Avian and Bat Protection
Iberdrola Renewables, LLC has been a wind-energy industry leader in promoting critical research needed to understand the impacts on birds and bats specific to wind turbine operations.
The company has been hosting ground-breaking research beginning in 2008 to study the interaction between bats and wind turbines at the Casselman Wind Power Project. This Avian and Bat Protection Policy (press release, video, policy document) has created a new understanding of the how careful adjustments to daily operations practices can reduce bat mortality up to 93%.
Careful turbine placement, thousands of hours of on-site environment study, and the use of the a state-of-the-art Merlin avian radar system at the Peñascal wind farm (press release, video) in Texas have minimized impact on the environment and wildlife. By using the Merlin unit to detect major bird migration activity, and when high numbers of birds are present near the turbines under low visibility conditions, turbines will be shut down until those conditions pass.
At the Big Horn Wind Power Project (press release), the company has set aside 455 acres for permanent habitat conservation amid a 15,000-acre site that spans canyons and ranches in central Washington. In addition, the Big Horn team supports local efforts to conserve native bluebird habitat.
Spreading Our Wings with Community Outreach
Iberdrola Renewables, LLC is also working to spread the word to local communities about the importance of avian protection.
Visitors of all sizes at the Roosevelt Zoo in Minot, N.D. see how they measure up to various species of feathered friends.
(Click on photo for a larger image.)
As part of its Avian and Bat Protection Policy, the company is helping the Roosevelt Park Zoo, Minot, N.D., (near the Rugby Wind Power Project) to establish its first avian protection program. The company has also worked with the Zoo to provide visitor tools, and showcase of rehabilitated raptors from the facility at company events in the area.