Defenders' Experts
General Principles for Wind Energy Production
Minimize bird and bat mortality
Bird and bat mortality can usually be kept to a minimum by ensuring appropriate siting of the wind farm, selecting appropriate turbine types and arrangement, and by using tower and turbine designs that cause the least mortality. Research indicates that the most severe problems with bird and bat mortality occur at older wind farms, with newer farms having considerably lower mortality rates; moreover, turbine collisions appear to cause far fewer bird fatalities than other anthropogenic factors, such as domestic cats.
Avoid incompatible land uses
Wind farms are most appropriately located in areas where there are existing compatible land uses, such as in many agricultural areas. They are less appropriate, and can be inappropriate, in undisturbed areas such as roadless areas or lands with scenic vistas, especially on public lands. New road building should be minimized, and best landscape practices should be used at all times to minimize erosion, water pollution, and disruption of surrounding habitats.
Avoid creating nuisances to humans
Noise, visual impacts, and electromagnetic interference are all nuisance-like conditions that should be avoided when siting wind farms. Ensuring compliance with zoning laws and allowing full public participation in siting decisions will do much to minimize these concerns, and current technology has reduced these problems relative to noise and electromagnetic interference.
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