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Habitat Conservation Plans In DevelopmentFowler Ridge Wind Farm in IndianaIndiana Bat HCP
Photo by Adam Mann
Fowler Ridge Wind Farm Project sponsors are operating and expanding a wind farm on a 54,880-acre site near Fowler, Indiana in Benton County. Most of the site is open farm land, therefore, impacts to wildlife were expected to be minimal. However, wind turbines routinely kill bats and even on this open agricultural site, wind turbines have killed Indiana bats (an endangered species). Therefore, project sponsors applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for an "Incidental Take" permit. If granted, the permit would allow "take" of Indiana bats that may result from normal operation of the wind farm. To receive a permit, project sponsors must prepare a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). An HCP details measures to minimize "take" of Indiana bats and to mitigate the "take" that cannot be avoided.
Project sponsors are BP Alternative Energy North America Inc., Sempra Generation, and Dominion Resources, Inc.
Draft HCP, EIS and other Documents Available for Public Review and Comment (April 2013)Comments must be received by June 4 , 2013
We received an application for an incidental take permit for the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Indiana. If approved, the Incidental Take Permit would be for a 22-year period and would authorize the incidental take of an endangered species, the Indiana bat. The applicant has prepared a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that describes actions and measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate incidental take of the Indiana bat. The Permit application also includes a draft implementing agreement. We are announcing the availability the draft HCP and implementing agreement along with a draft Environmental Impact Statement, prepared in response to the permit application as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and a draft Programmatic Agreement, prepared in response to the permit application in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act. We request public comment on the application and associated documents.
Public Meeting: Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Benton County Government Annex, 410 South Adeway, Suite A, Fowler, Indiana.
Previous Action: Scoping for preparation of EIS and Draft HCP (May 2011)As part of the Incidental Take Permit process, project sponsors are preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Habitat Conservation Plan. A 30-day public scoping period that began with publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register continued through June 23, 2011 for the purpose of receiving information and concerns from interested individuals, groups, and agencies.
Background Information
Fowler Ridge Wind Facility HCP - Project Background and Summary
Fowler Ridge Project Layout - Aerial Photo (PDF)
Midwest Wind Site - Information about the impact of wind development on wildlife and measures being taken to reduce those impacts
Midwest Habitat Conservation Plans Midwest Endangered Species Home
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Last updated:
April 8, 2013
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