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

O VERVIEW OF E NVIRONMENTAL C ONSIDERATIONS FOR W IND E NERGY D EVELOPMENT IN THE Y UKON 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 1

O VERVIEW OF E NVIRONMENTAL C ONSIDERATIONS FOR W IND E NERGY D EVELOPMENT IN THE Y UKON 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) 2

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O VERVIEW OF E NVIRONMENTAL C ONSIDERATIONS FOR W IND E NERGY D EVELOPMENT IN THE Y UKON 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 of 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. 4

O VERVIEW OF E NVIRONMENTAL C ONSIDERATIONS FOR W IND E NERGY D EVELOPMENT IN THE Y UKON 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 5

O VERVIEW OF E NVIRONMENTAL C ONSIDERATIONS FOR W IND E NERGY D EVELOPMENT IN THE Y UKON 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 6

O VERVIEW OF E NVIRONMENTAL C ONSIDERATIONS FOR W IND E NERGY D EVELOPMENT IN THE Y UKON Thank you. 7