Here are state’s environmental impact findings for Forward Wind Energy Center

 

To view a map of the proposed wind farm click here Proposed Forward Wind Energy Center map

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the reporter staff

The following are some of the findings from the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Forward Wind Energy Center:

Data from other nearby bird studies strongly suggest that Forward underestimated the presence of rare bird species within the project area.

The Forward project could pose some level of risk to species listed under the Endangered Species Act and protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, both of which prohibit the taking of protected species. However, no prosecution has ever occurred under these acts.

Wisconsin has 36 whooping cranes in its experimental population, including one young female in the project area among a flock of sandhill cranes. The loss of one whooping crane could significantly impact the ability to reestablish these very rare birds. There is also the possibility that the establishment of a wind farm close to Horicon Marsh might deter the reintroduction of additional wild whooping cranes to the region.

Bird groups that appear to have the highest mortality risk from wind farms include raptors, small birds and some large birds. Though Canada geese were the most observed bird species in the project area, they are not known to be susceptible to colliding with turbines, and any mortality due to the project would probably not affect their population dynamics.

Studies clearly show that bat mortalities occur, sometimes in high numbers, in association with wind turbines at some locations.

Forward relied entirely on a very general evaluation of the area and a literature search, and did not conduct any field surveys as part of its assessment of bat impacts.

It appears that the Forward project would, in general, be compatible with existing land uses.

Easement payments and crop compensation would add to many local farm incomes and possibly increase farm profitability overall. Increasing farm profitability could increase the likelihood that the farms in the area would be able to continue operating into the future, reducing the rate of farmland loss in Wisconsin.

There may be some adverse impacts on farms producing vegetable crops if planes used to spray those crops are unable to access the fields. Ground spraying could result in slightly lower vegetable yields if crop damage occurs from the use of ground equipment.

The GE turbine proposed for this project uses a fiberglass nacelle lined with sound-insulating foam which reduces acoustic emissions from the turbine.

The areas most likely to experience shadow flicker occur to the east and the west of the turbine tower locations. However, the number of hours per year during which shadow flicker could occur lessens as distance from the turbine increases, even from residences that are located to the east and west of the turbine locations.

If the maximum number of turbines are installed in each town, maximum annual shared revenue payments would be $182,500 for the Town of LeRoy; $32,500 for the Town of Lomira; $102,500 for the Town of Byron; $87,500 for the Town of Oakfield; $301,000 for Dodge County and $266,000 for Fond du Lac County.

Public comments

The public is invited to submit comments on the draft environmental impact statement for the Forward Wind Energy Center. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission issued the draft document Tuesday on the 133-turbine project located in southern Fond du Lac and northern Dodge counties.

Comments will be considered as the final environmental impact statement is prepared by the PSC. Refer comments to docket number 9300-CE-100 and direct them to: Jim Lepinski, docket coordinator, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, PO Box 7854, Madison, Wis., 53707-7854.

Lepinski also may be reached at (608) 266-0478 or via e-mail at Jim.Lepinski@psc.state.wi.us.

The commission’s final decision to approve, modify or deny the project will be based on the case record that includes testimony from public hearings, held about 30 days after the final environmental impact statement is issued.

The executive summary and draft environmental impact statement are available on the PSC Web site at http://psc.wi.gov/electric/cases/9300ce100/ind-forwardWind.htm. Requests for hard copies may be directed to the above address.