CAVALUM SGPS LOSES TAVIRA WIND FARM APPLICATION

On 14th April 2010, CCDR-Algarve threw out the application by Cavalum sgps to install a wind farm only 340m from existing properties in Água de Tábuas, Sta. Catarina, Tavira. The Algarve regional environmental agency listed an embarrassingly long list of reasons why the project submitted by Cavalum sgps was unacceptably, including;

- proximity to existing residences;
- deterrent to future development of 30 ruins within 500m of the project;
- probable pollution of surface and underground water supplies during the construction phase;
- totally unrealistic socio-economic claims by the 3 named psychologists on the project team regarding benefits;
- omission of all negative socio-economic impacts by the 3 named psychologists on the project team;
- probability of breaking existing/future noise regulations;
- destruction of the quality of life of existing residents;
- inadequate evaluation of threats to flora and fauna, including nationally and internationally protected species(one day site visit during a stormy day in January 2009);
- despoilment of an area of outstanding natural beauty by installing an 80m high tower with 95m circumference moving blades only 40m from the Tábuas geodesic marker;
- Failure to discuss mitigating actions with residents as recommended by the DGEG;
- Failure to consider alternative sites, as required by the Tavira PDM.
- Failure to specify how to connect the wind park to the national electricity network, and therefore no assessment of its environmental impact;
- Strength of opposition by the public, the local council and environmental agencies, including a petition signed by almost 200 people living in the area.

Despite this overwhelming opposition, Cavalum sgps lodged a written objection which was also unsurprisingly dismissed.

This decision comes almost 18 months after Cavalum employees and their consultants snooped around the village with maps, secretly making their plans for the site, and running away whenever approached by residents. What a massive waste of time and money for the shareholders of the privately held company, Cavalum sgps, the regional development agency CCDR-Algarve, Portuguese taxpayers and the poor local residents of Água de Tábuas.