Environmental Concerns
Do wind turbine materials leak harmful chemicals into nearby groundwater?
Turbines use oils for lubrication and cooling. Turbine structures are designed to contain leaks internally should they occur, to prevent release to the environment. Even in the case of catastrophic events like flooding or fire, it’s extremely unlikely that the turbine materials will release any harmful chemicals.
Wind turbines do not use water for cooling and do not pollute air or water with waste or emissions when generating electricity, which is notably different than other generation sources. Ultimately, this contributes to cleaner air and cleaner water – a better, healthier environment at large.
Learn more about wind turbines and water use here.
Do wind turbines cause earthquakes?
Wind turbines are very safe and do not cause earthquakes. Similar to how houses are built with concrete bases to keep them steady, wind turbines have foundations that are cemented into the ground to keep them secure. Just as houses don’t cause earthquakes, wind turbines don’t cause them either.
Do turbines leak oil on site?
Currently, many turbines require a small amount of oil to help lubricate and extend the life of the wind turbine. An average turbine holds about 100 gallons of the oil used for maintenance.
However, there are thorough spill prevention plans and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure requirements from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Even though the amount of oil on site is relatively small, these plans ensure wind farm staff are trained and prepared to handle any oil spills.
Learn more about turbine oil use here.
Do turbines throw ice off in winter?
Ice throw is when ice buildup on turbine blades can lead to fragments of mixed ice and snow falling off the blades. However, ice protection and prevention systems for turbines are increasingly available. Technology such as ice-resistant coatings, anti-ice paint, and built-in hot air and electro-thermal systems helps prevent ice throw.
Also, setback buffers ensure that homes and businesses are out of the range of any ice throw hazard.
Learn more about ice throw prevention measures from our source material:
Do turbines cause harmful erosion or create runoff?
Erosion and sedimentation prevention is an integral part of Steelhead’s construction process. Design practices like silt fencing, vegetated swales, strawbale barriers, and road and turbine pad grading create stormwater control features that direct drainage flow from the project site. Any erosion caused by construction vehicles is temporary and carefully managed.
What specific federal, state or local environmental regulations do you follow?
Steelhead is committed to ensuring responsible development and our projects must comply with all applicable environmental regulations, rules and standards. Some federal regulations that can apply to wind projects include but are not limited to the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Clean Air Act, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We also comply with state level regulations to protect human health and the natural environment. At the local level, County wind energy ordinances are the primary regulatory mechanism.
What regulatory agency monitors the safety of Industrial Wind for the environment and the people?
The Oil Pollution Prevention regulation sets requirements for prevention of, preparedness for, and response to oil discharges at facilities, such as wind farms. The regulation requires a plan for spill prevention and containment and a response plan to minimize risk of surface water contamination. Additionally, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The SWPPP outlines how a construction site will manage storm water runoff to reduce the risk of pollutants or sedimentation entering the local waterways. Similarly, the EPA’s Clean Air Act regulations apply to equipment and activities used onsite. Lastly, the Project completes an Environmental Site Assessment early in development to inform siting to avoid any potentially concerning locations, and then again closer to construction to reconfirm the facility as proposed will not present risk of or result in a release of hazardous substances into the environment.
Vestas will also monitor the turbine operations of the project 24/7, allowing us to identify and address any issues and ensure the turbines are operating safely for the environment and residents.
Are wind turbines environmentally friendly?
Compared to other forms of energy, wind farms have among the fewest environmental impacts. Wind projects require little to no water once operational and do not release harmful air pollutants or CO2 emissions, thus mitigating environmental impacts and improving public health. We conduct studies and work with local agencies to site projects in a way that minimizes impacts to wildlife & the environment.
In addition, wind projects achieve net energy neutrality within six months of operation – meaning the power it takes to build a wind farm is recouped shortly after turbines begin generating power.
Do wind turbines reduce air pollution?
Wind energy produces electricity without harmful air pollutants or CO2 emissions, resulting in improved air quality. By putting more emphasis on wind turbines, we can reduce smog, respiratory ailments, and other health issues associated with air pollution.
Wildlife Concerns
Do turbines impact local wildlife?
Steelhead is actively engaged in assessing risk to wildlife from wind energy development and supporting development of cost-effective, science-based solutions to ensure responsible development.
During the development process, we coordinate with subject matter experts as well as state and federal agency biologists to design and implement studies to evaluate risk to wildlife. Results are used to inform siting and develop operational protocols for facilities to minimize any potential impacts. All projects complete at least one year of operational monitoring to evaluate impacts and either confirm low risk conclusions or inform management responses if necessary. Steelhead is committed to all projects meeting federal, state and local environmental regulations.
Learn more about wind turbine’s environmental impacts here.
Do turbines kill bats?
During planning and siting, Steelhead takes steps to identify local bat species and high-risk locations. We work with local and state agencies to create mitigation strategies and comply with federal laws like the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, the Vestas Bat Protection System available with our turbines enables controlled operation during periods of higher bat activity. NRG detection and deterrent systems also minimize impacts.
