ARM Completes Avian Studies for Wind Energy Project
The wind energy project at the Frey Farm Landfill necessitated a pre-construction survey for raptors and eagles. ARM Energy Solutions’ team of qualified biologists performed a survey for raptors and eagles during the 2009 spring and fall migration season at the project location to gather site-specific information to determine the species, number and frequency of raptors within a turbine zone; to assess the potential impacts and risks; and to assist in the development of siting and design measures to avoid and minimize potential avian impacts.
The survey was conducted in accordance with the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s (PGC) Wind Energy Voluntary Cooperation Agreement and Protocols to Monitor Bird Populations at Industrial Wind Turbine Sites. The findings of the spring and fall surveys were documented in a technical report to assist during the environmental review process.
In addition to the spring and fall raptor and eagle migration surveys completed for the Wind Energy Project at Frey Farm Landfill, a Bald Eagle winter roost survey and Bald Eagle and Osprey nest survey were completed for the project, at the request of the PGC and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). ARM Energy Solution’s biologists completed an in-office investigation to evaluate the potential for communal winter roosts and to identify known nest locations for the species of State and/or federal concern. Additionally, biologists conducted on-site investigations as part of the surveys. The winter roost survey involved two dawn and two dusk surveys of the forested riverine corridor down gradient of the five wind turbine locations under evaluation. The survey to identify potential eagle and osprey nests within the project vicinity was conducted aerially via a helicopter following leaf off. The aerial nest survey encompassed an area that extended along (approximately 3 miles of river shoreline) and perpendicular to the shoreline of the potential wind turbine locations. Bald Eagle winter roost sites were not identified in the vicinity of the wind turbine project area. Osprey nest site sites were not identified. A known Bald Eagle nest site was confirmed during the aerial survey on the west shore of the Susquehanna River and a potential Bald Eagle Nest was observed on a river island north of the project area. A red-tailed hawk nest was also identified during the survey. The findings were reported to the PGC and USFWS as companion reports to the migration survey reports and technical documents for use in the preparation of the United States Department of Energy’s Environmental Assessment, completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Based upon the surveys conducted, efforts were made throughout the project to avoid and minimize impacts upon avian species. A Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued for the project with commitments to follow a strict post-construction monitoring plan and an Avian Protection Plan. Special use permit and scientific collector’s permits are being obtained to conduct the post-construction monitoring.