in-cyprus 5 August 2024 - by Angelos Nicolaou
Environmental authorities have identified multiple breaches of approval terms in the construction of a wind farm within a protected area in Larnaca, Fileleftheros has learned.
The project, situated in the Kellia community, partly overlaps with the Kochi-Pallourokambos Special Protection Area (SPA) of the Natura 2000 Network. Officials have found violations of 8 out of 12 legally binding conditions set out in the environmental approval.
Two fines have been issued thus far: €2,000 by the Game and Fauna Service and €500 by the Forest Department.
Despite these infractions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Environment has not halted construction or revoked the environmental approval. However, works have been temporarily suspended until mid-July, and the installation of an overhead medium-voltage network has been completely stopped.
The project initially proposed 10 wind turbines but was scaled down to six, with a total capacity of 16.5 MW. Five of these turbines are located within the SPA, whilst one borders it. The developer has since indicated plans to install only three turbines with a 12 MW capacity, though no formal amendment request has been submitted.
Authorities conducted four on-site inspections, revealing breaches including:
- Commencing work during bird breeding and migration periods
- Failing to inform relevant departments before starting construction
- Unauthorised widening of forest roads and vegetation clearing
- Improper management of construction spoil within the SPA
The Game and Fauna Service noted violations of terms regarding the timing of construction to avoid disturbing local bird species. The Department of Forests reported unauthorised land clearing and road widening.
Other infractions involve the method of transporting wind turbines and the installation of above-ground electrical cables, contrary to the original agreement.
