BSBO Conservation Updates
August / September 2022
BSBO Fights Yet Another Dangerous Wind Energy Project
Before you read the rest of this post, let us be abundantly clear: we absolutely understand the need for renewable energy, but wind isn't the only option. In areas where there are massive concentrations of birds, solar is a much safer option.
There are some places where massive wind turbines are just not the right option. We CAN have renewable energy that doesn’t destroy the air column habitat.
BIRD HABITAT THREATENED BY POORLY-SITED WIND TURBINE PROJECT
The #BSBOConservation team is fighting a proposal to build three 400-foot wind turbines at the Martin Marietta Lime and Stone plant near Woodville, Ohio, less than 20 miles from Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and some of the most important migratory bird stopover habitat in the Western Hemisphere. This project would not only threaten migratory birds and bats, but also dozens of resident Bald Eagles in the area. Because this project falls just below the 5 Megawatt threshold where regulations kick in, it would require NO WILDLIFE REVIEW WHATSOEVER. That's right, these 400-foot wind turbines would require no environmental oversight at all.
We only learned of this project a few weeks ago after it had been kept quiet for more than two years. The two companies involved went as far as signing a contract before ever bringing the project to the Woodville Township Trustees and Zoning Board. Why would they do that? Because they already planned to sue them into submission.
As soon as the local zoning board denied the proposal, One Energy filed an appeal. When they lost that appeal, they filed a complaint in Common Pleas court, attempting to classify their wind turbines – not as turbines – but as “structures.”
Public Documents Related to this Project
- Transcript of One Energy Appeal in Common Pleas Court
- Martin Marietta Variance_June 15, 2022
- Martin Marietta Administrative Appeal_June 2022
- Letter from Regional Planning_July 2022
BSBO met with two of the three Township Trustees and attended the most recent public meeting on August 18 to voice our concerns about the threat to birds. Read our summary of the public meeting HERE. The full text is also available below, as well.
Toledo Blade Outdoor Writer, Matt Markey, covered the story in today’s paper. His column is available online, here>>>
https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/outdoors/2022/09/03/outdoors-questions-swirl-before-woodville-wind-turbines-start-to-twirl/stories/20220904058
It may be behind a paywall, if so click HERE for a PDF of the story.
There are some places where massive wind turbines are just not the right option. We CAN have renewable energy that doesn’t destroy the air column habitat.
BIRD HABITAT THREATENED BY POORLY-SITED WIND TURBINE PROJECT
The #BSBOConservation team is fighting a proposal to build three 400-foot wind turbines at the Martin Marietta Lime and Stone plant near Woodville, Ohio, less than 20 miles from Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and some of the most important migratory bird stopover habitat in the Western Hemisphere. This project would not only threaten migratory birds and bats, but also dozens of resident Bald Eagles in the area. Because this project falls just below the 5 Megawatt threshold where regulations kick in, it would require NO WILDLIFE REVIEW WHATSOEVER. That's right, these 400-foot wind turbines would require no environmental oversight at all.
We only learned of this project a few weeks ago after it had been kept quiet for more than two years. The two companies involved went as far as signing a contract before ever bringing the project to the Woodville Township Trustees and Zoning Board. Why would they do that? Because they already planned to sue them into submission.
As soon as the local zoning board denied the proposal, One Energy filed an appeal. When they lost that appeal, they filed a complaint in Common Pleas court, attempting to classify their wind turbines – not as turbines – but as “structures.”
Public Documents Related to this Project
- Transcript of One Energy Appeal in Common Pleas Court
- Martin Marietta Variance_June 15, 2022
- Martin Marietta Administrative Appeal_June 2022
- Letter from Regional Planning_July 2022
BSBO met with two of the three Township Trustees and attended the most recent public meeting on August 18 to voice our concerns about the threat to birds. Read our summary of the public meeting HERE. The full text is also available below, as well.
Toledo Blade Outdoor Writer, Matt Markey, covered the story in today’s paper. His column is available online, here>>>
https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/outdoors/2022/09/03/outdoors-questions-swirl-before-woodville-wind-turbines-start-to-twirl/stories/20220904058
It may be behind a paywall, if so click HERE for a PDF of the story.
BSBO's Summary of the August 18 Public Meeting On The Proposed Martin Marietta Wind Energy Project Proposed for Woodville, Ohio
Woodville Township Board of Trustees August 30, 2022
321 Main Street
Woodville, Ohio 43469
Members of the Board of Trustees,
The Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) would like to thank the Woodville Township Board of Trustees for the opportunity to delve into the matter of wind turbines at Martin Marietta and their implications for birds, the citizens of Woodville, and Northwest Ohio in general. We will keep our discussion here confined to only a few of the considerations we believe to be most relevant and important to the Board’s decision at their next meeting on September 7th.
The experts at Black Swamp Bird Observatory firmly believe that the use of wind turbines in Northwestern Ohio should be prohibited in order to avoid extreme and unnecessary risk to resident Bald Eagles and to one of the largest concentrations of migrating birds in North America. It is simply an unsafe place for wind turbines. We again encourage the use of solar arrays and rooftop solar to expand the use of renewable energy in this area.
CONCLUSIONS
For the reasons set forth above, BSBO respectfully requests that the Trustees resolve to:
Sincerely,
Don Bauman, BSBO Board of Directors, Chair
Kimberly Kaufman, BSBO Executive Director
Mark Shieldcastle, BSBO Research Director
Cc: Lori Kepus, Fiscal Officer, Woodville Township
321 Main Street
Woodville, Ohio 43469
Members of the Board of Trustees,
The Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) would like to thank the Woodville Township Board of Trustees for the opportunity to delve into the matter of wind turbines at Martin Marietta and their implications for birds, the citizens of Woodville, and Northwest Ohio in general. We will keep our discussion here confined to only a few of the considerations we believe to be most relevant and important to the Board’s decision at their next meeting on September 7th.
- The Woodville Township Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 18, 2022, tried to focus on the resolution to amend the zoning ordinances to include the newly written section 7.11 defining a “large wind system.” But the primary issue of whether or not there should even be such a resolution was continually raised by attendees. They often made their comments to the Board saying, in effect, why do we need a resolution to allow a larger wind system in the township when the current regulations have clearly banned them, and have done so intentionally, expressing the will of the members of the community that is Woodville Township?
The attendees were told that the resolution before the Board was not made specifically to accommodate the wants of Martin Marietta or One Energy, but would be applied to all of Woodville Township at any time in the future. However, it was also pointed out that there were no more M-2 zones in which to put a large wind system other than at Martin Marietta. The singular exemption of the S-1 zone -- the cemetery -- from the 1,500 foot setback further identifies this amendment as tailored to Martin Marietta’s goals. Thus, to say that the resolution is not intended to serve the purposes of Martin Marietta and One Energy intentionally is simply not accurate.
In the final analysis, it is the responsibility of the Board to define an acceptable wind system which excludes certain turbine designs and capacities which are not desired in the community. The current definition of a small wind system in section 7.5 does exactly that. In fact, if section 7.11 is enacted, there is no need for section 7.5, and what was previously adopted as 7.5 would no longer protect and promote the health and safety of the community. - BSBO has encouraged Martin Marietta to install a field of solar panels instead of wind turbines because solar is much less lethal to avian life, and because solar panels are made locally in Perrysburg by First Solar. The response from One Energy was that solar had been evaluated during the feasibility stage of the project and there were two shortcomings in the solar option: a) First Solar is not taking on projects having less than 1 GW capacity, and that their panels are not available otherwise; b) it was estimated that it would take 100 acres of land to provide solar having enough capacity to equal the 4.5 MW turbines. We have investigated the accuracy of these statements by talking to local installers of commercial scale solar arrays and found the statements by One Energy to be inaccurate.
2a) First Solar does not take on projects of less than utility scale because that is their business model. They refer clients like Martin Marietta with smaller projects to local distributors who provide locally-made panel.
2b) We referred to the calculations recommended by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the calculator called PVWatts Calculator to develop two conclusions. First, it would require about 10.6 MW DC of solar panels to equate to 4.5 MW of wind turbines (both capable of producing 13,800,000 kWh/yr). Second, this would require between 31.8 and 53.0 acres of land, not 100 acres. (The reason for seemingly large variance in the true acreage requirement is to take into account effects of land topography and geometry on spacing and placement of the solar panels. Flat land having nearly rectangular shape would be closer to the lower estimate since it would optimize panel spacing.) This implies that the existing land available for the turbines could be used instead to provide a very nearly equal amount of power by installing solar panels. To Martin Marietta’s benefit, the on-going maintenance costs of the solar panels would be expected to be less than that of the turbines.
2c) The use of solar instead of wind turbines would not require any amendment to the zoning ordinances, and would avoid the public perception that the health and safety of the citizens of Woodville are secondary to the finances of Martin Marietta. - There were a couple of considerations that went unmentioned at the meeting. One was that if there were a catastrophic turbine failure resulting in a collapsing tower falling in the direction of the cemetery, given the current setback proposal of 200 feet for S-1, the northern most turbine would fall 200 feet into the cemetery. The second northern most turbine would fall 20 feet into the cemetery. Considering the excellent degree of care and maintenance exhibited by the cemetery’s upkeep, the apparent pride the community takes in the cemetery, and the safety of cemetery visitors these possibilities should be avoided at all cost by removing the exemption of S-1 from the setback requirement of 1,500 feet. A second concern is of a similar nature and concerns debris from either ice throw or blade failure being tossed into the cemetery. In the event of either of these events happening, the cemetery is well within the trajectory of the debris should a setback of only 200 feet be enacted.
