55.0°F Fair [Forecast]
:: Saturday, November 21st, 2009Against the Wind
Devoted to informing people about choices for wiser decision-making concerning wind power with the hope that they might find a needed balance to pro-wind arguments, some answers to questions and information on things people can do to helpPlease visit these local CapeCodToday sponsors:
Home Care Property Management Services Inc.
Offering professional cleaning services is just part of what we do. We provide home, office, post-construction and rental turnover cleanings. Visit our website for a full range of property management services. (Sandwich)
Offering professional cleaning services is just part of what we do. We provide home, office, post-construction and rental turnover cleanings. Visit our website for a full range of property management services. (Sandwich)
Peaceful Pursuits
"Relax, Release, and Renew" your mind, body, and spirit. Peaceful Pursuits offers Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Wellness groups, Meditation, and Relaxation in a safe, comfortable and peaceful haven. (Sandwich)
"Relax, Release, and Renew" your mind, body, and spirit. Peaceful Pursuits offers Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Wellness groups, Meditation, and Relaxation in a safe, comfortable and peaceful haven. (Sandwich)
Wind Industry Challenge on Wildlife Impacts
01/02/06 · 8:02 am :: posted by Magical Eye
Rowe, MA (September 27, 2005). National Wind Watch, a coalition of citizen groups and individuals, welcomes the release of a congressional investigative report underscoring the need to reassess regulation of the wind industry, noting that the impacts of these massive wind facilities on wildlife are as yet unknown.
In its report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) states, "much work remains before scientists have a clear understanding of the true impacts to wildlife from wind power,” adding that “concerns are compounded by the fact that the regulation of wind power varies from location-to-location and some state and local regulatory agencies we reviewed generally had little experience or expertise in addressing the environmental and wildlife impacts from wind power." The report goes on to state that when wind power facilities are permitted, “no one is considering the impacts of wind power on a regional or ‘ecoscale’ scale – a scale that often spans governmental jurisdictions.&rdquo
Congressman Mollohan (D-WV), who called for the study together with Congressman Rahall (D-WV), said the GAO study found there were “significant gaps in the research on how these facilities impact wildlife. We don't have enough information about the number of birds and bats that are being killed, why they are being killed, or whether any effective strategies can be devised for keeping wildlife away from the blades"
National Wind Watch president, David Roberson, approved of the fact that the federal government had finally taken notice that massive wind facilities are not eco-friendly. He added, “The lack of scientific data on the potential damaging impacts to wildlife and our sensitive land areas must be addressed, especially when one considers how much of this industrial development is subsidized by state and federal tax dollars.”
Mr. Roberson noted that the American Wind Energy Association chose to highlight only select sections of the investigative report that, taken out of context, diminished the findings of the report. “National Wind Watch challenges the wind industry to do the right thing by openly acknowledging the potential risks of wind turbines on our ridgelines, shores, and prairies.” he said.
National Wind Watch was founded as a nonprofit corporation in August 2005. The organization will seek to promote knowledge and raise awareness of the risks and damaging environmental impacts of industrial wind turbine development, and will make information and analysis on the subject available through its website, www.windwatch.org.
34 comments
Blog posts and comments are entirely the thoughts and ideas of the people who write them and in no way represent the views of CapeCodToday.com, eCape, Inc., or its employees or owners.
Cvillej [Visitor] writes:
I would like to see a cost/benefit analysis performed by a neutral organization. Such an analysis should be done with and without tax incentives and include the cost of standby power plants necessary to pick up the slack for low/no wind and high wind events.
The bottom line would be the cost to the consumer allowing for a decent profit.
This might well settle alot of discussion
The bottom line would be the cost to the consumer allowing for a decent profit.
This might well settle alot of discussion
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Cvillej I would like to see that too as well as impacts to wildlife and other issues. "Groups such as the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change state that the desired mitigation goals can be achieved at lower cost and to a greater degree by continued improvements in general efficiency — in building, manufacturing, and transport — than by wind power." I would think the United Nations IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) might be considered such a group.
