Mass Audubon | Wind Energy

Project Comments

Piping Plover Chick

The location and design of wind power projects is important to ensure that the benefits of this renewable source of energy are fulfilled with minimal environmental impact. Mass Audubon submits comments on various projects through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and other public review mechanisms. Areas of focus include:

State and federal policy and planning; siting criteria and standards
Impacts to Mass Audubon sanctuaries or other protected conservation lands
Rare species habitats, wetlands and water resources, Important Bird Areas, habitat for declining species of birds and bats, and large forested habitats.

Mass Audubon comment letters on wind projects are provided here. Some of these comments have been resolved. For current information, contact: hricci@massaudubon.org.

Testimony on the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act - 2011: Mass Audubon testified in support of the bill, which would include environmentally protective siting, operating, and decommissioning standards for certain wind energy projects and help protect birds and bats. The bill also includes provisions for much-needed technical assistance to communities as they review wind projects.
Shelburne - 2011: Proposal to build eight 2.5 MW turbines in an array on Mount Massaemet, adjacent to Mass Audubon’s High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary. Mass Audubon requested that more information be required including bird and bat assessments, wetlands delineation, and engineering details for the road, transmission line, and turbines.
Duxbury - 2011: Town commissioned a feasibility study for several sites, including one on the town golf course that abuts Mass Audubon’s North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. We asked that the town consult with Mass Audubon and recommended that bird and bat studies be undertaken.
Mount Tom, Holyoke – 2011: (PDF 263K) Proposed ordinance on the siting of wind turbines in Holyoke and a potential wind turbine project on Mount Tom. Mass Audubon provided background on the ecological significance of Mount Tom, and recommended that the ordinance include requirements for pre-construction assessment of birds and bats before a decision is made on siting, as well as post-construction monitoring if the project is built. The hearing for the ordinance was delayed and we expect that it will be rescheduled.
Wind on State Lands - 2009: (PDF 128K) Mass Audubon calls for a full evaluation of the ecological values of state conservation lands proposed for wind power development.
Minuteman Savoy - 2009: (PDF 151K) 12.5 MW - 5 turbines, 2.5 MW each on West Hill in Savoy. Commented on birds and bats, wetlands, and scope of impact including questions regarding potential impacts to state forest lands associated with road improvements and transmission lines.
Wind on State Lands - 2009: (PDF 128K) Mass Audubon calls for a full evaluation of the ecological values of state conservation lands proposed for wind power development.
Hull Offshore Energy - 2008: (PDF 141K) up to 12 MW - up to four 3MW turbines on Hardings Ledge off of Hull. Requested risk assessment for rare and endangered birds, and establishment of state siting guidelines.
Mass Audubon Comments on Federal Renewable Energy EIS (2007)
Blue Hills - 2007: (PDF 105K) The Renewable Energy Research Lab at UMass prepared a report in 2007 on wind power potential at Blue Hills State Reservation. Mass Audubon commented on the use of public conservation land for utility scale wind, and regarding potential impacts to migratory birds and rare species.
Buzzard's Bay/Patriot Renewables - 2006: (PDF 214K) up to 300 MW in 90-120 towers off the coast of Fairhaven in Buzzards Bay, home to 99% of the state population and 45% of the North American population of the Roseate Tern, an Endangered Species.
Landscape Assessment and Forest Management Framework for the Berkshire Ecoregions - 2005: (PDF 157K) The Department of Conservation and Recreation is developing ecoregional plans for management of state conservation lands. The habitat conservation values of large blocks of forestland need to be protected in state guidelines for wind project siting.
Princeton Municipal Light Department (PMLD) - 2004: (PDF 128K) 3 MW - two 1.5 MW 70 meter high towers on land owned by PMLD surrounded by the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Wachusetts Mountain State Reservation. The site has been a wind farm since the mid-1980s, and this project replaces several obsolete turbines with newer facilities. Mass Audubon's comments related to birds, use of state conservation land for access, and continued safe use of a hiking trail by the public.
Hoosac - 2003: (PDF 93K) 30MW - 20 turbines, 1.5MW each on Bakke Mountain and Crum Hill in Florida and Monroe. Commented on birds, bats, forest fragmentation, stream crossings. Citizens appealed the wetlands permit regarding impacts of 10 stream crossings for access roadways. Also commented on 2009 Notice of Project Change (PDF 156K), which indicated the project exceeds the threshold for a mandatory Environmental Impact Report and will involve 8,000 square feet of impacts to state forest land.
Cape Wind: In 2001, Cape Wind Energy proposed America's first offshore wind farm. The project consists of 130 wind turbines arrayed over 25 square miles of Horseshoe Shoal in Nantucket Sound.
Berkshire Wind Power Project, Hancock & Lanesborough - 2001: (PDF 40K) 15MW -- ten 80-meter high 1.5 MW turbines on Brodie Mountain. Mass Audubon requested the state develop siting guidelines to protect birds and important habitat.