O VERVIEW OF E NVIRONMENTAL C ONSIDERATIONS FOR W IND E NERGY D - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE YUKON

Yukon Energy - Wind Energy Mini-Workshop Presented By: Travis Ritchie, P.Biol., EP – Mgr. Environment, Assessment, & Licencing Yukon Energy March 18, 2013 Gold Rush Inn Whitehorse

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OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE YUKON

Presentation Outline

• Industry/Regulatory Environmental Overview
• Key Environmental Components and Potential Impacts
• Planning, Assessment, & Operational

Considerations/Approaches

Note: This presentation does not address potential indirect socio-economic effects caused by environmental changes due to wind energy developments (e.g., visual/aural aesthetics, health and safety)

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Protected Species Could Bring Down Wind Farm….

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What?? Isn’t Wind Energy A Slam-Dunk From An Environmental Perspective?

OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE YUKON

Overview

• Globally Industry/Regulators have recognized the need for

systematic approaches to evaluate and address potential negative effects of wind energy projects on species/habitats

• f concern.
• Tiered evaluations are based on site sensitivity and adherence

to relevant laws (e.g., Wildlife Act, MCBA, SARA).

• Early engagement of resource managers/regulators is key to

avoiding areas where development may be precluded or where wildlife impacts are likely to be high and difficult/costly to mitigate.

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OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE YUKON

Environmental Components and Potential Impacts

• Predominately focused on wildlife issues
• Can relate to individual wildlife types (e.g., birds, bats),

specific species (e.g., golden eagles) or to wildlife habitat

• Three (3) Main Effect Pathways or Mechanisms
• Direct Mortality - collisions with turbines/power lines
• Habitat Loss/Degradation - development footprint/access
• Wildlife Disturbance - human activity/blade movement

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OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE YUKON

Planning, Assessment, & Operational Approaches

 Systematic, Step-Wise Planning Process to Avoid or Minimize Potential for Environmental Issues

• 1. Preliminary Site Evaluation – Regional/Landscape Analysis
• 2. Site Characterization
• 3. Field Studies and Analysis
• 4. Design Mitigation Measures
• 5. Post-Construction Wildlife Monitoring

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OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE YUKON

Thank you.

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