Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
phase, making remote lands accessible to the public. Visual impacts resulting from
the presence of large wind turbines and associated facilities and transmission lines
could affect some cultural resources, such as sacred landscapes or historic trails.
e
CologiCAl
r
esourCes
During operation, adverse ecological effects could occur from (1) disturbance of
wildlife by turbine noise and human activity, (2) site maintenance (e.g., mowing), (3)
exposure of biota to contaminants, and (4) mortality of birds and bats that collide
with the turbines and meteorological towers. During the operation of a wind facility,
plant and animal habitats could still be affected by habitat fragmentation due to the
presence of turbines, support facilities, and access roads. In addition, the presence of
an energy development project and its associated access roads may increase human
use of surrounding areas, which could in turn impact ecological resources in the sur-
rounding areas through
1. Introduction and spread of invasive vegetation
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Disturbance of biota
4. Increased potential for fire
As discussed in detail later, the presence of a wind energy project (and its associ-
ated infrastructure) could also interfere with migratory and other behaviors of some
wildlife.
W
Ater
r
esourCes
Impacts on water use and quality and flow systems during the operation phase would
be limited to possible degradation of water quality resulting from vehicular traffic
and pesticide application, if conducted improperly.
l
And
u
se
Impacts on land use would be minimal, as many activities can continue to occur
among the operating turbines, such as agriculture and grazing. It might be possible to
collocate other forms of energy development, provided the necessary facilities could
be installed without interfering with operation and maintenance of the wind farm.
Collocation of other forms of energy development could include directionally drill
oil and gas wells, underground mining, and geothermal or solar energy development.
Recreation activities (e.g., off-highway vehicle use, hunting) are also possible, but
activities centered on solitude and scenic beauty could be affected. Military opera-
tions and aviation could be affected by radar interference associated with the operat-
ing turbines, and low-altitude activities could be affected by the presence of turbines
over 200 feet high.
