Non-Technical Summary
(NTS) of the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) of the POWER PLANT
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER STATION (CFE)
Period of preparation of the EIA between April 2021 and December 2022, with revision after request for additional elements in March 2023
Licensing is carried out under Decree-Law 15/2022, of 14 January, supported by the prior award to IBERDROLA Renewables Portugal, S.A. on 23 November 2020 of the Capacity Reserve Title, at a voltage of capacity reserve title, at 150 kV, in the Estoi substation competitive process (Renewables Auction 2020).
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT?
Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG).
WHO LICENSES THE PROJECT?
Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente (APA), under the terms defined in Decree-Law no. 151-B/2013, of 31 October, amended and republished by
Decree-Law 152-B/2017, of 11 December.
WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY?
The NTS summarises the most important aspects of the EIA and is written in simple, clear and concise language, in order to facilitate participation of all those interested in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process through the so-called “Public Consultation”.
WHAT IS THE NTS (Non-Technical Summary)?
CONTENTS
1. WHAT IS THE PROJECT? PAGE 3
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? PAGE 9
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? PAGE 19
4. HOW ARE THE IMPACTS MINIMISED? PAGE 30
5. WHAT WILL BE MONITORED? PAGE 40
6. CONCLUSIONS PAGE 44
The Project under analysis corresponds to the implementation of a photovoltaic power station with a capacity of 69 MVA with 14 MVA of storage by batteries, equivalent to a peak power 94, 63 MWp, with an estimated average production of around144 GWh (159 GWh in the first year)
The plant will be composed mainly of solar panels, inverters and transformer stations. It is estimated that the implementation area will occupy around 154ha and will have 175.798 photovoltaic panels.
The energy generated will be collected in a substation, with a lifting capacity of 150/30 kV substation, from which an overhead line,at 150 kV, which will allow injection of energy production into the Estoi substation.
PAGE 3
1. WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
T2021-059-01
The 150 kV Power Line Project will have an estimated length of about 6.5 km, distributed over 21 supports.
The connection of the Solar Photovoltaic Plant of Estoi to the RNT will be made through a single-tie overhead line with one conductor cable per phase, arranged in horizontal supports. It is planned to use T” and “CW” type supports, ACSR 485 (ZEBRA) type conductor cables and OPGW+DORKING type guard cables.
The line will connect the substation of the Estoi Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant, to be built in the municipality of Tavira, and the Estoi Substation, of REN, S.A., existing in the municipality of Faro.
DIAGRAMS OF HIGH TENTION TOWERS
PAGE 4
PAGE WITH MAP OF AREA SHOWN WITH PANELS
PAGE 5
1. WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
The configuration and location of the photovoltaic power station of Estoi was based on a preliminary technical study of
major constraints within a radius of 15 km, from the Estoi Substation, resulting in a successive optimization of
of solutions with the aim of guaranteeing maximum efficiency of operation and the lowest possible environmental and
environmental and economic impacts. The design solutions and technical solutions are therefore considered to allow:
– The technical optimisation, allows reducing the area needs to be occupied to ensure connection at 69 MVA;
– The use of equipment that is easy and quick to assemble minimises as far as possible the impacts, with low maintenance needs;
– The configuration of the project is adapted to the natural conditions of the land. The waterproofing areas have been reduced to those strictly necessary for the installation of all the infrastructures. The fixed support structure to the ground, allows a design of the project by cores and compact;
– The optimization of the Electricity Line route allows reducing its extension to the Connection Point with the
RESP, minimising impacts and taking advantage of parallelism with similar existing infrastructures.
PAGE 6
1. WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
It is not possible at this stage to estimate the number of workers assigned to the construction phase, but taking into account the project’s typology and dimension, it is estimated a need for a maximum of 250 workers.
T2021-059-01
It is estimated an average daily traffic of 8 heavy vehicles and 3 to 5 light vehicles in the construction phase. The working day will be 8 hours per day, from Monday to Friday, for a total of 40 hours per week.
The main access to the photovoltaic power station in Estoi will be construction and operation phase, from road EN389 (with direc connection to the A22 motorway, without passing through urban agglomeration). In the section to be used, there are sensitive receptors, but more than 15 m from the road.
The access inside the Estoi Photovoltaic Power Station will be made through 3 existing rural paths, with a direct connection to the inside of the photovoltaic power station, with no sensitive receptors in the immediate surroundings.
Only one isolated sensitive receptor (R04) has been identified, approximately 20m from the access to the eastern sector.
PAGE 7
1. WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
The project not only fits in, but actively contributes to the fulfilment of national and international commitments on renewable energy and climate change, reinforcing the national trajectory path followed:
– National Climate Change Programme (PNAC 2020/2030) and the National Strategy for Adaptation to
Climate Change 2020 (ENAAC 2020), which respond to the Paris Agreement on climate change;
– National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (PNEC 2030) which establishes the national targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and incorporation of renewables in final energy consumption;
– Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050, which aims to technically support the national commitment to be carbon neutral in greenhouse gas emissions in 2050.
The present project is pioneering in the Algarve region as it relies on the storage of solar energy produced, in batteries.
Figure 12 – Evolution of the emissions of the Portuguese electricity sector
Figure 10 – Comparison of the use of from renewable energies in Europe
Figure 11 – Total installed power of renewable installed power in Portugal
T2021-059-01
PAGE 8
TOP PAGE 9
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED?
Figure 13 – Project location
The implantation area is located in the parish of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, in the council of Tavira.
In what concerns the project of the Power Line and study corridor, these cover the Union of the parishes of Conceição and Estoi in the municipality of Faro, the Union of the parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuseta, municipality of Olhão, the freguesia of São Brás de Alportel in the municipality of São Brás de Alportel and the freguesia of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, municipality of Tavira.
