Salkhit ESIA Report

Simulated view of turbines from the northern end of the proposed Salkhit Uul wind park
Prepared for:
Funded by:
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE SALKHIT UUL WIND PARK, MONGOLIA
30 November 2008
E NVIRONMENTAL AND S OCIAL IMPACT A SSESSMENT OF THE S ALKHIT U UL W IND P ARK , M ONGOLIA
30 November 2008
Prepared for:
Prepared by:
Funded by:
Contract C17400/LUX-2007-12-08 Black & Veatch Project 041894.01.01
ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park
TITLE PAGE
Project Title: Contract: Document Title: Prepared by: Date Prepared: Prepared by: Reviewed by: B&V Project Manager: Newcom Project Manager: EBRD Project Manager: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Salkhit Uul Wind Park, Mongolia C17400/LUX-2007-12-08 Final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp. 30 November 2008 Ivan Maximov, Ursula Bycroft, Jack Mozingo Jim Eldridge Jack Mozingo D. Gankhuyag Robert Adamczyk
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page....................................................................................................................................... i Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................... ii Appendices .................................................................................................................................. iv List of Tables................................................................................................................................ iv List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... v Glossary and List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ...................................................................... vi 1.0 Introduction and Project Background ...................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................1 1.2 Project Background .....................................................................................................1 1.3 Scope of the ESIA .......................................................................................................2 1.4 Methodology for the ESIA ...........................................................................................4 1.4.1 Scoping............................................................................................................4 1.4.2 Baseline Data Collection .................................................................................5 1.4.3 Assessment of Impacts ...................................................................................5 1.4.4 Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement ...................................................8 1.4.5 Environmental Monitoring................................................................................9 1.5 Organization of This Report ........................................................................................9 2.0 The Proposed Project ........................................................................................................10 2.1 Construction ..............................................................................................................14 2.1.1 Transportation ...............................................................................................14 2.1.2 Temporary Works ..........................................................................................15 2.1.3 Control Center Compound.............................................................................15 2.1.4 Access Road .................................................................................................16 2.1.5 Transmission Line from Site to National Grid ................................................17 2.1.6 On-Site Roads and Transmission Lines ........................................................18 2.1.7 Turbines.........................................................................................................19 2.2 Operations.................................................................................................................20 2.3 Decommissioning ......................................................................................................22 3.0 Legal and Institutional Framework .....................................................................................23 3.1 Mongolian Energy Law..............................................................................................23 3.2 Mongolian Renewable Energy Program....................................................................23 3.3 Key Mongolian Environmental Laws .........................................................................24 3.4 International Requirements .......................................................................................27 3.5 Current Legal Status of Salkhit Uul Wind Park Project .............................................28 4.0 Environmental and Socioeconomic Baseline Conditions ...................................................30 4.1 Climate ......................................................................................................................30 4.1.1 Temperature ..................................................................................................30 4.1.2 Precipitation...................................................................................................30 4.1.3 Wind ..............................................................................................................31 4.1.4 Air quality.......................................................................................................33 4.2 Landscape and Geology ...........................................................................................34 4.3 Seismic conditions.....................................................................................................34 4.4 Surface water ............................................................................................................37 4.5 Hydrogeology ............................................................................................................39 4.6 Ecosystems ...............................................................................................................39 4.7 Soils...........................................................................................................................40 4.8 Flora and Fauna ........................................................................................................42 4.8.1 Vegetation .....................................................................................................42 4.8.2 Wildlife ...........................................................................................................44 4.8.3 Birds ..............................................................................................................45 4.9 Noise and Vibration ...................................................................................................46 ii November 2008

4.10 Protected areas .........................................................................................................48 4.11 Socioeconomic conditions.........................................................................................48 4.11.1 Overview........................................................................................................48 4.11.2 Economic conditions......................................................................................51 4.11.3 Cultural Resources ........................................................................................51 Assessment of Environmental and Social Impacts ............................................................55 5.1 Introduction................................................................................................................55 5.2 Climate and Air Quality..............................................................................................55 5.2.1 Construction ..................................................................................................56 5.2.2 Operation.......................................................................................................56 5.2.3 Decommissioning ..........................................................................................57 5.2.4 Optional Layouts............................................................................................57 5.3 Landscape.................................................................................................................57 5.3.1 Construction ..................................................................................................58 5.3.2 Operation.......................................................................................................60 5.3.3 Decommissioning ..........................................................................................63 5.3.4 Optional Layouts............................................................................................63 5.4 Hydrology and Hydrogeology ....................................................................................63 5.4.1 Construction ..................................................................................................64 5.4.2 Operation.......................................................................................................65 5.4.3 Decommissioning ..........................................................................................66 5.4.4 Optional Layouts............................................................................................66 5.5 Geology and Soils .....................................................................................................66 5.5.1 Construction ..................................................................................................66 5.5.2 Operation.......................................................................................................68 5.5.3 Decommissioning ..........................................................................................68 5.5.4 Optional Layouts............................................................................................68 5.6 Flora and Fauna ........................................................................................................68 5.6.1 Construction ..................................................................................................70 5.6.2 Operation.......................................................................................................72 5.6.3 Decommissioning ..........................................................................................74 5.6.4 Optional Layouts............................................................................................74 5.7 Noise .........................................................................................................................75 5.7.1 Construction ..................................................................................................75 5.7.2 Operation.......................................................................................................77 5.7.3 Decommissioning ..........................................................................................78 5.7.4 Assessment of Optional Layouts ...................................................................78 5.8 Social Impact Assessment ........................................................................................78 5.8.1. Demographics and Economics........................................................................78 5.8.2 Social Infrastructure.......................................................................................80 5.8.3 Land Use .......................................................................................................81 5.8.4 Community ....................................................................................................81 5.8.5 Cultural Resources ........................................................................................81 5.8.6 Occupational and Public Health and Safety ..................................................82 5.9 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................83 5.9.1 The International Airport ................................................................................83 5.9.2 Expansion of Wind Park ................................................................................84 5.10 Summary of Impacts .................................................................................................85 Environmental Action Plan .................................................................................................92 Environmental and Social Monitoring Program................................................................101 References Cited .............................................................................................................107
5.0
6.0 7.0 9.0
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APPENDICES
Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E ESIA Preparers Milestones and Schedule for Preparation and Completion of ESIA Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan Ornithological Report Comments on the Draft ESIA and Responses
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Table 1-2 Table 1-3 Table 2-1 Table 2-2 Table 2-3 Table 4-1 Table 4-2 Table 4-3 Table 4-4 Table 5-1 Table 5-2 Table 5-3 Table 5-4 Table 5-5 Table 5-6 Table 5-7 Table 5-8 Table 5-9 Table 5-10 Table 6-1 Table 7-1 Table 7-2 Determination of Environmental Impact Significance ............................................ 6 Duration of Impacts ............................................................................................... 7 Determination of Social Impact Significance ......................................................... 8 Land Disturbed During Construction of Wind Park.............................................. 14 Characteristics of the VESTAS V80 Wind Power Generator............................... 20 Land Disturbed During Operation of Wind Park .................................................. 21 Annual Average Wind Speed at Wind Measurement Stations ............................ 32 Typical Sound Pressure Levels Associated with Common Noise Sources ......... 47 Guideline Values for Community Noise in Specific Environments ...................... 47 Protected Areas Nearest to the Project Site........................................................ 48 Air Quality Sensitivity to Change ......................................................................... 55 Landscape Sensitivity to Change ........................................................................ 56 Visual Receptors and their Sensitivity to Change................................................ 57 Sensitivity of the Water Environment................................................................... 64 Sensitivity of Ecological Receptors...................................................................... 69 Sensitivity of Mammals Likely to be Present at Salkhit Uul and Surrounding Areas ................................................................................................................... 69 Summary of Sensitivity of Avifauna Likely to be Present at Salkhit Uul and Surrounding Areas .............................................................................................. 70 Noise Receptors and their Sensitivity to Change ................................................ 75 Typical Construction Noise for Salkhit Wind Park ............................................... 75 Summary of Environmental and Social Impacts.................................................. 86 Environmental Action Plan: Mitigation and Enhancement Measures to Prevent or Reduce Potential Impacts .............................................................. 93 Key Environmental Performance Indicators for Construction and Operation Phases, Salkhit Uul Wind Park.......................................................................... 102 Environmental Monitoring Program for Salkhit Uul Wind Park .......................... 103
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure 2-3 Figure 2-4 Figure 2-5 Figure 2-6 Figure 2-7 Figure 2-8 Figure 2-9 Figure 2-10 Figure 4-1 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-3 Figure 4-4 Figure 4-5 Figure 4-6 Figure 4-7 Figure 4-8 Figure 4-9 Figure 4-10 Figure 4-11 Figure 4-12 Figure 4-13 Figure 4-14 Figure 4-15 Figure 4-16 Figure 4-17 Figure 4-18 Figure 4-19 Figure 4-20 Figure 4-21 Figure 4-22 Figure 4-23 Figure 4-24 Figure 5-1 Figure 5-2 Figure 5-3 Location of Proposed Salkhit Uul wind park .......................................................... 3 ESIA Process ........................................................................................................ 4 Proposed Salkhit Uul wind park........................................................................... 11 Proposed Layout for Salkhit Uul wind park ......................................................... 12 Optional Layout 1 for Salkhit Uul wind park......................................................... 13 Optional Layout 2 for Salkhit Uul wind park......................................................... 13 Conceptual layout of control compound .............................................................. 16 Example of 110kV transmission line tower base ................................................. 18 Typical road construction to allow use by self-propelled construction crane....... 18 Construction of typical foundation for tower and turbine. .................................... 19 Components of typical wind turbine .................................................................... 21 Crane lifting rotors to top of tower ....................................................................... 21 Mean monthly air temperature curve, 2001-2006................................................ 30 Average monthly precipitation, 2001-2006 .......................................................... 31 Average monthly wind speed, 2004-2006 ........................................................... 32 Diurnal wind speed, 2004-2006........................................................................... 32 Prevailing wind direction at the project site ......................................................... 33 Landscape and topography at the Salkhit Uul Wind Park site, April 2008 .......... 35 View from valley to East Ridge, April 2008 ......................................................... 35 Views from turbine locations on East Ridge, April 2008...................................... 36 Geology of the project area ................................................................................. 37 Surface water features on the project site ........................................................... 38 Small spring on the project site, April 2008 ......................................................... 39 Hydrogeology map of the study area .................................................................. 40 Ecosystems in the project area .......................................................................... 40 Soils in the project area....................................................................................... 41 Soil erosion caused by vehicle tracks in the project area, April 2008.................. 42 Vegetation map of project area ........................................................................... 43 Sparse grass cover in the project area, April 2008.............................................. 43 Burrows of Brandts voles in the project area, April 2008.................................... 44 Steppe eagle soaring over the project site, April 2008 ........................................ 46 Protected areas nearest to the project site.......................................................... 49 Railway station 7-P zor and railway workers apartment houses, April 2008 ...... 51 Nomadic and permanent residences near the project site, Spring 2008............. 52 Ovoo located on mountaintop in the project area, April 2008.............................. 54 Stone-covered burial area on the East Ridge of the project area, April 2008 ..... 54 Theoretical visibility of the wind park ................................................................... 61 Simulated view of the wind park .......................................................................... 62 Vulnerability of soils............................................................................................. 67
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GLOSSARY AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

aimag amsl BAT BOD5 0 C CDM CHP CO2 CRETG dBA DO EAP EBRD e-coli EIA ESMP ERA ESIA EU FPER ger Hz IFC ISO14000 IUCN km kV kW LAeq LLC MEAP mm m/s MW NGO ovoo PCDP pH PM10 rpm SO2 soum TDS TPH TSS UN UNDP USDOE v WHO Province (Mongolian administrative unit) above mean sea level Best Available Techniques Biological Oxygen Demand (5 days) degrees Centigrade Clean Development Mechanism (under the Kyoto Protocol) Combined Heat and Power Plant carbon dioxide Central Regional Electricity Transmission Grid decibels (sound pressure level) dissolved oxygen Environmental Action Plan European Bank for Reconstruction and Development bacteria index Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Monitoring Plan Mongolian Energy Regulatory Authority Environmental and Social Impact Assessment European Union Fire Protection and Emergency Response Plan Traditional dwelling of Mongolians (also known as yurts) Hertz, typically a measurement of one cycle per second International Financial Corporation Environmental management standard International Union for Conservation of Nature kilometers kilovolts, or 1,000 volts kilowatts, or 1,000 watts of energy, equal to 1 joule of energy per second equivalent sound pressure level Limited Liability Company Mongolian Environmental Assessment Program millimeters meters per second Megawatt one million watts of energy non-governmental organizations traditional Mongolian cultural monument Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan
measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution

particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter revolutions per minute sulfur dioxide Mongolian administrative unit roughly analogous to county total dissolved solids total petroleum hydrocarbons total suspended sediments United Nations United Nations Development Program United States Department of Energy volt, a measure of resistance or potential difference World Health Organization vi November 2008
1.0
1.1 Introduction
INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT BACKGROUND
Newcom LLC, a Mongolian company, plans to construct a wind park to generate up to 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the vicinity of Salkhit Uul (windy mountain), about 70km south-southeast of Ulaanbaatar (Figure 1). Newcom is seeking financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). As part of their decisionmaking process, EBRD and IFC require that the proposed project be evaluated in an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) that meets international guidelines. The draft ESIA was disclosed to project stakeholders and the public in compliance with EBRD and IFC guidelines. All stakeholder and public comments on the draft ESIA were considered in developing this final ESIA, and will be considered in in the final decisions made by EBRD and IFC. 1.2 Project Background
The Mongolian Parliament passed an Energy Law in 2001 that was intended in part to establish the legal base for restructuring the countrys energy sector. A major effort is to promote private sector involvement in the countrys energy sector, and to encourage private investment and competition. Mongolia's energy needs are met principally with domestic generation, At present, the electrical industry consists entirely or primarily of 18 government-owned companies that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, and that undertake other related activities. Coal supplies provide over 95 percent of the country's electricity, and over 5.10 million metric tonnes of coal were burned for power in 2007, most in the three plants that serve Ulaanbaatar. The central energy system supplies Ulaanbaatar, three other cities, and six aimags1 with electricity and heating from coal-fired combined heat and power (CHP) facilities, while in the rest of the aimags energy is supplied through coal-fired CHPs and diesel generators. Low reliability and efficiency of heat and electricity supplies, both economic and operational, has been and remains a consistent problem, particularly in rural areas (World Bank, 2006). Overall, installed electrical generation capacity was 832MW in 2007 (USDOE EIA, 2008). Mongolias electricity demand is expected to double in the next 15 to 20 years (ADB, 2005; World Bank, 2006). To help reach this goal, the Government established the Renewable Energy Center to lead an effort to conduct research and to increase the use of renewable energy sources; this organization now focuses primarily on commercial activities. In 2005, the Parliament approved the National Program for Renewable Energy, with a key goal being to have renewable energy sources provide 20-25 percent of the nationwide energy production by 2020. To support the program, Parliament enacted the Renewable Energy Law in February 2007. This law supports the development of a renewable energy industry in Mongolia in part by fixing tariffs to be paid to private sector companies (known as Feed-In Tariffs or FIT) in a band ranging from US 8 cents to 9.5 cents per kWh for electricity generated with renewable sources. The U.S. Department of Energy evaluates the wind resources of many areas around the world and has prepared wind resource maps for many countries, including Mongolia (USDOE 2001). Several regions in Mongolia, covering an area of more than 160,000 square kilometers, were
Province-level administrative unit. There are 21 aimags in Mongolia.
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found to be suitable and capable of using high-capacity wind power stations connected to the electric grid network. A nationwide survey of wind resources in the early 2000s found many locations potentially favorable for generating electricity. Newcom in 2004 leased a total of 30,000 hectares from the Government for a 60-year term and began collecting detailed wind data in the Salkhit Uul area, which is in Sergelen soum2 of Tov aimag.. Additional details of the legal framework of the lease agreement and project development are provided in Chapter 3. Newcom is proposing to construct and operate a wind park to generate up to 50MW of electricity in the northeast portion of the leasehold (see Figure 1-1). The proposed project is described in Chapter 2. 1.3 Scope of the ESIA
EBRD and IFC have determined that this is a Category B3 project under their respective procedures. Because of the importance of this renewable energy project to the country and to the prospective lenders, they required the ESIA to meet Category A standards. Prior to making a funding decision, EBRD and IFC have to be satisfied that:
The elements of the investment program they have been asked to help finance would meet Mongolian national requirements and existing European Union, EBRD, and IFC environmental standards. The project would include all necessary mitigation measures to minimize any significant adverse change in environmental, health and safety, and socioeconomic conditions. Appropriate public consultation and disclosure are undertaken in line with EBRD Environmental Policy and IFC Performance Standards, ensuring all reasonable public opinions are adequately considered prior to a commitment for financing.
In keeping with EBRD and IFC requirements, the overall scope of this assessment includes:

Scoping and identification of key issues. Definition of baseline conditions of key environmental and social resources Assessment of positive and negative impacts of the proposed project Consultation with people who may be affected by the prospective project and other stakeholders. Development of design and operating practices that are sufficient to avoid, reduce, or compensate for significant adverse environmental and social impacts. Development of such monitoring programs as are necessary to verify mitigation is effective in accomplishing its goals, and to develop and refine the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
These requirements are discussed further in the following sections.
County-level administrative unit. There are 27 soums in Tov aimag. Projects are classified as Category B when the project would involve new construction, rehabilitation, or process/technology changes that could result in future environmental impacts which are less adverse than those of Category A projects, taking into account their nature, size and location, as well as the characteristics of the potential environmental impacts (EBRD, 2003).
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June 25, 2008
ULAANBAATAR
ul Tu
Road A0501
CRETG 110kV, 35kV substation
! Nalaikh
Zuunmond !
Ulaanbaatar soum
Roa d
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A2 5
Proposed access road and 110 kV trasmission line
Sergelen soum
nal
Road A01 01
PROJECTS\Mongolia\Figure1-1_WindParkLocation_062508.mxd
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Proposed international airport
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Sergelen village
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Railway station 6-P zor "
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Railway station " 7-P zor
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Proposed substation
# * # *
Salkhit Uul
Gold placer mines
SELENGE Tov aimag
Ulaanbaatar Salkhit Uul wind park Gold miners camp

DUNDGOVI
_ ^
H ! Proposed turbine locations Newcom LLC lease boundary ! Town or city Paved road Unpaved improved road Railroad Surface water Soum boundary
Imagery: 2005 Landsat 15-meter Global Data Set
Sergelen soum
RUSSIA
Tov aimag MO NG O LIA CHINA
5 Kilometers WGS 1984 UTM Zone 48N
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FIGURE 1-1
Location of proposed Salkhit Uul wind park

1.4 Methodology for the ESIA
This section describes the ESIA process in the context of the Salkhit Uul Wind Park. The overall approach for the ESIA and reporting used the following sources of guidance: European Union Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC (Council of the European Union, 1985; 1997). IFC Guidelines, including Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines for Wind Energy (IFC, 2007b), General EHS Guidelines (IFC, 2007a), Draft EHS Guidance for Roads (IFC, 2006), and Operational Policy 4.01, Content of an Environmental Assessment Report for a Category A Project (World Bank, 2007). EBRD policies, including Environmental Policy (EBRD, 2003) and Public Information Policy (EBRD, 2006).
The overall ESIA process is shown in Figure 1-2. 1.4.1 Scoping
The aim of the scoping process is to identify the potentially significant environmental and socioeconomic issues that are associated with a project, covering the full range of possible effects, both beneficial and adverse, and to ensure that potentially significant issues are considered fully in the ESIA. The method used for scoping the potentially significant impacts of this project comprised:
Scoping identification of key impacts Baseline data collection
Impact Assessment prediction, analysis and determination of significance
Consultation
Consultation with and feedback from government and private organizations and members of the public. Professional knowledge of wind park development and operation, and the types of impacts this could cause. Preliminary knowledge of the existing environment and areas of sensitivity. The scoping process identified the following key issues to be assessed within the ESIA:
Mitigation avoid, reduce, compensate, remediate, enhance
Environmental Management Plan feeds into project construction
Production of the EIA Report
Figure 1-2. EIA Process
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Environmental benefits of using wind-generated energy to meet Mongolias demand for electricity as opposed to other methods, particularly coal. The vulnerability of local soils, in particular their susceptibility to erosion and desertification. Land use, in particular the ability of herders to continue to use pastures for grazing. Wildlife, in particular effects on raptors that use the area for breeding and hunting, and on their prey. Potential effects on local communities, including visual and cultural effects. Potential effects on water from the generation and management of waste. Potential economic effects from employment during construction and operation.
1.4.2
Baseline Data Collection
The study area was defined initially by the proposed locations of turbines, and then by the area that could be affected by construction and operation of the turbines. Baseline data collection for the wind park included a combination of desk studies and site visits. Desk studies used existing sources of information, including data available on the internet, reports, and data provided by the project proponent, Newcom. Site visits were undertaken between April 15 and April 30, 2008, in order to supplement and verify information provided by desk studies. Based on preliminary findings, a more comprehensive breeding bird survey was completed in May 2008 and a survey of raptor use of the project area was completed in May and June 2008. Chapter 4 of this ESIA provides information on the baseline environment, including natural processes that may affect the baseline over the course of project development. Where there are gaps or uncertainties with the baseline data, or where assumptions have been made, this is stated in the text. 1.4.3 Assessment of Impacts
Chapter 5 of this ESIA determines whether an environmental impact is significant and compares this with alternatives. A number of criteria were used to determine whether or not a potential impact of the proposed scheme could be considered significant. These are outlined with reference to specific environmental and social issues in the subsequent topic sections of this ESIA. Wherever possible, a quantitative assessment of the impacts was undertaken. Where this was not possible, a qualitative assessment of impacts was undertaken, based on existing information available for the site and the surrounding study area, and experience with other wind park developments. The ESIA covers the direct impacts and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short-, mediumand long-term, permanent and temporary, reversible and irreversible, beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed scheme. Where relevant, the anticipated impact was compared against appropriate legal requirements and standards. Where no such standards exist, assessment methods involving interpretation and the application of professional judgement were employed. The assessment of significance in all cases took into account the impacts deviation from the established baseline conditions and the sensitivity of the environment. 5 November 2008

1.4.3.1 Methodology for Assessing Environmental Impacts A general method for grading of the significance of environmental impacts was adopted to ensure consistency in the terminology of significance, whether for a beneficial or an adverse impact. The two principal criteria determining significance are the sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of the change arising from the scheme, as shown in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1. Determination of Environmental Impact Significance

Sensitivity of receptor Magnitude of change High (e.g. >75% of area or receptor affected) Medium (e.g. 25-75% of area or receptor affected) Low (e.g. 5 to 25% of area or receptor affected) Very Low (e.g. >0, but <5% of area or receptor affected) No Change High (e.g. international, national protection) Major (H,H) Medium (e.g. regional, local protection) Major (H, M) Low (e.g. no protection) Moderate (H, L)
Major (M, H)
Moderate (M, M)
Minor (M, L)
Moderate (L, H)
Minor (L, M)
Negligible (L, L)
Minor (VL, H)
Negligible (VL, M)
Negligible (VL, L)
None (NC, H)
None (NC, M)
None (NC, L)
Table 1-1 shows that the significance of impacts was classed as major, moderate, minor or none; and either positive (beneficial) or negative (adverse). This categorization is widely recognised and accepted in the field of EIA. Where appropriate, topic-specific assessment methods and criteria for determining significance are described in Chapter 5. Another consideration was the duration of the impact -- whether the impact would be temporary or permanent -- and if they were temporary whether they would be short-, medium-, or-long term. Defining the duration of the impact can be subjective, depending on the receptor. For instance, following temporary use of land during construction, it may then take many years for the area of grassland to re-establish, particularly in arid environments. Similarly, although in ecological terms this period may not be a long time, for the people who use the land for pasture, this period could be significant in relation to their lifetime, and could therefore be considered permanent. Table 1-2 sets out the duration of impact used.
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Table 1-2. Duration of Impacts Nature of change Duration Short-term Temporary Medium-term Long-term Permanent Definition/ Description Impact continues during construction (1-2 yrs) and up to 1 year following construction Impact continues 1-5 years following construction Impact continues 5-10 years after construction Due to the length of time period for human beings, impacts over 10 years can subjectively be defined as permanent.
1.4.3.2 Scope and Methodology for Assessing Social Impacts The objective of the social impact assessment was to identify major risks to social and economic conditions in the area of the proposed action and to assess impacts of the construction and operation on socioeconomics. The impacts can be direct and indirect, intended and unintended, positive and negative. For significant impacts, the developer would implement a variety of mitigation measures, and these are discussed in Chapter 7. Generally, the social impact assessment process involves the following major tasks:

Identifying types of adverse and beneficial impacts of the proposed action. Assessing the level of socioeconomic risks in terms of frequency (how likely is it to happen) and consequences. Assessing the acceptability of the risks. Introducing mitigation measures to reduce risks to acceptable level.
The social impact assessment typically addresses the following issues:
Demographics, including changes in local population size, emigration/immigration in the area, migration of people in search of work, and other issues. Economic issues, including supply chain impacts, local sourcing opportunities, potential impacts on local markets for goods and services, employment opportunities for construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project. Health issues, including risks of new diseases to indigenous communities, impacts on health of operations personnel and local communities, impact of local diseases on workers. Social infrastructure, including adequacy of health care and education facilities, transport and roads, power supply, fresh water supply to support project activities and personnel as well as the local communities. Resources, including land use changes, increased access to rural or remote areas, use of natural resources.
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Psychological and community aspects, including changes from traditional lifestyles, community cohesion, attitudes and behavior, perception of risk. Cultural, including issues associated with sites that have archaeological, historical, religious, cultural, or aesthetic values. Social equity, including local social groups who will gain or lose as a result of the project or operation.
As with environmental impacts, a general method for grading the significance of socioeconomic impacts was adopted to ensure consistency in the terminology of significance, whether for a beneficial or an adverse impact. The two principal criteria used were the nature of the impact and the magnitude of the change arising from the scheme, as shown in Table 1-3. Table 1-3. Determination of Social Impact Significance
Magnitude of change Negligible Minor Nature of impact Avoidance No avoidance needed Mitigation or design change prevents Impact(s) Mitigation or design change reduces impact Disruption/Habituation No noticeable under normal conditions No effect on daily life or routine of affected party Possible initial change on daily life/routine, rapid habituation reduces to below nuisance level Requires change to daily life or routine activities Permanence Not noticeable Ephemeral: <1 year
Moderate
Temporary: recovery to pre-existing conditions after one or a few years (e.g., after construction) Permanent: life of wind park, or beyond
High
Mitigation or design change cannot significantly reduce impact(s)
Table 1-3 shows that impact significance has been classed as major, moderate, minor or none. As noted, impacts can be either positive (beneficial) or negative (adverse). Where appropriate, topic-specific assessment methods and criteria for determining significance are described in Chapter 5. 1.4.4 Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement
Where significant impacts are identified, mitigation measures were developed. These measures are intended to avoid, reduce, compensate, and/or remediate adverse impacts, or to enhance potentially beneficial impacts. Wherever possible, this is undertaken as part of the project design, so the measures will feed back into impact assessment. An example of this would be to include erosion control measures into the design of roads. The mitigation and enhancement which should be undertaken as part of the project are set out as an Environmental Action Plan, which can then be applied in order to manage different phases of the project. For this project, the Environmental Action Plan is presented as Chapter 6.
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1.4.5 Environmental Monitoring
Where there is uncertainty over the potential significance of an impact, mitigation may include monitoring of that impact to determine whether additional measures are required. Salkhit Uul monitoring is described in Chapter 7. 1.5 Organization of This Report
The remainder of this report is organized as follows:
Chapter 2 describes the proposed project and two options for project development. Chapter 3 describes the legal and institutional framework and context in which the project is being proposed and developed. Chapter 4 describes the environmental setting of the wind park area and the baseline environmental and socioeconomic conditions of aspects of the area. Chapter 5 describes the potential impacts that may result from construction, operation, and decommissioning of the wind park. Chapter 6 is the Environmental Action Plan that will be implemented, which includes measures that are needed to prevent, mitigate, or otherwise address potentially significant impacts. Chapter 7 is the monitoring program that will be implemented to verify the conclusions of this ESIA and to allow refinement of future mitigation efforts. Chapter 8 provides references used in preparing the ESIA. Appendix A identifies the people who prepared the ESIA and summarizes their qualifications. Appendix B shows the milestones and schedule for completing the ESIA process. Appendix C is the Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan that was used to ensure the involvement of stakeholders in the ESIA process. Appendix D is a report an Ornithological Report, which describes the avian resources of the project area and identifies measures to avoid or reduce potential impacts on important bird species. Appendix E presents the comments made verbally on the draft ESIA during a public meeting on 30 July 2008, and comments submitted in writing during the 60 days following that meeting. It also presents a table that presents the response to each comment and any changes that were made in the final ESIA.
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2.0
THE PROPOSED PROJECT
As described previously, Newcom LLC has leased 30,000 hectares in Sergelen soum in the vicinity of Salkhit Uul (windy mountain) and proposes to construct and operate a wind park to generate up to 50MW of electricity for the national grid. The projects location is shown in Figure 1-1. This chapter describes the project in sufficient detail to allow an evaluation of the potential environmental and social impacts that could result from project construction and operation, and to allow development of appropriate mitigation measures to control, reduce, or compensate for such impacts where necessary. Newcom is in the process of developing detailed designs for the project, and some specifications of the final project could be somewhat different than described here. However, differences are expected to be relatively minor and should not result in increased impacts. The proposal is for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a wind park comprising the following components: 1. Control center compound and electrical substation. 2. Access road from highway A0101 to the control center. 3. Transmission line from the substation at the control center to the town of Nalaikh, where the power will enter the national grid. 4. On-site access roads from the control center to the turbines, and underground transmission lines to carry electricity from the turbines to the control center substation. 5. 25 wind turbines. A graphical depiction of the project is presented in Figure 2-1. As described in Chapter 4, the environment in which the wind park will be placed is open steppe, characterized by low mountain ridges that rise to 1,780 meters above sea level, with relief of 200 to 250 meters between relatively flat valley floors and rounded ridges. Grasslands open to grazing by the livestock of nomadic herders dominate the landscape, while some north-facing slopes support patches of birch shrub. Newcom proposes a total of 25 turbines, marketed by Vestas as V80 2MW OptiSpeed Wind Turbines. The proposed project would place the turbines on hilltops that are part of a ridgeline referred to here as the East Ridge. This preferred option is shown in Figure 2-2. Two other optional layouts are shown in Figures 2-3 and 2-4. The option shown in Figure 2-3 also includes 25 turbines, but places 19 of them on the East Ridge and six on a ridgeline to the west, known here as the West Ridge. This layout could result from more detailed technical analyses that require larger spacing between turbines. The option shown in Figure 2-4 would involve about 50 smaller turbines, the Vestas V52-850kW model. This option could be adopted should transportation or construction of the larger turbines prove impractical for this location. The Salkhit Uul project is anticipated to produce electricity for about 20 years. If the project proves to be technically and financially successful, Newcom may consider expanding the wind park to 100 or 150MW within the current leasehold. This ESIA covers only the initial 50MW phase since later phases are purely speculative at this time. The potential effects of any future expansion would be evaluated in a separate environmental and social impact assessment as required by national authorities and/or lending institutions.
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November 2008
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Construction of the various components is described in section 2.1 below, operation in section 2.2, and decommissioning in section 2.3. 2.1 Construction
The wind park is expected to be constructed during two seven-month construction seasons lasting from April to October in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, the roads, control center and substation, transmission lines, and turbine foundations would be constructed, and in 2010 the towers and turbines would be erected and placed in operation. The following subsections describe transportation of workers, materials, and equipment to the site, the temporary works to be used during construction, and construction of the various project components. Table 2-1 shows the total land that will be disturbed during construction of the proposed project and the two alternative layouts.
Table 2-1. Land Disturbed During Construction of Wind Park Area disturbed (hectares) Project Component Temporary works Control compound and substation Access road Transmission line to Nalaikh Turbine-to-turbine roads for crane Other on-site roads On-site transmission lines Turbine foundations (x 25) Total Proposed project 1.0 0.6 16.2 18.4 19.4 4.2 8.6 14.1 82.4 Optional layout 1 1.0 0.6 16.2 18.4 19.7 4.4 8.6 14.1 82.9 Optional layout 2 1.0 0.6 16.2 18.4 39.0 5.4 8.6 29.3 118.5
Note: the area disturbed is assumed to include some distance beyond the actual constructed components
2.1.1
Transportation
Twenty-ton trucks will be used to transport construction materials and equipment from Ulaanbaatar to the site. Trucks will make a total of about 80-90 trips to transport materials and equipments for the control center and substation from Ulaanbaatar to the site, except that the transformer will require a 50-ton truck. Twenty-ton trucks will also carry transmission line materials from Ulaanbaatar to the site in 70-80 trips. Therefore, up to about 170 round-trip truck deliveries are anticipated for construction of these components in 2009. They will follow National Road A0101 from Ulaanbaatar south to the site, then follow the route for the proposed access road to temporary works set up for construction. Turbines will be transported from China in 20to 80-ton trucks on the Trans-Mongolian Highway, except the nacelles, which will be transported on local routes. Construction and foundation materials will be transported from Ulaanbaatar in 20-ton trucks. Construction materials and around 30 containers with smaller parts of the turbines will be transported via railway to Ulaanbaatar, then to the site in trucks.
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2.1.2 Temporary Works
Temporary works to be used during the 2009 construction season will consist of a temporary compound and staging area located near the future control center and substation, and possibly other smaller temporary compounds in other areas of the site. The main compound will include a parking area, a generator with fuel storage, and temporary buildings to provide accommodation and support facilities for managers and workers, secure storage, site offices, and welfare and first aid facilities. During the first construction season, the temporary works will be sufficient to support about 80 people, including about 20 for road construction, 20 for control center and substation construction, 10-15 for underground and aboveground transmission line construction, and about 25 for turbine foundation construction (50 if Vestas V52 turbines are selected). Construction of the various components will proceed concurrently, after the access road has been laid out and begun to be built. Construction will take place only in daylight hours, so artificial lighting will be used only in the temporary works area. Workers will reside in gers and tents in the construction camp. In addition, the camp will include a kitchen, fuel storage area, and a temporary warehouse to store materials and equipment. All food will be transported to the site as necessary. Initially, water will be transported to the site, and then will be taken from a new well to be installed near the control center. Kitchen and other wastes will be collected transported to Nalaikh for disposal in accordance with national and local standards, as will sanitary wastes collected in portable facilities. During both construction seasons, electricity will be provided from the national grid via a 110kV kV line. A small (2050kW) diesel-powered generator will be present to provide electricity during temporary blackouts. During the second year, about 15-18 workers will be required to erect the towers and turbines (or 30-40 workers for V52s under optional layout 3). They will be accommodated in the control center compound that will have been constructed the previous year. During the entire construction period, land disturbance will be kept to a minimum. Both the access road (section 2.1.4) and the on-site roads (section 2.1.5) will be laid out and marked at the very beginning of the construction season, and passenger vehicles, trucks, and construction equipment will keep to these roads and not create new tracks across the steppe. Should wet conditions cause the temporary roadways to deteriorate, gravel will be used to improve the temporary route pending completion of the permanent road, rather than having vehicles create a new track across undisturbed steppe. 2.1.3 Control Center Compound
The control center compound will be located in the Tsagduult Mountain Valley, which lies between the East Ridge and the West Ridge, as shown on Figures 2-1 and 2-2 (and on 2-3 and 2-4 for optional layouts). The compound will cover an area about 2,500 square meters and will include the wind park control center and an administrative building, a security guard-house, a dormitory for on-site workers, a two-vehicle garage, a warehouse, a small shop for minor vehicle and equipment repairs, and a gravel-covered parking lot. In addition, an electrical substation will be located here to connect transmission lines from the turbines to the larger line that will convey the electricity to the national grid. Sanitary wastewater and solid waste recycling equipment will be installed in the basement of the office building. The compound will be surrounded by planted trees or other vegetation. A conceptual layout of the compound is shown in Figure 2-5.
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November 2008
Warehouse
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Figure 2-5. Conceptual Layout of Control Compound
As noted above, about 20 workers will be required to construct this facility during the 2009 construction season, and they will reside in the temporary construction camp. It is anticipated that 25 percent or more of workers will come from the immediate vicinity (including Sergelen village, Nalaikh, and Zuunmond, and from the local herder population) and most of the remainder from Ulaanbaatar. Minor blasting may be needed to excavate foundations for the buildings and substation. Other equipment will include bulldozers and other heavy construction equipment as well as passenger vehicles. All materials and equipment will be transported to the site in heavy trucks via the access road. Aboveground tanks to store small quantities (50-100 liters) of diesel fuel, 1,000 liters of hydraulic oil, and 200 liters of lubricating oil will be placed near the garage. An impervious surface (concrete or asphalt or other impermeable membrane) will be laid under the tank area and an earthen berm with an impermeable inner surface will be constructed around the tanks, sized so as to be able to hold all of the contents of the tanks in case of spills. In addition, a structure to hold absorbent materials for cleanup of possible spills will be placed near this storage area. The fuel tanks and spill containment area will be constructed early in the overall construction process so they can support the remainder of the construction effort as well as future operations. Any refueling that is necessary will take place over the impervious area. 2.1.4 Access Road
A road will be constructed for approximately 18 kilometers from the control center compound to the paved road, highway A0101. As noted above, about 20 workers will be required to construct roads, both access road and on-site roads, during the 2009 construction season, and they will 16 November 2008
Parking Lot
Offices, control center and dormitory