- The last issue to be considered is the lack of any stated planning for the eventual decommissioning of the turbines at the end of their useful life. Turbines have an expected life of about 25 years. Erecting them without a plan for decommissioning seems rather shortsighted. Since the turbines have no real utility beyond 25 years, a plan for their decommissioning would be prudent because it is an expensive process. Indeed, advanced planning for the decommissioning of turbines is a step that the Ohio Power Siting Board is coming to see as necessary, to the extent they have required escrow accounts be established to pay for the eventual decommissioning of turbines in the projects which they oversee.
The experts at Black Swamp Bird Observatory firmly believe that the use of wind turbines in Northwestern Ohio should be prohibited in order to avoid extreme and unnecessary risk to resident Bald Eagles and to one of the largest concentrations of migrating birds in North America. It is simply an unsafe place for wind turbines. We again encourage the use of solar arrays and rooftop solar to expand the use of renewable energy in this area.
CONCLUSIONS
For the reasons set forth above, BSBO respectfully requests that the Trustees resolve to:
- protect this ecologically sensitive area so crucial to migratory and resident birds support the multi-million dollar economic impact of the birding industry in northwest Ohio
- remove the exemption of S-1 from the setback requirement of 1,500 feet in order to protect the cemetery property and its visitors from harm
- vote against any ordinance developed primarily to accommodate the Martin Marietta wind energy project
Sincerely,
Don Bauman, BSBO Board of Directors, Chair
Kimberly Kaufman, BSBO Executive Director
Mark Shieldcastle, BSBO Research Director
Cc: Lori Kepus, Fiscal Officer, Woodville Township
During a recent visit to International Park in east Toledo, BSBO Executive Director, Kimberly Kaufman, looked upon and photographed the skyline of downtown Toledo at 9:30 p.m. This photograph is hers and below she explains her reaction to the sight she witnessed:
“Following a lovely dinner with friends along the Maumee River, I paused to admire and appreciate the scene before us. It was a beautiful summer evening: boats on the river, people walking in the park. And then I looked up at the city skyline. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was overcome with emotion at what I saw. The upper floors of nearly every tall building in the city of Toledo were dark. The culmination of years of effort, an entire city now cares more about birds, and they’re proving that through conservation action. I can’t tell you how proud I was to be part of BSBO in that moment.” ~Kimberly Kaufman
Roaming cat and outdoor feeding station ban
After months of effort, the BSBO Conservation Committee is thrilled to announce that on October 15, the Oak Harbor Village Council voted unanimously to approve legislation banning roaming cats and outdoor feeding stations.
In June 2017, the BSBO Conservation Committee convened a working group to address the disturbing number of roaming cats in the Village of Oak Harbor, Ohio. While the effort focused primarily on the risk to human health and the rights of property owners in the village, banning roaming cats has the important added benefit of saving native birds and wildlife.
BSBO presented the initial draft legislation and brought an impressive range of experts and community leaders to the working group, including a local veterinarian, attorneys, village administration and council members, local cat shelter directors, and the director of the Chamber of Commerce. The group researched legislation passed by other cities and municipalities, and presented a reasonable, well-researched, and enforceable legislation to village council. The law forbids providing a “regular” outdoor feeding or watering area, and lists persistent howling, noxious odors from defecating and urinating, and damage to vegetation among possible complaints to legally address.
This is a huge victory for bird conservation! We hope the legislation will serve as a model for other areas dealing with this serious problem.
Domestic cats make wonderful companions when kept indoors or allowed outside only when confined. When allowed to roam, they are nonnative predators that kill billions of birds each year. (Yes, billions with a B.) The more we can work towards a reasonable solution the more it benefits birds, people, and the cats, too! We hope the legislation will serve as a model for other areas dealing with this serious problem.
CLICK HERE to read the legislation in its entirety.
In June 2017, the BSBO Conservation Committee convened a working group to address the disturbing number of roaming cats in the Village of Oak Harbor, Ohio. While the effort focused primarily on the risk to human health and the rights of property owners in the village, banning roaming cats has the important added benefit of saving native birds and wildlife.
BSBO presented the initial draft legislation and brought an impressive range of experts and community leaders to the working group, including a local veterinarian, attorneys, village administration and council members, local cat shelter directors, and the director of the Chamber of Commerce. The group researched legislation passed by other cities and municipalities, and presented a reasonable, well-researched, and enforceable legislation to village council. The law forbids providing a “regular” outdoor feeding or watering area, and lists persistent howling, noxious odors from defecating and urinating, and damage to vegetation among possible complaints to legally address.
This is a huge victory for bird conservation! We hope the legislation will serve as a model for other areas dealing with this serious problem.
Domestic cats make wonderful companions when kept indoors or allowed outside only when confined. When allowed to roam, they are nonnative predators that kill billions of birds each year. (Yes, billions with a B.) The more we can work towards a reasonable solution the more it benefits birds, people, and the cats, too! We hope the legislation will serve as a model for other areas dealing with this serious problem.
CLICK HERE to read the legislation in its entirety.
2018 Updates
January
BSBO Conservation Update
January 2018
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
While no meeting date with legislators and ODNR has yet been set, we understand that ODNR is ready to discuss draft legislation and see if consensus can be reached to move it forward. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats and the habitats that support them from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has filed a petition to resume the OPSB proceeding considering LEEDCo’s application for approval of the Icebreaker Project. LEEDCo attempts to justify this request on the basis that they have addressed ODNR concerns about the lack of an adequate radar study to identify the make-up and size of the bird and bat populations which would be impacted by wind turbines constructed at the proposed Icebreaker site in Lake Erie. It appears that once again, LEEDCo is attempting to take shortcuts, rather than doing a scientifically supportable job of addressing ODNR’s concerns. The BSBO Conservation Team, led by Mark Shieldcastle has prepared and filed comments with the OPSB pointing out the deficiencies in LEEDCo’s approach and objecting to the resumption of the OPSB proceeding. BSBO is guardedly optimistic that ODNR and perhaps USFWS will also register its opinion that LEEDCo has not put forward an adequate plan for the extremely important radar studies.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
(Timber Road is a wind energy facility in western Ohio)
BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle, and Conservation Team member, Don Bauman’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data has been provided to nationally known expert, Dr. Shawn Smallwood. As Dr. Smallwood’s detailed analysis has been delayed, other options are being considered to provide some information to EDP in the near future.
Bird-Friendly Communities
Bird-Friendly Toledo
BSBO initiated a conference call with building managers and government officials to discuss lighting strategies and other measures to reduce bird mortality from birds being attracted to and striking tall, lighted buildings. This program would be part of a state-wide program seeking to introduce such bird-friendly initiatives in other major cities in Ohio. The initial call was productive and the foundation for some specific actions was developed. We will keep you updated on progress with this initiative.
Bird-friendly Oak Harbor
BSBO initiated and facilitated a meeting with local officials, experts in various fields, and concerned citizens to continue discussions of how to deal with growing populations of feral cats in the community. BSBO will continue to be involved to assist in developing measures to resolve this problem as appropriate.
January 2018
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
While no meeting date with legislators and ODNR has yet been set, we understand that ODNR is ready to discuss draft legislation and see if consensus can be reached to move it forward. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats and the habitats that support them from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has filed a petition to resume the OPSB proceeding considering LEEDCo’s application for approval of the Icebreaker Project. LEEDCo attempts to justify this request on the basis that they have addressed ODNR concerns about the lack of an adequate radar study to identify the make-up and size of the bird and bat populations which would be impacted by wind turbines constructed at the proposed Icebreaker site in Lake Erie. It appears that once again, LEEDCo is attempting to take shortcuts, rather than doing a scientifically supportable job of addressing ODNR’s concerns. The BSBO Conservation Team, led by Mark Shieldcastle has prepared and filed comments with the OPSB pointing out the deficiencies in LEEDCo’s approach and objecting to the resumption of the OPSB proceeding. BSBO is guardedly optimistic that ODNR and perhaps USFWS will also register its opinion that LEEDCo has not put forward an adequate plan for the extremely important radar studies.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
(Timber Road is a wind energy facility in western Ohio)
BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle, and Conservation Team member, Don Bauman’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data has been provided to nationally known expert, Dr. Shawn Smallwood. As Dr. Smallwood’s detailed analysis has been delayed, other options are being considered to provide some information to EDP in the near future.
Bird-Friendly Communities
Bird-Friendly Toledo
BSBO initiated a conference call with building managers and government officials to discuss lighting strategies and other measures to reduce bird mortality from birds being attracted to and striking tall, lighted buildings. This program would be part of a state-wide program seeking to introduce such bird-friendly initiatives in other major cities in Ohio. The initial call was productive and the foundation for some specific actions was developed. We will keep you updated on progress with this initiative.