TOP PAGE 10
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? continued
The study area does not overlap with any of the areas of the National System of Classified Areas (SNAC), structured by Decree-Law No. 142/2008, of 24 July, amended and republished by Decree-Law No. 242/2015, of 15 October. However, it should be noted that, in the surroundings of the study area (considered a buffer of 15km) there are areas included in the SNAC or other sensitive areas(e.g. Important Bird Areas [IBA]), namely:
– Cerro da Cabeça Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (PTCON0050), located about 890m south of the power station in the easternmost area of the power station and, about 2,3km east of the power line;
– Important Bird Area (IBA) Serra do Caldeirão located about 2,9km north of the westernmost core of the photovoltaic power station and about 4km north of the power line;
– Special Areas of Conservation (ZEC) Caldeirão (PTCON0057) and ZEC Barrocal (PTCON0049) located about 4,6km and 7,8km northwest of the westernmost core of the photovoltaic power plant; 6,5km and 9,3km northwest of the power line;
– Special Protection Area (SPA) Ria Formosa (PTZPE0017) and IBA Ria Formosa, which are located about 8,7km southeast of the photovoltaic power station and, about 6,4km southeast of the power line;
– Site RAMSAR Ria Formosa (PT002) which is located about 8,7 km southeast of the photovoltaic power plant area and about 6,4km southeast of the power line;
– ZEC Ria Formosa/Castro Marim (PTCON0013), located about 10km south of the photovoltaic plant and, about 6,4km south of the power line.
It should also be noted that the power line overlaps with the Corine Serra de Monte Figo.
The study area does not intersect any ecological corridor, being the closest one about 1,4km to the north (Serra do Caldeirão corridor). There is not within the study area no trees of public interest.
TOP PAGE 11
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? continued
FRAMEWORK WITH IGTs
TERRITORIAL MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENTS
PNPOT The Project is compatible with the strategic objectives defined.
PGRH8 The Project is compatible with the strategic objectives and measures defined.
PROT Algarve The project is compatible with the strategic objectives defined. It is also important to mention that it does not jeopardise the
protection objectives of the Algarve Regional Structure for Environmental Protection and Enhancement (ERPVA)
PROF Algarve The Project is compatible with the strategic objectives defined.
PDM of Faro The space classes of this PDM are only intersected by the study corridor of the power line and the LCFE.ET route and is
compatible with the intersected space categories.
Regarding the areas of great landscape sensitivity, its conformity will depend on the applicability of the legal regime of REN.
Olhão Municipal Master Plan The space classes of this Master Plan are only intersected by the study corridor of the power line and the LCFE.ET. route and is compatible with the intersected space categories.
As regards agricultural spaces, their conformity will depend on compliance with the general regulation of the National Agricultural Reserve in areas coinciding with RAN.
In areas of great landscape sensitivity, their compliance will depend on the applicability of the legal regime of the REN.
TOP PAGE 12
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? continued
FRAMEWORK WITH IGTs TERRITORIAL MANAGEMENT CONFORMITY ANALYSIS
PDM of São Brás de Alportel The space classes of this PDM are intersected by the study area and study corridor of the power line and the layout of the LCFE.ET. and is compatible with the intersected space categories.
Regarding agricultural spaces, their conformity will depend on compliance with the general regulations of the National Agricultural Reserve in the areas coinciding with RAN.
PDM of Tavira The space classes of this PDM are intersected by the study area, the CFE implementation area, the study corridor of the ET power line study corridor and the layout of the LCFE.ET and it is verified that it is compatible with the intersected space categories. In what concerns
Regarding the conditioned agricultural areas any use or construction that implies soil sealing is subject to the prior opinion of the DRA PMDFCI Faro, Olhão and São Brás de Alportel
The project is compatible with that established in the PMDFCI as long as the distance from the edge of the building (never less than 50m) and an appropriate fuel management strip from the electricity line (10m each side), the substation (50m), as well as the Power Blocks (if applicable) and the Solar Plant (standard width of 100m, however, this may be reduced to 10m, subject to the authorization of the municipality and the favourable opinion of CMDFCI).
TOP PAGE 13
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED?
FRAMEWORK WITH IGTs ADMINISTRATIVE EASEMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITY RESTRICTIONS CONFORMITY ANALYSIS
Water Domain (HD)
Request a Water Resources Use Title (TURH) from the Algarve Water Resources Authority prior to the execution of the works relating to project elements that interfere with water courses – fences, ditches and internal paths.
National Ecological Reserve (REN)
The CFE requires prior notification to the CCDR-Algarve for the occupation of “strategic areas for infiltration and of protection and recharge of aquifers”.
Regarding the Power Line, the occupation of “water courses, beds and banks” should be avoided and if it is necessary to occupy “areas of high risk of soil erosion”, “strategic areas for infiltration and of protection and recharge of aquifers”, prior notification to CCDR-Algarve will be required.
National Agricultural Reserve (RAN)
The CFE study area requires prior notification to the CCDR-Algarve for occupation of RAN areas with elements of the power station project, including allocation by cable ditches (around 0.16 ha), drainage ditch (about 0.18 ha), internal accesses connecting inside the nuclei (about 0.07 ha) and internal accesses connecting to the substation (about 0.15 ha).
The existing accesses to be improved (external) cover about 0.92 ha and are not included in the RAN areas covered by the implantation area.
This class of space is also covered by the corridor and route of the power line and its viabilitydepends on the issuing of a favourable opinion by the Regional RAN Entity, under the terms of Article 23 of Decree-Law 73/2009.
TOP PAGE 14
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? continued
FRAMEWORK WITH IGTs ADMINISTRATIVE EASEMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITY RESTRICTIONS CONFORMITY ANALYSIS
Road Infrastructure
In the study area of the CFE there is a national road, the EN398. However, the site area of the CFE does not cover the associated right of way.
The Electricity Line (LCFE.ET) crosses the A22 Main Road and the M514 municipal road – for which the respective managing entities should be contacted.
Electrical infrastructures
In the CFE study area there are medium voltage and one very high voltage power line. However, the CFE’s implantation area does not include the associated easement strip.
The Electricity Line (LCFE.ET) will intercept the right-of-way of very high voltage lines, for which reason the management entity should be contacted.
Heritage
The compatibility of the project with unclassified heritage features
inventoried for the area of CFE and LCFR.ET. No classified Heritage Occurrences were identified in the study area.
Water catchments and their protection perimeters
The analysis of private water catchments, although with no associated regime of conditionality, was carried out at the level of the water resources descriptor.
Recipients and sensitive areas
No interference by the power line project, with the minimum distance established in paragraph 3 of Article 28 of RSLEAT, so the project is in compliance with the applicable regimes.
