeruginosus

Eurasian Marsh

Harrier I LC

- Y

4 Elanus caeruleus Black winged Kite I LC Y Y

5 Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite I LC - Y

6 Circus pygargus Montagu`s Harrier I LC - Y

*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local

people, LC; Least Concern, NT: Near Threatened, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer

Zone, Y: Yes present.

Photograph 4: Some Fauna Directly Sighted in the Study Area

Fan Throated Lizard Garden Lizard

Hare Pallets Five Striped Squirrel





REV. 01, FINAL 55

Bonnet Macaque Black Shoulder Kite - Raptor

Montagu`s Harrier - Raptor Common Crow

Red Vented Bulbul Oriental Magpie-Robin

White Throated Kingfisher Yellow-Wattled Lapwing

Migratory Status of the Avifauna

Among recorded species, only 6 species Red Rumped Swallow, Eurasian Marsh

Harrier, Montagu`s Harrier, Rosy Starling, Common Stonechat and Barn Swallow

reported as a Winter Visitor (WV). Rosy starling is a winter visitor to the study area

and moves throughout India during autumn and spring season. Barn swallow is

also a winter visitor throughout India. None of the species observed are endemic

to the project area. Core zone reported with 4 migratory species while buffer zone





REV. 01, FINAL 56

with all 6 species. Presence of bird species in the core and buffer zone is

represented in the following table.

Table 10: Migratory Status of the Avifauna and Distribution in Study Area

S.

No.

Scientific

Name Common name

Migrator

y Status

Presence Zone

CZ BZ

1

Cecropis

daurica

Red Rumped

Swallow WV

Y Y

2

Circus

aeruginosus

Eurasian Marsh

Harrier WV

- Y

3 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow WV Y Y

4 Pastor roseus Rosy Starling WV Y Y

5

Saxicola

rubicola Common Stonechat WV

Y Y

6 Circus pygargus Montagu`s Harrier WV - Y

*Included in the list on the basis of secondary evidence – informed by local

people, CZ: Core Zone, BZ: Buffer Zone, Y: Yes present.

4.8 Endemic and Threatened Biodiversity

As per Red Data Book and IUCN threat status assessment no floral species falls

under threatened category. Five plant species are in Least concern (Lc) category,

one species is falls in Lower Risk / least concern (LRlc) category while remaining

species are Not Evaluated by IUCN. Among fauna, among mammals, one species

i.e. Sambar falls in the Schedule-III category of IWPA-1972 and Vulnerable (VU)

as per IUCN red list. Similarly, among herpetofauna, one species i.e. Monitor

Lizard falls in Schedule-I category as per IWPA-1972 and Lest Concern as per

IUCN red list. Among avifauna, bird species White Eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Eurasian

Marsh Harrier, Montagu`s Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Indian Peafowl and Black

winged Kite falls in schedule-I category as per IWPA-1972 while Black Headed Ibis

is listed as a Near Threatened category as per IUCN red list.

4.9 Conclusion

Current biodiversity study of the proposed project area shows that, recorded flora

and fauna elements are common component of the project study area. Bats were

not sighted during site visits. Raptors were sighted very rarely with few individuals

only. All other species sighted / recorded from the core zone / project footprint area

are also using buffer zone habitats. No species found restricted to the forest

habitat only.



ANTICIPATED ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES


REV. 01, FINAL 57

5 ANTICIPATED ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

MEASURES

5.1 Ecological Impact Assessment

Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is a process by which the potential

ecological impacts of a development proposal are assessed. As part of the EcIA

process it is usually necessary to undertake a combination of desktop and field

based surveys in order to establish the baseline conditions of the natural

environment in the vicinity of the proposed development. The scope of survey

work required varies depending on the nature, scale and characteristics of the

proposed development and the sensitivity of the receiving environment. As part of

the EcIA process it is usually necessary to undertake a combination of desktop

and field based surveys in order to establish the baseline conditions of the natural

environment in the vicinity of the proposed development (source:

http://www.wetlandsurveysireland.com).