Bird-friendly Oak Harbor
BSBO initiated and facilitated a meeting with local officials, experts in various fields, and concerned citizens to continue discussions of how to deal with growing populations of feral cats in the community. BSBO will continue to be involved to assist in developing measures to resolve this problem as appropriate.
February
BSBO CONSERVATION UPDATE
February 2018
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
Our discussions with lawmakers and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources continue as BSBO navigates the complex and complicated process of changing Ohio law regarding single turbine projects in bird-sensitive areas. These projects currently require ZERO wildlife review. In fact, the state and federal wildlife agencies don’t even have to be made aware of these projects before they’re approved. It’s a long process, but we intend to be persistent and tenacious.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has filed a petition to resume the OPSB proceeding considering LEEDCo’s application for approval of the Icebreaker Project. LEEDCo attempts to justify this request on the basis that they have addressed ODNR concerns about the lack of an adequate radar study to identify the make-up and size of the bird and bat populations which would be impacted by wind turbines constructed at the proposed Icebreaker site in Lake Erie. It appears that, once again, LEEDCo is attempting to take shortcuts, rather than doing a scientifically sound job of addressing ODNR’s concerns on the methodology for a radar study. At the same time, LEEDCo is seeking an expedited OPSB review of LEEDCo’s plans to attempt to regain time lost during the suspension of the OPSB proceeding. It appears likely that OPSB will allow resumption of the application proceeding but will refuse any expedited timeline for OPSB consideration of LEEDCo’s action. Based on the pre-construction work that LEEDCo is required to perform under the MOU relative to impacts on birds and bats, and what appears to be ODNR’s intent to hold LEEDCo to the requirements of the MOU, no construction could begin during 2018. BSBO will continue to monitor the OPSB proceeding and to have input where possible.
Bird-Friendly Communities
Bird-Friendly Toledo
This initiative is moving forward, as BSBO has arranged a meeting with Lucas County Commissioner, Carol Contrada, and other key stakeholders to take the next steps in coordinating efforts Toledo can take as part of a state-wide program seeking to introduce such bird-friendly initiatives. We will keep you updated on progress.
Bird-Friendly Oak Harbor
BSBO conservation team members initiated a recent meeting with local officials, experts in various fields, and concerned citizens, to continue discussions of how to deal with growing populations of feral cats in the community. As an action item from that meeting, BSBO agreed to provide services to amend the current legislation and add language to address the feral and free-roaming cat issue in the Village. A second meeting takes place in early March to allow BSBO expects to meet with local officials soon to discuss specific items and language.
Meet The BSBO Conservation Team at The Biggest Week
The Conservation Team will have a greater presence at the Biggest Week this year, promoting support for the Biggest Week Conservation Fund to help support local habitat restoration. We hope to meet and discuss bird conservation issues with many of you at the BSBO booth at the Maumee Bay State Lodge, May 4-12, from 3-7:00 PM.
February 2018
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
Our discussions with lawmakers and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources continue as BSBO navigates the complex and complicated process of changing Ohio law regarding single turbine projects in bird-sensitive areas. These projects currently require ZERO wildlife review. In fact, the state and federal wildlife agencies don’t even have to be made aware of these projects before they’re approved. It’s a long process, but we intend to be persistent and tenacious.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has filed a petition to resume the OPSB proceeding considering LEEDCo’s application for approval of the Icebreaker Project. LEEDCo attempts to justify this request on the basis that they have addressed ODNR concerns about the lack of an adequate radar study to identify the make-up and size of the bird and bat populations which would be impacted by wind turbines constructed at the proposed Icebreaker site in Lake Erie. It appears that, once again, LEEDCo is attempting to take shortcuts, rather than doing a scientifically sound job of addressing ODNR’s concerns on the methodology for a radar study. At the same time, LEEDCo is seeking an expedited OPSB review of LEEDCo’s plans to attempt to regain time lost during the suspension of the OPSB proceeding. It appears likely that OPSB will allow resumption of the application proceeding but will refuse any expedited timeline for OPSB consideration of LEEDCo’s action. Based on the pre-construction work that LEEDCo is required to perform under the MOU relative to impacts on birds and bats, and what appears to be ODNR’s intent to hold LEEDCo to the requirements of the MOU, no construction could begin during 2018. BSBO will continue to monitor the OPSB proceeding and to have input where possible.
Bird-Friendly Communities
Bird-Friendly Toledo
This initiative is moving forward, as BSBO has arranged a meeting with Lucas County Commissioner, Carol Contrada, and other key stakeholders to take the next steps in coordinating efforts Toledo can take as part of a state-wide program seeking to introduce such bird-friendly initiatives. We will keep you updated on progress.
Bird-Friendly Oak Harbor
BSBO conservation team members initiated a recent meeting with local officials, experts in various fields, and concerned citizens, to continue discussions of how to deal with growing populations of feral cats in the community. As an action item from that meeting, BSBO agreed to provide services to amend the current legislation and add language to address the feral and free-roaming cat issue in the Village. A second meeting takes place in early March to allow BSBO expects to meet with local officials soon to discuss specific items and language.
Meet The BSBO Conservation Team at The Biggest Week
The Conservation Team will have a greater presence at the Biggest Week this year, promoting support for the Biggest Week Conservation Fund to help support local habitat restoration. We hope to meet and discuss bird conservation issues with many of you at the BSBO booth at the Maumee Bay State Lodge, May 4-12, from 3-7:00 PM.
March
April
May
JUne
July
August
September
October
November
December
2017 Updates
DEcember
BSBO Conservation Update
December 2017
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
While no meeting date with legislators and ODNR has yet been set, we understand that ODNR is ready to discuss draft legislation and see if consensus can be reached to move it forward. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats and the habitats that support them from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has filed a petition to resume the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) proceeding considering LEEDCo’s application for approval of the Icebreaker Project. LEEDCo attempts to justify this request on the basis that they have addressed Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) concerns about the lack of an adequate radar study to identify the make-up and size of the bird and bat populations which would be impacted by wind turbines constructed at the proposed Icebreaker site in Lake Erie. It appears that once again, LEEDCo is attempting to take shortcuts, rather than doing a scientifically supportable job of addressing ODNR’s concerns. The BSBO Conservation Team filed comments with the OPSB pointing out the deficiencies in LEEDCo’s approach and objecting to the resumption of the OPSB proceeding. BSBO is guardedly optimistic that ODNR and perhaps USFWS will also register its opinion that LEEDCo has not put forward an adequate plan for the extremely important radar studies.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle, and Conservation Team member, Don Bauman’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data has been provided to nationally known expert, Dr. Shawn Smallwood. As Dr. Smallwood’s detailed analysis has been delayed, other options are being considered to provide some information to EDP in the near future.
Bird-Friendly Toledo
BSBO staff gathered together several individuals to begin to discuss a Bird-friendly Toledo campaign. This program would be part of a state-wide program seeking to introduce such bird-friendly initiatives in other major cities in Ohio. The initial call was productive and the foundation for some specific actions was developed. We will keep you updated on progress with this initiative.
Feral Cat Control in Oak Harbor
BSBO took the lead on initiating legislation in the city of Oak Harbor to begin to address the feral and free-roaming cat issue. Members of the BSBO staff participated in a recent meeting with local officials, experts in various fields to discuss the issue and begin to form a solution through legislation.
December 2017
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
While no meeting date with legislators and ODNR has yet been set, we understand that ODNR is ready to discuss draft legislation and see if consensus can be reached to move it forward. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats and the habitats that support them from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has filed a petition to resume the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) proceeding considering LEEDCo’s application for approval of the Icebreaker Project. LEEDCo attempts to justify this request on the basis that they have addressed Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) concerns about the lack of an adequate radar study to identify the make-up and size of the bird and bat populations which would be impacted by wind turbines constructed at the proposed Icebreaker site in Lake Erie. It appears that once again, LEEDCo is attempting to take shortcuts, rather than doing a scientifically supportable job of addressing ODNR’s concerns. The BSBO Conservation Team filed comments with the OPSB pointing out the deficiencies in LEEDCo’s approach and objecting to the resumption of the OPSB proceeding. BSBO is guardedly optimistic that ODNR and perhaps USFWS will also register its opinion that LEEDCo has not put forward an adequate plan for the extremely important radar studies.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle, and Conservation Team member, Don Bauman’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data has been provided to nationally known expert, Dr. Shawn Smallwood. As Dr. Smallwood’s detailed analysis has been delayed, other options are being considered to provide some information to EDP in the near future.
Bird-Friendly Toledo
BSBO staff gathered together several individuals to begin to discuss a Bird-friendly Toledo campaign. This program would be part of a state-wide program seeking to introduce such bird-friendly initiatives in other major cities in Ohio. The initial call was productive and the foundation for some specific actions was developed. We will keep you updated on progress with this initiative.
Feral Cat Control in Oak Harbor
BSBO took the lead on initiating legislation in the city of Oak Harbor to begin to address the feral and free-roaming cat issue. Members of the BSBO staff participated in a recent meeting with local officials, experts in various fields to discuss the issue and begin to form a solution through legislation.
