Alternative Energy Draft EA - NASA Visitor Center at Wallops Flight ...

Environmental Consequences
determined once the post-construction study is implemented. Details of the mitigation measures
and proposed post-construction study can be found in Chapter 5 of this EA.
If it is determined that there is a need to mitigate any potential impacts on avifauna at the
proposed WFF wind turbines, potential avoidance and/or minimization BMPs would be
implemented to reduce the potential long-term (direct and indirect) impacts. Since research is
ongoing regarding wind energy projects and how to avoid and minimize potential impacts, many
BMPs have yet to be developed or proven. The following BMPs may be implemented, if
appropriate:
Post-construction fatality monitoring studies utilizing the most proven up-to-date
protocol, which may include visual, acoustic, radio tracking, mist-net, thermal imaging,
and other monitoring techniques.
Modified operation of wind-energy facilities (either changing turbine cut-in speed or
temporarily stopping wind turbines) to reduce bat fatalities. Seasonal low wind
shutdowns during predictable nights or periods of high bat kills could reduce fatalities
considerably. Current studies suggest that bat fatalities occur primarily on low wind
nights (BWEC, 2008).
Ultrasonic deterrents that use high amplitude sonar “jamming” sounds as a potential
method of deterring bats from wind turbine facilities (BWEC, 2008).
Alternative One
The types of impacts on bats as a result of wind turbine construction would be the same as
described for the Proposed Action; however, there would be fewer impacts because: 1) the
surface area disturbance to construct a single utility-scale wind turbine would be about half of
the area required for the Proposed Action, and 2) there would be only one utility-scale turbine
that could result in direct impacts on bats. Therefore, the amount of habitat disturbance would be
less. The construction period would be shorter compared to the Proposed Action, resulting in
fewer short-term adverse impacts on bats.
Because the installation of solar panels at the Main Base would not alter or remove bat habitat,
nor would their operation interfere with bat activities, no impacts on bats are anticipated from
solar panels under Alternative One.
Alternative Two
The types of impacts on bats as a result of residential-scale wind turbine construction would be
the same as described for the Proposed Action; however, there would be fewer impacts because
the surface area disturbance to construct the residential-scale wind turbines would be
substantially less compared to the Proposed Action and would not occur within or adjacent to
wetlands. Therefore, the amount of habitat disturbance would be less.
Because the installation of solar panels at the Main Base would not alter or remove bat habitat,
nor would their operation interfere with bat activities, no impacts on bats are anticipated from
solar panels under Alternative Two.
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