Crusader [Visitor] writes:
That picture reminds me of a scene from WAR of THE WORLDS.
Those wind turbines are enormously grotesque. They look like MONSTERS in the SKY.
Those wind turbines are enormously grotesque. They look like MONSTERS in the SKY.
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Monsieur Le Porcupine, If you go to the National Wind Watch home page click on About Us for more information.
In May 2005, citizens from ten states representing several regions of the country met to share their concerns about the risks and related impacts of industrial wind power. National Wind Watch emerged from this conference with a mandate and mission to provide the facts about industrial wind power to the public at-large.
National Wind Watch™, a non-profit organization, promotes awareness of the risks and related impacts of industrial wind energy development on our environment, economy, and quality-of-life.
Our energy security and need to reduce pollutants are serious issues. However, we should not be distracted by symbolic "feel-good" gestures that fail to meaningfully address these issues while doing substantial harm
We advocate an intellectually honest assessment of the benefits and costs of industrial wind development. Our objective is to be a resource of information and assistance for individuals and local groups seeking the facts about industrial wind power.
In May 2005, citizens from ten states representing several regions of the country met to share their concerns about the risks and related impacts of industrial wind power. National Wind Watch emerged from this conference with a mandate and mission to provide the facts about industrial wind power to the public at-large.
National Wind Watch™, a non-profit organization, promotes awareness of the risks and related impacts of industrial wind energy development on our environment, economy, and quality-of-life.
Our energy security and need to reduce pollutants are serious issues. However, we should not be distracted by symbolic "feel-good" gestures that fail to meaningfully address these issues while doing substantial harm
We advocate an intellectually honest assessment of the benefits and costs of industrial wind development. Our objective is to be a resource of information and assistance for individuals and local groups seeking the facts about industrial wind power.
Brian [Visitor] writes:
I happen to feel the picture of these mind mills is a horrible sight in the horizon. It looks exactly like what it is, a giant, low energy producing, power plant.
On the other hand I find it comical to watch all the environmental whacko groups fight about the ups and downs of using wind energy.
On the other hand I find it comical to watch all the environmental whacko groups fight about the ups and downs of using wind energy.
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
It is ugly isn't it? All of it! I liked the vehicles in the picture cause they show what pollution will be in the future... vehicles to make it and wind to blow it around.
Jack Coleman [Visitor] writes:
Magical, is this wind farm in California?
And the shadowy figure on the grassy knoll ... what is that ...?
And the shadowy figure on the grassy knoll ... what is that ...?
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
No it is Asia. But where is that shadowy figure?
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
I mean Jack, Where's Waldo?
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Well Jack thought it was in CA! :) A rose is a rose no matter where it grows...
Crusader [Visitor] writes:
Magical,
Can you find a photo of a windfarm on an ocean (close to land, bridges,etc.) so that we can see a scaled reference as in your photo on this blog.
It really gives us an eye-full of the gargantuan proportions of these crappy pieces of steel next to the autos.
Once erected, I believe people will be more aware of how they intrude into our otherwise horizon free landscapes, not to mention the other more significant negative implications.
Can you find a photo of a windfarm on an ocean (close to land, bridges,etc.) so that we can see a scaled reference as in your photo on this blog.
It really gives us an eye-full of the gargantuan proportions of these crappy pieces of steel next to the autos.
Once erected, I believe people will be more aware of how they intrude into our otherwise horizon free landscapes, not to mention the other more significant negative implications.
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Crusader I posted such a photo on my "the overestimated value of wind farms" post on 12/22/05. Of course it was pointed out to me that those turbines are old ones. So... just make them a lot taller in your mind and there you have it! :)
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Actually now that I think of it there is one posted on a site that is a mock up of what Cape Wind will look like... I will try to find it and will post it here if I do.
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
There you go Crusader, I found it on the safewind site.