reside in the temporary construction compound. It is anticipated that local workers will provide at least part of the construction workforce. The access road will be laid out and construction begun very early in the season, as noted above. For much of its route, the road will be parallel and immediately adjacent to the transmission line described in section 2.1.5. The entire route is shown on Figure 2-1 and the portion near and on the site on Figure 2-2. The road will be 4-6 meters wide and will be covered with gravel. In some areas, blasting will be necessary to reduce grades or slopes, but the extent to which this will be necessary has not yet been determined. Where possible, gravel taken from areas of excavation (cut) will be used to provide material where more is required (fill) and to surface the road. If additional gravel is needed, it will be transported from an off-site quarry. In general, roads will be constructed and maintained in accordance with IFC guidelines (IFC, 2006). To the maximum extent possible, all equipment and disturbance will be confined to the roadway route itself, even before the entire road is constructed. In addition, to the extent possible, construction will take place under dry conditions. When that is not possible, appropriate methods will be used to control stormwater, including fabric, straw bales, and other measures necessary to impede run-off and prevent erosion. Where roads have to cross existing erosion features or ephemeral streams, drainage features will be incorporated into the design to control overland flow and minimize erosion. If there are major gullies or other erosion features to be crossed, culverts will be installed to convey stormwater under the road. The uphill side of the road will have a small excavated channel to convey water parallel to the road and prevent it from flowing onto and across the road; culverts will be placed to take water under the road when the road switches back or curves away. These constructed channels on the uphill side will have appropriate features to slow flow. The downhill side of the road will have a small berm where necessary to prevent stormwater from eroding into the hillside as it leaves the road surface. Typical road construction specifications would include excavating topsoil and subsoil, grading to desired slope and grade using cut-and-fill methods, placement and compaction of gravel where needed, excavation of a drainage ditch along uphill sides where appropriate, and placement of low berms on downhill sides where necessary. Any surplus topsoil will be stockpiled and protected from erosion, for use in future reclamation. In all, the access road will cover a total of 108,000 square meters. For at least some of the distance, the road will follow an existing unimproved vehicle track which in some areas demonstrates serious erosion. Any such areas will be stabilized for road construction. All off-road areas disturbed by construction equipment will be reclaimed by planting seeds of native grasses. In addition, during the remainder of the construction season after the road is complete, and possibly the next season, native grasses will be established in any soil-based channels that are constructed alongside the road. 2.1.5 Transmission Line from Site to National Grid
A 110kV transmission line will run parallel to the access road for 18 kilometers to highway A0101, then seven kilometers to the Central Regional Electricity Transmission Grid substation in Nalaikh. The line will convey electricity from the wind park substation to Nalaikh. As noted above, about 10-15 workers will be required to construct the transmission line (and the on-site transmission lines) during the 2009 construction season, and they will reside in the temporary construction compound. Local workers will provide at least part of the construction workforce. 17 November 2008

There will be a total of 50-55 transmission towers standing an average of 500 meters apart. Each tower will be about 23 meters high with a base covering about 36 square meters. Figure 2-6 shows an example of the base of a tower similar to those that will be used. Blasting will be needed to excavate the foundations of at least some towers but the extent of blasting has not been determined. In general, tower corners will be anchored in concrete foundations. Construction equipment will use the same Tower Base routes as the equipment used for the access road and will minimize disturbance to the land. Following construction of towers and installation of transmission lines, all off-road areas disturbed by construction equipment will be reclaimed by planting native grasses until vegetation is well-established. 2.1.6 On-Site Roads and Transmission Lines
Figure 2-6. Example of 110kV Transmission Line
Roads will be constructed to connect the turbines along the ridgetop and to connect the turbines to the control center (see Figures 2-2 through 2-4). The total length of these roads will be about 22 kilometers (about the same for optional layout 1 and about 30 kilometers for optional layout 2). The roads will be constructed with specifications similar to the access road, including roadway preparation, stormwater controls, and placing gravel where needed. Roads connecting the compound to the turbines will be about 4-6 meters wide, again similar to the access road. In 2010, a self-propelled crane be used to erect the towers and turbines. This crane will need to travel from one turbine location to the next. The crane will require a wider road, up to 10-13 meters wide. Figure 2-7 shows such a wider road being constructed at another site. The wider roads will be constructed during 2009, then used during turbine erection in 2010. A total of about 15 kilometers of the wider roads will be needed.
Immediately after towers and turbines are erected in 2010 and the wider roads are no longer needed by the crane, the width of these roads will be reduced to about four to six meters, with wider areas around bends and junctions. Where roads are made narrower, soil will be replaced from the stockpiles and native grasses will be re-established. A 35kV underground transmission line will be placed alongside each of these roads. Cables will be armored with woven metal and buried to a depth of about one meter. Trenches will be about one meter wide and will be excavated by hand and with a backhoe or other construction equipment. Excavated material will be used to backfill the trenches, with stockpiled topsoil and subsoil placed on the surface. Native grasses will then be re-established. 18 November 2008
Figure 2-7. Typical road construction to allow use by self-propelled construction crane

2.1.7 Turbines
As described above, the proposal is for 25 VESTAS V80 turbines positioned along the East Ridge, as shown in Figures 2-1 and 2-2. Construction materials and around 30 containers with smaller part of the turbines (60 containers for optional layout 2) will be transported via railway to Ulaanbaatar, then to the site in trucks. Larger parts of the towers and turbines themselves will be transported from China to the site in heavy trucks. Altogether, there will be about 175 truck trips to the site to carry materials and equipment needed for turbine installation. This would also be the case for optional layout 1; optional layout 2 would require about twice as many trips. During the 2009 construction season, foundations for the turbines will be constructed. As noted above, about 25 workers will be required to construct turbine foundations for the proposed project and for optional layout 1, and they will reside in the temporary construction compound. Optional layout 2 would require about 50 workers. At least some workers would be from nearby areas. Figure 2-8 shows a typical foundation being constructed at another site. Foundations will be approximately 50 meters square (2,500 square meters), with a somewhat larger area disturbed during construction. They will be spaced from 200 meters to over a kilometer apart, with spacing based on topography and the relative orientation of turbines to the prevailing wind direction. Construction would involve excavating and blasting to a depth of at least 1-2 meters, then using gravel and concrete to construct the foundations. Blasting will be necessary for many or most of the foundations, but the extent of blasting will not be known until more detailed geotechnical studies are completed. Before each foundation is excavated, topsoil and subsoil will be salvaged and stored nearby. The topsoil will be stripped and stockpiled separately and Figure 2-8. Construction of typical foundation for protected from wind and water erosion. tower and turbine. The full foundation as constructed Following foundation construction, soil is shown in the top photo, while it is being covered in will be backfilled in the same stratithe bottom photo. graphic sequence and native grasses will be re-established, except for the adjacent road and a small parking area at the base of the tower. As part of the foundation, an underground electric line will connect the transformer to the 35kV line that will carry electricity to the substation. During the second construction season, in 2010, the wind-generating equipment will be installed. A total of about 15-18 workers will be required to install the towers and turbines (30-40 for optional layout 2), and these may include foreign engineers and technicians. Workers will live in the control compound constructed the previous year. The various components of a typical turbine installation are shown in Figure 2-9, and various parameters of the components 19 November 2008

are shown in Table 2-2. Typically, a self-propelled crawler crane is transported to a site by truck and assembled at the first turbine location. The tower is placed on the foundation, then the nacelle, hub, and rotors are lifted and placed. Figure 2-10 shows a crane lifting a rotor blade at a tower similar to the VESTAS. Following installation of the turbines, any disturbed areas outside the roadway and small parking area will be reclaimed and revegetated with native grasses.
Table 2-2. Characteristics of the Vestas V80 and V52 Wind Power Generators V80 Parameters V52 Parameters Component (Proposed project and optional (Optional layout 2) layout 1) Rated power 2.0 MW 0.85 MW Rotor diameter 80 meters 52 meters Number of blades 3 3 Rotation speed 9.0 19.0 rpm 14.0 31.4 rpm Maximum power 16.7 rpm 26 rpm Tower height 60, 67, 78, or 100 m 36.5 to 86 meters Working area 5,027 square meters 2,124 square meters Direction of rotation Clockwise (from front) Clockwise (from front) Electrical system 690 V 690 V Frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz 50 Hz / 60 Hz Weight of the blades 6 tonnes (approx.) 1,900 kg each Weight of nacelle 67 tonnes 22 tonnes Weight of rotor 37 tonnes 10 tonnes 130 to 225 tonnes (depending on 36 to 111 tonnes Weight of tower height) Tower diameter (top) 3 meters 2 meters Tower diameter (bottom) 5 6 meters 3 - 4 meters
2.2
Operations
The wind park will begin generating electricity in late 2010 following installation and testing of the turbines. During operation, there will be around 20 employees residing on-site in a dormitory in the control compound. Operational data will be monitored 24 hours per day in the control center. Water will come from the new well near the control center. Sanitary wastewater and kitchen waste will be collected and recycled, and the recycled water will be used to water trees, grass, and other plantings around the control compound. Trash and garbage will be collected and transported to the nearest waste discharge point, in Nalaikh. In general, there will be no daily traffic to and from the site; there will be two shifts of 20 people, each of which will remain on the site for two weeks before being replaced. An 8-person minibus will be used to provide transport. It is anticipated that technicians will visit each turbine on at least a weekly basis for routine inspection and maintenance. In addition, turbines will require other periodic maintenance, including changes of lubricating oils. Routine road maintenance will include blading and smoothing as necessary to maintain the road surface, as well as inspecting and repairing stormwater controls as necessary to ensure their proper functioning to control erosion. 20 November 2008
Figure 2-9. Components of typical wind turbine (Source: IFC, 2006)
Figure 2-10. Crane lifting rotor assembly to top of tower
As noted earlier, a small amount of diesel fuel will be stored in an aboveground tank, as will 1,000 liters of hydraulic oils and 200 liters of lubricating oils. Used oil will be stored in barrels placed in the containment area around the tanks, and will be removed from the site and transported to the nearest location that accepts used oil for proper disposal or recycling. When operating, there will be some noise from each of the turbines. Noise will be generated by the gearbox and generator in the nacelle, and by the rotors passing through the air. The former will be largely contained by insulation, and reduced further at ground level. Rotor noise will depend on the speed of the wind and rotors, and can reach 35-40dB at ground level at a distance of about 350m downwind of the tower base. Table 2-3 shows the total land disturbance during operations. In general, disturbance will be confined to areas on and around where various site components were constructed, with no additional disturbance of otherwise undisturbed lands.
Table 2-3. Land Disturbed During Operation of Wind Park Area disturbed (hectares) Project Component Control compound and substation Access road Turbine-to-turbine roads Other on-site roads Turbine foundations (25) Transmission line to Nalaikh On-site transmission lines Proposed project 0.3 9.0 7.5 3.5 6.3 6.9 0.0 Optional layout 1 0.3 9.0 7.6 3.7 6.3 6.9 0.0 Optional layout 2 0.3 9.0 15.0 4.5 13.0 6.9 0.0
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November 2008

Table 2-3. Land Disturbed During Operation of Wind Park Area disturbed (hectares) Project Component Total Proposed project 33.4 Optional layout 1 33.6 Optional layout 2 48.7
Note: The area shown as being disturbed does not include any buffer zone(s)
2.3
Decommissioning
At present, it is not possible to describe the activities at the end of the 20- to 25-year operational life of the wind park. It is possible that Newcom will replace turbines, extend the period of the lease, and continue to generate electricity, in which case decommissioning may be postponed for years or decades. When electricity generation finally ends, the government may wish to leave at least some of the roads and/or transmission lines. Regardless, activities will be in compliance with national and local government requirements. When the site is ready to be decommissioned, the turbines will be dismantled. Steel and other useful materials will be recycled. One or more buildings may continue to be occupied, and the transmission line may continue to be used. Where not required, they will be dismantled and metals recycled. Inert materials that cannot be re-used or recycled will be taken to a suitable landfill. Any contaminated material such as oil storage tanks will be taken to a suitable disposal site. It is likely the road to Nalaikh will remain and be used by herders, railway workers, and others. On-site roads that will no longer be used will be reclaimed and vegetated with native grasses. Foundations and other belowground inert structures will be buried and covered with soil. These areas and other land that is no longer going to be used will be revegetated with native grasses. All these reclaimed areas will be monitored and maintained until no further attention is required to ensure long-term survival of vegetation.
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3.0
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
The following section describes Mongolian and international legislation and requirements relevant to the project. 3.1 Mongolian Energy Law
The Mongolian Energy Law forms the foundation for the structure and operation of the entire energy sector of the country. This law, passed in 2001, provided the legal basis for restructuring the energy sector in Mongolia. The law established the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERA), an independent regulatory mechanism to help enable foreign and domestic private investment in the energy sector. The Energy Law provides the Authority with several tools, including licensing and tariff approval. With regard to the tariffs, the law establishes broad principles that can be applied to the process. Some basic principles are enumerated in the law to provide a framework in which the ERA can carry out licensing for the construction, generation, transmission, distribution, dispatching, and supply of electricity and heat for each one of the separate activities. The ERA is responsible for developing a methodology for determining the tariffs and their structure; reviewing, approving, inspecting and publishing the licensees tariffs; and establishing a pricing and tariff system that will facilitate energy supply at the lowest possible cost and will allow an adequate rate of return. This gives the ERA full powers to approve all licensees tariffs as well as the resulting retail tariffs, which is a significant step forward from the former tariff environment. The current Mongolian Energy Law regulates only issues associated with electricity and heating. Some amendments related particularly to the coverage of this Law, based on the international legal practice where resources like coal, gas and oil are regulated by the energy law and legal policy framework, are planned to be made in the near future. In addition, small changes are expected to be incorporated to administrative and construction licensing procedures (Newcom, 2007). 3.2 Mongolian Renewable Energy Program
The Mongolian Renewable Energy Program, approved by Parliament in 2005, established goals for increasing renewable energy. The goals are to increase the percentage of renewable energy to 3-5 percent of the national energy supply by 2010 and 20-25 percent by 2020. Funding to implement the program will include allocations from the state budget and international funds that support the use of renewable and new energy sources; incomes generated from the use of clean development mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and private, international, and domestic investment (Newcom, 2007). The Renewable Energy Law was passed on January 11, 2007. This law regulates the generation and supply of energy using renewable sources. In this law, renewable energy sources are defined as non-fossil restorable or renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass. Under the law, a Renewable Energy Fund was to be established to promote renewable energy development in Mongolia and introduce new advanced technology and equipment into the production and consumption of renewable energy. Relations with respect to establishment of the Fund, 23 November 2008

generation of fund resources, disbursement and performance reports of the Renewable Energy Fund are regulated by the Law on Government Special Purpose Fund. The Renewable Energy Law creates favorable conditions to attract private sector investors to develop the renewable energy projects in Mongolia, through competition, by issuing construction, operating, and other necessary licenses to operate in an economically sustainable manner in accordance with the Energy Law and other regulatory procedures. 3.3 Key Mongolian Environmental Laws
The Constitution of Mongolia (1992) specifies that the legislative system of Mongolia comprises international and domestic law to protect the environment. The Constitution includes several environmental provisions. The government established institutional structures, including the Ministry of Nature and Environment of Mongolia (MNE, established in 1992 and reorganized in 1996), and developed new environmental legislation. This Ministry coordinates the work of several agencies, including the National Agency of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment Monitoring, the Land Agency, and the Water Authority Agency. The basic guidelines for the protection of the environment and its natural resources are clearly formulated in several directives:

Mongolian National Security Policy Orientation (1995) National Development Strategy (1996) Ecological Policy Orientation of Mongolian State (1997).
The ideas of these documents are expressed in detail in the environmental laws, the national program on the preservation of biodiversity, the program to combat desertification and the program on protected areas and forest conservation, restoration and proper use (Damdin and Bolorma, 2001). The institutions responsible for implementing environmental laws include:

The Ministry of Nature and Environment. Standing Committee for Environment and Agriculture in the State Parliament of Mongolia. Local departments or state inspectors in every aimag.
Among the laws that regulate environmental management of any industrial development in the country are the following (MNE, 1997; Tserendavaa, 2008):

Mongolian Law on Environmental Protection Mongolian Law on Environmental Impact Assessments Mongolian Law on Air Mongolian Law on Land Mongolian Law on Special Protected Areas Mongolian Law on Natural Plants Mongolian Law on Fauna Mongolian Law on Water 24 November 2008

Mongolian Law on Subsoil Mongolian Law on Household and Industrial Waste Mongolian Law on Sanitation Mongolian Law on Forests Other Government regulations and resolutions
The Mongolian Law on Environmental Protection is the principal national law that regulates activities associated with the protection of the environment, including land and soil, underground resources, water, plants, animals, and air. The law requires proper containment and disposal waste and garbage. The Law gives special emphasis on 'Natural Resource Reserve Assessments' and 'Environmental Impact Assessment' for the purposes of preserving the natural state of the environment. Moreover, it has additional provisions for environment protection, including participation of nongovernmental organizations in environmental protection, economic incentives for environmental protection, ecological training and education, and compensation for damage caused to the environment. The Mongolian Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (1998) regulates relations that arise in connection with protection of the environment, prevention of the ecological misbalance, the use of natural resources, assessment of the environmental impact, and decision-making on the start of a project. The Mongolian Environmental Assessment Program (MEAP) was established to enhance this laws implementation. The MEAP is considered to be a comprehensive environmental and natural resource review process, which proposes reviews at every stage of policy, program, plan, and project development. Currently, the Policy Coordination Department in the Ministry of Nature and Environment is in charge of reviewing the Detailed Project Description of all proposed investment projects and establishing the appropriate environmental categorical designation. National EIA procedure defines two key aspects: (a) the level of consideration and the decision on the Project EIA status; and (b) the level of project review and implementation/support (e.g. National or aimag). According to the national EIA procedure, there are four types of conclusions that are issued upon the review of EIAs by the Ministry of Nature and Environment in respect to the proposed investment projects:

Approved for implementation Approved for implementation with conditions Subject to detailed EIA implemented by the licensed Mongolian expert entity Declined.
The Mongolian Ministry of Nature and Environment completed an EIA on the wind park in 2007, and approved the project for implementation, subject to several conditions that are listed in section 3.5 below. The Mongolian Law on Air (1995) establishes requirements for air quality and requires notice to the public and to officials when air emissions exceed standards. The Mongolian Law on Land (2002) regulates possession and use of state-owned land and other related issues. This is the law under which Newcom has leased the land for the wind park (also see section 3.5). Newcom now has the rights to use the 30,000-acre parcel for 60 years. 25 November 2008

Newcom has the right to construct fences around the entire property or any portion of the property, including turbines, the control center, or other areas. Other people are prohibited from entering or crossing any fenced lands, and are subject to fines for trespassing in those areas. Newcom has elected not to construct a fence around the entire area, so other people can come on the site as long as they do not interfere with Newcoms operations or damage the land. Newcom may elect to construct fences around turbines, the control center, or other areas. Newcom can also grant to other parties limited rights to all or part of the land, and can revoke those rights if they interfere with Newcoms activities. It is Newcoms intent that the land be open to nomadic herders so they can continue to use the pasturelands. The law requires Newcom to protect soil, prevent deterioration of flora, prevent pollution, and generally to preserve the characteristics and quality of the land. They are also required to restore the land after their use is complete. The Mongolian Law on Special Protected Areas regulates the use and procurement of land for special protection. Special protected areas include strictly protected areas, national conservation parks, nature reserves, and monuments. This project does not lie within or near any protected area. The Mongolian Law on Natural Plants (1995) regulates the protection, proper use and restoration of natural plants, other than forest and cultivated plants. This law is relevant for the restoration of grasslands following disturbance during construction, then during decommissioning. The Mongolian Law on Fauna (2000) requires that actions must be coordinated to protect animal populations. This law is relevant to the project because of the large numbers of raptors and prey that use the site. The Mongolian Law on Water (1995) regulates the use, protection, and restoration of water, watersheds, and aquifers. Newcom will have to apply for and receive a license from the soum or district Governor to install the water well (borehole) near the control center compound, and another well southwest of the site that is intended to be used by livestock. In addition, Newcom will require a license to use the water and will be required to pay a fee; licenses are issued for a 20-year period, with five-year extensions. The Mongolian Law on Household and Industrial Waste (2003) regulates management and disposal of solid waste, including hazardous waste. This law requires Newcom to classify the waste generated at the project site, store and dispose at authorized sites, and report the industrial wastes generated. They are obligated to train staff on applicable requirements, including safety standards. Prior to decommissioning, Newcom will have to enter into agreements for collecting and transporting the demolition debris to an authorized facility. The Mongolian Law on Hazardous and Toxic Chemicals (2006) regulates import, export, transport, storage, and other aspects of toxic chemicals. The wind park may transport, store, and use small quantities of certain chemicals, including petroleum-based solvents, paints, and similar materials. Containers will have to be clearly marked, and the Governor has to approve the storage facilities, which have to comply with labor and safety conditions and requirements. Newcom will have to provide safety and first aid training for personnel who deal with the chemicals. Finally, disposal of waste chemicals (e.g., used solvents) has to be approved by the soum or district Governor. The Mongolian Law on Forests (2007) protects and regulates the use of forests. As noted in Chapter 4, the north-facing slopes of many of the hills support birch shrub, and these areas 26 November 2008

would be subject to the Law on Forests. If wood is to be collected for use in cooking or other purposes, Newcom will have to pay fees to the soum . The Mongolian Law on Subsoil (1988) deals with mining or other use of subsurface materials, including gravel. Should Newcom need to develop a gravel quarry (this is not expected at present), it will need permission of the aimag Governor. Topsoil will have to recovered and stored, then used in reclamation. The Governor may also require a financial guarantee. This law also prohibits the burial of any materials that could create a hazard. It is not clear if gravel produced by cut-and-fill (whether blasting is used or not) is subject to this law. Regardless, Newcom will need to comply with relevant requirements, including having authorized personnel carry out blasting, topsoil recovery and use. Finally, the law prohibits continued activities following the discovery of cultural resources pending notification of appropriate authorities. The Mongolian Law on Natural Plants (1995) provides for protecting and restoring plants other than forest plants and cultivated plants, including grasses, lichens. The law requires that rare and very rare plants be identified and protected. As noted in Chapter 4, it is very unlikely there are protected plants on the project site. The Mongolian Law on Sanitation (1998) requires the maintenance of sanitary conditions and defines the rights and responsibilities of individuals and companies. The law requires work areas to meet sanitary and safety standards. The temporary kitchen for construction workers, and the kitchen for workers during operation, may require a license from health and sanitary agencies. 3.4 International Requirements
Mongolia is a signatory of a number of international conventions, including several that are relevant to the project. These include:

Convention on Biodiversity (1993) Convention on Climate Change (1994) Convention to Combat Desertification (1996) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (1996) Kyoto Protocol (1999).
Relevant requirements of these conventions will have been embodied into the various national laws. International lenders, including EBRD and IFC, require projects that they finance to meet international standards, including those of EBRD and IFC as well as standards equivalent to those of the European Union. Beyond Mongolian legal requirements, the following international guidelines, regulations and policies will be followed and applied to Salkhit Uul project development and implementation:

EBRD Environmental Policy (23 April 2003) EBRD Environmental Procedures (28 July 2003) EBRD Public Information Policy (May, 12, 2008) European Union Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (1997)
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IFC Environmental, Health & Safety Guidelines for Wind Energy sector, 30 April 2007 EBRD Energy Operations Policy (Renewable Energy) (11 July 2006) EBRD Sub-sectoral Environmental guidelines, Building and construction activities IFC Environmental, Health & Safety General Guidelines (30 April 2007), including wastewater and ambient water quality, waste management and hazardous materials management, noise management, occupational health and safety, and construction and decommissioning guidelines. Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Roads (17 November 2006 DRAFT) EBRD Strategy for Mongolia (5 December 2006)
These are all specific policies, procedures, strategies and regulations designed for promoting sustainable development. These procedures include a detailed environmental review process prior to final approval of financing for the project, detailed environmental guidelines, detailed health and safety requirements, procedures for social impact assessment and public consultation and information disclosure and many other issues, associated with project construction, operation and decommissioning. Many of the mitigation measures described in later sections of this ESIA are based on these requirements. 3.5
Current Legal Status of Salkhit Uul Wind Park Project Newcom acquired a land use license from the state local authorities on 28 June 2004. The agreement specifies the lease of 30,000 hectares land plot in Sergelen soum for a 60-year term for the purpose of conducting wind data measurements and constructing and operating a wind park. In October 2006, Newcom officially submitted all required documents to obtain a Construction license to the Ministry of Fuel and Energy and to the Energy Regulatory Authority. The license was issued on 27 March 2007. Newcom entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Central Region Electricity Transmission Company. Upon the commencement of wind park construction, Newcom will have to obtain other civil engineering permits to construct roads, electricity transmission lines, and other site amenities and components. As soon as the first turbine is commissioned, Newcom will apply to the Ministry of Fuel and Energy for an operating license. At present, procedures for this application are unclear since there have been no previous applications. Newcom prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment study under national law in 2006. As required by the Ministry of Nature and Environment, the EIA was undertaken as an Environmental Review (or General Assessment) study. Approval for implementation was granted on 27 September 2006 (# 4/2457), contingent on Newcom meeting several conditions. As a condition of approval, Newcom is required: To perform activities for the installation of equipment under proper specifications. 28 November 2008
To issue a special conclusion on environmental issues associated with the construction of the 110 kV transmission line and a substation. To carry out a detailed evaluation of environmental impacts from construction. To estimate water supply volumes and water resources available on-site. To make video-recordings of the site prior to construction phase and take photographs featuring the current state of the environment on-site. To develop a solid/domestic waste management program. To declare and implement an occupational health & safety policy/program for construction and operational phases of the project. To inform local residents and nomadic herders about project activities. To inform the local public on the projects positive influences and economic benefit. To determine the final location and turbine layout. To acquire land use permit and pay appropriate land use fees. To implement a set of measures directed to protect the soil from erosion. To apply permanent preventive measures to avoid oil spillages and air and water pollution form the activities. To hire professional organizations for regular environmental monitoring.
In 2007, Newcom registered the project in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Framework as a Clean Development Mechanism project for the purpose of obtaining a Certified Emission Reduction certificate.
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4.0
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE CONDITIONS
To characterize baseline environmental and socioeconomic conditions, information was acquired through desk studies and was supplemented with field surveys and observations. References cited are provided in Chapter 8. 4.1 Climate
The climate of the region is extremely continental, with long cold, dry winters and short warm summers. 4.1.1 Temperature
Based on five years (2001-2006) of meteorological observation records for the nearby city of Zuunmond, the mean annual air temperature in the region is -1.6 oC, with daily amplitude of up to 30 oC. Winters are very cold, with average temperatures of -22.8 oC and absolute minimum of -33.8 oC. Mean summer temperature is +22.1 oC, with a recorded maximum of +30.8 oC. Figure 4-1 shows monthly average temperatures. Such long cold winters and short cold summers are typical of continental climates. This will result in short construction seasons in 2009 and 2010, lasting only up to seven months from April to October in each year.
Figure 4-1. Mean monthly air temperature (2001-2006)

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAA Mongolia), 2006
4.1.2
Precipitation
As shown in Figure 4-2, data collected in Zuumond from 2001 to 2006 showed a distinct seasonal trend in precipitation. Due to the extreme continentality of the climate, nearly all precipitation falls in summer and early autumn, with a minimum in the coldest months of winter. There are also mezo- and microscale patterns in precipitation distribution, which are controlled by orographic effects. Total precipitation for the region ranges from 250 to 350 mm per year.
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Figure 4-2. Monthly precipitation, 2001-2006

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAA Mongolia), 2006
4.1.3
Wind
An initial wind study was carried out by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Mongolian Renewable Energy Corporation (now the Renewable Energy Center), which was established by the Mongolia Renewable Energy Law and is a scientific research organization aimed at improving and increasing renewable energy development in Mongolia. Three 20m-high wind measurement towers (known as anemometer masts) were installed in what is now the project area to collect wind data. In order to obtain more detailed wind measurement data, in October 2004 Newcom installed 51m-high automatic wind measurement stations (see Figure 2-2) as part of the wind park feasibility study. Annual wind speed for each wind measurement station was calculated based on all data collected during one year using WindPRO software. As a general rule, wind turbines become practical when mean annual wind speed reaches 5-6 meters per second. From 2004 through 2006, as shown in Table 4-1, wind speed at the three principal masts ranged from 7.4 to 8.3 meters per second (16.5 to 18.5 miles per hour). Overall, the project site may be considered to have very good conditions for a wind park location. Winds are relatively constant through the year, as shown by Figure 4-3, which shows monthly wind speed magnitudes; this is important because it reduces the risk of extended periods of low winds. Another key factor is that wind speeds should remain high throughout the day and night. As shown by Figure 4-4, the average diurnal wind speed at the project site is relatively constant at 6 to 9 meters per second, day and night. Another important characteristic for a wind park site is that wind direction be relatively constant over long periods of time, rather than being variable. Prevailing winds at the Salkhit Uul site are predominantly from the west-northwest, which is another positive factor for the site (Figure 4-5). (Please note that locations of the wind measurement masts for which data are presented are shown on Figure 2-2.)
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Table 4-1. Annual Average Wind Speed at Wind Measurement Stations, 2004-2006 Wind measurement Station Met Mast 4 (6011) Met Mast 2 (6009) Met Mast 3 (6008) Source: Newcom LLC Annual average wind speed (m/s) at 50m above the surface* 8.3 7.5 7.4
Figure 4-3. Average wind speed at project site by month, 2004-2006

