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A large number of bats are dying at wind turbines in the United States. The number of bat deaths is higher than any fatality rates seen in this species in the past. There is something strange happening with bats and wind turbines. It is not known why bats are so susceptible and why they are being killed in these surprising numbers.
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There is a story in the Wall Street Journal today that reports that the tables may be turning Bats may now be a threat to wind turbines.
In anticipation of New federal rules that take effect in January some wind developers are changing their plans , although the new guidelines are voluntary those who don't follow them are more likely to face fines or penalties if their turbines kill an animal protected by federal law. These new guidelines could potentially effect where all wind projects are built .
Acciona’s St. Lawrence Wind project has the potential to significantly impact the future survival of the Indiana bat and all bat species existing in Cape Vincent as well. Wolfe Island Canada located just 3/4 of a mile from the shores of Cape Vincent is home to an 86 turbine project that reported estimates of 1720 bats deaths per year , a significant number . Cape Vincent can expect the same numbers because of similar habitat and shared species with Wolfe Island.
Acciona’s wind development will cause fragmentation of habitat and destroy foraging ground; this will have a devastating effect on Cape Vincent’s dwindling bat population.
Below is a partial map of the area that is proposed for utility scale wind turbines and the necessary transmission lines to facilitate the project.
Notice the project is in the heart of the Indiana Bat areas. Notice too that land owned by Agricultural Commissioner Darrel Aubertine is slated for transmission lines in or perilously close to the Indiana Bat habitat areas...
AUBERTINE PROPERTY
slated for development~
ACCIONA TURBINE AREAS
To read the article ~ Wildlife Slows Wind Power ~ from the Wall Street Journal link here
1 comment:
Is it any wonder in a world where the war profiteers have no value for human life ?
Nothing that happens in the world is disconnected from profit taking. Notice the word taking has replaced the word making. As in earning fair and square. Even though this is nothing new, the level of destruction and death to humans and wildlife is rising exponentially. All for profit and nothing else.
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