Do turbines kill birds?
While some turbines cause bird mortality, the frequency is very low. Credible estimates indicate that currently installed capacity affects less than 0.01% of most species populations.
Where mortality does occur, most takes place during migration, so typically resident species and local populations are unaffected. Many important species have been documented to have low vulnerability to collision (e.g waterfowl like ducks and geese, water birds like cranes, herons and egrets, American golden plover) and utilize areas in wind farms for nesting, foraging and migratory stopover.
Collaboration between government, conservation agencies, and renewable energy developers has helped create rigorous guidelines for protecting bird populations. For example:
- Identifying and avoiding major migratory routes, areas of high conservation value, and critical habitat in siting
- Curtailment for eagle populations
- Providing compensatory mitigation where impact cannot be avoided
The Audubon Society strongly supports well-sited and well-planned wind projects because they reduce the threat to birds posed by air pollution, habitat loss, and climate crisis generated by fossil fuels. Learn more about wind turbines impact on birds here.
A study by Conklineet al., 2022 found wind and solar are putting 48% of US bird species at risk of population level effects. How do you respond? What is Steelhead doing to protect birds?
Conkling et al. modeled the potential for population impacts from renewable and other sources of mortality for 23 bird species known to be susceptible to impacts from renewable energy in California. They concluded that 11 (48%) of the 23 species evaluated could be negatively affected by increased levels of mortality resulting from renewables AND other sources. The 23 species evaluated by the authors represent only a small fraction of all birds species and shows that significant effects caused by wind projects could impact a subset of bird populations at varying scales; however, the study does not indicate that 48% of bird populations are going to decline as a result of renewables.
This study speaks to the importance of avoiding and minimizing impacts and mitigated those impacts where they might be significant. It is important to note that wind impacts on birds are typically minor and we do studies to look specifically at what species are present and likely to be affected, and we take measures to minimize risk to these birds through siting of project facilities. During the development process, Steelhead coordinates with subject matter experts as well as state and federal agencies to design and implement studies to evaluate risk to wildlife and ensure responsible development.
Eagle Concerns
How does Steelhead protect eagles when developing projects?
We take this issue very seriously. Steelhead is actively engaged in assessing risk to wildlife during the development process. We coordinate with subject matter experts as well as state and federal agencies to design and implement recommended studies to evaluate risk to wildlife with a focus on eagles as well as bats. Results are used to inform siting and develop operational protocols for facilities to minimize any potential impacts. All projects typically complete two years of preconstruction studies and at least one year of operational monitoring to evaluate impacts and either confirm low risk conclusions or inform management responses if necessary. Steelhead is committed to meeting federal, state and local environmental regulations for all projects.
How does Steelhead plan to avoid killing eagles at our site?
Our sites are developed by Steelhead and sold to other operators. We work with government agencies to conduct recommended studies to inform responsible project siting. During the first year of operations, each project is typically monitored for bird and bat impacts, including eagles, to ensure appropriate siting and operational protocols were implemented. Steelhead also provides the environmental studies to future project owners so they can obtain permits should they be deemed necessary.
It was recently reported that NextEra Energy pleaded guilty to their wind projects killing 150 eagles since 2012. How do you respond?
It is our understanding that NextEra Energy acknowledged their wind projects had killed 150 eagles across 9 states since 2012 and pled guilty to 3 counts of violating the MBTA as a result of 9 of these eagle deaths. We are not familiar with NextEras’s practices to avoid and minimize risk but understand based on publicly available information that they are taking measures going forward to address eagle mortality at these existing projects.
What technology is available to reduce the eagle mortality?
The best available technology is called the Identiflight System, which identifies eagles in real time with a high degree of accuracy. If an eagle gets within a set distance of a turbine, the turbine will curtail by immediately feathering blades until after the eagle leaves the area of risk. It is appropriate for use at projects with moderate to high eagle risk and can almost eliminate risk to eagles while minimally effecting energy production.
Viewshed Concerns
Will my home constantly be subjected to shadow flicker?
Shadow flicker is when the turbine blades pass between the sun and a home resulting in a flickering phenomenon. It’s similar to how when driving while the sun is behind the trees, sunlight peeks through and creates a flicker.
Turbine shadow flicker typically only occurs a few hours per year cumulatively. On average, it does not occur during 99.7% of daylight hours. To minimize shadow flicker, Steelhead conducts extensive studies and uses industry best practices.
Will the turbines ruin my beautiful view?
Although we can’t change how turbines look, we can hopefully change your outlook on them. Overtime, the turbines will become part of the landscape, just like a new grain elevator or cell phone tower.
Ultimately, they will become a symbol of economic growth and your community’s commitment to helping future generations thrive – and putting America back in charge of its own energy production.
How far will I see the tower’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lights?