Jack Coleman [Member] writes:
Magical, I didn't think it was in California. I wasn't sure where it was situated; that's why I asked.
Drew [Member] writes:
The "significant gaps in the research" Congressman Mollohan refers to in his statement, is directly related to the lack of any evidence of significant harm done wildlife or the environment to be found anywhere aside from Altamont and the mountain top bat kills in his home state of West Virginia. There is simply no literature to support negative claims against wind farms aside from these TWO LOCATIONS OUT OF HUNDREDS. I would agree, that is a significant gap in research.
Specific siting of wind farms has little supporting literature in the United States scientific community, simply because those who are against wind farms refuse to accept the results of foreign studies.
The impact of wind farms on migratory routes have no documentation, because migratory routes, by their very nature, are not definite enough to be studied.
Please explain how and where I am wrong anout this.
This is rather like foreign countries having a cure for cancer, but the U.S. not allowing the foreign drugs here in order to protect the U.S. interest and investment in domestic drugs.
Specific siting of wind farms has little supporting literature in the United States scientific community, simply because those who are against wind farms refuse to accept the results of foreign studies.
The impact of wind farms on migratory routes have no documentation, because migratory routes, by their very nature, are not definite enough to be studied.
Please explain how and where I am wrong anout this.
This is rather like foreign countries having a cure for cancer, but the U.S. not allowing the foreign drugs here in order to protect the U.S. interest and investment in domestic drugs.
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Drew, I will get back to you on some of the major gaps when I can but concerning the one study done by Denmark on bird hazards from of shore wind turbines is the fact that the study was done under low wind conditions and not at night. Many bird species migrate at night. And as we know the conditions at sea are subject to high winds, poor visibility etc. Also when birds are killed and drop into the ocean it is difficult to collect them or even find them since, as on land, many of these birds are immediately eaten by predators. The bat problem is significant and HUGE. No one knows why bats fly into wind turbines! Also there is the potential problem with aquatic mammals which has not been studied. Wind turbines are hitting the ground and sea running with little to no research on both the short and long term affects they will have on wildlife especially since this is a relatively new technology. Migration routes have been documented for centuries.
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
The gaps in research are due to little to no research done in this area. We can't rely on one or two studies as research. And then there is also the question of WHO is doing that research. Are they unbiased third parties with no stake in the outcome? Furthermore, The research techniques, themsleves, need to be developed. For many years, in conjunction with NYS Wildlife Pathologist, Ward Stone, I helped to study the effects of pesticides on the environment through the birds that came into my center and died. Mostly the ones of suspected pesticide poisoning were sent in and most all were confirmed to be so. But hundreds were not. We will never know if poison was the root cause of injuries. And, it is possible that these same pesticides are killing people. But without research we do not know, mostly, because we aren't looking for it and haven't been. But it is a wrong to conclude that people are not dying from pesticides too unless we do the research. In order to do that research toxicology must be performed and these studies are expensive, require brain tissue and specific testing
Drew [Member] writes:
Magical,
The radar study that was carried out in Denmark showed that the birds (by day and night) altered their route nearly a 1/4 mile before the turbines, and then passed above or around the turbines at a safe distance.
The radar study that was carried out in Denmark showed that the birds (by day and night) altered their route nearly a 1/4 mile before the turbines, and then passed above or around the turbines at a safe distance.
Drew [Member] writes:
http://www.thewind.info/downloads/birds.pdf
Wedge [Member] writes:
I had two windmills in the 80s that ran our house. For the 10 or 12 years they were running I found 1 dead bird. The snowy owls used to sit on top of the generator at dusk and look for meals along the shore. I think they liked the vibration. I figured that the bird that died wasn't too bright and ran into the blades. I thought back then it was survival of the fittest. Those machines spun like crazy with their 6 foot blades. These new windmills spin so slow that any bird that hit them couldn't be all that bright. I've read about people watching the birds work the blades looking for bugs. They actually fly thru the blades, they spin so slow. I just came in from Boston and I see absolutely nothing wrong with that windmill on the expressway. Makes me proud that someone is actually doing something...
