Environmental Impact Assessment for a Wind Power Production - Research Paper Example

? Number Analysis of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a Wind Power Production Project in Turkana Area of Kenya; EastAfrica Institution Course Code Instructor CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.0. Project Description The project under consideration will constitute a wind farm situated at the South Eastern end of Lake Turkana. This area is mostly uninhabited, rocky and arid desert area. The geographical conditions are unique with daily temperature fluctuations generating strong, predictable wind streams between Lake Turkana and the desert hinterland. Although there is no significant source of water, power or coal, the area can be termed as an enormous natural heat engine. This is due to the wind circulation system coming as a result of the difference in temperatures of the sun-baked land region and the cooler waters of the lake. The heating of the land air causes rising of hot air, which is promptly replaced by the cool air from the Lake blowing as wind throughout the area until it cools down. Contrary to what happens in the oilfield where depletion occurs, the blowing goes on as long as the as the sun shines (Zavadil et al. 2007). The projected area effectively acts as a funnel whereby the wind streams are accelerated to speed up to 15m/s (UNEP 2006). This ascertains the positivity of the resource to driving turbines for power production. 1.1. Project’s Need The power deficit in Kenya is a serious problem and the production of electric energy using wind, will boost the production to high. The modelling done estimates that wind power installation with capacities of close to 300 megawatts would be required to increase the power production by 20%. The wind farm will include 365 V53 turbines with hub heights of 44 meters to produce clean electricity into the national grid system. 1.2. Project Timelines The project under consideration is scheduled to take five years to completion though in three phases. The first phase of two years will incorporate ground work and research findings on the viability of this project in the Turkwel region, followed by installation phase of two years, which also see the pre trial use being done. The last one year phase will be the commissioning stage. Timescale of change Environmental Parameter Geological aspect Will not change and will remain stable. Can be more than 50 years Favorable air replenishment and cut down on GHGs. Varies seasonally The population of migratory bird from Lake Turkana will be affected to the south Eastern side. 1.3. Project Location The Lake Turkana project will constitute a wind farm situated 8 Km South East of Lake Turkana in Marsabit County Loyiangalani district of Kenya. The exact position of the proposed plant is between two mount ranges; Southwest of Mt Kulal and Northeast of Mt. Nyiru. The Map Showing the location of the project is exhibited in Annex 1. 1.3.1. Soil Capacity The area has basically a clay based soil meaning the area is more alkaline with the surrounding rocks being predominantly volcanic. The area has undergone tremendous natural degradation in form soil erosion. The soil in the area has been affected by the overgrazing of the pastoralists communities. Lack of vegetation and cutting down of the few trees and shrubs make the area prone to soil destruction processes. The construction of the project will result into increased soil erosion during installation of turbines and road construction. This combined with strong winds and occasional rains may lead to acute and chronic erosions. 1.3.2. Ground Water The area consists of efficient aquifers of ground waters that can be utilised for the construction purposes. This is through the drilling of boreholes and provides sufficient project water and avoids competition with the locals. After construction, the extra boreholes will be made available to the local communities. 1.3.3. Surface Water The water quantity and quality is a critical issue and its availability in the project area, is generally low and constitutes one of the major challenges in the region. The occurrence of surface water in the project area is very rare. Shallow pools can only be evidenced after heavy downpours. This may result to seasonal water courses being filled with water for a short period. The drainage systems are dry river beds in the project area, thus rehabilitation is critical. 1.3.4. Wetlands and Ecosystem Regions The project’s activities are likely to cause minor negative impacts on the wetland and Ecosystem regions of the project area. The most direct negative impact on the ecology will be potential bird mortality through collisions by turbines (avifauna). The conservation of wetland is crucial in promotion of its usage by national action in order to achieve collective sustainable global development. Kenya complies with the Convention on wetlands of International Importance thus looks into the safeguarding of the wetlands. The proximity of the project to the Lake and associated birds migratory corridor will be affected to some extent. The opening up of the remote area will result to population influx resulting to internal pressure on natural resources in and around the area of project. 