Geodesic Vertices
It was identified with recourse to information made available by the Directorate-General for the Territory (DGT) and LNEG under the contact with entities a geodesic vertex was identified. A protection strip with a 15 m radius was considered.
Top page 15
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? continued
FRAMEWORK WITH IGTs ADMINISTRATIVE EASEMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITY RESTRICTIONS CONFORMITY ANALYSIS
Quarries and potential areas for non-metallic rocks and minerals
CFE and LCFE.ET guarantee the safeguarding of the following easements:
– Medium and high voltage overhead electric lines, transformer or telecommunication stations is 30 metres;
– Non-specified buildings (not located in quarries) and places of public use is 50 metres.
Aeronautical easements at faro airport
The Power Line (LCFE.ET) requires authorization from ANAC in “Zone 7 of the Aeronautical Servitude of Faro Airport.”
TOP PAGE 16
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? Continued
Currently, the study area of the CFE has a marked character of Bushes (about45%), Orchards (about 34%), Agriculture with natural and semi-natural spaces (about 10%), Roads and associated spaces (about 4%), Olive groves (about 3%), and temporary rainfed and irrigated crops (around 2%).
The residual occupations are natural watercourses and quarries (approx. 1%), vineyards (about 0.4%) and Holm Oak Forests (about 0.1%).
In relation to the power line corridor the predominant occupation is identified as the areas of olive groves (approx. 39%), scrubland (approx. 33%), agriculture with natural and semi-natural spaces (about 8%), Orchards and Road Network with associated spaces (about 7%), and temporary non-irrigated and irrigated crops (around 3%).
The residual occupations are Holm Oak Forests and Quarries (about 1%), Vineyards (about 0.3%) and natural water courses (about 0.1%).
TOP PAGE 17
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED?
– The presence of class C and D soils occupy 40% and 39% respectively and are related to soils with marked to severe limitations pronounced to severe, susceptible to little intensive agricultural uses and except in very special cases, with very high erosion risks.
– The study area of the central: Rocky outcrops (60%); Clay soils (≈39%); Limestone soils (≈1%). And the LE study area:
Rocky Outcrops (≈64%); Clay Soils (≈30%).
– The study area of the photovoltaic power plant covers three surface water bodies, and in the area of implementation of the power plant, the main design elements safeguarded the present tributaries. Only the interception of tributaries, of torrential character, should be mentioned, by cable ditches and access roads, in which, at project level, the necessary measures will be ensured with hydraulic works, to guarantee normal drainage.
The project elements safeguard the water domain associated with the water lines and respect the preferential recharge areas identified for this body of water (lapiata fields, some highly developed, accompanied in some cases by dolines and algae).
– The study corridor of the Estoi Photovoltaic Power Plant includes several watercourses, from torrential tributaries (headwaters) to water lines of greater expression (also considered at the level of the National Ecological Reserve), which, according to the layout of the power line, are safeguarded.
– The avifauna list for the study area, according to bibliography, includes 127 bird species:
o 9 species in the power station area and
o 127 species in the area of the power line.
Four sampling campaigns were carried out:
o 38 species of birds, one of which has an unfavourable conservation status: Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata)
o 8 species of birds of prey and other gliders.
Mammals are represented by 16 species, with the hare (Lepus granatensis) standing out as an Iberian endemism.
Identified several known bat shelters of national and regional/local importance, but none directly affected by the project.
TOP PAGE 18
2. WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED? Final section
– Identified 250 species in the study area, of which 46 are RELAPE species and 27 are exotic species. Three habitats identified: 5330 (Thermo-Mediterranean pre-desert scrub), 92D0 (Southern riparian galleries and scrub), 9340 (Forests of Quercus ilex and Quercus rotundifolia forests).
– The study area for the Power Station is located in the Algarve Barrocal, consisting essentially of Mesozoic, carbonate rocks.
The karst model existing in the area is due to the preponderance of erosive processes by dissolution.
o The predominant types of lapiás are: residual lapiás, buried lapiás and semi-buried lapiás.
o A small patch of megalapias was identified in the central core of the implantation area
– The local acoustic environment is characterised by agricultural fields with dryland trees or covered by bushes and by sensitive receptors corresponding to scattered single-family dwellings, in a rural environment, in Cerro do Leiria, Barrocais and Cerro das Ondas in the municipality of Tavira.
o Of the 5 measuring points near the power station, the closest (point 1) is located 90 m from the panels (representative of the single-family homes in the area).
– The surroundings near the Power Line are characterised by relatively disperse receivers (single-family houses), in the surroundings of Peral, in the municipality of São Brás de Alportel, in the surroundings of Barranco de São Miguel, in the municipality of Olhão, and in the periphery of Alcaria Cova, in the municipality of Faro.
o Of the 3 points along the LE, the closest (point 6) is 47 m east of the line (representative of the group of single-family dwellings in the area).
– During the archaeological survey, 41 occurrences (oc.) were inventoried in the area of the Power Line. Of these, 18 oc. are located in the Project Study Area and one is located in the Area of Incidence of the main access, at the connection to the EN 398, all the others are within the Photovoltaic Power Plant Incidence Area.
TOP PAGE 19
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT?
WHAT ARE THE MAIN ACTIONS CAUSING IMPACTS? | Construction Phase
The implementation of the project under analysis is associated with a set of actions arising from the various stages of its development. This set of actions generates a set of effects and potential impacts during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases relevant to this Project are those identified below.