November
Single-turbine wind energy projects: BSBO presses for legislation
Representatives of BSBO hope to meet with legislators and ODNR representatives sometime next month to discuss the legislative proposal prepared by BSBO. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats, and their habitats from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
BSBO’s efforts on the Icebreaker offshore wind project continue on two related but separate aspects of regulatory consideration:
(1) DOE public comment process:
As posted on the BSBO website, BSBO and the American Bird Conservancy submitted a detailed analysis of the deficiencies of the Icebreaker Environmental Assessment (EA) to the Department of Energy (DOE) during the EA’s public comment period. BSBO hopes to convince DOE that a more detailed study of the project’s impacts on birds and bats is warranted, in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The concerns BSBO and ABC outline have been echoed by a more recent review submitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
(2) OPSB application proceeding:
BSBO plans to prepare and submit additional written comments on the many deficiencies in the environmental impact studies which consultants for LEEDCo have prepared and are before the OPSB. BSBO provided oral testimony at a November 8 public hearing in Cleveland.
Further, BSBO understands that LEEDCo has failed to initiate the avian radar studies required by the Memorandum of Understanding with ODNR; this could delay subsequent activities on the project. USFWS has begun its own shore-based avian radar study in the Cleveland area. It is unclear what conclusions about the impacts of the LEEDCo project might be drawn from such a shore-based study.
Free-ranging and feral cats
BSBO Executive Director Kimberly Kaufman was recently invited to participate in a panel discussion on free-roaming and feral cats and their impact to birds and wildlife. The panel took place during the Ohio Community Wildlife Conference in Columbus, Ohio. BSBO provided copies of Dr. Peter Marra’s book, Cat Wars, and sold all 27 copies we had on hand. Read BSBO’s position statement on the topic here.
Conservation outreach efforts
Other members of the BSBO Conservation Committee, including Mark Shieldcastle, John Hageman, and Steve Pollick, have recently addressed groups on relevant conservation topics. Mark Shieldcastle presented on wind energy and the lack of sound science for the Ohio Avian Research Conference. Steve Pollick and John Hageman, the team’s well- known journalists, continue to address bird conservation issues in publications such as Ohio Outdoor News, the Sandusky Register, and others. Please watch for the fine articles penned by these experts, and share them with your family and friends!
Representatives of BSBO hope to meet with legislators and ODNR representatives sometime next month to discuss the legislative proposal prepared by BSBO. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats, and their habitats from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
BSBO’s efforts on the Icebreaker offshore wind project continue on two related but separate aspects of regulatory consideration:
(1) DOE public comment process:
As posted on the BSBO website, BSBO and the American Bird Conservancy submitted a detailed analysis of the deficiencies of the Icebreaker Environmental Assessment (EA) to the Department of Energy (DOE) during the EA’s public comment period. BSBO hopes to convince DOE that a more detailed study of the project’s impacts on birds and bats is warranted, in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The concerns BSBO and ABC outline have been echoed by a more recent review submitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
(2) OPSB application proceeding:
BSBO plans to prepare and submit additional written comments on the many deficiencies in the environmental impact studies which consultants for LEEDCo have prepared and are before the OPSB. BSBO provided oral testimony at a November 8 public hearing in Cleveland.
Further, BSBO understands that LEEDCo has failed to initiate the avian radar studies required by the Memorandum of Understanding with ODNR; this could delay subsequent activities on the project. USFWS has begun its own shore-based avian radar study in the Cleveland area. It is unclear what conclusions about the impacts of the LEEDCo project might be drawn from such a shore-based study.
Free-ranging and feral cats
BSBO Executive Director Kimberly Kaufman was recently invited to participate in a panel discussion on free-roaming and feral cats and their impact to birds and wildlife. The panel took place during the Ohio Community Wildlife Conference in Columbus, Ohio. BSBO provided copies of Dr. Peter Marra’s book, Cat Wars, and sold all 27 copies we had on hand. Read BSBO’s position statement on the topic here.
Conservation outreach efforts
Other members of the BSBO Conservation Committee, including Mark Shieldcastle, John Hageman, and Steve Pollick, have recently addressed groups on relevant conservation topics. Mark Shieldcastle presented on wind energy and the lack of sound science for the Ohio Avian Research Conference. Steve Pollick and John Hageman, the team’s well- known journalists, continue to address bird conservation issues in publications such as Ohio Outdoor News, the Sandusky Register, and others. Please watch for the fine articles penned by these experts, and share them with your family and friends!
October
BSBO Conservation Update
October 2017
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects: BSBO presses for legislation
It is hoped that sometime during November representatives of BSBO will be meeting with legislators and ODNR representatives to discuss the legislative proposal prepared by BSBO. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats and the habitats that support them from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
BSBO efforts on the Icebreaker project continue on two related but separate aspects of regulatory consideration of this wind energy project off the shore of Lake Erie:
DOE Public Comment Process -
As posted on the BSBO website, BSBO and the American Bird Conservancy submitted a detailed analysis of the deficiencies of the Icebreaker Environmental Assessment (EA) to DOE prior to October 10, 2017, the close of the public comment period on the EA. The desired outcome is to convince DOE that more detailed study of the impacts of the project on birds and bats is warranted, in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The concerns BSBO and ABC outlines in our review of the EA were echoed by the more recent review submitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
OPSB Application proceeding -
BSBO plans to prepare and submit additional written comments on the many deficiencies in the environmental impact studies which consultants for LEEDCo have prepared and are before the OPSB. BSBO provided oral testimony at a November 8 public hearing in Cleveland.
Further, BSBO understands that LEEDCo has failed to initiate the avian radar studies required by the Memorandum of Understanding with ODNR which could delay subsequent activities on the project. USFWS has begun its own shore-based avian radar study in the Cleveland area. It is unclear what conclusions about the impacts of the LEEDCo project might be drawn from such a shore-based study.
Free-ranging and feral cats -
In November, BSBO Executive Director, Kimberly Kaufman was invited to participate in a panel discussion on free-roaming and feral cats and their impact to birds and wildlife during the Ohio Community Wildlife Conference in Columbus, Ohio. BSBO provided copies of Dr. Peter Marra’s book, Cat Wars, and sold all 27 copies we had on hand.
Conservation Outreach Efforts
Other members of the BSBO Conservation Committee, including Mark Shieldcastle, John Hageman, and Steve Pollick, have recently addressed groups on relevant conservation topics. Mark presented on wind energy and the lack of sound science for the Ohio Avian Research Conference. The team’s well- known journalists, Steve Pollick and John Hageman continue to address bird conservation issues in publications such as Ohio Outdoor News, the Sandusky Register and others. Please watch for the fine articles penned by these experts and let your family and friends know about them!
October 2017
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects: BSBO presses for legislation
It is hoped that sometime during November representatives of BSBO will be meeting with legislators and ODNR representatives to discuss the legislative proposal prepared by BSBO. We will keep you apprised of developments in this critical effort to protect birds, bats and the habitats that support them from poorly sited wind turbines.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
BSBO efforts on the Icebreaker project continue on two related but separate aspects of regulatory consideration of this wind energy project off the shore of Lake Erie:
DOE Public Comment Process -
As posted on the BSBO website, BSBO and the American Bird Conservancy submitted a detailed analysis of the deficiencies of the Icebreaker Environmental Assessment (EA) to DOE prior to October 10, 2017, the close of the public comment period on the EA. The desired outcome is to convince DOE that more detailed study of the impacts of the project on birds and bats is warranted, in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The concerns BSBO and ABC outlines in our review of the EA were echoed by the more recent review submitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
OPSB Application proceeding -
BSBO plans to prepare and submit additional written comments on the many deficiencies in the environmental impact studies which consultants for LEEDCo have prepared and are before the OPSB. BSBO provided oral testimony at a November 8 public hearing in Cleveland.
Further, BSBO understands that LEEDCo has failed to initiate the avian radar studies required by the Memorandum of Understanding with ODNR which could delay subsequent activities on the project. USFWS has begun its own shore-based avian radar study in the Cleveland area. It is unclear what conclusions about the impacts of the LEEDCo project might be drawn from such a shore-based study.
Free-ranging and feral cats -
In November, BSBO Executive Director, Kimberly Kaufman was invited to participate in a panel discussion on free-roaming and feral cats and their impact to birds and wildlife during the Ohio Community Wildlife Conference in Columbus, Ohio. BSBO provided copies of Dr. Peter Marra’s book, Cat Wars, and sold all 27 copies we had on hand.
Conservation Outreach Efforts
Other members of the BSBO Conservation Committee, including Mark Shieldcastle, John Hageman, and Steve Pollick, have recently addressed groups on relevant conservation topics. Mark presented on wind energy and the lack of sound science for the Ohio Avian Research Conference. The team’s well- known journalists, Steve Pollick and John Hageman continue to address bird conservation issues in publications such as Ohio Outdoor News, the Sandusky Register and others. Please watch for the fine articles penned by these experts and let your family and friends know about them!
September
BSBO CONSERVATION UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2017
by Ken Mauer
While the calendar indicates that it is officially Autumn, the weather definitely feels more like the August weather we did not have during August! Good birding to all during the fall migration!
