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Wind power planning in Malchin: Concerns about drinking water and nature become more concrete
Malchin discusses wind turbines despite concerns about drinking water and conservation as plans to reduce land area are examined.
Wind power planning in Malchin: Concerns about drinking water and nature become more concrete
Plans for wind turbines are being discussed in the urban area of Malchin after the regional planning association “Mecklenburg Lake District” set its sights on a 134 square meter wind priority area near Scharpzow. However, these developments raise concerns, as the local water association (WZV) warns of possible negative effects on the quality of drinking water. According to Nordkurier, the foundations of the wind turbines could weaken the clay-marl top layer that lies above the groundwater.
In Malchin in particular, efforts are being made to reduce the area for wind turbines, as building authority manager Arno Harpeng explained at a residents' meeting. If the WZV's concerns are taken seriously, this could result in only a third of the originally planned area actually remaining as a wind-suitable area. Without this consideration, up to 13 wind turbines would come into consideration.
Focus on tourism and nature conservation
In the neighboring town of Neukalen, there is also discussion about establishing a wind power priority area. This is a 43 hectare area between Warsow and Schönkamp. Residents' concerns focus primarily on the possible impact on tourism, which is very popular in the region. In the past, objections from the city have resulted in the original draft plan being reduced from 100 hectares.
A Schorrentiner, Friederike Antony, expressed her concerns about nature conservation and the impact on bird migration during a meeting. In particular, the historic church in Schorrentin and the surrounding cultural landscape are at risk if the plan is implemented. The Schorrentine lowlands are home to up to 3,000 cranes during their migration - a breathtaking number that inevitably influences planning.
The crane under pressure
The topic of wind power and cranes is not a blank slate. According to [Naturschutz-Energiewende](https://www.naturschutz-energiewende.de/fragenund Answeren/189-stoerungssicherheit-kollisionsgefaehrdung-kranich-windenergieanlagen/), cranes are classified as sensitive to wind energy. To avoid disturbances, a minimum distance of 3,000 meters from the crane's regular sleeping places is recommended. These distances as well as comprehensive habitat potential analyzes are crucial in order to avoid possible species protection conflicts.
Over the years there have only been a few crane victims from wind turbines, although the risk during migration is very low. However, there is a possibility that disturbances during breeding and foraging phases could affect the conservation status of the local population
The current situation is complex and requires careful consideration. Ultimately, the concerns of nature conservation, the quality of drinking water and the importance of tourism are important factors that must be taken into account in the city council's decisions. This will have to decide on the next steps on Thursday and the feedback from citizens will be of great interest.
For further information, readers could take a look at the [Federal Environment Ministry] website (https://www.bundesumweltministerium.de/themen/naturschutz/naturschutz-und-energie/naturschutz-und-windenergie), which offers comprehensive data and recommendations on this topic.