1. Land acquisition and negotiation with owners;
2. Site selection and approval for the location of the construction site, support areas and temporary equipment assembly; 3. temporary;
3. Mobilisation of workers and site machinery and equipment;
4. Reconnaissance, signalling and opening of external accesses;
5. Cleaning of the superficial vegetation layer;
6. Establishment and operation of construction site, material and equipment storage and other support structures;
7. Circulation and operation of heavy machinery and equipment
8. Waste production and management;
9. Occasional levelling of areas that present unevenness that is not compatible with the project needs;
10. Topography works;
11. Installation of perimeter fencing
TOP PAGE 20
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? continued
WHAT ARE THE MAIN ACTIONS CAUSING IMPACTS? | Construction Phase continued
12. Opening and implementation of internal paths;
13. Earth movement (substation platform, support ditches and technical ditches);
14. Installation of necessary infrastructures;
15. Implementation of the rainwater drainage network;
16. Connection of the necessary infrastructure;
17. Implementation of foundations;
18. General installation of all equipment (fixed structures, drainage network, electrical cables, substation equipment, photovoltaic modules, transformers, other associated equipment);
19. Civil works for the construction of the 30/150 kV collector substation;
20. Opening of the line protection strip and fuel management strip;
21. Definition of the fuel management strip relative to the Photovoltaic Plant and Substation;
22. Assembly and positioning of the lattice poles supports;
23. Laying of cables, signalling and overhead signalling devices (if required);
24. Cleaning and deactivation of the provisional facilities, recovery of affected areas and landscaping.
PAGES 21 & 22 – IMAGES OF CONTRUTION, DIGGING DITCHES AND LAYING CABLES, BUILDING HIGH TENTION TOWERS ETC.
TOP PAGE 23
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? continued
1. General operation of the 30/150 kV power station and substation (acoustic emissions and operation of technical networks);
2. General operation of the power line (presence and functional characteristics, with emphasis on emissions and electromagnetic fields);
3. Waste production and management: associated with periodic maintenance actions;
4. Inspection, monitoring and periodic maintenance:
▪ Power Plant and Substation:
– inspection and maintenance/replacement works at the building level;
– electrical equipment;
– infrastructure networks, among others.
Line
– verification of the state of conservation of conductors and structures;
– maintenance of the line protection strip;
– inspection and monitoring of interaction with avifauna.
TOP PAGE 24
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? Continued
TABLE SHOWING TIMESCALE OF WHOLE PROJECT. Construction during the whole 2024 and implementation in the last quarter.
The Estoi Photovoltaic Power Station will be built in phases and generation nuclei, with the project progressing in succession with overlapping services in parallel. It is estimated a useful life for the photovoltaic power station of 30 years.
The same logic will determine the progress of the construction of the power line, with its construction also progressing in succession, but more conditioned to the process of negotiation with owners and availability/clearance of the areas by the owners for the implantation of supports.
FOR HOW LONG?
It is foreseen the global maintenance of the existing occupation scenario, being important to reinforce that the climatological conditions will evolve in line with the forecast climate change scenarios, also mentioning the densification trend of infrastructures of production and transport of electrical energy associated with the presence Estoi substation, as a connection point.
TOP PAGE 25
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? continued
CONSTRUCTION PHASE OPERATION PHASE
Effluents Waste water: from the construction site, fronts and other sources, namely machinery washing water (in particular from machinery (in particular from concrete mixers, concrete vibration equipment) and/or domestic effluent from social areas. The effluentswill be routed to the septic tank to be installed in the substation area or temporary or removable temporary or removable structures for storage and later collection by a company licensed for the purpose, to be conducted to an appropriate final destination.
The volume of effluents is negligible since the effluents are originated exclusively at the substation/control building (given that there is no staff on duty besides those assigned to occasional maintenance and routine operations), resulting fromdomestic wastewater from the control building, rainwater generated in the impermeable areas of the substations andaccidental oil spills.
The sanitary areas will channel their effluents into a watertight septic tank, to be installed, and will later be subject to periodic collection by the municipal services orby municipal services or another service to be contracted, duly service to be hired, duly accredited for that purpose.
Emissions
Atmospheric emissions resulting from earth moving and the operation of heavy machinery and transport vehicles. They translate into the emission of dust andother atmospheric pollutants, namely nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, benzene and other hydrocarbons.
It is not expected the production of atmospheric emissions that cause disturbance to the population in the vicinity, referring only to the potential emission of ozone (resulting from the corona effect) and accidental emissions of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
TOP PAGE 26
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? continued
T2021-059-01 EXISTING AND PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE
INFRASTRUCTURES THAT JUSTIFY IMPACT ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS
CUMULATIVE FRAMEWORK VIS-À-VIS NEW INFRASTRUCTURES TO BE BUILT
(PROJECTS UNDER ANALYSIS)
Existing Energy Transmission Network
Electricity Lines of the existing National Transmission Network, which correspond to two Very High
Electricity Lines:
– Tunes-Estoi High Voltage Line, 150 kV
– Estoi-Tavira High Voltage Line, 150 kV
Power Transmission Network in project/forecast
– Tunes-Estoi 150 kV High Voltage Line, Section 2 between supports 70 and 109
– Project for the electrification of the Algarve Line in the Faro – Vila Real de Santo António section
– East Algarve Substation and Associated NTG Lines
Existing Road Network: namely Motorways and national roads – existing infrastructures
The following are the main routes crossed by some alternative stretches
– Motorway A22, which connects Lagos to Castro Marim, supervised by the Institute of Mobility and Transport and
Infraestruturas de Portugal and Algarve motorway, also known as Via do Infante
Existing Road Network: namely Motorways and National roads – Infrastructures in project/planned – Upgrading of the National Road EN2 – São Brás de Alportel and Connection to the A22
Existing Quarries
– Calvário Velho – Mesquita
– Mesquita N 3
– Presas
– A Cova
– Mesquita Baixa
– Peral
– Penedos Altos N 3
– 4 Quarries (Source COS 2018, no denomination)
Quarries in project/planned – Enlargement of “Peral” Quarry – Quarry no. 4517
Existing Industries – 8 Industries (Source COS 2018, no denomination)
Existing Solar Power Plant – 1 Solar Power Plant (Source COS 2018, no denomination)
Existing Substation – Estoi Substation
TOP PAGE 27
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? continued
T2021-059-01 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
– Climate and Climate Change: The existence of the Estoi Solar Photovoltaic Plant makes a positive contribution to the fight against Climate Change, to the achievement of national and European targets established under the Paris Agreement, as well as to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. The cumulative effect generated with the other power stations in the surrounding area is therefore significant, both on a national and regional/local scale.
– Biodiversity: The main cumulative impacts to be taken into account are the exclusion effect and bird mortality. Impacts will be negative, likely to occur, moderate in magnitude, irreversible, permanent, local or regional (where migratory species are affected),
They may therefore be classified as minor (for species with no threat status) or significant (for endangered species). It is considered that there are also cumulative impacts on flora and vegetation resulting from the presence of other power lines and their respective protection strip of the same. These impacts are of moderate magnitude and not very significant.
