[BCNnet] recommendations on wind turbine designs

[Robbie Hunsinger]

Dear BCN, 

Sorry this is kind of long, but I found these recommendations in a paper
from Bird Studies Canada. I actually called and spoke to one of the authors
who was very helpful.  They were commissioned to do this study on avian
issues at a proposed wind plant at North Cape on Prince Edward Island.  The
link for the download is here:
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/peiwind.html

I was told that siting issues are very important but that their study on
this issue would not be released until January 2003. They don't know at this
point how far away the plant would need to be to limit impact on birds
habitat.  I have been told that the proposed plant in IL will be near (or
in) several very important habitat areas.

That's all I've got for now. I have just heard that Washington State Audubon
will be publishing a paper on wind farm issues in the next few months. I
will keep an eye out.  I will copy Steve Walker at the city on this info.

Also there is going to be a conference in October in Wyoming on this
specific topic.  Contact me if you would like details. Thee woman from BSC
is going to e-mail me about it.

Robbie Hunsinger



First are recommendations on the turbines themselves. Powerlines are a
substantial threat with this type of power plant-some say more dangerous
than the turbines themselves, so I  have included these recommendations from
the paper as well.

________________________________________

Turbine recommendations are as follows:

Paint different patterns on the turbine blades to make them more visible to
birds  (they suggest that a thin stripe staggered pattern is most visible to
birds).   Also,  painting one blade black is the next most effective
treatment. (This treatment addresses the issue of raptors not being able to
see the blades.)

Install anti-perching devices

Ensure that turbines are not taller than 100-150 meters -this is important
for songbird mirgration

Install bird flight "Diverters"

Install warning devices that employ sound or visual cues

Use white strobe lighting - an important issue for songbirds and night
migrators

______________________________________


Power Lines should be built underground if possible

Line visibility should be increased by adding flags or marker balls, and
increasing the width of the wire ( to larger than 230kV)

Lines should not be built over water or other areas of high bird
concentration

Small lightning shield wires should be eliminated where lines cross wetlands
and migratory routes

Lines should be make parallel to prevailing wind directions

Lines crossing rivers should be placed at obliques rather than right angles

Lines should be placed close to trees and below tree level.

Lines should be designed with adaquate space between conductors to avoid
electrocution, possible when a bird simlutaneously touches two phases of
current.