5.2 Ecological Impact Assessment Process

Likely impacts on ecological components are identified on the basis of various

project activities involved in project cycle and it’s associated aspects, Qualitative

impacts on ecological components are assessed considering three project phases

i.e. site clearance / preparation, construction / WTG erection phase and operation

phase. Each impact is evaluated on the basis of ecological setting of the project

study area and accordingly mitigation measures have been suggested.

5.3 Likely Impacts on Ecology

Likely impacts have been identified in three phases of the project cycle as follows,

Table 11: Likely Impacts on Biological components

S.

No

Proposed Project

Activities

Aspects Likely Impacts

1. Site Clearance / Preparation Phase

1

Site Clearance and

preparation of access

roads

Uprooting of

floral species

1. Loss of floral diversity

2. Loss of breeding habitat

3. Displacement of the forest

fauna / and disturbance to the

faunal movement including birds

and bats.

4. Animal mortalities due to

2

Movement of earth

movers i.e. Tractors and

Dozers etc.

Generation

of noise and

vehicle

speed

http://www.wetlandsurveysireland.com/





REV. 01, FINAL 58

S.

No

Proposed Project

Activities

Aspects Likely Impacts accidents / vehicle movements.

2. Construction / WTG Erection Phase

3

Vehicular Traffic,

movement of worker,

fabrication work etc.

Generation

of noise

5. Displacement / disturbance of

/ to the forest fauna due to

various project activities

including birds and bats.

6. Animal mortalities due to

accidents / vehicle movements

3. Operation Phase

4 Operation of Wind

turbines

7. Mortality of birds and bats

due to collision

8. Impact on migratory route /

migratory species.

5.4 Evaluation and Mitigation

It is assumed that, impacts during site clearance / preparation phase and

Construction / WTG Erection Phase will be more or less similar in nature so

impacts of these phases are merged during assessment while impacts during

operation are addressed separately. All above mentioned impacts are evaluated

and mitigated as bellow,

Impact-1. Loss of floral diversity

Evaluation

Since the proposed project location is situated in the forest area, vegetation will

be cleared to develop access roads / approach road, internal roads (road width

approx. 5 to 6 meter). Similarly, vegetation will be cleared to lay turbine

foundations (erection location), transformers, a grid connection point and

transmission lines. Same roads will be used in the operation phase also. All floral

species proposed for uprooting are common component of the forest area and

some of them also found in the buffer zone also. So, vegetation clearance will not

result in extinction of species as well there will be no loss of floral diversity in true

sense. It is assumed that, these species will grow naturally in post project

scenario. Also, most of the vegetation species falls under Least Concern, Lower

Risk / least concern and Not Evaluated category as per IUCN red list. However,

clearance of vegetation from a designated forest habitat / land is significant

episode.





REV. 01, FINAL 59

Impact-1. Loss of floral diversity

Mitigation

Vegetation clearance should be less as much as possible.

No tar road should be built in forest area.

Compensatory plantation needs to be developed on identified land by forest

department.

Water sprinklers should be used to suppress dust emission if construction

started in dry weather / summer.

Impact-2. Loss of bird breeding habitat

Evaluation

Though, no breeding places were recorded from the project footprint area, being

a forest land it is expected that, it supports birds and other faunal in terms of

breeding, feeding and roosting. Uprooting of vegetation from forest area will lead

to the loss of habitat. These disturbed habitats will be restored through natural

regeneration of vegetation in the forest area in later stages.

Mitigation

Site clearance should be done in summer or after main breeding season

(June – July).

Before vegetation clearance, route / trees proposed for removal should be

examined by the bird expert to confirm presence of any live nest on the

ground / trees.

Impact-3 & 5. Displacement of the forest fauna / and disturbance to the

faunal movement including birds and bats.

Evaluation

Being a forest land, project site is expected to support some faunal species

recorded from study area. Various project related activities will result in the

temporary displacement / disturbance of / to the forest associated faunal species.

