Wind power plants in the canton of Neuchatel - Volume II. Environmental impact studies for the wind energy projects at 'Grand Coeurie', 'Montagne de Buttes', 'Vue des Alpes' et 'Cret Meuron'

Environmental impact studies for the wind energy projects in the Canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland are reported in this document, which is the Annex of two feasibility studies quoted under separate ETDE numbers. Impacts on the natural environment, flora, fauna, landscape, economical and leisure time activities were considered. Existing data for the four different sites located on the Jura mountains at about 1300 m above sea level were analysed. In addition, a number of field observations were carried out in 2001. The natural environment, mostly wooded pasture-ground, is considered as average. There is no exceptional flora at either of the four sites, with one single exception (one group of 'Knautia goedetii'). Similarly, at those locations there is no species amongst the most endangered animal species, with one possible exception (the 'Lullula arborea'). What regards the landscape, panoramas are gorgeous. The main economical activities are farming and hostelry. Leisure time activities are 'soft tourism' (hiking, skiing). Direct impacts on nature are considered as minor, what regards equally the natural environment, flora and fauna. However, indirect impacts arising from the wind park operation, public visits and modified agricultural practices are difficult to assess at that very beginning stage of the project and they shall be re-considered later on. Impacts on the landscape were specifically qualified for each site. Economical and leisure time activities are not expected to be modified by the presence of the planned wind energy parks. The study did not lead to the identification of any 'killer factor'. Optimization can and has to be done later on at the detailed project stage. At that stage, compensation measures shall be taken, like the re-establishment of some wooded pasture-ground. (author)