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Pilgrim, with all due respect your two small windmills and the wind turbines we are talking about are completely different animals! :)
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Drew, I really think it is important to ask... who is surveying the surveyors? Also it is known that the Denmark survey was carried out in calm, clear and non twilight conditions.
Drew [Member] writes:
It obviously makes no sense to have the energy companies themselves performing these surveys. I would agree.
Great Gadfly [Visitor] writes:
Here we go with the birds again! If those who oppose Cape Wind's plan use the bird-kill issue as their ultimate weapon we will be seeing 130 of these monsters rising over Nantucket Sound soon. The bird-kill issue is simply not substantive enough to use as a basis for opposition to this project. It feels good and sounds so kind but it amounts to nothing of consequence. How many birds are killed in collisions with low- flying planes in these parts, or with lighthouses, or the hospital's new superstructure, or the canal plant's smokestacks, or Boch's 300'+ broadcast tower, or Pilgrim Monument in P'Town, or the two canal bridges.....? Let's, get serious, folks.
Just ask El Greco...I've been chasing him for over a month to get answers to some meaningful questions, but he has done a duck-and-run.
Just ask El Greco...I've been chasing him for over a month to get answers to some meaningful questions, but he has done a duck-and-run.
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Well, of course, Great Gadfly I respectfully disagree with you. Please remember that I am a wildlife advocate so that is at the heart of a lot of what I do. Still, there are other issues and am doing my best to address those as well. Have to say the arugment that is presented to attempt to minimize the impact to birds is a lame one as far as I am concerned. Erecting these giant turbines in the sky is akin to erecting giant fans in a playground. Of course birds will be killed... the fact that they are killed by other things is what I find completely lame. When there are, and hopefully this will not come about, as many wind turbines as tall buildings, powerlines, cats etc. then the mortality figures would be meaningful for wind turbines but as it is, they are not, simply because we are just at the tip of the wind power iceberg.
Great Gadfly [Visitor] writes:
M.E.
Two points (and Happy New Year):
I am a victim of my Neanderthal heritage...favorite food is piping hot plover.
The bird-kill issue is not a serious threat to this or any other wind farm...but this wind farm is a very serious issue to us and the nation.
Question: How many projected bird-kills per (year, day, month, etc.) would you consider a deal-breaker for Cape Wind?
Two points (and Happy New Year):
I am a victim of my Neanderthal heritage...favorite food is piping hot plover.
The bird-kill issue is not a serious threat to this or any other wind farm...but this wind farm is a very serious issue to us and the nation.
Question: How many projected bird-kills per (year, day, month, etc.) would you consider a deal-breaker for Cape Wind?
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Happy New Year to you too Great Gadfly! And you make me smile with your hot plover remark... but no recipe! :)) I would have to agree that most people really don't care much about birds being killed, unless they find one but, fortunately the US Fish and Wildlife Service Department of the Interior does. It is illegal to harm, harass, kill, take etc etc any protected bird species in this country. The Nantuckett Sound being in the middle of the Atlantic flyway and a major migrational route places it in the juristiction of the USFWS. So they could definitely cause a deal breaker over Cape Wind. Since Altamont, who has violated the law with its massive bird kills, other wind facilities around the country with massive bat kills and the unanswered question about their affect on aquatic mammals the USFWS will be a lot more attentive. And, I certainly agree that this wind farm is a very serious issue to us and the nation for many reasons, not just their threat to wildlife.
Great Gadfly [Visitor] writes:
M.E.
Cuermudgeon Stews & Other Gadfly Delights" is out of print now, but a new, reviled (intentional)
edition is due out soon...in time for Plover season.
