Environmental 

Assessment \ 

Kotzebue Wind Installation Project 

Kotzebue, Alaska 

U. S. Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office 

16 17 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 

May 1998 
Environmental 

Assessment 

Kotzebue Wind Installation Project 

Kotzebue, Alaska 

U. S . Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office 

1617 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 

May 1998 
Finding of No Significant Impact 

Environmental Assessment 

Kotzebue Wind Installation Project 

Kotzebue, Alaska 
F'INDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 

for 

KOTZEBUE WIND INSTALLATION PROJECT 

KOTZEBUE, ALASKA 

AGENCY: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office 

ACTION: Finding of No Significant Impact 

SUMMARY: The DOE is proposing to provide financial .assistance to the Kotzebue Electric 

Association to expand its existing wind installation near Kotzebue, Alaska. 

COPIES OF THE EA ARE AVAILABLE FROM: 

Deborah Turner 

DOEIGO NEPA Compliance Officer 

U. S. Department of ~ne& 

16 17 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, CO 80401 

(303) 275-4746 

FOR FURTHER INli'ORMATION ON THE DOE NEPA PROCESS CONTACT: 

Carol Borgstrom, Director 

Office of NEPA Policy and Assistance 

U. S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S. W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 

(202) 586-4600 or (800) 472-2756 

BACKGROUND: Like many rural Alaskan towns, Kotzebue uses diesel-powered generators to 

produce its electricity, the high cost of which is currently subsidized by the Alaskan State 

government. In an effort to provide a cost effective and clean source of electricity, reduce 

dependance on diesel fuel, and reduce air pollutants, the DOE is proposing to fund an experimental 

wind installation to test commercially available wind turbines under Arctic conditions. The results 

would provide valuable information to other Alaskan communities experiencing similar dependance 

on diesel-powered generators. 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The EA for the proposed wind installation assessed 

environmental impacts to biological resources, land use, electromagnetic interference, coastal zone, 
air quality, cultural resources, and noise. The potential impacts from the wind installation could 

include some loss of wildlife habitat ftom constructing and operating the turbines, and increased bird 

mortality from collisions with turbine blades and towers. All construction activities would be 

conducted while the tundra is frozen to minimize impacts to the tundra and permafrost layer. The 

small amount of displaced habitat would pose no significant impact to wildlife because of the 

abundance of iiar habitat in the surrounding area. While occasional bird strikes are possible, it is 

considered unlikely because the wind site is not a migratory staging area nor within a migratory 

corridor for waterfowl or shore birds. The wind installation does not pose any land use 

inconsistencies, nor does it have the potential to impact local radio transmission or airport 

navigational systems. The wind turbines would not produce any air emissions, and actually would 

reduce air emissions by displacing electricity produced from diesel generators. The existing site is 

located in an area devoid of cultural resources. Noise levels fiom wind turbine operation would be 

indiscernible fiom background noise in the area. 

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED: 

No Action: With the no action alternative Kotzebue Electric Association would continue to produce 

electricity from diesel generators 'and explore alternative energy technologies if and when funds are 

available. Because funding for wind energy projects outside the DOE are limited, the no action 

alternative would substantially delay, if not preclude, the opportunity to test a variety of wind turbines 

under Arctic conditions. 

DETERMINATION: Based on the information in the Environmental Assessment, DOE determines 

that the Kotzebue Wind Installation Project does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 

affecting the quality of the human environment, within the meaning of the National Environmental 

Policy Act. Therefore, the preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required, and 

DOE is issuing this Finding of No Significant Impact. 

Issued in Golden, Colorado, this / 3 '* day of /Id4 u , 1998. 

f ' 

U. S . Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office Manager 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .......................................... v 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................. ES- 1 

CHAPTER 1 

INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 1 

1.1 National Environmental Policy Act and Related Procedures ................ 1 

1.2 Scoping ....................................................... 1 

1.3 Background .................................................... 2 

1.4 Purpose and Need ............................................... 2 

CHAPTER 2 

PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES .............................. 5 

2.1 Proposed Action ................................................. 5 

2.2 Existing KEA Operations .......................................... 5 

2.3 Project Description ............................................... 6 

2.4 Project Location ................................................. 7 

2.5 Construction and Installation ....................................... 7 

2.6 Wind Turbine Operation .......................................... 10 

2.7 No Action Alternative ........................................... 11 

CHAPTER 3 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT .......................................... 13 

3.1 Biological Resources ............................................ 13 

3.1.1 Vegetation .............................................. 13 

3.1.2 Birds ................................................... 13 

3.1.3 Mammals ............................................... 15 

3.1.4 Threatened and Endangered Species ........................... 16 

3.2 LandUse ..................................................... 16 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

3.3 CoastalZone .................................................. 17 

3.4 Meteorology and Air Quality ...................................... 18 

3.4.1 Regional Climate .......................................... 18 

3.4.2 Air Quality ............................................. 19 

3.5 Cultural Resources .............................................. 20 

3.6 Noise ........................................................ 20 

CHAPTER 4 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ......................................... 23 

4.1 Biological Resources ............................................ 23 

4.1.1 Vegetation .............................................. 23 

4.1.2 Birds ................................................... 23 

4.1.3 Mammals ............................................... 24 

4.1.4 Threatened and Endangered Species ........................... 24 

4.2 LandUse ..................................................... 25 

4.3 Impacts to the Coastal Zone ....................................... 26 

4.4 AirQuality .................................................... 26 

4.5 Cultural Resources/Human Environment ............................. 27 

4.5.1 Environmental Justice ....................................... 27 

4.6 Noise ........................................................ 28 

4.7 No Action Alternative ........................................... 29 

CHAPTER 5 

CUMULATIVEIMPACTS ............................................. 31 

CHAPTER 6 

REFERENCES ...................................................... 33 

CHAPTER 7 

LIST OF AGENCIES AND PERSONS CONSLJLTED ........................ 35 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 

1 Kotzebue Wind Farm Project Regional Map ...................................... 8 

2 Kotzebue Wind Farm Project Vicinity Map and Plot Plan ............................ 9 

LIST OF TABLES \ 

Table 

1 Operation-Related Noise Level Estimates ....................................... 29 

LIST OF APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A 

SCOPMG LETTERS 

APPENDIX B 

NOTICE OF WETLANDS INVOLVEMENT 

FOR THE KOZEBUE WIND FARM PROJECT 

APPENDIX C 

EA DISTRIBUTION LETTERS AND COMMENTS 

APPENDIX D 

LIST OF SPECIES JN KOTZEBUE REGION 

APPENDIX E 

NOISE AND ELECTROMAGNETIC JNTERFERENCE ANALYSES 
This page lefr intentionally blank. 
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

ACMP Alaska Coastal Management Plan 

ADOT Alaska Department of Transportation 

AOC Atlantic Orient Corporation 

AWT Advanced Wind Turbine 

CAA Clean Air Act 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality 

DOE U. S. Department of Energy 

dB decibel 

dB A decibel, A-weighted 

EA Environmental Assessment 

EM1 Electromagnetic Interference 

EE DOE'S Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

F Fahrenheit 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

KEA Kotzebue Electric Association 

KIC Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation 

kwh Kilowatt hour 

mph miles per hour 

MW Megawatt 

NAAQ National Ambient Air Quality 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standard 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 
ACRONYMS AND ABBREMATIONS (Continued) 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

PCE Power Cost Equalization 

USACE U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 

USBIA U.S. Bureau of Indian Afhirs 

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The U.S. Department of Energy's Golden Field Office is considering providing financial 

assistance to the Kotzebue Electric Association to expand its existing wind installation site near 

Kotzebue, Alaska. Like many rural Alaskan towns, Kotzebue uses diesel-powered generators to 

produce electricity, the high cost of which is currently subsidized by the Alaskan State 

government. In an effort to provide a cost effective and clean source of electricity, reduce 

dependance on diesel hel, and reduce air pollutants, the DOEis proposing to partially fund the 

development of an experimental wind installation to test commercially available turbines under 

Arctic conditions. The results of the testing would provide valuable information to other Alaskan 

communities that rely solely on diesel-powered generators. 

The proposed action consists of installing, operating, and maintaining up to 20 wind 

turbines and support equipment on an existing 148-acre site south of Kotzebue. Support 

equipment would consist of storage sheds or a larger storage structure to house electrical 

equipment needed to operate the turbines. Wind derived electricity would return to KEA via an 

existing distribution line at the project site. 

The potential environmental impacts fiom the proposed expansion could include some loss of 

wildlife habitat fiom constructing and operating the turbines, and the potential for increased bird 

mortality from collisions with the turbine blades and towers. All construction activities would be 

conducted in winter months (November to April) to minimize impacts to the underlying tundra 

and permafrost layer. In addition, the DOE has evaluated potential adverse effects to land use, 

the coastal zone, air quality, cultural resources, noise, and electromagnetic interference, and found 

that the proposed action would not adversely affect these environmental categories. The 

beneficial impacts from the proposed project include a decreased dependance on diesel he1 and a 

subsequent reduction in air pollutants. 

ES- 1 
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CHAPTER 1 

INTRODUCTION 

1.1 National Environmental Policy Act and Related Procedures 

This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared in conformance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. $5 4321, et seq.); the Council 

on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of 

NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1 508); the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) implementing 

procedures for compliance with NEPA (1 0 CFR Part 102 1); Executive Order 1 1990, Protection 

of Wetlands; and the Department of Energy Compliance with Floodplain~Wetlands Environmental 

Review Requirements (1 0 CFR 1022). This assessment evaluates the potential individual and 

cumulative effects of the proposed Kotzebue Wind Turbine Installation Project on the physical, 

human, and natural environment. This document is intended to provide information to the U.S. 

Department of Energy and other public agency decision makers to assist in making informed 

decisions in connection with the proposed project. This document reflects DOE'S independent 

evaluation and decision related to the potential environmental impacts associated with this 

proposed experimental wind installation in Kotzebue, Alaska. 

1.2 Scoping 

Federal, state, local, Inuit tribal, and other potentially interested organizations were sent 

scoping letters concerning the proposed action to assist the DOE in identifling potential issues. 

Appendix A contains copies of the scoping letters, the list of recipients, and the responses 

received. Additionally, a site visit was conducted during November, 1997, to view the proposed 

site and meet with Inuit tribal, state, and local organization representatives. The main areas of 

concern that have been expressed are potential impacts to avian (bird) species, potential impacts 

on migratory patterns of local animal populations, potential hazards in the local air space, visual 

aesthetics regarding the turbines, continued dependance on petroleum based fbels, and a reduction 

in air emissions from petroleum he1 combustion. 