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
As previously reported, the current regulatory structure in Ohio allows the installation and operation of single turbines with no environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to require the following:
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data (Note: Anything new to report on this item?)
BSBO’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data will soon be available in written form. The initial draft is undergoing review by nationally renowned expert Dr. Shawn Smallwood. We are hopeful that Dr. Smallwood can shed additional light on the many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data that Mark and Don initially identified.
Conservation Team Members Honored with
BSBO Awards
Several members of the Conservation Team received awards at the annual BSBO Volunteer Recognition Picnic. Awards for outstanding volunteer service to BSBO went to Karen Zach and Randy Kreager. Conservation Service awards went to Don Bauman and Ken Mauer.
SEPTEMBER 2017
by Ken Mauer
While the calendar indicates that it is officially Autumn, the weather definitely feels more like the August weather we did not have during August! Good birding to all during the fall migration!
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
As previously reported, the current regulatory structure in Ohio allows the installation and operation of single turbines with no environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to require the following:
- Commercial-size single turbine installations undergo a rigorous pre-construction environmental impact review
- Methodologies for the impact review are spelled out in detail
- Similarly rigorous post-construction studies are required
- The data generated by all of these studies are made available for public review and comment.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
- BSBO’s efforts on the Icebreaker project have intensified. Two distinct regulatory aspects of this offshore wind project have emerged as being of particular importance: OPSB Application proceedings. BSBO plans to prepare and submit additional written comments on LEEDCo’s OPSB application. Comments will emphasize the many deficiencies in the environmental impact studies that were prepared by consultants for LEEDCo. BSBO is also considering providing oral testimony at a November public hearing to be held in Cleveland.
- DOE Public Comment Process. The U.S. Department of Energy, which is the primary financial sponsor of the LEEDCo project, is now allowing public comments on a variety of subjects including environmental impact. Two members of the Conservation Committee attended a DOE-sponsored open house in Lakewood, OH. At this event, certain limited information on the current provisional conclusions of the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was made available. The impacts on birds and bats are included in the EA. Disturbingly, and contrary to BSBO’s position, [LMM1] the EA concludes that adverse impact on birds and bats would be inconsequential. The Conservation Committee preparing a detailed analysis of the deficiencies of the EA. This analysis will be submitted to the DOE prior to October 10, 2017, the close of the public comment period on the EA. The desired outcome is to convince the DOE that a more detailed study of the impacts of the project on birds and bats is warranted, in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data (Note: Anything new to report on this item?)
BSBO’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data will soon be available in written form. The initial draft is undergoing review by nationally renowned expert Dr. Shawn Smallwood. We are hopeful that Dr. Smallwood can shed additional light on the many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data that Mark and Don initially identified.
Conservation Team Members Honored with
BSBO Awards
Several members of the Conservation Team received awards at the annual BSBO Volunteer Recognition Picnic. Awards for outstanding volunteer service to BSBO went to Karen Zach and Randy Kreager. Conservation Service awards went to Don Bauman and Ken Mauer.
August
BSBO CONSERVATION UPDATE
AUGUST 2017
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
Unfortunately, the current regulatory structure in Ohio allows the installation and operation of single turbines with no environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to require that: commercial-size single turbine installations undergo a rigorous pre-construction environmental impact review, that the methodologies for the impact review are spelled out in detail, that similarly rigorous post-construction studies are required, and that the data generated by all of these studies are made available for public review and comment. Productive meetings with key legislators have now been held to educate them about the impacts that poorly sited single turbines can have on bird and bat populations along the shore of Lake Erie. Next steps to move the BSBO agenda forward are currently being formulated.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has submitted its revised application for construction of the six turbine offshore demonstration project in Lake Erie to the Ohio Power Siting Board, including the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which will govern pre-construction, construction, and post-construction monitoring for aquatic/fisheries and avian (birds and bats) impacts of the project. While the language of the MOUs is not as strong as BSBO had previously been advised, we are hopeful that the terms of those documents will be rigorously enforced by Ohio DNR. As the OPSB application review proceeding will now resume BSBO will continue to participate in the application process to ensure, to the extent possible, that environmental impact is given due consideration by OPSB prior to issuance of any sort of permission for the project to begin. Public meetings related to the LEEDCo project will be held in the coming months and BSBO will participate in them, as appropriate.
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
As you may recall, this litigation concerns why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio should not be considered trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio. Despite a persuasive amicus brief prepared and filed by counsel for the American Bird Conservancy and BSBO, the Court in Franklin County granted Iberdrola’s Motion for Summary Judgement, upholding Iberdrola’s position that it has a right to suppress the mortality data and virtually ignoring the arguments made by ABC and BSBO. As earlier reported, BSBO did explore options for appeal of the very disappointing decision, but concluded that only if ODNR agreed to initiate the appeal could it have any realistic chance of success. Unfortunately, ODNR has advised that it will not pursue an appeal, so it appears that there is nothing BSBO can do legally, at this time.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle, and Conservation Team member, Don Bauman’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data will soon be available in written form. The initial draft is undergoing review by nationally known expert, Dr. Shawn Smallwood. We are hopeful that Dr. Smallwood can shed additional light on the many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data that Mark and Don initially identified.
Distribution of 2017 BWIAB Conservation Funds
BSBO staff recommended to the Conservation Committee that the $8, 000 donated by generous conservation advocates at the 2017 BWIAB, be distributed to the Standing Rush Marsh Restoration Project. This is a 600 acre marsh which was once prime marshland, but was not properly managed and maintained under prior ownership. The new owners have indicated that this property will be made accessible for birders in the future.
AUGUST 2017
by Ken Mauer
Single-Turbine Wind Energy Projects
Unfortunately, the current regulatory structure in Ohio allows the installation and operation of single turbines with no environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to require that: commercial-size single turbine installations undergo a rigorous pre-construction environmental impact review, that the methodologies for the impact review are spelled out in detail, that similarly rigorous post-construction studies are required, and that the data generated by all of these studies are made available for public review and comment. Productive meetings with key legislators have now been held to educate them about the impacts that poorly sited single turbines can have on bird and bat populations along the shore of Lake Erie. Next steps to move the BSBO agenda forward are currently being formulated.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has submitted its revised application for construction of the six turbine offshore demonstration project in Lake Erie to the Ohio Power Siting Board, including the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which will govern pre-construction, construction, and post-construction monitoring for aquatic/fisheries and avian (birds and bats) impacts of the project. While the language of the MOUs is not as strong as BSBO had previously been advised, we are hopeful that the terms of those documents will be rigorously enforced by Ohio DNR. As the OPSB application review proceeding will now resume BSBO will continue to participate in the application process to ensure, to the extent possible, that environmental impact is given due consideration by OPSB prior to issuance of any sort of permission for the project to begin. Public meetings related to the LEEDCo project will be held in the coming months and BSBO will participate in them, as appropriate.
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
As you may recall, this litigation concerns why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio should not be considered trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio. Despite a persuasive amicus brief prepared and filed by counsel for the American Bird Conservancy and BSBO, the Court in Franklin County granted Iberdrola’s Motion for Summary Judgement, upholding Iberdrola’s position that it has a right to suppress the mortality data and virtually ignoring the arguments made by ABC and BSBO. As earlier reported, BSBO did explore options for appeal of the very disappointing decision, but concluded that only if ODNR agreed to initiate the appeal could it have any realistic chance of success. Unfortunately, ODNR has advised that it will not pursue an appeal, so it appears that there is nothing BSBO can do legally, at this time.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle, and Conservation Team member, Don Bauman’s comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data will soon be available in written form. The initial draft is undergoing review by nationally known expert, Dr. Shawn Smallwood. We are hopeful that Dr. Smallwood can shed additional light on the many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data that Mark and Don initially identified.
Distribution of 2017 BWIAB Conservation Funds
BSBO staff recommended to the Conservation Committee that the $8, 000 donated by generous conservation advocates at the 2017 BWIAB, be distributed to the Standing Rush Marsh Restoration Project. This is a 600 acre marsh which was once prime marshland, but was not properly managed and maintained under prior ownership. The new owners have indicated that this property will be made accessible for birders in the future.
july
BSBO CONSERVATION UPDATE
July 2017
by Ken Mauer
Significant indoor activity by the BSBO Conservation Team has also been occurring to address a number of wind energy issues of concern and are highlighted in this month’s update.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine and Lake Erie Business Park Turbines
Hopefully, through previous news items in BSBO publications, you are aware that the Camp Perry wind turbine will not be built, at least for now. As this project seems to have nine lives we will remain vigilant to ensure it does not surface again without proper review. At nearly the same time that the Camp Perry announcement was made, a second large wind turbine was being erected at the Lake Erie Business Park. This installation is symptomatic of the problems with the current regulatory structure in Ohio, which allows the installation and operation of single turbines such as this with NO environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to REQUIRE that single turbine installations undergo a rigorous pre-construction environmental impact review. Meetings with key legislators are being sought to educate them about the impacts that poorly sited single turbines can have on bird and bat populations along the shore of Lake Erie.
