- Decision on the environmental conditions.
Almost all renewable energy sources have influence on the ecosystem and environmental impact. Solar energy as well, although it is commonly considered as environmental friendly, may require obtaining a decision on environmental conditions. This applies mainly photovoltaic cells located in protected areas, or if their area exceeds a defined size (over 1 ha). Such a decision, upon a request of the entity, is taken by the head of the municipality, mayor, or the president of the city having jurisdiction over the location of the investment. The issue of the above decision is preceded by an assessment of the environmental impact. In case of recognition of the establishment as likely to have a significant impact on the environment, the authority shall issue an order on the basis of which it obliges the applicant to prepare an environmental impact report.
The application for the above mentioned decision should be accompanied by:
- a report on the impact of the project on the environment or a project outline specification (for investments that could only potentially impact on the environment);
- a copy certified by the relevant authority of a cadastral map covering the anticipated area on which the project will be implemented, and covering an area that will be affected by the project;
- an extract from the land register covering the anticipated area.
The issuance of the decision on environmental conditions takes place prior to obtaining a construction permit.
- Project outline specification
The following projects have been identified as potentially likely to have significant effects on the environment. These are industrial buildings, including constructions of photovoltaic systems or storage, together with its associated infrastructure, with the building area of not less than:
a) 0.5 hectares on areas covered by the forms of nature protection,
b) 1 ha in areas other than those mentioned above
- whereas the building area should be understood as the surface area occupied by the building structures and the remaining surface intended for transformation as a result of the project;
In such cases, it is sufficient to draw up a project outline specification for the purposes of a decision on environmental conditions.