In accordance with EO 1 1990, Protection of Wetlands, and the Department of Energy 

Compliance with Floodplain/Wetlands Environmental Review Requirements, a Federal Register 
Notice was posted on February 17, 1998. This notice requested comments from interested parties 

and stated that the Wetland Assessment requirements would be incorporated into the EA 

associated with this project. A copy of the Federal Register notice is contained in Appendix B. 

1.3 Background 

Like many rural Alaskan towns, Kotzebue operates on electricity produced from dieselpowered generators. The high cost of diesel fuel is currently subsidized by the Alaskan State 

Government through the Power Cost Equalization Program (PCE) which helps reduce the cost of 

electricity in rural communities where diesel-fired generators provide a majority of electrical 

needs. Because of the potential loss of PCE funds, the cost of electricity in Kotzebue could 

increase by as much as 30 per cent for residential customers. 

In an effort to find a cost-effective solution to increased electricity costs, Kotzebue 

Electric Association (KEA) and the State of Alaska have begun investigating the use of wind 

power to help supplant electricity derived from diesel generators. The knowledge acquired fiom 

this initiative would ideally be used to assist small Alaskan communities in operating their own 

wind installations. Through a combination of KEA and State funding, KEA was able to purchase 

and install three wind turbines in 1997. In order to increase both the number of turbines and the 

knowledge for operating wind and diesel power plants, KEA has approached DOE for additional 

funding. 

1.4 Purpose and Need 

The DOE Golden Field Office mission includes assisting organizations in advancing the 

development and commercialization of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies such 

as wind-generated power. In an effort to provide a cost effective and clean source of electricity, 

reduce diesel he1 dependence, and reduce air emissions, the DOE proposes to partially fund the 

development of an experimental wind installation located in Kotzebue, Alaska. The proposed 

wind installation is intended to test commercially available turbines in extreme Arctic conditions in 
order to evaluate turbine performance and reliability under a wide range of temperatures, 

precipitation events, and strong Arctic winds. This information would be useful in applying wind 

power technology to other Alaskan villages experiencing similar dependance on diesel-powered 

generators. 
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CHAPTER 2 

PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES 

2.1 Proposed Action 

The Department of Energy's Golden Field Office is considering providing financial 

assistance to the Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA) to expand its existing wind installation site 

near Kotzebue, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. The proposed action would reduce 

consumption of petroleum-based hels by harnessing wind energy as an additional source of 

electrical power production. The existing diesel generators would be kept on line for 

supplemental electrical power as needed. 

2.2 Existing KEA Operations 

KEA is a nonprofit rural electric system cooperative that serves about 1,200 retail 

customers in Kotzebue, Alaska. Both the power plant and administrative offices are centrally 

located in Kotzebue. Like many rural Alaskan towns, Kotzebue operates solely on electricity 

produced from its diesel-powered generators. KEA currently maintains six generators which are 

capable of producing 11.18 megawatts of electricity. KEA's operating load ranges from a 

low of 1.7 MW to a high of 3.7 MW, with an average of 2.5 MW. The average cost to 

consumers is $1 9.96 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh). 

Under normal conditions KEA operates only one or two of its generators; the remaining 

generators provide redundancy. During periods of low electrical load - as in the summer months 

and most winter nights - one generator runs continuously while the second is used as needed. 

Under heavy loads, KEA operates two generators simultaneously. Data from the last five years 

indicates that KEA consumes an average of 1,392,850 gallons of diesel he1 per year with an 

average efficiency of approximately 14 kwh per gallon of hel. KEA's power output for 1997 

was approximately 20 million kwh. 

Under a separate project hnded by KEA and Alaska's Division of Energy, KEA installed 

three Atlantic Orient Corporation (AOC) turbines in the Spring of 1997. As the wind turbine 
system is relatively new, KEA's focus has been on collecting performance data and debugging the 

electrical equipment and mechanical systems. 

2.3 Project Description 

The proposed project would consist of installing, operating, and maintaining up to 20 

wind turbines and ancillary equipment on an existing 148-acre wind installation site near 

Kotzebue, Alaska, herein referred to as the project site. 

The goal of the proposed project is to provide between one and two MW of wind derived 

electricity to the KEA power grid. The proposed turbines would most likely consist of two and 

three bladed units. Specific candidate turbines might include the AOC 15/50, the Advanced Wind 

Turbine (AWT) 27 or 26, and the New World Polar 100. The power ratings for the three turbines 

are 50 kW, 275 kW, and 100 kW, respectively. Total wind turbine height varies for each model 

but ranges fiom approximately 107 to 186 feet. While the three turbines vary in size, power 

rating, and spacing requirements, they share similarities in installation and operation procedures. 

Support and ancillary equipment would consist of either insulated storage sheds (control 

sheds) or a larger storage structure to house breaker panels, tools, and other equipment required 

to operate and maintain the wind turbines. The structures would be skid or piling mounted to 

preclude adverse effects to the underlying tundra. If control sheds are used they would consist of 

preassembled shipping containers measuring approximately 8 feet (ft) wide x 8 A high x 20 ft 

long. Each shed would house equipment to control three to four turbines. If a pile mounted 

building is used it could potentially be 28 ft wide x 40 ft long to house the majority of the 

equipment. 

The wind generated power would be fed into the KEA grid via an existing 7200 volt (V) 

distribution line installed in March of 1996 to support the existing wind turbines. This line has the 

capacity to carry 4 MW of electricity and would not require upgrading as a result of the proposed 

project. 
2.4 Project Location 

The 148-acre project site is located approximately 4.5 miles south of Kotzebue, Alaska. 

KEA leases the site from the Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation (KIC), the local Inupiat Eskimo 

corporation that owns the land. The site is rectangular, measuring approximately 1800 fi by 3600 

ft. (Figures 1 and 2). The project site is roughly 0.5 miles from the coast and approximately 50 

feet above sea level. Access to areas south of Kotzebue is via a dirt road that leads from 

Kotzebue to a U.S. Air Force White Alice Communication installation, then continues south along 

the coast. Under a separate but related action, KEA applied for, and received, U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers' (USACE) approval for an access road that would extend from the Air Force 

property to the project site (USACE, 1997a). The road would be 0.7 mile long by approximately 

18 fi wide and would consist of a geofabric underlayment placed over the tundra followed by 

6000 cubic yards (yds3) of silty sand and 2000 yds3 of coarse gravel for the road bed. 

2.5 Construction and Installation 

KEA would procure the turbines in two phases between 1998 and 2000. In 1998, seven 

additional AOC Model 15/50 turbines would be purchased and installed. After a period of 

operating those units, it is anticipated that additional turbines would be chosen based on turbine 

availability and experiences from the first phase of operation. 

Wind turbine construction and installation would occur in stages and consist of installing 

pilings, and assembling and raising the turbines and towers. The tower foundations would consist 

of freezeback pilings placed in the permafrost which serve to anchor the towers to the ground. 

Freezeback pilings are a standard construction component in Alaska and are specially engineered 

to prevent significant temperature changes in the permafrost, thus preventing heaving. Piling 

excavation would consist of augering three 16- to 22-inch diameter holes per tower, 

approximately 25 to 30 ft deep. After foundation preparation, the towers would be raised and the 

turbines and blades installed. 

Construction is expected to take place in the winter months (November to April) to 

minimize impacts to the tundra and permafrost layer. Heavy equipment needed to complete this 

project would most likely consist of equipment for transporting the hardware to the site, boring 

EXISTING 7200 V 

DISTRIBUTION LINE 

SECTION 26 1 

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SCALE 1" = 1000' 

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SECPION 35 

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LJ DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

KOTZEBUE WlND FARM PROJECT 

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Located In 17N. 18W, Kateel R~ver Meridton. 

Alaska Kotzebue Record~ng Dtstr~ct 

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the piling holes, and raising the tower and turbine assembly. The equipment would be operated 

intermittently as the schedule for installing the turbines spans two years. Construction experience 

from installing the three existing turbines indicates that it takes approximately one week to install 

one AOC turbine. Because of their larger size, it is expected that installing the AWT and New 

Polar units may take longer. 

In addition to existing KEA employees, it is anticipated that contract laborers may be 

needed for wind turbine construction and installation. These laborers would be supplied by the 

local labor force and would not require relocating workers for this project. Based on experience 

from installing the AOC turbines, it is reasonable to expect that a manufacturer's representative 

would assist with initial installation and troubleshooting, particularly for the AWT and New 

World Polar turbines. This is not expected to last for more than a couple of weeks and would not 

require permanent relocation for that individual. 

2.6 Wind Turbine Operation 

Wind turbines, like gas and hydroelectric turbines, are designed to convert rotational 

energy into electricity through the use of a generator. Some of the design features for the 

selected turbines include: wood-epoxy blades, redundant brakes, the ability to rotate with the 

prevailing wind direction, and a design life of 30 years. The speed at which these turbines start 

spinning (cut-in speed) is approximately 9 to 11 miles per hour (mph), while the maximum speed 

at which they shut-down (cut-out speed) is between 50 and 70 mph depending on the specific 

model. All the turbines are designed to withstand a maximum wind speed of 133 mph. The tower 

assembly may consist of a solid tubular construction, or latticed. Electricity from the wind 

turbines is directed via insulated surface cable to the control sheds, the distribution line, and to the 

KEA grid. The effective coordination of diesel and wind power is a complex process. One goal 

of this project is to gain enough operational knowledge to effectively manage the energy 

contributions from the wind turbines and the diesel generators. 

Routine maintenance on the wind turbine equipment would be based on manufacturerspecific recommendations, but is anticipated to occur every three to six months or after severe 

events (e.g. extreme wind). Maintenance would essentially consist of inspecting the turbines and 
towers to ensure the integrity of the components and fasteners, and changing out gearbox oil. 

The frequency of oil changes is dependent on the type of oil. Conventional oils require changing 

approximately once per year, while synthetic oils need changing less frequently (every 5 years). 

The AOC 15/50 gearbox contains approximately 9 gallons of oil, while the AWT-26 gearbox 

holds approximately 15 gallons (AWT, 1997). KEA personnel would collect the oil in approved 

containers and dispose of it at KEA in an existing waste oil burner. 

2.7 No Action Alternative \ 

Under the no action alternative, KEA would continue to produce electricity from diesel 

generators and explore alternative energy technologies if and when the funds are available. 

Current funding for wind energy projects outside of the DOE is limited and, consequently, 

projects of this magnitude are often times impossible, especially in remote regions. The no action 

alternative would substantially delay, if not preclude, both the opportunity to test a variety of 

wind turbines in Arctic conditions and gain experience in managing dieseVwind hybrid facilities. 
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CHAPTER 3 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 

3.1 Biological Resources 

In the fall of 1997, a biological assessment was conducted to characetrize the vegetation, 

birds, and mammals at the proposed project site, and to evaluate potential impacts to these 

resources from expanding the wind installation. The assessment and results are contained in the 

report, "Biological Assessment of the Kotzebue Wind Farm Site, Kotzebue, Alaska" @&My 

1997). The following is a summary of the existing flora and fauna based on personal observation 

and consultation with both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish 

and Game. 