Leedco Icebreaker Project
Leedco has submitted its revised application for construction of the six turbine offshore demonstration project in Lake Erie to the Ohio Power Siting Board, including the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which will govern pre-construction, construction, and post-construction monitoring for aquatic/fisheries and avian (birds and bats) impacts of the project. While the language of the MOUs is not as strong as BSBO had previously been advised, we are hopeful that the terms of those documents will be rigorously enforced by Ohio DNR. BSBO will continue to participate in the application process to ensure, to the extent possible, that environmental impact is given due consideration by OPSB prior to issuance of any sort of permission for the project to begin.(Note: Please feel free to revise if there are new or other developments on this topic that I am not aware of.)
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
As you may recall, this litigation concerns why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio should not be considered trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio. Despite a persuasive amicus brief prepared and filed by counsel for the American Bird Conservancy and BSBO, the Court in Franklin County granted Iberdrola’s Motion for Summary Judgement, upholding Iberdrola’s position that it has a right to suppress the mortality data and virtually ignoring the arguments made by ABC and BSBO. Needless to say, we are deeply disappointed by this decision and are investigating the options for appealing it.
Bird-Friendly Wind Energy Technology
So far, BSBO’s study of alternative wind turbine technology has disclosed that there is such an investment in the gigantic monopole turbine design that the impetus for innovation of more bird-friendly designs is minimal. The best way to minimize impacts on birds and bats still seems to be ensuring that they are not sited in areas where large numbers of birds and bats congregate or in migratory pathways. We will continue to monitor advances in turbine design, turbine operation, etc.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
Many thanks to BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle and to Conservation Team member and long-time BSBO volunteer, Don Bauman for undertaking a comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data. Many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data have emerged from this review. Mark and Don will be preparing a report on their findings in the coming weeks.
July 2017
by Ken Mauer
Significant indoor activity by the BSBO Conservation Team has also been occurring to address a number of wind energy issues of concern and are highlighted in this month’s update.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine and Lake Erie Business Park Turbines
Hopefully, through previous news items in BSBO publications, you are aware that the Camp Perry wind turbine will not be built, at least for now. As this project seems to have nine lives we will remain vigilant to ensure it does not surface again without proper review. At nearly the same time that the Camp Perry announcement was made, a second large wind turbine was being erected at the Lake Erie Business Park. This installation is symptomatic of the problems with the current regulatory structure in Ohio, which allows the installation and operation of single turbines such as this with NO environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to REQUIRE that single turbine installations undergo a rigorous pre-construction environmental impact review. Meetings with key legislators are being sought to educate them about the impacts that poorly sited single turbines can have on bird and bat populations along the shore of Lake Erie.
Leedco Icebreaker Project
Leedco has submitted its revised application for construction of the six turbine offshore demonstration project in Lake Erie to the Ohio Power Siting Board, including the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which will govern pre-construction, construction, and post-construction monitoring for aquatic/fisheries and avian (birds and bats) impacts of the project. While the language of the MOUs is not as strong as BSBO had previously been advised, we are hopeful that the terms of those documents will be rigorously enforced by Ohio DNR. BSBO will continue to participate in the application process to ensure, to the extent possible, that environmental impact is given due consideration by OPSB prior to issuance of any sort of permission for the project to begin.(Note: Please feel free to revise if there are new or other developments on this topic that I am not aware of.)
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
As you may recall, this litigation concerns why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio should not be considered trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio. Despite a persuasive amicus brief prepared and filed by counsel for the American Bird Conservancy and BSBO, the Court in Franklin County granted Iberdrola’s Motion for Summary Judgement, upholding Iberdrola’s position that it has a right to suppress the mortality data and virtually ignoring the arguments made by ABC and BSBO. Needless to say, we are deeply disappointed by this decision and are investigating the options for appealing it.
Bird-Friendly Wind Energy Technology
So far, BSBO’s study of alternative wind turbine technology has disclosed that there is such an investment in the gigantic monopole turbine design that the impetus for innovation of more bird-friendly designs is minimal. The best way to minimize impacts on birds and bats still seems to be ensuring that they are not sited in areas where large numbers of birds and bats congregate or in migratory pathways. We will continue to monitor advances in turbine design, turbine operation, etc.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
Many thanks to BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle and to Conservation Team member and long-time BSBO volunteer, Don Bauman for undertaking a comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data. Many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data have emerged from this review. Mark and Don will be preparing a report on their findings in the coming weeks.
june
BSBO CONSERVATION UPDATE
June 2017
by Ken Mauer
Significant progress by the BSBO Conservation Team has taken place to address a number of wind energy issues of concern and are highlighted in this month’s update.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine and Lake Erie Business Park Turbines
Hopefully, through previous news items in BSBO publications, you are aware that the Camp Perry wind turbine will not be built, at least for now. As this project seems to have nine lives we will remain vigilant to ensure it does not surface again without proper review. At nearly the same time that the Camp Perry announcement was made, a second large wind turbine was being erected at the Lake Erie Business Park. This installation is symptomatic of the problems with the current regulatory structure in Ohio, which allows the installation and operation of single turbines such as this with NO environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to REQUIRE that single turbine installations undergo a rigorous pre-construction environmental impact review. Initial meetings with key legislators have already taken place to educate them about the impacts that poorly-sited single turbines can have on bird and bat populations along the shore of Lake Erie, and ask for their support of revised legislation to address this growing problem.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has submitted its revised application for construction of the six turbine offshore demonstration project in Lake Erie to the Ohio Power Siting Board, including the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which will govern pre-construction, construction, and post-construction monitoring for aquatic/fisheries and avian (birds and bats) impacts of the project. While the language of the MOUs is not as strong as BSBO had previously been advised, we are hopeful that the terms of those documents will be rigorously enforced by Ohio DNR. BSBO will continue to participate in the application process to ensure, to the extent possible, that environmental impact is given due consideration by OPSB prior to issuance of any sort of permission for the project to begin.
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
As you may recall, this litigation concerns why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio should not be considered trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio. Despite a persuasive amicus brief prepared and filed by counsel for the American Bird Conservancy and BSBO, the Court in Franklin County granted Iberdrola’s Motion for Summary Judgement, upholding Iberdrola’s position that it has a right to suppress the mortality data and virtually ignoring the arguments made by ABC and BSBO. Needless to say, we are deeply disappointed by this decision and are investigating the options for appealing it.
Bird-Friendly Wind Energy Technology
So far, BSBO’s study of alternative wind turbine technology has disclosed that there is such an investment in the conventional monopole turbine design that the impetus for innovation of more bird-friendly designs is minimal. The best way to minimize impacts on birds and bats still seems to be ensuring that they are not sited in areas where large numbers of birds and bats congregate or in migratory pathways. We will continue to monitor advances in turbine design, turbine operation, etc.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
Many thanks to BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle and to Conservation Team member and long-time BSBO volunteer, Don Bauman for undertaking a comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data. Many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data have emerged from this review. Mark and Don will be preparing a report on their findings in the coming weeks.
June 2017
by Ken Mauer
Significant progress by the BSBO Conservation Team has taken place to address a number of wind energy issues of concern and are highlighted in this month’s update.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine and Lake Erie Business Park Turbines
Hopefully, through previous news items in BSBO publications, you are aware that the Camp Perry wind turbine will not be built, at least for now. As this project seems to have nine lives we will remain vigilant to ensure it does not surface again without proper review. At nearly the same time that the Camp Perry announcement was made, a second large wind turbine was being erected at the Lake Erie Business Park. This installation is symptomatic of the problems with the current regulatory structure in Ohio, which allows the installation and operation of single turbines such as this with NO environmental impact review. BSBO’s Conservation Team is taking immediate steps to address this problem, including preparing draft legislation to REQUIRE that single turbine installations undergo a rigorous pre-construction environmental impact review. Initial meetings with key legislators have already taken place to educate them about the impacts that poorly-sited single turbines can have on bird and bat populations along the shore of Lake Erie, and ask for their support of revised legislation to address this growing problem.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
LEEDCo has submitted its revised application for construction of the six turbine offshore demonstration project in Lake Erie to the Ohio Power Siting Board, including the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which will govern pre-construction, construction, and post-construction monitoring for aquatic/fisheries and avian (birds and bats) impacts of the project. While the language of the MOUs is not as strong as BSBO had previously been advised, we are hopeful that the terms of those documents will be rigorously enforced by Ohio DNR. BSBO will continue to participate in the application process to ensure, to the extent possible, that environmental impact is given due consideration by OPSB prior to issuance of any sort of permission for the project to begin.
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
As you may recall, this litigation concerns why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio should not be considered trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio. Despite a persuasive amicus brief prepared and filed by counsel for the American Bird Conservancy and BSBO, the Court in Franklin County granted Iberdrola’s Motion for Summary Judgement, upholding Iberdrola’s position that it has a right to suppress the mortality data and virtually ignoring the arguments made by ABC and BSBO. Needless to say, we are deeply disappointed by this decision and are investigating the options for appealing it.
Bird-Friendly Wind Energy Technology
So far, BSBO’s study of alternative wind turbine technology has disclosed that there is such an investment in the conventional monopole turbine design that the impetus for innovation of more bird-friendly designs is minimal. The best way to minimize impacts on birds and bats still seems to be ensuring that they are not sited in areas where large numbers of birds and bats congregate or in migratory pathways. We will continue to monitor advances in turbine design, turbine operation, etc.
