Conserve NC is a supporter of alternatives to fossil fuel,
including wind energy. We recognize that one of the limitations of wind energy
is the environmental consequences of improper siting, particularly the effect
on wildlife.
One example of bad wind farm siting is the proposed Pantego
wind farm in Beauford
County
The area is considered to be an Important Bird Area by the
National Audubon Society and is the winter home to many birds, including the
Tundra Swan, a number of ducks and geese, and other species. These birds
typically roost in certain places in the area, and, every day, fly to other areas.
An obvious danger to these birds is direct strikes by the
turbine blades. A less obvious but more serious danger is habitat avoidance.
This occurs when birds avoid collisions with turbine blades by flying somewhere
else. We can assume that the birds have found the optimal area for roosting,
foraging for food, and commuting between the two locations. If we force the
birds to find new locations for these activities the new locations will be less
optimal. The result will be fewer birds.
A number of environmental groups, all of which support alternative
energy, including wind, oppose or want further study before the NC Utilities
Commission allows this project to be built. Among the groups are the Cyprus
Group of the NC Sierra Club, Audubon
NC
Cypress Group Sierra Club written comments (page 21 of 33
page pdf document) Click Here
Testimony by Robert Scull of the Cypress Group Sierra Club (page 69
of 75 page pdf document Click Here
Audubon NC Comments Click Here
Testimony of Larry Hodges, member
of the board of the Pocosin Lakes NWR (10 of 75 page pdf document) Click Here
Testimony of Derb Carter, Southern
Environmental Law Center (page 38 of 77 page pdf document. Click Here
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