Faunal species recorded are useing wide variety of habitats of the core zone /

forest area as well as surrounding forest habitats and other buffer zone habitats.

Therefore no permanent displacement of the fauna is expected. However,

temporary displacement of faunal species towards existing surrounding habitat is

expected due to vegetation clearance and noise disturbance.

Mitigation





REV. 01, FINAL 60

Impact-3 & 5. Displacement of the forest fauna / and disturbance to the

faunal movement including birds and bats.

All project related activities should be restricted to the project area in day time

(7 AM. to 6 PM.) only without damaging surrounding habitats.

Night time work should not be allowed. Horns should not be used in forest

areas.

Impact-4 & 6. Animal mortalities due to accidents / vehicle movements

Evaluation

During site clearance and construction phase, movement of earth movers i.e.

Tractors and Dozers etc. will take place. Being a forest land, project site is

expected to support recorded faunal species. Project area is recorded with

Schedule-I species and other threatened species too. Mortality of any faunal

species will be a significant incident.

Mitigation

Speed limits of all vehicles / equipments should be lowered by 20 to 25 km.

per hour.

Sign boards indicating same should be kept every 250 meter distance. Off

road driving should not allowed.

Impact-7. Mortality of birds (raptors) and bats due to collision

Evaluation

During site visit no bats movements were recorded in core and buffer zone.

However, 6 species of raptors have been recorded from the entire study area.

Two species i.e. Shikra and Black Winged Kite recorded from core zone while

buffer zone recorded with all six species including two species of core zone.

Raptors were rarely sighted with few individuals in the study area. It is well

studied in one of the similar report that, birds having flight height > 40 miters are

at collision risk. Following raptor species reported from the project area.

S. No.

Raptor Common

Name

Reported Flight Height in

M

1 Black winged Kite more than 60

2 Brahminy Kite 50 to 300

3

Eurasian Marsh

Harrier 60m to 300m





REV. 01, FINAL 61

Impact-7. Mortality of birds (raptors) and bats due to collision

4 White Eyed Buzzard More than 60

5 Shikra 50 to 100

6 Montagu`s Harrier 60 to 100

Mitigation

There should be sufficient space / gap (250 to 300 meters) between

consecutive turbines to have free / smooth movement of birds and bats; this

will reduce risk of collision.

Tip of blades should be appropriately painted (red or orange color can be

used) for easy visibility of blades to reduce collision.

Project site should be frequently monitored to find dead animal bodies, if

found at the site should be removed so it will not attract raptors / carnivorous

birds.

Turbine towers / poles should be appropriately designed (smooth surface) to

ensure it should not provide nesting / roosting site for birds.

Regular population monitoring of birds and bats should be carried during

operation phase to ensure population status in the project and its surrounding

area.

Impact-8. Impact on migratory route / migratory species

Evaluation

Among birds, only 6 species Red Rumped Swallow, Eurasian Marsh Harrier,

Rosy Starling, Common Stonechat, Barn Swallow and Montagu`s Harrier

reported as a Winter Visitor (WV). Out of this Red Rumped Swallow, Rosy

Starling, Common Stonechat and Barn Swallow are common in the core and

buffer zone. Eurasian Marsh Harrier and Montagu`s Harrier rarely sighted with

few individuals from buffer zone only. No established migratory routes

transverses through the project area core and buffer zone as well.

Mitigation

There should be sufficient space / gap between all turbines to have free

movement of birds and bats; this will reduce risk of collision.

Tip of blades should be appropriately painted (red or orange color can be

used) for easy visibility to reduce collision.

Project site should be frequently monitored to find dead animal bodies, if

found at the site should be removed so it will not attract birds.

Turbine towers / poles should be appropriately designed (smooth surface) to





REV. 01, FINAL 62

Impact-8. Impact on migratory route / migratory species

ensure it should not provide nesting / roosting site for birds.

Regular monitoring of birds and bats should be carried during operation

phase to ensure population status in the project and its surrounding area.

