Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 2. Land Resources
inhabited by unique plants and wildlife accustomed to the periodic inundation of water. Many species
found in floodplains are seldom seen in other areas.
Wetlands
Wetlands are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater during a portion of the
year and contain plant species that tolerate or thrive in wet conditions. They are delineated according to
hydrology, soil type, and vegetation. Whether naturally occurring or constructed, wetland areas have a
variety of appearances. They might appear as standing water, inundated soils, or apparently dry fields.
Wetlands are a vital component to a healthy watershed, as they provide many unique and critical
functions. More information regarding wetlands is discussed in the Water Resources chapter.
Wind Energy
In the search for alternative energy, wind energy is one of the front-runners in Pennsylvania and
throughout the U.S. It is a sustainable, renewable, economical, and fast growing alternative energy source.
Although not located within the top 25 sites for wind energy potential, Pennsylvania has moderate
potential. Eight percent of Pennsylvania lands have the potential for commercial wind energy
development. DEP estimates there is potential to generate 45 billion kilowatt-hours annually (DEP,
2002).
Wind speed and turbine height are key variables in determining how much electricity a turbine can
produce. Wind speed increases as the height of the turbine increases. Energy generated from wind is
calculated as a cube of its speed; a wind speed of 11 mph generates 30 percent more energy than a wind
speed of 10 mph (DEP 10 ).
In order to establish a wind farm, six components are needed—open space, wind turbines,
transmission lines, substations, weather stations, and access roads. Open space is required, as each turbine
unit requires a 15-foot non-vegetative diameter base. Turbines are typically distributed one unit per eight
acres of land. Wind turbines are supported by towers that reach over 200 feet above the ground. They are
needed to provide the turbines access to wind speeds between 7 and 35 miles per hour (mph).
Transmission lines must be located within close proximity of the wind turbines so that electricity
generated can be sold to a utility. Substations change the voltage of generated electricity to match the
voltage in the transmission lines. Weather stations collect wind data in order to adjust turbines for
maximum efficiency. Access roads for construction and maintenance activities are needed for each
turbine (DEP, 2002).
Areas desired for wind energy often coincide with areas of ecological significance. Forest ridges and
other landscapes, where high wind speeds are generated, often contain the most biologically rich forests
and streams in the Commonwealth. For this reason, site selection for establishing wind farms can be very
controversial.
Issues with wind farms vary among nuisance, safety, and ecological concerns. Nuisance issues
include noise, spoiling views, excessive lighting, and interference with communication signals, such as
television. Impacts to wildlife include bird and bat mortality, habitat loss and fragmentation, and
interference with migration patterns (American Wind Energy Association).
In an attempt to deter controversy, protect ecological resources, and generate energy, representatives
from environmental agencies, conservation organizations, and the wind industry formed the Pennsylvania
Wind and Wildlife Collaborative. The group pools resources in collecting, sharing, and reviewing
scientific data to address how to enhance development of wind energy in Pennsylvania in an
environmentally responsible manner. Together, they developed policies, best management practices,
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