Kotzebue is located on the very north end of the Baldwin Peninsula, approximately 30 

miles north of the Arctic Circle. Kotzebue is within the Northwest Region of Alaska and is 

characterized by continuous permafrost, numerous lakes and ponds, treeless coastal tundra, and 

wet and moist tundra. The low-lying terrain and shallow permafrost result in poor drainage of 

surface runoff and produce extensive areas of wetland habitat. 

3.1.1 Vegetation 

The site is in an area comprised mostly of moist tundra and wet tundra. Moist tundra is 

common in foothills and better drained sites, and covers extensive areas throughout the region. 

This plant community is characterized by diverse plant species and varies from an almost 

continuous and uniformly developed tussock tundra to dense stands of dwarf shrubs. Wet tundra 

communities occupy much of the lowland areas, with vegetation usually dominated by grasses and 

sedges. Wet tundra communities are often interspersed with small lakes and ponds. 

3.1.2 Birds 

The varied habitats in Northwest Region of Alaska support an abundance of bird life, 

including several Asiatic species that frequent the area. A site reconnaissance to support the 

biological assessment was conducted in October, 1997, after most of the migrant birds had left the 

area, and only two resident bird species were observed in vicinity of the site. 
Waterfowl use of the area surrounding the site would be expected to be primarily for 

nesting in the wetlands and small lakes in the area (D&M, 1997). However, the lack of open 

water habitat such as lakes or ponds at the project site is likely a limiting factor as far as nesting in 

the immediate area. Small lakes and ponds are found approximately 0.25 miles to the north and 

east of the site. The site is not within a major migration corridor and there are no major waterfowl 

staging areas in this portion of the Baldwin Peninsula. Most migratory bird movements are to the 

east in the Kobuk River delta within the Selewik National Wildlife Refbge and farther offshore for 

spring movements of seaducks and Brant. 

Common shorebirds in the Kotzebue area include over 30 species of migrants and 

breeders. No major shorebird staging areas or migration corridors have been documented near 

the project site. The nearest shorebird staging area is the Kobuk River delta, approximately 20 

miles to the north. During spring migration, much of the shoreline habitat near the project site is 

still iced-in and little habitat is available. Fall migration is much more protracted and shorebirds 

have a wider variety of habitat to use and are not as concentrated. 

Raptors are generally uncommon in the Kotzebue area. The only common species is the 

Northern Harrier, a summer resident which breeds in the area. Other species which could 

potentially be seen during spring and fall migration in the area include Rough-legged Hawks, 

Golden Eagles, Merlins, and Gyrfalcons. Snowy Owls are uncommon winter residents in this 

region, but migrate in higher numbers during winters when populations of their main prey species 

(lemmings) undergo population crashes. 

Common passerines (perching birds) in the vicinity of the project site include both resident 

species and species which migrate to the northwest region to breed during the short Arctic 

summer. Resident passerine species are few and include only Common and Hoary Redpolls. 

Summer breeders include Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush. 

However, most of these species nest in habitats with a higher shrub component. 

The Willow Ptarmigan is one of the common resident species in the area. Numerous 

ptarmigan tracks were observed in the low shrub-willow communities just west of the project site 

14 
during the site reconnaissance. These birds are residents of the area but may undergo shifts in 

distribution depending on the season. The Common Raven is also a resident of the area and a 

nest was documented on an old building adjacent to the project site. Bank Swallows are also 

common, especially along the coast. Glaucous Gulls, Arctic Terns, and Long-tailed and Parasitic 

Jaegers would also be expected to occur near the project site. The Sandhill Crane is also a 

regular breeder and migrant in the project area. 

3.1.3 Mammals 

The Northwest Alaska Region supports approximately 20 species of terrestrial mammals 

and many of these are found on the Baldwin Peninsula. Small mammal species which are most 

likely to occur in the immediate vicinity of the project site include masked and tundra shrews, 

snowshoe hare, tundra redbacked vole, brown and green-collared lemmings, meadow vole, Alaska 

vole, and tundra voles @&M, 1997). Least and short-tailed weasels are also found in the general 

area. 

Large mammals include brown bear, Arctic fox, red fox, coyote, wolf, muskox, and 

caribou, and occasional feral reindeer. Fox tracks were observed at the site during the 

reconnaissance. These predator/scavengers are common in the general vicinity of the site 

throughout the year. Coyotes and wolves would be expected to be less common in the area. 

The Baldwin Peninsula is within the winter range of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd 

which currently numbers approximately 463,000 animals. Animals from this herd are known to 

occur in the vicinity of the project site for short periods of time during the spring and fall as 

caribou are migrating and a few animals spend the winter on the Baldwin Peninsula. Most caribou 

range considerable distances and use large geographic areas to forage during the winter months. 

Muskox from herds on the Seward Peninsula to the south are occasionally observed in the 

vicinity of the project site. 
3.1.4 Threatened and Endangered Species 

There are no Northwest Alaska Region plant species listed under the Endangered Species 

Act of 1972. However, there is one species of oxytrope which occurs in the general vicinity of 

Kotzebue that is considered a species of interest. This small legume has been documented along 

the sides of gravel roads and building pads in the general vicinity of the site. The habitat of this 

species, well-drained gravel or stony soil, does not naturally occur at the site since most of the site 

is wet tundra. 

The Baldwin Peninsula is within the range of the Arctic Peregrine Falcon which was 

delisted in October 1994. This falcon does not nest in this region but can pass through the area 

during spring and fall migration. 

The coastal areas around Kotzebue Sound and the Chukchi Sea are within the range of the 

Spectacled Eider and Steller's Eider, both listed as threatened species under the ESA. The 

Steller7s Eider was listed on June 11, 1997. These birds are not known to nest in the Kotzebue 

region (only known to nest near Barrow, approximately 330 miles north) and would be primarily 

migrants. Migratory movement of these seaducks is typically offshore, but they may migrate over 

land or use coastal habitats to feed or rest . The North American population of Spectacled Eiders 

has declined over 90 percent in recent years. 

There are no threatened or endangered terrestrial mammals in this region. 

3.2 Land Use 

IUC owns approximately 8,790 acres of land in the Kotzebue area. The 148-acre project 

site leased to KEA represents approximately 1.7% of the proximate IUC land (Reeve 1997). 

While there are no formal land use guidance plans in existence, consultation with IUC has 

indicated that the wind turbine project does not conflict with any other intended land uses for this 

area. Using the site for wind energy was described by IUC as " the highest and best use of the 

land" (D&M, 1997). There are some existing facilities and structures that are worthy of 

discussion as they are either in the vicinity of the wind installation site or could be potentially 

impacted by wind turbine operation. 
The Ralph Wien Memorial Airport is located immediately south of Kotzebue and 

approximately 4.5 miles northwest of the project site. The airport occupies approximately 1,805 

acres of State-owned land, most of which is the Kotzebue Lagoon. The State is currently 

updating the airport's Master Plan as not all aviation operations are fully compliant with Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. In updating the plan, the State is evaluating 

alternatives for modifjllng and redeveloping portions of the airport. The preferred alternative 

consists of modifications and upgrades to the airport at its existing location. However, one 

alternative is to relocate the airport just south and east of the'project site. According to the 

Alaska Department of Transportation (ADOT), implementing this alternative is considered 

extremely unlikely because of the high cost associated with building a new facility and developing 

infrastructure needed to access this location (ADOT, 1997). 

KOTZ-AM radio in Kotzebue operates a 700 kilohertz radio tower that is approximately 

320 feet tall and located approximately 1000 feet to the west of the project site. Less than a mile 

to the west of the project site is the abandoned U.S. Air Force White Alice Communications 

station which was used to relay communications to remote military installations and villages. 

Also, in 1996 Kotzebue opened a new solid waste landfill approximately 2 miles northwest of the 

project site. 

3.3 Coastal Zone 

The Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) is administered by the Division of 

Governmental Coordination to ensure the protection and enhancement of habitats and resources 

in its coastal areas. The ACMP identifies several categories of habitat including estuaries, 

wetlands and tideflats, and rivers, streams, and lakes. Resources include air, land, and water, as 

well as historic, prehistoric, and archaeological resources. 

The USACE 404 permit process triggers a review for consistency with State and Federal 

regulations governing Alaska's coastal zones. The USACE has determined that the wind 

installation expansion is not subject to the 404 process (USACE, 1997b). Additionally, the access 

road permit application was reviewed by the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, 

Environmental Conservation, and Fish and Game, and the Northwest Arctic Borough Coastal 
District. These agencies determined that the proposed access road is consistent with the ACMP 

provided that modifications concerning adequate drainage, minimizing erosion and loss to 

wetlands, and fill requirements would be implemented (DGC 1997). 

3.4 Meteorology and Air Quality 

3.4.1 Regional Climate 

Northwest Alaska is characterized by long cold winters and short cool summers. 

Kotzebue is bounded on the north and west by the Kotzebue Sound and east by the Hotham Inlet, 

known locally as Kobuk Lake. These bodies of water produce a maritime type climate when the 

water is ice-free (roughly late May to late October). During this period, cloudy skies prevail, fog 

occurs, daily temperatures are relatively uniform, relative humidity is high, and westerly winds 

predominate. When the water surrounding the peninsula is frozen, the climate approaches that of 

a continental type, exhibiting large daily temperature ranges, low humidity, and moderate rainfall. 

The continental climate becomes more pronounced as the ice cover advances across the sound to 

the Arctic Ocean. 

Local topography is nearly uniform with a general low relief. There are no significant 

terrain barriers in the immediate area to impede surface air flow or produce pronounced local 

variation in temperature and precipitation. The mountainous Seward Peninsula to the south, 

however, does deflect some low pressure systems which originate in or beyond the Bering Sea 

area and move toward the Kotzebue region. 

Kotzebue's mean annual precipitation is 9.20 inches which includes an average of 47.5 

inches of snowfall. Average temperatures range fiom -9" Fahrenheit (F) in January to 59" F in 

July, with extreme temperatures ranging from -52" F to 85" F. Wind direction and speed change 

throughout the calendar year. From December to March, the prevailing wind direction is 

easterly; from May to August the prevailing direction is westerly. The average annual wind speed 

is 13 miles per hour (mph) with an average wind speed range from 11.0 mph in May to 14.6 mph 

in November. Peak gusts have reached speeds of 72 mph (NOAA, 1994). 
The available wind power for a given area is a hnction of average wind speed and is 

measured in watts per square meter. According to the "Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the 

United States," Kotzebue is classified as a Class 6 overall wind regime and a Class 7 winter 

regime (KEA, 1997). 