5.4.1 Cumulative Impacts

There are no other similar projects in immediate vicinity or in buffer zone of the

proposed project site so no cumulative impacts are expected. Proposed WTGs will

have minimum distance of 250 m to 300 m between consecutive turbines for

smooth faunal movements however slight (insignificant) change in local flight

pattern is expected as a cumulative impact. Present study did not recorded core

zone as a winter migratory corridor so there is no threat of disturbance and

displacement of migratory bird species. Overall, it is not anticipated that there will

be significant cumulative impacts on the avifauna resulting from the proposed

project.

5.4.2 Overall Impact Assessment

The proposed project is located on the Guttaseema Hill in the forest area.

Considering forest habitat and uprooting of trees / natural vegetation, impacts

during site clearance / pre construction phase will be expected significant.

However, these impacts will be within footprint area and can be mitigated by

uprooting minimum vegetation. While during construction / erection phase impacts

will be lower compare to site clearance phase. During operation phase impacts will

further lower (activity specific) than former two phases. No bat species have been

reported during site visit however totally 6 raptor species have been reported from

study area. Out of these, core zone recorded with only two species and all 6

(including 2 species of core zone) from buffer zone area. However, raptors are

seen with few individuals (not abundant) in the study area. Mitigations measures

are suggested to mitigate expected impacts during different phases. Overall, there

will be no significant impacts on faunal components if suggested mitigation

measures and management plan implemented properly.



ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN


REV. 01, FINAL 63

6 ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

6.1 Ecological Management Plan

Ecological management plan deals with IFC performance standard – 6 which

highlights the importance of managing the ecological performance throughout the

project cycle. Ecological management plan for different phases is given in the

following table.

Table 12: Ecological Management Plan

Ecological

Issues Mitigation Measures

Time

Frame

Responsibilities

Implementati

on

Supervisio

n

A. Site Clearance / Preparation Phase

Uprooting of

vegetation Minimum vegetation should

be cleared AND clearing

should be limited to the

project footprint area.

Compensatory plantation

needs to be developed as

suggested by forest

department.

Vegetation clearance should

be take place after

permission of forest

department.

Floral species proposed for

uprooting will be marked by

forest department.

During site

clearance /

preparation

phase

Proponent /

Contractor

Forest

departme

nt

Loss of

breeding

habitat

Site clearance should take

place in non breeding season

of birds i.e. June – July.

Before clearing, trees of

project footprint area should

be examined for live nests of

birds and nests (if any)

should be protected until

During site

clearance /

preparation

phase

Proponent /

Contractor

Proponent /

bird or

ornithology

expert





REV. 01, FINAL 64

Ecological


Time

Frame

Responsibilities

Implementati

on

Supervisio

n

hatching or uprooting of such

trees should be avoided.

Displaceme

nt of the

forest fauna

/ and

disturbance

to the faunal

movement

including

birds and

bats.

All project related activities

should be restricted to the

project area in day time only

(7 AM. to 6 PM.). Night time

work should not be allowed.

Surrounding forest habitats

should not be used for any

purpose.

Vehicle horns should not be

used in forest areas.

During site

clearance /

preparation

phase

Proponent /

Contractor

Proponent

and forest

department

Animal

mortalities

due to

accidents

due to earth

moving

equipments

Speed limits of all vehicles /

equipments should be

lowered by 20 to 25 km. per

hour.

Sign boards indicating same

should be kept every 250

meter distance.

During site

clearance /

preparation

phase

Proponent /

Contractor

Forest

department

and

Proponent

B. Construction / WTG Erection Phase

Displaceme

nt of the

forest fauna

All project related activities

should be restricted to the

project area in day time only

(7 AM. to 6 PM.). Night time

work should not be allowed.

Surrounding forest habitats

should not be used for any

purpose.

Vehicle horns should not be

used in forest areas.