1.4. Environmental Impacts Assessment Scope This study examines the impacts of generating electricity from wind energy in the realization of the Vision 2030 in Kenya. This section will stipulate the content and extent of the environmental information that will be submitted for scrutiny to the EIA. The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) ensure a mandatory to the proponent of the project to submit a report to National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) in the ascertained format. Of eventual relevance to conducting EIA are part VIII, section 58 and the second schedule of EMCA.i Concerning the ecological and animal impact on the project, the following aspects have been said to be aroused by the installation of wind farms. First, many have argued that the soil and flora are disturbed by the installation of the turbines, as well as air space for planes and the bird to fly over (World Bank Group 1998). The catastrophes brought about this project cannot be compared to what is caused by the other sources of energy production. Power problems in the world have posed a serious challenge with the emergence of global millennium development goals. Rising energy prices and the ever disturbing concern over greenhouse gas emissions have prompted many nations to focus much attention on energy alternatives (U. S. Department of Energy 2008). Wind power provides a crucial alternative for an environment friendly source of power. Power is a core aspect in every developing country, without enough power it becomes a nightmare to realize any considerable growth (Gipe 1995). Infrastructural development requires power supply and its absence lead to its inconsistency. Further, with development and the current, power production modes, the use of fossil fuels has posed a significant challenge to the developing and the developed world (World Bank group 1998). The discharge of greenhouse gases has been on the rise bringing in a big problem to the environment. The wind farms installations have been termed to cause disturbance to the soil and flora as a result of the turbine installation. Further, airspace for planes and birds becomes occupied by the turbines leaving no room for flying and bird deaths are recorded with the vanes installations. Contrary to this, the deaths occurring with respect to this aspect cannot be matched with the numbers occurring as a result of pollution via fossil fuel pollution and the likes. Further, the space for airplanes is not a factual concern as they can fly higher or assume different routes of flying. CHAPTER TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETER 2.0. Effects Assessment – Rare Plants The area consists of large barren lands with scarce vegetation in the project area. Most of the project area is covered by deciduous dwarf shrubs and the prominent trees are the acacia species. These provide food for the fauna in the area, as well as providing fuel for cooking. The project activities are likely to cause destruction to some vegetation leading to subsequent loss of trees, shrubs and grasses from the area of operation. Wind power generates almost zero net greenhouse gases. Looking at the electricity generated from wind energy, it is clear that no greenhouse gases are emitted, though the manufacture and transportation of the turbines produce a small amount (D’Souza et al. 2011). In comparison to conventional fuels sources, wind energy also avoids a variety of environmental impacts like those pertaining to mining, drilling and water pollutants. Though wind farms are associated with affecting weather in their vicinity. This project will be situated in an area with unusually high turbulence and the different atmospheric conditions of the lake and the surrounding which try and equalizes the temperatures. During the day, it helps in gradual movement of hot air masses on the land area and consequently replaced by cooler air masses from the lake. At night, the spinning rotors generate a lot turbulence that results into the mixing of het and water vapour bringing about a cooling effect. 2.1. Legislation and Policy In 2009, the Kenya Climate Change working group planned and implemented climate response activities to enhance the realization of cutting down on the GHGs emissions. Several Acts in Kenya look at the renewable energy development while at the same time safeguarding the environmental conditions. The Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act of 1999 (EMCA 1999) looks into the management of the environment as the energy production process continues. Other legislations looking into the proper utilization of this natural resource while safeguarding the same include the Energy Act 2006, Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2007, Physical Planning Act of 1999, Local Government Act of 1999. Further, this project as other renewable energy undertaking and requiring funding is guided by World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies that incorporate Operations Procedures on the assessment of the environment, natural habitats, safeguarding the interests and culture of the indigenous people, as well as involuntary resettlement. Kenya being a participant to global treaties and protocols like Convention on Biological diversity and Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Vienna Convention on the protection of the ozone (O3) layer just to name a few (UNEP 2006). The above give significant environmental legislations that are crucial in the fast tracking of wind power generation in the Turkana region in Kenya. 