3.4.2 Air Quality 

In 1970, Congress passed the Clean Air Act (CAA) which established air quality programs 

to regulate air emissions from stationary, mobile, and other sohrces which pose a risk to human 

health and the environment. The CAA gives the Environmental Protection Agency authority to 

establish National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, 

carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, ozone, as well as others. Ambient air quality is primarily a 

result of the type and amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere. Areas of the country 

that have attained the NAAQ standards for a particular pollutant are considered attainment areas, 

while those areas that exceed the standards are considered nonattainment areas. If there is 

insufficient information to classiG an area as attainment or nonattainment, the area is designated 

as unclassifiable for a pollutant or group of pollutants. In 1990 the CAA underwent major 

amendments to expand its list of regulated chemicals and tighten regulations on such topics as 

acid rain, ozone depletion, and air toxins. 

Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation implements air quality regulations 

through its Division of Air and Water Quality. Within this division there are two air programs: 

Air Quality Maintenance which regulates air pollution emitted from industrial facilities, and Air 

Quality Improvement which is responsible for mobile sources of air contaminants, air quality 

monitoring, and radiation issues. To better manage air quality, Alaska is divided into four air 

quality control regions. Kotzebue is located in the Northern Alaska Intrastate Air Quality Control 

Region. While this region is considered in attainment for all criteria pollutants, Kotzebue is an 

area where no air monitoring has been conducted and is therefore designated unclassifiable. 

There are two major stationary air sources in the Kotzebue region: the Red Dog mine, 

located approximately 80 miles north of Kotzebue, and the Kotzebue Electric Association located 

in Kotzebue proper. KEA recently received a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) 
permit for modifications made to its plant. Air quality modeling indicates that KEA's emissions 

are well within State standards for criteria air pollutants (Envirometrics, 1997). KEA currently 

operates one to two turbines at a load of approximately 80 to 100 percent per year. 

3.5 Cultural Resources 

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires Federal agencies to 

take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties. The identification and 

evaluation of cultural resource properties within the access road portion of the proposed project 

site are described in a Class 3 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian AEairs (USBIA) 

cultural resource report (USDOI, 1995). This report was commissioned by the USBIA Area 

Roads to determine potential impacts to cultural resources from constructing various roadways in 

the Kotzebue area. This report is considered germane to the proposed project since one of the 

roadways addressed in the USBIA report is within close proximity to the proposed access road. 

As described in the report, a records search was conducted to determine the nature and extent of 

prior archaeological investigations in the area, and assess their findings. As may be expected in 

this arctic landscape, previously recorded archaeological sites were sparse. Subsequent pedestrian 

surveys did not identie any unrecorded sites. However, two previously recorded sites (Kotzebue 

Archaeological District [AHRS #KTZ-0361 and the Kotzebue White Alice Communications Site 

[AHRS #KTZ-0371 located approximately 3 miles northwest and 0.75 miles west from the project 

site, respectively) and one archaeologically sensitive area were located in the Kotzebue area. The 

report concluded that no cultural resources were identified within the area affected by the various 

proposed roadways. 

The proposed access road was the subject of a USACE 404 permit application as 

described in Section 3.3. As noted within the Permit Evaluation and Decision Document, no 

historic properties were associated with the access road site and no comments were received from 

the State Historic Preservation Office (USACE, 1997~). 

3.6 Noise 

Noise may be defined as any sound that annoys or disturbs humans or tends to cause an 

adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans (L.ipscomb, 1978). Sound waves are 
characterized by sound pressure expressed as decibels (dB). To evaluate noise as it relates to 

humans, an A-weighted sound level is used (dBA). This measurement specifically includes the 

frequencies perceptible to the human ear and de-emphasizes those frequencies that humans cannot 

hear. The State of Alaska statutes were reviewed for applicable noise control requirements. 

While no specific noise levels were prescribed, the statutes restricted "excessive" or "nuisance" 

noise and included requirements to prevent adverse impacts to an area. 

The existing noise environment in Kotzebue is influen&d by two main contributors: the 

municipal airport directly south of Kotzebue and the prevalence of snow machines and all terrain 

vehicles as a main source of local transportation. With respect to the project site there are no 

features that generate noise, aside from the three existing wind turbines. Furthermore, the project 

site is located in an area devoid of sensitive receptors (residences, schools, hospitals, threatened 

and endangered species). 
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CHAPTER 4 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 

The following chapter summarizes the potential environmental impacts from the proposed 

action and no action alternative. 

4.1 Biological Resources 

The potential impacts to the local biota from additiond wind turbines would be related to 

any direct loss of wildlife habitat from construction or operation of the wind turbines or increased 

bird mortality from collisions with the turbine blades or towers. 

4.1.1 Vegetation 

Installation of the additional wind turbines would be conducted during the winter and in a 

manner so that there would be very little disruption of the vegetative tundra mat which covers the 

site. No fill material would be required for tower or building foundations. Therefore the effect 

on vegetation and wetlands would be expected to be minimized. Some compression or disruption 

of vegetation may occur in some areas from ground activity around the tower foundations. 

However, the overall vegetation cover of the site should not be adversely affected. Impacts to 

vegetation would be expected to be negligible. 

4.1.2 Birds 

Direct impacts to birds would be the loss of a small amount of wet tundra habitat from 

construction of the towers and the potential effect of collisions with the turbine blades. The loss 

of habitat would only affect a relatively small number of nesting birds (e.g. lapland longspur, 

sandpiper) which would be unable to adapt to the construction and operational activities or the 

presence of structures within their breeding territories. Birds presently nesting near or at the site 

would be displaced by the proposed activities, but would likely use adjacent habitat. 

The effects of bird collisions with wind turbine blades has received considerable attention 

at large wind generation sites such as Altamont Pass and Tehachapi Pass in California. Studies 

have indicated a great deal of variability among sites with respect to bird strikes, but several 
factors contribute to the rate of collision. These factors include: weather, the number of birds 

flying through the site, flight altitude of the birds, the probability of a bird entering the areas swept 

by the turbine blades, and the number and height of operating turbines @&My 1997). Most of 

these studies have indicated that raptors are the species most affected by the collisions and may be 

associated with the raptors attention on hunting for rodents in areas around the turbines. Raptors 

are relatively uncommon in the Kotzebue area and any collisions with the turbine blades would 

likely be to individual birds which would not affect the local population. 

Since there are no major migratory staging areas for waterfowl or shorebirds in the 

immediate area of the site, and no major geographic features which concentrate birds within a 

migratory corridor near the site, effects on migratory species are not anticipated. Local breeders 

in the surrounding areas are more likely to be at some risk, and the greatest risk would be during 

periods of poor visibility or inclement weather. Overall, the potential impacts to birds would most 

likely be limited to the occasional individual colliding with a turbine. These isolated collisions are 

not expected to affect the local population. As a special condition to the USACE permit, an avian 

survey is to be conducted on birds found at the wind installation site or flying in close proximity 

to the wind installation during one spring and one fall migration period (USACE, 1997~). 

4.1.3 Mammals 

The proposed project's effects on wildlife would be a slight reduction of available habitat 

for the occasional caribou which may move through the area during the winter. This loss of 

habitat would be expected to have no adverse effect on any of the species using the area because 

of the abundance of similar habitat surrounding the site. 

4.1.4 Threatened and Endangered Species 

Spectacled and Steller's Eiders are not expected to occur in the immediate area during 

migration or during the nesting season; therefore, they are not expected to be affected by an 

increased number of wind turbines at the site. 
4.2 Land Use 

In assessing land use impacts, the proposed action was evaluated for consistency with land 

use plans or guidance, and compatibility with current and future land uses. As stated in Section 

3.2, there are no land use plans that govern KIC property. Therefore, it is not possible to evaluate 

the project with consistency to planned land use. However, according to KIC, the wind 

installation is considered the best use for the land. With respect to land use compatibility, there 

are some existing features with which to compare potential land use conflicts, namely the potential 

for airport relocation, the KOTZ radio tower, and the Kotzeb'ae landfill. 

As mentioned in section 3.2, the airport relocation alternative is very unlikely. In the 

remote chance that the airport is relocated to an area south and east of the current wind 

installation, potential impacts would be limited to airspace and runway obstruction and possible 

electromagnetic interference with the aircraft landing systems. With respect to airspace and 

runway obstruction, runways at Kotzebue are oriented eastlwest as these are the prevailing wind 

directions. Since the wind installation is located north of the proposed alternative location, 

potential conflict with runway space required for take-offs and landings would not be expected. 

There are FAA regulations for structures alongside runways. Based on conversations with 

ADOT, the wind turbines could limit hture runway locations, but in no way would preclude the 

relocation alternative since the alternative would still would have to consider compatibilities with 

the three existing turbines. Since the preferred alternative consists of redevelopment within the 

airport's existing land, there would be no conflict in land use fiom installing additional turbines at 

the existing wind installation (ADOT, 1998). 

Other potential conflicts with current land use include the ways in which the wind turbines 

could possibly interfere with any type of electromagnetic (radio) transmission. The systems of 

interest include the KOTZ radio antenna, the airport's instrument landing system, and the 

unmanned White Alice Communication station. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

(NREL) conducted a study to address potential electromagnetic interference (EM) fiom the wind 

turbines. The conclusions fiom the study are specific to AM broadcasting reception, FMITV 

broadcasting, aircraft navigation, cellular telephones, and the Air Force RADAR installation. 
It is expected that very little reradiation and essentially no interference will occur with the 

KOTZ radio broadcast (NREL, 1998). Currently, there is no cellular phone service or 

conventional FM or TV broadcasting stations in the area, therefore interference with these 

systems is not expected. Satellite dish antennas have very narrow beam widths and are oriented 

towards specific satellites. Because of the wind installation's remote location, no interference is 

expected. The Kotzebue airport has not reported any interference with their navigation systems 

related to the existing wind turbines. Furthermore, no signal degradation is expected because the 

system uses narrow beam widths and is relatively far fiom the wind site. Like navigation systems, 

radar antennas also use a very narrow beam width for measuring directions accurately. Potential 

impacts to the White Alice Communication station are considered unlikely, as reception of 

interfering signals from outside that beam is nearly impossible (NREL, 1998). 

4.3 Impacts to the Coastal Zone 

While the wind installation site is located approximately 0.5 miles fiom the coast, it does 

not exhibit any coastal habitat as defined in the ACMP, except for wetlands. As mentioned in 

Sections 2.4 and 3.3, the USACE and the Alaska DGC reviewed and approved the access road 

application which allows approximately 8000 yds3 of fill material to be placed in wetland habitat 

adjacent to the wind installation. The access road proposal was found to be consistent with the 

ACMP and would not adversely impact resources in the area. 

By comparison, the wind installation expansion would not require any filling in of 

wetlands nor displace any unique or sensitive habitats. KEA would perform all construction 

activities while the tundra is frozen to minimize impacts to the vegetation. Wind turbine operation 

would not produce any effluents or emissions, and with respect to visual impacts, the site is not 

visible from the sea or coastal beaches (KEA, 1997). 

