Environmental impact

Environmental impact assessment

The environmental impact assessment involves the conduct of comprehensive studies to determine potential impacts on wildlife. The studies are carried out by specialists in the respective fields from Estonia and, where necessary, from abroad. As a result of the studies, the habitats and movement corridors of fish, seals, birds and bats in the area have been mapped. Based on the knowledge obtained, the offshore wind farm project will be adapted to minimise the impact on local and migratory species in the area. Separate studies have been conducted on noise, vibration, low-frequency noise and turbulence. The overall socio-economic impact of the wind farm was also assessed.

At present, the development of the wind farm is in the environmental impact assessment phase, with the environmental research company Skepast&Puhkim OÜ assessing the potential significant environmental and cumulative impacts associated with the construction and operation of the offshore wind farm.

Areas of environmental impact assessment

Impact on hydrodynamics
Impact on waves
Impact on the formation, spreading and settling of suspended solids
Impact on water quality
Impact on sediment transport and coastal processes
Impact on seabed biota
Impact on fish populations
Impact on avifauna
Impact on bats
Impact on marine mammals
Impact on Natura 2000 network sites
Impact on protected natural objects
Impact on cultural monuments
Impact of environmental noise, including low-frequency noise and infrasound
Impact of underwater noise
Impact of vibration
Visual impact
Impact on the socio-economic environment
Impact on human health, well-being and property
Impact on national defence objects
Ice-related risks
Navigation risks, including impact on navigation
Potential occurrence of oil spills and their spread
Impact on climate change
Potential cross-border impact

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