The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information to prepare an environmental impact statement on the proposed Endangered Species Act incidental take permit for the Beech Ridge Wind Energy Project in Greenbrier and Nicholas counties, West Virginia. Comments may be submitted on or before Monday, Aug. 23.
As part of the process of gathering information necessary to prepare the EIS, the Service is hosting an information open house on Monday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Community Center, 604 Nicholas Street, Rupert, WV 25984. Background information about the proposed permit can be found at http://www.fws.gov/westvirginiafieldoffice/.
Beech Ridge Energy, LLC, had constructed 40 wind turbines when the U.S. District Court of Maryland ruled that the company was in violation of the ESA. The court said the turbines could potentially kill endangered Indiana bats, and cited Beech Ridges failure to obtain an endangered species permit allowing the project to “take,” or kill, a minimal number of bats incidental to the project construction and operation. The permit is known as an incidental take permit.
Beech Ridge has agreed to apply for the required endangered species permit. Before the Service can issue a permit, the agency must analyze the impacts to the environment as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. To begin this analysis, the Service published a notice in todays Federal Register seeking information http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-17932.htm.
Beech Ridge entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the case. While the ESA permit application process is under way, the settlement agreement allows the company to build 27 additional turbines and to operate the turbines during times of the day and year when bats normally are not flying and would not be at risk of being killed by the turbines. These restrictions remain in place unless they are superseded by an ESA permit.
Consistent with the court order and settlement agreement, Beech Ridge is preparing a habitat conservation plan in support of the application for a permit from the Service to incidentally take endangered Virginia big-eared bats as well as Indiana bats. The proposed HCP would be designed to avoid, minimize and mitigate the impacts to the bats.
“The NEPA process provides an opportunity for the public to comment on the range of alternatives and issues to be included in the EIS for the proposed permit to Beech Ridge LLC,” said Deb Carter, supervisor of the Service’s West Virginia Field Office in Elkins.
Information, written comments, or questions related to the preparation of the EIS and the NEPA process should be submitted to Laura Hill, Assistant Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 26241; FAX (304) 636-7824; or e-mail to fw5es_wvfo@fws.gov. To ensure consideration, please send your written comments for receipt on or before Monday, Aug. 23, 2010. For further information, contact Laura Hill at 304-636-6586, ext.18. Individuals who are hearing impaired or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877–8337 for TTY assistance.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and a trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.