4.4 Air Quality 

The proposed construction and operation of 20 wind turbines would result in a small 

amount of construction equipment emissions from boring piling holes and raising the towers. As 

described in Section 2.5, construction equipment will operate on an intermittent basis throughout 
this project. Because construction equipment would be running very infrequently, resultant air 

emissions would be well dispersed are not expected to adversely affect air quality. 

Wind turbine operation. would not produce any air emissions. The use of wind energy to 

supplant the use of diesel power would, in effect, reduce air pollutants by reducing the reliance on 

combustion engines currently used to generate electricity. Based on KEA's current operations 

and the assumption that wind power would replace approximately 2.5 million kwh per year 

(roughly 13 percent), it is estimated that KEA would be able to reduce criteria pollutants by 

approximately 200,000 lbs per year. 

4.5 Cultural Resources/Human Environment 

Cultural resource concerns specific to the proposed project site were addressed during a 

consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and the DOE during an informal meeting 

in November 1997. According to Mr. Tim Smith, archaeologist, the project site would be likely 

devoid of any unrecorded historic properties and is considered to be low in cultural resource 

sensitivity. This finding is based upon the lack of findings fiom previous cultural resource studies 

in the project area, and the location of the project being sited within a former lake bed area which 

would not have been expected to support previous human activity. 

With respect to Native American concerns in the project area, the DOE met with Mr. Pete 

Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Native Village of Kotzebue IRA, the tribal government 

serving the people of the Kotzebue area, to inform him of the project and to gather information 

regarding cultural sensitivity of the area proposed for project development. According to Mr. 

Schaeffer, the project area is not considered to possess any unique ethnic cultural value and is not 

used for subsistence or religious purposes. 

4.5.1 Environmental Justice 

In 1994, the President issued an Executive order to focus Federal attention on the 

environmental and human health conditions in minority and low income communities with the 

goal of achieving environmental justice. The purpose of environmental justice is to ensure that no 

segment of the population, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, bears disproportionately high 
and adverse effects of environmental pollution. The expansion of the Kotzebue wind installation 

would not result in any air or noise emissions, liquid effluents, or solid waste. The site is not 

visible from Kotzebue nor the coastal areas adjacent to the site. The expansion of the wind 

installation would, however, decrease the consumption of diesel fbel, decrease air emissions, and 

ideally keep electricity costs from escalating. The potential benefits from the proposed project 

would be distributed equally to all Kotzebue residents. Consequently, the proposed project would 

not be expected to result in unfair or unequal treatment of any low income or impoverished 

communities or populations. 

4.6 Noise 

Noise generation as a result of the project is expected from construction, operation, and 

maintenance activities at the wind installation. Daily turbine operation is expected to generate the 

worst case and long-term noise conditions. 

Wind turbine installation is expected to generate noise primarily from internal combustion 

engines used to power the construction equipment. Specific noise generation and characterization 

depends on the type of equipment used, the amount of equipment operating simultaneously, and 

hours of operation. It is anticipated that typical construction equipment will be used and that the 

hours of operation would occur only during normal working hours. As described in Section 2.5, it 

is anticipated that the construction period will be a relatively short time period. Because of the 

noise standards that construction equipment manufactures are required to adhere to, it is not' 

anticipated that excessive or unusual noise generation will result from the construction operations. 

In addition, assuming the construction operations occur only during normal working hours, it is 

anticipated that the noise generation will not have any adverse impacts to offsite receptors. 

Using reasonably conservative assumptions, noise levels of the AOC 15/50 wind turbine 

were estimated to be 104 dBA at the turbine hub with an 18 mile per hour wind (NREL 1997). 

Based on other vender data and information, this noise level appears to be relatively high for 

modem wind turbines, but was used as a conservative basis for the purposes of this noise 

assessment. Assuming a relatively high noise level as a basis will help ensure a conservative 

assessment of the potential noise impacts from the proposed project. 
The ambient sound level at the ground surface was estimated to be 75 dB(A) assuming 10 

or more wind turbines operating simultaneously (see Appendix). This sound level is below the 

federal standard of 85 &A for occupational hearing conservation programs. Operation-related 

noise levels were estimated for distances hrther away fiom the project site and are shown in the 

table below. 

Table 1 Operation-Related Noise Level Estimates 

pp-pppp 

Noise Level (in &A) At Distance (in meters) 

75 24 

63 100 

49 500 

43 1000 

37 2000 

3 3 32 19 (landfill) 

29 5000 

27 643 7 (airport) 

26 7242 (Kotzebue) 

The following three examples put noise level estimates into perspective: normal 

conversation at approximately one meter has a sound pressure of approximately 60 dBA; a quiet 

office has a sound pressure of approximately 50 dE3A and is considered quiet; and finally a soft 

whisper at five meters is approximately 30 dE3A and is considered very quiet (Lipscomb, Taylor, 

1978). Based on the estimated noise levels it is not anticipated that significant noise emissions 

would result fiom the operation of the wind installation. 

4.7 No Action Altenative 

Without the expansion of the existing wind installation, Kotzebue would continue to use 

diesel generators for electric power and purchase additional wind turbines if and when hnds are 

available. Impacts from the no action alternative include the loss of wind turbine testing data 

under Arctic conditions and the continued consumption of diesel he1 and subsequent production 

of air emissions. As other rural communities would potentially benefit from the information 

gathered from the test installation, the no action alternative would preclude or substantially delay 

the application of wind technology to these communities. 
This page left intentionally blank. 
CHAPTER 5 

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 

This section examines the cumulative environmental effects which would result from 

adding the impacts of the proposed action to the impacts from past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable activities in the Kotzebue area. At the time of this assessment, there are no current or 

proposed actions that, combined with the proposed project, would contribute to cumulative 

impacts in the Kotzebue area. 

As described in Chapter 4, there are only a couple of environmental categories where the 

proposed action could cause potential impacts, namely habitat disturbance and bird strikes. The 

minor disturbance to wetland habitat would not adversely affect the availability of wetland habitat 

in the area. Furthermore, no other construction projects were forecasted near the wind 

installation site. While isolated bird strikes may occur, there are no other identified projects which 

would also contribute to bird mortality. The largest contributor to air emission in the vicinity is 

KEA and arguably the airport. The proposed project is not only devoid of air emissions, but 

would hnction to reduce air emissions from the diesel generators. The project does not produce 

liquid effluents or solid waste. Increased noise from the wind installation would be indiscernible 

fiom other background noises, namely the airport. 
l;his page left intentionally blank. 
CHAPTER 6 

REFERENCES 

ADOT (Alaska Department of Transportation), 1998. Personal communication between N. 

Piispanen (ADOT) and E. Lurier (Dames & Moore), January 6, 1998. 

Advanced Wind Turbines, Inc., 1997. Personal communication with E. Lurier (Dames & 

Moore), December 8, 1997. 

Dames & Moore, 1997 Biologrcal Assessment for the Kotzebue Wind Farm Project, Kotzebue, 

Alaska, Project No. 30822-1 12 for the Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 

December 1997. 

DCG (Division of Governmental Coordination, State of Alaska), 1997. Final Consistency 

Determination. Letter from Maureen McRae (DGC) to Bish Gallahorn (KIC), July 15, 

1997. 

Envirometrics, 1997. Facsimile to E. Lurier (Dames & Moore), KEA air emissions, December 

1 6 and December 22, 1997. 

Expert Group Study 1994. Expert Group Study on Recommended Practices For Wind Turbine 

Testing And Evaluation, 4. Acoustics Measurement of Noise Emission From Wind 

Turbines, 3. Edition 1994. 

KEA (Kotzebue Electric Association), 1997. Proposal from KEA to DOE-GO. 

Lipscomb and Taylor, 1978. Noise Control Handbook of Principles and Practices, Van Nostrand 

Reinhold Environmental Engineering Series, 1 978. 

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), 1994. Local Climatological Data , 

Annual Summary with Comparative Data, Kotzebue, Alaska. 
NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) 1998. Memo from G. Nix to E.Lurier (Dames 

& Moore). Information regarding electromagnetic interference and acoustics, January 20, 

1998. 

Reeve, Brad, 1997(a). Personal Communication. E. Lurier (Dames & Moore) with Brad 

Reeve, General Manager, Kotzebue Electric Association. 

Selkregg, L. 1976.Alaska Regional Profiles - Northwest Region. State of Alaska and Joint 

Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission for Alaska, Juneau, AK. 

USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), 1997a. Permit No. 4-970322, Kotzebue Sound 60 

issued to Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation (KIC) for the construction of a 0.7 mile access 

road, July 3 1, 1997. 

USACE, 1997b. Letter from Allan Skinner (USACE) to Percy Frisby (Alaska Department of 

Community and Regional Affairs, Division of Energy), September 5, 1997. 

USACE, 1997c. Permit Evaluation and Decision Document for Kikiktagruk Inupiat 

Corporation, No. 4-970322, July 18, 1997 

USDOI, (U.S. Department of the Interior), Bureau of Indian Affgirs, The Kotzebue Road Project 

Proposal, Project # 51(1), A Cultural Resource Report of Investigations and & Section 

I06 Review. Prepared for the State Historic Preservation Office, Alaska Department of 

Natural Resources, January 1995. 
CHAPTER 7 

LIST OF AGENCIES AND PERSONS CONSULTED 

The following is a list of persons and agencies who provided the information necessary to 

write this environmental assessment: 

Brad Reeve - General Manager, Kotzebue Electric Association 

Craig Thompson - Thompson Engineering Company 

Mark Koepsel - Alaska Department of Fish and Wildlife 

Pete Schaeffer - Executive Director, Kotzebue IRA 

Allan Skinner - Regulatory Specialist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Michael O'Connor - Acting President, Kikktagruk Inupiat Corporation 

Wilfred Lane - Land Manager, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation 

Timothy Smith - Archaeologist, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Office of History and 

Archaeology 

Robert Poore - Advanced Wind Turbines, Inc. 

Jim Baumgartner - Alaska Division of Air and Water Quality 

Norm Piispanen - Alaska Department of Transportation 

Jeff Davis - Alaska Division of Governmental Coordination 

Dennis Meiners - Division of Energy, Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs 
APPENDIX A 

SCOPING LETTERS 
Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office 

161 7 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 80401 -3393 

February 12, 1998 

LIST 

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF SCOPMG - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR 

KOTZEBUE EXPERIMENTAL WIND Fm PROJECT, KOTZEBUE, 

ALASKA 

The United States Department of Energy's (DOE) Golden Field Office (GO) is proposing to 

partially fbnd the development of an experimental test wind farm located in Kotzebue, Alaska. 

