Wind Power - Site Characterization Studies

Site characterization studies are an important step in considering and evaluating potential windfarm locations. In this context, it consists of identifying habitat resources in the area, the communities and species likely to use them, and the numbers and timing (seasonal and daily) of use.

For flying animals like birds and bats, as well as ground-dwellers, applying the criteria listed in this guidance should help to eliminate most areas with the greatest potential for adverse impacts of all kinds. Using a mapping or GIS approach is highly recommended to identify potentially acceptable areas. This can be compared with wind potential maps to pinpoint sites for more detailed site specific evaluation. Studies should be consistent with those described in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guidelines for wind development and the guidelines for wind evaluation studies developed by the National Wind Coordinating Committee [exit DNR], American Bird Conservancy [exit DNR], and others (see references).

A baseline wildlife evaluation should be conducted for each site under serious consideration for windfarm development. To allow comparison with other studies, this evaluation should follow accepted standard protocols for windfarm evaluations (such as the NWCC study guidelines). Using the USFWS Guidelines should also incorporate WDNR considerations.

The study should characterize resident and migratory bird and bat populations on a seasonal and day/night basis, including migrations and breeding seasons. Use by raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds, gulls and terns, songbirds and bats should be evaluated for at least one year, with emphasis on the Spring and Fall migrations. This is especially important when protected and special concern species are likely to use the area. Observational (including radar and acoustic bat detection) and capture (eg: mist netting for songbirds) methods should be used to carry out this study. Habitat features commonly used by and attractive to birds should be noted and characterized. Likely sources and levels of mortality occurring without the project should be evaluated on a theoretical basis (e.g.: communications towers). Area dependent and disturbance-sensitive species should be considered. An overview of other wildlife use (e.g.; mammals and herptiles) should be carried out, with some emphasis on the small mammals and other animals that may be the prey base for raptors.

Potential windfarm developers are strongly encouraged to contact the DNR Office of Energy as early in the process as practicable. The Office will put them in touch with agency wildlife and endangered resources experts. Other knowledgeable sources, such as Audubon Society chapters and other ornithological experts, should be contacted regarding wildlife use patterns around the site. Natural Heritage Inventory information on the site area should be obtained from the DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources, and evaluated to determine if the site has important habitat features or may affect protected or special concern species. This should happen as early in the site selection/development process as possible. Confidentiality agreements can be signed with the developing company to protect the its financial interests.

The site study plan should be submitted in advance to the DNR and discussed with staff experts to ensure its acceptability. Hiring a reputable environmental consultant with ornithological and bat ecology expertise is highly recommended. The study results should be provided to and discussed with the DNR experts. Mitigation measures proven to minimize collisions and mortality should be designed into the windfarm. Towers and electric lines should also be sited, designed, and installed using measures to reduce the likelihood of bird and bat mortality. Placing electric lines underground is highly recommended, as is the use of perch guards on above ground poles, and other Avian/Powerline Interaction Committee (APLIC)[Exit DNR] endorsed technologies. This should help to ensure that developing the site has little chance of causing unacceptable adverse impacts on wildlife.

Bird and bat use and interactions with wind turbines and supporting facilities should be monitored for an adequate period (at least two years is recommended) after installation, using accepted standard methods. This should be done for the first wind farms in any ecological region of the state. The monitoring should evaluate any collisions and mortality that occur to determine whether the facility can be modified to prevent future collisions, or if mitigation is needed. Wildlife avoidance and other behavioral changes should also be evaluated. An adaptive management approach to planning, design, construction and operations is highly recommended. Presence of bat hibernation and roosting sites and habitats should also be noted, and an evaluation should be made of bat foraging activity in and around the proposed site.

DNR staff will evaluate the results of wildlife studies and post-construction monitoring to revise these guidelines as needed. If problems are not occurring, it is likely that later installations with similar characteristics will not require as much detailed study as the initial wind farms.

For more information on wind power please contact:
Steve Ugoretz
(608) 266-6673

References

Site studies

Avian Collisions with Wind Turbines: A Summary of Existing Studies and Comparisons to Other Sources of Avian Collision Mortality in the United States. August, 2001, National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC), Washington, DC

Proceedings of National Avian-Wind Power Planning Meeting IV, May, 2000, NWCC

Studying Wind Energy/Bird Interactions: A Guidance Document, December , 1999, NWCC

The Proper Use of “Studying Wind Energy/Bird Interactions: A Guidance Document”, August, 2003, NWCC

California Energy Commission Publication P700-92-001, Wind Turbine Effects on Avian Activity, Habitat Use and Mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas, March, 1992.

Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Northern States Power Lake Benton 25 Megawatt Wind Farm Lincoln County, Minnesota, December, 1992

Howell, Judd A. and Joseph E. DiDonato, Assessment of Avian Use and Mortality Related to Wind Turbine Operations; Altamont Pass; Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, California September 1988 Through August 1989; May 1990.

Gauthreaux, Sidney Jr., Designs for Avian-Windpower Research: Range of Study Techniques, and Standardized Assessment Protocols for Monitoring Bird Populations, Movements, and Mortality in Wind Resource Areas, Presented at the Wind Energy/Avian Mortality Workshop, July, 1994

Siting and Permitting

Permitting of Wind Facilities [PDF file]

Adaptive Resource Management Lancia, Richard A., Thomas D. Nudds and Michael L. Morrison, Opening Comments: Slaying Slippery Shibboleths, Trans. 58th North Am.Wildl. and Natur. Resour. Conf., 1993.

Other Web Sources

Safewind.com

National Wind Technology Center