NEPA

Because impacts to Waters of the United States in Ohio (which include the Great Lakes) are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (and other state and Federal government agencies), siting a wind turbine(s) within offshore waters of Lake Erie would automatically trigger review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Click here to read how NEPA directly influences offshore wind turbine siting in Ohio and for a list of Federal Environmental Statutes and agencies which have direct involvement in this issue.

Environmental Action Team Mission statement:
The purpose of the OWWG Environmental Action Team is to foster the development of methods to cultivate wind power in an ecologically responsible and sustainable manner by minimizing environmental impacts.

Wind facilities, as well as other forms of electric generation, have the potential for both direct and indirect impacts. Current facilities are using new wind turbine and blade technology and improved siting processes, in part to reduce wildlife impacts. Present and emerging technological advances in the wind industry have and continue to increase awareness and interest in reducing potential wildlife conflict and will help to further lessen bird and bat impacts from new wind turbines.

Environmental Issues of Utility Scale Wind Power
         

           Offshore Wind


           Maps showing areas of wildlife concern in Ohio.

 Environmental Action Team Fact Sheet    

Valuable Links

          Wildlife

           Bald Eagle                       Indiana Bat
     
           Karner Blue Butterfly        Piper Plover