The proposed wind farm is intended to test commercially available turbines in extreme Arctic 

conditions in order to evaluate turbine performance and reliability under a wide range of 

temperatures, precipitation events and strong Arctic winds. This information would be usefbl in 

applying wind power technology in other locations subjected to extreme weather conditions. 

It is DOE's policy to integrate community and public concerns into its decision making process. 

Accordingly, prior to undertaking the action described above, GO will be preparing an 

Environmental Assessment @A) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the 

construction and operation of the proposed wind fm. On November 4-5, 1997, representatives 

of our office conducted a site visit and held informal meetings with you or representatives of your 

organization. During our discussions, interest was expressed by various parties in the following 

areas: visual aesthetics, avian impacts, potential cost savings and design life of the facility. Please 

see the attachment to this letter of a list of other organizations contacted. 

The town of Kotzebue and the proposed location of the experimental wind farm are both located 

within the bounds of a designated wetland area. Therefore, GO will be posting a Notice of 

Wetland Involvement in the Federal Register as required by DOE's Compliance with 

Floodplain/Wetlands Environmental Review Requirements (10 CFR Part 1022). The discussion 

of the potential impacts to the wetlands and reasonable alternatives will be incorporated into the 

EA being prepared under DOE NEPA regulations. 

Please direct any additional comments, questions or concerns you may have regarding this 

proposal to Deborah Turner, NEPA Compliance Officer, Golden Field Office by February 27, 

1998. The draft EA document will be provided to your organization as well as other interested 

parties for review and comment upon its completion. All responses will be considered prior to 

DOE reaching a final decision regarding fbnding of the proposed project. 

Federal Recycling Program Rinred on Recycled Paper 
-2- February 12, 1998 

Thank you for your interest and participation in our process. Should you have any questions, 

please contact Deborah at (303) 275-4746. 

Sincerely, - 

Manager 

Attachment: 

As Stated 

cc w/distribution list: 

D. Turner, GO 

C. McDonough, G/M 

E. Lurier, Dames & Moore 
Mr. Daniel Kirshner 

Senior Analyst 

West Coast Office 

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. 

5 6 5 5 College Avenue 

Suite 304 

Oakland, CA 946 18 

Mr. John Schoen 

Executive Director 

Alaska State Office 

National Audubon Society 

308 G Street 

Suite 2 17 

Anchorage, AK 99501 

Mr. Randall H. Hagenstein 

Associate State Director 

Alaska Field Office 

The Nature Conservancy 

42 1 West First Avenue 

Suite 200 

Anchorage, AK 99501 

Mr. Jack Hession 

Alaska Representative 

Alaska Office 

Sierra Club 

24 1 East 5th Avenue 

Suite 205 

Anchorage, AK 99501 

Ms. Marguerite Young 

State Program Director 

WestMorthwest Region 

Clean Water Action 

944 Market Street 

Suite 600 

San Francisco, CA 94102 

Ms. Diane Mayer, Director, 

Division of Environmental Coordination 

Office of the Governor 

P.O. Box 110030 

Juneau, AK 998 1 1-0030 

Mr. Willie R. Taylor, Director 

Office of Environmental Policy and 

Compliance 

U. S. Department of the Interior 

1849 C Street, NW 

Room 2340 

Washington, DC 20240 

Ms. Ann M. Hooker 

Environmental SpecialistMEPA Liaison 

Office of Energy and Environment 

Federal Aviation Administration 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

AEE300 -- Room 902 

800 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, DC 20591 

Mr. Rick Parking (ECO-088) 

Unit Manger, Geographic 

Implementation Unit 

Office of Ecosystems and Communities 

Region 10 

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Sixth Avenue 

Seattle, WA 98 10 1 

The Honorable Tony Knowles 

Governor of Alaska 

P.O. Box 110001 

Juneau, AK 998 1 1-000 1 
Mr. Ronald J. Moms 

Western Alaska Office Supervisor 

Protective Resources Mgt Division 

U. S. Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

222 W 7th Avenue, #43 

Anchorage, AK 995 13-7577 

Colonel Peter A. Topp 

District Engineer, Alaska District 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

P.O. Box 898 

Anchorage, AK 99506-0898 

Mr. Lany K. Bright 

Acting Field Supervisor 

U. S. Department of Interior 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

Northern Alaska Ecological Services 

101 12th Ave., Box 19, Rm 110 

Fairbanks, AK 9970 1 

Mr. Paul Bateman 

Alaska Department of Environmental 

Conservation 

6 10 University Ave. 

Fairbanks, AK 99709-3643 

Victor Karrnun 

Northwest Arctic Borough 

Coastal District 

P.O. Box 11 10 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Mr. Randi Meyers 

Bureau of Land Management 

Kotzebue Office 

P.O. Box 1049 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Director 

Bureau of Land Management 

Northern District Office 

1 150 University Avenue 

Fairbanks, AK 99709-3 899 

Frank Green, Mayor 

City of Kotzebue 

P.O. Box 46 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Chuck Green, Mayor 

Northwest Arctic Borough 

P.O. Box 11 10 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Lt. Col. David T. Peters 

6900 9th. Street 

Suite 360 

Elrnendorf Air Force Base, AK 99506 

Mr. Pierre Lonewolf 

General Manager 

Kotzebue Broadcasting, Inc. 

P.O. Box 78 

Kotzebue, AK 99572 

NANA Regional Corporation 

P.O. Box 49 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Refbge Manager 

Selawik National Wildlife Refbge 

P.O. Box 270 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 
Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office 

161 7 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 

February 12, 1998 

DISTRlBUTION LIST 

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF SCOPING - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR 

KOTZEBUE EXPERIMENTAL WIND FARM PROJECT, KOTZEBUE, 

ALASKA i 

The United States Department of Energy's (DOE) Golden Field Office (GO) is proposing to 

partially fbnd the development of an experimental test wind farm located in Kotzebue, Alaska. 

The proposed wind farm is intended to test commercially available turbines in extreme Arctic 

conditions in order to evaluate turbine performance and reliability under a wide range of 

temperatures, precipitation events, and strong Arctic winds. This information would be usefbl in 

applying wind power technology in other locations subjected to extreme weather conditions. 

It is DOE'S policy to integrate community and public concerns into its decision making process. 

Accordingly, prior to undertaking the above described action, GO will be preparing an 

Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the 

construction and operation of the proposed wind farm. As part of the EA development, public 

and other agency input is being sought by means of this letter. On November 4-5, 1997, 

representatives of our office conducted a site visit and held informal meetings with several State 

and local organizations. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts did not allow our representatives to 

meet with all interested or potentially affected parties. Please see Attachment A to this letter for 

a list of the organizations contacted. 

The town of Kotzebue and the proposed location of the experimental wind farm are both located 

within the bounds of a designated wetland area. Therefore, GO will be posting a Notice of 

Wetland Involvement in the Federal Register as required by DOE'S Compliance with 

FloodplainAVetlands Environmental Review Requirements (10 CFR Part 1022). The discussion 

of the potential impacts to the wetlands and reasonable alternatives will be incorporated into the 

EA being prepared under DOE NEPA regulations. 

Please direct any comments, questions or concerns you may have regarding this proposal to 

Deborah Turner, NEPA Compliance Officer, Golden Field Office by February 27, 1998. The 

draft EA document will be provided to interested parties for review and comment upon its 

completion. All responses will be considered prior to DOE reaching a final decision regarding 

fbnding of the proposed project. 

Federal Recycling Rogm Rinted on Rsycled Paper 
February 12, 1998 

Thank you for your interest and participation in our process. Should you have any questions, 

please contact Deborah at (303) 275-4746. 

Sincerely, 

Frank M. Stewart 

Manager 

Attachment: 

As Stated 

cc w/distribution list: 

D. Turner, GO 

C. McDonough, G/M 

E. Lurier, Dames & Moore 
Mr. Mike Connor, Acting 

President 

Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation 

P.O. Box 1050 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Mr. Wilford Lane, Land Manager 

Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation 

P.O. Box 1050 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Mr. Pete Schaeffer 

Executive Director 

Native Village of Kotzebue 

Kotzebue lRA 

P.O. Box 296 

Kotzebue AK 99752 

Mr. Alex Whiting 

Environmental Contact 

Native Village of Kotzebue 

Kotzebue lRA 

P.O. Box 296 

Kotzebue AK 99752 

Mr. Man G. Skinner 

Regulatory Specialist 

US Army Corps of Engineers 

Alaska District 

Regulatory Branch 

P.O. Box 898 

Anchorage, AK 99506-0898 

Mr. Timothy A. Smith 

Archaeologist 

Department of Natural Resources 

Divisions of Parks & Outdoor 

Recreation 

Office of History and 

Archaeology 

3601 C Street, Suite 1278 

Anchorage, AK 99503-592 1 

SHPO Office 

Anchorage, AK 

Ms. Maureen McCrea 

Mr. Jeff Davis 

Division of Governmental 

Coordination 

Office of Management and 

Budget 

Southcentral Regional Office 

3601 C Street 

Suite 370 

Anchorage, AK 99503-2798 
APPENDIX B 

NOTICE OF WETLANDS INVOLVEMENT 

FOR THE KOZEBUE WIND FARM PROJECT 
Federal Re&ter /Vol. 63, No. 31/Tuesday, February 

Preferred Alternative 

DOE has identified a preferred 

alternative in the draft PEIS. This 

preferred alternative does not represent 

a decision by DOE. The Record of 

Decision, when issued after completion 

of the final PEIS, will present DOE's 

decision for the long-term management 

of depleted UFh. 

DOE's preferred alternative for the 

long-term management of depleted UF,, 

is to use its entire inventory of matedal. 

Some (potentially all) of the depleted 

US would be used as an oxide, some 

(potentially all) of it would be used as 

metal, and some of it might be used in 

other DOE programs pursuant to other 

NEPA reviews and decisions. This 

alternative would include continued 

storage and safe, effective management 

of the cylinders prior to conversion, 

conversion of the depleted UFh into 

depleted uranium oxide and/or depleted 

uranium metal, and fabrication of 

depleted uranium products for uses by 

government and/or industry. The 

fluorine in the UFh would also be used. 

Potential uses for the depleted uranium 

include radiation shielding in both the 

oxide and metal forms and as metal in 

specialty markets, including industrial 

counterweights. Current possibilities for 

use of fluorine include use in the 

nuclear fuel cycle. The schedule and 

rate of conversion of the depleted UFh 

inventory into the oxide and/or metal 

forms would be determined by market 

demand for the conversion products. 

Subsequent Document Preparation 

DOE intends to prepare a response to 

comments received during the review of 

the draft PEIS and to complete the final 

PEIS in 1998. The availability of the 

final PEIS will be announced in the 

Federal Register. Additional NEPA 

analyses, as appropriate, will be 

prepared once a long-term depleted UFh 

management strategy has been selected 

and announced in a Record of Decision. 

