| Title: | Using GIS to Assess Environmental Impacts of Potential Wind Parks |
| Authors: | Jenny Gnanendran, Lisa Matthies |
| Date/Time | Monday, November 5 ~ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm |
| Abstract: | Wind is one of few totally renewable resources. Chief among wind power's many advantages is its ability to significantly reduce pollution, benefiting our health and the environment. As lead environmental consultant a large wind developer in New York, Ecology and Environment, Inc. has supported all facets of wind project development, from initial feasibility assessment and facility siting to development of permit applications and EIS©. E & E used GIS to complete large-scale fatal flaw and suitability assessments for four planned wind energy sites in NY. Potential issues studied included: wetlands, land use, visual impacts, threatened and endangered species, and risks posed to local avian and bat populations. ArcGIS, ArcPad, and WindPro software were used to create maps, summary reports, and photo montages to support the wind park final layouts. The results were successfully used by wind park developers to select suitable sites and for performing necessary environmental impact assessments. |
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