Communication
Towers
Consumer interest and recent developments in technology
have spawned a considerable increase in the number of communication
towers dotting the American landscape. Currently 85,000
towers exist with an additional 7,000 towers added each
year, with the potential for more due to an increase in
cellular and digital TV technology.
Communication towers pose a risk to birds, particularly
night-migrating species during summer and fall migratory
seasons. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service estimates
that between 4 and 5 million birds are killed each year
from collisions with communication towers.
As the number of towers increase, avian mortality tower
collisions is becoming a greater concern due to well-documented
events in which thousands of birds have perished in a night.
The towers that cause the most problems stand 200ft. high
and higher, which are required by the Federal Aviation Association
to be equipped with lights to warn pilots of their presence.
These deaths have been attributed to the lights that are
disorientating to the migrating birds, especially on foggy
nights. Bird deaths have also been attributed to guy wires,
which are used to stabilize the towers.
The towers that cause the most problems stand 200ft. high
and above. Under the Migratory Bird Act of 1918 migrating
birds are afforded full protection under federal law. At
this time only interim
guidelines developed by the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service are available to help protect birds from the potentially
devastating effects of increased tower construction.
The Federal Communications Commission Act of 1996 allows
local communities to regulate the height and appearance
of wireless towers, but such regulations cannot interfere
with a company doing business. Regulations concerning communication
towers have been primarily left in the hands of county and
local zoning boards, even though many are ill-equipped to
deal with the increasing pressure and need for the towers.
Cellular and digital TV companies tend to present the large
towers as the only viable option. Consequently, alternatives
such as co-location, where two companies share the same
tower, are not widely discussed. Below are links to helpful
county legislation concerning communication towers.
Wind Towers
The number of wind power generating facilities has increased
in recent years due to a push for alternative power. Consequently
the same concerns associated with communication towers have
been raised in conjunction with the towers erected for electrical
generation. Studies to date do not show significant avian
mortality associated with wind towers, however specific
sites, Altamont Pass in California for example, have shown
a rise in documented raptor deaths that have had impacts
on various species, especially the golden eagle. Strict,
concise evaluation of a potential site prior to construction
is needed to prevent future problems.
The Wildlife
Management Institute’s website contains suggestions
concerning the placement of a wind power generating facility.
State Legislation
Two states, Minnesota and Oregon, have rules in place,
and Maryland is considering legislation concerning the placement
of a wind power generating facility that includes provisions
relating to the avoidance of potential avian mortalities.
Maryland
HB
1308/SB 869 (2004) requires that avian mortality issues
be considered in the siting of wind towers and post-construction
analyses on avian mortality be conducted.
Minnesota
Minnesota Planning, Wind Turbine Siting - Avian
and Bat Studies
Oregon
Administrative
Rules 345-024-0010 - Public Health and Safety Standards
for Wind Energy Facilities
In lieu of specific provisions at the state level, counties
and towns can dictate zoning regulations for wind power
generating facilities. The New
York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s website
provides useful information on what select counties/towns
have done.
Press Clips
Additional Information
For further information on these issues consult these useful
sites:
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