– Air quality: The cumulative impacts associated with vehicle movements during the construction and decommissioning phase of the Estoi
Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant of Estoi , which could lead to an increase of particulate matter in the air. Given the proximity of other emission sources of atmospheric pollutants with greater expression, these impacts have a moderate magnitude and little significant.
– Socioeconomics: In terms of cumulative positive impacts, it should be highlighted all the projects that represent significant investment values significant and important to the regional economy and the involved municipalities.
– Human Health: The existence of sources of noise and atmospheric pollutants in the immediate vicinity of the Estoi Solar Photovoltaic Plant (quarries, traffic roads and industry), in the construction phase, these will acquire a significant expression.
In the exploitation phase, the cumulative impacts remain insignificant, in terms of degradation of air quality and noise emissions. The existence of high and very high voltage power lines, whose operation, simultaneously with the operation of the project Power Line, will result in an accumulation of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) generated. However, the EMF generated will result in a minor impact, due to the absence of receptors in the surroundings of the power lines.
– Landscape: Considering the visual context of the landscape and the analysis of the impacts generated by this project and observing the distribution of the dissonant elements in the study area, it is verified that the cumulative impacts are assumed to be of moderate magnitude and significant, since in the area of visual influence there already exist relevant visual intrusions.
– Geology and Geomorphology, Soils, Water Resources and Water Quality, Noise Environment, Land Use and Land Cover and Heritage do not foresee cumulative impacts derived from the CSF Estoi project, associated with existing and planned projects in the area of influence under study.
PAGE 28
MAP PAGE WITH A LINE OF THE RADIUS OF IMPACTS.
TOP PAGE 29
TABLE SHOWING IMPACTS
3. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT? ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED
The following table summarises the main environmental impacts that, after the implementation of measures, present a significant to very significant impact. This presentation is a simplified view of the impacts identified and therefore does not dispense with consulting the detailed analyses presented in the sectorial texts of the EIA summary report, in particular other impacts classified as potentially significant prior to the implementation of minimisation measures.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IMPACT CLASSIFICATION CONSTRUCTION PHASE
S Biodiversity Destruction of vegetation by installation of photovoltaic power station (only significant if affects HICs). NEGATIVE
S Disturbance of fauna (only significant if affects protected fauna). NEGATIVE
S Stimulation of the local economy/ Job creation. POSITIVE
S OPERATING PHASE Climate and climate change Generation of energy from a renewable source. POSITIVE
S Decrease in the risk of fire propagation by maintaining the FGC. POSITIVE
S Socioeconomics Diversification of the municipal economic fabric and contribution to compliance with renewable electricity generation and carbon neutrality targets. POSITIVE
S Landscape Elimination of vegetation, to implement the project (minimisable with plantations). NEGATIVE
S Destruction of dry stone walls. NEGATIVE
S DISACTIVATION PHASE Biodiversity Landscape recovery plan. POSITIVE!!!!!
S – Negative impact Positive impact; S – Significant impact; MS – Very significant impact
TOP PAGE 30
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED?
The minimisation measures proposed in the Environmental Impact Study are aimed at optimising the environmental performance of the project and include a set of recommendations and good environmental practices that must be taken into account by the Contractor, in order to mitigate or enhance the identified impacts.
Some of the measures proposed in the EIA for the various phases are highlighted below:
PRE-CONSTRUCTION/LICENSING PHASE 1.
1. preparation of the Construction Site Environmental Management Plan (including, amongst others, the following plans):
– Construction Site Restriction Map
– Water Source, Effluent and Waste Management Plan
– Construction Site Landscape Intervention Plan
– Environmental Training and Awareness Plan.
2. Disclose the program for the execution of the works to the interested population, namely to the population living in the surrounding area, by means of communication to the City Council and Parish Council.
3. To implement a public service mechanism to answer questions and deal with any complaints.
4. Before the beginning of the work, environmental awareness actions must be promoted for the workers involved in the work, so that they are duly informed of the conduct to have during the period in which the work is being carried out and focused on the activities that may cause environmental impacts and minimisation measures and good practices to be ensured during the works.
5. Whenever possible, actions involving greater disturbance (deforestation) should be carried out outside the period of greatest sensitivity, corresponding to the breeding season between March and July (including the most sensitive period for Bonelli’s eagle).
TOP PAGE 31
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? continued
PRE-CONSTRUCTION/LICENSING PHASE
6. The construction sites and other areas supporting the work should be located in areas where the placement of permanent project components is planned, so as to minimise intervention areas. The construction site bordering the EN 398 must be relocated, ensuring the necessary distance from this important source of temporary observers.
7. Where possible, the most notable dry-stone walls identified in the planned heritage surveys should be avoided.
8. In the lighting project, take care to avoid situations which could lead to an excess of artificial lighting.
9. In areas where the natural topography is altered (platforms, accesses, etc.), the slopes should be harmonious with the natural terrain. The new generated surfaces must be covered with herbaceous and shrubby vegetation through re-vegetation (hydro-sowing), using indigenous species whenever possible.
10. The Substation’s pavements and external cladding must privilege neutral materials.
11. Develop the Project for Landscape Integration of the Photovoltaic Solar Energy Plant, based on the Landscape Integration Plan submitted during the EIA phase, focusing on the implementation of measures to minimise the visual impact of the identified in the impact analysis as being subject to significant visual intrusion.
In the plantations and sowings to be carried out, under no circumstance shall alochthonous species be used for which invasive behaviour has been observed in national territory. To guarantee the use of native species, typical of the region, in the recovery of the intervention areas, based on the floristic list presented in this study.
Top page 32
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? continued
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS?
T2021-059-01 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
1. The construction site, material and machinery storage areas, and other construction support areas (including, where necessary, borrowing areas), whenever possible, should be located in degraded or areas that will be used for permanent infrastructures in the future, favouring locations with a reduced slope and close access, in order to avoid or minimise earth movement and the opening ofaccess.
2. To limit the occupation of the following places, in order to safeguard as many environmental aspects as possible:
– Water domain areas
– Areas within the national system of classified areas or other areas with protection status
– National Agricultural Reserve areas
– Other habitat areas or biotopes of sensitive species
– Sensitive locations from the landscape point of view
– Proximity to urban areas
– Heritage protection areas
– Areas of high ecological value
– Other applicable restrictions, public utility restrictions and administrative easements.