Issued In Washington. D.C.. February 6, 

1998. 

Terry R. Lash. 

Director, Omce of Nudear Energy, Science 

and Technology. 

[FR Doc. 98-3845 Filed 2-13-98; 8:45 am] 

BlLLlNQ CODE 64504l-P 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

Golden Field Offlce; Notlce of 

Wetlands Involvement for the 

Kotzebue Wind Farm Project 

AGENCY: Golden Field Office. DOE. 

ACTION: Notice of wetlands involvement. 

SUMMARY: The Department of Energy 

proposes to provide financial assistance 

to the Kotzebue Electric Association to 

expand its exiting wind farm site near 

Kotzebue, Alaska. In accordance with 10 

CFR Part 1022, DOE will prepare an 

environmental assessment, to include a 

wetland assessment, and will perform 

this proposed action in a manner so as 

to avoid or minimize potential harm to 

or within the affected wetlands. 

DATES: Comments are due to the address 

below no later than March 4, 1998. 

ADDRESSES: Comments should be 

addressed to Deborah A. Turner, U.S. 

Department of Energy, Golden Field 

Office. 1617 Cole Boulevard. Golden 

CO, 80401, Phone (303) 275-4746, Fax 

(303) 275-4788. 

FOR NRTHER INFORMATION ON MIS 

PROPOSED ACTION, CONTACT: Doug 

Hooker, U.S. Department of Energy, 

Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole 

Boulevard, Golden CO. 80401, Phone 

(303) 275-4780, Fax (303) 275-4753. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON GENERAL 

DM WETLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW 

REQUIREMENTS, CONTACT: Carol M. 

Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA 

Policy and Assistance, EH-42. U.S. 

Department of Energy. 1000 

Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington. D.C. 20585. Phone (202) 

586-4600 or 1-800-472-2756, Fax (202) 

586-7031. 

SUPPLEMEWARY INFOWTION: The 

Kotzebue Wind Farm Project that DOE 

is considering funding will involve the 

installation, operation, and maintenance 

of up to 20 wind turbines and ancillary 

equipment necessary to maintain the 

site. The proposed project would be 

located on an existing 148-acre wind 

farm site located near Kotzebue, Alaska. 

The entire 148-acre land parcel as well 

as the town of Kotzebue and the local 

airport are located on land that has been 

designated as wetlands. 

In accordance with DOE regulations 

for compliance with floodplain and 

wetlands environmental review 

requirements (10 CFR Part 1022). DOE 

wU1 prepare an environmental 

assessment, to include a wetlands 

assessment, for this proposed DOE 

action. 

Issued in Golden Colorado on February 16. 

1998. 

Frank M. Stewart, 

Manager, Golden Field Omce. 

[FR Doc. 98-3844 Filed 2-13-98; 8:45 am] 

BlLLWO CODE 6450-01+ 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

Offlce of Energy Research 

Energy Research Financial Asslstance 

Program Notlce 98-10; Blologlcal 

Research Program, Use of Model 

Organlsms to Understand the Human 

Genome 

AGENCY: Office of Energy Research, U.S. 

Department of Energy 

ACM)N: Notice inviting grant 

applications. 

SUMWY: The Offlce of Biological and 

Environmental Research (OBER) of the 

Office of Energy Research (ER). U.S. 

Department of Energy (DOE), hereby 

announces its interest in receiving peerreviewable applications for research in 

support of the Biological Research 

Program. This Program is a coordinated 

multidisciplinary research effort to 

develop creative, innovative 

approaches, resources, and technologies 

that lead to a molecular understanding 

of the human genome. This solicitation 

is for research that capitalizes on our 

understanding and the manipulability of 

the genomes of model organisms, 

including yeast, nematode, fruitfly. 

Zebra fish, and mouse, to speed 

understanding of human genome 

organization, regulation, and function. 

DATES: Potential applicants are 

encouraged to submit a brief 

preapplication. All preapplications. 

referencing Program Notice 98-10, 

should be received by DOE by 4:30 P.M. 

E.S.T., March 26, 1998. A response to 

the preapplications discussing the 

potential program relevance of a formal 

application generally will be 

communicated within 7 days of receipt. 

The deadline for receipt of formal 

applications is 4:30 P.M., E.D.T., May 7, 

1998, in order to be accepted for merit 

review and to permit timely 

consideration for award in FY 1999. 

ADDRESSES: Preapplications, referencing 

Program Notice 98-10. should be sent 

by E-mail to 

joanne.corcoran@oer.doe.gov. however, 

preapplications will also be accepted if 

mailed to the following address: Ms. 

Joanne Corcoran, Offlce of Biological 

and Environmental Research. ER-72. 

U.S. Department of Energy, 19901 

Germantown Road, Germantown. MD 

20874-1290. 

Formal applications, referencing 

Program Notice 98-10. should be sent 

to: U.S. Department of Energy. Office of 

Energy Research. Grants and Contracts 

Division. ER-64. 19901 Germantown 

Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, 

ATl'N: Program Notice 98-10, Ms. 

Debbie Greenawalt. TMs address must 

be used when submitting applications 
APPENDIX C 

EA DISTRIBUTION LETTERS AND COMMENTS 
Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office 

161 7 Cole Boulevard 

Golden. Colorado 80401 -3393 

March 24, 1998 

DISTRZBUTION LIST 

SUBJECT: PREDECISIONAL DMT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE 

KOTZEBUE WIND INSTALLATION PROJECT, KOTZEBUE, ALASKA 

(DOEIEA- 1245) 

In October 1997, the U. S. Department of Energy's Golden Field Ofice (GO) began an evaluation 

of providing partial hnding for the Kotzebue Wind Installation to test commercially available 

turbines in extreme Arctic conditions in order to evaluate turbine performance and reliability 

under a wide range of temperatures, precipitation events and strong Arctic winds. As part of this 

evaluation, GO undertook the preparation of an environmental assessment for the proposed 

project to be located in Kotzebue, Alaska. In November 1997, representatives of GO conducted 

a site visit and met with various Inuit tribal, state, and local representatives. In February 1998, a 

formal request for input on the proposed project was conducted through the issuance of Notice of 

Scoping letters to Federal, state, and local regulatory bodies, and other potential interested 

parties. A description of the proposed project, environmental analyses including potential 

impacts, potential wetlands impacts and comments from interested parties have been integrated 

into the Predecisional Draft Environmental Assessment. 

It is DOE'S policy to integrate community and public concerns into its decision making process. 

Therefore, by this letter, notice of the availability of the Predecisional Draft Environmental 

Assessment for the Kotzebue Wind Installation is being provided to your organization. If you are 

interesting in obtaining a copy for review please contact our office. Comments should be 

provided to Deborah Turner, NEPA Compliance Officer, by May 8, 1998. Once comments have 

been received, reviewed and addressed, a final Environmental Assessment will be issued. If you 

are interested in receiving a copy of the final document, please let Deborah know. Deborah can 

be reached by phone (303) 275-4746, fax (303) 275-4788, email deborah_turner@nrel.gov or the 

above address. Thank you for your interest and participation in our process. 

Sincerely, r 

+--- *k '. 

Frank M. Stewart 

Manager 

cc: 

D. Turner, GO 

~urier, D&M 

Federal Recycling Rogram Prinled on Recycled Paper 
dr. Daniel Kirshner 

.nvironrnental Defense Fund, Inc. 

i655 College Ave, Suite 304 

Iakiand, CA 946 13 

&. Randall Hagenstein 

The Nature Conservancy 

121 West First Ave., Suite 200 

inchorage, iU( 9950 1 

vls. Marguerire Young 

:lean Water Action, WestfNorthwest Region 

p44 Market Street, Suite 600 

;an Francisco, CX 94102 

vls. Xnn Hooker -- - - 

j. S. Deparrrnenr of Transponarion 

lffice of Energy and Environment 

GE300---Room 902 

100 Independence Ave., SW 

Nashtington, DC 2059 1 

,,r- n --.. :.4 7 .,?---i.. .I> A\.?....-C- J . -.."...I) 

J.S. Department of Commerce 

123 W. 7th Xve., H; 

inchorage, AK 995 13-7577 

&. Paul Bateman 

Uaska Department of Environmental Conservation 

i 10 University Ave. 

:airbanks, AK 99709-3643 

ullr. Randi bleyers 

3ureau of Land Management 

Cotzebue Ofice 

'.O. Box !049 

Cotzebue. ..U( 99752 

blr. John Schoen 

National Audobon Society 

308 G Street, Suite 217 

Anchorage, AK 99501 

Mr. Jack Hession 

Sierra Club, Alaska Office 

241 East 5th Ave., Suite 205 

Anchorage, AK 9950 1 

LW. Wie R Taylor 

U. S. Department of the Interior 

1849 C Street, NW, Room 2340 

Washington, DC 20240 

Mr. Rick Parking 

U. S . Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Sixth Ave. 

Seattle, WA 98101 

Coiunci ~"~LCL A. iopp 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

P.O. Box 898 

Anchorage, AK 99506-0898 

Mr. Victor Karmun 

Northwest Arctic Borough 

P.O. Box 11 10 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Director 

Bureau of Land Management 

1 1 5 0 University Avenue 

Fairbanks, .AK 99709-2 899 
r.. Col. David T. Peters 

"300 9th Siree:, Suire 360 

Elmendor?' .Air Force Base, .4K 99506 
Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office 

161 7 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 80401 -3393 

March 24, 1998 

DISTRIBUTION LIST 

SUBJECT: PREDECISIONAL DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR 

KOTZEBUE EXPERIMENTAL WIND INSTALLATION PROJECT, 

KOTZEBUE, ALASKA (DOEIEA- 1245) 

In October 1997, the U. S. Department of Energy's Golden Field Office (W) began an evaluation 

of providing partial hnding for the Kotzebue Wind Installation to test commercially available 

turbines in extreme Arctic conditions in order to evaluate turbine performance and reliability 

under a wide range of temperatures, precipitation events and strong Arctic winds. As part of this 

evaluation, W undertook the preparation of an environmental assessment for the proposed 

project to be located in Kotzebue, Alaska. In November 1997, representatives of W conducted 

a site visit and met with various Inuit tribal, state, and local representatives. In February 1998, a 

formal request for input on the proposed project was conducted through the issuance of Notice of 

Scoping letters to Federal, state, and local regulatory bodies, and other potential interested 

parties. A description of the proposed project, environmental analyses including potential 

impacts, potential wetlands impacts, and comments already expressed to GO by various parties 

have been integrated into the Predecisional Draft Environmental Assessment for the Kotzebue 

Wind Installation Project. 

It is DOE'S policy to integrate community and public concerns into its decision making process. 