It is a FAA requirement to have lights on the top of the tower for turbines taller than 500 feet. However, with newer technology, we can keep turbine lights off unless an aircraft is approaching a wind farm at a low altitude. This technology is called ADLS and is available on a turbine-by-turbine basis, ultimately approved by the FAA. The turbines are also painted white to help them stand out, which allows the FAA light to stay off during the day. Learn more about the FAA lighting requirements here.
Do the FAA lights impact flight paths?
The FAA and Department of Defense Clearinghouse process conducts an extensive review of wind farms to ensure no impacts to civilian or military flight paths. Appropriate set-backs from airports and visual flight paths are enforced to ensure no impact to flight operations.
With the FAA’s lighting requirements, turbines are visible during nighttime. Also, new technology in automated radar detection lighting systems allow turbine lights to activate only when aircraft approach. Learn more about the FAA lighting requirements here.
Noise Concerns
Do turbines emit a lot of noise?
Wind turbines do not emit a lot of noise. In fact, at a setback of 1500’, turbines reach a noise level of 43 decibels, which is similar to that of a refrigerator (40 decibels) or an air conditioner (50 decibels). Typically, two people can carry on a conversation at normal voice levels even while standing directly below a turbine.
Local ordinances and state laws help create guidelines which establish a reasonable level of sound allowed by the wind farm. When designing a wind farm, we also ensure that the turbines are located far enough away from homes so they can’t be heard and to ensure they operate unobtrusively. Learn more about wind energy and noise here.
Does the noise or frequency cause health issues?
There are no harmful health effects from exposure to wind turbine noise. Widespread myths about phenomena such as “Wind Turbine Syndrome” are based on false ideas about the impact of sound from turbines.
Multiple studies from public health agencies have determined that there is no evidence that diseases or health problems can result from infrasound or low-frequency sound that are different from such effects of “normal” sound.
While any sound, including wind turbine sound, can sometimes be annoying and lead to stress, there are no distinct harmful effects of turbine sound. There are more than 65,000 utility-scale wind turbines operating across the country with hundreds of thousands of people living close by, none of whom have adverse reactions.
Learn more from our source materials:
Health Concerns
Are wind turbines bad for my health?
No, wind turbines have no adverse health effects. Wind turbines have been operating in the US since the 1880s, and people have been living and working around them for almost a century and a half without any adverse issues.
Today, millions of people around the world live and work near operating wind turbines without negative health impacts. Countless studies have found wind farms to pose no negative health effects.
Ultimately, wind turbines create cleaner and healthier air, leading to a better, more livable environment for all. In fact, wind power reduces US healthcare costs by $8 billion a year through avoided air pollution that triggers smog and asthma attacks.
Learn more from our source materials:
- Wind Turbines and Health
- Health Effects and Wind Turbines
- The Climate and Air-Quality Benefits of Wind and Solar Power in the United States
- Wind Turbine Health Impact Study
- An Assessment of Quality of Life Among Participants Living in the Vicinity of Wind Turbines
Does shadow flicker cause seizures?
Shadow flicker does not have any harmful health effects, and will not cause a photosensitive epileptic to have a seizure. Photosensitive epilepsy makes up only 3% of those with epilepsy and is triggered when there are 5-30 flashes per second. Shadow flicker occurs at 0.3-1 flash per second which is well out of the range.
Learn more from our source materials:
Do wind turbine blades emit large amounts of bisphenol A (BPA) and microplastics into their surrounding environment?
Wind turbine blades contain only microscopic traces of residual BPA. Wind turbine blade coating is not toxic and does not account for large – or any – emissions of BPA or microplastics.
Learn more: https://cleanpower.org/resources/microplastics-and-bpa-in-wind-turbine-blades/
Interference Concerns
Do turbines interfere with military installations and radar?
During the siting process, Steelhead works with federal entities including the Federal Aviation Administration, the US Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help prevent any interference issues. Projects which interfere with military or civil aviation radar are unlikely to move forward in the development process.
Do turbines interfere with TV cable operations?
Steelhead projects can easily combat TV interference with proper siting, planning, and construction. For example, we can identify relevant transmitters, model predicted impact, and conduct field surveys before beginning construction.
If any impacts are discovered during operations, we will take steps to strengthen existing broadcasting signals or provide alternative coverage options for affected viewers. Learn more about wind farms and TV interference here.
Energy Payback
Is it true that wind turbines will never generate enough energy to offset the manufacturing and transportation costs incurred in their production?
This is not true. Over the life cycle of a V117-4.2 MW wind power plant, it will return 50 times more energy back to society than it consumed. That means that when 1 kWh is invested in a wind energy solution, you get 50 kWh in return. For coal, however, if you invest 1kWh you typically get below 0.4 kWh in return, which means coal consumes more energy than they generate and supply to the grid and never amortize. For specific timeframes on Vestas wind turbine breakeven points, learn more here.
