Impact of Wind Turbines Proposed in Belle Glade

[NewMexiKen]

Wind Turbines Proposed in Belle Glade

Barbara Walker asked: Any word on how Audubon Chapters are positioning for the wind turbines proposed in Belle Glade?

Grant Campbell of South Florida Audubon expresses these salient concerns. He points out that Florida has the greatest density of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 States...

"...as well as high populations of other raptors, some endangered, such as the Snail Kite and the Crested Caracara. Raptors utilize wind currents and thermal uplifts to ease the burden of flying, and will sometimes follow an air current directly into a turbine propeller with deadly results...

"...When uncertainty exists as to whether an action has risk of causing negative effects to species or habitats, the burden of proof that the action is not harmful falls on those taking the action, and that burden has not been met."

The answer to Barb's question, from South Florida Audubon's Board member and Land Conservation and Wildlife Policy Chair Grant Campbell follows.

Hi all,
 
Attached is a letter I wrote to Thomas Carnahan, who is the Chairman of the Board of Wind Capital Group, the group that is proposing the windmills in the EAA. As part of the letter, I included a resolution approved by the SFAS Board of Directors. A similar resolution was adopted by the Regional Conservation Committee and was submitted to the Everglades Coalition.
 
I also petitioned the Palm Beach County Commission asking that they reject the zoning change on the grounds thwt the wind farm would. a: interfere with safe passage of birds through the Atlantic Migratory Flyway and, b: that the construction of windmills and their support infrastructure would counter the Everglades Restoration effort in the EAA.
 
I am not going to let this rest and will do everything in my power to either stop the project or to insure that the provisos suggested in the letter to Mr. Carnahan are instituted and followed through.
 
Grant


Grant's letter:

Thomas S. Carnahan
Chairman of the Board, Wind Capital Group
1430 Washington Avenue, Suite 300  
Saint Louis, Missouri 63103

Dear Sir:

Florida is ideally situated to take advantage of free renewable energy sources such as Solar, Wave, Ocean current and possibly Geothermal, but not wind.

There are many places in Florida that, at first glance, may seem good choices for wind farms, but average wind speeds in Florida are insufficient to produce energy on a continual basis.

It has been said that less than 1% of annual bird mortality is due to collision with wind turbines. While this may be true presently, this does not consider the anticipated increase in the number of wind farms yet to be constructed, and it certainly does not consider locating a wind farm directly in a busy migratory flyway.  According to a September 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal, between 75,000 and 275,000 birds are being killed each year in the U.S. due to fatal bird/wind turbine collisions, and these numbers can only increase as the number of wind farms increases.

Florida has the largest population of  bald eagles in the contiguous United States, as well as high populations of other raptors, some endangered, such as the Snail Kite and the Crested Caracara. Raptors utilize wind currents and thermal uplifts to ease the burden of flying, and will sometimes follow an air current directly into a turbine propeller with deadly results.

In considering placing a wind farm in South Florida, Wind Capital Group evidently has not considered the location’s proximity to the Atlantic Flyway. Almost all of Florida is within the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, and wind farming could place migratory as well as resident birdlife in undue jeopardy.

Your study seemingly indicates a low presence of birdlife, but the study is flawed because it was not a multi-year study and does not include annual and seasonal variations in bird activity.

The Everglades Regional Conservation Committee (RCC) stands behind the USFWS in calling for three years of pre-construction monitoring, as well as post-construction monitoring and ongoing mortality and risk assessment, conducted by agency biologists and/or those independent of industry.

USFWS is concerned about limited data being used to make long-term assumptions on effects. Limited data may not be representative of future years if data is collected during seasons with extremes in weather conditions, or due to changes brought about by global climate change or changes in species distribution.

When uncertainty exists as to whether an action has risk of causing negative effects to species or habitats, the burden of proof that the action is not harmful falls on those taking the action, and that burden has not been met.

Planning, design, and operation decisions should be made considering such uncertainties and risks, and in a manner that strives to avoid or minimize the risk of adverse effects on resources. In cases of uncertainty regarding risks to wildlife, project planning and development should proceed with appropriate consideration for conservation of the species concerned, and implement measures commensurate to the potential risks to the species.

Recent innovations in wind turbine technology have produced computerized bird detection systems that emit a deterrent noise at certain distances when birds as small as a single songbird are detected. Closer approach results in a shutdown of the rotor until the bird is at a safe distance.