2.2. Existing Baseline Data The emission of carbon dioxide from electricity generation in the fossil fuel fired power plants which will be displaced by the project. Considerable studies have been conducted using climatic models to study the effects of extremely large wind farms and have proved that the utilization of wind power is much more considerate than over-reliant on the fossil fuels. According to Keith et al. (2004), although large scale climatic effects are observed with the use of wind power, it has negligible effects on the global mean surface temperature. The most advantageous aspect of this resource utilization lies in the fact that it delivers enormous global benefits with the reduction of CO2 and other air GHGs. This clearly indicates the fact that Kenya will realize its dream of harnessing more energy to top up on the deficit and reduce on the energy importation. The project under consideration will achieve carbon dioxide emission reduction by replacing the power generated by fossil fuel fired power plants. On the same note, it would reduce the emissions of global warming gases in line with National Environmental Management Authority requirements that the energy and industry plants should see to it that they cut down on the air pollution while maximizing on their production. The carbon credit potential of the project ranges between 565, 920 and 1,264,320 carbon oxide tons equivalents per year. Within a 10 year crediting period, this will add up to ten times the prior capacity. 2.3. Prediction Methods Looking at the method that can be applied for predicting the CO2 and GHGs; checklists method can be highly effective. Various items on the parameters can be outlined to ascertain the cause and effect of this environmental impact on the weather. The method will try to question the occurrences and outcome of the GHGs emissions. This will ascertain the changes expected to be experienced with time on the environment with regard to this parameter. This project produces no CO2; this will go a long way in reducing the levels of GHGs in the environment. This will see a decline in the effects of global warming and aid in the replenishing of the ozone layer. Issue at hand Discussion Impact Conclusion Levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, radioactive metals and noise. Does the wind power impact on the issues? The utilization of wind power has considerably been shown to reduce the level s of GHGs emission, no heavy and radioactive metals introduced in soils and considerable noise pollution. With the projected global increase of 10% wind energy production, will see the reduction of GHGs considerably. Economic factors and resource depletion Will the project interfere with the resources of the area? The harsh climatic conditions of the Turkana area have led to the sparsely population patterns. Therefore, the establishment of this project will not interfere with the natural resources of the area. The turbines mainly consist of polymers there by do not post environmental hazards of the heavy metals. The project will contribute toward environmental conservation while providing development growth pattern. Overall adherence to the EIA Is the project viable as per EIA On critical analysis of the project and its legislation requirements, it is clear that the project is positive with EIA due to its GHGs reduction measure. Wind power production is crucial and environmental friendly. 2.4. Potential Mitigation Measures The planning stage for the project should be done much earlier to take into account the negative impacts solution. Concerning the effects of birds’ migration; suitable designs can result into alleviating the impacts on birds. This is through the provision of wide corridors between the clusters of turbines. With the placing of the project 10Km from the Lake; the project will be out of the migratory birds. Since migrating and wintering birds are associated with the Lake Shoreline and collision risk of birds is aimed to be low. On the same note, wind turbines will be installed and located on the ridges having adequate spacing in between to enable passage of birds. In addition, the Environmental and Social Impact assessment studies recommends that some measures like noise abatement, waste management, water quality, protection and restoration of the biodiversity and habitat, minimization of soil erosion and the siltation among others. The restoration of lost biodiversity may be enhanced via planting of trees that are appropriate plus shrubs, not to forget the protection of the fauna species and their effectual habitats. Rehabilitate all degraded areas via landscaping and subsequent planting of suitable grass, shrubs and trees to blend the exact environment. CHAPTER THREE: CONSULTATION AND CONSENT 3.0. The Decision Making Process Kenyan laws do not allow the establishment of projects without the approval of the relevant authorities. Consultations are made in the process of the establishment of this project. First, there is the local authorities’ government that has to approve of the project in the Turkana area. This is crucial to ensure that the government and the local people back the project. Further, assessment of the project’s projected undertaking at the initial stage by NEMA will see to it that it will comply with the set environmental requirements. NEMA is an agency established under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA) of 1999 initiated in 2002. It supervises and coordinates all environmental activities in the country. This is the