3. The construction site, material and machinery yards (when not included in the construction site area) and other areas of support to the (borrowing areas and areas for the disposal of excess earth), must be located as close as possible to the front of the worksite, and must be kept in a safe place, whenever feasible, to minimise indirect impacts associated with their transport.
4. 4. In the initial phase of the work the areas to be worked on should be clearly identified and delimited with clearly visible.
TOP PAGE 33
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? continued
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS?
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
5. The area allocated to the construction site and all work related to the execution of the work should be reduced to the minimum possible, selecting the areas strictly necessary for its correct implementation.
6. Fence off the areas of the building site, support areas and work fronts, preventing access by third parties in order to reduce the risk of accidents, in accordance within accordance with the applicable legislation.
7. Construction operations involving potential accident risks, such as the erection of supports, must be properly signposted and, if necessary, fenced, to ensure protection of people, crops and livestock.
8. To develop a reforestation/restoration plan for the intervened areas, using native species, as a compensatory measure for tree felling and forest loss, in conjunction with the Compensation Measures for ecological systems.
9. To avoid the affectation of holm oak individuals and habitats of community interest (5330, 92D0 and 9340) in an accidental way present in the close to the project, identifying and marking them within a radius of 30 m from the work.
10. Defining and implementing a control and management plan for invasive alien species. Sites with invasive species invasive species should be marked off and removed before clearing. The plant material and the layer of vegetal earth must be sent to landfill.
11. If borrowed land must be used, special attention must be paid to its origin, so that it does not do not alter the local ecology and introduce invasive plants.
12. Taking into account the proximity of the Power Line to nesting areas of Bonelli’s eagle and sensitive areas for water birds, it is recommended that measures are taken to minimise the risk of collision with this infrastructure.
TOP PAGE 34
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED?
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS? continued
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
13. Whenever possible, the installation of photovoltaic modules should bypass or overlap the existing lapis, trying to avoid cutting or avoid cutting or altering them.
14. Where this is not technically possible, pre-drilling fixings with micro piles may be considered the use of small amounts of concrete and only in situations where its application is essential for reasons of technical feasibility, may be considered.
The following is a list of the names and addresses of the points included in this section.
15. In the unavoidable case of having to use concrete in fracture zones, careful monitoring of the volume, in order to anticipate the presence of fractured areas.
16. Given the geological-geotechnical characteristics of the rock mass, the excavation of the substation zone for the implantation of the excavation of the substation area for the implantation of the foundations must be accompanied by a geologist/geotechnician, so that he can identify voids or more decomposed/altered areas and suggest improvements in the treatment of the foundation surface before concreting.
17. Implement, in the fence, ditches and accesses that cross water lines, hydraulic crossings, of a section dimensioned for a centennial flood, so as not to interrupt the natural flow of the potentially affected water lines.
18. The interventions, in particular in the opening and intervention in technical ditches in the proximity of water lines must be carried out in order to avoid the deposition of materials in the hydric environment, and must foresee the placement of solid retention barriers (straw bales, geotextile, among others) in the interaction zone between the work front and the water line, and temporarily place the excavated earth on the excavated earth on the side of the trench opposite the water line.
19. The excavation work should be carried out during the summer in order to reduce the possibility of groundwater levels, as well as to allow the installation of drainage ditches in the areas where the water lines cross, without increasing erosion and soil erosion – the transport of solids and other pollutants associated with the works.
20. In order to protect and safeguard the occupation of existing water lines in the project implementation area, they should be signposted and/or delimited.
TOP PAGE 35
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? continued
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS?
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
21. Ensure that the noisiest operations that take place in the proximity of dwellings are restricted to daytime and on working days, in accordance days, in accordance with the legislation in force.
22. Carry out maintenance and periodic review of all machinery and vehicles assigned to the work, in order to maintain normal operation and ensure the minimization of gas emissions, of risks of soil and water contamination, and in order to meet the noise emission standards.
23. Structural and constructive solutions must be adopted in organs and buildings, and soundproofing systems for the noisiest of the noisiest equipment, in order to guarantee the fulfilment of the limits established in the General Noise Regulation.
24. To contribute to the promotion of employment and local economic development, prioritising whenever possible and according to the availability of manpower and services.
25. Inclusion of all the occurrences identified in the Incidence Area (in a total of 41) in the Condominium Map to be to be included in the Tender Documents.
26. 26. Develop a Local Community Involvement Plan in compliance with Article 6 of Decree-Law no. 30-A/2022, of 18th April. A/2022 of 18 April, which allows to contribute to the creation of value at a local level, based on the existing endogenous resources.
27. Within the scope of the Local Community Involvement Plan, actions must be identified as a result of the needs of the region and of the opportunities identified of interest for local communities.
28. Communication program for the population and property owners aimed at a better understanding of the project and its risks.
29. Caution against resuspension of particulates in unpaved work areas and accesses, especially in dry and windy periods in the most sensitive areas to this phenomenon (taking into account the correct management of water resources), or the application of bituminous emulsions that promote the fixation of the soil and avoid the formation of dust.
TOP PAGE 36
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? continued
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS?
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
30. Integral monitoring of the construction work, by an archaeologist with preventive effect in relation to the affectation of archaeological remains. This monitoring consists of the observation, by archaeologist, of the removal and soil disturbance operations (deforestation and surface stripping in actions of land preparation or regularization) and of excavation in the soil and subsoil. It includes the observation of the dismantling of structures and the monitoring of the execution of beacons of occurrences, located at less than 50 m away from the work front. The mobile finds collected during the work should be placed in a the presence of a speleologist will be requested by the resident archaeologist if and when an archaeological site is discovered. The presence of a speleologist will be required by the resident archaeologist if and when karstic cavities appear which require speleological evaluation.
31. Communication by the project promoter to the Algarve Regional Directorate of Culture (DRCA) of the possible appearance of archaeological remains immediately, in order to activate the evaluation mechanisms of its cultural interest and respective safeguard.
32. Minimize, as much as possible, the time between the deforestation and landscape recuperation/ restoration of the pre-existing conditions of the areas affected by the work.