This topic was discussed at a recent RCC meeting where the stance was developed that the RCC is in favor of all forms of renewable energy, but wind turbines must be sited in locations conducive to bird safety, and the proximity of the Everglades Agricultural Area to the Atlantic Migratory Flyway precludes the installation of wind turbines as a power generation source unless such a detection system is deployed at every turbine.

Resolution regarding wind farming in Florida

Whereas nearly all of peninsular Florida is within the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, and

Whereas wind turbine operation in a major flyway would place resident and migratory birds in undue jeopardy, and

Whereas recent innovations in wind turbine technology have produced computerized bird detection systems that result in a shutdown of rotors until the birds are at a safe distance, and

Whereas the Everglades Agricultural Area is suited to and planned for Everglades restoration and windmill footing pads and the necessary maintenance infrastructure could counter the restoration effort

Be it resolved that the Everglades Regional Conservation Committee is in favor of all forms of renewable energy, but wind turbines must be sited in locations conducive to bird safety, and the proximity of the Everglades Agricultural Area to the Atlantic Migratory Flyway precludes the installation of wind turbines as a power generation source.

Be it further resolved that, if built, any footing pads must be constructed below grade and maintenance roads must be either elevated or equipped with sufficient culverts so as not to impede sheetflow requisite to a restored Everglades.

Grant Campbell  
 
Director of Wildlife Policy
Conservation Chair
South Florida Audubon Society  
Everglades Regional Conservation Committee


Cc: electronically submitted

[barbibird]

Please make sure the Audubon folks down there can count on support from our region.

 

Barb

 

From: NewMexiKen [via Bald Eagles of Broward County, Florida] [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 7:38 PM
To: barbibird
Subject: Impact of Wind Turbines Proposed in Belle Glade

 

Wind Turbines Proposed in Belle Glade

Barbara Walker asked: Any word on how Audubon Chapters are positioning for the wind turbines proposed in Belle Glade?

Grant Campbell of South Florida Audubon expresses these salient concerns. He points out that Florida has the greatest density of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 States...

"...as well as high populations of other raptors, some endangered, such as the Snail Kite and the Crested Caracara. Raptors utilize wind currents and thermal uplifts to ease the burden of flying, and will sometimes follow an air current directly into a turbine propeller with deadly results...

"...When uncertainty exists as to whether an action has risk of causing negative effects to species or habitats, the burden of proof that the action is not harmful falls on those taking the action, and that burden has not been met."

The answer to Barb's question, from South Florida Audubon's Board member and Land Conservation and Wildlife Policy Chair Grant Campbell follows.

Hi all,
 
Attached is a letter I wrote to Thomas Carnahan, who is the Chairman of the Board of Wind Capital Group, the group that is proposing the windmills in the EAA. As part of the letter, I included a resolution approved by the SFAS Board of Directors. A similar resolution was adopted by the Regional Conservation Committee and was submitted to the Everglades Coalition.
 
I also petitioned the Palm Beach County Commission asking that they reject the zoning change on the grounds thwt the wind farm would. a: interfere with safe passage of birds through the Atlantic Migratory Flyway and, b: that the construction of windmills and their support infrastructure would counter the Everglades Restoration effort in the EAA.
 
I am not going to let this rest and will do everything in my power to either stop the project or to insure that the provisos suggested in the letter to Mr. Carnahan are instituted and followed through.
 
Grant


Grant's letter:

Thomas S. Carnahan
Chairman of the Board, Wind Capital Group
1430 Washington Avenue, Suite 300  
Saint Louis, Missouri 63103

Dear Sir:

Florida is ideally situated to take advantage of free renewable energy sources such as Solar, Wave, Ocean current and possibly Geothermal, but not wind.

There are many places in Florida that, at first glance, may seem good choices for wind farms, but average wind speeds in Florida are insufficient to produce energy on a continual basis.

It has been said that less than 1% of annual bird mortality is due to collision with wind turbines. While this may be true presently, this does not consider the anticipated increase in the number of wind farms yet to be constructed, and it certainly does not consider locating a wind farm directly in a busy migratory flyway.  According to a September 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal, between 75,000 and 275,000 birds are being killed each year in the U.S. due to fatal bird/wind turbine collisions, and these numbers can only increase as the number of wind farms increases.

Florida has the largest population of  bald eagles in the contiguous United States, as well as high populations of other raptors, some endangered, such as the Snail Kite and the Crested Caracara. Raptors utilize wind currents and thermal uplifts to ease the burden of flying, and will sometimes follow an air current directly into a turbine propeller with deadly results.

