There is a small problem when you say “wind turbines” and “eagles.”
People tend to associate them with each other in negative ways.
This is the situation unfolding in the rolling hills of Carroll County, Arkansas. Construction on the 180-megawatt Nimbus Wind Farm is underway.
Once complete, the wind farm will contain 30 turbines.
Federal wildlife officials must then determine how impacts to protected species can be mitigated.
It seems there will be some numbers to look at, especially one.
The wind farm currently holds a federal permit that authorizes the incidental take of up to four bald eagles and four golden eagles through the permit term.
The permit is about preparation, not prediction
At face value, this sounds like it may lead to the killing of eight eagles, but it is not that simple.
This number represents a legal ceiling rather than an expected outcome.
It is part of a permitting system designed to protect wildlife while allowing projects to operate under conservation requirements.
The project was initiated in 2016. Discussion of how to protect wildlife occurred well prior to construction activity.
In 2018, the developer consulted with federal wildlife officials to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
The Habitat Conservation Plan focuses on impacts associated with the wind farm after construction is completed.
Construction will take place during the time frame considered to be the inactive season for bats.
As such, the risks of harming bat colonies that contain threatened and endangered species would be reduced.
While the primary focus is on possible effects from turbine operation, other wildlife issues are being addressed by the Habitat Conservation Plan.
Eagles are only one part of the review
Although many people seem focused on eagles, the plan assesses many other wildlife species.
Federal authorities are evaluating potential impacts to threatened and endangered species, including migratory bird species and bats.
Officials are also looking into methods for minimizing or offsetting these impacts through conservation actions.
Permits related to either bald eagle or golden eagle activity will need to follow the requirements established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in order to protect these species’ population levels.
In November 2024, Scout Clean Energy was granted a General Permit allowing the incidental taking of no more than 4 Bald Eagles and 4 Golden Eagles through Dec. 31, 2029.
The permit is intended to allow Federal Agencies to monitor and assess the impact of the project and, if necessary, provide additional conservation actions prior to its expiration.
It also serves as a framework for monitoring project impacts and ensuring compliance with conservation commitments if further action becomes necessary.
Additional information regarding the Project can be found at the Nimbus Wind Farm website.
The process is still moving forward
Scout Clean Energy has collaborated with the Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office and the Service’s Southeast Regional Office since 2021 to develop its Habitat Conservation Plan for the wind farm.
A Draft Environmental Assessment is being prepared by federal officials pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.
Federal officials must identify potential environmental consequences resulting from either approving or disapproving an incidental take permit.
After completion of the draft assessment, both documents will be issued for public review.
The public will get a chance to weigh in
Following the release of draft documents, the U.S. Department of Interior plans to conduct a 60-day public comment period.
The Nimbus Wind Farm project is expected to create eight permanent jobs and about 190 temporary construction jobs.
It is also expected to generate millions of dollars for participating landowners and significant property tax revenue.
The challenge for regulators is ensuring that renewable energy development and wildlife protection move forward together.
At this point the permitting process is still ongoing.
Federal agencies are continuing to evaluate the project’s potential environmental impacts as part of the permitting process.
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