Jodziewicz 081114 RWEI siting issues presentation

Siting Issues at Wind Energy Projects: 

Siting Issues at Wind Energy Projects Laurie Jodziewicz Manager of Siting Policy Regional Wind Energy Institute meeting Alexandria, VA November 14, 2008

Overview: 

Overview Findings in the Siting & Environment chapter of the 20% Scenario Siting tools and resources AWEA Siting Handbook Responses to frequently-raised concerns Opposition

20% ScenarioCarbon Dioxide Reductions: 

20% Scenario Carbon Dioxide Reductions Cumulative emissions reductions equivalent to taking 140 million cars off the road Almost single-handedly would keep electricity sector emissions level, despite a dramatic increase expected in electricity demand

20% ScenarioReduced Water Use: 

20% Scenario Reduced Water Use Cumulatively between 2007 and 2030, 20% wind reduces water consumption in the electric sector by 8%, or 4 trillion gallons. In 2030, reduces water consumption by 450 billion gallons or 17% of total electric section water consumption; a third of water conservation occurs in the arid West. Annual National Water Conservation under 20% Wind Scenario

20% ScenarioRegulatory Challenges: 

20% Scenario Regulatory Challenges Usually permitted locally, similar to other land use decisions Agencies reviewing projects are stretched thin and will be further stretched with wind industry growth Siting guidelines, regulations and policies must be predictable, transparent and timely

20% ScenarioIncreasing Community Acceptance: 

20% Scenario Increasing Community Acceptance Wind energy projects are unfamiliar to almost any community Concerns expressed include: Aesthetics Sound Land value

20% ScenarioWildlife Collisions: 

National Research Council Report (2007) concluded that current wind generation is responsible for less than 0.003% of human-caused avian mortality Bat mortality has been higher than expected To date, no site or cumulative impacts on bird or bat populations have been demonstrated 20% Scenario Wildlife Collisions

20% ScenarioLand Use: 

20% Scenario Land Use Total land area required: 61,000 km2 Land-based = 50,000 km2 Offshore = 11,000 km2 Occupied land = 1,000 – 2,500 km2 (247,000 to 617, 000 acres)—only 2% to 5% of total land area Area occupied by turbines, equipment, roads About the size of Anchorage, Alaska

20% ScenarioWildlife Habitat: 

Native, unfragmented wildlife habitats threatened by many sources of human development Wind energy projects allow for open space as the amount of land directly affected is low (2-5% of the project area) Some species may be more affected Some species require large areas devoid of even small roads and turbines, and other types of human intrusion. Some species, especially grassland species, avoid areas with tall structures In forested areas trees must be cut and edge areas created to reduce wind turbulence 20% Scenario Wildlife Habitat

A Look Ahead: 

A Look Ahead

Slide11: 

Slide courtesy of Kenny Stein, FPL Energy

Tools & ResourcesAWEA Siting Handbook: 

Tools & Resources AWEA Siting Handbook Free, web-based document Discussion of regulatory framework and applicable laws Descriptions of potential impacts, mitigations, and studies Geared to industry, but helpful technical information accessible to many www.awea.org/sitinghandbook

When asked about bird collisions…: 

When asked about bird collisions… Altamont Pass – hundreds of raptors and birds killed annually, but this is an anomaly National Research Council Report (2007) concluded that current wind generation is responsible for less than 0.003% of human-caused avian mortality Pre-construction surveys are normal practice at new sites

When asked about bat collisions…: 

When asked about bat collisions… Higher than expected fatalities at a project in West Virginia and later elsewhere at some projects in the U.S. and Canada Patterns show bats killed are usually tree-roosting bats, fatalities during fall migration season AWEA, Bat Conservation International, NREL, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service immediately launched the Bats & Wind Energy Cooperative ** All research data available at: www.batsandwind.org **

When asked about habitat fragmentation…: 

When asked about habitat fragmentation… Native, unfragmented wildlife habitats threatened by many sources of human development Wind energy projects allow for open space as the amount of land directly affected is low (2-5% of the project area) Some species may be more affected Some species require large areas devoid of even small roads and turbines, and other types of human intrusion. Some species, especially grassland species, avoid areas with tall structures In forested areas trees must be cut and edge areas created to reduce wind turbulence

When asked about sound…: 

When asked about sound… Turbine blades make a “whooshing” sound Sound at operating wind turbines is generally 35 to 45 decibels In some topographies, turbines can be louder Acoustic experts can and should model the expected sound levels at nearby buildings and property lines From AWEA’s Siting Handbook

When asked about aesthetics…: 

When asked about aesthetics…

When asked about radar…: 

Wind turbines can interfere with radar systems Long range military radars and weather radars biggest concern Military training routes and activities can also be impacted by nearby turbines Mitigation methods available at some sites and more under investigation Not an insurmountable obstacle Dodge City, Kansas – NEXRAD weather radar When asked about radar…

Slide20: 

Few communities are familiar with wind projects and they will have questions If you don’t answer them, someone else will

Wind Project Opponents: 

Wind Project Opponents Often ex-urbanites or second homeowners Often opposed other development projects in the area Healthy network on the internet that shares information Will seize upon any information void

Community ConcernsHow to Work Well with the Community: 

Community Concerns How to Work Well with the Community Proactive engagement Respond to any questions or concerns with credible information Partner with local advocates Community benefit funds established by the project developer

Slide23: 

Contact information: Laurie Jodziewicz Manager of Siting Policy American Wind Energy Association Phone: (202) 383-2516 ljodziewicz@awea.org