In considering placing a wind farm in South Florida, Wind Capital Group evidently has not considered the location’s proximity to the Atlantic Flyway. Almost all of Florida is within the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, and wind farming could place migratory as well as resident birdlife in undue jeopardy.

Your study seemingly indicates a low presence of birdlife, but the study is flawed because it was not a multi-year study and does not include annual and seasonal variations in bird activity.

The Everglades Regional Conservation Committee (RCC) stands behind the USFWS in calling for three years of pre-construction monitoring, as well as post-construction monitoring and ongoing mortality and risk assessment, conducted by agency biologists and/or those independent of industry.

USFWS is concerned about limited data being used to make long-term assumptions on effects. Limited data may not be representative of future years if data is collected during seasons with extremes in weather conditions, or due to changes brought about by global climate change or changes in species distribution.

When uncertainty exists as to whether an action has risk of causing negative effects to species or habitats, the burden of proof that the action is not harmful falls on those taking the action, and that burden has not been met.

Planning, design, and operation decisions should be made considering such uncertainties and risks, and in a manner that strives to avoid or minimize the risk of adverse effects on resources. In cases of uncertainty regarding risks to wildlife, project planning and development should proceed with appropriate consideration for conservation of the species concerned, and implement measures commensurate to the potential risks to the species.

Recent innovations in wind turbine technology have produced computerized bird detection systems that emit a deterrent noise at certain distances when birds as small as a single songbird are detected. Closer approach results in a shutdown of the rotor until the bird is at a safe distance.

This topic was discussed at a recent RCC meeting where the stance was developed that the RCC is in favor of all forms of renewable energy, but wind turbines must be sited in locations conducive to bird safety, and the proximity of the Everglades Agricultural Area to the Atlantic Migratory Flyway precludes the installation of wind turbines as a power generation source unless such a detection system is deployed at every turbine.

Resolution regarding wind farming in Florida

Whereas nearly all of peninsular Florida is within the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, and

Whereas wind turbine operation in a major flyway would place resident and migratory birds in undue jeopardy, and

Whereas recent innovations in wind turbine technology have produced computerized bird detection systems that result in a shutdown of rotors until the birds are at a safe distance, and

Whereas the Everglades Agricultural Area is suited to and planned for Everglades restoration and windmill footing pads and the necessary maintenance infrastructure could counter the restoration effort

Be it resolved that the Everglades Regional Conservation Committee is in favor of all forms of renewable energy, but wind turbines must be sited in locations conducive to bird safety, and the proximity of the Everglades Agricultural Area to the Atlantic Migratory Flyway precludes the installation of wind turbines as a power generation source.

Be it further resolved that, if built, any footing pads must be constructed below grade and maintenance roads must be either elevated or equipped with sufficient culverts so as not to impede sheetflow requisite to a restored Everglades.

Grant Campbell  
 
Director of Wildlife Policy
Conservation Chair
South Florida Audubon Society  
Everglades Regional Conservation Committee


Cc: electronically submitted

Ken Schneider
Web site: http://rosyfinch.com
Blog: http://blog.rosyfinch.com

 

 

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[NewMexiKen]

More, from Barb Walker

PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY – This is an extremely serious issue.  Wind turbines have been fought all over the world for good reason.  It’s time for the public to learn the truth about Big Wind, wind turbines, and to take action by engaging themselves in this issue, right away.


On March 22nd at 9am the Palm Beach County Commission will vote on a proposal by Wind Capital Group to put 114 wind turbines in Belle Glade, just southwest of Lake Okeechobee. This will affect more than 12,000 acres to power far fewer than 60,000 homes.  (Snail Kite and Swallow-tailed Kite territory)  Think about it.  500 foot turbines in a major migratory flyway.

Below you will find South Florida Audubon’s response and their resolution.  I would like every Chapter in Florida to make the same resolution and send them in mass to Palm Beach County, to the Sun Sentinel and to the Tampa Bay Times.  I would like all of you to write to oppose these turbines but please, reach out as far as you can and as often as you can until Wednesday night so as many people as possible have contacted the Palm Beach County Commission. Don’t just write, please also make a phone call to the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners (BoCC).  
 
This may be one of the most important things I have ever asked of you.  Many birds lives are at stake.  I hope we can count on Florida Native Plant Society, and all Chapters of the Sierra Club to help with this effort.

