Environmental Investigations
Investigations prior to start of construction:
In the planning phase of the project an extensive Environmental Impact Assessment according to German standards and in relation to protected areas was performed. Within a period of 3 years, the following monitoring had been done:
1. Benthos (seabed animals) – seasonal investigations by ship during spring and autumn
2. Fish – seasonal investigations by ship during spring and autumn
3. Resting birds – monthly investigations by ship and airplane
4. Migratory birds– monthly investigations by ship and airplane
5. Marine mammals (harbour porpoise and seals) – monthly investigations by ship, airplane and by the use of porpoise detectors (C-POD)
During the entire 3 years of the baseline investigations the project area as well as a reference area were studied, including an alternative area additionally investigated in the 1st year. Two years prior to construction the 3rd year of baseline investigations were performed in accordance with the BSH standard: „Untersuchung der Auswirkungen von Offshore-Windenergieanlagen auf die Meeresumwelt“. In the 1st and 2nd year of baseline investigations the conducted monitoring was equivalent to these BSH requirements.
Additionally a continuous monitoring of marine mammals with stationary porpoise detectors close to the project area of the Butendiek wind farm was implemented beyond the comprehensive demands of the authorities.
Investigations during construction and operation phase:
Further investigation periods are planned within the time of construction and in the first 3-5 years of operation. During the construction phase in 2014 and 2015 ecological monitoring will be performed according to the revised BSH standard.
Focus of the monitoring equals to foregoing investigations:
1. Benthos (seabed animals) – likely, if construction phase will be longer than 1 year
2. Fish – likely, if construction phase will be longer than 1 year
3. Resting birds – monthly investigations by ship and airplane
4. Migratory birds– monthly investigations by ship and airplane
5. Marine mammals (harbour porpoise and seals) – monthly investigations by ship and airplane and by the use of porpoise detectors (C-POD)
Above all the investigations will be intensified regarding birds and mammals (e.g. airplane surveys with digital camera system). Moreover for the prevention of impacts on mammals during pile driving noise will be mitigated by appropriate methods.