Source: Newcom, 2008
Figure 4-4 Average diurnal wind speed at 50m elevation at project site at 50m, 2004-2006
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Figure 4-5. Prevailing winds at the project site. Wind roses on left are for Met Mast 4 (6011), on left for Met Mast 2 (6009)
4.1.4
Air quality
There are no available data on air quality for the project area. Because the area is very rural, with no air emission sources for many kilometers in all directions, concentrations of sulfur dioxide and other chemical air pollutants, as well as very fine particulates, are expected to be very low, well within legal standards. Due to high winds and exposed soil, however, there are likely to be periodic dust storms when concentrations of total particulate matter would be very high. Indeed, during a visit to the site in April 2008, a dust storm reduced visibility to a few tens of meters. In addition, vehicles traveling on unimproved tracks could be seen to raise relatively large amounts of dust, which settled to the surface within a few tens of meters downwind. Wind erosion of surface soil from these tracks has led to rutting in some places, which in turn has caused vehicles to begin using parallel tracks, which has widened the disturbed area.
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4.2 Landscape and Geology
The area is characterized by fairly wide flat-bottomed valleys bounded by low mountain ridges. The lowest point of the valley where the control center is proposed to be located lies at about 1650 meters above mean sea level (amsl), while the turbines are to be located on the East Ridge at elevations ranging from about 1775 to 1850 meters amsl (see Figure 2-2). The project site is located in the transition zones between the mountains (denudational surface N-Q) and Mesozoic, Cenozoic denudational and alluvial plains. The topography is characterized by hilly, moderately to highly dissected terrain, with slight slopes covered by steppe grass and broad valleys (Figures 4-6 to 4-8). There are no designated or protected landscapes within 40 kilometers of the site (see section 4.10). The project area, like much of the surrounding area, is open countryside, with little woodland cover other than small areas of birch scrub that are found on many sheltered north-facing slopes. The predominant vegetation cover is dry steppe grassland. The steppe is used for grazing, apart from which there are few other signs of human habitation (see Figures 4-6 to 48). These comprise a few linear features, including a line of telegraph poles which crosses the valley, and the main road and railway to the east of the project site. In addition, there is an unimproved vehicle track that traverses the site in the valley (see Figure 2-2) as well as some other tracks that are less frequently used. There are a few buildings associated with the railway to the northeast and east of the site. Seasonally, up to 10 to 12 families of nomadic herders move their gers into the valleys in the vicinity of the project area and allow their herds to graze in spring and summer. Like much of rural Mongolia, the landscape is otherwise free from buildings and is dominated by the broad expanse of the sky. The mountaintops and ridges provide good vantage points from which to view the surrounding landscape, as can be seen in Figure 4-8. This open landscape provides an overwhelming sense of vast natural space. The geology of the area is presented by upper pre-Cambrian and mid-upper Paleozoic (Devonian, late Silurian and Carboniferous periods) rock deposits. The area is located between two geologic faults (Figure 4-9). 4.3 Seismic conditions
The project area is located within the Khentii geosynclinal basin of the Mongol-Baigal seismic zone, one of the most seismically active in the world (Dzhurik, et al, 1998). The Khentii geosyclinal basin is elongated in a north-northeastern direction and is characterized by thick terrigene sedimentary rock deposits. According to recent studies on seismic activities and seismic risk assessments (Dzhurik et al., 2003, Dzhurik et al, 2007), the project area belongs to the category of active seismic activity zone with moderate probability of earthquakes of magnitude 8 on the Richter scale.
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Figure 4-6. Landscape and topography at the Salkhit Uul wind park site, April 2008
Figure 4-7. View from valley to East Ridge, April 2008. Topography is characterized by hilly, moderately dissected terrain, with slight slopes covered by steppe grasses
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Figure 4-8. Views from turbine locations on East Ridge, April 2008. Dark area in center of lower photo is birch shrub vegetation.
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Figure 4-9. Geology of the project area Source: Mongolian Academy of Science, 1991a
4.4
Surface water
There are no perennial streams or permanent surface water bodies in the vicinity of the project site. The nearest main rivers are the Terelj River and the Tuul River, which are some 40km and 70 km north-north-east of the site, respectively. The dry bed of a small ephemeral creek runs along the floor of the valley where the control center and substation are to be located. In April 2008, the creek was dry, and it is likely that it flows only after significant precipitation events in summer, and then probably for only short distances. Beneath the streambed there apparently is a shallow alluvial aquifer that expresses itself in small springs, one of which was visible in April 2008 (Figures 4-10 and 4-11; also see section 4.5 below). This spring was about 2500 meters from the control center. These small springs are very likely to be critical water sources for wildlife and for grazing livestock in the dry season of spring and early summer and could be attractive to migrating birds in the spring and fall migration seasons. Small erosion channels were observed on the mountain slopes and hillsides. None were deeply incised, and all were dry in April 2008. It is likely they flow only during and after severe precipitation events in summer.
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4.5 Hydrogeology
In terms of hydrogeologic zoning the study area belongs to the Khangai-Khentii hydrogeological complex (Marinov and Popov, 1963). In general, this complex comprises the following types of aquifers:
Quaternary alluvial porous confined aquifers composed of sand, sandy loam and gravel material. Thickness of the aquifer ranges within 45-65 meters. The groundwater table depth typically varies between 10 and 25 meters. The shallow alluvial aquifer Figure 4-11. Small spring on the project site. Small wet area that apparently lies along where alluvial aquifer surfaces along the bed of an ephemeral the ephemeral streambed stream, even in dry season. Horses belong to local nomadic in the valley floor is an herder. April 2008. expression of this type of aquifer; aquifer thickness is unknown (see section 4.4 above). Quaternary proluvial porous confined aquifers with unsteady recharge regime. The aquifer is composed of sandy-clayey material with rock inclusions. The groundwater table is located at 5-35 meters and aquifer thickness varies from 5 to 25 meters, depending on the topography. According to available information, this type of aquifer is located further south of the Salkhit Uul project site, but this has not been confirmed. Fractured water zones in metamorphic rocks. This type of aquifer is typical of the study area, and is characterized by unsteady regime and relatively deep groundwater table depths (more than 30 meters). The presence of this deep aquifer in the project area has not been confirmed. Figure 4-12 shows that this is the predominant deep aquifer in the project area. Ecosystems
4.6
The ecosystem of the study area can be generally described as a low-level anthropogenically disturbed (through grazing), moderately moist meadow steppe, situated on weakly-moderately or highly dissected low mountain/hummocky terrain underlain by automorphic and semihydromorphic soils (Figure 4-13). The vegetation is predominantly small grass/petrophytic forbsfescues dry steppe. The only significant anthropogenic disturbance at the project site (other than project-related wind measurement masts and associated tracks and guard camp) are unimproved vehicle tracks (see section 4.8) and seasonal livestock grazing. Observation of the area indicates no arable agricultural activities in the project area.
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Figure 4-12. Hydrogeology of the project area

Source: Mongolian Academy of Science, 2007
Figure 4-13. Ecosystems in the project area

Source: Sokolov et al., 1995
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4.7 Soils
Soil cover of the project area is presented by the following types of soil (Figure 4-14):
Ordinary mountain (Mollisols Ustolls3). thick humus layers deluvium-proluvium to 8.
chernozems4 (Mollisols5) and ordinary dark kastanozems2 Overall, these types of soil are characterized by a relatively (20-30 cm) and silty clay, silty loam horizons with numerous gravel fragments and inclusions. pH of the soils varies from 7
Ordinary dark mountain kastanozems (Mollisols Ustolls) Ordinary dark meadow kastanozems with meadow solonchaks
Figure 4-14. Types of soils in the project area

Source: Mongolia Academy of Science, 1983
A typical Mollisols Ustolls soil profile contains three distinctive and poorly developed horizons, including A-horizon (mollic) 5-15 cm thick, illuvial B-horizon (20-30 cm) and a weakly developed parent C-horizon, composed of unconsolidated gravel/rocky material. The soil are also characterized by accumulation of secondary carbonates in the sub(surface) soil horizon. During the 1970s, in some areas these soils were reportedly used for agriculture, although no evidence was visible in April 2008 of such use. At present, the area is used only for seasonal grazing by livestock of nomadic herders.
4 5
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization World Soil Classification U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Taxonomy classification
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Field observations revealed numerous traces of soil erosion and desertification, principally caused by vehicle traffic on unimproved tracks (Figure 4-15). Once vehicles have damaged the grass cover, which is already reduced by over-grazing, the fine soil is subject to aeolian transport and erosion in the dry season and water erosion during the wet season. In addition, there are some run-off channels on the hillsides, but there is no sign of severe erosion.
Figure 4-15. Soil erosion caused by vehicle tracks in the project area. Both photos show wind erosion of soils where tires have exposed the soil. Dark lines in right center of bottom photo shows water erosion (shallow gullies) where vehicle track has crossed the hillside in the distance.
4.8 4.8.1
Flora and Fauna Vegetation
Geographically, the project area belongs to central Khalkh steppe of the Dry Mongolia Steppe zone (Mongolian classification) (Figure 4-16). Vegetation is exclusively grass, except for areas of low shrub, predominantly birch (Betula sp.), on north-facing slopes (see Figure 4-8). These small areas of shrub would provide roosts for birds (see below) and cover for larger mammals. The growing season typically starts in May and lasts through late August or early September. During a visit to the site in early spring (April), the growing season had not yet started. As a result, it was not possible to identify grassland and other plant species. As noted earlier, the area appeared to be heavily grazed in most places (Figure 4-17), and the time of year of the visit (mid-April) was reported as the beginning of the peak season for grazing. In March and April, nomadic herders begin to bring their livestock into this area for spring and summer pasturing. Given the heavy grazing, any vegetation species of potential conservation interest would already be severely disturbed or extirpated. Plant species that would be typical of the site and possibly found in the area include the following (Mongolian Academy of Science, 1991b):

Bluegrass (Poa attenuate) Fescue grass (Festuca lenensis) June grass (Koeleria cristana)
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Figure 4-16. Vegetation types in the project area Source: Vegetation map of Mongolia, 1991
Figure 4-17. Sparse grass cover near the location of proposed Turbine 1 (see Figure 2-3), at least partly caused by over-grazing, April 2008
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Meadow oat grass (Helictotrichon schellianum) Fescue grass (Festuca sibirica) Sedge grass (Carex pediformis) Sagebrush (Artemisia commutate) Scabious (Scabiosa comosa) Tansy (Filifolium sibiricum) Vesper iris (Iris dichotoma) Needlegrass (Stipa krylovi) Bunchgrass (Cleistogenes squarrosa) Baikal feathergrass (Stipa baicalensis ) Bedstraw (Galium verum) Birch (Betula spp.). Wildlife
4.8.2
Brandts voles (Microtus brandti) were seen to be abundant in the project area. Burrows were visible in every area where there was soil (Figure 4-18), both in the valley and on the hillsides, and many voles were seen on the surface. The Brandts vole prefers living in areas close to herders seasonal stops, existing groundwater wells, dry creeks, springs and small ponds, and areas where livestock concentration is less dense and plant communities are heavily deteriorated. It is currently of low risk conservation status. This species is subject to population outbreaks every few years, perhaps as often as every 3 to 5 years (Zhibin et al., 2003). In April 2008, the population was described as being in the middle of a cycle, neither at peak population levels nor at the nadir (Batbayar, 2008a). The Mongolian marmot (Marmota sibirica) is another rodent in the project area. This species burrows are much larger than the voles and were relatively common in the project area. This marmot species inhabits steppe and grassland habitats. The species is regionally endangered but globally in the lower risk category. A main reason for population decline has been hunting for fur. This species is conserved under Mongolian Protected Area Laws and Hunting Laws, but no conservation measures specifically aimed at this species have been established to date. (Clark et al., 2006)
Figure 4-18. Burrows of Brandts voles in the project area, April 2008
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Another rodent species, the blue mountain vole, was observed on a northern peak on the Western Ridge. There are likely to be other common rodents in the project area, but these were not observed. Grey wolves (Canis lupus) have been sighted within the project area. This species regional conservational status is near-threatened but globally is considered of least conservational concern. The population is decreasing due to hunting by herders, who fear for the safety of their livestock. A local herder reported to the project team in April 2008 that a wolf had killed a lamb in the previous month, shortly after they moved into the project area. According to the herders, wolf attacks usually happen in fall. Corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac) also occur in the project area. This species typically inhabits steppes, semi-deserts and deserts, avoiding mountains, forested areas, and dense bush. They have been sighted in the project area during daylight hours. Their global conservation status is of least concern. Both wolves and foxes would prey on voles and other rodents, and wolves would prey on foxes as well. According to local herders, Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) herds migrate through the area in autumn. The gazelles reportedly stay for only a short period because of the high density of livestock and the noise from the Trans-Mongolian railway. This species is classified as regionally endangered but globally of least conservational concern. The primary threat to Mongolian gazelle is illegal hunting for meat, which occurs despite established hunting quotas. Fences along the Russia-Mongolia and China-Mongolia borders prevent this species from reaching good quality habitat. Human disturbance associated with increasing resource extraction constitutes a threat in parts of its range. It tends to avoid rocky or broken terrain, narrow valleys, forests, shrub thickets, sand dunes, and high altitude steppe habitats (Clark et al., 2006). No reptile species were observed during the visit in April 2008, and it is not known if they occur on the site. No amphibian species were observed and none are likely to occur within the project site. Reportedly, the area has a relatively diverse population of insects in summer, such as grasshoppers and locusts, but lower diversity of beetles (Coleoptera) in degraded habitat and pastureland. None were observed in April. At least two bat species are reported as likely to be seasonally present in the project area (Batbayar, 2008b). The Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) is widely distributed throughout Mongolia and is globally and regionally classified as being of lower risk/least conservational concern. The Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) is not considered to be endangered and has been granted lower risk/least conservational concern status. It is a globally widespread species. The only available roost sites for bats are the railway buildings but it is not known if any bats actually roost there. 4.8.3 Birds
During a visit to the site in April, and throughout an avian survey completed in May and June, significant numbers of large raptors were observed in the project area. Some of the soaring birds were likely to have been migrating through the area at the time, but the area also was found to support many breeding pairs who use the area for hunting and raising young. Among the species observed were steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) (Figure 4-19), upland buzzard (Buteo hemilasius), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) Saker falcon (Falco cherrug), Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), common kestrel (Falco tinninculus), black kite (Milvus migrans), great 45 November 2008

bustard (Otis tarda), and black vulture (Aegypius monachus). The black vulture would scavenge carcasses of wildlife and livestock, and the other species would prey on rodents on the site, whose abundance would account for the high density of raptors. The black vulture is identified as Near-Threatened on the 2006 Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The saker falcon is classified as Endangered, and the great bustard as Vulnerable. Other bird species observed on the site include Mongolian lark (Melanocorypha mongolica) and raven (Corvus corax). A full list of species observed is in the Ornithology Report in Appendix D. Following the initial site visit in late April 2008, which found the site was heavily used by raptors, a more detailed bird survey was undertaken in May and June. Initially, a survey of breeding birds was conducted in May. Twelve nests were found on the Figure 4-19. Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) soaring over East and West Ridges, including the project site, April 2008 five active steppe eagle nests, two active upland buzzard nests, two saker falcon nests, one raven nest, and four magpie nests. Several of the nests were within 500 meters of future turbine locations. Subsequently, a survey of raptor use of the project area was completed in May and June. The study included stationary observation of bird flight in the project area, with species, direction of flight, and height among the data recorded for each observed flight. The survey found raptor activity higher in May than in June, which is consistent with there being a May migration through the area. All the species listed above were commonly seen flying, circling, and hunting on the project area. Birds were most active in late morning and in mid- to late afternoon. On one occasion, a cow carcass was observed in the northwest part of the project area. A total of 44 vultures were observed feeding on the carcass, including 38 black vultures (also known as cinereous vultures) and six Himalayan griffons (Gyps himalayensis). 4.9 Noise and Vibration
Noise can be defined as unwanted sound. The sound pressure level emitted from any activity that is audible by a receiver is dependent upon a number of factors. The impact of the noise depends not only on the sound pressure level but on elements such as the frequency spectrum, the duration of the specific noise, the time of day, the activity, and the attitude of the receiver. All these aspects must be taken into account in assessing the impact of noise. There is no information on existing background noise levels in the study area. However, the area is largely rural and from social interviews and the site visit, it was determined that the wind was the dominant source of noise in the project area. They are no other sources of noise, apart from the occasional bird call, vehicles visiting or passing the existing site, and grazing livestock. Railway and Highway A0101 traffic is some 1.3km and 3-4km away from the site, respectively, and could not be heard, although it possibly could be under different wind conditions. 46 November 2008

Table 4-2 provides examples of common noises and the average subjective response. These levels have been used to interpret the noise levels discussed in this assessment and in establishing criteria for the assessment of impact significance. Table 4-2. Typical Sound Pressure Levels Associated with Common Noise Sources
Sound Pressure Level (dBA) 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Just audible Threshold of hearing Very quiet Moderately Loud Loud Moderate Quiet Farm field with light breeze, birdcalls Quiet residential neighborhood Rustling leaves Very Loud Environment Subjective Evaluation Deafening Threshold of pain Threshold of feeling Outdoor Jet aircraft at 25m Jet aircraft during takeoff at a distance of 100m Elevated Train Jet flyover at 300m Power mower, motorcycle at 8m, car horn at 3m, crowd noise at football game Propeller plane flyover at 300m, noisy urban street Diesel truck (65kph) at 16m B-757 cabin during flight Air-conditioner condenser at 5m, near highway traffic Full symphony or band, food blender, noisy factory Inside auto at high speed, garbage disposal, dishwasher Close conversation, vacuum cleaner, electric typewriter General office Private office Soft stereo music in residence Bedroom, average residence (without t.v. and stereo) Quiet theater, whisper Human breathing Hard rock band Inside propeller plane Indoor
Adapted by Black & Veatch from Egan, 1988 and from Ramsey and Sleeper, 1994.
Noise is measured in units of decibels (dB). However, to take account of the varying sensitivity of people to different frequencies, a weighting scale has been universally adopted called Aweighting, the results of monitoring being expressed as dB(A). In general, the minimum perceived difference in noise level is 3dB(A) and an increase of 10dB(A) is perceived as a doubling of loudness. Various standards exist for noise; this assessment uses those developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which are shown in Table 4-3.
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Table 4-3. Guideline Values for Community Noise in Specific Environments
Specific environment Outdoor living area Dwelling, indoors Inside bedrooms Industrial, commercial and traffic Critical health effect(s) Serious annoyance, daytime and evening Moderate annoyance, daytime and evening Speech intelligibility and moderate annoyance, daytime and evening Sleep disturbance, night-time Hearing impairment LAeq [dB] 55 50 35 30 70 Time base [hours] 16 16 16 8 24
Source: WHO, 1999
The sensitivity of receptor depends on the type of receptor and proximity to the noise. Near the project site, the most vulnerable group would be herders, who have already identified the noise of the wind as being a negative sound, and railway workers. The nearest ger to the site is some 1.3 kilometers from the nearest turbine, and the railway workers residences are over three kilometers distant. . 4.10 Protected areas
There are no designated or protected landscapes in the vicinity of the Salkhit Uul area. Table 4-4 identifies the nearest protected areas, and they are shown on Figure 4-20. Table 4-4. Protected Areas Nearest to the Project Site
Name Bogdkhaan Mountain Gorkhi-Terelj Nagalkhaan Eej Khad Type and designation Strictly Protected Area and Important Bird Area National Park and Important Bird Area Nature Reserve Important Bird Area Distance 16 km 25 km 32 km 25 km
4.11
Socioeconomic conditions
4.11.1 Overview The town of Zuunmond, the administrative center of Tov aimag, is located 25 kilometers northwest of the Salkhit Uul site and is 45 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar. The town of Nalaikh is about 25 kilometers northeast of the site. The nearest residential area, Sergelen village, is about 10 kilometers northwest.
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June 25, 2008
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Protected areas near the project site
FIGURE 4-20

Tov aimag. The total area of the aimag is 74,000 square kilometers. About 90,000 people live in 27 soums and 103 bags (smallest administrative unit in Mongolia). Population density is low, about 1.2 persons per square kilometer. About 81 percent of the population is rural and 19 percent urban. There are about 23,000 households, including 18,000 rural households. The number of households with four of more children is 1,328. Life expectancy at birth is 66.37 years. The unemployment rate is 1.7 percent The total number of livestock is estimated as 1.5 million head (horses, cattle, sheep, and goats). There are 7,950 herder households, about five percent of the countrys total. Agriculture and farming generate about 70 percent of the aimags total annual revenue (Mongolian National Statistics Office, 2006). Town of Zuunmond (or Dzuunmod). The town occupies approximately 2,000 hectares of land, and sits at 1,200m above sea level. The town comprises six bags, with a total population size of 15,000 residents (3,000 families), 70 percent of which are younger than 30 years. There are six kindergartens, ten secondary schools, one English language college, and a central hospital with 200 beds. The town is equipped with a central waste water supply and treatment plant, a central heat station, small manufacturing units, and a digital communication system. According to the 2005 Mongolia Regional Development Policy, Zuunmond is expected and planned to become a central focal area in socio-economic development of the central region of Mongolia for the period of 2010-2020. The strategic plans include further initiatives to accelerate Zuunmonds and the wider aimags economic growth. Among them are creating an information technology park in the town, an enzymological incubator, biotechnological center, in addition to leather and wool manufacturers. In addition, the plan intends to improve existing urban infrastructure facilities, including building new paved roads, upgrading water supply and treatment facilities, implementing new solid waste management program, increasing heat supply and constructing new electricity lines. Sergelen soum. The total land area of the Sergelen soum is 290,000 hectares. The soum includes five bags with a total population size of 2,000 residents (530 families). Sergelen village is the administrative center, and about 60 families reside in the village. The population of the soum has declined by about 25 percent since 1980. Sergelen village has a secondary school, a drug store, hospital, and cultural center. Agriculture and grazing are the primary activities in which the local population is engaged. The total estimated area used for pastures and grazing is 40,000 hectares, and the land supports about 68,000 head of horses, cattle, camels, sheep and goats. About 650 hectares are used for farming. There are a few industrial/service businesses present in Sergelen soum, including 14 gold mining sites, seven tourist camps and one brick plant. Two gold mining sites are located on the land leased by Newcom (see Figure 1-1) and one tourist camp was being constructed near the paved highway and railway station 6-P zor. Currently, Sergelen soum is responsible for about 12-15 percent of Tov aimags total revenue. In 2006, the soum contributed about 10 million Mongolian tugriks (more than 10,000 USD) to the aimags budget. Mongolias regional development program calls for the soum to further intensify livestock breeding and agricultural development. This would include expanding the breeding of horse, cows, and goats and increasing overall agricultural production rates in order to better serve Ulaanbaatar and surrounding towns. The local authorities are reportedly reviewing a proposal 50 November 2008

for the development of a new dairy farm for 800 cows, sponsored by a Dutch company; the location for this development is not known. The only people who live on or near the wind park site are several herders families who seasonally move into the area in spring and summer to allow their herds to graze on project area grasslands, and railway workers families, who are permanent residents near the railway stations. Figure 4-22 shows the locations of the nearest seasonal and permanent residents. The herders live in gers (round wool tents also known as yurts) and use fenced corrals for keeping some of their livestock (e.g., young animals or those being milked) close to the ger Otherwise, the animals are free to graze on the surrounding pasture and are regularly tended by by the herders. The herders buy drinking water and non-meat foods in Zuunmond or Sergelen village. Springs and active groundwater wells (there are no wells in the project area at present) are used for the livestock drinking water supply. The typical herder family in this area has a small truck for transportation. 4.11.2 Economic conditions Railway workers are employed by the State railway company that operates the Trans-Mongolian railway. Two railway stations, 6-P zor and 7-P zor, are located in close vicinity to the Salkhit Uul site. The workers live in 2-3 storey apartment houses at each railway station (Figure 4-21). They are supplied with food by the railway company and with drinking water from a groundwater well located at station 7-P. The major income source for the herder families is trading beef, horse, goats, sheep meat and milk to shops and residents in Zuunmond and Ulaanbaatar. 4.11.3 Cultural Resources There are no known archaeological sites, heritage sites, or large cemeteries located within the wind park area. In a letter dated 27 May 2008, the Sergelen soums Governors office stated that the Newcom leasehold does not have any ancient tombs, shrine, ossuary, monument, memorabilia, or archaic graves (Sergelen soum Governors Office, 2008). Dating back to prehistoric times, many Mongolians have considered mountains, even small mountains, to be sacred. Interviews with local herders did not reveal that any mountains in the project area have any particular significance. This could be due to the fact that the sound of the wind is associated with bad luck, and the project site is unrelentingly windy.
Figure 4-21. Railway station 7-P zor and railway workers living quarters, April 2008
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The sky itself is culturally significant, and sky-worship was an important element of prehistoric Mongolian society. The sky is dominant in Mongolian landscapes and for nomadic herders the weather systems dominate daily life. This important role of sky is also related to the ancient Mongol religion in which the sky is the gods home. The ovoo is a traditional monument associated primarily with mountains and the sky, and they are common throughout Mongolia. Ovoos most often take the form of piles of stones, and are typically found at high points on mountains or hills. Some ovoos are built as orientation markers or to show borders, while others are considered sacred monuments. Ovoos on sacred mountains or other culturally special places are of greater cultural importance. It is reported that Mongolians will stop at sacred ovoos and get out of their vehicle or dismount their horse. They will add a stone or other object (e.g., a bone or a silk scarf) to the heap and may also sprinkle vodka or dairy products on it. Small ovoos were noted on many of the peaks in the project area (Figure 4-23). These ovoos are believed to be border or orientation markers and not of any particular cultural significance. The ovoos on the project site showed no signs of recent visitation, and there were no offerings or other objects. In addition, citizens did not identify any ovoos of concern during scoping and the public consultation meeting. A grave covered in stones (different from the ovoo) was found on the southernmost peak of the eastern ridge within the project area (Figure 4-24). Citizens reported it was not of great age and likely not of any great cultural significance. In the past, thunderstorms were considered as one of the most disastrous events in the steppe, and were seen as an expression of the gods or gods anger. Indeed, in these open landscapes lightning is a serious risk to a horse rider or cattle. Any tall objects attract lightning may therefore be considered a dangerous place. Another widespread belief is related to wind whistling. According to old beliefs, when a person whistles, he is calling for the wind. Strong winds are widely scorned in Mongolia as they enhance evaporation and cause droughts and desertification. Strong winds are also associated with dust storms. It is reported that many people, even in larger cities, believe in this and object to anyone whistling outdoors because it may cause high winds. This superstition reportedly extends to any whistle-like sound, including sound that may be produced by machinery.
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Figure 4-23. Ovoo located on mountaintop in the project area, April 2008
Figure 4-24. Stone-covered burial area on the East Ridge of the project area, April 2008
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5.0
5.1
ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
Introduction
This Chapter assesses the significance of the potential environmental and social impacts that would be expected to occur from construction and operation of the Salkhit Uul wind park. The assessment follows the methodology described in section 1.4. In order to identify potential environmental impacts, the activities and elements of the project description (Chapter 2) are applied to the existing environment (Chapter 4). The assessment of significance is a function of both the sensitivity of the receptor and magnitude of the impact. The significance can then be determined by using Tables 1-1 and 1-3 in Chapter 1. The following subsections follow this method and the impact is summarized in Table 5-10 at the end of this section. Where significant adverse impacts are predicted to arise, measures to avoid, reduce, or mitigate impacts have been identified in the Environmental Action Plan (EAP) in Chapter 6. Decommissioning of the project has not been assessed in detail, due both to lack of information about the process (and hence the magnitude of the impact) and the future timing of decommissioning, at which point sensitivity of receptors may have changed (see the discussion in Chapter 2). However, a general description of the likely effects arising from decommissioning is included at the end of each subsection below. A description of the likely impacts arising from optional layouts is also included in each subsection, in addition to whether the assessment of significance is likely to change if an alternative is adopted. 5.2 Climate and Air Quality
This section examines potential changes to air quality and climate from the proposed wind park. In general, where air quality is degraded (e.g., due to local emissions), the air quality is likely to be of higher sensitivity to additional impacts than where air quality is good. This is because air quality thresholds and standards (e.g. WHO, 2000) may be exceeded and impacts may arise on human health or vegetation. As described in section 4.1.4, there is no information on air quality in the study area, although it is likely that air quality meets all applicable standards except during periodic dust storms. Assumptions on the sensitivity of air quality are shown in Table 5-1 below. Table 5-1. Air Quality Sensitivity to Change
Sensitivity High Criteria Poor air quality, where existing emissions (SO2, CO2, PM10, etc) are likely to exceed international thresholds Acceptable air quality, where sources of emissions are present, but not likely exceed international standards Good air quality Examples Ulaanbaatar, where emissions from coal-fired power plants, ger fires. and traffic are likely to cause impacts on human health. Towns where there are ger fires and low levels of industrial emissions. Areas of open countryside where there are no permanent sources of emissions.
Medium
Low
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This section also examines climatic factors, the most important being contributions of greenhouse gases to global warming. The sensitivity of the global climate is assessed as being high. Potential impacts arising from the proposed wind park are discussed in further detail below and are summarised in Table 5-10. 5.2.1 Construction
The main impacts on local air quality during construction would be: Dust from areas of bare ground and earthworks Low levels of emissions from machinery and transportation Carbon footprint of manufacture of structures.
Wind-blown dust will be generated from working areas, both on-site and off-site along the route of the access road and power transmission line. As described in section 4.1.4, low levels of dust are likely to be present periodically from dust storms. Given the dry climate and limited water resources, dust suppression measures such as dampening are not recommended and are not likely to be effective. Working areas will be kept to a minimum to minimize soil erosion and this will help reduce dust generated. There are no high sensitivity residents or flora in the vicinity of the construction area that could be affected. However, construction workers should be provided with dust masks during construction (see the EAP in Chapter 7 below). In addition to dust, the use of machinery will result in low levels of combustion emissions. The sensitivity of local air quality is low and the magnitude of these impacts on air quality at Salkit Uul and surrounding area is low. Therefore, according to Table 1.1, the impact is assessed as negligible. Electricity generated from wind energy has one of the lowest carbon footprints6 of any power source. Nearly all the emissions occur during the manufacturing and construction phases, arising from the production of steel for the tower, concrete for the foundations and epoxy/fibreglass for the rotor blades emissions. The 2MW V80 produces electricity for 9 months, before it has produced as much energy as it will use throughout its design lifetime7. In addition to emissions from manufacture, there will be some combustion emissions arising from transportation of materials to the site, particularly the turbines. The sensitivity of the global air quality is high, but the magnitude of the impact is very low. The impact is assessed as minor adverse for the construction phase, although the carbon emissions will be offset during the operation of the wind park. 5.2.2 Operation
There are negligible emissions associated with the operation of the wind park. Daily vehicle use on prepared roads will generate small amounts of dust in very localized areas, and the vehicle will produce small amounts of combustion emissions. The principal effect will be to reduce emissions that would otherwise be generated by use of coal-fired plants near Ulaanbaatar. This would both improve the air quality in Ulaanbaatar and contribute to reducing global emissions, by generating wind energy. This would eliminate over 129,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses per year compared to emissions from a coal-fired plant (Newcom 2007).
A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that are emitted over the full life cycle of a process or product. It is expressed as grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour of generation (gCO2eq/kWh), 7 Vestas Press Release 02/2005
6
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Local air quality in Ulaanbaatar and global greenhouse gases have been assessed as high sensitivity receptors. The magnitude of the impact on air quality in Ulaanbaatar, given the percentage of power that will be generated from renewable resources, is medium. The impact is therefore assessed as major beneficial. The magnitude of the impact on global greenhouse gases is very low, and the impact has been assessed as minor beneficial. 5.2.3 Decommissioning
The longer the operational life of the wind park, the greater the operational benefits in relation to production of low carbon energy. When turbines are replaced or the site is decommissioned, impacts on air quality are likely to be similar to those arising during construction. Dust and low levels of combustion emissions would be generated by machinery and traffic but would have a negligible impact on local air quality. 5.2.4 Optional Layouts
The optional layouts described in Chapter 2 would have similar impacts on air quality and climate as the proposed layout. 5.3 Landscape
This section examines the effects on the landscape of the project site, and the effects on visual receptors. The existing landscape was described in section 4.2. The sensitivity of the landscape and visual receptors has been assessed as part of the impact assessment methodology described in section 1.4 in Chapter 1. The sensitivity has been defined according to the criteria in Table 1-2. According to Table 5-2, the sensitivity of the landscape at the project site and along the majority of the route of the transmission lines (and access road) to Nalaikh is assessed as medium. The landscape around Nalaikh is assessed as low sensitivity. Table 5-2. Landscape Sensitivity to Change
Sensitivity High Criteria National designation or importance Regional locally important landscapes or features Common or degraded landscapes Examples Special Protected Areas Landscapes around sacred mountains. Areas of open countryside that are undeveloped and contribute to the character of Mongolias landscapes. Areas of urban intrusion or uncontrolled development in the open countryside
Medium
Low
The sensitivity of visual receptors is relative to the local situation. The actual sensitivity of visual receptors and views over the site will be dependent upon the location and context of the viewpoint and the occupation and activity of the visual receptor. Table 5-3 below summarizes the existing visual receptors and their sensitivity to change at Salkhit Uul.
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Table 5-3. Visual Receptors and their Sensitivity to Change
Visual receptor Permanent Residents Sensitivity to Change High Permanent residents are likely to be highly sensitive receptors due to permanent disruption of views. Potential Receptors Permanent residents: - Nearest permanent dwelling is near railway station 7-P zor, about 1.5km from the site - Power lines will extend to Nalaikh, joining other lines before reaching the city. 10-12 families of nomadic herders live in the project area seasonally, the nearest about 1.5km from the nearest turbines Users of highway A0101 and the TransMongolia railway to the east and northeast of the site.
Temporary Residents Travellers
Medium Seasonal occupants of the area would be affected by visual changes for part of their year. Low Travellers are of low sensitivity as visual disruption is for a short period of time.
Landscape character is derived from the intervention of human activity with the natural physical land surface. At its root is the solid geology and subsequent physical processes of weathering and deposition that have modified the topography of the land surface. This in turn influences the human activities of land use, leading to a landscape character that reflects both human and other influences. Landscape impact assessment is concerned with: Effects on landscape elements or the overall pattern of elements that give rise to landscape character and regional and local distinctiveness. Impacts upon acknowledged special interests or values such as designated landscapes, conservation sites, and cultural associations (IEMA and LI, 2002).
Visual impacts introduce a human element to the landscape assessment by changing how humans perceive the landscape. The degree of impact will be subjective and thus will vary between individuals. However, general predictions of impact significance can still be made. Therefore, visual impact is concerned with: The direct impacts of the development upon views of the landscape through intrusion or obstruction. The reactions of viewers who may be affected. The overall impact on visual amenity, which can range from degradation through enhancement. (IEMA and LI, 2002).
Landscape and visual impacts arising from the project are described below and summarized in Table 5.10 at the end of this chapter. 5.3.1 Construction
There will be two main changes to the landscape during construction. The first change is to the land, through topsoil stripping and earth-moving, and the second is the introduction of machinery and equipment to the landscape. 58 November 2008

