What impacts does wind energy have on wildlife, namely birds?
According the American Wind Energy Association (www.AWEA.org), wind turbines have relatively little impact on the environment when compared to conventional power plants. Concerns have been raised regarding the effects on birds. Most of these issues have been resolved or greatly reduced through technological development and improved siting of the wind plants. The Long Island Offshore Wind Park has initiated one of the most comprehensive baseline bird assessment evaluations for any wind project in the world. The Project has been conducting ongoing detailed avian studies of the project area since March of 2004. Boat and aerial surveys by trained avian biologists have been conducted as well as marine radar studies to continuously track birds. These comprehensive studies identify exactly what avian activity is present in the project area. Information concerning avian activity continues to be obtained from existing databases and local avian monitoring groups. Field study and other informatio