Below are two of my letters. One letter I sent to the Palm Beach Commission, and the other I sent to the Tampa Bay Times in response to an article Robert Trigaux wrote about energy in Florida. Power lines can be retrofitted and made bird safe, wind turbines cannot be retrofitted.  A common sense approach is not to put turbines in Florida.  This project is likely to power very few houses (much less than 60,000) but the acreage that will be disturbed is tremendous.  If you think Big Wind’s estimation of avian kills at this location is ridiculously low, you are right.

Bats are also killed in large numbers at wind turbines which could lead to an increase in mosquitoes and diseases that affected horses and people.  
 
The wind turbine issue is a fight for the soul of environmentalism in Florida. Don’t let them win.

Thank you,

Barb Walker

 

Palm Beach Commission

'[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'

 

Sun Sentinel

[e-mail]

 

Tampa Bay Times

Robert Trigaux - [e-mail]

Craig Pittman – [e-mail]

Letters to the Editor - http://www.sptimes.com/letters/

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My letters:


Tampa Bay Times Article

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/article1219689.ece

Mr. Trigaux,

I want to thank you and the Tampa Bay Times for mentioning the Sugarland Wind Project in the recent article about the pickle we are in regarding energy.  If you are a migratory bird, then that is a pretty sour pickle.  Particularly if you are a Snail Kite or a Swallow-tailed Kite, or any neotropical species.

Power companies have avian safe protocols to follow on their power systems.  Luckily, threats to birds due to electrocution and collision can be minimized through retrofitting.  Wind turbines cannot be retrofitted.  Some species that are particularly threatened can't afford a higher mortality rate.

There is lots of destruction during installation too, and decommissioning has to be part of the budget.  The USFWS needs mandatory guidelines.  I suggest they start with no wind turbines in major migratory flyways.

I find it particularly objectionable that an effort to sway the public was made through a mass mailing in the form of a green washing campaign.  The public needs time to disseminate the information.  This is occurring across the country and it is outrageous, especially since the wind industry in general is heavily subsidized.

I hope the Tampa Bay Times delves much deeper into that project, what it means to Floridians, and how that compares nationally.  What are the anticipated impacts?  Are they accurate? Will this set a precedent for Florida? How many wind turbines would it take installed  in Florida to properly balance the loads without hurting reliability and safety and ruining the beautiful views that attract people here?

 
Sincerely,

Barbara Walker

Palm Harbor, FL

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Palm Beach Commission Letter

'[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'; '[e-mail]'

I want  the Palm Beach County Commission put a moratorium of 6 – 12 months on consideration of the Sugarland Wind Project even though I know this will probably sail through P&Z tomorrow.  Despite the fact that I live in Pinellas County a decision to put in 114 wind turbines on 12,000+ acres in between Belle Glade and the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge still has the possibility to affect my quality of life. Even a test of any length could kill the particular Swallow-tailed Kites that nest behind my house of which I happen to enjoy.  

I think the fleece is being pulled over the public’s eyes across the country and I hope that people at local levels join both local and national efforts to at least properly site wind turbines.  I think there should be a 6-12 month moratorium on this project so that accurate information can be given to the public as well.  Instead it will probably just take a conditional use approval and variance from setback requirements and a quick board vote to put wind turbines in of all the places in the world the Everglades!  This would be the only approval required by the county on a project of such a great magnitude with potential to affect many people, not all in Palm Beach County.  I am a homeowner in Florida so I am a stakeholder too.

There is plenty of evidence of the extensive habitat destruction that wind turbines create, not to mention service reliability issues on systems that have significant wind loads.  Stronger national standards still need to be settled regarding wind guidelines, including full disclosure on height before county commissions should ever even consider these types of proposals.  These are Goliath sized wind turbines and this is like a David and Goliath fight for true environmentalists with the heavily subsidized wind industry, particularly considering the huge pro wind PR campaign that green washes the real issues and perpetuates myths.  I want people to write the commissioners who will vote on this to ask that they safe guard the public’s interest and allow plenty of time to debunk  the myths about job creation too. Why not just leave this all up to the free market? People should also contact Bill Nelson’s office and ask him to reject any efforts to put in the payroll tax agreement a four-year extension of the so-called production tax credit.

Thank you,

Barbara Walker

Palm Harbor, Florida

[NewMexiKen]

The proposed wind farm is adjacent to a major waterbird habitat. In case anyone has doubts about the density of flying birds in Florida wetlands, here is a radar loop I captured, showing a "donut" echo that is caused by birds leaving their roosts in the Everglades preserve west of Fort Lauderdale.

I saved this loop early in the morning in late March, 2008. Look for this expanding circle of birds, a so-called "roost ring":