The main areas of landscape disturbance are listed in Table 2-1 in Chapter 2 and shown on Figure 2-2 (and Figures 2-3 and 2-4 for optional layouts). These include areas for temporary works, construction compounds, access road and on-site roads, areas for turbine and control center foundations, on-site and off-site transmission lines. New machinery and equipment will be introduced into the landscape, including a crane (second-year of construction only), trucks (usually 20-tonne trucks, but sometimes larger), excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment. In addition, there will be temporary accommodation and storage areas during the first year of construction. Litter is a problem in Mongolia as traditionally items thrown away were biodegradeable. Discarded plastics (e.g. bags, bottles) are associated with human habitation and have an adverse impact on natural landscapes. There is the potential for litter from the workforce to detract from the landscape and measures will need to be taken to manage all wastes. There is also the potential to improve the landscape by collecting existing litter, particularly in areas of birch scrub where the vegetation catches and concentrates wind-blown litter. Indeed, during the site visit in April 2008, birch thickets near the project site were characterized by abundant plastic bags and other litter that had blown across the steppe and been caught in the thicket. The landscape is assessed to be of medium sensitivity, as it is likely to be important in a local context, although not nationally designated. The magnitude of change to the landscape during construction is medium, as a small proportion of the local landscape will be affected by topsoil stripping and bare ground. The impact is temporary and medium-term since construction is expected to last for two years (i.e., two summer seasons). According to Table 1-1 in Chapter 1, the significance of the impact is therefore moderate adverse. The main visual receptors for these changes will be the railway workers and local herders. Disturbance to views during construction will mainly be limited to: Linear construction along the routes of the power lines and the access road, both of which will run to the north and northeast from the site (Figure 2-1 in Chapter 2). This would not be visible to railway workers or herders to the east but could be seen by herders in the valley to the west. There would also be road and foundation construction on mountain peaks at and between turbine locations during the first year. This would be visible by railway workers and travelers as well as to herders to the east and west. Construction of turbines on mountain peaks during the second year. In particular, construction at turbines 1-10 will be visible to workers at the railway stops and construction at turbines 25-21 will be visible from a seasonal ger to the southwest.
Receptors will have limited views of construction activity at the control center and substation. The only receptors would be travelers on the unimproved vehicle track that runs through the valley, and these are infrequent. These receptors were assessed as being of medium sensitivity, and the magnitude of change is assessed as low, since construction will be viewed at a distance. The impact on views is assessed as minor adverse (Table 5-10, Summary of Environmental Impacts). The residents at the railway (gers) are assessed as high sensitivity and the impact is assessed as moderate adverse. The best form of mitigation for landscape and visual impacts arising from construction is related to conservation of soils in section 5.5 and include:
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Limiting damage to grassland by keeping the construction areas and roads to a minimum, and maintaining strict requirements for vehicles to remain on the roads at all times. This would limit the scale of the visual impacts. Reinstating grassland where construction areas and roads are no longer required. This would reduce the duration of the visual impact.
The Environmental Action Plan describes these actions in further detail in Chapter 6. 5.3.2 Operation
The main source of landscape and visual impact during operation is the erection of 25 2MW turbines, each approximately 80 meters high, with blades that can extend another 35-40 meters. These turbines will be seen within the context of an open landscape that is currently largely devoid of engineered structures. Given the requirements of wind power, they will also be located on the highest ground, which comprises the peaks and ridge line of the eastern part of the Salkhit Uul area. Due to the mountainous treeless landscape, the turbines are likely to be visible from peaks and ridges for some distance from the site, depending on atmospheric conditions. Figure 5-1 shows the theoretical distance from which turbines could be seen, taking only topography (calculated based on 50-meter contours) into consideration. The actual distance from which turbines would be visible would be much less, due to dust, humidity, and other atmospheric factors. It should also be noted that the turbines will reside within a landscape which itself is vast in scale, with sweeping views of mountains and sky. Figure 5-2 shows representations of how the proposed turbines would actually be viewed from two vantage points. The top photos shows the view from the hill where turbines 1, 2 and 3 will be located, looking to the south toward turbines 6, 7, 8, and 9 (see Figures 2-1 and 2-2 for proposed turbine locations). The bottom photo shows the view from railway station 7-P zor toward turbines 11 through 25. Other elements of operation of the proposed wind park that will affect the landscape comprise: Off-site features, including 25km of power lines that will be supported by 50-55 transmission towers to transmit electricity from the wind park to Nalaikh, where they will connect to the Central Grid. Improved 18km access road from existing paved road A0101 to the wind park. On-site roads, including turbine access roads, and occasional vehicles that pass along the roads. Additional structures at the Control Center, including the electrically substation, a small dormitory and office, guard house, garage and storage buildings (see Figure 22 in chapter 2), and the trees and other vegetation that surrounds the compound.
Overall, the landscape was judged as being of medium sensitivity and due to the size of the structures, the magnitude of change is medium to high. The significance of the impact of the turbines on the local landscape is assessed as moderate to major adverse.
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June 25, 2008
r uffe rb ark ete p om nd kil d wi 5 n 7 ou ar
Ulaanbaatar ( !
Zuunmond ( !
Area of wind turbines
Leased area
Salkhit Uul wind park
PROJECTS\Mongolia\MapDocs\Figure5-1_WindParkViewshed_062508.mxd
Areas from which the top 40 meters of 1 or more wind turbines can be seen Areas from which less than the top 40 meters of any wind turbine is visible Areas from which wind turbines are not visible
"Visibility" is based solely on assumed infinite line of sight, accounting for regional topography; derived using digitial topography with 600+ meter horizontal resolution and approximately 30 meter vertical resolution.
10
20
30
FIGURE 5-1
Theoretical viewshed of Salkhit Uul wind park
Kilometers WGS 1984 UTM Zone 48N

There are several linear features crossing the existing landscape, including an unimproved vehicle track and a telephone line, as described in Chapter 2. The addition of power lines and improved roads are considered to be low magnitude. The additional structures at the control center are located within the valley, so views would therefore be limited to the surrounding mountains. Newcom will undertake small-scale landscaping works, such as planting vegetation around the perimeter of the control center compound (see Figure 2-5). The significance of the impact is assessed as minor adverse (Table 5-10, Summary of Environmental Impacts). Local herders and railway workers, and passing travelers on the road and railway, will experience changes to their existing views if they happen to look to the west while passing. During scoping, it was found that local herders did not feel strongly about the change to views and felt they would quickly become accustomed to the changed landscape. This was confirmed at the public disclosure meeting.
It should be noted that this will be the first wind park in Mongolia and is likely to be regarded by many people with a sense of pride and achievement. The wind park would be associated with both modern engineering and renewable energy. Therefore, it is important to note that the visual changes within the landscape are not always seen by receptors as adverse. This point was made repeatedly at the public meeting held following disclosure of the draft ESIA. This is also the case for passing travelers and visitors, who would see the wind park as a feature or landmark within the otherwise homogenous open landscape. The visual effects on herders are likely to be more adverse than those on railway workers, as they are more closely connected with the natural environment. The magnitude of change for herders was assessed as low to medium, giving a significance of minor to moderate adverse. The magnitude of change for railway workers and passing travelers is assessed as low, the impact significance would to range from negligible to minor beneficial. The magnitude of change for the railway residents is also low, but they are assessed as being of higher sensitivity; as a result, the impact is assessed as moderate adverse.
Figure 5-2. Simulated views of the wind park. Top photo shows the view to the south from turbine 3 on the north end of the wind park. Turbine 7 is in the center, with 8 on the left, 6 and 5 on the right, and 9 and 10 partly visible in the background. (The ESIA cover is a larger version of this view.) Bottom photo shows the view to the east from railway station 7-P zor. Turbines 11 is in the center, with turbines 12 through 20 visible to the left. (See figure 2-2 for turbine numbers and locations.)
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There would be small-scale changes at Nalaikh, and at isolated dwellings along the route of the new transmission line, in relation to the existing power supply and regional sub-station. However, these would be seen within the context of an urban setting, on the outskirts of the town where multiple power lines already converge on the substation. The magnitude of the impact is very low and the significance of the impact is minor adverse. 5.3.3 Decommissioning
Landscape and visual impacts during the decommissioning phase are likely to be similar to construction. There will be effects from vegetation loss, earth movements and temporary introduction of new machinery and equipment. However, the landscape and visual receptors are likely to be less sensitive to these changes as the wind park will have existed for at least 20 years and associated activity will become an integral part of existing views. There may also be new visual receptors by this time. Decommissioning will also involve reinstatement of the land and vegetation, which will be essential to restoration of the landscape and views. 5.3.4 Optional Layouts
In relation to optional layouts, since the construction activities would be extended to the West Ridge for both the options, the impact on landscape would increase in magnitude because of the greater number of turbines and a consequent increase in construction activity. This would be greater for optional layout 2 (Figure 2-4) due to the increased number of turbines. However, the impact on visual receptors would not necessarily increase significantly. This is due to the isolated nature of nomadic dwellings and distances to dwellings beyond the West Ridge. The ger in the south of the project area (Figure 4-22) would experience visual intrusion from construction on both the eastern and West Ridges under Alternative 2. Although the additional turbines on the West Ridge proposed for the optional layouts would increase the area of landscape and visual change during operation, these turbines would be seen within the context of the turbines on the East Ridge. Thus, the overall magnitude of the effect, would only marginally increase. From most areas to the east, the turbines on the West Ridge would not be visible at all because of the intervening East Ridge. 5.4 Hydrology and Hydrogeology
This section describes the potential impacts of the proposed wind park on the water environment, including both surface and groundwater. The sensitivity of water resources is based on the size and function of the feature and water quality. The function includes use by humans as well as providing habitat for aquatic organisms. The ephemeral creeks that transport run-off from the mountainsides at Salkhit Uul are assessed as being of low sensitivity as they only provide temporary conveyance, do not support fish, and are not used by humans. However, the spring-fed surface water found in the nearby valleys are of medium sensitivity because they provide water to livestock and wildlife. The shallow aquifers which feed the springs in valley bottoms the springs would be vulnerable to any type of pollution event, as would deeper aquifers in the porous standstones of the study area. Potential impacts on water resources include: Water consumption, potentially affecting local water resources. 63 November 2008

Alteration of surface and groundwater flow. Water discharge and pollution.
The impacts, including magnitude of changes, are discussed in further detail below and summarized in Table 5-10 at the end of this Chapter. The sensitivity of water receptors are established in sections 4.4 and 4.5. Examples of sensitivity of the water environment are listed in Table 5-4. Table 5-4. Examples of General Sensitivity of the Water Environment
Sensitivity High Examples - River which supports fish with conservation status or provides major fisheries resources. - River with good water quality (no pollution sources). - Surface or groundwater which is used for drinking water. - Large floodplain. - River which supports common fish or provides resource for smallscale fishing. - River with fair water quality (occasional pollution sources) - Surface or groundwater used for industry or agriculture. - Small floodplain. River which does not support fish resources. River with poor water quality (pollution discharge sources). Intermittent or no use of surface or groundwater by humans. No floodplain.
Medium
Low
5.4.1
Construction
During construction earthworks, road construction and use of heavy vehicles could alter surface drainage patterns. The removal of vegetation and compaction of soils (see section 5.5 below) will reduce infiltration and surface run-off will increase. The risk is greatest during heavy summer rainfall events. The increased volume of water flowing down ephemeral drainage channels and creeks is likely to cause additional soil erosion and increase the size of the channels. Surface run-off will also contain larger amounts of suspended sediments during construction than would otherwise be the case. The main surface waters that could be affected include: Ephemeral channels draining low mountains on the East Ridge. These could be affected by roads that connect the turbines or that connect the turbines to the control center. Ephemeral creeks crossed or parallelled by the access road and power lines between the wind park and Nalaikh. Surface water at the spring to the southwest of the East Ridge (see Figures 4-10 and 4-11 in Chapter 4).
Since that there are no permanent streams near the proposed wind park or crossed by the power transmission lines or access roads, the sensitivity of ephemeral drainage channels is assessed as low. The magnitude of the effect is also low, as changes to the channels will be localized, and the significance of the impact is assessed as negligible. Due to the elevation of the site and the local area, there is no significant flood risk. The effects on soils are discussed separately below. 64 November 2008

The spring-fed surface water in the valley to the southwest of the East Ridge is used by livestock and would also be used by wildlife. The sensitivity of this small waterbody is assessed as medium and there may be indirect effects such as run-off containing suspended sediments or vehicle disturbance. The magnitude of these impacts is assessed as very low, given the distance from the construction area, and the magnitude is assessed as negligible. Nonetheless, the Environmental Action Plan in Cection 6 sets out measures to avoid disturbance of this area. A peak number of 80 people will be employed for the construction of the proposed wind park. A local groundwater well installed near the future control center (Figure 2-2) will provide water for construction activities such as concrete production for turbine and control center foundations, and also for drinking water. Given the relatively modest number of workers and amount of concrete required, the magnitude of the impact on groundwater is low and the impact is assessed as minor (Table 5-10). Potential sources of pollution to groundwater during construction comprise leaks and spills of oils from machinery and discharge of sanitary waste and wastewater. During construction sanitary waste will be collected in containers below portable toilets and transported to Nalaikh for disposal. Storage and handling procedures for oils and other chemicals will be required to minimize risk of pollution. These measures are included in the Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6. The magnitude of the impact on groundwater is low and is assessed as minor adverse as set out in Table 5-10. 5.4.2 Operation
Potential impacts to surface waters by operating activities would be confined to increased runoff and erosion, primarily in existing or new erosion channels that receive run-off from roads. Measures to control water are set out in the Environmental Action Plan. The sensitivity of the channels is low and the magnitude of the impact is low. Therefore, according to Table 1-1 in Chapter 1, the significance of the impact is negligible. Similar to construction, groundwater will be supplied from a new well for operation of the control center. A second well about seven kilometers southwest of the project area will provide water for the livestock of local herders and also for wildlife. The magnitude of groundwater extraction is very low and therefore the impact is assessed as negligible. Potential sources of pollution to groundwater during operation include sanitary waste and leaks and spills of oils or more chemicals. The sanitary waste from employees will be treated using wastewater recycling equipment installed at the control center. Recycled water will be used to water restored areas of grassland and landscaping (e.g., grass and trees). Approximately 1,000 liters of hydraulic oils and 200 liters of lubricating oils will be stored at the control center, as well as 50-100 liters of diesel fuel. The control center will be at an elevation of about 1,720 meters above mean sea level (amsl), and is likely to be located over the shallow aquifer. It will not be near any surface water feature; the nearest one is the spring noted above, which is at elevation 1,645m amsl. Despite the low risk of contamination involved, the soils are highly porous and measures are specified in the Environmental Action Plan to prevent leakage or spillage to groundwater. Groundwater is assessed as medium sensitivity and the magnitude of pollution risk is low, therefore the significance of the impact is minor adverse (Table 5-10).
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5.4.3 Decommissioning
Effects on water resources during decommissioning are likely to be similar to those during construction, so sensitive features such as ephemeral drainage channels and springs would need to be avoided. Contaminated materials such as oil storage tanks would need to be removed from the site and taken to a suitable disposal site to prevent future contamination of surface and groundwater. 5.4.4 Optional Layouts
The alternatives would increase the area affected since there would be effects on the West Ridge, but the only incremental effects would be that a greater number of ephemeral drainage channels (i.e., those on the West Ridge) that would be affected by roads. Erection of V52s under optional layout 2 would involve an increased number of construction staff, but the increase is insufficient to significantly change water use or impacts. Therefore, in relation to water resources, there are no environmental benefits or disadvantages of using the optional layouts over the proposed project layout. Similar to construction, the optional layouts would not significantly change the assessment of impact on water duri9ng operations. Similar numbers of employees would be required and storage of oil would also be required. There are no benefits or disadvantages to surface or groundwater of using optional layouts over the preferred layout. 5.5 Geology and Soils
The main impacts on soils and geology are likely to arise during the various site preparation and construction activities associated with the proposed wind park, power transmission line, and access roads. However, soils will remain vulnerable during the operation phase. Sections 4.2 and 4.7 describe the geology and soils, respectively, of the project area. Soils are assessed as a high sensitivity receptor due to their vulnerability to erosion and desertification. Impacts on soils and geology are discussed below and summarized in Table 5-10. 5.5.1 Construction
The main impact on soils during construction will be the increase in vulnerability to erosion. The following types of construction activity could lead to potential soil erosion: Vehicle traffic along dirt tracks used during construction of on- and off-site roads, power lines, control center and turbines will cause soil compaction. Off-road vehicle traffic will damage vegetation and cause soil compaction. Vegetation will be cleared and at least some soil will be removed for the construction camp, the control center, turbine foundations, transmission towers, and both on- and off-site roads. . The use of heavy equipment, including cranes for turbine erection, will cause soil compaction if used off of roads. Blasting will result in the removal of vegetation and topsoil and near-surface rock for turbine foundations, possibly for the control center, and for some on-site and access roads.
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Loss of vegetation and soil compaction increases the soils vulnerability to erosion. Due to the short growing season it is difficult for vegetation to colonize bare areas of ground, so once vegetation is lost, the areas affected by erosion tend to spread through the effects of wind and rain. Soils will be particularly vulnerable during wet weather or after snow-melt, when vehicle traffic is likely to cause the greatest damage; since most precipitation falls in summer, one period of maximum vulnerability coincides with the construction season. Figure 5-3 shows the vulnerability of site soils. This figure shows damage observed during the site visit in April 2008 that had been caused by one off-road vehicle movement. The photographs in Figure 4-15 in Chapter 4 show an example of wind erosion on a vehicle track as well as damage where vehicles had traveled in wet weather. Where roads are unsurfaced, rutting and gully erosion eventually makes the roads unpassable so that vehicles drive off the track and the area affected by erosion continually widens. Damage to soils has further effects on landFigure 5-3. Vulnerability of Soils. Damage caused use. When soil is compacted, it cannot at Salkhit Uul by a single off-road vehicle support the native grasses, and this in turn movement. See also photos in Figure 4-15 in reduces the pasturage that can be used by Chapter 4. the livestock of local herders. In addition, the loss of grass affects biodiversity, since grassland is a food source for small mammals, which in turn provide food for predators such as foxes and raptors (see sections 4.6 and 4.8). The sensitivity of soils is high, and the magnitude of the impact is medium, since there is the potential for larger areas around the foundations of the turbines to be affected during construction, in addition to off-site impacts of roads and power transmission. The significance of the impact is therefore assessed as major adverse. The major impact should be of relatively short duration, lasting only through construction of the turbine foundations and roads. Once turbine foundations have been buried and roads have been narrowed (see sections 2.1.6 and 2.1.7), a much smaller area will be affected, and previously disturbed areas will have been reclaimed. Several measures have been listed in the Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6 to reduce the effects of construction on soils. Emphasis will need to be on minimizing damage, with reclamation of land being the last alternative for soil protection. The latter is unlikely to be effective on a large scale, due to the vulnerable tundra soils and short growing season. However, scarifying and planting may help stabilize small areas such as road verges. There is potential for soils to be contaminated by waste. Liquid wastes such as oils and sanitary waste are discussed above. Inert waste will be taken off-site and disposed of in a suitable landfill site at Nalaikh. Because residual waste is very low, the significance of the impact is assessed as minor adverse.
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5.5.2 Operation
During this phase of the project, the main impacts on soils would be from continued vehicle traffic. Vehicle movements will comprise: Movement of staff and materials to and from the site along the access road. As described in Chapter 2, a van will transport workers to and from the site every two weeks and there are likely to be other visitors periodically. Movements between the control center and turbines for operation and maintenance. Workers are expected to visit each turbine location least once per week for routine maintenance.
There should be no need for vehicles to travel off the improved roads, and this should be activity discouraged. As described under construction above, the main risk to soils would be where vehicles leave prepared roads and drive cross-country. If designated roads are not used, vehicle movements will cause damage over a wide area around the turbines or other off-road areas. The soils are a highly sensitive receptor, but the magnitude of the effect during operation is low, since there will be much less frequent traffic than during construction, and only occasional use of heavy equipment. In addition, vehicles will keep to improved roads. The significance of the impact is assessed as moderate adverse. 5.5.3 Decommissioning
Similar to construction, soils will be highly vulnerable to traffic and erosion during decommissioning. The movement of the turbines and other materials off-site may involve the construction of temporary roads and use of large vehicles. Similar measures to those outlined in the Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6 will need to be taken to minimize impacts on soils. Reinstatement of land and after-care will be critical to mitigating the damage to soils. The turbines will be dismantled and steel and other useful materials will be recycled. Inert materials which cannot be recycled will be taken to a suitable disposal site. However, foundations and other inert belowground materials will be buried. This is not likely to have a significant impact on soils as it will not prevent revegetation or restoration of land. 5.5.4 Optional Layouts
Alternative layouts 1 and 2 would increase the area affected by soil erosion due to the construction of additional turbines on the West Ridge. Moreover, because layout 2 would involve the erection of twice the number of turbines, the additional vehicle movements and earthworks would result in greater erosion on both ridges. The proposed project is the best environmental option for soils and layout 2 is the environmentally least preferred for soils. 5.6 Flora and Fauna
As described in section 1.4 in Chapter 1, assessment of the beneficial or adverse potential impact significance of the project requires consideration of the sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of the impact. For ecological receptors, the sensitivity of the receptor takes into account the following factors: The occurrence and significance of any nature conservation designations that may apply to the receiving site/habitat. 68 November 2008

The presence and sensitivity of any scarce, rare, protected or otherwise notable species of fauna or flora. The sensitivity and value of the receiving habitat, in terms of its relative extent, fragility (including its ability to recover), and rarity.
Table 5-5 shows the criteria for assessing sensitivity of ecological receptors, and Tables 5-6 and 5-7 establish the sensitivity of local mammal and avifauna species, respectively. As described in section 4.8.1, the grassland habitat is overgrazed and degraded, and so very unlikely to support any species of concern. Appendix D provides a more detailed assessment of the sensitivity of avifauna in the vicinity of Salkhit Uul. The results are summarized in Table 5-7 below. Note that the assessment of avifauna includes a very high sensitivity category. The magnitude and significance of impacts are assessed below. There are no designated sites for nature conservation in the vicinity of the wind park, so impacts are assessed for terrestrial fauna, avifauna, and habitats and flora during both construction and operation. Table 5-5. Sensitivity of Ecological Receptors
Sensitivity High Designated sites Internationally or nationally designated Species of Flora and Fauna Internationally classified as nearthreatened or vulnerable under IUCN Red List. Habitats Rare or uncommon habitats, which increase national biodiversity; irreplaceable or take 10+ years to regenerate Habitats which are regionally or locally uncommon; increase regional biodiversity; take 2-10 years to regenerate Common habitats; take up to 2 years to regenerate.
Medium
Regionally or locally designated
Regionally classified as near-threatened or vulnerable under IUCN Red List.
Low
No designation
Classified as of lower risk or least concern by the IUCN Red List.
Table 5-6. Sensitivity of Mammals Likely to be Present at Salkhit Uul and Surrounding Areas
Faunal Species Brandts vole (Microtus brandti) Mongolian marmot (Marmota sibirica) Grey wolf (Canis lupis) Corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac) IUCN Conservation Status1 Lower Risk/least concern Regionally endangered Regionally near threatened Least Concern Sensitivity Low Medium Medium Low
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Table 5-6. Sensitivity of Mammals Likely to be Present at Salkhit Uul and Surrounding Areas
Faunal Species Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) Source: Clark 2006 IUCN Conservation Status1 Regionally endangered Lower Risk/least concern Lower Risk/least concern Sensitivity Medium Low Low
Table 5-7. Summary of Sensitivity of Avifauna Likely to be Present at Salkhit Uul and Surrounding Areas
Sensitivity Very High High Medium Low Bird Species Black vulture (Aegypius monachus), Saker falcon (Falco cherrug), Great Bustard (Otis tarda) Upland buzzard (Buteo hemilasius), Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis), Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) Black kite (Milvus migrans), Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Hoopoe (Upupa epops), Mongolian lark (Melanocorypha mongolica), Horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), Eurasian skylark (Alauda arvensis), Guldenstadts redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogastrus), Pied wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka), Isabelline wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina), Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), Red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), Common Raven (Corvus corax), Herring gull (Larus argentatus)
5.6.1
Construction
Potential impacts on flora and fauna arising during construction comprise: Direct loss of vegetation and habitat (including food sources). Loss of fauna during construction activities. Disturbance of fauna from presence of people, machinery, traffic, and noise.
As described above, areas of habitat and flora will be lost due to construction activities and in particular due to the establishment of the construction camp, earthworks for control center, turbine foundations and electrical transmission connections; on-site construction roads and construction of off-site access road and power transmission line to Nalaikh. Table 2-1 in Chapter 2 showed the amount of land from which vegetation would be removed. The majority of the habitat is grassland steppe, although there is likely to be some variation in the composition of these grass species, particularly between mountain ridges and valley floors. Much of the grassland has been affected to some degree by over-grazing, in particular near the main road and Nalaikh, due to use by permanent residents of the area (as opposed to herders). During the April 2008 site visit, even the mountaintops showed signs of overgrazing by herders animals. The sensitivity of the habitat is assessed as medium and the magnitude of the impact is 70 November 2008

assessed as medium, due to the size of the construction footprint (Table 2-1). The impact on grassland from construction is assessed as moderate adverse. In addition to grassland habitat, rocky upland habitats that support lichens could be affected by blasting for turbine foundations and power transmission lines. The sensitivity of the habitat is assessed as medium, the magnitude is assessed as very low due to the limited number of peaks on the East Ridge in comparison with the wider area, and the impact is assessed as negligible. Areas of predominantly birch shrub, which provide important cover for fauna, would be avoided during construction. The Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6 includes measures to prevent indirect impacts, such as use for firewood. It is anticipated that during construction, there would be some loss of invertebrates and small rodents such as Brandts vole. Loss of these fauna will occur in the 82.4 hectares shown as being disturbed in the project description, Table 2-1 (82.9 and 118.5 hectares, respectively, for optional layouts 1 and 2). These fauna are relatively common, and losses in the construction area would not affect their wider population or use as a food source by predators. The impact has been assessed as negligible (low magnitude impact on low sensitivity receptor). Impacts on marmots should be avoided, due to their importance as a food source. There were no marmot burrows identified in the main construction areas, although they were present on nearby hillsides (for example, at turbine 24). Without mitigation, the impact would be assessed as minor adverse (low magnitude impact on medium sensitivity receptor). It is recommended that prior to construction, areas where there are large burrows should be identified, marked, and avoided.. Even if the Mongolian Law on Hunting allows marmot hunting, the Environmental Action Plan calls for staff to refrain from killing any marmots. Construction will take place over two years, from April to October in each year. Due to the long and severe winter in Mongolia, the summer season is important for vegetation growth and for native animals to replenish their fat reserves, either for hibernation or for the winter when food sources are scarce. This period is also important for summer migrants. Sources of disturbance during the construction period comprise physical presence and noise generated from the following construction elements: Construction workers (a peak of 80 people for construction of roads, transmission lines, control center and turbines). Use and storage of construction equipment and machinery, and storage of materials such as turbines. Traffic movement to and from the site, including 20-tonne (and sometimes larger) trucks. Noise and vibration generated by blasting.
The degree of disturbance will largely be a factor of the habitat range for the particular species. Rodents and invertebrates on the edge of the construction areas and blasting sites will suffer some degree of disturbance, which may interfere with reproduction or feeding. Nonetheless, because of the widespread abundance of rodents, the magnitude of the impact is low. The significance of the impact is assessed as negligible. Grey wolf, Mongolian gazelle and Corsac fox are likely to avoid use of the area during construction. Given the limited data available, it is assumed that the large area of habitat available and wider ranges of these species will mean that the magnitude of the impact is very low. The significance of the impact is therefore negligible (Table 5-10). 71 November 2008

It is not anticipated that there would be any impacts on bats from daytime construction activity. These species are highly mobile and are likely to continue feeding throughout construction. There is no habitat suitable for breeding, so bat use of the site is likely low, as described in section 4.8.2. Due to the higher level of impact associated with avifauna, this was subject to specialist assessment, the results of which are included as Appendix D. The report identifies that a number of high or very high sensitivity species (Black Vulture, Saker Falcon, Steppe Eagle, Upland Buzzard, and Demoiselle Crane) would be displaced due to construction disturbance. However, due to the widely available food source, the impact is unlikely to be significant (i.e. negligible). Nesting habitats, however, are more scarce, so mitigation will be required to reduce impacts and to provide alternative nesting sites (see Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6). In addition, roads and turnaround areas will be constructed on the downwind side of turbines to ensure that these sheltered areas do not become preferred burrowing locations for voles. 5.6.2 Operation
This is the first wind park in Mongolia, so there are no comparative studies specifically in relation to impact on local wildlife. Therefore, for some impacts assumptions and predictions are made based on knowledge of impacts on similar species (where available) in other countries. Potential impacts during operation of the proposed wind park are as follows: Direct loss of vegetation and habitat (including food sources for raptors). Disturbance of fauna from turbine noise, shadow flicker, people, and traffic. Loss of fauna from collision with turbines (birds and bats). Loss of fauna (birds) from electrocution from perching on transmission lines.
The regeneration of grassland following construction is closely related to the restoration of soils, which is described above. If construction areas are successfully reinstated, the loss of grassland will largely be confined to the footprint of the control center, roads (on-site and off-site) and turbine bases. The tower bases of the transmission lines will have a very small footprint and are of lesser concern. Similar to soils, the greatest risk to grassland outside of these areas arises from damage from off-road vehicles, which will need to be controlled through the Environmental Action Plan. The sensitivity of grassland is assessed as medium, the magnitude of the effect is low, and the significance of the impact is assessed as minor adverse. There would be a small amount of permanent loss of rocky upland peaks from turbines and site roads. The sensitivity of the receptor is medium, but the magnitude of the impact is very low. The impact is of negligible significance. The areas of birch scrub would not be affected during operation. In relation to fauna, there are small areas of direct loss of habitat at the bases of turbines, at the control center, and along roads. This will amount to 33.4 hectares under the preferred layout (33.6 or 48.7 hectares under optional layouts 1 and 2, respectively), as shown in Table 2-3 in Chapter 2. There is also some disturbance due to noise from the turbines which will be about 35-40 dBA on the ground surface at a distance of about 350 meters. As the noise is continual, it is unlikely to disturb many small mammals (such as marmots and voles), and animals endemic to the area are likely to become accustomed to it. However, where the wind park only comprises part of the 72 November 2008

animals range or migration path (grey wolf or Mongolian gazelle), there may be some displacement. It is not anticipated that additional buildings and human activity will cause significant disturbance of fauna at the wind park, as it has been occupied by guards for the past 3 years and there are isolated dwellings in the vicinity (e.g., railway buildings and gers). Shadow flicker is caused when the sun is viewed behind rotating blades. The phenomenon has not been observed to affect livestock, which graze close to many wind parks and could be expected to do so here. The magnitude of impact to ground mammals from disturbance during operation is assessed as being very low, and the significance of the impact on species of both low and medium sensitivity is assessed as negligible. The main risks to birds are associated with collision or electrocution, with the principal risk being to: Nesting raptors (and also possibly cranes) in proximity to turbines would be at increased collision risk. Raptors wishing to use the area for nesting may be displaced due to disturbance. . Young birds when they are learning to fly and learning to forage for themselves would be at increased collision risk. Foraging raptors in close proximity to the wind turbines (particularly if their food resource availability is higher close to turbines) would be at increased collision risk. Hunting birds may find transmission lines or towers to be attractive perches, which would increase the risk of electrocution.
The survey of bird use of the area showed there is significant potential for collision risk for at least some of the raptor species. Because the sensitivity of these species is classified as high or very high, even a medium magnitude impact would lead to a major adverse impact. Measures are included in the Environmental Action Plan to reduce these impacts, and further detail can be found in the Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6 and in Appendix D. Beyond collision, noise, traffic, and shadow flicker may affect the selection of raptor nesting sites. Again, mitigation in the Environmental Action Plan should reduce this impact. As with other fauna, there are small areas of direct loss of foraging habitat. There is also likely to be some indirect habitat loss due to displacement of birds, which may be disturbed by presence of the turbines or noise, or to the active discouragement of the use of the area for nesting. The available foraging habitat is widespread, although nesting sites are limited. Measures set out within the EAP and Appendix D are required to reduce effects on nesting birds and to provide alternative nest sites. The impact has been assessed as moderate adverse. Key mitigation measures to reduce or prevent impacts to large birds include: Surveying for nests in early spring and discouraging birds from building nests within 500 meters of a turbine. Each fall, destroying old nests within 500 meters of a turbine. For every nest destroyed, constructing at least two nesting platforms at least one kilometer from the turbines, and preventing non-target species from nesting there (for example, by destroying magpie or raven nests). This will provide alternative nesting sites. 73 November 2008

Shutting down a turbine during daylight hours when there is an occupied nest of a highly sensitive or very highly sensitive species within 500 meters of the turbine. Surveying for and removing all livestock and wildlife carcasses from within two or more kilometers of the wind park area (to reduce the food source of black vultures). Placing so-called bird diverters on all overhead transmission lines to discourage perching, and designing towers and lines so as to reduce the likelihood of electrocution.
In addition, there will be annual breeding bird and flight surveys in and near the project area. This will increase the body of knowledge about birds in Mongolia, and also allow the mitigation measures described above, in the Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6, and in Appendix D, to be evaluated, refined, and improved. 5.6.3 Decommissioning
Similar to construction, the main impacts during decommissioning are likely to comprise habitat loss, loss of small numbers of mammals, and disturbance to birds and animals. Following decommissioning, reinstatement will be important to re-establishing the steppe ecosystem in areas previously occupied by turbines, site roads and other structures. At the time of decommissioning, the sensitivity of some species, particularly those animals which are regionally rare, may have increased. 5.6.4 Optional Layouts
Optional layouts 1 and 2 would increase the area of habitat lost due to the construction of additional turbines on the West Ridge (Table 2-1). Optional layout 2 would essentially double the habitat loss due to the additional area required for the larger number of turbines. Similarly, both alternatives would increase the area of disturbance to fauna. In particular, nesting sites that have identified on the West Ridge could be disturbed during the construction of optional layout 2. Optional layout 2 could also increase risk to raptors during operation. The V-52 turbines house the transformers on the ground, and the transformers would provide a source of heat and attractive habitat for rodents in the cold climate of the study area. Any increased density of prey in these areas would increase raptor use of the area and thus increase the collision risk from turbines. If voles do concentrate in these areas, it will be necessary to compact the soil and/or place gravel for some distance from the towers in order to discourage burrowing. The preferred option is the best environmental option for flora and fauna, whereas optional layout 2 is the least preferred. Layout options 1 and 2 would increase the area of habitat affected and disturbance due to the construction of additional turbines on the West Ridge. For most fauna, the magnitude of the impact during operation would remain very low and the overall assessment would remain unchanged. However, there would be impacts on more nesting birds, particularly for optional layout 2, which would occupy the northern end of the West Ridge where several nests were observed.
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5.7 Noise
Receptors potentially affected by noise include workers, railway workers to the east, occupants of seasonal gers on the project site and to the east and west, and mammals and birds on the site. Table 5-8 shows the assigned sensitivity of receptors to noise and vibration for the construction and operation of the wind park. Table 5-8. Noise Receptors and their Sensitivity to Change
Sensitivity High Criteria Permanent residents and community uses within 500m of the source Presence of Receptors at Salkhit Uul - None within 500m of the site - Residents near transmission line and power substation at Nalaikh Permanent residents: - Nearest permanent dwelling is near railway station 6-P zor, about 1.5km from the site. Several railway workers live at railway station 6-p zor for up to several years. - 10-12 families of nomadic herders live in the project area seasonally, the nearest about 1.3km from turbines. - Construction and operational workers Travelers on highway A0101, the Trans-Mongolian railway, and dirt roads to the east and northeast of the site.
Medium
- Permanent residents and community uses between 500m and 2km of the source. - Temporary uses (e.g. commercial or industrial) within 2km of the source
Low
Travellers or people passing through the area, up to 1-2km of the source
5.7.1
Construction
Because the machinery and program of activities have not yet been specified for the construction phase, this assessment uses known noise levels from typical construction machinery and activities. Given the lack of proximity to the majority of receptors, this is sufficient for the purposes of the ESIA. Table 5-9 summarizes typical sources of construction noise. Table 5-9. Typical Sources of Construction Noise for Salkhit Uul Wind Park
Construction Activities Site preparation, vegetation and topsoil stripping earth-moving Road grading and gravelling Typical Machinery Backhoe, bulldozer, tractor and trailer, excavator. Location Turbine locations, Control Centre, onsite roads, off-site access road and along power line. On-site and off-site roads Noise Description (all daytime) - Intermittent up to 85% of time. - 75-90 dBA at 15m
Backhoe, bulldozer, grader, dump trucks
- Intermittent up to 85% of time - Machinery 75-90 dBA at 15m - Blasting, up to 115dBA at 15m
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Table 5-9. Typical Sources of Construction Noise for Salkhit Uul Wind Park
Construction Activities Erection of turbines and power lines. Typical Machinery Crawler and truckmounted cranes, diesel generator, concrete pump, tractor-trailer, small vehicles Backhoe, excavator, bulldozer, tractortrailer, dump truck Location Turbine sites, along power transmission lines Noise Description (all daytime) Intermittent up to 25% of time
Control center compound and substation
Control center area
- Intermittent less than 10% of time - 80-92 dBA at 15m for machinery - Blasting, up to 115 dBA at 15m - Intermittent less than 5% of time at any location - 80-92 dBA at 15m for machinery - Blasting, up to 115 dBA at 15m - Intermittent up to 25% of time. - 80-92 dBA at 15m
Turbine foundations
Dynamite, pneumatic tools, rock drill
Turbine sites
Traffic and transport
20-50 tonne trucks, smaller passenger vehicles.
Trans-Mongolian Highway, UlaanBaatar to Nalaikh.
Source: Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, 1987.
Table 5-9 shows that the greatest sound levels are associated with blasting. However, this sound will be confined to short intermittent blasts. Blasting would occur only during the first construction season. The more general activities equipment and vehicle noises -- will be undertaken over both construction seasons, but generate lower sound levels than blasting. Construction workers would experience the highest levels of noise. This is associated with occupational noise, and hearing protection equipment will need to be supplied and used. It is unlikely that the nearest receptors to Salkhit Uul will be disturbed by general construction noise, given the distance over which noise must travel (for example, railway noise was not heard at the site on a windy day, but was on a calm day), and no impact was identified. However, the blasting activities at turbine locations and at hilltop roads may be heard over this distance, particularly if herders and their livestock are using nearby pastures. Livestock may be temporarily disturbed and move away from the source of the noise. The disturbance will be occasional and generally heard over a distance, so the magnitude of the impact is assessed as very low. The significance of the effect is assessed as negligible. The magnitude of the impact on travelers using dirt roads or other routes in the area is also very low, as again the sound is likely to be occasional and heard at a distance. The impact is assessed at negligible. Residents at Nalaikh are likely to experience very low levels of construction noise associated with the power lines and modifications at the sub-station. The nearest residents are approximately 200 meters from the existing sub-station and route of the power lines. Potential disturbance is also set in the context of existing urban noise levels and the impact is assessed as minor adverse (very low magnitude impact on high sensitivity receptor). 76 November 2008