principal instrument of the implementation of all policies relate to the environment, as far as this project is concerned. The EMCA 1999 supersedes all other environmental legislations providing for the establishment of a suitable legal and institutional structure for the supervision of the environment. This Act governs Environmental Impacts Assessment (EIA) studies and outlines the NEMA environmental regulations regarding this project in the second Schedule of Act. Regarding the World Bank quest to safeguard the policies, it has developed guidelines for pollution prevention and abatement measures not to mention the emissions measures acceptable to the bank (World Bank Group 1998). World Bank effects this with some of its policies including Environmental Assessment (Operational Policy, OP 4.01), Natural Habitats (Operational Policy, OP 4.04)?Indigenous Peoples (Operational Policy 4.10) and Involuntary Resettlement (Operational Policy 4.12). 3.1. The use of EIS by competent authorities to make decisions concerning giving consent Environmental Impact Assessment is a crucial aspect in the giving consent to this project. The Kenyan authorities incorporate the Environmental Management and coordination Act of 199 (EMCA 1999) to enhance and manage the environment. This undertaking helps the government to be in line with the EIA requirement to safeguard the environment. Through NEMA, supervision and coordination of all environmental undertakings in the country is enhanced. First, the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations 2003: The EIA is a critical examination of the effects of the project of Turkana wind Power production on the environment (World Bank, 1998). The main goal of EIA ensures that decisions on the proposed project and undertaking are environmental sustainable. Environmental Audit (EA) provides a systematic documentation, periodic and objective evaluation of the activities and programs to conform to the approved environmental management plan. Further, the environmental Management and Coordination (Controlled Substances) Regulations 2007 guides the government in ascertaining the emissions emitted by the project thus causative to the depletion of the ozone (World Bank 1998). The significance of this regulation with regard to Turkana Wind Farm is that no emissions are noted and thus give the project an extra advantage for approval. This is done by NEMA in ascertaining the presence of the controlled substances as outlined in their regulations. Environmental Management and Coordination, Conservation of Biological Diversity (BD) Regulations 2006: outlines requirements for conservation of diversity. This outlines the conservation of endangered species and the protection of environmentally significant areas, the sharing of benefits of the projects, offences and penalties to be incurred. Regarding the issue of noise pollution and excessive vibration, Environment Management and Co-ordination Regulation 2009 gives the general prohibitions on excessive vibrations and permissible noise levels (World Bank 1998). These would guide the relevant authorities in assessing the adherence to these regulations. With adherence to the above regulations by NEMA, we find that the guidelines give a directive to the authorities with regard to the EIA objectives. REFERENCE ASME, 2009. ASME General Position Statement on Technology & Policy Recommendations; & Goals for Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions, in the Energy Sector. D”Souza, N., Das-Gbegbage, E. and Shonfield P., 2011. Life Cycle assessment of Electricity Production from a Vestas V112 Turbine Wind Plant. Copenhagen: Raadhusplasden. Gipe, P., 1995. Wind Energy Comes of Age. New York: Willey. Keith, D., DeCarolis, J., Denkenberger, D., Lenschow, D., Malyshev, S., Pacala, S. and Rasch, P., 2004. The Influence of Large-Scale Wind Power on Global Climate. Owour, B. and Makolo, M., (n.d.) Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation: what Organisations in Kenya are doing. Nairobi: Institute for Law and Environmental Governance. Durham, N., 2005. Wind Farms Impacting Weather: Environmental Engineers Detect Turbines’ Turbulence Effects. Accessed on March 01, 2012. The European Wind Energy Association, 2009. Wind Energy- The Facts: A Guide to the Technology, Economics and Future of Wind Power. (eBook). London: Earthscan UK. U. S. Department of Energy, 2008. 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind’s Energy Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply. Accessed from; . UNEP, 2006. Kenya Integrated Assessment of the Energy Policy: With a focus on transport and household sectors. World Bank Group, 1998. Pollution Prevention and Abatemet Handbook. World Bank, Environment Department, Washington, DC, p. 471, World Bank, 1998. Operational Directives for Environmental Impact Assessment. World Bank webpage www.worldbank.org Zavadil, R., Ellis, A., Miller, N., Muljadi, E., Camm, E. and Kirby, B., 2007. “Quicuing Up: Interconnecting Wind Generation into the Power System.” EEE Power and Energy Magazine, Vol. 5(6), p. 47-58, DOI:10.1109/MPE.2007.906565. ANNEX 1 The map showing the location of Lake Turkana Wind Power Plant ANNEX 2 Life cycle of a wind turbine (Accessed from D”Souza et al 2011, p. 4) ANNEX 3: V112 wind turbine blade made of Polyurethane (PUR) (Accessed from De’Souza et al. p. 64) ANNEX 4: Wind mills arrangement for power production (http://windenergyadvantages.info/s/windmill) Read More