FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 October 30, 2003
 Contact: Jessica Almy 508) 362-0111, ext. 105

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WILDLIFE GROUPS SUGGEST
STUDIES FOR WIND FARM ALTERNATIVES REVIEW


 CAPE COD -- Today eight wildlife and environmental groups called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take a more in-depth look at potential risk factors for the six alternative wind farm sites announced yesterday at a meeting in Falmouth, Mass. They recommended the biological studies necessary to compare alternatives for the permit application of what would be the nation's first offshore wind farm.

 The groups expressed concerns that so far, the Army Corps and the applicant, Cape Wind Associates, have ignored important research recommendations by government wildlife management agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Cape Wind has filed a permit application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound.

 "Because the Army Corps announced plans to review several other sites as alternatives for construction of ocean based wind farms, this is the perfect time for them to demonstrate their concern for adequate site assessment by requiring Cape Wind to follow environmental research recommendations by agencies charged with wildlife management and conservation," said Sharon Young, field director of marine issues for The Humane Society of the United States.

 The Humane Society of the United States is joined by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the International Wildlife Coalition, the Oceans Public Trust Initiative, the Pegasus Foundation, the Plymouth Marine Mammal Research Center, Three Bays Preservation and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society in expressing these concerns. Seven of these groups are part of the Safe Wind coalition, which hosts an informational website - SafeWind.Info - about wind farms, wildlife and the environment.

 In a letter to the Army Corps, the groups discussed the harm to wildlife that could be caused by offshore and coastal wind farms including:

  • Alteration of coastal processes: Pilings serve as artificial reefs which will create habitat for some species of plants, fish and invertebrates and degrade habitat for others
  • Risk of bird collisions with monopoles and turbine blades: The risk of collision can be increased if birds resting on the water's surface are startled into flight, migrate near the structures in inclement weather, or attempt to land on or near the structures. " Hazards of lighting: Lighting of the structure or turbine blades may pose a hazard to migratory birds which are attracted to lights
  • Attraction and displacement caused by underwater cables: Research indicates that electromagnetic fields may attract some fish species and displace others. -more
  • Water quality issues: During construction and maintenance, hydro-plowing or jetting may suspend contaminants and cause turbidity which may affect suitability of nursery habitat for fish and the efficacy of foraging by marine birds, fish and marine mammals.
  • Noise: Noise from construction and operation of the facility is well within the hearing range of both fish and marine mammals and may adversely alter behavior and/or habitat use
  • Vessel traffic: Continual boat traffic, during construction and maintenance, could have behavioral effects on birds, marine mammals and other marine wildlife.

"While we all support the development of alternative sources of energy generation, we are committed to assuring that any site chosen for offshore development be one with not only the greatest possible benefit to clean air, but also the fewest potential concerns for animals and their habitats," said Young.

 Daniel J. Morast, president of the International Wildlife Coalition added: "Cape Wind continues to promote its 24 square-mile Nantucket Sound wind facility as a solution to global warming and air pollution in the Northeast. Even the Army Corps can only find six mega-turbine oceanic/coastal sites to consider, all in Massachusetts. If Cape Wind is allowed to build on one of them, it will end up making a nice profit, but we won't have solved anything dealing with pollution ... and Nantucket Sound will have paid the price."

 Additionally, the groups called on the Army Corps to conduct a programmatic environmental impact statement to determine the cumulative impacts of coastal and offshore wind facilities.

SIGNATORY GROUPS AND CONTACTS


 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. With active programs in companion animals, wildlife, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture, The HSUS works to protect all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. 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

 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.
 CONTACT: Erin Heskett, Wildlife and Habitat Program
 (508) 744-2192

 The International Wildlife Coalition (IWC): For over 20 years, the International Wildlife Coalition has come to the aid of animals on a worldwide scale, as well as one individual at a time. The IWC works to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned animals; to protect wild and domestic animals from commercial exploitation; and to protect wild habitat from threats of degradation and destruction. Visit the IWC website at www.IWC.org for more information about our various wildlife projects around the world.
 CONTACT: Daniel Morast, President
 (508) 548-8328

 Oceans Public Trust Initiative (OPTI): OPTI has been established in recognition of the need for an organization that will act to defend the principle that the resources of our coastal and ocean environments are held in trust for the general public by the federal and state governments and are not subject to the unauthorized use and ownership by private parties for exploitation purposes. The need for such an organization is clear based on recent actions by development interests and the federal government that fail to ensure that this public trust principle is adequately defended.
 CONTACT: Cindy Lowry, Director
 (207) 622-3587

 Pegasus Foundation (Pegasus): The Pegasus Foundation established in 1977, is a private independent foundation committed to protecting the earth and all living creatures. The Foundation concentrates its efforts in three areas: wildlife protection, companion animal and equine programs, and land conservation. For more information, visit www.pegasusfoundation.org.
 CONTACT: Anne Ostberg, Communications Director

Plymouth Marine Mammal Research Center (PMMRC): The Plymouth Marine Mammal Research Center was incorporated in 1989 as a non-profit, volunteer consortium. We are a group of scientists, educators, advocates, and naturalists who share a common interest in our desire to learn about, and preserve, the natural environment. Our mission is to promote wildlife conservation through sound scientific research and public education. The PMMRC website is pmmrc.org.
 CONTACT: Regina Asmutis Silvia, Biologist
 (508) 747-7891

 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

 The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS): The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is the world's most active charity dedicated to the conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises (also known as cetaceans). Our objectives are: to reduce, and ultimately, eliminate the continuing threats to cetaceans and their habitats and to raise awareness of cetaceans and educate people about the need to address the continuing threats to their welfare and survival. You can find out more about our work on our main website at www.wdcs.org.

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