5.7.2 Operation
Wind turbine noise would be generated by turbine blades, equipment in the nacelle, and transformers (in the nacelle for V80s, on the ground for V52s). During periods of low wind (see Figures 4-3 and 4-4 in Chapter 4), the turbines will not be operating and there will be no noise generated. When the turbines are operating in high winds, the background noise level from the wind is likely to be louder than the turbines except immediately adjacent to the turbine. During periods of medium winds, there will be low-level noise, which could possibly be heard above the sound of the wind, and during this period the potential noise impact is likely to be greatest. As noted in Chapter 4, the wind is nearly constant on a daily and yearly basis, so noise should be relatively constant, too. This assessment has not included noise modelling. Based on information from the turbine manufacturer and Newcom, typical sound levels at 1.5 meters above the ground at the base of a turbine would be on the order of 60 dBA, which is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation (see Table 4-2 for examples of typical noise levels in various settings). At a distance of 350 meters from the base of a wind turbine and 1.5 meters above the ground, the sound level from a wind turbine would decrease to 35-40 dBA. For reference, WHO (1999) suggests sound levels below 50 dBA for outdoor living areas to avoid instances of moderate annoyance. There will also be a continuous low-frequency hum from the transformers in the substation (100 Hz). Maintenance workers will be exposed to turbine noise on a daily basis, since each turbine will be visited approximately on a weekly basis. Other than these workers, the closest receptors would be workers at the control center. The center will be one or more kilometers to the west and southwest of the turbines on the East Ridge, whereas the predominant wind direction is from the west-northwest. They are therefore unlikely to experience noise disturbance from the turbines, although they may experience some very low noise from the sub-station. The sensitivity of the receptor is medium and the magnitude of the impact is very low. The impact has been assessed as negligible. The closest residents to the wind park are at railway station 6-P zor and a ger 1.3km northeast of the northern turbines and gers in the valley to the east and southeast of the East Ridge. These receptors are downwind of the prevailing wind direction, so there could be some very low level noise experienced at these receptors. However, the receptors are over a kilometer from the turbines and there are other noise sources nearby, such as highway A0101 and the railway. The magnitude of the impact is assessed as very low and the impact is assessed as negligible. Due to the prevailing wind direction and distance, the ger approximately two kilometers east of the southern-most turbines is unlikely to be affected by noise from the preferred layout. Livestock are known to be unaffected by turbine noise and often graze in areas adjacent to wind parks. In summary, the wind turbine noise at 350 meters from a wind turbine is expected to be comparable to the existing background noise conditions in this windy, rural area. The wind turbine noise could be noticeable during periods of low background noise, but is not likely to be intrusive. High turbine noise output would coincide with periods of high wind. Wind noise would effectively mask wind turbine noise during these periods. As distance from the turbines increased, wind park noise would gradually become imperceptible at a distance of perhaps 2-3 kilometers. Noise from the wind turbines would be most noticeable at night, when there would be less background noise than during the day. In general, livestock, terrestrial mammals, and birds should not be affected by wind turbine noise emissions. The people who could be most affected by noise would be railway workers, 77 November 2008

who live downwind from prevailing wind direction, and nomadic herders when they are occupying the valley to the east and southeast. However, these people will be nearer the railway and National Road A0101 than to the wind park, so noise from passing trains and vehicles would overwhelm any distant wind park noise, making the latter even less noticeable. Herders in seasonal gers in the valley to the west and northwest would be most affected if optional layouts 1 or 2 are used, in which case they would be downwind of turbines on the West Ridge. The noise from the distant turbines (1-2 km) would not be intrusive. Overall, the impact of noise should be no more than minor adverse. At Nalaikh, additional noise from the transformers in the sub-station will not be perceptible over the existing noise generated from the station, particularly in the context of existing urban noise and the distance to nearby receptors (approximately 200 meters). The impact was assessed as none. 5.7.3 Decommissioning
Decommissioning noise levels are likely to be similar to those identified during construction. Demolition and breaking up concrete with a pneumatic drill are likely to be the noisiest activities. Blasting should not be required. 5.7.4 Assessment of Optional Layouts
During construction and operation, there are unlikely to be significant differences between the preferred layout and Alternatives 1 and 2. Noise during construction and operation is intermittent and there are few receptors in the study area. The exception is the seasonal ger at the southern end of the West Ridge (Figure 4-22) which is about 500 meters from the location of turbines on the West Ridge in a direction downwind of prevailing winds. This could increase the likelihood of noise, especially during construction but also during operation. 5.8 Social Impact Assessment
This section describes the potential impacts of the Salkhit Uul project on socioeconomic conditions. Generally, the project will have either negligible or minor direct and indirect social and economic effects on the local community and on nomadic herders living within the project area. These effects will commence during construction and continue throughout the operating life of the project. In the short term, benefits will include additional employment and expenditures associated with construction of the project. The same types of benefits would accrue during operation. The project may also result in some increased visitation to the project area by tourists interested in wind power and sightseeing. All of these results could have a beneficial effect on businesses in populated areas (Nalaikh, Sergelen village, Zuunmond). The overall socioeconomic impacts of project construction and operation are discussed in detail below. 5.8.1. Demographics and Economics 5.8.1.1 Construction Population and Employment. As described in Chapter 3, construction will employ up to about 80 workers for the first seven-month construction season, and about 20-40 workers in the second season, depending on the layout selected. Workers would include skilled (heavy equipment operators, engineers and overseers, wind experts) and unskilled (laborers, cooks, 78 November 2008

etc.). At least 25 percent of the workers are expected to come from Sergelen village, Zuunmond, or Nalaikh, or from the herder population, with most of the remainder from Ulaanbaatar. There may be a few foreign technicians and engineers. Overall, there would be no change in overall population or housing demand, and the increase in employment would be very minor, and temporary. All workers would live in temporary gers on the project site the first year, and in the new workers quarters at the control center the second year. Economy. The project will involve an initial investment of at least US$80,000,000, of which US$55,000,000 will be expended on turbines; US$10,000,000 on other foreign equipment, materials, and labor; and US$15,000,000 for domestic materials, labor, and services. Construction supplies and equipment purchased locally and in Ulaanbaatar will have a minor positive effect on the local economy. During the first year, the 80 construction employees will be paid an average of about US$5,000 to $10,000 for the 7-month construction season, and during the second year, 20-40 workers will be paid this amount. The total effect on the local economy will be minor beneficial. Newcom will pay at least an average wage, and likely somewhat higher. Municipal Budgets and Taxes. During construction, the project will not affect municipal budgets and taxes. Temporary construction workers will not create significant demand for municipal, medical or school district services or facilities. These workers will also not generate significant revenue through payment of property and income taxes. Each year, Newcom pays 12,000,000 tugriks to Tov aimag for the use of the land, and 10,000,000 tugriks to the Sergelen village development fund. Overall, construction effects on demographics and economy are estimated as being from negligible to slightly positive. Effects on demographics and economy during decommissioning phase will be reflected in loss of full-time jobs for permanent employees at the wind park, and in creation of new temporary jobs for construction workers, similar to the construction phase, described above. Therefore, effects will be minor negative to negligible. Should the project be expanded or extended, employment would stay at least the same for a longer period, and could grow significantly. 5.8.1.2 Operation Population and Employment. It is anticipated that approximately 40 full-time jobs will be created once the project is fully operational. These jobs will include wind technicians, project manager, administrative support personnel, and laborers. These employees are expected to reside on-site. They will be working in two shifts of 15-20 people, with shifts remaining on-site for two weeks before being replaced. Overall, the effect on employment will be minor beneficial; the effect will not be large enough to have a significant impact on local population or housing characteristics. The effect on housing will be negligible. Economy. The 40 full-time jobs will include 5-6 wind technicians, a project manager, and 10 to 15 support persons, and laborers. Wages are estimated to range from US$5,000 to US$6,000 per year for support personnel (administrative, security guards, laborers, etc.) to US$10,000 to US$12,000 per year for wind technicians, engineers, and managers. Total direct earnings over a 20-year period are estimated at approximately US$1,500,000 to US$2,000,000. The effect on the regional economy would be minor beneficial. The major beneficiaries could be local citizens and herders, who may find a local market for their milk and meat, and who may be employed as temporary laborers. The impacts of optional layouts would be similar, with slightly higher beneficial effects under optional layout 2. 79 November 2008

Tourism. The first wind park in Mongolia is expected to attract tourists. Newcom may make arrangements for visitors to the wind park to stay a night or two at the living quarters located at the control compound. Tourism may potentially become an additional income source for local herders, who may be able to sell handcrafts and organize horse-riding or other activities for tourists. 5.8.2 Social Infrastructure
5.8.2.1 Construction and decommissioning Transportation. At the time the access route is linked to Highway A0101, there could be minor disruptions in traffic on A0101 to allow access by construction equipment. The additional truck traffic that will be required to bring turbines from China to the site, and to bring construction equipment from Ulaanbaatar to the site, will be moderate adverse for the short periods of time that material and equipment are being transported. Overall, the impact on existing transportation infrastructure will be minor adverse, and of short duration. Medical and health and safety. The presence of 80 workers will have negligible effect on the demand for medical care in the area. The workers are unlikely to be a vector for bringing disease from Ulaanbaatar to the area. Overall, the effect of wind park construction (and decommissioning) on medical care and public health should be negligible. The only potential impacts to public health and safety during construction would be from vehicle accidents that may be caused by the increased truck traffic on A0101 and the site access road. The potential for impact is lessened by the fact that traffic will only be in daylight hours. The potential impact is considered to be minor adverse. Occupational health and safety issues for site workers would include both vehicle accidents as well as construction-related concerns such as movement of equipment and materials, falling overhead objects, falls into open excavations or from elevated positions, and electrocution. Training programs and proper precautions (hard hats, boots, fall protection) should reduce the potential impacts to minor adverse. The Environmental Action Plan in Chapter 6 includes actions to enhance occupational health and safety. Electric power. During the first construction season, the camp will be powered by portable 35kW generators brought to the site until the transmission line is completed. After that, and during the second year, power will be brought to the site on the new transmission line. Power usage by the construction workers will place negligible demands on the grid. 5.8.2.2 Operation Transportation. The access road will provide a significantly improved route to the project area for the seasonal nomadic herders, tourists, and others. On-site roads other than the access road will end at turbines so should receive little or no use other than by maintenance personnel. A potentially negative secondary impact could arise from improved access provided by new roads, including disturbance of birds during nesting or illegal hunting. Medical and health and safety. The continual presence of 20 workers will have negligible effect on the demand for medical care in the area. In addition, the workers are unlikely to be a vector for bringing disease from Ulaanbaatar to the area. The facility will have medical supplies for treatment of routine ailments and injuries, and some workers on each shift will have appropriate first-aid training. Overall, the effect of wind park operation on medical care and public health should be negligible. Occupational health and safety concerns would be the same 80 November 2008

as during construction, and could be overcome with proper training and personal protective equipment. Electric power. The wind park will add 50MW generating capacity to Mongolias existing 832MW capacity, an increase of six percent. Electricity use is growing rapidly, so the effect will be to take the place of coal-fired plants that would otherwise provide the power. This in turn will have the effects described under Air Quality above. The Central Regional Electricity Transmission Grid substation at Nalaikh will have to be upgraded during construction, which will improve its overall performance. Overall, the effect on the existing grid will be minor beneficial. Electromagnetic emissions. In a valley about 22 kilometers from the site are several radio antennas. The wind park should have no effect on their signals. 5.8.3 Land Use
5.8.3.1 Construction/decommissioning Construction of the wind park will make some areas unsuitable for grazing by livestock, as will decommissioning. As shown in Table 2-1, only about 82.4 hectares would be disturbed during construction (82.9 for optional layout 1 and 118.5 for layout 2), which is less than 0.3 percent of the leasehold. In addition, vehicles and blasting could affect somewhat wider areas, but only temporarily. Impact on land use should be moderate adverse very locally, and negligible on a wider area 5.8.3.2 Operation Property values and business activity. Table 2-3 shows that 33.4 acres would remain unsuitable for grazing during operations (33.6 under optional layout 2 and 48.7 under layout 2). Again, this is a small fraction of the leasehold, and even less of the wider area of similar grasslands. Again, the impact on land use should be minor adverse very locally, and negligible on a wider area. 5.8.4 Community
Public perception. Due to the high profile this wind park project has achieved, it may be prestigious for Sergelen soum. As a result, it may help the soum in attracting additional funding and investments in local infrastructure and business development. In addition, local residents are likely to have a sense of pride in the presence of the wind park. The overall effect would be minor beneficial. Social cohesion. There is a potential for conflicts between local herders and construction workers living at the construction camp, and a lesser potential for workers during operation. These could include such things as disputes over road accidents involving livestock, animal theft, threats to herders livestock (e.g., by guard dog), or noise and light from the construction camp. Establishing clear rules for worker behavior will avoid these issues. 5.8.5 Cultural Resources
As noted in section 4.11.3, the authorities have advised Newcom there are no significant cultural resources in the project area (Sergelen soum Governors Office, 2008). This absence of known archaeological, religious and aesthetic sites makes this potential impact negligible. The ovoos on several hilltops are reported (by nearby residents and at the public consultation meeting) not to have special significance. Nevertheless, they will be left undisturbed as much as 81 November 2008

possible. Only if there is no alternative to road or turbine placement would an ovoo be disturbed, and then it would be moved a short distance and reconstructed. The only other issue is related to the stone grave located on the East Ridge. Construction and operation will be planned to avoid disturbing this place. It may be necessary to place a small fence around the area to prevent workers from disturbing the rocks in place during construction and operation. During construction, workers should be alert to any signs of past cultural activity in the area. Should any artifacts or evidence of past activity be discovered, Newcom will notify the appropriate authorities and await direction before taking action that would disturb the resources. 5.8.6 Occupational and Public Health and Safety
This section introduces the potential impacts of the Salkhit Uul Wind Park project on occupational and community health and safety. The section identifies the major potential hazards, then describes the program that will be used to prevent or avoid potential impacts to humans or property. Occupational and public health and safety concerns associated with operation and construction of the wind park will be similar to those from construction and operation of any industrial faciltity in a remote area. The major potential hazards include:
Movement or operation of passenger and construction vehicles, equipment, and materials could cause injury or death to humans (drivers, passengers, pedestrians) or animals (livestock or wildlife). Using hand tools or larger equipment could result in accidents that harm or kill workers. Falling overhead objects could cause injury or death to workers or trespassers. Falls into or collapse of open excavations could cause injury or death to workers or trespassers. Falls from heights (buildings, transmission towers, turbines) could cause injury or death to workers or trespassers. Blasting could cause injury or death to workers or trespassers. Contact with electrical lines or transformers could cause injury or death to workers or trespassers. Noise and vibration could distress or injure workers or distress residents. This is addressed in section 5.7.
Newcom and its contractors will comply with international Occupational Health & Safety regulations and standards (for example, EU Directive 89/3918 and OSHA9 standards) in addition to Mongolian safety standards regarding construction works, electrical works, structural climbing and other hazards. In general, construction operations will be planned and implemented in accordance with these standards and with IFC safety guidelines (IFC, 2007a). There will be a workforce manager in charge of all activities, and in charge of compliance with health and safety requirements. This individual will report directly to the Newcom project manager and will have independent lines of reporting to Newcom upper management. Prior to
EU Directive 89/39 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31989L0391:EN:HTML provides general framework for health and safety management and risk assessment 9 US Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) www.osha.gov
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beginning work on the site, the workforce manager will develop a safety program to cover construction and then operation of the site. The program will describe in detail the potential hazards and the ways in which they will be prevented or avoided. All construction workers (including contractors) will be required to complete a training program that covers the safety program, and training will cover hazard awareness, job- and site-specific hazards, emergency procedures for fire and for illness or injury, and natural disaster. Besides training, the safety program will include detailed requirements for inspecting, testing, and calibrating safety equipment, for monitoring the working environment for hazards, and for monitoring worker health. In addition, all incidents and accidents will be recorded if they resulted, or nearly resulted, in damage to equipment or injury or to humans or animals, will be recorded. On an annual basis, Newcom will report to EBRD and IFC on the status of the overall safety program, including information on training and on incidents. Beyond the safety program, Newcom will compensate herders for livestock that may be killed as a result of site-related traffic. 5.9 Cumulative Effects
The assessment of cumulative impacts recognises that each additional project represents potential effects on the environment, and that it cannot be considered in isolation. Cumulative effects result from incremental changes caused by other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable actions, combined with those from the proposed Salkhit Uul wind park. Cumulative effects include:xxx

Effects arising from direct combination with other projects (e.g. spatial overlap). Effects arising from indirect combination with other projects, such as noise or disturbance (i.e. change in magnitude or duration of effect).
Potential actions that have been identified that could have potential cumulative effects with the proposed wind park include:
The proposed international airport located about 25 kilometers northwest of the project site (see Figure 1-1 in Chapter 1). Subsequent phases of wind park development at Salhkit Uul. The International Airport
5.9.1
A new international airport is proposed to be constructed at at Khoshigiin Khondii, which is also in Sergelen soum. It is proposed to be a large aviation complex that includes a cargo terminal building, air traffic control center, fire station building, power supply system, telephone system, water supply system, sewage system, aviation fuel supply system, car park, and the aerodrome. The airport will replace the existing Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar. Because of the distance from the wind park, there should be no direct effects through spatial overlap. However, there could be potential indirect landscape and visual impacts: the wind park would be visible from the air as aircraft approached the new airport, depending on the flight path. This is likely to be neutral, or even beneficial, in that it could promote Mongolias image to tourists and foreign investors. It should not interfere with aviation radar or other operations, although this will have to be verified before the airport is operational.
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There are unlikely to be cumulative impacts arising from construction, as delivery of materials from Ulaanbaatar would use a different route. Given the low frequency of traffic on Road A0101 to the Chinese border, it is unlikely that simultaneous freight movements for the two projects would cause congestion. 5.9.2 Expansion of Wind Park
If this first phase of the Salkhit Uul wind park is successful, subsequent phases of turbine development may follow. These would include installing turbines on the West Ridge and other ridges and peaks in the 30,000-hectare leasehold. In fact, Newcom has placed anemometer masts on other ridges to collect wind data so they can consider expansions if the currently proposed project is successful. Plans are quite speculative at this time, but could lead to an expansion of the wind park up to 100 or 150MW. Direct cumulative effects arising from such an expansion of the wind park would include:
Visual and landscape effects over a wider area and on more receptors, principally nomadic herders. Potential impacts on ephemeral streams, springs and any other water resources in the larger project area. Greater impacts on soils and grassland - increased area of erosion and greater vulnerability to desertification. Potential impacts on land available for livestock. Potential loss of birch scrub, trees, and other habitats in the Salkhit Uul area. Loss of habitat and greater disturbance to fauna, including rodents and wider larger animals such as grey wolf. Greater impacts on avifauna - loss of nest sites and risk of collision. Expansion would also reduce the area available for provision of alternative habitat and nest sites. Further avoidance of carbon emissions due to displacement of coal-fired generation capacity. Further progress toward Mongolias goal for renewable energy.
Indirect cumulative effects arising from wind park expansion would include:
Improvements to air quality in Ulaanbaatar as the wind park provides a cleaner energy source. Reduction in greenhouse gases as the wind park provides renewable energy with no greenhouse gas emissions. More receptors potentially affected by noise, principally nomadic herders. Greater benefits to the economy in relation to construction and operational employment.
These direct and indirect cumulative effects would be assessed in greater detail, using sitespecific information, if there is an expansion of the wind park expansion. This ESIA can form a basis for the types of impacts likely to arise, in addition to the use of measures to mitigate effects. Monitoring proposed in this ESIA can inform subsequent development and mitigation measures so that environmental effects are further reduced or avoided. Even so, any future 84 November 2008

expansion will require a full evaluation of environmental and social impacts under national law and lenders requirements. 5.10 Summary of Impacts
Table 5-10 summarizes the potential impacts on all the environmental and socioeconomic resources
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Table 5-10. Summary of Environmental and Social Impacts

Environmental Receptor Air and Climate Local air quality Salkhit Uul Low Generation of dust by vehicles Low levels of emissions from machinery Emissions from maintenance during operation. Local air quality Ulaanbaatar Global greenhouse gas emissions High High Generation of power for city without generating local emissions. Manufacture and transport of turbines and other materials Use of renewable energy, no greenhouse gas emissions Landscape and visual Local landscape Medium Changes to vegetation and topography during construction 89ha affected by landscape disturbance in construction, 33 during operation. Introduction of machinery and equipment to landscape. Erection of 25 turbines 80m high within open but vast landscape, in terms of scale. Presence of on-site support buildings and roads; off-site linear features including roads and power lines. Herders Medium Limited changes to views during construction due to scale and distance to main areas of construction. Change to views of ridges due to erection of wind turbines, in addition to control center, roads and power lines. In a social context, the visual disturbance is limited. Medium. Temporary mediumterm. Moderate adverse Locally medium, very short duration Very low Very low Medium, long-term Very low Very low Negligible Negligible Negligible Moderate beneficial Minor adverse Minor beneficial Sensitivity of Receptor Potential Impact Environmental Conditions Magnitude of Impact and Duration Significance
Medium to Major Permanent Low Permanent Low. Temporary mediumterm. Low to Medium Permanent.
Moderate to Major adverse Minor adverse
Minor adverse
Minor to moderate adverse
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Environmental Receptor Railway workers Sensitivity of Receptor Medium Potential Impact Limited changes to views during construction due to scale and distance to main areas of construction. Change to views of ridges due to erection of wind turbines, in addition to control center, roads and power lines. In a social context, the visual change is not negative. Residents at railway High Limited changes to views during construction due to scale and distance to main areas of construction. Change to views of ridges due to erection of wind turbines, in addition to control center, roads and power lines. In a social context, the visual disturbance is limited. Residents at Nailakh Travelers/ Visitors High Low Very small scale changes due to alterations at sub-station and power lines. Change to views of ridges due to erection of wind turbines, in addition to control center, roads and power lines. Increased surface run-off during construction and operation and changes to channel morphology during rainfall events. Potential pollution from suspended solids during construction. Surface water in valley from springs Groundwater Groundwater aquifers and springs Medium Use of water for construction and for workforce Pollution incidents during construction from leaks and spills from oils or chemicals, discharge of sewage. Very Low Low Temporary Negligible Minor adverse Medium Indirect impacts such as potential pollution from suspended solids. Magnitude of Impact and Duration Low. Temporary mediumterm. Low Permanent. Significance Minor adverse
Minor beneficial
Low. Temporary mediumterm. Low to Medium Permanent.
Moderate adverse
Moderate to major adverse
Very Low Permanent Low to Medium. Permanent
Minor adverse Negligible to Minor beneficial
Surface water Ephemeral creeks and channels Low Low Permanent Very Low Temporary Very Low Temporary Negligible
Negligible Negligible
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Environmental Receptor Sensitivity of Receptor Potential Impact Use of water for workforce and local herders during operation Pollution incidents during operation from leaks and spills from oils or chemicals, discharge of sewage. Decline in water table due to new wells, which could cause reduction or cessation of flow in springs Soils Soils High Soil erosion during construction from vehicle trafficking and other construction activities (earth movements, etc) at control center, turbine locations, on-site and offsite roads and power transmission routes. Soil erosion due to vehicle trafficking during operation, on-site roads between turbines, and off-site access roads. Potential contamination from generation of waste during construction and operation. Habitat and Flora Grassland steppe Medium Loss and degradation of grassland during construction. Loss of small areas of grassland due to presence of roads and structures. Continued degradation possible during operation. Rocky uplands Medium Loss of rocky peaks from blasting for turbine foundations and construction roads and areas. Loss of rocky peaks for turbine bases and site roads. Medium Temporary but could be permanent Low permanent Moderate adverse Medium Temporary but could be permanent Major adverse Magnitude of Impact and Duration Very low Permanent Low Permanent Low Temporary (as long as pumping continued) Significance Negligible Minor adverse
Minor adverse
Low Permanent Very Low Permanent
Moderate adverse
Minor adverse
Minor adverse
Very low permanent Very low permanent
Negligible
Negligible
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Environmental Receptor Birch scrub Sensitivity of Receptor Medium Potential Impact These areas will be avoided and no degradation or loss of habitat during construction or operation is anticipated. Loss of animals due to footprint during construction, and loss of available habitat during operation. Disturbance during construction. Medium Loss of animals due to footprint during construction Disturbance during construction. Disturbance and loss of available habitat during construction and operation. Grey wolf (Canis lupis) Corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac) Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) Avifauna (see Appendix D) Medium Low Medium High and very high Displacement during construction and operation Displacement during construction and operation Displacement during construction and operation Disturbance and loss of habitat during construction Direct and indirect habitat loss during operation Electrocution from contact with transmission lines Collision risk with wind turbines Invertebrates Noise Low Loss of animals due to footprint during construction Magnitude of Impact and Duration Very low temporary Significance Negligible
Fauna Brandts vole (Microtus brandti)and other common rodents Mongolian marmot (Marmota sibirica) Low Low permanent Low temporary Low permanent Low temporary Very low permanent Very low, temporary Very low, temporary Very low, temporary Very low Low Medium Medium Low temporary Negligible
Negligible Minor adverse Minor adverse Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Minor adverse Moderate adverse Major adverse Major adverse Negligible
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Environmental Receptor Nomadic herders, railway workers Sensitivity of Receptor Medium Potential Impact Blasting and vehicle noise during construction Turbine and vehicle noise during operation (including wind-whistling) Railway workers and others to east of site Raptors and mammals Low Blasting and vehicle noise during construction Turbine and vehicle noise during operation Medium-high Blasting and vehicle noise during construction Turbine and vehicle noise during operation Socioeconomic Conditions Demographics and Economics Population and employment Low Increased employment opportunities due to construction, operation, service Construction: low, temporary Operation: low, longterm Construction: Low, temporary Operation: Low, longterm Very low, long-term Moderate, very temporary Moderate, long-term Low, occasional Minor beneficial Magnitude of Impact and Duration Medium, temporary Medium, long-term Low, ephemeral Low, long-term Medium-high, temporary Low, long-term Significance Minor adverse Minor adverse Negligible Minor adverse Moderate adverse Minor adverse
Economy
Low
Ulaanbaatar and local purchase of supplies/equipment, investment, employment and service income Increased tourism during operation Disruptions to traffic during linkage of access road to Highway A0101 Increased traffic through pasturelands (effect on livestock, herders) Increased demand on local medical services by 80 workers during construction, 20 during operation Addition of 50MW generating capacity (+5%)
Minor beneficial
Tourism Infrastructure Transportation
Low Medium Medium
Negligible Minor adverse Minor adverse Negligible
Medical
Medium
Electric power
Medium
Medium, long-term
Moderate beneficial
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Environmental Receptor Social infrastructure Sensitivity of Receptor Medium Potential Impact Improving local transportation network. Better Medicare for local communities. Local herders concerns over increased road traffic and noise through their pastures. Loss of 80+ hectares of pasturelands during construction, 30+ during operation Installation of new well for watering livestock 7km to SW High profile and positive image of Sergelen soum as locale for renewable energy for the country Conflicts between construction/operation workers and local herders and railway workers Disturbance of historic/prehistoric sites/artifacts during construction Injury or death from vehicle collisions Injury or death from vehicle accidents Injury or death from vehicle accidents, falls, falling objects, blasting, electrocution, or weather Injury or death from falls, falling objects, blasting, electrocution Magnitude of Impact and Duration Medium permanent Significance Minor adversemoderate beneficial
Land use Land use Medium Medium Community Public perception Low Low, long-term Minor beneficial Low temporary Medium, long-term Minor adverse Minor beneficial
Social cohesion
Medium
Low, long-term (most significant during construction) Low, long-term
Minor adverse
Cultural resources Cultural resources High Low adverse
Public and Occupational Health and Safety Livestock Residents Workers Medium High High Low to high, varying duration Low to high, varying duration Low to high, varying duration Low to high, varying duration Minor adverse to medium adverse Minor adverse to major adverse Minor adverse to major adverse Minor adverse to major adverse
Trespassers
High
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6.0
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN
Project Environmental Action Plans (EAPs) provide clearly identifiable mechanisms to ensure that all mitigation measures recommended in the ESIA are implemented. The plan also ensures close scrutiny and oversight of the actual environmental performance of the project and prompt action to rectify any practices that adversely affect the quality of the surrounding environment. Newcom reports that it may seek accreditation under ISO1400110, the international Environmental Management System standard. Published in 1996, and revised in 2004, it is designed to help organizations put in place the necessary structures and procedures to ensure that their operations comply with environmental laws and that major risks and liabilities are properly identified, minimized and managed. Table 6-1 comprises the Environmental Action Plan for the Salkhit Uul wind park. It is based on the mitigation that is considered necessary to reduce or avoid the potential significant impacts of construction, operation, and decommissioning on environmental and human receptors. Newcom, its subcontractors, and its workers will need to comply with the recommended construction and operational practices and mitigation measures described in the table to ensure that their activities are conducted in a manner that meets the environmental protection requirements of the EAP. This would include training for workers so they are familiar with the practices required by the EAP. The EAP can be regularly updated as the works progress through the different phases and as environmental issues associated with the project change in significance.
10
Details of ISO certifications are given at http://www.iso.org/iso/management_standards.htm.
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Table 6-1. Environmental Action Plan: Mitigation and Enhancement Measures to Prevent or Reduce Potential Impacts
Activity or Aspect Design and Planning Road layout Potential Impact Damage to soil and loss of habitat Soil erosion Mitigation or Enhancement Measure Minimize length and width of on-site and off-site roads - Optimize route to reduce need for cut-and-fill - Include run-off and erosion control features in designs Place roads and turnarounds on downwind side of turbines to reduce vole habitat in sheltered areas Space turbines at least two blade diameters apart Design towers to be tubular, not guyed or lattice Select turbines that use rotors with the slowest feasible rotational speed Overhead lines Collision risk for birds - Minimize use of overhead lines - Mark overhead lines, including line to Nalaikh, with bird deflectors to reduce collision risk Design overhead lines to reduce or eliminate electrocution risk to raptors or other large birds perching on them - Identify and mark marmot burrows - Demarcate construction areas, roads, etc., away from marked areas - Train drivers and workers to avoid marmot burrows - Demarcate construction areas, power transmission, roads, etc., away from areas of birch scrub - Provide workers with alternative fuel source, establish rules so workers will not damage birch scrub Provide alternate nesting sites 1-2km from nearest turbine Responsibility Newcom Newcom Further Information ESIA Section 5.5 ESIA Section 5.4 & 5.5 ESIA Section 5.6 ESIA Appendix D ESIA Appendix D ESIA Appendix D ESIA Appendix D ESIA Appendix D
Collision risk for birds Turbine layout Turbine design Collision risk for birds Collision risk for birds
Newcom Newcom Newcom Newcom Newcom
Newcom
Site Preparation Ground preparation
Loss of marmot through crushing of burrows.
Newcom/ Construction contractor Newcom/ contractor
ESIA Section 5.6
Loss of birch scrub
ESIA Section 5.6
Loss of nesting habitat for birds
Newcom
Appendix D
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Activity or Aspect Potential Impact Disruption of bird nesting Mitigation or Enhancement Measure - Prior to egg-laying, discourage raptor nest-building within 500 meters of any turbine (destroy old nests, etc.) - Identify active raptor nests throughout construction season - Where feasible, schedule activities to avoid areas within 500 meters of active nests until after young birds leave the nest - Clearly demarcate roads, control compound, transmission line route, and other site facilities before construction begins - Confine all vehicles and other activities to demarcated areas - Clearly demarcate routes before construction - Confine equipment to demarcated areas Place gravel on 4-6m wide access road that will accommodate vehicles and reduce soil erosion in adjacent areas - Select routes to avoid ephemeral drainage channels and springs where possible - Install culverts or other drainage control features when crossings of drainage routes are unavoidable - Minimize stormwater run-on onto roads and uncontrolled flow off of roads - Avoid blasting and heavy equipment operation while young are on nests in close proximity to roads - For each nesting attempt within 500m of turbine location, provide at least 3 alternative nesting sites. - Prevent use of artificial nesting platforms by nontarget species (ravens, etc.) Responsibility Newcom Further Information Appendix D
Soil damage and loss of grassland (and habitat)
Newcom / contractor
ESIA Secton 5.5 and 5.6
Road construction
Soil damage and loss of grassland/habitat
Newcom / contractor Newcom / contractor Newcom / contractor
ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6 ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6 ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.4
Soil erosion and erosion of drainage channels
Disruption of bird nesting Management of key species nesting in proximity to turbines Collision risk for birds
Newcom / contractor Newcom
ESIA Appendix A ESIA Appendix A
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Activity or Aspect Construction Transport, delivery of equipment and vehicle traffic Potential Impact Soil damage and loss of grassland Mitigation or Enhancement Measure - Clearly demarcate storage and staging areas - Store all materials and equipment, and vehicles in demarcated area - Confine vehicles to demarcated roadways Establish native grasses in erosion control channels and in other areas immediately after final disturbance - Salvage and store topsoil and subsoil before areas are excavated, with topsoil stripped and stockpiled separately - Segregate excavated soil into stockpiles dependant on material type. Provide erosion control while stockpiled. - On completion, backfill material in the same stratigraphic sequence - When wide roads are narrowed after turbine construction, scarify compacted areas and establish native grasses - Once construction and road-building are complete, scarify all areas compacted by off-road vehicle/equipment movements and establish native grasses Avoid damage to areas outside construction activities as described above. Supply workforce with dust masks. - Confine construction activities to daylight hours - Provide workforce with hearing protection as needed - Provide and require use of personal protective equipment (head, hand, and foot protection) by all workers - Provide safety training to all workers - Establish and maintain a small infirmary capable of handling routine problems - Ensure trained first aid providers are on-site at all times Responsibility Newcom/ contractor Further Information ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6
General earthworks and activities
Soil damage and loss of grassland
Newcom/ contractor Newcom/ contractor
ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6 ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6
Generation of dust.
Newcom/ contractor Newcom / contractor Newcom
ESIA Section 5.2 ESIA Section 5.7 ESIA Section 5.8
Noise Accidents to workers/Injuries
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Activity or Aspect Temporary storage facilities Use of vehicles and machinery Potential Impact Damage to soils. Contamination Damage to soils and grassland Mitigation or Enhancement Measure Store all materials within designated areas Provide supplies for cleanup of minor spills Confine all vehicles and equipment to the roadway To extent possible, minimize activities during wet conditions. When activities must occur in wet conditions, control stormwater by using fabric, straw bales, and other measures to impede stormwater flow and prevent erosion. When damage to wet soil occurs, repair once dry conditions return Establish a designated storage area, with an impervious base and impermeable bund walls. Capacity must be sufficient to contain full volume. within a bund and secured area. Store all fuel, oil and chemical storage in the designated secure area Check hoses and valves regularly for signs of wear, ensure they are turned off and securely locked when not in use. Place diesel pumps and similar items on drip trays to collect minor spillages. Check trays regularly and remove any accumulated oil. Employ local labor force to maximum extent possible Pay wages at least average for the area Provide adequate heating and cooking facilities during construction Import wood or other fuel for fires, do not disturb areas of birch scrub and isolated trees and do not allow workers to disturb Prohibit marmot hunting on project site and by workers Ensure hunting of other animals complies with Mongolian Law on Hunting Responsibility Newcom/ contracor Newcom/ contracor Further Information ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.4 ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6
Storage of oil Soil and water pollution from leaks and spills -
Newcom/ contractor
ESIA Section 5.5 amd 5.4
Construction workforce (up to 80)
Economic
Newcom/ contractor Newcom/ contractor
Use of local resource in particular hunting and firewood
ESIA Section 5.8 and Appendix B. ESIA Section 5.6
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Activity or Aspect Potential Impact Sanitary waste Mitigation or Enhancement Measure Collect sanitary waste in containers below portable toilets and transport to Nalaikh for disposal. - Provide adequate facilities for disposal of garbage - Train workforce in waste management - Organize clean-ups of existing garbage, particularly in and around areas of birch scrub - Reduce amount of waste to maximum extent possible - Collect all solid waste and store until transported to Nalaikh and disposed. - Plant vegetation around control compound and substation - Plant native grasses in areas disturbed during construction - Provide (gray) water to planted vegetation to ensure success - Confine all vehicle to roadways - Monitor road condition regularly, then repair damaged and rutted roads rather than bypassing damaged sections - Monitor erosion controls and repair as needed. - Maintain grass cover on berms and ditches - Prohibit use of vehicles and equipment off prepared roads - Restabilize existing eroded tracks and restore grass cover as needed Employ local labor force to the maximum extent possible Responsibility Newcom/ contractor Newcom/ contractor Further Information ESIA Section 5.4 ESIA Section 5.3
Waste disposal
Adverse impact on landscape and views from litter and garbage (plastic bags, bottles, etc.) Soil contamination and use of resources
Newcom/ contractor
ESIA Section 5.5
Operation Presence of additional buildings and structures
Minor negative impact on views and landscape
Newcom
ESIA Section 5.3
Use of on-site and offsite roads
Damage to soils and grassland
Newcom
ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6
Vehicle traffic
Off-road vehicle trafficking would damage soils and grassland Socioeconomic
Newcom
Operational workforce
Newcom
ESIA Section 5.8
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Activity or Aspect Potential Impact Use of local resource in particular hunting and firewood Mitigation or Enhancement Measure Do not collect firewood from the site. Do not disturb areas of birch shrub in any way. Prohibit marmot hunting on the site Ensure hunting of other animals complies with Mongolian Law on Hunting - Establish fund to compensate herders for loss of livestock for any reason - Collect and store all waste and garbage before disposal in Nalaikh - Organize periodic clean-ups of existing garbage to improve the landscape, particularly in and around areas of birch scrub - Develop health and safety plan - Provide and require use of personal protective equipment (head, hand, and foot protection) by all workers - Provide safety training to all workers - Establish and maintain a small infirmary capable of handling routine problems - Ensure trained first aid providers are on-site at all times - Reduce wastes to the extent possible. - Maximixe re-use and recycling of materials - Collect and store all waste and garbage before disposal in Nalaikh Clean up and store oily and chemical waste and contaminated material before transport to Nalaikh or other suitable site for disposal. Responsibility Newcom Further Information ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.6
Adverse impact on landscape and views from litter and garbage (plastic bags, bottles etc) Accidents to workers/Injuries
Newcom
ESIA Section 5.3
Newcom
ESIA Section 5.8
Waste disposal
Soil and groundwater contamination, use of resources
Newcom
Newcom
ESIA Section 5.5
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Activity or Aspect Maintenance use of oils and other chemicals Potential Impact Pollution of soil or water Mitigation or Enhancement Measure - Establish a designated storage area, with an impervious base and impermeable bund walls, and protected from precipitation. Capacity must be sufficient to contain full volume within a bund and secured area. - Store all fuel, oil and chemical storage in the designated secure area - Do not leave vehicle unattended during refueling, never leave open a delivery valve. - Check hoses and valves regularly for signs of wear, ensure they are turned off and securely locked when not in use - Place diesel pumps and similar on drip trays to collect minor spillages. Check trays regularly and remove any accumulated oil. - Check daily for carcasses of grazing stock or wildlife within at least 1 kilometer of a turbines - Immediately remove or bury carcasses within the project area and within 1km of any turbine so they do not attract vultures or other scavenging birds to the area - Monitor bases of turbines for dead raptors, keep records of mortality - Monitor area for raptor nests each spring - Remove nests without eggs - Each fall, remove all nest material - If any nests within 500m of a wind turbine has eggs, shut down turbine during daylight hours until young have left nest - Provide alternative nesting sites to key raptor species (at least 1-2km from turbines, at least 3 alternative sites for each active nest). Prevent use of artificial nesting platforms by non-target species. Responsibility Newcom Further Information ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.4
Management of key species nesting or hunting in proximity to turbines
Collision risk for birds
Newcom
ESIA Appendix D
Disruption of nesting and collision risk for birds
Newcom
ESIA Appendix D
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Activity or Aspect Potential Impact Collision risk for birds Mitigation or Enhancement Measure - Remove nesting materials from platforms immediately after young have left the nest - Dismantle all artificial nesting platforms in late fall or early winter to give the raptors sufficient time to consider other areas for breeding the following year - Avoid enhancing raptor food resources in proximity to turbines: no vegetation-enhancing measures (fertilizer, water) near turbines - If V52 turbines are selected, which have warmthgenerating transformers at the base, expand bare area at the base so voles or other prey species are not attracted to the warmth. - Monitor for vole burrows downwind of turbines. If population increases there, take measures to expel, repel, or prevent use of these burrows and/or access to these areas. - Place roads and turnaround areas downwind of turbines Recycle structures as much as possible, send other materials to suitable disposal site. Cap all containers and close all valves. Transport to suitable disposal site Confine vehicles, equipment, and foot traffic to demarcated areas. - After roads or other compacted areas are removed and/or abandoned, scarify soil and plant native grass seeds - Monitor and repeat until reclamation is successful for at least two growing seasons after last planting/seeding Responsibility Newcom Further Information ESIA Appendix D
Collision risk for birds
Newcom
ESIA Appendix D
Decommissioning Removal of turbines and ancillary equipment Removal of buildings and waste Vehicle traffic and earth movements Site restoration
Effects on landscape, contamination of soils, use of resources Contamination of soils and groundwater Effects on drainage channels, soils and vegetation Effects on soils and vegetation
Newcom/ contractor Newcom/ contractor Newcom/ contractor Newcom/ contractor
ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.4 ESIA Section 5.5 and 5.4 ESIA Section 5.4-5.6 ESIA Section 5.4-5.6
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7.0
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PROGRAM
The environmental and social impacts resulting from construction and operation of the Salkhit Uul wind park are described in Chapter 5 and summarized in Table 5-10. Chapter 6 specifies appropriate mitigation measures that need to be implemented to mitigate or reduce the potentially significant impacts. This chapter describes the Environmental and Social Monitoring Program (ESMP) that is needed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures in reducing impacts and also to allow mitigation measures to be refined or developed as needed to further address potential impacts or to develop plans for future development. More specifically, the objectives of the monitoring program are to:

