A request to assess possible bat damage in construction of wind power plants

A request to assess possible impact in construction of new wind power plants

The Bat Study and Conservation Group of Japan(BSCJ) submitted "A request to assess possible bat impact in construction of new wind power plants" to the Minister of the Environment, prefectural governors and major city mayors on 17th August, 2012.

BSCJ also sent this request to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the chairman of an independent administrative institution of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization on 4th September, 2012.

Summary of the request
　In Europe and the USA, wind power plants caused a substantial number of bat fatalities (bat strikes). In Japan, the bodies of 33 bats were reported at Nunobiki Wind Power Plant in Fukushima. With these facts in mind, we believe bat impact assesments of wind power plants should be conducted. 　An environmental impact assesment is required by law before the construction of wind power plants, however, this law is insufficient for impact on bats because there is no standard survey method for bats. 　

Therefore, we strongly suggest the following points.

Add bat experts to a council of wind power plant construction
Ask the construction companies to do research on the following four points to assess the impact on bats and take proper measures to preserve bats

Bat presence at high altitude of the site for a plant
Bat capture survey
Bat roost survey
Surveys after the construction (Search for and collect carcasses)

We are willing to collaborate on the concept of these requests at anytime.

風力発電所とコウモリ

BSCJ also submitted a public comment on the ammendment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law on 4th September, 2012.