33. Adjustment of the access route in order to eliminate direct interference with oc. 31, aiming at its conservation in situ.
34. In a phase prior to the beginning of the works in the area of oc. 15, 20 and 30, in the stretches that will be directly affected by the construction of the project, deforestation and cleaning must be carried out inside and outside the structures, followed by a documentary record with topographical and photographic surveys and the preparation of a descriptive memory (for future memory).
TOP PAGE 37
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? continued
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS?
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
35. Carrying out a more detailed characterization of the extensive network of myrtle structures identified within the IA of the FC, in the stretches that will be directly affected by the construction of the project, by means of systematic (manual) clearing and cleaning of the land in the incidence and adjacency of these structures, identification of the different types of murals used in this area (CASELLA, 2003) and exhaustive documentary registration (textual, photographic, topographic, with photogrammetry exemplifying this typological diversity whenever the conservation degree and singularity justify).
36. Marking with marking tape of the total area occupied by the occurrences, with a minimum safety margin of 5m towards the area covered by them, in order to guarantee its physical integrity during the construction phase of all the components of the project. This measure should be applied to oc. 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39 and 40.
37. Minimise, as much as possible, the time between clearing and restoration of the landscape/pre-existing conditions of the pre-existing conditions of the areas affected by the work.
38. The deforestation, blasting, cleaning and earth moving actions must be limited to the areas strictly indispensable for the execution of the work. If feasible, these areas should be delimited or marked off in order to make evident the unnecessary affectation of adjacent areas. The use of non-intervention areas for support areas should be avoided, but if this is not possible, they should not be cleared. Intervention areas, in which no earth movement will be required, should be areas to be cleared by clear cutting and backfilling.
39. Protection of the existing vegetal formations that can be kept inside the fenced areas, as well as those present in the surrounding areas, by fenced areas, as well as those present in the surroundings, using signs/secretions and/or fences that, in the case of tree specimens, cover at least one area coinciding with the projection of the crown.
TOP PAGE 38
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? continued
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS?
T2021-059-01
PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT OPERATION PHASE
1. Develop and apply a track maintenance plan that promotes ecologically valuable vegetation cover wherever possible, making it compatible with pre-existing uses (particularly agriculture), and using indigenous species.
2. To ensure periodic maintenance actions, with a frequency adequate to the type of infrastructure/equipment/area in question.
3. To implement the appropriate mitigation measures according to the results of the proposed Monitoring Programme.
4. Implement a periodic maintenance and leakage inspection plan for equipment containing SF6, to comply with Regulation (EU) no. 517/2014, of April 16, and Decree-Law no. 145/2017, of November 30. Whenever leaks are detected, the causes must be identified and the equipment repaired immediately, and within a maximum period of 1 month from its detection, interventions should be made again in the equipment to detect new leaks to check if the problem was eliminated.
5. Monitoring of flora and vegetation, birdlife and bats must be carried out during the construction phase and for a period of three years after the start of the project’s operation, in order to identify any potentially underestimated in this study. The pre-construction phase has already been guaranteed in the EIA phase.
6. In particular, the compensation plan for habitats of Community interest, namely the carrascal, identify the area to be compensated in the surroundings of the project that preferably corresponds to the area of degraded carrascal.
7. Ensure adequate and regular maintenance, cleaning and clearing/draining of drainage channels and ditches, to ensure that drainage infrastructures accommodate the maximum possible inflow capacity.
TOP PAGE 39
4. HOW ARE IMPACTS MINIMISED? Final page.
WHAT IS PROPOSED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACTS?
T2021-059-01
PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT OPERATION PHASE
8. The vegetation control/weed eradication must be carried out using mechanical means, avoiding the use of plant protection products whenever possible, in order to preserve the quality of the soils and underground water resources in the photovoltaic project’s implantation area. Thus, it must be carried out by mechanical means without soil movement, or preferably, if feasible, through grazing.
9. Clarify to the owners of plots with agricultural and forestry use the limitations on the forms of soil exploitation in the security strip.
10. Ensuring the maintenance of the vegetation formations implemented as part of the landscape recovery actions.
TOP PAGE 40
5. WHAT WILL BE MONITORED?
In addition to the minimisation measures proposed for the different impacts identified, it is important to monitor the impacts caused by the project to see whether minimisation is achieved or whether additional measures need to be taken. In this sense, it is proposed the development of a Flora Monitoring Plan considering the presence in the study area of three habitats of community interest (habitat 5330, 92D0 and 9340) and the implementation of project elements in areas of 5330.
PROPOSED MONITORING
Flora
Monitoring sites: should correspond to plots (a minimum of three) in areas of each of the habitats in the vicinity of the project and control plots (in similar number).
Parameters:
– Specific composition of habitats;
– Degree of coverage of bio-indicator species.
Periodicity: should include sampling immediately prior to the start of construction, the end of construction and for a minimum of three years in the operational phase. It should also include a sampling campaign in the spring.
TOP PAGE 41
5. WHAT WILL BE MONITORED? continued
In addition to the minimisation measures proposed for the different impacts identified, it is important to monitor the impacts caused by the project to verify whether minimisation is achieved or whether additional measures need to be taken.
In this sense, it is proposed to develop a Bird Monitoring Plan taking into account the potential presence of Bonelli’s eagles in the area, as well as aquatic birds, due to the geographical proximity with the Ria Formosa.
PROPOSED MONITORING
Avifauna
Monitoring sites: this should include the photovoltaic power station area and its surroundings, as well as the entire length of the power line (assessment of the effect of the extension of the power line (assessment of exclusion effect).
Parameters:
– Characterisation and quantification of mortality
o Species affected
o Mortality rates and global mortality estimate
– Assessment of the occurrence and quantification of an exclusion effect
o Absolute and relative abundance
o Space utilisation
– Evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-collision devices (only applicable in the operational phase)
o Reduction (in %) of the Relative Collision Risk
o Crossing Flight Behaviour (especially birds of prey and other gliders and
and endangered water birds)
Periodicity: Considering that, in the EIA phase, monitoring was already carried out corresponding to the year of reference situation (prior to construction), under the present plan monitoring should be continued for the construction phase and three years of the operation phase. It should be noted that mortality will only be monitored during the first three years of the operation phase.