Record project impacts during construction and operation. Meet legal and community obligations. Evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and identify any shortcomings. Allow refinement and enhancement of mitigation measures to further reduce impacts. Allow identification unforeseen issues or changes in operations and provide information for development of mitigation measures to deal with those issues or changes.
The ESMP describes the parameters to be monitored, monitoring sites, time and frequency of monitoring, and the collection, analysis, and reporting of monitoring data. The environmental media at most risk soil/vegetation and avifauna will require more extensive monitoring and documentation of baseline conditions before construction and repeated monitoring during construction and operation. Other media air, water, noise, socio-economic parameters will require one-time verification of baseline conditions and then periodic verification through the projects life. The environmental and social monitoring program was developed in accordance with the best international practices for the wind energy sector as reflected in the international standards identified in Chapter 3. It should be noted that Mongolian national environmental standards are in the process of being reviewed and changed. At the moment, there are about 150 environmental standards. About two thirds of them were adopted before 1989, closely resembling Russian (former Soviet) environmental standards. The remainder were added since that time. The majority of these standards are general requirements for environmental monitoring and/or specify the method of measurement, with a total of eight standards being ambient or discharge standards (including standards for ambient air, drinking water, surface water, and soil). Because the majority of the existing Mongolian environmental standards and requirements are less stringent than the IFC regulations, and performance standards, the monitoring program for the Salkhit Uul project reflects best international practices. Key environmental performance indicators for monitoring plan are shown in Table 7-1. Table 72 presents the ESMP for pre-construction, construction, and operational phases of the Salkhit Uul wind park. It is assumed that Newcom will be responsible for all monitoring activities, and local or national authorities may wish to receive the results, at their discretion.
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Table 7-1. Key Environmental Performance Indicators for Construction and Operation Phases, Salkhit Uul Wind Park Environmental Project Compliance to benchmark Key indicators component phase values/standards Construction Ambient air Internationally-accepted standard of and Fugitive dust (SPM, PM10) quality no visible emissions at 50m. operation Observed hourly equivalent International compliance: Measured sound pressure levels LAeq (dBA) baseline values and sampled values Construction calculated for daytime and compared to corresponding IFC nighttime. Environmental, Health and Safety Equipment vibration levels. Guidelines for Wind Energy, Noise Ambient noise Observed hourly equivalent management and Construction/ and vibration sound pressure levels LAeq (dBA) Decommissioning Operation level calculated for daytime and nighttime. International compliance: Measured baseline values and sampled values compared to corresponding IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Surface and Construction pH, TDS, TSS, BOD5, DO, TPH, groundwater and Guidelines for Wind Energy and e-coli Ambient Water Quality quality operation Local compliance: Mongolian Surface and Drinking Water Quality Standards (MNS 4585-98) International compliance: Measured baseline values and sampled values compared to corresponding IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Construction Soil contaminants as identified in Guidelines for Wind Energy and Soil quality and and USEPA or Dutch list standards. erosion rate Construction/Decommissioning operation Erosion rate observation. Detailed plan/program for restoring disturbed land and re-establishing grassland vegetation to be developed prior to operation Bird injury or mortality EU-UK Best Available Techniques Construction Nest abandonment and guidelines for bird surveys and monitoring Bird injury or mortality in the - EU-UK Best Available Techniques Avifauna vicinity of the wind turbines or and guidelines for bird surveys transmission line and monitoring Operation Nesting near turbines - Detailed plan to be developed Nest abandonment prior to operation Prey concentration near turbines
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Table 7-2. Environmental and Social Monitoring Program (ESMP) for Salkhit Uul Wind Park
Media Water quality Project phase Construction Operation Parameter pH, BOD5, TSS, TDS TPH, e-coli Heavy metals for groundwater. Standard IFC standards for groundwater quality and drinking water quality standards; Mongolian surface and drinking water quality standards MNS: 0900:1992 Soil quality and erosion Preconstruction Assessment of soil disturbance and erosion Best practices - Along all roadways (emphasis on water channel crossings) - At construction camp - At and between turbine locations - At control compound - Along transmission road/line - All areas disturbed by construction equipment and workers - All roadways and roadsides (verify vehicles stay on marked road) All roads and other erosion controls Once before construction at each area Photographic and narrative record at each location Location - Two new groundwater wells - Any other natural waters used as potable water (none known at this time) Frequency Once per construction season 1. Annual 2. After any spill within 1km of well Duration and deliverables 1 sample per location 1 sample per location
Construction
Continuous during construction
Checklist observation Photographic and narrative record at each location observed at pre-construction Checklist observation Annual photographic record
Operation
- Monthly observation for evidence of erosion - After each major precipitation/run-off event (ID areas for repairs)
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Table 7-2. Environmental and Social Monitoring Program for Salkhit Uul Wind Park
Media Ecology -Flora -Fauna Project phase Preconstruction Parameter - Level of grassland disturbance - Marmot burrows - Brandts vole colonies Same as preconstruction Vegetation success Operation - Level of grassland disturbance - Marmot burrows - Brandts vole colonies Vegetation success Avifauna Preconstruction Construction 1. Breeding bird survey 2. Bird flight survey 1. Breeding bird survey 2. Bird flight survey 3. Animal carcass survey Operation 1. Bird injury/ mortality 2. Breeding bird survey 3. Bird flight survey 4. Animal carcass survey Best practices Best practices 1. Nest inventory over entire project area 2. Same 4 vantage points 3. Entire project area 1. At base of each tower 2. Nest inventory over entire project area 3. Same vantage points 4. Entire project area 1. In May of each construction season 2. April-May-June of each construction year 3. Daily 1. At least weekly (each turbine) 2. Annually, May 3. Annually, April, MayJune 4. Daily Bird Survey (Appendix D) Standard Best practices Location Same locations as soil monitoring (all disturbed areas) Frequency Once before construction (as part of soil disturbance/erosion effort) Duration and deliverables Photographic and narrative record
Construction
Best practices Best practices Best practices
Same as pre-construction - Soil stockpiles - Erosion controls Same locations as soil monitoring (all disturbed areas), including roadside areas
End of construction season End of construction season Annually Photographic and narrative record
Best practices Best practices
All areas planted with grass or shrub (ID areas to repair) 1. Past and present nests 2. Four vantage points on ridges
Beginning, middle, and end of growing season Once (May-June 2008)
Photographic and narrative record
Bird survey (Appendix D)
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Media Project phase Parameter - local population size: local herders as individual group - average hourly wage rate - local unemployment rate - ToV Aimag and Sergelen soum annual budget - wages of hired local residents - contract values records - wages of wind park employees - contract values and royalties of full time wind park employees - local population size dynamics: local herders as individual group - average hourly wage rate in ToV Aimag and Sergelen soum. - local unemployment rate dynamics - ToV Aimag and Sergelen soum annual budget dynamics Standard Location Town of Zuunmond, Sergelen soum, village of Sergelen, town of Nalaikh, local herders nearby the wind park Construction camp Frequency Duration and deliverables Baseline Socio-economic conditions summary report to lenders
Preconstruction
Best practices
Once
Construction
Best practices
Once per construction season
Annual summary report to lenders
Socioeconomic conditions
Operation
Best practices
Town of Zuunmond, Sergelen soum, village of Sergelen, town of Nalaikh, local herders nearby the wind park
Once a year
Annual report to lenders
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Media Project phase Parameter 1. Workplace inspections for noise, fire safety, hazardous materials registrar, solid and sanitary waste registrar 2. Traffic safety: signs, road inspections 3. Personnel health & safety training 4. Enforced use of PPE (hand, eye, & foot protection; hearing protection; etc.) 5. Public notification about construction schedule and progress (signs and personal notices to locals) 6. Public training for traffic safety and avoidance of accidents for all construction workers 7. Registrar of accidents 8. Enforced speed limit on vehicles 9. Physical health checks and registrar 1. Workplace inspections: noise, illumination, fire safety, hazardous materials registrar, solid and sanitary waste registrar 2. Traffic safety: sign and vehicle inspection 3. Driver training for traffic safety 4. Personnel health&safety training (working at heights, trenches, use of PPE, fire safety, first aid, etc.) 5. Registrar of accidents 6. Physical health checks Standard Location Frequency 1. At least monthly Duration and deliverables
2. Continuous; documented monthly 3. Prior to on-site work - At construction camp - All roadways and roadsides - At turbine locations - Local herder gers 4. Continuous, with infractions documented 5. Prior to construction, monthly during construction, and when new herder moves onto project area 6. Prior to construction 7. Continuous 8. Continuous 9. Monthly checkup, annual medical check 1. Continuous; documented at least monthly - At control center compound - Along the turbine locations - Along roadways in the project area 2. Monthly 3. Before employment and annually 4. Occupational safety training prior to employment and annual refresher training 5. As needed 6. Annually
Designated by Newcom Work force manager (WFM) conducts OHS monitoring. Monthly documented reports to Newcom project manager (including no. of completed inspections as a key performance indicator, and results) Annual report to lenders on safety record (training programs, man-hours worked, accidents, lost-time injuries, mortality, etc.)
Construction
Best practices. Local OHS standards
Occupational and Public Health & Safety
Operation
Best practices. Local OHS standards
Newcom-designated work force manager (WFM) conducts OHS monitoring. Report twice a year to the Lenders
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9.0
REFERENCES CITED
Asian Development Bank (ADB). 2005. Mongolia: Country Environmental Analysis. Asian Development Bank (ADB). 2006. Mongolia: Country Synthesis Report on Urban Air Quality Management. Batbayar, N. 2008a (27 April). Personal communication (conversation) between N. Batbayar and Jack Mozingo. Batbayar, N. 2008b (10 June). Personal communication (email message) from N. Batbayar and Jack Mozingo. Batbayar, T.S. 2006. Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar City, its Mitigation Approaches and Cooperation. Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, Inc. 1981. Noise Control for Buildings and Manufacturing Plants. Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAA Mongolia). 2006. Report of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the New Ulaanbaatar Airport Project. Prepared by SATU Co. Ltd. for CAA Mongolia. Clark, E. L., J. Munkhbat, S. Dulamtseren, J.E.M. Baillie, N. Batsaikhan, S.R.B. King, R. Samiya, and M. Stubbe (compilers and editors). 2006. Summary Conservation Action Plans for Mongolian Mammals. Regional Red List Series Vol. 2. Zoological Society of London, London. (In English and Mongolian). http://regionalredlist.com/pdf/Summary%20Conservation%20Action%20Plans%20for%20 Mongolian%20Mammals.pdf. (URL active as of 12 June 2008) Council of the European Union. 1985 (27 June). Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. Official Journal No. L 175 , 05/07/1985 pp. 00400048. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/full-legal-text/85337.htm. (URL active as of 15 June 2008) Council of the European Union. 1997 (3 March). Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment Official Journal No. L 073, 14/03/1997, p. 0005. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/full-legal-text/85337.htm. (URS active as of 15 June 2008) Damdin, Ts. And B. Bolorm. 2001. Enforcement of Environmental Laws. Ministry for Nature and Environment of Mongolia. Dzhurik, V, Batsaikhan, T. Dugarmaa and S.P. Serebrennikov, (2007), Assessment of seismic risk level for Ulaanbaatar city and its vicinities, Institute of the Earths Crust SB RAS, Russia, Research Center of Astronomy and Geophysics MAS, Mongolia Dzhurik, V. and T. Dugarmaa. 2003. Complex geophysical and seismological investigation in Mongolia Dzhurik, V., T. Dugarmaa, and T.G. Ryashenko. 1998. Seismic microzoning of aimaq centers of Mongolia. Egan, M.D. 2007. Architectural Acoustics. J. Ross Publishing, 411pp. 107 November 2008

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). 2003 (July). Environmental Policy. Available at http://www.ebrd.com/about/policies/enviro/policy/index.htm. (URL active as of 1 June 2008) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). 2008 (May). EBRD Environmental and Social Policy. Available at http://www.ebrd.com/about/policies/enviro/policy/2008policy.pdf. (URL active as of 1 June 2008) Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and Landscape Institute (LI), 2002. Guidelines for Landscape and Visal Impact Assessment, 2nd Edition, IEMA, Lincoln. International Finance Corporation (IFC). 2006 (17 November). Draft Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Roads. International Finance Corporation (IFC). 2007a (30 April). General Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines. International Finance Corporation (IFC). http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/gui_EHSGuidelines2007_GeneralE HS/$FILE/Final+-+General+EHS+Guidelines.pdf. (URL active as of 1 June 2008. International Finance Corporation (IFC). 2007 (April 30b). Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines [for] Wind Energy, Annex A. www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines. (URL active as of 1 May 2008) Marinov, N.A. and B.N. Popov. 1963. Hydrogeology of. Mongolian People's Republic (in Russian). Nauka,. Moscow. Mongolian Academy of Science 1983. Soil map of Mongolia. Mongolian Academy of Science, Institute of Geoecology. 1991a. Geology map of Mongolia. Mongolian Academy of Science. 1991b. Vegetation map of Mongolia. Mongolian Academy of Science, Institute of Geoecology. (MAS) 2007. Hydrogeologc conditions in the ToV aimag [map]. Mongolian Academy of Science. 2004. Geographic Atlas of Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar Mongolian Ministry for Nature and Environment (MNE). 1997. Environmental Laws of Mongolia., Published by Orbis Co. Ltd. (in Mongolian). Mongolian National Statistics Office. 2006. Statistical Census Book of Mongolia. Morgan, C., and E. Bossanyi. 1996. Wind Turbine Icing and Public Safety A Quantifiable Risk?, Wind Energy Production in Cold Climates, Bengt, Tammelin, Kristiina, Sntti. Morgan, C., and E. Bossanyi, H. Seifert. 1998. Assessment of Safety Risks Arising from Wind Turbine Icing Newcom LLC 2008. Project Development Report for the Salkhit Uul Wind Park. Newcom LLC. 2007. Salkhit Uul Wind Park Business Plan. Ramsey, C.G., and H.R. Sleeper. 1998. Architectural Graphic Standards. John Wiley & Sons, 248pp. 108 November 2008

Sergelen soum, Governors Office. 2008 (27 May). Letter from the Governors office to Newcom LLC. Sokolov. V, N. Ulzikhutag, Ts. Davaajamts, and R. Kamelin. 1995. Ecosystems of Mongolia, Moscow, Russia. Tserendavaa, B (editor). 2008. Compendium of Laws, A Mongolian Citizens Reference Book. Produced by the Securing Our Future Program of The Asia Foundation in Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. http://www.mongolianriverresources.mn/images/pdfs/Compendium%20of%20Laws_englis h.pdf (URL active as of 8 June 2008) United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). 2002. Mongolia: State of Environment Report U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (USDOE EIA). 2008 (latest update 16 May). Mongolias Energy Profile. Excerpt from EIAs International Energy Annual. http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/country_energy_data.cfm?fips=MG (URL active as of 6 June 2008) U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (USDOE). 2001 (August). Wind Energy Resource Atlas of Mongolia. Prepared by D. Elliott, M. Schwartz, G. Scott, S. Haymes, D. Heimiller, and R. George. NREL/TP-500-28972. http://www.nrel.gov/wind/international_wind_resources.html. (URL active as of 6 June 2008) Vestas Wind Systems A/S. Undated. Product Brochure for VESTAS V80-2MW Turbine. http://www.vestas.com/Admin/Public/Download.aspx?file=/Files/Filer/EN/Brochures/Produ ctbrochureV802_UK.pdf. (URL active as of 4 June 2008.) World Bank. 2007 (revised). Environmental Assessment. The World Bank Operational Manual, Operational Policies OP4.01. http://wbln0018.worldbank.org/Institutional/Manuals/OpManual.nsf/toc2/9367A2A9D9DAE ED38525672C007D0972?OpenDocument. (URL active as of 1 June 2008) World Health Organization (WHO). 2005. Air Quality Guidelines, Global Update 2005. http://www.euro.who.int/air/activities/20050222_2. (URL active as of 10 June 2008). World Health Organization (WHO). 1999. Guidelines for Community Noise, edited by Birgitta Berglund, B., T. Lindvall, and D.H. Schwela. Geneva. http://www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/guidelines2.html. (URL active as of 10 June 2008).
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November 2008
APPENDIX A
Salkhit Uul Wind Park ESIA List of Preparers

Name Jack Mozingo Education MS Environmental Sciences BS Environmental Studies BS Psychology PhD Physical Geography MS Physical Geography Years experience 25 Project role Project manager Scoping Impact assessment Public consultation EAP/ESMP Scoping PCDP Baseline conditions Public consultation ESMP
Ivan Maximov
Ursula Bycroft
MS Environmental Assessment and Management BA Geography and Archaeology PhD Zoology (Ornithology) BSc Biology (Ecology) PhD Geography MS Geography BS Electrical Engineering Post-graduate studies in Environmental Management MS Raptor Biology BS Biology BS Electrical Engineering
10
- Scoping - Impact assessment - EAP - Scoping - Ornithology - Bird survey design - Scoping - PCDP - Scoping - Public consultation - ESIA disclosure - Scoping - Bird survey - Scoping - Project description
Steve Percival
21
Andrey Zaitsev Jargalsaikhan Sodnomdorj Nyamba Batbayar Andy York
10 20
6 6
November 2008
APPENDIX B
Salkhit Uul Wind Park Milestones and Schedule for Preparation and Completion of ESIA
Milestone Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan Inception Report Preliminary draft ESIA Draft ESIA for disclosure Public consultation Final ESIA Status Completed Completed Completed Completed 1. Stakeholder notification 2. Initial disclosure (website) 3. Public meeting Completed Completion Date 10 June 16 June 28 June 27 July 1. 25 July 2. 27 July 3. 30 July (Sergelen village) 30 November
November 2008
APPENDIX C PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE PLAN
November 2008
Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan (PCDP)

Salkhit Uul Windpark Project, Mongolia
June, 2008
Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan Salkhit Uul Wind Park June 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 2.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................1 REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................3 2.1 Public consultations under Mongolian law.................................................................. 3 2.2 Lenders Public Consultation Requirements................................................................ 4 3.0 PRIOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE ....................................................................6 4.0 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION ..............................................................................................6 4.1 Government agencies ................................................................................................. 7 4.2 Tuv Aimag Administrations.......................................................................................... 7 4.3 Sergelen soum Administration..................................................................................... 7 4.4 Educational, research, and design organizations........................................................ 7 4.5 Non-governmental organizations................................................................................. 7 4.6 Local citizens ............................................................................................................... 7 4.7 Vulnerable groups ....................................................................................................... 8 5.0 SUMMARY OF SALKHIT UUL SCOPING PROCESS .....................................................................8 6.0 ESIA DISCLOSURE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING ....................................................10 6.1. Disclosure of information and timetable .................................................................... 10 6.2. Grievance mechanism............................................................................................... 11 6.3. Roles and Responsibilities ........................................................................................ 13 6.4. Public consultation meeting....................................................................................... 13 7.0. REPORTING.................................................................................................................14 8.0 LIST OF REFERENCES .............................................................................................................15
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Summary of April 2008 scoping meetings and interviews by location Most appropriate means of communication with different stakeholders Reporting schedule on the ESIA
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Publications and Outreach Related to Salkhit Uul Wind Park Invitation to the Stakeholders meeting for the Newcom 50MW Wind Park to be built in Sergelen soum, Tuv Aimag Summary of Responses to 2007 Questionnaire Comments and complaints sample form
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Newcom LLC, a Mongolian investment company, has proposed to construct and operate a wind park in the vicinity of Salkhit Uul (Windy Mountain), approximately 70 km southeast of Ulaanbaatar in the Tuv Aimag (Province - first-level administrative division) of Sergelen soum (region-level subdivision). Newcom has leased an area covering 30,000 hectares, and is now proposing a 50 megawatt (50MW) Wind Park that will occupy about 20 percent of the leasehold at its northeastern end. It is currently anticipated that the wind park will comprise 25-26 wind Vestas V80 turbines, each of 2MW generation capacity and a height of 110 120 meters and rotor diameter of about 80 meters.1 The land plot will not be fenced along the perimeter, although each individual turbine may be surrounded by a fence for safety reasons or to exclude wildlife. From a new substation located near the wind park control center, a 110kV transmission line will convey electricity about 20km to Nalaikh, where it will enter the National Central Grid Line. Newcom will construct a central control station that will include a technical control center, the new substation, a garage for two vehicles, a small dormitory for approximately 10-15 workers required on-site, and a paved parking lot. In addition, an improved road (likely to be gravel, although final decisions are not made) will provide access to the site from the railway and the nearest paved road, and a new transmission line will be constructed for 22km to Nalaikh. Finally, Newcom will install two groundwater wells, one near the control center for providing water to the site, another at the northern part of the valley with public access for local herders and their livestock. The facilities and turbines will be interconnected by improved roads (again, likely to be gravel). The ultimate goal is to develop much of the leasehold as a much larger wind park, but these plans have not yet been formulated. The nearest town is the local administrative center, Zuunmod (Figure 1). The northern part of the area is situated on Bogd mountain which is the most southern tip of the Hentii mountain range. The study area is characterized by dry steppe pastures with several mountain ridges that are sparsely populated with no known environmental or heritage areas of special interest in the near vicinity. The only nearby residents are nomadic and live seasonally in gers (alternatively known in English as yurts), round wool tents that are traditional dwellings for nomadic peoples. Tuv Aimag officials responsible for agricultural issues report that pastures in the area have a medium value according to the national pastures quality classification. However, local herders consider the seasonal pasturage provided by the project site to be among the best in the area. Other than this seasonal livestock grazing, the only economic activities in the area are a railway station and associated village about 3km from the site, and seasonal artisan gold mining in a valley about 4km from the site. The nearest paved road is 11 km the east of the site. Newcom has undertaken initial feasibility studies, including a wind study, and the company has obtained project development approvals, including construction permit and environmental permit from the Mongolian Ministry of Environment. Final project planning is currently being completed.
Although the most recent proposal is for 25 Vestas-80 2MW turbines on a single mountain ridge, two other alternatives must be considered viable options pending further Newcom study: 25 Vestas-80 2MW turbines spread over two mountain ridges and 50+ Vestas-52 850kW turbines spread over the same two ridges. These various configurations are shown in Appendix 1.
Figure 1 Location of the study area
Newcom has requested that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) provide financing for the project. In line with the
2
Lenders requirements an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is required of the project inclusive of meaningful public consultation. The ESIA is being funded by a grant from the Government of Luxembourg, and is being performed by Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp. under contract to Newcom. In accordance with the Lenders requirements, the project sponsor is required to develop a standalone Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan (PCDP) document as a part of the ESIA scoping process. The overall objective of PCDP is to define a comprehensive and culturally appropriate approach to public consultation and information disclosure for the Salkhit Uul Wind Park project, with special focus on the ESIA process. The PCDP document is specifically targeted to describe the public who may be affected by the project, how communication will work throughout the ESIA process and during the project lifetime, what information will be disclosed to the projects stakeholders, what languages, what formats and what means (e.g. mass media, Internet, libraries and so forth) will be used in project information disclosure.
2.0 REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Public consultations under Mongolian law
No specific Mongolian legislation is designed to ensure wide public consultations during implementation of Renewable Energy Projects. The Environmental Protection Law (1995) and The Environmental Impact Assessment Law (1998), however, define the right of citizens to be informed about ongoing projects and to be involved in environmental protection activities. Currently, several studies (e.g. Hannam, 2008)) are being performed to analyze the effectiveness and overall performance of Mongolian environmental laws, policies and strategies. It is expected, the results of such gap analyses studies will come out and be further taken into consideration by the Mongolian Government. Existing Mongolian environmental management and protection system needs reforming, which would include strengthening environmental governance and improving the overall systems effectiveness. Among other crucial issues needed to be addressed is the public involvement procedure in the ESIA process, which is expected to be reflected in further amendments to the current environmental laws and governmental programs/policies. The following laws are related to any kind of industrial project development in the country, but do not include any specific measures and mechanisms for public engagement, control or increasing public awareness (Environmental Laws of Mongolia, 1997) : Draft Pastureland Law 2007 Environmental Protection Law 1995 Law on Special Protected Areas 1995 Law on Forests 1995 Law on Water 1995 Law on Mineral Resources 1995 Law on Land Allocation 2002 Law on Land 2002 Law on Subsoil 1989 Law on Food 1999
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National procedures on EIA define two aspects: the level of consideration and the decision on the EIA project. The projects may be reviewed at the National or Aimag (Province level) and result in one of four types of conclusions: 1. 2. 3. 4. Approved for implementation; Approved for implementation with conditions Subject to detailed EIA implemented by the licensed Mongolian expert entity Declined
Following the National EIA prepared for this project in 2006, the Mongolian Ministry of Nature and the Environment approved the project for further implementation, but with a set of required conditions to be met. One key requirement was to advertise the project activities to rural residents and the public. This was accomplished by Newcoms public consultation in August 2007. At that time, Newcom held consultations and discussions, and hosted a public meeting in Sergelen soum. Prior to and at the meeting, Newcom distributed materials, associated with the wind park project (e.g. project description, proposed wind farm capacity, construction and operational phases etc.) These discussions and public meeting were carried out within the Clean Development Mechanism framework (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)) (refer to Section 3.0 of the report).
2.2
Lenders Public Consultation Requirements
Public consultations for the Salkhit Uul Wind Park project will be undertaken to meet the Lenders requirements, which include:: EBRD/IFC Guidelines, including EBRD Public Information Policy (PIP), EBRDs Environmental Policy (EP) and EBRDs Environmental Procedures (EPr). IFC Environmental and Social Review Procedure (April, 2006). IFC Guidance Note F: Guidance for Preparation of a Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan Good Practice Manual Doing Better Business through Effective Public Consultation and Disclosure (1998) Relevant to the project International Conventions for Public participation European Commission Directives (applicable to Mongolia as International Best Practice).
The EBRDs principles of public consultation are documented in the Banks Public Information Policy (PIP), Environmental Policy (EP) and Environmental Procedure (EPr). Although, major EBRD requirements for public consultation reflect some of the World Bank (for public sector) and IFC (for private sector) requirements and regulations, the EBRD standards additionally require that projects are held to some other important requirements and standards with reference to the EU and other applicable to the project international conventions and treaties (e.g. Aarhus Convention, Espoo Convention, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention); CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, World Heritage Convention; Convention on Biological Diversity etc.). In the public consultation area, the Lenders relies on EU EIA Directive (1985, 1997), which ensures the Member States to disclose the project information to the public and make the concerned public be involved in the discussions of the proposed project. Even though, EU legislation does not directly apply to Mongolia, this is considered as International Best Practice.
The Salkhit Uul Wind Park project requires public consultation, including the notification by the project sponsor the affected public about relevant environmental issues, associated with the project, providing the public with a summary of mitigation measures, action plans, and other agreed-upon actions, all in a language that can be understood by the affected public. 2 The public consultation process will include the following stages: Notification stage: providing potentially affected public and concerned non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with information about the project, including project location, projects technical specifications, and design, overview of project construction and operational phases and so forth. Scoping stage: Identification of key environmental and socioeconomic issues, in part through consultations with the affected public, NGOs, and the government (collectively, stakeholders). This also includes preparation of a Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan (PCDP) Disclosure of ESIA documentation: Making the draft ESIA available to the projects stakeholders and providing means of communicating with stakeholder groups and receiving their comments and feedback on the project. Comments must be accepted for at least 60 days, and the final ESIA must describe how each comment has been considered.
The Lender requirements for public consultation process translate into open, direct and culturally appropriate communication with individuals and groups who may be affected by the project, and have to address/reflect the following issues: Methods and means in communication with stakeholder groups, i.e. mass media (radio, TV, newspapers, Internet), meetings and interviews, brochures, leaflets and reports etc. Clear mechanisms to respond to peoples concerns, suggestions and grievances Language of written and oral communications, i.e. understandable format and use of local language Easy access to both written information and to the consultation process by relevant stakeholders Use of oral or visual methods to present the information to non-literate people Respect the local traditions of discussion, reflection, and decision-making. Care in assuring that groups being consulted are representative, with adequate representation of women, vulnerable groups, indigenous, ethnic or religious minorities (as appropriate to the locality), and separate meetings of various groups, where necessary.
Environmental Policy, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, April 2003. 5
3.0 PRIOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE

