July 29, 2003 CONTACT: Jessica Almy
For immediate release (508) 362-0111, ext. 105
WILDLIFE GROUPS ASK ARMY CORPS TO REQUIRE WIND FARM
DEVELOPER TO CONDUCT COMPREHENSIVE BIRD STUDIES
CAPE COD -- Today four wildlife organizations requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers require that Cape Wind Associates comply with the avian study recommendations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW). Cape Wind is pursuing a permit from the Corps to construct 130 wind turbines, each 40 stories tall, in Nantucket Sound. The Corps recently announced that they plan to delay permitting of this project for at least a year to allow for further analysis of the site.
“Federal and state wildlife agencies have weighed in on what studies are necessary to figure out how many birds and what species use the area. Now, with additional time on the clock, the Corps should require the developer actually do the work,” said Jessica Almy of The Humane Society of the United States. “Deciding to permit this project without having facts about the wildlife that lives here would be like putting your life savings into lottery tickets.”
The Humane Society of the United States, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the International Wildlife Coalition and Three Bays Preservation are concerned that the developer’s current research will not provide enough information to adequately assess the risk of wind turbines to migrating and resident birds.
While affirming that wind power has the potential to significantly reduce harmful carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as oil spills, these organizations acknowledge that offshore wind energy development can harm wildlife and habitat. These groups called for the Corps to ensure that marine-based energy facilities are developed in ways that are sensitive to wildlife and marine habitat.
In the wake of the Corps’ decision to delay the permitting process, the groups are calling on the Corps to comply with the study recommendations of the USFWS and DFW. The groups specifically asked the Corps to require the installation of bird-monitoring devices on the test tower that was erected by Cape Wind to measure sea conditions and wind speeds. This action would help satisfy the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s requirement that the applicant utilize extensive radar and acoustic remote sensing technology to study avian use of this area, they said.
Other components of USFWS’s recommended three-year research protocol include horizontal and vertical radar studies in all seasons, land-based and water-based acoustic observation, direct field sampling, and visual observation from boat, barge, and aircraft.
"The bird studies and wildlife impact reviews underway are fundamentally and profoundly inadequate,” said Dan Morast, president of the International Wildlife Coalition. “With respect to bird impacts, many have called for a full three-year study. This should be an independent undertaking utilizing scientific methodology reviewed and approved by government scientists and specialists not associated with Cape Wind. For the proposed Nantucket Sound wind turbine site, the three-year clock hasn't yet started ticking.”
ABOUT THE SIGNATORIES
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with over seven million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, wildlife, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS has protected all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. The non-profit organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. For more information, visit The HSUS’ website: www.hsus.org.
CONTACTS: Sharon Young, Field Director of Marine Issues – (508) 833-0181
Jessica Almy, Cape Wildlife Center – (508) 362-0111, ext. 105
Nick Braden, Media Relations – (301) 258-3072
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW): The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well being of both animals and people. For more information, please visit IFAW's website: www.ifaw.org.
CONTACTS: Erin Heskett, Wildlife and Habitat Program – (508) 744-2192
The International Wildlife Coalition (IWC): The International Wildlife Coalition Inc. is a federally recognized, non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Founded in 1984, the Coalition is dedicated to public education, research, rescue, rehabilitation, litigation, legislation and international treaty negotiations concerning global wildlife and natural habitat protection issues. For more information, visit IWC’s website: www.iwc.org.
CONTACT: Dan Morast, President – (508) 548-8328
Three Bays Preservation (Three Bays): Three Bays Preservation is a local environmental group dedicated to the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of the Three Bay Watershed of the Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts. Three Bays is active in water quality monitoring, habitat creation and improvement, improving the water quality of our embayments and a variety of other projects of that nature. We are a science-based organization that directs our activities based on the best available scientific information. For more information, visit our website: www.3bays.org.
CONTACT: Lindsey Counsell, Executive Director – (508) 420-0780
These organizations are members of the SafeWind coalition. For more information, visit SafeWind.Info.