During

Constructio

n / Erection

Phase

Proponent /

Contractor

Forest

department

and

Proponent

Animal

mortalities

due to

accidents /

Speed limits of all vehicles /

equipments should be

lowered by 20 to 25 km. per

During

Constructio

n / Erection

Phase

Proponent /

Contractor

Forest

department

and

Proponent





REV. 01, FINAL 65

Ecological


Time

Frame

Responsibilities

Implementati

on

Supervisio

n

vehicle

movements

hour.

Sign boards indicating same

should be kept every 250

meter distance.

C. Operation Phase

Mortality of

birds and

bats due to

collision

Sufficient space / gap

between consecutive turbines

should be kept for free

movement of birds and bats;

this will reduce risk of

collision. There is no specific

guideline pertaining to

spacing between wind

turbines by IFC.

Vane tip of blades should be

appropriately painted (red or

orange color can be used) for

easy visibility of blades to

reduce bird hits / collision.

Project site should be

frequently monitored to find

dead animal bodies, if found

at the site should be removed

so it will not attract birds.

Turbine towers / poles should

be appropriately designed

(smooth surface) to ensure it

should not provide nesting /

roosting site for birds.

Regular monitoring of birds

and bats should be carried

during operation phase to

ensure population status in

the project and its

surrounding area.

During

operation

phase

Proponent Forest

department





REV. 01, FINAL 66

6.2 Ecological Monitoring

Ecological monitoring is important components of the management. It is the

information system that deals with the observation, estimation and forecast of

changes in environment, created with the purpose of allocating anthropogenous

component of these changes on the background of natural processes. Continuous

Monitoring needs to ensure safe guard of ecological habitat and associated

biodiversity of the proposed project area. Monitoring results would be documented,

analyzed and reported internally to Head – HSE. Post project monitoring for Wind

Farms is not regulatory in India, however a No Objection Certificate from the

regional pollution control board of the state is required. Since the proposed site is

a part of forest area, all activities should be carried out in consultation of forest

department. Monitoring requirements (including monitoring frequency) have been

presented in the following table.

Table 13: Ecological Monitoring Plan and IFC PS Applicability

Ec

olo

gic

al

Co

mp

on

en

t

Pro

ject

Sta

ge

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Pa

ram

ete

rs

Lo

cati

on

of

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Fre

qu

en

cy

of

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Du

rati

on

of

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Imp

lem

en

tati

on

Ap

pli

cab

le

IF

C P

S

Damage to

live nesting

trees

Site

clearance

or Pre

constructio

n phase

Reporting

,

inspectio

n and

record

keeping

Within

the core

zone /

project

footprint

area

Continuou

s

Continuousl

y during

vegetation /

tree

removal

phase

HSE

manager

onsite /

ornithology

expert

PS:6

Displaceme

nt of the

forest fauna

Site

clearance

or Pre

constructio

n phase

and WTG

erection

phase

Reporting

,

inspectio

n and

record

keeping

Within

the core

zone /

project

footprint

area

Continuou

s

Continuousl

y during

vegetation /

tree

removal

WTG

erection

phase

HSE

manager on

site

PS:6

Animal

mortalities

due to

accidents

due to earth

Site

clearance

or Pre

constructio

n phase

Reporting

,

inspectio

n and

keeping

Roads

with in

forest

area

Continuou

s

Daily during

construction

phase and

WTG

erection

HSE

manager

onsite

PS:6





REV. 01, FINAL 67

Ec

olo

gic

al

Co

mp

on

en

t

Pro

ject

Sta

ge

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Pa

ram

ete

rs

Lo

cati

on

of

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Fre

qu

en

cy

of

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Du

rati

on

of

Mo

nit

ori

ng

Imp

lem

en

tati

on

Ap

pli

cab

le

IF

C P

S

moving

equipments

and WTG

erection

phase

phase

Mortality of

birds and

bats due to

collision

Operation

phase

Reporting

,

inspectio

n and

keeping

WTG

location

s

Fortnightly Operation

phase

HSE

manager

onsite

PS:6



CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS


REV. 01, FINAL 68

7 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Conclusion

Since proposed project location is a forest area, impacts due to uprooting will be