Newcom has used printed mass media, internet and television since 2006 to ensure wide information distribution among all potential stakeholders. The list of publications and communications is provided in Appendix 1. As part of the project undertaken within the UNFCCC CDM framework, in 2006-2007, Newcom hired a consultancy company CRM (Carbon Resource Management) to perform a full-scale stakeholder consultation process, which included project information disclosure to the stakeholders, receiving comments and responding to stakeholders concerns. Newcom organized the stakeholder consultation in July-August 2007. Prior to the meeting, invitations coupled with enclosed brochures and questionnaires were distributed among the project stakeholders, including over 100 people (government officials, village leaders, herders) and 20 environmental NGOs (Appendix 2). In addition, in July, 2008, Newcom representatives and CRM consultants visited around 30 households of Sergelen Soum to introduce the project and invite them to the public hearings. Newcom provided necessary transportation for local residents to attend the meeting. The meeting took place on August, 10, 2007 at the Cultural Hall in Sergelen Soum, Tuv Aimag. Over 50 people attended the stakeholder consultation meeting, including the Sergelen Soum governor, a representative of the Ministry of Environment, and 3 NGO representatives. Nearly all stakeholders responded in favor of the proposed project. A few issues were raised and discussed during the meeting, including noise, sight spoiling and potential impact on wildlife, as well as potential negative impacts of the project on local community and environment. A Summary of Responses to 2007 Questionnaire is shown in Appendix 3.
4.0 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION

As a part of the development of the public consultation program, stakeholder identification was performed in order to determine all individuals, local communities, organizations, educational, research, and design organizations, and governmental authorities who might be potentially affected by or might affect the outcome of the proposed project. The criteria used in the stakeholder identification process included the proximity of local residents households to the project site, the level of potential interest in the project among federal and local governmental authorities, and scientists and local/international NGOs with interest or expertise. Different stakeholder groups were first identified in a stakeholder matrix that determined the level of potential interests and locations of the specific stakeholder group. To complete this task, Black & Veatch used a list of contacts provided by Newcom that was created during earlier public consultations held in 2006-2007. The list was combined with the contacts provided by Jargalsaikhan Sodnomdorj, the principal of Energy & Environment Co, Ltd, in Ulaanbaatar, who is a social consultation expert and who also is wellinformed about all parties involved in renewable energy projects in Mongolia. Further suggestions made during interviews with known stakeholders were reviewed and taken into consideration. The following stakeholder groups were defined during the identification process: Government agencies related to the project approval and review. Tuv Aimag Authorities Sergelen somn Authorities
Educational, research and design organizations Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including Professional associations and Public organizations Local citizens independent of pastures Local herders
The most vulnerable (affected by the project) group includes nomadic herders who seasonally inhabit the project area and who may not attend key meetings and have very limited access to information.
4.1 Government agencies

Black & Veatch met the head of the EIA Department and the EIA Officer of the Mongolian Ministry of Nature and the Environment, both of whom had participated in the national EIA of the project. In addition, Black & Veatch met with the head of the National Renewable Energy Centre in the Ministry of Fuel and Environment, which was especially interested in the project implementation and then further replication throughout Mongolia. The team also met with a Mongolian Green Party representative who is directly interested in all Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects implementation in Mongolia.
4.2 Tuv Aimag Administrations

The project team met with key stakeholder groups in Tuv Aimag, including representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Nature Protection, and the Aimag Meteorological Station Director, whose information is crucial for the appropriate project design.
4.3 Sergelen soum Administration

The project team met with the Sergelen soum Governor, who is the key contact person for information exchange and grievance collection from local residents. She promised to actively disseminate information about the projects risks and advantages among the residents of the Soum.
4.4 Educational, research, and design organizations

Information about the project was also shared with Director General of the Institute for Geoecology in the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, who may provide additional information about local conditions and help with the proper environmental risks identification and assessment.
4.5 Non-governmental organizations

Two NGOs groups may be directly related to and be interested in the project. The first is the Mongolian Energy Association, which unites Mongolian specialists in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The second combines national and international environmental NGOs that may be concerned about conservation issues associated with the project. This group is represented by WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
4.6 Local citizens

Local citizens may be divided into three groups: (1) Local herders who live in the vicinity of the wind park and will fully or seasonally be dependent on pastures occupied by the facility (approximately 10-20 families); (2) local citizens who work at the railroad and are employed by the State railway company; and (3) other citizens who live within the territory of the soum, but tend to use other pastures. All identified groups could be directly affected by the project during both construction and operation stages of the project. Black & Veatch identified three volunteers among these groups who agreed
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to distribute information about the project and its advantages and disadvantages among other inhabitants of the Salkhit Uul area. Newcom agreed to make appropriate arrangements to contact them in the future.
4.7 Vulnerable groups

The most vulnerable group exhibited to potential impacts of wind park construction and operation is considered to be the local herders who seasonally live and migrate in the vicinity of the project site. The group is presented by approximately seven families during the winter period and by 10-20 families during spring and summer. They have the most limited access to information and cannot always be reached by the local administration. Traditional practice would lead them to leave the area, if the inconvenience becomes too serious. Joint efforts by Newcom and the local administration to keep them informed about the projects progress and associated risks with construction and operation, quick conflict management, and if necessary improvement of pastures or making available alternative pastures may be able to overcome any disruption.
5.0 SUMMARY OF SALKHIT UUL SCOPING PROCESS

In April 2008, Black & Veatch initiated the Salkhit Uul Wind Park ESIA scoping process and a formal public consultation process to support the ESIA procedure in accordance with EBRD requirements. This involved a visit to the project site, as well as meeting and interviewing local residents, regional and National authorities; NGOs and other officials. The primary goals of these scoping meetings and interviews were to: Describe the project and the ESIA process Discuss and identify potential project impacts associated with the construction and operation of the wind park, including the electric transmission line, roads and other on-site facilities. Understand local land use, activities and populations living and working within or near the project site. Identify the most effective ways of information dissemination in the future. Develop a list of stakeholders groups and local people most likely to be affected by the project. More detailed information about stakeholders and the way they were identified are specified in the next section of the PCDP.
Black & Veatch and Newcom representatives visited and interviewed project stakeholders in Ulaanbaatar, in the town of Zuunmod (Tuv Aimags administrative center) and Sergelen soum with the help of the Head of Soums administration. Black & Veatch team also held a series of information meetings and interviews with stakeholder groups. All interested parties were provided with information materials on the Project in both English and Mongolian. The objective of the interviews was to obtain a socio-economic picture of scattered population in the Salkhit Uul area, the main livelihoods in the nearby village, and how households considered they could be impacted by the wind park project, electric transmission lines and new roads. The project team also asked interviewees about their preferred means of communication regarding the project. Prior to the meetings, a checklist of questions had been prepared that covered such things as the type of stakeholder group, initial awareness level on the project, attitude to the project,
projects potential positive and negative impacts, potential obstacles for its implementation and willingness to participate in the public consultation process in the future. Personal interviews and information presentations were arranged for nomadic herders and railway employees who could not leave their workplace. A total of 29 persons were interviewed during the public consultation process, including stakeholders located in Ulaanbaatar, in the town of Zuunmod, and nearby the Salkhit Uul site (Table 1). In addition, 33 more interviews were organized during an information meeting in Sergelen soum.
Table 1. Summary of April 2008 scoping meetings and interviews by location Location Interviewees - Two representatives of the Ministry of Nature and the Environment - Head of the Governmental Renewable Energy Center - Head of the Institute of Geoecology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences - Representatives of one professional and two international NGOs - Representative of the Green Political party - Three representatives of Aimag administration - Director of the regional meteorological station - Head of the soum administration - Chief coctor of the local hospital - Representative of Bag administration and 30 citizens - 13 citizens living within 10 km from the project site, including 7 railway workers (2 males and 4 females) and 6 herders (3 males and 3 females).
Ulaanbaatar
Zuunmod (Tuv Aimag capital) Sergelen soum
Project vicinity
Overall, none of respondents, including 33 citizens who attended the initial information seminar and public hearings in April 2008, objected to project implementation. It was notable that the general level of awareness of local citizens and soum administration on the projects potential impacts was much higher than that of NGOs and the Aimag government. Governmental authorities and professional associations demonstrated an intermediate level of awareness. Local and federal governmental authorities generally support the project. Nearly all of them stressed the fact that all activities, associated with the wind park construction and operational phases should strictly be in line with national and international legislation and regulations. The officials noted that if there are significant changes in the project design, a new National EIA should be performed. The head of the National Renewable Energy Center in the Ministry of Fuel and Environment expressed his full support for the project and had the highest level of awareness about it among all the government officials. He believed that successful implementation of this project may attract further foreign investments into Mongolias renewable energy sector. Mongolian Green Party expressed their full support for the project and had no particular doubts or reservations. Stakeholders, presented by academic scientists and researchers, expressed their support for the proposed project. They recommended, however, performing a large-scale natural risk assessment and a full-scale EIA in accordance with Mongolian national standards.
Consultations with international and local NGOs revealed a fairly low level of awareness about this project. Except World Wild Life Fund (WWF), who positively commented the proposed project, all other local and international NGOs were totally unfamiliar or were not willing to comment the project due to lack of available information. For example, Wildlife Conservation Society representatives had never heard about it and thus would not complete the questionnaire. In general, all local residents, including the citizens of the Sergelen soum and nomadic herders living nearby the wind park site, expressed high interest in the project. Face-to-face interviews with local residents living in the vicinity of the project site demonstrated that nomadic herders seemed to be more concerned about the project and its potential negative impacts on grazing than railway workers, who do not rely on local pasture lands. Two herders believed that noise generated by the turbines may cause their livestock to panic. Newcom engineers provided details on the noise level and its frequency and, also, informed about the possibility the local administration could provide alternative pastures. About half of the respondents believed in the wind-whistling phenomenon (that is, that a whistling sound from the turbines would increase the wind speed). After a scientific explanation, they seemed to agree it would not be a problem. Almost all interviewees informed Black & Veatch specialists that they would like to receive more information about the projects progress.
6.0 ESIA DISCLOSURE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING

6.1. Disclosure of information and timetable
Lenders requirements consultations with project stakeholders during two stages of the ESIA process: during project scoping and upon the disclosure of the draft ESIA. As noted previously, Black & Veatch conducted scoping studies in April 2008, which are briefly described in Section 5.0. Detailed results of the consultations with the Salkhit Uul project stakeholder groups, including public consultation meetings, meeting and interviews with authorities and NGOs will be included in the draft and final ESIA reports. The second stage of public consultation will take place after the completion and disclosure of the draft ESIA document. Upon being deemed fit for purpose, the draft ESIA and executive summary will be made available to the public for review and feedback. Interested project stakeholders will be able to request the executive summary of the draft ESIA from Newcom, download the document from the Newcom website, or view a copy at the national library. The executive summary will also be distributed in electronic version to stakeholder groups, including local and international NGOs; the Ministry for Nature and the Environment of Mongolia; Tuv Aimag Administration, Department of Nature Protection; World Conservation Society; WWF; National Center for Renewable Energy; and the Mongolian Energy Association. Table 2 demonstrates the most appropriate means of communication with the various stakeholder groups. The level of review and feedback will be dictated by the stakeholder relevancy to the project and by the efficiency rate of information delivery and feedback collection. The draft ESIA version is expected to be completed by the end of June 2008. The draft ESIA will be in English and an executive summary will be in English and Mongolian.
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Copies of the executive summary, in Mongolian, will be provided to community leaders in Sergelen soum, Zuumond, to volunteers who promised to distribute information about the project and to nomadic herders who live in the neighborhood and requested its delivery.
Table 2. Most appropriate means of communication with different stakeholders Personal Public Discussions Web site On-site Information information hearings in mass information materials for meetings media exhibitions circulation National government X X X X bodies Aimag administration X X X X Local administration X X X X Education and research X X X X X organisations NGOs X X X X X Local citizens in X X X X X permanent settlements Nomadic herders X X X X X
Comments from the local citizens may also be collected and delivered to Newcom by Sergelen soum Governor. After a 30-day comment period, Newcom and Black & Veatch will prepare a document describing the details of the results of consultation and hearings and how comments/feedback/grievances have been considered. This document will be included into the final ESIA.
6.2. Grievance mechanism

The objective of grievance procedure is to ensure that all comments and complaints from people directly affected by the project, including local communities, herder families and railway workers are processed and considered in an appropriate way. Furthermore, the grievance mechanism should contain the corrective actions needed to be implemented in relation to complaints received with guarantees that complainant being informed of the outcome. The means by which stakeholders may make comments and complaints must be appropriate to their culture. The flowchart in Figure 2 shows a general mechanism of processing the complaints.
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Figure 2 Flowchart for processing the complaints Complaint received (in verbal or written format) Record the date in the Complaints, Comments Log Book
Complete Complaint/Comments Form
YES
Immediate action enough to satisfy complaint
NO
Establish long-term corrective action and follow-up details Record the date in the Complaints, Comments Log Book
Establish long-term corrective action and follow-up details
YES
Inform complainant (if appropriate) of the proposed corrective action CORRECTIVE ACTION SATISFIES THE COMPLAINT
Inform complainant of corrective action
Implement the corrective action and carry out the follow-up of the corrective action
Record the date. Close the case.
NO
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At all times, Newcom will accept comments and complaints concerning the project in both, verbal and written formats. An example of a Comments and Complaints Form is in Appendix 4. The comments and complaints will be summarized and listed in a Complaints/Comments Log Book, containing the name/group of commenter/complainant, date the comment was received, brief description of issues, information on proposed corrective actions to be implemented (if appropriate) and the date of response sent to the commenter/complainant. Any person or organization may send comments and/or complaints in person or via post, email, or facsimile using the following contact information: Newcom LLC 8F 8 Zovkhis Building Seoul street 6/3 Ulaanbaatar 210628, Mongolia. Tel. +976-11-313183 Fax +976-11-318521 e-mail: info@newcom.mn www.newcom.mn Contact person: D.GANKHUYAG, Project Manager Contact person: G. MUNKHTUYA , Business Analyst All comments and complaints will be responded either verbally or in writing, in accordance with preferred method of communication specified by the complainant in the Comments and Complaints Form. Comments will not be considered as complaints and may not, therefore, be responded to unless the commenter requests a response. Newcom will respond to the complaint within one week. It is possible that some responses may take longer than one week to implement, but even in those instances Newcom will inform the complainant what actions will be taken and when.
6.3. Roles and Responsibilities

The Newcom Wind Project Manager, D, GANKHUYAG, and G. MUNKHTUYA will have the responsibility to consider any such comments and complaints and coordinate Newcoms responses. Local citizens may also submit their comments and complaints directly on the project site where a special comments box will be left. Newcom will make sure that Comments and Complaints Forms will be available at the project site during the consultation period.
6.4. Public consultation meeting

On July 30, 2008, following publication of the draft ESIA and distribution of the executive summary, Newcom, with the Black & Veatch assistance, will host an open public meeting to discuss the project and receive relevant feedback from project stakeholders. The meeting will take place at the Sergelen soum Cultural Center, located near the wind park site. The meeting will be advertised via available mass media, direct telephone calls, and formal letters to the identified stakeholder groups. Local citizens of Sergelen soum will be informed in person about the date and place of the meeting one to two weeks prior to the meeting by the Sergelen soum Governor and Newcom representatives. The meeting will be held in the afternoon so that most people will be able to participate.
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The preliminary meeting agenda includes a presentation that describes the wind park, an open discussion on the potential environmental and social impacts of the project during its construction and operational phases, and a discussion of proposed mitigation measures, and other associated with the project issues. Time will be provided so that any person who attends the meeting will be able to ask questions, make verbal comments, and submit written comments. Results of the public hearings and other comments will be incorporated into the final ESIA.
7.0. REPORTING
The results of public consultation and project information disclosure will be reported the draft and final ESIA reports. Reporting will include three stages: draft ESIA report at the scoping phase, report on the results of consultations and comments analysis at the preliminary public consultations and disclosure stage, regular EHS reports at the implementation stage. Details of the reporting submission schedule are presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Reporting schedule on the ESIA Project stage Timeframe Report contents Draft ESIA report includes discussion of environmental and social impacts with alternatives analyzed, mitigation measures and stand alone PCDP document, containing information on stakeholder groups identification, public consultations and information dissemination methodology and schedule Final ESIA report will include the results of public consultation meeting scheduled for July, 30, 2008 along with detailed PCDP, including combined comments from the citizens; analysis of the most frequent concerns/comments/complains; a set of responses and recommendations and other issues. Annual reports on environmental and health and safety performance for the year and cumulatively.
draft ESIA
First draft due date June 23, 2008 Official draft ESIA due date July 7, 2008
Final ESIA report
September, 5, 2008
Project implementation
Construction 2009-2010 Operation 2010-2030
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8.0 LIST OF REFERENCES

1. EBRDs Public Information Policy (PIP), 2008 2. EBRDs Environmental Policy (EP), 2003 3. EBRDs Environmental Procedure (EPr), 2003 4. Environmental Laws of Mongolia (1997), Ministry for the Nature and Environment, Mongolia. Publisher information: "Orbis" Co., Ltd., (in Mongolian) 5. Hannam, I., (2008) Strengthening Environmental Governance in Mongolia, UNDP Mongolia project: Preliminary Gap Analysis of Mongolian Environmental Laws and Policies 6. IFC Environmental and Social Review Procedures, 2006 7. IFC Guidance Note F: Guidance for Preparation of a Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan Good Practice Manual Doing Better Business through Effective Public Consultation and Disclosure (1998)
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Appendix 1 Publications and Outreach Related to Salkhit Uul Wind Park

2006 May Interview of Mr. P. Gankhuyag, General Manager, to Mongolian News Newspaper on wind project and potentials of renewable energy in Mongolia 2007 May National radio station aired program about Salkhit Wind Park and six major TV stations aired educational video clip about renewable energy for three weeks 2007 June Three major newspapers published articles about renewable energy potentials and Salkhit wind part project of Newcom 2007 June Ground breaking ceremony eight TV stations, National radio station and three major newspapers made news about ground breaking ceremony of Newcom 2007 July Newcom has sponsored Regions summer festival - Naadam
2007 July Visited 24 households living in the 3rd bag of Sergelen Soume, Tuv aimag (primary administrative unit) and introduced Salkhit wind park project. 2007 Aug Organized Stakeholder meeting as part of a project for registering Salkhit wind park project as CDM activity. In the meeting, there were 50 above people attended comprising of 3 NGO representatives, local governor, specialist from Ministry of Nature and Environment of Mongolia and local residents. Articles published on Newcom LLC website (www.newcom.mn) August 2007 NEWCOM WIND STORY - President magazine of Japan July 2007 Newcom LLC is starting a new era in the energy sector of Mongolia- from Zuunii medee July 2007 Salkhit wind will heat us from Montsame news agency May 2007 Clean Energy Newcom is building the first wind park of Mongolia May 2006 Interview for the Mongolian News magazine about the Wind power project
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Appendix 2
Invitation to the Stakeholders meeting for the Newcom 50MW Wind Park to be built in Sergelen soum, Tuv Aimag
Dear Sir/Madam , You are hereby cordially invited to the Stakeholders meeting for the Wind Park. This Wind Park project is to be an activity of the Clean Development Mechanism and the participation of local residents shall be a crucial contribution. The Wind Park project will be presented and your valued opinions will be received during the Stakeholders meeting. The Stakeholders meeting shall take place: At 11.00, August 10, 2007 at the Cultural Hall of Sergelen soum, Tov aimag
Contact info: D.Gankhuyag WIND Project manager, Business development manager gankhuyagd@newcom.mn Mobile: 99117630 B.Otgonsuren Finance manager otgo@newcom.mn Mobile: 9911 0292 Newcom LLC 8 Zovkhis Building, 8th floor, Seoul street 6/3 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Tel: 976-11-313183 Fax: 976-11-318521
Attached materials:
Please find attached the following materials. (a) Salkhit Uul Wind Park project brochure (b) Questionnaire pertaining to the Wind Park project
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Appendix 3 Summary of Responses to 2007 Questionnaire

Excerpted from Section E of the CDM Project Design Document Form As part of the approval for the proposed project activity, the Mongolian government requested that rural residents and the public be fully informed of the project. As part of the project undertaken as a CDM project, the project developer, with the project CDM advisor has undertaken a full stakeholder consultation, by informing stakeholders, receiving comments and responding to stakeholders concerns. E.1. Brief description how comments by local stakeholders have been invited and compiled: The project developer organised the stakeholder consultation in July-August 2007. Invitations were sent out to over 100 people and 20 environmental NGOs for the consultation meeting. Invitees included: local government officials, village leaders, herders, and NGOs. The meeting took place on 10 August 2007 in the Cultural Hall, Sergelen Soum, Tuv Aimag, i.e. the central hall for the community to which the windfarm belongs. In addition, the developer visited around 30 households of Sergelen Soum on 19 July to introduce the project and invite them to the meeting. E.2. Summary of the comments received: Comments at the meeting related to further information regarding further explanation of the project itself and the possibility of continued grazing by livestock at the site. A total of 38 questionnaires were returned, all of which agreed with the building of the project. The results of the questionnaires are as follows: Question: Do you agree with the building of the project? Answers: Yes: 38; No: 0; I do not know: 0 Remarks: Agree with the building of the windfarm. This will supply locally generated energy. It will have environmentally friendly operation, preserving fresh water supplies, non-renewable coal reserves, and will not have a negative impact on wild animals Question: Do you think the project will have a positive or negative impact on you? Answers: Positive: 19; Negative: 1*; I do not know: 6 Remarks: It is important for the local region and countrys development. * The person responding negative did agree with the building of the windfarm, but thought the impact would be negative on nature, in particular because of sight spoiling. Question: Do you think the project has economic benefits? Answers: Yes: 20; No: 10; I do not know: 7 Explanation: Construction jobs (18), operation job (13), electricity supply (23), tourism (17). Remarks: Increased employment opportunity and increased tax income.
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Summary of Responses to 2007 Questionnaire

Excerpted from Section E of the CDM Project Design Document Form (Appendix 3 continued) Question: Do you think the project will have a negative impact on the environment? Answers: Yes: 6; No: 20; I do not know: 10 Explanation: Noise (6), sight spoiling (3), wildlife (3), birds (2). Remarks: No harmful impact if proper infrastructure is build, including road. Question: Do you think the power lines will have a negative impact on the environment? Answers: Yes: 6; No: 16; I do not know: 14 Explanation: Noise (7), sight spoiling (2), impact on the national park (1), wildlife (2). Question: Do you think the government rules or Newcoms business culture guarantees good, safe and clean construction and operation? Answers: Yes: 25; No: 2; I do not know: 9 Remarks: We believe the operation of the company will be environmentally friendly and support the company and the project. Final remarks: We support the project and believe the project will provide various benefits to the development of the country and the region.
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Appendix 4 Comments and Complaints Sample Form

FORM FOR COMMENTS, COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS I, (full name)_____________________________________________________________________ Resident at: _____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ____ Contact information: ____________________________________________________________ __ Tel:____________________________________________________________________________ Fax:__________________________________________________________________________ _ E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________ Reason of complaint/comment: _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Source and duration of the problem: _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Your proposals to solve the problem: _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Preferred method of communication (verbal, written, other) ________________________________ Date of application: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________
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APPENDIX D ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT
November 2008
Salkhit Uul Wind Park, Mongolia
ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT
JULY 2008
Percival, S.M. Ecology Consulting Swallow Ridge Barn, Old Cassop, Durham DH6 4QB, uk.
ORNITHOLOGY TEAM CAPABILITY

This report was written by Dr Steve Percival. He is the principal of his own ecological consultancy practice in the UK, Ecology Consulting, specialising in ornithological and ecological survey and assessment, and in bird conservation management. Prior to this, he was a senior lecturer at the University of Sunderlands Ecology Centre, a senior research fellow at the University of Durham and a higher scientific officer at the British Trust for Ornithology. Since setting up his own consultancy, he has worked on a variety of Environmental Assessment projects including ornithological and other ecological survey and assessment work for over 200 wind farm projects in the UK and Ireland, including both onshore and offshore developments. He has also published a number of scientific papers on birds and wind farms, and given papers at numerous national and international conferences. The team local expert ornithologist is Nyambayar Batbayar. He is Director of and Research Biologist for the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center in Ulaanbataar and a Research Associate for the Ornithological Laboratory of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. He has conducted many investigations of Mongolian flora and fauna, including antelope, various birds (including raptors and waterfowl), snow leopard, voles and many others. He also has evaluated habitat and studied biodiversity in national parks and elsewhere in the country. He has travelled in the US and participated in research on raptors in the Snake River Birds of Prey Area in Idaho.
INTRODUCTION
This report examines the ornithological issues relating to the proposed Salkhit Uul wind park. The project will be the first to introduce wind energy in Mongolia, and is aimed at improving living conditions of the population in the capital of Mongolia, through the production of electricity by use of a local, clean and renewable energy resource. Newcom LLC, the Developer, is planning to construct a wind park in the area located about 70km to the south-east of the countrys capital, Ulaanbaatar. The proposed project is expected to have a capacity of about 50 MW and generate 135,400 MWh of electricity per year. The wind park is expected to work and produce electricity for over 20 years. In accordance with the information provided by Newcom LLC, the preferred alternative for the proposed wind park is for 25 Vestas V80 2MW turbines, to be located along a single ridge line with absolute heights ranging from 1,780 to 1,870 m a.s.l. The aim of this report is to provide information on the ornithological interest of the proposed wind park site, and assess how this may be affected by the proposed development. The specific objectives were to: Undertake a desk-based study and site visit to determine the birds that may be affected by the proposed development and the need for further surveys; Undertake further bird surveys as required, to determine the numbers of birds present, breeding locations and flight activity in the area; and Evaluate the ornithological importance of the site, assess the potential effects of the development on the sites ornithology and recommend mitigation measures if necessary.
THE STUDY AREA

The site is located 70km south-east of Ulaanbaatar, in Mongolia. The ornithological study area was chosen to include all areas within the potential zone of ornithological influence of the proposed wind park. It included the land that was being considered for locating the wind park (including both the preferred 25-turbine layout on a single ridge and the alternative layout including turbines on the ridge to the west), plus an additional buffer of 2km around this.
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CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE STUDY AREA

There are no protected nature conservation sites within 5km of the proposed wind park. There are five important sites for nature conservation in the region of the wind park, but these are 16-32km from it (Table 1). This is sufficient distance to be able to conclude that none of them would be affected by the proposed development. Their locations relative to the proposed wind park are shown in Figure 1. Table 1 . Important nature conservation sites in the region and their distances from the proposed wind park Name Type and designation Strictly Protected Area and Important Bird Area National Park and Important Bird Area Nature Reserve Important Bird Area Distance
Bogdkhaan Mountain
16 km
Gorkhi-Terelj Nagalkhaan Eej Khad
25 km 32 km 25 km
Figure. Location of the proposed Salkhit Wind Park to nearest important nature conservation sites
PUBLISHED INFORMATION AVAILABLE

The only published information relating specifically to the proposed wind park site is the local project EIA that was submitted with the project application. This did not include any field studies. It did, however, note that there were no wetland features to attract concentrations of water birds, and that the site was located outside the main known migratory flyways (the nearest being 40-50km from the site). There are no sites with large concentrations of waterfowl within 100km.. It was concluded that
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there would be no negative impact of the wind park on birds. During the site visit it was noted that there was a small amount of standing water in the valley between the two ridges, and the extent of this may be greater at other times of year. This could potentially be attractive to migrant birds in particular, so a precautionary buffer zone around this is recommended (see mitigation section below).
CONSULTATIONS
Consultations were undertaken with the local team ornithological expert during 27-29th April 2008 to provide information about local bird species and habitats, relative abundance of similar habitat, sensitive and protected species and other local conditions. The findings of this work have been integrated into the Baseline Ornithological Conditions section below and the Assessment of Ornithological Effects, where appropriate.
SITE VISIT
Site visits were undertaken by Steve Percival and Nyambayar Batbayar on 27th and 29th April 2008. At this time most of the local raptors had commenced breeding, and the spring migration was ongoing. On the first of these visits the current proposed wind park site was visited, including all of the proposed wind turbine locations for the preferred option, all of which are on what will be referred to as the eastern ridgeline. On 29th April the main focus of the visit was the ridgeline to the west of the proposed wind park, where it had been considered locating turbines if a larger number of smaller capacity machines were to be used or if large-capacity machines cannot be located as close together as Newcom prefers. In addition the eastern ridgeline was also visited again to establish optimal locations for the vantage point surveys that will form part of the additional survey work.
BASELINE ORNITHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

The bird observations made during the 27th April and 29th April site visits are summarised in Table 1. The most notable observation made during the site visits was of the high densities of large raptors present in the area. These were associated with a rich food resource in the area: abundant voles and other small mammals on the steppe grassland. Breeding was confirmed for three species during the site visits: steppe eagle, upland buzzard and saker falcon. Another large raptor species, black vulture was also observed foraging within the wind park site and is likely to breed locally. A range of migrant raptors were also observed, including black kite, common buzzard and Eurasian hobby, common kestrel, booted eagle, Oriental honey Buzzard, and steppe eagle. Table 1. Bird observations made during the 27th and 29th April site visits. Species Black kite Scientific name Milvus migrans Notes 4 on 27/4 and another 4 on 29/4. May breed locally but could be mainly migrant birds seen. Total of 6 seen on 27/4, 3 of which were around a recently dead cow in the wind park area. Single on 29/4, resting during migration.
Black vulture
Aegypius monachus
Common buzzard Upland buzzard
Buteo buteo
Buteo hemilasius
6 seen on 27/4 and 4 on 29/4. Nesting within wind park (eastern and western ridgelines).
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Species Steppe eagle
Scientific name Aquila nipalensis
Notes 8 seen on 27/4 and 14 on 29/4. Nesting within wind park (eastern and western ridgelines). 2 nests located on 29/4, both incubating. Another bird seen. Nesting within wind park (western ridgeline). Single on 29/4, resting during migration.
Saker falcon
Falco cherrug
Eurasian hobby Common kestrel Great bustard Herring gull
Falco subbuteo
Falco tinnunculus
2 seen on 27/4. May breed in the wind park area.
Otis tarda Larus argentatus
3 seen on 27/4 migrating high over the site. Small numbers (5) observed over-flying the site on 27/4. 2 seen on 27/4. May breed in the wind park area. Seen frequently in the wind park, likely to breed.
Hoopoe Mongolian lark
Upupa epops Melanocorypha mongolica Eremophila alpestris Alauda arvensis
Horned lark Eurasian skylark Guldenstadts redstart Pied wheatear
Seen frequently in the wind park, likely to breed. Seen frequently in the wind park, likely to breed.
Phoenicurus erythrogastrus Oenanthe pleschanka Oenanthe isabellina
Single seen on 27/4. May breed in the wind park.
Single seen on 27/4. May breed in the wind park.
Isabelline wheatear Eurasian magpie Red-billed chough Common Raven
Seen frequently in the wind park, likely to breed.
Pica pica
At least two pairs nesting within the wind park.
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Corvus corax
4 seen on 27/4 and 6 on 29/4. Likely to be several pairs nesting. 6 seen on 27/4 and 10 on 29/4. Likely to be several pairs nesting.
The site supports a range of steppe bird species, and has a high food resource for predatory species (voles and other small mammals). It was considered by the local ornithologist to be typical of a wide region around the site.
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Consultations with the local expert ornithologist indicated that other species likely to breed at the site included demoiselle crane Anthropoides virgo. He also considered that it was likely that migrant birds (including great bustard Otis tarda) would pass through this area, but that such migration would likely to be on a broad front rather than concentrated through the wind park. Bird numbers in winter would be likely to be lower and less to be of concern in relation to the wind park. However, local or resident raptors would be expected to concentrate in food rich areas in winter. In such situation, a high density (e.g. 3-7 per km2) of Upland Buzzards can occur in an area where Brandts Vole or Daurian Pika are active in winter. During the site visit it was noted that there was a considerable amount of marks (winter burrows) of voles covering hills sides which suggest that the lower ground within the site may be important during winter for wintering raptors.
ADDITIONAL SURVEY WORK