Analysis of Timber Road Mortality Data
Many thanks to BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member, Mark Shieldcastle and to Conservation Team member and long-time BSBO volunteer, Don Bauman for undertaking a comprehensive and expert review of the EDP Renewables bird and bat mortality data. Many issues of concern about the data and the methodologies utilized to calculate this data have emerged from this review. Mark and Don will be preparing a report on their findings in the coming weeks.
may
BSBO CONSERVATION UPDATE
MAY 2017
by Ken Mauer
While the the 2017 Biggest Week in American Birding is in the record books the BSBO Conservation team hopes that it was a memorable one for you and that you will have the opportunity for other birding adventures this summer! Our efforts to address a number of wind energy issues of concerns continue and are highlighted in this months update.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine
The legal complaint prepared by counsel for ABC and filed March 27, 2017 to attempt to force the Ohio Air National Guard (OANG) to address serious concerns about the impact of construction of a wind turbine on birds and bats has finally elicited an initial response from counsel for the OANG. Initial discussions have taken place with counsel for ABC and BSBO. We will provide additional details as they become available.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
As a reminder, a valuable conference call took place on April 27, 2017 with representatives of ODNR, USFWS, BSBO, ABC and National Audubon Society participating. BSBO learned that ODNR has the primary regulatory authority for determining the content of and the timing of the issuance of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which LEEDCo must submit to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) and that those documents will have a legally binding effect on LEEDCo through incorporation into the OPSB Certificate of Operation and the Submerged Land Lease that LEEDCo must obtain. As of June 12, 2017 the OPSB docket for the Icebreaker Project indicated its status as “on hold” pending the submittal of additional information by LEEDCo. It is believed that the agreed MOU’s constitute at least part of the information which LEEDCo must provide. (Note: Please feel free to revise if there is new or other developments on this topic that I am not aware of.)
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
The amicus (friend of the court) brief prepared by ABC and BSBO detailing why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio is not trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio has been allowed by the Court, but as expected, counsel for Iberdrola has filed a motion for summary judgement which, if allowed, would essentially end the litigation. A decision on the Iberdrola motion still has not been issued by the Court as of this writing.
Bird-Friendly Wind Energy Technology
A concerned participant at the 2017 Biggest Week asked a Conservation Team member what BSBO is doing to study and promote alternative wind turbine designs that minimize harm to birds and bats during operation. As previously reported in these updates, BSBO has had some communication with one manufacturer of wind turbines which it believes does minimize such harm. The BSBO Conservation team intends, however, to discuss broadening the scope of its investigations to attempt to determine what the “state-of-the-art” is in bird-friendly wind turbines and to further investigate whether those technologies are worthy of support by BSBO and possibly other bird conservation organizations. We will keep you apprised of developments.
MAY 2017
by Ken Mauer
While the the 2017 Biggest Week in American Birding is in the record books the BSBO Conservation team hopes that it was a memorable one for you and that you will have the opportunity for other birding adventures this summer! Our efforts to address a number of wind energy issues of concerns continue and are highlighted in this months update.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine
The legal complaint prepared by counsel for ABC and filed March 27, 2017 to attempt to force the Ohio Air National Guard (OANG) to address serious concerns about the impact of construction of a wind turbine on birds and bats has finally elicited an initial response from counsel for the OANG. Initial discussions have taken place with counsel for ABC and BSBO. We will provide additional details as they become available.
LEEDCo Icebreaker Project
As a reminder, a valuable conference call took place on April 27, 2017 with representatives of ODNR, USFWS, BSBO, ABC and National Audubon Society participating. BSBO learned that ODNR has the primary regulatory authority for determining the content of and the timing of the issuance of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which LEEDCo must submit to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) and that those documents will have a legally binding effect on LEEDCo through incorporation into the OPSB Certificate of Operation and the Submerged Land Lease that LEEDCo must obtain. As of June 12, 2017 the OPSB docket for the Icebreaker Project indicated its status as “on hold” pending the submittal of additional information by LEEDCo. It is believed that the agreed MOU’s constitute at least part of the information which LEEDCo must provide. (Note: Please feel free to revise if there is new or other developments on this topic that I am not aware of.)
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
The amicus (friend of the court) brief prepared by ABC and BSBO detailing why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio is not trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio has been allowed by the Court, but as expected, counsel for Iberdrola has filed a motion for summary judgement which, if allowed, would essentially end the litigation. A decision on the Iberdrola motion still has not been issued by the Court as of this writing.
Bird-Friendly Wind Energy Technology
A concerned participant at the 2017 Biggest Week asked a Conservation Team member what BSBO is doing to study and promote alternative wind turbine designs that minimize harm to birds and bats during operation. As previously reported in these updates, BSBO has had some communication with one manufacturer of wind turbines which it believes does minimize such harm. The BSBO Conservation team intends, however, to discuss broadening the scope of its investigations to attempt to determine what the “state-of-the-art” is in bird-friendly wind turbines and to further investigate whether those technologies are worthy of support by BSBO and possibly other bird conservation organizations. We will keep you apprised of developments.
april
BSBO CONSERVATION UPDATE
April 2017
by Ken Mauer
The BSBO Conservation Team has been active addressing events related to mostly ongoing initiatives which we hope will ensure the well-being of birds, bats and their habitats as spring migration approaches.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine
Despite repeated efforts by BSBO and American Bird Conservancy (ABC) to elicit a response from the Ohio Air National Guard on the previously filed Notice of Intent to Sue, no response of any kind was provided. Accordingly, a legal complaint prepared by counsel for ABC was filed March 27, 2017. Presumably, counsel for the OANG will file at least a minimally responsive answer to avoid being subject to a default judgement. We will keep you apprised of further developments.
Leedco Icebreaker Project
As previously reported BSBO’s analysis of Leedco’s draft Risk Assessment raises many questions about the validity of the main conclusion of it, i.e. that the risk to birds and bats of building wind turbines 7-8 miles of the shore of Lake Erie near Cleveland is very low. Significant issues raised by BSBO’s Mark Shieldcastle were incorporated into comments prepared by BSBO and ABC and submitted to the Ohio Power Siting Board as part of the public comment period on the Leedco application to install the aforementioned wind power facility. Those comments can be found at (Need to provide link). the BSBO/ABC comments also endorsed a separate comment letter submitted to the OPSB by the National Audubon Society which can be found at (Need to provide link). The NAS comments also covered isssues of particular importance to that organization. BSBO, ABC and NAS will continue to collaborate as appropriate on this project.
It appears that there will be additional time for that collaboration as on April 3, 2017, the OPSB issued a letter to Leedco indicating that its application did not meet the requirements of certain sections of the Ohio revised Code, specifically the requirements to have Memoranda of Understanding signed by the appropriate government agency detailing an agreement on pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction measures to be taken to study and mitigate impacts on fisheries and other aquatic resources, as well as birds and bats. At such time as those MOUs are in place the OPSB will re-consider the application. We will continue to closely monitor this project and have input wherever possible.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Opposition continues to build in many quarters to the almost complete elimination of funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) within the overall budget for USEPA. The GLRI is a source of funding for many programs devoted to studying and solving the problems of HABs (Hazardous Algae Blooms) in Lake Erie and conserving habitat used by wildlife along the shores of the lake. Of particular note is the longstanding Lake Erie research program headquartered at Stone Labs and administered for decades by The Ohio State University. BSBO’s Conservation Team prepared a letter to be sent to key state and federal legislators providing what we hope is a valuable perspective on what the elimination of the GLRI funding would have on efforts to conserve birds and bats in the region.
Disclosure of Bird and Bat Mortality Data
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
The amicus (friend of the court) brief prepared by ABC and BSBO detailing why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio is not trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio has been allowed by the Court, but as expected, counsel for Iberdrola has filed a motion for summary judgement which, if allowed, would essentially end the litigation. A decision on the Iberdrola motion may occur as early as April 18, 2017.
EDP Renewables-Timber Road Wind Facility
The bird and bat mortality data secured from EDP Renewables through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was found to be encrypted and so initially not accessible by BSBO. Communication with ODNR has, with some considerable effort, finally resulted in an understanding of what is needed to access this data. BSBO plans to work with Dr. Henry Streby at the University of Toledo to undertake a detailed analysis of the data and to apply appropriate statistical techniques to confirm or refute the conclusions reached by EDP’s consultants on the significance of the mortality of birds and bats which have occurred at the Timber Road facility.
Conservation Team at Biggest Week
For those who plan to attend the Biggest Week in American Birding in May 2017, members of the Conservation Team will be available at the BSBO booth to answer your questions and provide additional information on BSBO’s initiatives on wind energy. We hope to see you there and have a chance to chat in person.
April 2017
by Ken Mauer
The BSBO Conservation Team has been active addressing events related to mostly ongoing initiatives which we hope will ensure the well-being of birds, bats and their habitats as spring migration approaches.
