Protecting avian life.
The implementation of new technologies such as offshore wind necessitates thorough consideration and study of their potential impacts on the rich and diverse ecosystem of The Great Lakes. Protecting avian life is a top priority.
To date, almost all North American and European studies of the impacts of wind farms on birds and bats is predicated on land-based turbines. The worst perpetrators have been found to be older, poorly located wind farms that employ outdated technology such as trellised towers and small turbines that rotate at high speeds.
The first ever study conducted on the avoidance responses of ducks and geese to large offshore wind turbines found that less than 1% of them migrated close enough to the turbines to even be at risk of collision (M. Densholm and J. Kahlert, "Avian collision risk at an offshore wind farm,"Biology Letters, Vol.1 Iss.3 (2005), 296-298).
Well-sited offshore wind safe for birds and bats
Because birds and bats don’t nest in the middle of the lake, the main avian concern for offshore wind farms is bird and/or bat migration paths.
The site for Trillium Power Wind 1 is 28 km off the shore of Lake Ontario and was chosen specifically to avoid migratory bird and bat flight paths. To confirm that TPW1 addresses avian safety, Trillium Power Wind Corporation has retained the services of Golder Associates, a Canadian headquartered, international environmental consultancy with 150 offices worldwide to conduct detailed avian studies on bird and bat migratory patterns in the area. Trillium Power Wind Corporation has asked Golder Associates to conduct this unique and highly-comprehensive, first-of-its-kind study so that a high standard is set for future offshore wind development in Ontario. Golder Associates will report on their findings in 2009 after a full autumn and spring migration cycle has been completed. Interim reports have so far been very favourable.
Trillium Power is committed to protecting the environment and continues to take responsible steps to meet its high standards.