Given the lack of field surveys undertaken for the initial EIA and the need for detailed ornithological data on which to base the mitigation and monitoring programmes, a further survey programme has been commissioned to determine the distribution and abundance of the key bird populations that may be at risk from the proposed development and inform the necessary mitigation measures. The following work is being undertaken during May-June 2008. Raptor surveys As raptors nesting some considerable distance from the wind park site may potentially use or over-fly the site, the study area for these needs to extend over a wider area around the wind park site. Two 4day surveys will be undertaken, one in May and one in June. These surveys will include an area to 2km around the possible wind turbine locations (this assumes 25 Vestas-80 2MW turbines on a single ridge). All potential nest sites will be checked for occupancy but not otherwise disturbed. Trained staff will record the locations of each nest, note the presence or absence of birds (and/or signs of 2008 nesting), and if possible record the species. Vantage point surveys: breeding season As the area around the proposed wind park supports high densities of raptors, detailed flight observations will be carried out to quantify flight activity over the wind park site. This will also provide information on migratory bird activity through the area. The specific aim of the observations is to collect data on target species that will enable estimates to be made of: The time each species spends flying over the survey area The relative use each species makes of different parts of the survey area The proportion of flying time each species spends at different elevations above the ground. Scottish Natural Heritage (Whitfield et al 2005) has suggested that observations during the breeding season should cover 12x3-hour watches during the breeding season (May-June) as a minimum (a total of 36 hours per vantage point). This survey effort should be undertaken from each of the vantage points. Vantage points will be chosen to ensure that a clear view is obtained of potentially important areas (including areas of suitable feeding habitat, possible nest locations, and the proposed wind park area). All target birds will be recorded, irrespective of their distance from the vantage point. Initial planning indicates that four vantage points will be needed to cover the wind park area adequately. The wind park site itself is the main concern, as it is here that birds will be at risk of collision: the whole of the wind park should be visible from the vantage points, at least for the height
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range of 20-150m (i.e. likely rotor height). If possible, the vantage points will be outside the wind park, although this may not be possible to achieve here, and all should be within 2km. When it is not possible to locate an effective vantage point outside the wind park care will be taken to ensure that observers do not affect raptor flight activity. Observations will be carried out throughout daylight hours (as wide a time range as possible on each visit) but not in periods of severely reduced visibility (<3km). During the observation periods all raptor flights, migrants and other species of conservation interest will be mapped and the flight height of each estimated and recorded. To estimate flight height as accurately as possible, observers will use reference structures such as the anemometer masts and existing overhead lines, as well as the elevation of hills. Heights will be estimated as accurately as possible and raw estimates will be recorded on a form (flight heights should not be summarized in height classes - this differs from the SNH guidance, but is an improvement since turbine dimensions may change in the future). Below 10m it should be possible to estimate to 1m, between 10 and 20m to 2m, between 20m and 50m to 5m, and above 50m to 10m. If an observer is particularly uncertain, he or she will record an estimate of the upper and lower range of height. When birds are observed over an extended period, the observer will record estimates of flight height every 30 seconds will be recorded (on the notes section of the recording form), as well as activity during each flight (e.g. striking prey, displaying, food passing). Particular attention will be paid to observations of birds at approximate rotor height crossing the ridges where turbines are proposed to be placed. All flight routes of target species will be mapped and cross-referenced to this form using a numbering system.
RAPTOR SURVEY RESULTS

The raptor nests located within the wind park are shown in Figure XX. This includes 4 pairs of Steppe Eagle (2 pairs on the eastern ridgeline and 2 on the western), 2 pairs of Upland Buzzard (both on the eastern ridgeline) and 2 pairs of Saker Falcon (both on the western ridgeline). All of the following were recorded within 500m of proposed wind turbine locations: Proposed configuration: 25 MW turbines on one ridge
Upland buzzard (2 nests) ~500m SE of turbine 2; ~255m ESE of turbine 3. Steppe eagle ~440m SSE of turbine 5; ~510m SW of turbine 6.
Option 1. 25 2MW turbines on both ridges
Steppe eagle ~450m SSE of turbine 2. Saker falcon ~410m SW of turbine 20.
Option 2: 50+ 850kW turbines
Upland buzzard (2 nests) ~250m SE of turbine 3; ~450m NW of turbine 4. Steppe eagle ~445m SE of turbine 7; ~505m SSW of turbine 8. Saker falcon ~475m NE of turbine 37; ~235m NE of turbine 38; ~325m NNW of turbine 39; ~480m NW of turbine 40. Saker falcon ~380m SSW of turbine 50; ~455m SW of turbine 51; ~100m NE of turbine 52; ~360m NE of turbine 53.
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ASSESSMENT OF ORNITHOLOGICAL EFFECTS Introduction

In determining the ornithological sensitivities in the study area and which of these may be significantly affected, it is important to define the terminology used and the precise methods used for the assessment process. The methodology used throughout this report has been adapted from that developed by Scottish Natural Heritage [SNH] and the British Wind Energy Association [BWEA] and most recently described in Percival (2007), tailored to the local conditions. It is described briefly below.
Determination of Significance
The criteria used for the determination of significance of ecological effects are summarised in Tables 2 and 3. Table 2. site. Sensitivity VERY HIGH Definition of terms relating to the sensitivity of the ornithological components of the
Definition An interest feature of an important/protected nature conservation area, including Important Bird Areas and Ramsar wetlands of International Importance. A species that has been classed by as near-threatened or higher vulnerability under the IUCN Red List scheme.
HIGH
A local population important in a national context, e.g. more than 1% of the national population of a species or other notable concentration. An ecologically sensitive species, e.g. large birds of prey.
MEDIUM
A regionally important population of a species, either because of population size or distributional context. Any other species of conservation interest not covered above.
LOW
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Table 3. Magnitude VERY HIGH
Definition of terms relating to the magnitude of ecological effects Definition Total loss or very major alteration to key elements/ features of the baseline conditions such that post development character/ composition/ attributes will be fundamentally changed and may be lost from the site altogether. Guide: >80% of population/habitat lost
HIGH
Major alteration to key elements/ features of the baseline (predevelopment) conditions such that post development character/composition/attributes will be fundamentally changed. Guide: 20-80% of population/habitat lost
MEDIUM
Loss or alteration to one or more key elements/features of the baseline conditions such that post development character/ composition/ attributes of baseline will be partially changed. Guide: 5-20% of population/habitat lost
LOW
Minor shift away from baseline conditions. Change arising from the loss/ alteration will be discernible but underlying character/ composition/ attributes of baseline condition will be similar to pre-development circumstances/patterns. Guide: 1-5% of population/habitat lost
NEGLIGIBLE
Very slight change from baseline condition. Change barely distinguishable, approximating to the no change situation. Guide: <1% of population/habitat lost
The combined assessment of the magnitude of an effect and the sensitivity of the receptors has been used to determine whether or not an impact is significant. These two criteria have been crosstabulated to assess the overall significance of each effect (Table 4). Table 4. Matrix of magnitude of effect and sensitivity used to test the significance of effects. The significance category of each combination is shown in each cell. Very high Very high Very high Very high Medium Low SENSITIVITY High Very high Very high High Low Very low Medium High Medium Low Low Very low Low Medium Low Very low Very low Very low
MAGNITUDE
Very high High Medium Low Negligible
The interpretation of these significance categories is as follows: Very low and low are not normally of concern, though normal design care should be exercised to minimise impacts. Very high and high represent a significant impact on bird populations.
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Medium represents a potentially significant impact that requires careful individual assessment. Such an impact may be of a scale that can be resolved by revised design or appropriate mitigation.
Sensitivity of Bird Populations in the Study Area

Very High sensitivity: 1. Saker falcon this species is currently red-listed in the IUCN endangered category. It qualifies as Endangered because it has undergone a very rapid population decline, particularly on the central Asian breeding grounds, owing to unsustainable capture for the falconry trade, as well as habitat degradation and the impacts of agrochemicals. Its population is currently estimated at 7,200 - 8,800 but is decreasing (BirdLife 2008). It is widespread across the Mongolian steppes. 2. Black vulture this species is currently near-threatened, i.e. it has been evaluated against the IUCN criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. The two main threats to the species are direct mortality caused by humans (either accidentally or deliberately) and decreasing availability of food (there have been steep declines in many populations of wild ungulates which provide a major food source for the species). The main cause of death is the use of poisoned baits for predator extermination, although shooting and destruction of nests also occur. It may also be affected by the veterinary drug Diclofenac, which has caused the near-extinction of several vulture species in India (BirdLife 2006). It is a widespread species in Mongolia. 3. Great bustard this species is currently red-listed in the IUCN vulnerable category. It has suffered rapid population reductions across much of its range. Key threats are increased habitat fragmentation and habitat loss due to agricultural intensification. Future land-use changes in eastern Europe, Russia and central Asia may have a significant impact on its population and the extent of its remaining habitat, such that it is likely to undergo a rapid population reduction over the next three generations. The population may number 45,000 individuals of which 4,200-4,500 occur in east Asia. Its range is becoming increasingly disjunct and there have been rapid declines and some extinctions throughout eastern and central Europe and in parts of Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Mongolia. It is a widespread though probably declining species in Mongolia (BirdLife 2008). High sensitivity: These species have all been classified as the IUCN Least Concern category and are widespread through Mongolia, but they are all ecologically sensitive species whose populations could be vulnerable to additional mortality. 1. Steppe eagle this species has a large global population estimated to be 100,0001,000,000 individuals (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001). It has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 10,000,000 km2. Global population trends have not been quantified. There is evidence of a population decline (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001), but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations) (BirdLife 2008). 2. Upland buzzard this species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 100,000-1,000,000 km2. It has a large global population estimated to be 10,000-100,000 individuals (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified; there is evidence of population fluctuations (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001), but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (BirdLife 2008). 3. Demoiselle crane a likely breeding species in the area, which is widespread across steppe habitat in Mongolia. This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km. It has a large global population estimated to be 200,000-240,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the
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species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (BirdLife 2008). Medium sensitivity: The other raptor species observed/likely to occur at the site have been classed as medium sensitivity. Their higher population sizes and wider distribution makes them less vulnerable to the impact of additional mortality at the population level. They include black kite, common buzzard, Eurasian hobby and Common kestrel. Low sensitivity: Other species of conservation interest that were recorded on the site were Mongolian lark, Guldenstadts redstart, pied wheatear and red-billed chough. These species were assigned to this category as they have a more restricted distribution and/or are of conservation importance in at least part of their range.
Potential Effect of the proposed wind farm on birds

There are three ways in which the proposed wind farm might have an adverse effect on birds: direct loss of habitat, increased mortality rate through collision with the turbines and loss of habitat through disturbance. Each potential effect is discussed in turn. Direct habitat loss This should be an effect of low magnitude provided appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, with only a small area taken up by the turbine bases and access tracks. However, given the potential fragility of the habitats present in the development site, mitigation measures will need to be put in place to ensure that this is the case. This will include careful selection of routes for the access tracks and turbine locations. Collision risk There have been a number of wind farms that have caused large numbers of bird mortalities through collision, though in the large majority of cases no such problems have occurred (Meek et al. 1993, Tyler 1995, Dulas 1995, EAS 1997, Bioscan 2001). Most notably, at Altamont Pass in California and at Tarifa and Navarre in Spain, large numbers of raptors have been killed (Orloff and Flannery 1992, Janss 1998, Thelander et al. 2003, Lekuona 2001). Such problems have occurred where large numbers of sensitive species occur in close proximity to large numbers (hundreds/ thousands) of turbines, and usually also where the wind farm area provides a particularly attractive feeding resource. The Salkhit Uul wind park does have some similarity to some of these problem sites. There is a high density of potentially vulnerable species (including eagles and vultures) and the site supports a high density of small mammals, particularly Brandts voles Lasiopodomys brandtii, which are an important raptor food resource. As raptors breed within the wind park there would also be flight of young inexperienced birds likely to be in proximity to the wind turbines. Without baseline data on flight activity in the wind park it is not possible to quantify the collision risk, but it can be concluded even so with a reasonable degree of certainty that there is the potential for a significant collision risk to at least some of these species. As a result a range of precautionary mitigation measures would need to be implemented to ensure that the residual risk is not significant (and particularly that there is not a significant risk to important IUCN red-listed species). The main risk factors in relation to potential collisions that need to be addressed by the mitigation plan are therefore: 1. Nesting raptors (and also possibly cranes) in proximity to wind park (particularly collision risk to young birds when initially leaving the nest);
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2. Foraging raptors in close proximity to the wind turbines (particularly if their food resource availability is higher close to turbines). The main species that need to be considered in the mitigation process are those that are very high and high sensitivity, i.e. black vulture, saker falcon and great bustard (very high) and steppe eagle, upland buzzard and demoiselle crane (high). Indirect habitat loss (disturbance) This could potentially affect a rather greater area than direct habitat loss. Operational wind turbines have been shown to displace breeding birds up to 300m and non-breeding birds up to 600m (Percival 2005; Drewitt and Langston 2006). As raptors are considered particularly vulnerable to disturbance, it is also current best practice to consider those breeding within 500m of turbines as being at risk of disturbance. These distances have therefore been used to identify potential disturbance zones during the operational phase of the development. Potential disturbance distances during construction may be greater, especially if blasting is required for building turbine bases (as is likely here). Displacement of birds from a zone around the wind park could result from a range of possible factors, including: Operational displacement due to (a) turbine noise and/or (b) the presence of turbine structures; Construction displacement due to (a) human presence on the site, (b) traffic, (c) construction works and/or (d) blasting. The key species at risk from disturbance effects are the same as those potentially affected by collision risk (though clearly these two potential impacts would be largely exclusive), i.e. black vulture and saker falcon great bustard (very high sensitivity) and steppe eagle, upland buzzard and demoiselle crane (high sensitivity), but excepting species that are likely to occur solely as migrants flying through the area (great bustard). One of the key factors in determining the significance of disturbance effects is the availability of alternative ecological resources nearby. If birds are displaced and there are no such alternative resources then the significance of the effect is likely to be higher than if there are plentiful resources nearby. One of the mitigation measures will therefore be to ensure that one important and potentially limited resource, nest site availability, is increased in a buffer zone around the wind park (sufficiently distant from the wind park not to lead to an increased collision risk). Other ecological resources are unlikely to be limiting given the widespread nature of the habitats that occur within the wind park in the local area, so as a result displacement from feeding areas is unlikely to be significant.
MITIGATION OF IMPACT
The potential for significant impacts on IUCN Red List species and other large raptors means that a comprehensive mitigation package will be required. In many cases the precise impacts are unknown, so a precautionary adaptive management programme to minimise risk will be necessary. This will be informed by a detailed monitoring programme. This work will form part of an Environmental Action Plan for the project. Mitigation of collision risk Design Mitigation Turbines are widely spaced (more than twice the blade diameter between turbines Towers will be tubular not guyed or lattice; Turbines should be selected that use rotors with as slow a rotational speed as possible.
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Raptor Food Resource Management The possibility of enhancing raptor food resources in proximity to turbines must be avoided. The area is rich in small mammals so measures will need to be implemented to ensure that the turbine bases do not become particularly attractive to these animals through either providing shelter or a source of warmth; Vulture (and other scavenging bird) food resources should be managed within the wind park and its surrounds (a 1km buffer) by removing or burying all grazing stock carcasses so that they do not attract birds into the wind park. No carcasses should be left out within 1km of the wind turbines. Overhead lines Use of overhead lines should be minimised and, where unavoidable, should be marked with bird flight divertors1 to reduce collision risk; Overhead lines should be designed to ensure that they do not pose an electrocution risk to raptors or other large birds perching on them. Management of Key Species Nesting in Proximity to Turbines Key species should be encouraged to nest away from turbines through the provision of alternative sites. These should be located 1-2km from the proposed turbine locations, and should be established prior to the commencement of construction. Artificial nesting platforms are know to attract nesting saker falcon; the feasibility of providing artificial nest sites for other species should also be investigated and implemented where possible. Sufficient platforms should be provided to take into account that some will be used by non-target species such as raven and others may not be occupied. Therefore at least 3 alternative sites should be provided for each active nest within 500m of the turbines. If any of the very high or high sensitivity species nests within 500m of a wind turbine, then that turbine should be shut down until the nesting attempt has been completed. Another possible management measure might be for raptor nests to be dismantled in late fall or early winter time and make it unusable for any raptors. This would give the birds sufficient time to consider other areas for breeding in the future, but should only be used as a secondary measure if the others above have not been successful (i.e. significant raptor collisions have still occurred). If it were implemented then it would be important to ensure that for each nest removed at least two alternative sites were provided elsewhere 1-2km from the turbines. All of these mitigation measures should be reviewed on an annual basis to determine their effectiveness and how they may be updated in the future to better deliver their objectives. The mitigation package should be refined as the results from the monitoring programme become available. Mitigation of disturbance Construction Phase No construction activity with 500m of an active nest of any of the very high or high sensitivity species (an active nest is one in which eggs or chicks are present in the nest and adults are attending).
See, for example, the Firefly bird flight diverter at www.pr-tech.com/products/birds/pdf/firefly.pdf
Page 13 of 17
No blasting within 1km of an active nest of any of the very high or high sensitivity species. Encourage nesting away from the turbines through the provision of alternative sites prior to the commencement of construction. This will also reduce collision risk. Saker falcon is known to use artificial nesting platforms, and the feasibility of provision of artificial nest sites for other species should also be investigated. Operational Phase Turbines within 500m of an active nest of any of the very high or high sensitivity species should be shut down until the nesting attempt has been completed. Provision of alternative nest sites 1-2km from the wind park (as proposed above) will also reduce the potential for any disturbance effects during the operational phase. Mitigation of habitat loss Site design to minimise the length of access track required; Construction Method Statement to be produced as part of the Environmental Action Plan detailing the construction methods that will be adopted to follow best practice and minimise habitat loss.
RESIDUAL EFFECTS
As a result of the implementation of the mitigation measures discussed above, there would not be likely to be any significant residual effects of the proposed wind farm on any ornithological interest features, during any phase of the development. There would be no significant residual effects on the sites ornithological interest features.
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
Cumulative ornithological impacts were considered but no other developments were identified that would be likely to contribute to any ornithological impacts in combination with the proposed Salkhit wind park.
MONITORING
This report has shown that there are a number of important bird species present in the wind park site. In order to deliver an effective adaptive management programme that will mitigate the potentially significant effects that have been identified, a detailed monitoring programme will be required. Survey work through May and June is currently being undertaken as described above. In order to provide the required baseline for post-construction monitoring these surveys will need to be continued through until the end of September (i.e. through the whole of the breeding season and the main autumn migration period). If there is an opportunity for further pre-construction surveys in 2009 then these too should be undertaken following the same survey methodology. In order to inform the need for the marking of overhead lines with bird deflectors a survey of the grid connection route should be undertaken, to determine the bird populations present, and flight activity at the height of the overhead lines. Bird monitoring will be required during the whole of the construction period, so that works can be avoided in proximity to active nests of very high/high sensitivity species. This will also enable the actual construction impacts to be evaluated.
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Post-construction bird monitoring will be required to inform and refine the adaptive management programme, to better understand the impacts that actually occur and how those impacts can be reduced. This will include continuation of the pre-construction baseline surveys (raptor surveys and vantage point surveys) to compare bird distribution, abundance and behaviour before and after construction, and a programme to monitor the actual collisions that occur. The latter will follow the standard methodology developed for this purpose in the United States (Morrison 1998). Details are given in Appendix 1.
REFERENCES
Bioscan 2001. Novar Wind Farm Ornithological Studies: breeding bird and bird strike monitoring 2001 results and five-year review. Bioscan report no. E1003BM1. BirdLife International 2006. Aegypius monachus. In: IUCN 2007. 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 20 May 2008. BirdLife International 2008. Species factsheets. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 22/5/2008. Drewitt, A.L. and Langston, R.H.W. 2006. Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds. Ibis, 148, 2942. Dulas Ltd 1995. The Mynydd y Cemmaes windfarm impact study Volume IID - Ecological Impact: Final Report. ETSU Report. Ecological Advisory Service 1997. Ovenden Moor Ornithological Monitoring: Report on breeding bird survey 1997. Report, 16pp. Erickson, W.P., Johnson, G.D., Stickland, M.D., Young, D.P., Sernka, K.J. and Good, R.E. 2001. Avian collisions with wind turbines: a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States. National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC) Resource Document. Ferguson-Lees, J. and Christie, D.A. 2001. Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm. Janss, G. 1998. Bird behavior in and near a wind farm at Tarifa, Spain: management considerations. NWCC National Avian - Wind Power Planning Meeting III, 110-114. Langston, R.H.W. and Pullan, J.D. 2003. Windfarms and Birds: An analysis of the effects of windfarms on birds, and guidance on environmental assessment criteria and site selection issues. BirdLife Report: 37pp. Lekuona, J.M. 2001. Uso Del Espacio Por La Avifauna Y Control De La Mortalidad De Les Aves Y Murcielagos En Los Parques Eolicos De Navarra Durante Un Ciclo Annual. Meek, E.R., Ribbands, J.B., Christer, W.B., Davey, P.R., and Higginson, I. 1993. The effects of aerogenerators on moorland bird populations in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Bird Study, 40, 140-143. Orloff, S. and Flannery, A. 1992. Wind turbine effects on Avian activity, habitat use, and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991. Biosystems Analysis Inc. California Energy Commission 160 pp Percival, S.M. 2005. Birds and wind farms: what are the real issues? British Birds 98: 194-204. Percival, S.M. 2007. Predicting the effects of wind farms on birds in the UK: the development of an objective assessment methodology. In Birds and Wind Farms: risk assessment and mitigation (ed M. de Lucas, Janns, G.F.E. and Ferrer, M.). Quercus, Madrid.
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Thelander, C.G., Smallwood, K.S. and Rugge, L. 2003. Bird risk behaviors and fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area: Period of performance: March 1998-December 2000. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Report, 92pp. Tyler, S.J. 1995. Bird strike study at Bryn Titli windfarm, Rhayader. RSPB Report to National Wind Power., 2pp. Whitfield, P., Bullman, R. and Band, W. 2005. Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore wind farms on bird communities. In, p 67. Scottish Natural Heritage.
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APPENDIX 1: PROPOSED BIRD COLLISION MONITORING PROTOCOL The proposed collision monitoring methodology follows that developed in the USA for bird collision monitoring at wind farms (Morrison 1998). A core area of 100m radius around each turbine should be carefully searched on foot. The 100m distance has been set conservatively as bird fatalities have rarely been documented over 70 m from turbines at other wind farms (Johnson et al. 2000). Sectors around the turbine should be slowly searched, taking particular care to search any taller clumps of vegetation, and openings of animal burrows. In addition a further area 250m around each turbine should be checked for larger bird carcasses by scanning the ground with binoculars. The precise location of any dead birds found should be recorded and mapped (by reference to the distance and direction to the nearest wind turbine, and using a GPS). All carcasses should be photographed as found then placed in a plastic bag, labelled as to the location and date (turbine number, distance and direction from turbine base), and preserved (refrigerated or frozen) until identified. Feather spots (e.g., a group of feathers attached to skin) and body parts should also be collected. For all casualties found, data recorded should include species, sex, age, date and time collected, location, distance and direction (degrees) to nearest turbine, condition, and any comments regarding possible causes of death. The condition of each carcass found should be recorded using the following condition categories: Intact - carcass that is completely intact, is not badly decomposed, and shows no sign of being fed upon by a predator or scavenger. Scavenged - entire carcass that shows signs of being fed upon by a predator or scavenger or a portion(s) of a carcass in one location (e.g., wings, skeletal remains, legs, pieces of skin, etc.). Feather Spot - 10 or more feathers at one location indicating predation or scavenging.
A sample of 50 dead birds (e.g. feathered chickens) should be obtained in order to study the rate of carcass removal and to test observer search efficiency. These should be placed within the search area at intervals through the study by someone independent of the carcass searcher, at precise recorded locations (mapped in relation to distance and direction from the wind turbines), and marked appropriately (e.g. with coloured tape) to identify them as experimental birds. They should then be recorded by the observer on all subsequent visits, noting their precise location (distance and direction from nearest wind turbine) and condition, and left in place on site until they disappear.
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APPENDIX E RESPONSES TO COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT ESIA
November 2008
APPENDIX E RESPONSES TO COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT ESIA A public meeting was held in Sergelen village on 30 July 2008 to disclose the draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. In the days preceding, the meeting was advertised in Mongolian newspapers and electronic media, and was announced in letters to a list of national and local officials, nongovernmental organizations, and citizens who had jurisdiction over the project or had expressed interest in the project. Newcom offered and provided free transportation to the meeting for several herders and government officials. The ESIA was also placed on the Newcom website, initially in English and then in Mongolian. English and Mongolian copies of a nontechnical summary of the draft ESIA were available at the meeting. A total of 48 individuals attended the meeting, including representatives of the national and local governments, representatives of NGOs, and citizens. Eleven individuals asked questions or made comments on the project and/or the draft ESIA at the meeting. Table E-1 presents a summary of the comments made at the meeting and the responses, including changes made to the ESIA. Following the meeting, a comment box was placed in Sergelen village and Newcom provided a form on its website that anyone could use to make comments and place them in the box, or deliver them by mail or in person to the companys offices in Ulaanbaatar. Newcom received written comments from 15 individuals, all in Mongolian. All comments were translated into English and considered in preparation of the final ESIA. None of the comments required major changes in the final ESIA although several led to minor changes. Table E-1 presents the comments (as translated into English) and the response, including any changes that may have been made to the ESIA. The written comments were scanned and are presented following Table E-1.
E-1
November 2008

Table E-1. Comments on the Draft ESIA and Responses, Including Changes Made to the Final ESIA Comment The area where Newcom is planning to build its Wind Park has deposit of iron ore and thus is highly magnetic. It makes the probability of strike lightning becomes higher. How do you plan to safeguard the local residents, equipments, and power lines? How about the operational safety on this issue? Response and/or Change
The turbines will not increase lightning strikes except on the turbines themselves (that is, nearby areas will not have increased lightning strikes due to the turbines). All turbines are equipped with protection against lightning to prevent damage from lightning strikes. About one third or around 10,000 hectares, of the 30,000 hectares that Newcom leases will be used for this initial phase of the Wind Park. As described in section 5 of the ESIA and in Table 5-10 the only effect on the pasture vegetation will be the locations of roads, power lines, turbines, and the control station. Mitigation measures in the Environmental Action Plan in section 6 will minimize these effects. The primary effect of wind parks on animals and birds in Europe has been problems with large birds colliding with turbines and blades, especially when turbines are on bird migration corridors. There is no known major migration corridor near Salkhit Uul, although some large birds (eagles, hawks, vultures) do migrate through the area, and some nest in the area. Section 5 of the ESIA describes potential impacts on birds, and the Environmental Action Plan in section 5.6 of the ESIA describes the mitigation measures that will be taken to reduce potential impacts. Although there are one or two families that occupy the leased land in some winters, the only time that people occupy the area to be used by this phase of the wind park is in spring and summer. At present, only one or a few families move into the wind park area in spring. 0020 This family occupies land near railway station 6-P, but not leased land. The only effect on people in this location would be the sight of the turbines high on the hills to the west. In addition, it is possible that winds from the northwest could carry some faint sounds of the turbines to this location, particularly at night. Several local residents answered this question at the meeting by saying these ovoos were not of any significance. This verifies information presented in section 4.11.3 of the ESIA and in a letter from the Governor of Sergelen soum.
Is there any harm to the pasture vegetation with commissioning of the Wind Park, like dehydration? What is the experience in Europe with Wind Park accidents concerning animals and birds?
How many wintering places are present at leased land of Salkhit Wind Park?
In the southwest region of 6-P railway post there is wintering of herder Monkhor. Will there be any effect on this place? The importance of ovoos located on top of the hills along Eastern and Western ridgelines: are they of significant cultural importance to local residents?
E-2
November 2008

Table E-1. Comments on the Draft ESIA and Responses, Including Changes Made to the Final ESIA Comment There is radio relay station, Khonkhor, which transmits all the radio signal waves from UB to other regions. Will this station and quality of transmitted signals be affected? Response and/or Change The radio towers referred to are in a valley about 22km from the Salkhit Uul site, and there are peaks between the towers and the wind park site. At this distance, there should be no effect on the radio station or its transmissions, and the transmissions should have no effect on the wind park. This will be added to the EIA. Potential noise impacts are described in section 5.7 of the ESIA, with details of noise levels given in Table 5-9. As described in the text, the noise level from a single turbine should be about 35-40 dB at a distance of 350 meters, and noise would decrease with more distance. Because turbines will be placed 150-500m apart, noise from only one or a few turbines would be audible at any single location. As noted in this section and in section 5.8, there are no residents over a kilometer from the nearest turbine. Newcom will not build a fence around the leased area or around the wind park area. There will be a fence around the control station and, If trespassing is a problem, Newcom may build fences around the turbines. Section 5.8 of the ESIA describes the economic impact of the wind park project, including contributions to the soum that are made by Newcom.
We understand that the noise emitted by one turbine is small, however if all turbines combined shouldnt it emit much more noise? How much will it be in 500 meters range?
You said that Newcom leased 30,000 hectare of land. Will you build a big fence around this pastoral area? You have only talked about the environmental and social impacts around the 30,000 hectare area. Wouldnt be better to include the impact on Sergelen soum and overall Mongolian economy? We are high spirited that this first Wind Park will be set up at our Sergelen soum. Our province closely associates with one Japanese state. Through this link, our province authorities have visited Japanese Wind Park in the past. We have imagined that blades will be turning very fast, but the blades were turning very slow. Wind Park employees told us that there was no negative effect, on contrary it has many positive effects to the environment as well as to the economics of the state. Thus, we fully support and back this Wind Park project.
10
Thank you for your comment.
E-3
November 2008

Table E-1. Comments on the Draft ESIA and Responses, Including Changes Made to the Final ESIA Comment I would like to express that the herders of our 3rd bag are very excited about the idea building the Mongolian first Wind Park at our vicinities. This will have great impact on our countrys development. We believe that there will be no significant negative effect on herders like us, thus we cheer on, support, and hope that the Park will be operational soon. Response and/or Change
11
Thank you for your comment.
Written Comments (from Comments Box Sergelen soum) 12, 26 The project should Increase the population of the soum. The public will be friendly The project needs to create jobs and increase employment to help develop the soum. This should be discussed with the Governors Office. The project should enhance the living standards of Salkhit Uul region and bag residents Will the project cause a change in the supply of electricity? The project should provide electricity to the soum. More in-depth information about Newcom LLC is needed, and this information should be presented to the public. The future benefits of the project should be explained. It is not expected that the project will have any effect on the population of the soum. As described in section 5.8.1, the project will create 80 or more temporary jobs during construction some of which will be filled by workers from the soum and about 40 permanent jobs during operation, of which a few could be filled by local workers.. The economic benefits of the project are described in section 5.8.1 of the ESIA. The project will provide up to 50MW of electricity to the national grid. The project will provide up to 50MW of electricity to the national grid, and will be available to users in the soum from the grid. Newcom is a private company that discloses information about itself according to Mongolian law. Information about the company is available on its website at www.newcom.mn and from the companys offices in Ulaanbaatar. Section 5 of the ESIA describes both the positive and negative effects of the project. The effects are summarized in Table 5-10. Newcom will sell the electricity generated by the project at a price set in its contract (see section 1.2 of the ESIA). It should be noted that Newcom has no control over the cost that users pay for electricity. The project will have a minor positive effect on the standard of living in the soum, most for the workers who are hired for construction and then operation.
12, 17, 23, 26
13
13
26
13,14, 20, 25
14,25
The project should decrease the cost of electricity. 15 What will be the impact on the living standard of soum residents
E-4
November 2008

Table E-1. Comments on the Draft ESIA and Responses, Including Changes Made to the Final ESIA Comment The project should Improve the road that connects the soum with province center (Zuunmond). Will operations that impact the environment and society meet relevant standards? Response and/or Change As described in section 2.1.4 of the ESIA, the existing road in the valley will be paved, and a new paved road will be constructed to connect this road with national highway A101. Yes, operations will not only meet standards in Mongolian law but also European standards, as required by EBRD and IFC. This is described in sections 5 and 6 of the ESIA. Section 5 of the ESIA describes how the wind park will affect the environment in the construction phase and also in the operation and decommissioning, and the effects are summarized in Table 5-10. The Environmental Action Plan in section 6 describes the actions that Newcom will take to mitigate all effects. The project will meet all applicable standards. Section 6 presents the Environmental Action Plan for the project. Both the national government and the lending institutions will require various activities to be monitored and reported. The Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan is presented in section 7 of the ESIA. The primary component of infrastructure to be improved will be the roads. As described in section 2.1.4 of the ESIA, the existing road in the valley will be paved, and a new paved road will be constructed to connect this road with national highway A101. Section 5 of the ESIA describes environmental and social impacts and benefits of the project. Because there are only minor differences in impacts and benefits among the alternatives, the preferred alternative will have approximately the same positive and negative effects as the other alternatives. As described in section 5.8.1, Newcom contributes 10,000,000 tugriks to the soum each year, and this payment will continue through the project.
17,26
17
18,19
The Wind Park will adversely affect the environment in its construction phase, so there need to be works to mitigate such effects.
18,19
The project should abide by environmental regulations and meet the standards set by the ESIA.
18,19
The environmental impacts of the wind park should be monitored during operations.
23,26
The project should help develop soum infrastructure
24
What are the adverse impacts and benefits to the local residents? The option that most benefits local residents should be selected.
26
The project should increase revenue for the soum.
E-5
November 2008

Salkhit ESIA Report

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Simulated view of turbines from the northern end of the proposed Salkhit Uul wind park

Contract C17400/LUX-2007-12-08 Black & Veatch Project 041894.01.01

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

6.0 7.0 9.0

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

GLOSSARY AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT BACKGROUND

Province-level administrative unit. There are 21 aimags in Mongolia.

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

These requirements are discussed further in the following sections.

June 25, 2008

CRETG 110kV, 35kV substation

Railway station 6-P zor "

H ! H ! H ! HH !! H ! H ! H H! Proposed !!!! HHH !!! HHH wind turbines

Ulaanbaatar Salkhit Uul wind park Gold miners camp

Tov aimag MO NG O LIA CHINA

5 Kilometers WGS 1984 UTM Zone 48N

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

The overall ESIA process is shown in Figure 1-2. 1.4.1 Scoping

Scoping identification of key impacts Baseline data collection

Impact Assessment prediction, analysis and determination of significance

Mitigation avoid, reduce, compensate, remediate, enhance

Environmental Management Plan feeds into project construction

Production of the EIA Report

Figure 1-2. EIA Process

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

Baseline Data Collection

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

Table 1-1. Determination of Environmental Impact Significance

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

The social impact assessment typically addresses the following issues:

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

Mitigation or design change cannot significantly reduce impact(s)

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

The remainder of this report is organized as follows:

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

THE PROPOSED PROJECT

June 25, 2008

Dry ground water well (0.7 km)

Substation at Nalaikh (20 km)

H !2 6009-B " # ) 1804.0 H ! 3

Railway station 7-P zor (12 km)

Proposed new well for wind park use

6008-C 6011-D " )

Proposed wind turbine Wind measurement station Substation

June 25, 2008

kV 110 sed on line i po iss Pro nsm tra oad ss r

Proposed new well for wind park use

WGS 1984 UTM Zone 48N

ion iss nsm tra kV 10 d1 d roa ss

! 5 sehold H ar ea ! H 8 bo 7 un 1887.9 6 da # # ! ! ! ! ! 11 H H HHH ry ! 1842.0 9 10 H

( ! Proposed new well

! H ! 46 H !47 H 6008-C ) " ! !48 H H

! 54 H ! 55 H ! H # 1776.4 57 ! H 15 ! ! 58 H H ) 6011-D " ! H 1851.8# ! 17 16 H !! HH

! H 21 1834.2 # ! ! 19 H H 26 ! 24 ! 20 H H 29 H ! 27! ! 23 H ! H ! 25 H #1800.5 H H 30 !

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park

ESIA for Salkhit Uul Wind Park