Maine Audubon Files Appeal of Mars Hill Wind Farm Permit

FALMOUTH — July 1, 2004

Organization says permit not aligned with state wildlife-protection laws

Maine’s largest wildlife organization filed an appeal yesterday to the permit granted last month to Evergreen Windpower, LLC to construct a wind-power farm in the town of Mars Hill in Aroostook County. The organization believes that because the Maine Department of Environmental Protection did not require Evergreen Windpower to conduct preconstruction studies to help determine whether the project would harm wildlife, the permit was granted in violation of Maine law protecting wildlife.

“Clearly, Maine Audubon does not oppose wind power, which can be a clean and significant source of renewable energy beneficial to people and wildlife,” said Kevin Carley, Maine Audubon executive director. “That’s why it’s essential to take advantage of this opportunity to make what may be Maine’s first large-scale, commercial wind-power plant a model of how to do things right.”

Maine environmental law requires permit applicants to show that their projects will not unreasonably harm or adversely affect wildlife. In March, Maine Audubon requested that before granting a construction permit to Evergreen, the DEP require the company to conduct on-site, preconstruction studies during spring and fall bird-migration seasons. The studies would show how birds and bats use air space and habitat in the proposed project area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and, initially, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife also asked DEP to require these studies.

Data from wind farms has shown that turbines can pose a serious and lethal threat to raptors, bats and migratory songbirds. Tall, lighted structures pose particular collision hazards as lights attract birds to towers, especially during times of fog, mist and low clouds. Problems tend to be more profound where there are abundant bird populations nearby and/or if the site is part of a migratory corridor.

Evergreen Windpower has not collected any original data on migrating birds, bats or raptors at the project site. In fact, migratory pathways over the interior of Maine have never been studied. However, for a wind-power project proposed for Maine’s Redington Pond Range and Black Nubble Mountain, Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission required studies similar to those Maine Audubon has recommended in Mars Hill.

“Without at least some site specific information before the project is built, it is impossible to conclude that the project will not adversely affect these animals,” said Jody Jones, Maine Audubon wildlife biologist. “The studies we have suggested are not difficult to conduct—and are in line with the requirements of Maine law. Done the right way from the beginning, this has the potential to be a project deserving the support of everyone in Maine who cares about the environment.”

MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action. With a 160-year history of connecting people with nature, Maine Audubon today is affiliated with Audubon’s national organization and has seven local chapters in the state. Support for Maine Audubon comes from 11,000 members and supporters, including individuals, foundations and corporations.

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