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Wind turbines do not use fossil energy sources to generate electricity, and don't produce CO2 or any other air emission. Also the contamination of soils or water by wind systems is highly improbable, since there isn’t any toxic or hazardous materials related to the turbines: just very insignificant amounts of hydraulic, insulating and lubricating fluids and oils, highly unlikely to cause any contamination.In other words: wind source electricity is environmental clean, and a major element in our goal of stopping global warming and climate change… Yet wind energy development is causing environmental concerns involving noise, aesthetics and deaths of birds and bats. And also some health and safety concerns. Noise It’s a rather outdated concern. The noise related to early wind turbine models has been radically reduced in modern wind turbines designs. Modern turbines are practically inaudible at two hundred meters from them, and proper siting and insulating materials may further minimize possible acoustic impacts. Wind Turbines & Visual Impact Wind turbines must often be sited in very exposed and highly visible places, which we may dislike or consider as intrusive. But, though reasonable, that is also a subjective opinion. Wind turbines do not represent necessarily a negative aesthetical presence. There are other views. Anyway, the impact on the landscape can be reduced through proper siting decisions, while today’s more efficient and larger models may reduce the number of wind turbines needed in each location. Bird and bats deaths & Wind turbines Bird and bat mortality caused by wind turbines is a very controversial issue. Some wildlife and conservation groups are stressing concerns involving those deaths, but there is also a large set of data showing that wind facilities are operating without a significant impact on wildlife. Defenders of wind energy development argue that birds also collide and are killed by lighthouses, tall buildings, radio and television structures, poles, masts and even cars. And that birds tend to change their flight route some hundred meters before the wind turbines, and pass them at a safe distance. What happens with wind turbines is often non significant, comparatively to most human impacts on wildlife. There are however reports about bird and bat collision problems – namely in the Altamont Pass, in California. Bird and bat mortality is a serious concern for the wind industry. Precautions and measures to minimize the problem involve careful site selection of wind turbines and wind farms. They should pay attention to bird sanctuaries, or migratory routes. And should also take into account the species in question (some get accustomed very quickly to wind turbines, but others do not). Other measures include new wind turbines and towers designs. Health and safety considerations
Health and safety considerations are also related with
environmental concerns, but they are rather
speculative. Ice throw, while possible, do not represent a
significant danger. And the risk of accidents – blade throws,
collapse... - is particularly remote in modern turbines. They
obey to international engineering standards capable of
supporting hurricane-strength winds. Modern wind turbine
standards ensure a high level of operational reliability and
safety.
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