higher in terms of forest vegetation loss (site specific) during site preparation /

clearance phase. Still loss of vegetation can be mitigated by adopting low

vegetation clearance measure with in project footprint area. Impacts during

construction / erection phase are expected further lower and site specific compare

to site clearance phase. Moreover, impacts in operation phase will further lower

(activity specific) than former two phases. Since no bat species have been

reported during site visit no impact on bats are expected. Totally 6 raptor species

have been reported from study area (core and buffer zone). Out of these, core

zone recorded with only 2 species and buffer zone 6 species (including 2 species

of core zone). Raptors are rarely seen (not abundant) with few individuals in the

area. Mitigations measures are suggested to mitigate expected impacts during

different phases. Overall, there will be no significant impacts on faunal

components if suggested mitigation measures and management plan implemented

properly.

7.2 Recommendations

Apart from mitigation measures following additional recommendations are

suggested for safe guard of biodiversity of the area,

As directed by forest department, compensatory afforestation should be

carried out by local species which will help to enhance / improve

biodiversity.

Immediate surrounding area (around 50 meter) of each WTG should be

maintained vegetation free area to avoid faunal movement.

Fruit tree species should be avoided near WTGs, otherwise this may

attract bird and bats which may result in mortality of bats and birds.

Dead animal and carcasses (if any) should be removed immediately from

site to prevent attraction of carnivore birds / raptors towards sites.

No water bodies / pond formation allowed within site / near turbines this

may attract water birds..

Project personnel may be given basic information about biodiversity

conservation and awareness programmes may be conducted for

sensitizing about bio-diversity conservation.





REV. 01, FINAL 69

If bridges are proposed, culverts should be provided for smooth

movement of other faunal species.

Awareness camps on green energy projects can be conducted within

nearest school and other educational institutions.

The Vane tips of the Wind Turbine shall be painted with Orange Colour to

avoid bird hits.

All electrical wiring should be kept underground where possible. Above

ground wiring should be insulated to avoid any incident / accident due to

electrocution.

It is also suggested that, daytime visual markers should be provided on

any guy wires to enhance visibility of towers for birds. Marker balls, bird

deterrents can also be installed along the transmission line to prevent bird

collision.





REV. 01, FINAL 70

8 REFERENCES

Bang, P., P. Dhalstrom, and G. Vevers, 1972. Collins guide to animal tracks and

signs. Collins, Londan. 100pp.

Boulenger, G.A. 1890. The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma,

Reptilia and Batrachia. Taylor and Francis xviii + 541 p.

Burnham, K.P., D.R. Anderson and J.L. Laake, 1980. Estimation of density from

line transect sampling of biological populations. Wildlife Monographs 72.pp 202.

Daniel, J.C. and A.G Sekar, 1989. Field guide to the amphibians of Western India.

Part IV. J. Bombay. Nat. Hist. Soc. 86 (2):194-202.

Das, I. 2003. Growth of knowledge on the reptiles of India, with an introduction to

systematics, taxonomy and nomenclature. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 100 (2 & 3):

446- 501.

Grimmet, R., C. Inskipp, and T. Inskipp. 2000. Pocket guide to the birds of the

Indian subcontinent. Oxford University Press., New York, 384pp.

Heyer, W.R., M. Donnelly, R.W. Mc Diarmid, L.C. Hayek and M.S. Foster, 1994.

Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity. Standard Methods for Amphibians.

Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, 364p.

Manakadan, R. and A. Pittie, 2001. Standardized common and scientific Names of

the birds of the Indian subcontinent. Buceros 6(1): i-ix, 1-37.

Narwade, S.S., P.A. Shaikh, M.V. Prabhu and A.R. Rahmani (2013): BUCEROS

18 (1&2): 1 48. Review of existing global guidelines, policies, and methodologies

for the study of impact of windmills on birds and bats: requirements in India.

Whitaker, R. and A. Captain, 2004. Snakes of India-the field guide, Draco Books,

Chennai. pp. 479.

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