Although I believe that the bird-kill issue is not going to be a serious, if even a viable issue in the Cape Wind debate, there is an inescapable relevance to it and other wildlife issues. Simply this: it is alleged by Cape Wind opponents and by various federal agencies that the Corps' DEIR failed to address properly matters they were required by law and regulation to address. To the extent that the Corps' failure in such areas will result in a re-review of the proposeal by MMS and to the extent that MMS will give heed to the complaints of other federal agencies Cape Wind's approval is far off. If Cape Wind would be our savior (all bow and pray) their and the Corps' failure to do this right is actually harmful to all of us. It would have been a far better service to humanity (all hail Gordon) to have done it right the first time.
By the way, you haven't seen El Greco, have you?
Cuermudgeon Stews & Other Gadfly Delights" is out of print now, but a new, reviled (intentional)
edition is due out soon...in time for Plover season.
Although I believe that the bird-kill issue is not going to be a serious, if even a viable issue in the Cape Wind debate, there is an inescapable relevance to it and other wildlife issues. Simply this: it is alleged by Cape Wind opponents and by various federal agencies that the Corps' DEIR failed to address properly matters they were required by law and regulation to address. To the extent that the Corps' failure in such areas will result in a re-review of the proposeal by MMS and to the extent that MMS will give heed to the complaints of other federal agencies Cape Wind's approval is far off. If Cape Wind would be our savior (all bow and pray) their and the Corps' failure to do this right is actually harmful to all of us. It would have been a far better service to humanity (all hail Gordon) to have done it right the first time.
By the way, you haven't seen El Greco, have you?
Magical Eye [Member] writes:
Once again Great Gadfly you are on the mark. As to El Greco, I would probably be the last person to see or hear from him. LOL
Great Gadfly [Visitor] writes:
M. Eye,
Just so the wind freaks cannot accuse me of being wrong or unfair: The Minerals Management Service asked Cape Wind to file their mandated oil spill response plan and other information while the Corps was still conducting its DEIR charade. Not only did Cape Wind fail to honor this legitimate and required request, the Corps failed to compel a response from cape Wind.
Next time I see El Greco I am going to ask him for the complete list of things Cape Wind failed to address even though required to do so in the course of ANY DEIR. He is going to be amazed at my patience and persitence.
El Greco?....Is that you hiding behind that pile of three-ring binders?
Just so the wind freaks cannot accuse me of being wrong or unfair: The Minerals Management Service asked Cape Wind to file their mandated oil spill response plan and other information while the Corps was still conducting its DEIR charade. Not only did Cape Wind fail to honor this legitimate and required request, the Corps failed to compel a response from cape Wind.
Next time I see El Greco I am going to ask him for the complete list of things Cape Wind failed to address even though required to do so in the course of ANY DEIR. He is going to be amazed at my patience and persitence.
El Greco?....Is that you hiding behind that pile of three-ring binders?
FilmChick [Visitor] writes:
Wildlife and ecological systems are impacted whether the wind turbines are placed on mountain ridgetops or in the ocean. On average 200 acres of land is lost when turbines are installed on mountain ridges. Wind power is a wonderful energy resource, however siting issues and how they will impact wildlife should be the first consideration when installing these turbines. I think wind energy can be harnessed, but we need to think out of the box as to how we can without impact to wildlife and ecological systems. Magenn Power, based out of Canada has justbegan to do that and has come up with a new wind turbine that is mobile and environmentally friendly with consideration to wildlife.
http://www.magenn.com/
http://www.magenn.com/
Please visit these local CapeCodToday sponsors:
Community Care Resource Group
An organization of caring professionals who provide a wide range of services to seniors on Cape Cod. Our mission is to connect with one another, collaborate on ideas and provide information and referrals for seniors in our community. (Dennis)
An organization of caring professionals who provide a wide range of services to seniors on Cape Cod. Our mission is to connect with one another, collaborate on ideas and provide information and referrals for seniors in our community. (Dennis)
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR COMMENTORS & BLOGGERS: CapeCodToday now requires a one-time validation of your
account email. When logging in or registering for the first time, you will be emailed a link to click that will validate your
email and complete your login. The link in the email must be clicked in the same session when you are logged into the site for security purposes
(i.e. retrieve the email right away and do not close your web browser).
