Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
e
nVironMentAl
J
ustiCe
If significant impacts occurred in any resource areas, and the impact dispropor-
tionately affected minority or low-income populations, then there could be envi-
ronmental justice concerns. Potential issues during construction are noise, dust, and
visual impacts from the construction site and possible impacts associated with the
construction of new access roads.
H
AzArdous
M
AteriAls
And
W
Aste
M
AnAgeMent
Solid and industrial waste would be generated during construction activities. The
solid waste would likely be nonhazardous and consist mostly of containers, packing
material, and wastes from equipment assembly and construction crews. Industrial
wastes would include minor amounts of paints, coatings, and spent solvents.
Hazardous materials stored onsite for vehicle and equipment maintenance would
include petroleum fluids (lubricating oils, hydraulic fluid, fuels), coolants, and bat-
tery electrolytes. Oils, transmission fluids, and dielectric fluids would be brought
to the site to fill turbine components and other large electrical devices. Also, com-
pressed gases would be used for welding, cutting, brazing, etc. These materials
would be transported offsite for disposal, but impacts could result if the wastes are
not properly handled and are released to the environment.
WIND ENERGY OPERATIONS IMPACTS
Typical activities during the wind energy facility operations phase include turbine
operation, power generation, and associated maintenance activities that would
require vehicular access and heavy equipment operation when large components are
being replaced. Potential impacts from these activities are presented below, by the
type of affected resource.
A
ir
Q
uAlity
There are no direct air emissions from operating a wind turbine. Minor volatile
organic compound (VOC) emissions are possible during routine maintenance activi-
ties of applying lubricants, cooling fluids, and greases. Minor amounts of carbon
monoxide and nitrogen oxides would be produced during periodic operation of diesel
emergency generators as part of preventative maintenance. Vehicular traffic would
continue to produce small amounts of fugitive dust and tailpipe emissions during the
operations phase. These emissions would not likely exceed air quality standards or
have any impact on climate change.
C
ulturAl
r
esourCes
Impacts during the operations phase would be limited to the unauthorized collec-
tion of artifacts and visual impacts. The threat of unauthorized collection would be
present once access roads are constructed during the site evaluation or construction
