Special species protection assessment (saP) for wind power in Germany
Species protection assessment for wind farms: we survey the species at the site and prepare the saP report for your procedure in Germany.
Our biology team guides you through the procedure. We carry out detailed nature conservation surveys to reliably record the occurrence of specially and strictly protected species in the study area, such as birds, bats, amphibians, reptiles, insects and plants. The special species protection assessment (saP) for wind power examines whether the project triggers prohibitions for protected species and how these can be averted through avoidance and mitigation measures. The benchmark is the prohibitions in § 44 BNatSchG (Federal Nature Conservation Act).
Special rules apply to wind turbines. For breeding bird species at risk of collision, § 45b BNatSchG provides for a graduated assessment: depending on the distance to the nest site, i.e. in the close range, the central or the extended assessment area, the mortality risk is assessed differently. Which nest site mappings are required depends on the species-specific assessment areas of § 45b BNatSchG, the available data and the technical requirements applicable in the federal state. First, existing distribution data from the specialist authorities are requested; further mapping is necessary where there are justified indications. Not covered by § 45b are, among others, bird migration, disturbance and the damage to breeding and resting sites. For these, the general assessment under § 44 BNatSchG continues to apply. In designated wind energy areas, simplified rules apply under certain conditions under the Wind Energy Area Requirement Act (WindBG). Whether this is the case depends on the individual case and differs by federal state. Whether and to what extent further mapping is required depends on the type, location, data situation and technical requirements of the respective federal state. For the construction phase, the general provisions of §§ 44 ff. BNatSchG apply.
Protection measures for breeding birds include anti-collision systems or phenological shutdowns. For bats, the in-depth assessment depends on the species present, the location of the site and the technical requirements of the federal state. Activity at rotor height is recorded in particular through nacelle monitoring and, depending on the question, through other suitable measurement arrangements, and a shutdown algorithm is derived from it. Near important roosts, additional investigations are necessary. Shutdowns are considered reasonable only up to a statutorily defined yield reduction. If a prohibition cannot be ruled out despite measures, an exception under § 45 (7) BNatSchG may be considered only if its conditions are met, for example if there are no reasonable alternatives and the conservation status of the populations does not deteriorate; the overriding public interest in the expansion of renewable energies is an essential consideration here. On the basis of this data, we assess how the species are affected and develop suitable avoidance and mitigation measures. Finally, we write a meaningful saP report in line with the requirements of the position paper for wind power. We work with surveys according to Südbeck et al. and vegetation mapping according to Braun-Blanquet.
The saP report for wind turbines is part of the application documents in the permitting procedure. For the entire procedure in Germany, we offer specialist support for the BImSchG procedure. Also take a look at the landscape conservation plan. General surveys can be found under detailed nature conservation surveys for wind farms, the variant for photovoltaics under saP for PV parks.
