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

Environmental Consequences
While a collision with a turbine by a State or federally listed species could occur since these
birds exist in the area, the potential impact should be much lower and not substantial in
comparison to more common and abundant species. Listed species were infrequently observed
during the surveys but no carcasses were recovered during the fatality study. The lack of
observations of Piping Plover, Wilson’s Plover, and Upland Sandpiper during the 12-month
survey combined with the lack of viable habitat in the proposed wind turbine area for these
species indicates the risk should be very low. Only Peregrine Falcon might nest on the marshes
near the proposed turbine sites; however, whether the individuals observed nest in the area or are
part of a migratory population is unknown. Bald Eagle, Gull-billed Tern, and Red Knot would
not likely nest in the vicinity of the turbines because there is little or no suitable habitat. These
birds will forage in the general vicinity, but not likely in large numbers.
Henslow’s Sparrow
The utility-scale wind turbines and access roads would be constructed within potentially suitable
habitat for this species. Avian mortality has been documented as an adverse effect of birds
colliding with the rotating blades of wind turbines. To reduce the effects to Henslow’s Sparrow
resulting from habitat disturbance, NASA has proposed the minimum necessary width for the
access roads to the utility-scale wind turbines. The Proposed Action may result in minor adverse
impacts on the Henslow’s Sparrow.
Upland Sandpiper
The utility-scale wind turbines and access roads would be constructed in wetlands that are not
the preferred habitat of the Upland Sandpiper (open grassy areas), presenting a reduced risk of
avian mortality associated with wind turbine collision. Noise from the construction activities
would be of short duration and would likely present minor, if any, startle reactions for birds that
were close to the proposed wind turbine sites. The Proposed Action may result in minor adverse
impacts on the Upland Sandpiper.
Piping Plover
The utility-scale wind turbines and access roads would be constructed on the opposite side of
Wallops Island from preferred habitat and historical nesting sites of the Piping Plover, presenting
a reduced risk of avian mortality associated with wind turbine collision. Residential-scale wind
turbines would not be constructed on Wallops Island. No construction is planned for areas within
known Piping Plover nesting habitat. Noise from construction activities would be of short
duration and would likely present minor, if any, startle reactions.
WFF has developed a protected species monitoring plan, which includes the Piping Plover, in
cooperation with USFWS (NASA, 2010c). NASA would continue to coordinate with CNWR
and USDA personnel in monitoring the Wallops Island beach for Piping Plover activity. These
personnel routinely monitor Assateague, Wallops Island, Assawoman, and Metompkin Island
beaches for Piping Plovers during nesting season. Any nests discovered would be appropriately
marked using a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, identified with signage, and closed to
personnel or visitor access. Additionally, educational signs would be posted at all beach access
points to raise awareness of the species and to provide contact information. Basic species
identification would be included in the natural resources training module of the WFF EMS, a
requirement for all new employees at the facility. WFF would continue to distribute its annual
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