TOP PAGE 42
5. WHAT WILL BE MONITORED? continued
In addition to the minimisation measures proposed for the different impacts identified, it is important to monitor the impacts caused by the project to verify whether minimisation is achieved or whether additional measures need to be taken.
In this sense, we propose the development of a Chiroptera Monitoring Plan, taking into account that the study area of the photovoltaic power station intersects a protection buffer of a shelter of regional/local importance and, given to the presence of endangered bat species in the specific
PROPOSED MONITORING
Bats
Monitoring sites: the sampling sites monitored as part of the pre-construction monitoring should be considered (8 points in the power station area and 8 points in the control area).
Parameters:
– Evaluation of the use of space in the study area of the power plant at ground level
o specific diversity, which corresponds to the determination of the species or groups of species or groups of species of chiropterans occurring in the area of the photovoltaic power station and in a control area, through acoustic detection;
o activity, which corresponds to the determination of the number of contacts with chiroptera per unit of time in the wind farm area and in a control area, through acoustic detection; air temperature, precipitation, wind direction and intensity, coinciding with the sampling periods.
– Assess the impact of the project on shelter occupation of regional/local importance
o Species present
o Number of individuals
Periodicity: taking into account that, in the EIA phase, monitoring was already carried out corresponding to the year of reference situation (prior to construction), under the present plan it should be continued for the continuity for the operational phase (3 years)
TOP PAGE 43
5. WHAT WILL BE MONITORED? continued
In addition to the minimisation measures proposed for the different impacts identified, it is important to monitor the impacts caused by the project to verify whether minimisation is achieved or whether additional measures need to be taken.
In this sense, it is proposed the development of a Groundwater Resources Monitoring Plan taking into account the proximity of the photovoltaic project to the catchment for public supply JCS1 (Barrocais) and the vulnerability of the water mass of Peral-Moncarapacho.
PROPOSED MONITORING
Groundwater Resources
Monitoring sites: the catchment JCS1 Barrocais, which is located outside the study area of the photovoltaic project of Estoi.
Parameters:
– the piezometric level and obtain in situ parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity)
– Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Conductivity, pH, Temperature, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Zinc, Copper, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Iron and Total Hydrocarbons.
Periodicity: must include two sampling campaigns before the beginning of the work, which will serve as a reference for the sampling to be carried out during the construction phase, which should be done quarterly.
During the operation phase of the project, the sampling frequency must also be quarterly, i.e. that is, four campaigns per hydrological year (two in the wet season and two in the dry season). A monitoring should be done for at least 3 years.
TOP PAGE 44
6. CONCLUSIONS
This document refers to the Summary Report of the Environmental Impact Study that assesses the Estoi photovoltaic power station in Estoi (69 MWA with 14 MVA of storage), having as associated project, an interconnection line, at 150 kV, with the Estoi Substation, as a connection point to the Public Electricity Supply Network. The project under evaluation is in the Execution Project phase.
The project of the Estoi Photovoltaic Power Plant materialises directly as one of the investments in the generation of energy from renewable sources, aligning and contributing directly to the fulfilment of national and regional designs of investment and promotion of renewable energy sources in energy production, cooperating with the national effort to comply with the renewable electricity generation and carbon neutrality targets of the neutrality of the economy and adaptation to climate change, since the project promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with the use of fossil fuels for energy production.
The Estoi Photovoltaic Power Plant project is located in the parish of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo in the municipality of Tavira, Algarve region.
Regarding the Power Line project and the corridor that defines the study area, these cover the Union of the Conceição and Estoi in the municipality of Faro, the Union of the parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuseta, municipality of Olhão, the parish of São Brás de Alportel, municipality of São Brás de Alportel and the freguesia of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, municipality of Tavira, in the Algarve region.
TOP PAGE 45
6. CONCLUSIONS continued
The environmental assessment of the Project showed that the foreseeable interventions in the construction phase will have negative effects on various environmental factors leading, in general, to impacts of little significance.
In terms of cumulative impacts, it should be noted that descriptors such as Geology and Geomorphology, Soils, Water Resources and Water Quality, Noise Environment, Land Use and Occupation and Heritage do not foresee cumulative impacts. The existence of the Estoi Solar Photovoltaic Plant makes a positive contribution to Climate Change, however it may constitute an exclusion effect and the mortality of birds and may be considered a source of visual intrusion, as well as a new source of noise and atmospheric pollutants (temporarily), however it should be noted that these impacts are not very significant.
In terms of the overall assessment of impacts, although there are unfavourable effects, which can be mitigated and classified as insignificant, after implementation of minimization measures, and with relevance at a local scale, on the other hand, there are also several positive effects.
It is worth mentioning the positive effect associated with job creation, given the socio-economic context of the region and the weight that the workforce to be affected has in the scope of the unemployed population in the municipality.
In terms of residual impacts, only in the descriptor of biodiversity and landscape are there significant negative effects. This graduation of greater significance is due to the possible affectation of species of high value for conservation, especially the elimination of vegetation. For this reason, it is planned to implementation of a wide range of compensatory measures is planned.
TOP PAGE 46
6. CONCLUSIONS continued
The noise environment of the sensitive receptors, in general, is little disturbed, typical of a rural environment with little human presence, the main noise source being relatively distant road traffic on the A22 motorway and local traffic.
The capital of positive effects of the project is remarkable, identifying as main and most significant positive effects of the project:
✓ the achievement of the objective that justifies and sustains the project – to provide a response and contribution to the national strategy to reinforce the generation of energy by renewable means using photovoltaic production, which generates direct and indirect consequences associated with the contribution to replacing the use of fossil fuels by renewable sources for energy production, in particular the reduction of external energy dependence;
✓ the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the pursuit of carbon neutrality, as well as at a local level the introduction/diversification of the economic fabric (with reinforcement of this sector at municipal and regional level and the associated service needs).
It is reinforced that the implementation of the recommended measures, which can be ensured by guaranteeing the implementation of an Environmental Management Plan as proposed that includes and configures the mandatory inclusion of all measures and monitoring programmes proposed for the construction phase, is decisive in contain the remaining negative impacts identified as being of little or no significance after the application of measures.
THE END