Wind Energy
Project Review Guidance
The
use of wind to generate electricity has many advantages as
a non-polluting, renewable energy source. The wind energy
industry is in the early stages of an enormous expansion,
offering the U.S. an opportunity to develop a clean, "green"
source of electricity. Both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and Department of the Interior are on record supporting wind
power.
While wind power has many advantages over other sources of energy,
in certain circumstances, it has been documented to adversely impact
birds and bats. To facilitate identification and resolution of potential
impacts of wind power projects to bird and bat resources, the Service stands ready to work with industry and other governmental agencies
and stakeholders to facilitate project design, siting, and operation
to avoid or minimize impacts. Only by working together can we, collectively,
ensure development of this "clean" and "green"
energy source in a way that is friendly to bird and bat resources.
Wildlife concerns associated with the development of wind power
- Wind turbines have been documented to kill birds and bats during
the animals' daily activities and during seasonal migrations.
The amount of kill depends on where the turbines are sited and
features of the turbine design and operation that either attracts
birds and bats or that allow animals to avoid the turbines.
- Wind farms may indirectly impact birds and bats by fragmenting
habitat into smaller sections which may decrease nesting success
of birds and increases predation. Ground nesting birds are particularly
sensitive to the construction of wind turbines which may serve
as perches for raptors.
- Further information and analysis is needed regarding the cumulative
impact of past, present, and future wind developments. Individual
impacts may appear small but, combined with other small projects,
may collectively have significant impacts.
What should an agency or company do when they are considering
wind power development?
- Locations for proposed wind projects should be assessed for
their potential impact on birds and bats before advanced project
planning and making final decisions. Depending on the size of
the facility and its location, a study may be necessary to characterize
use of a site by birds and bats. Because some studies may take
up to several years to complete, early involvement of resource
agencies, including the Service, is imperative.
- The Service does not regulate wind energy developments, nor
has it endorsed any "model ordinances." However, the
Service does have a list of interim guidelines for siting and constructing wind developments.
- In addition, our biologists are ready to work with you to develop
projects that avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Please
contact the Ecological Services Field Office in the appropriate
state as shown below.
- We are also beginning to develop resource maps indicating sensitve areas for bird migration or of high bird concentrations.
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