This is a one-time-only process (or if you change the email on your account), and will help CCToday keep out the spammers. If you cannot validate your email because it is invalid, and you are a legitimate user, feel free to contact us and we will update your account to your current email.
This is a one-time-only process (or if you change the email on your account), and will help CCToday keep out the spammers. If you cannot validate your email because it is invalid, and you are a legitimate user, feel free to contact us and we will update your account to your current email.
Please Login or Register to leave a comment. There are 3,363 registered commenters!
CapeCodToday requires readers register an account with us in order to post comments. Become a trusted commenter and receive the benefits of posting instantly throughout the site. It's quick and easy!
Please note: If you are a CapeCodToday registered blogger, you can use your blogger login. Your login for the blogs is separate from your CapeCodToday main site login (if you have one).
Previous/Next posts in this blog
About This Blog
Honored as NY State's first Master Wild Life Rehabilitator, Dona Tracy is a Freelance Photographer, Wildlife Advocate, Writer, Public Speaker and Dreamer. She lives in Ostervile and also writes another blog called Magic Eye.
Recent Comments
- Brothers, in arms perhaps and what 108' flips would you
41 mins ago - Zippy, would you care to point out any inaccuracies or
52 mins ago - Are you two brothers?
Beck an amoral, un-principled stooge.
How anyone stomache's
53 mins ago - ...there's the rub dk. "Reasonable minds". Does not exist in
58 mins ago - You want “circumspect” dk?
If this is such a well thought
59 mins ago
- site sponsors -
CCT Blog List
Blogs with posts in the past 60 days are listed here in order of newest posts. For a list of all blogs, visit Blogs A to Z
- Newest Blog Posts
- Newest Comments
- Rog's Gallery
- Police and Fire News
- Bismore Park
- Cape & Islands News
- EXTRA...
- Cape Cod History
- Entering Falmouth
- Long Bridge Runner
- Bill Snowden's Blog
- Latimer on Law
- Entering Bourne
- Cape Yoga
- Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary
- The Ballyard
- The Poet's Perspective
- Cape Cod Rock Hopper
- Editorial
- Media Watch
- Mr. Mom I am not
- Politicalendar
- Cheap Eats
- Rep. Jeff Perry in His Own Words
- The Belly Check
- Conservative's Conscience
- Mahler's Music Notes
- Historic Harwich
- Off-the-Shelf
- Ned Sonntag
- Literary Pop
- Boston Bureau
- Frugal Internet Marketing
- Cape Native
- Sea Street
- State of Cape Cod
- Town Notes
- Solon Economou
- Cape Cod Barrister
- Cape Eyes
- CapeCodToday Arts Calendar
- One Day at a Time
- Cape Cod Tracker
- DIY Marketing
- Trail Hound
- Letters to the Editor
- Project I.E.P.
- Op-Ed
- Through a Washashore's Eyes
- Travel Tales
- CapeCodToday Featured Event
- Off Cape
- My day
- The Natural
- Buckley's Blog
- Eastham Windmill
- Washington Window
- Seufert's Scenes
- Massachusetts Paranormal Institute
- Cape Cod Pets
- Reflections on a Quarter-life Crisis
- Myrbie & Dax
Archives
- April 2006 (5)
- March 2006 (6)
- February 2006 (9)
- January 2006 (35)
- December 2005 (9)
Become a CapeCodToday Blogger!
Are you passionate about your community? Do you blog or at least harbor thoughts of doing so?
If so, CapeCodToday.com would like to host your blog on our CapeCodToday weblog publishing platform.
Blog Newsfeed
CapeCodToday uses standard web "newsfeeds" (RSS) to automatically update the latest blog entries in your browser or newsreader.
Use any of the links below in your newsreader or web browser to get "Against the Wind" postings delivered to you, or use the RSS icon in your browser's address bar.
How can something so aesthetically pleasing produce such clean renewable energy?