Camp Perry Wind Turbine
Despite repeated efforts by BSBO and American Bird Conservancy (ABC) to elicit a response from the Ohio Air National Guard on the previously filed Notice of Intent to Sue, no response of any kind was provided. Accordingly, a legal complaint prepared by counsel for ABC was filed March 27, 2017. Presumably, counsel for the OANG will file at least a minimally responsive answer to avoid being subject to a default judgement. We will keep you apprised of further developments.
Leedco Icebreaker Project
As previously reported BSBO’s analysis of Leedco’s draft Risk Assessment raises many questions about the validity of the main conclusion of it, i.e. that the risk to birds and bats of building wind turbines 7-8 miles of the shore of Lake Erie near Cleveland is very low. Significant issues raised by BSBO’s Mark Shieldcastle were incorporated into comments prepared by BSBO and ABC and submitted to the Ohio Power Siting Board as part of the public comment period on the Leedco application to install the aforementioned wind power facility. Those comments can be found at (Need to provide link). the BSBO/ABC comments also endorsed a separate comment letter submitted to the OPSB by the National Audubon Society which can be found at (Need to provide link). The NAS comments also covered isssues of particular importance to that organization. BSBO, ABC and NAS will continue to collaborate as appropriate on this project.
It appears that there will be additional time for that collaboration as on April 3, 2017, the OPSB issued a letter to Leedco indicating that its application did not meet the requirements of certain sections of the Ohio revised Code, specifically the requirements to have Memoranda of Understanding signed by the appropriate government agency detailing an agreement on pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction measures to be taken to study and mitigate impacts on fisheries and other aquatic resources, as well as birds and bats. At such time as those MOUs are in place the OPSB will re-consider the application. We will continue to closely monitor this project and have input wherever possible.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Opposition continues to build in many quarters to the almost complete elimination of funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) within the overall budget for USEPA. The GLRI is a source of funding for many programs devoted to studying and solving the problems of HABs (Hazardous Algae Blooms) in Lake Erie and conserving habitat used by wildlife along the shores of the lake. Of particular note is the longstanding Lake Erie research program headquartered at Stone Labs and administered for decades by The Ohio State University. BSBO’s Conservation Team prepared a letter to be sent to key state and federal legislators providing what we hope is a valuable perspective on what the elimination of the GLRI funding would have on efforts to conserve birds and bats in the region.
Disclosure of Bird and Bat Mortality Data
Iberdrola Renewables Litigation
The amicus (friend of the court) brief prepared by ABC and BSBO detailing why bird and bat mortality data collected at the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio is not trade secret information and thus should be disclosed under the Public Records laws of Ohio has been allowed by the Court, but as expected, counsel for Iberdrola has filed a motion for summary judgement which, if allowed, would essentially end the litigation. A decision on the Iberdrola motion may occur as early as April 18, 2017.
EDP Renewables-Timber Road Wind Facility
The bird and bat mortality data secured from EDP Renewables through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was found to be encrypted and so initially not accessible by BSBO. Communication with ODNR has, with some considerable effort, finally resulted in an understanding of what is needed to access this data. BSBO plans to work with Dr. Henry Streby at the University of Toledo to undertake a detailed analysis of the data and to apply appropriate statistical techniques to confirm or refute the conclusions reached by EDP’s consultants on the significance of the mortality of birds and bats which have occurred at the Timber Road facility.
Conservation Team at Biggest Week
For those who plan to attend the Biggest Week in American Birding in May 2017, members of the Conservation Team will be available at the BSBO booth to answer your questions and provide additional information on BSBO’s initiatives on wind energy. We hope to see you there and have a chance to chat in person.
march
february
2016 Updates
December 2016
The BSBO Conservation Team would like to wish you all a happy Holiday Season! While the Conservation Team also hopes to take a bit of a break, we will still be diligent in ensuring that we keep abreast of projects that are important to BSBO and to the protection of birds.
The 60-day period for the Air National Guard to respond to the Notice of Intent to Sue filed by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and BSBO in connection with the proposed wind turbine at Camp Perry will expire (date). (Kimberly, I do not know when this document was officially filed, do you?) As soon as we know what direction the Air National Guard intends to take we will be consulting with ABC to determine what additional steps might be required. Best case, the wind turbine at Camp Perry is scrapped for good.
Recently, several members of the Conservation Team, led by Kimberly Kaufman had the opportunity to meet with Ann Longworth-Orr, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown’s chief aide in NW Ohio, to discuss wind energy and the impacts development of even single wind turbines along the southern shore of Lake Erie could have on birds and bats and the habitats which support them. A packet of relevant materials detailing some of the recent science and other points for consideration as to why wind energy development along the lake shore was also provided to bolster BSBO’s position. While to date, Senator Brown has been an active supporter of wind energy development in Ohio, the information that was presented to Ms. Longworth-Orr appeared to resonate with her. She encouraged BSBO to discuss this issue further with Senator Brown’s aide for environmental and renewable energy and with Senator Brown himself and offered to facilitate such discussions. Hopefully, this effort will start a dialogue which will ensure protection of birds and bats is considered by Senator Brown going forward.
On January 11, members of the Conservation Team will be meeting in Columbus with representatives of EDP Renewables and representatives of the Ohio DNR and Ohio Attorney General to continue discussions in connection with disclosure of bird and bat mortality data related to the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio as requested by BSBO in a Freedom of Information Act request some time ago. The legal issues surrounding the disclosure of such data to the public continues to pose a major obstacle to many groups to understand the impact of wind turbines on birds and bats even in areas which do not have the large concentrations of them such as occur along the shore of Lake Erie. We will report the outcome of this meeting in future updates.
Mark Shieldcastle, BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member recently attended an open house sponsored by the developers of the LEEDCo ICcebreaker project near Cleveland. The environmental consultant for LEEDCo made presentation which contained much misleading information which was evident to someone with Mark’s expertise. BSBO and ABC will continue to use all available means to ensure that these egregious errors in estimating the impact of such a project on birds and bats out in Lake Erie are made known.
Finally, members of the Conservation Team had several in-depth discussions with experts on the legislative initiative which BSBO hoped to undertake to change Ohio law to protect Ohio’s biological resources along the shore of Lake Erie from the undesirable impacts of wind energy. It is fair to say that these conversations were sobering in terms of the political realities of obtaining passage of the desired legislation. As a result of these discussions and the possible change in the attitude toward the headlong development of wind energy under a Trump administration, we are re-grouping and considering our possible options going forward. At the very least, we are now aware of several things that we can do to make sure our message is more widely known in Columbus.
The 60-day period for the Air National Guard to respond to the Notice of Intent to Sue filed by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and BSBO in connection with the proposed wind turbine at Camp Perry will expire (date). (Kimberly, I do not know when this document was officially filed, do you?) As soon as we know what direction the Air National Guard intends to take we will be consulting with ABC to determine what additional steps might be required. Best case, the wind turbine at Camp Perry is scrapped for good.
Recently, several members of the Conservation Team, led by Kimberly Kaufman had the opportunity to meet with Ann Longworth-Orr, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown’s chief aide in NW Ohio, to discuss wind energy and the impacts development of even single wind turbines along the southern shore of Lake Erie could have on birds and bats and the habitats which support them. A packet of relevant materials detailing some of the recent science and other points for consideration as to why wind energy development along the lake shore was also provided to bolster BSBO’s position. While to date, Senator Brown has been an active supporter of wind energy development in Ohio, the information that was presented to Ms. Longworth-Orr appeared to resonate with her. She encouraged BSBO to discuss this issue further with Senator Brown’s aide for environmental and renewable energy and with Senator Brown himself and offered to facilitate such discussions. Hopefully, this effort will start a dialogue which will ensure protection of birds and bats is considered by Senator Brown going forward.
On January 11, members of the Conservation Team will be meeting in Columbus with representatives of EDP Renewables and representatives of the Ohio DNR and Ohio Attorney General to continue discussions in connection with disclosure of bird and bat mortality data related to the Blue Creek wind farm in west central Ohio as requested by BSBO in a Freedom of Information Act request some time ago. The legal issues surrounding the disclosure of such data to the public continues to pose a major obstacle to many groups to understand the impact of wind turbines on birds and bats even in areas which do not have the large concentrations of them such as occur along the shore of Lake Erie. We will report the outcome of this meeting in future updates.
Mark Shieldcastle, BSBO Research Director and Conservation Team member recently attended an open house sponsored by the developers of the LEEDCo ICcebreaker project near Cleveland. The environmental consultant for LEEDCo made presentation which contained much misleading information which was evident to someone with Mark’s expertise. BSBO and ABC will continue to use all available means to ensure that these egregious errors in estimating the impact of such a project on birds and bats out in Lake Erie are made known.
Finally, members of the Conservation Team had several in-depth discussions with experts on the legislative initiative which BSBO hoped to undertake to change Ohio law to protect Ohio’s biological resources along the shore of Lake Erie from the undesirable impacts of wind energy. It is fair to say that these conversations were sobering in terms of the political realities of obtaining passage of the desired legislation. As a result of these discussions and the possible change in the attitude toward the headlong development of wind energy under a Trump administration, we are re-grouping and considering our possible options going forward. At the very least, we are now aware of several things that we can do to make sure our message is more widely known in Columbus.