Therefore, the Predecisional Draft Environmental Assessment for the Kotzebue Wind Installation 

is being provided to your organization for review and comment. Please provide any comments to 

Deborah Turner, NEPA Compliance Officer, by May 8, 1998. Once comments have been 

received, reviewed and addressed, a final Environmental Assessment will be issued. If'you are 

interested in receiving a copy of the final document, please let Deborah know. Deborah can be 

reached by phone (303) 275-4746, fax (303) 275-4788, email deborah-turner@nrel.gov or the 

above address. Thank you for your interest and participation in our process. 

Sincerely, 

f 

Frank M. Stewart ' 

Manager 

Enclosure: 

As Stated 

cc wladdress list: 

D. Turner, GO 

z~urier, Dames & Moore 

Fedenl Recycling Rogm Printed on Recycled Paper 
~lr. Mike Connor 

Skiktagruk Inupiat Corporation 

l.0. Box 1050 

(otzebue, AK 99752 

llr. Pete Schaeffer 

Jative Village of Kotzebue 

Lotzebue IRA l.0. Box 296 

:3tzebue, .AK 99752 

Ir. Allan G. Skinner 

..S Army Corps of Engineers, AK District 

1.0. Box 898 

inchorage, AK 99506-0898 

:s. Maureen McCrea 1 Mr. Jeff Davis 

. ivision of Governmental Coordination 

601 C Street, Suite 370 

achorage, AK 99503-2798 

Ye HoncraS!c Tsny Kno-~fes 

;o.~ernor of Alaska 

'0. Box 110001 

uneau, .'LK 998 1 1-000 1 

'rank Green, Mayor 

:iry of Kotzebue 

l.0. Box 46 

lotzebue, AK 99752 

JAVA Regonal Corporation 

'.O. Box 49 

Lotzebue, AK 99752 

Mr. Wilford Lane 

Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation 

P.O. Box 1050 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Mr. Alex Whiting 

Native Village of Kotzebue 

Kotzebue IRA 

P.O. Box 296 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Mr. Timothy Smith 

Department of Natural Resources 

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation 

3601 C Street, Suite 1278 

Anchorage, AK 99503-592 1 

Ms. Diane Mayer 

Office of the Governor 

Division of Environmental Coordination 

P.O. Box 110030 

Juneau, AK 998 1 1-003 0 

-- - . ;vL. Lq A. dngh~ 

U. S. Department of Interior 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

101 12th Ave., Box 19, Room 110 

Fairbanks, AK 99701 

Chuck Green, Mayor 

Northwest Arctic Borough 

P.O. Box 11 10 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 

Mr. Pierre Lonewolf 

Kotzebue Broadcasting, Inc. 

P.O. Box 78 

Kotzebue, AK 99752 
Ir. Paul Gates 

J. S. Department of Interior 

1689 C Street, Room 1 19 

achorage, AK 9950 1-5 126 
[ms" SERVICE ac,'Eiwumi 

United States Department of the Interior 

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

NORTHERN ALASKA ECOLOGICAL ' /-' SERVICES - I 

101 12'Ave., Box 19, Room 110 

Fairbanks, AK 9970 1 

May 11,1998 

Debra A. Turner 

NEPA Compliance Officer 

U.S. Department of Energy 

Golden Field Office 

161 7 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 80401 -3393 

Re: Predecisional Draft Environmental 

Assessment for the Kotzebue Experimental 

Wind Installation Project, Kotzebue, Alaska 

Dear Ms. Turner: 

The Fish and Wildlife Service has reviewed the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the 

Kotzebue Wind Farm Project. In an effort to provide a cost-effective and clean source of electricity to 

Alaskan villages dependent upon diesel-powered generators, the Golden (CO) Field Office of the 

Department of Energy plans to test commercially available turbines in extreme Arctic conditions to 

'evaluate turbine performance and reliability under a wide range of temperatures, precipitation events, 

and strong Arctic winds. 

The 148-acre project site is located 4.5 miles south of Kotzebue, Alaska in moist tundra at an elevation 

of 50 feet above sea level. The project consists of installing, operating, and maintaining up to .20 wind 

turbines and ancillary equipment. Three different turbines will be tested, and will vary in size, power 

rating, and spacing requirements. The heights will vary for each model ranging from 107 feet to 186 

feet. 'The wind turbine tower units will be erected on pilings placed 25 to 30 feet deep to anchor the 

structure and to prevent significant temperature changes in the permafrost. 

Although the document describes the types of potential impacts to public trust resources, it lacks 

information that would allow adequate assessment of the extent of impacts to these resources by the 

proposed project. Diagrams and illustrations would have helped those unfamiliar with such devices 

and facilities to get a better understanding of the project. Answers are needed for a number of 

questions that would clarify or provide information pertinent to assessing the extent of impacts. These 

are as follows: 

Although the height of the units varied from 107 to 186 feet, it was unclear whether this 

was the height of the tower at the top of the turbine or the blade at the top of its rotating 

circumference. 
What are the spacing requirements and what governs it? How will the 20 towers be 

distributed over the 148-acre project site? 

According to the National Weather Service (personal communication), heavy fog occurs 

fairly frequently in Kotzebue during April, May and June, and less so in August and 

September. Are the towers lighted in any way for aviation or other needs? If so, could 

the lighting be an attraction to birds in fog or bad weather during migration or other 

periods? 

Would there be guy wires attached to support the towers? 

Would the visible action of the turbine blades have an impact upon wildlife use of 

adjacent habitats or modify their movement patterns? 

Noise was adequately described and assessed for one model turbine, the AOC 15/50, in 

an 18 mph wind; its noise level was 104 dBA. According to the National Weather 

Service, Kotzebue often experiences winds greater than 18 mph. Winds usually become 

stronger in the afternoon and evening. Does the noise level increase with stronger 

winds or gusts, say at 25 to 50 mph winds? 

The Species List in Appendix D is inadequate. For example, the document states (p. 14) that the 

common shorebirds in the Kotzebue area include over 30 species of migrants and breeders, yet there 

are only four listed in the Species List. The list in the Appendix should be as complete as possible, and 

the text should describe the general fauna and flora, with more detailed information about those species 

considered to be most important or most likely to be affected by the project. 

The document states that the potential environmental impacts from the proposed expansion of the wind 

farm could include some loss of wildlife habitat from construction and operation of the turbines, and 

increased bird mortality from collisions with the turbine blades and towers. In the opinion of the 

Service, several other questions should be addressed as indicated above and information included in the 

EA for analysis prior to reaching conclusions regarding the potential extent of the impacts to public 

trust resources, particularly migratory birds. 

The Service had requested monitoring of bird carcasses and birds flying near the wind farm site to be 

accomplished during one spring and fall migration as a condition on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

404 permit (4-970322) required for the construction of the proposed project. We continue to stress the 

importance of a monitoring program at the wind farm site, since it is a new type of construction in 

Alaska with potential for impacting migratory birds. 

Threatened and endangered species 

The proposed project is within the range of two species listed under the Endangered Species 

Act of 1973, as amended: the threatened spectacled eider (Somateriajscheri), and the 

threatened Alaska breeding population of the Steller's eider (Polysticta stelleri). 

Spectacled eiders were listed as a threatened species under the Act on May 10, 1993. The 

population in Alaska declined approximately 96% between the 1970's and the 1990's. The 
current worldwide population estimate is 360,000 birds. This species winters in the Bering Sea 

between St. Matthew and St. Lawrence islands, and nests on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, 

possibly on the Seward Peninsula, across the arctic coastal plain of northern Alaska, and in 

arctic Russia. Spectacled eiders establish nests near shallow ponds or lakes, and are most 

abundant in areas with extensive wetlands. While moving between nesting and molting areas, 

spectacled eiders travel along the coast, sometimes up to 50 kilometers offshore. During spring 

migration past Barrow, they are observed migrating along leads in the sea ice. There is no 

designated critical habitat for spectacled eiders in Alaska. 

Spectacled eiders are not known to nest in the Kotzebue area, nor on the Baldwin Peninsula. In 

addition, the species is not likely to migrate within Kotzebue Sound. It is likely that spectacled 

eiders follow leads in the Bering Sea (which are offshore from Kotzebue Sound) during spring 

migration to breeding grounds. 

The Alaska breeding population of Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) was listed as threatened 

on June 1 1, 1997. The size of the Alaska breeding population is not known, but is subjectively 

estimated to number in the hundreds to a few thousand birds. Most of the world's population, 

estimated at 150,000 to 200,000, winters in protected marine waters of the Alaska Peninsula, 

the coastal areas of south-central Alaska, and the eastern Aleutian 'Islands. Steller's eiders nest 

in tundra areas of the Alaskan arctic coastal plain and arctic Russia. Barrow, Alaska is the only 

remaining place in Alaska where Steller's eiders are known to breed regularly (although not 

annually), however, there are indications that breeding occurs on the Alaskan arctic coastal 

plain as far east as Prudhoe Bay. Post-breeding and young-of-the-year Steller's eiders may use 

coastal habitat in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas to feed and rest as they begin their migration 

back to the Bering Sea. They migrate along the coast to and from breeding grounds in spring 

and fall. During spring migration past Barrow, they are typically observed migrating along 

leads in sea ice. There is no critical habitat for Steller's eiders in Alaska. 

On the Seward Peninsula, evidence of nesting by Steller's eiders has not been reported since the 

late 1800's. In addition, Steller's eiders are not known to migrate within Kotzebue Sound, but 

instead, probably follow the offshore Bering Sea ice lead which occurs outside of the Sound. 

The Service concludes that listed species are not likely to occur within the vicinity of the 

proposed project, and therefore, adverse effects to listed species are not likely. 

We appreciate the opportunity to review this Environmental Assessment. Should you have any 

questions concerning the above comments, please contact Erv McIntosh at (907) 456-0444 or e-mail at 

ervin-mcintosh@fws.gov. 

Sincerely, 

Patrick J. Sousa 

Field Supervisor 

cc: Dave Erickson, Dames & Moore, Anchorage 
APPENDIX D 

LIST OF SPECIES IN KOTZEBUE REGION 
LIST OF SPECIES IN KOTZEBUE REGION 

VEGETATION 

water sedge (Carex aquutalis) 

Bigelow ' s sedge (Carex big el ow^'^] 

russet sedge (Carex saxitalis) 

short-staked sedge (Carex podocalpa) 

tussock cottongrass (Eriophorium vaginahun) 

bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis) 

Arctic bentgrass (Arctagrostis latifolia) 

narrowleaf cottongrass (Eriophorium angustifolium). 

woodrush (Luzula spp.) 

goldenrod (Senecio spp.) 

dwarf birch (Bemla nana) 

diamondleaf willow (Salix planryolia) 

Labrador tea (Ledum decumbens) 

bog blueberry (V'cinim uliginosm) 

lingonberxy (V'cinim vitis-i&a) 

BIRDS 

Waterfowl 

Tundra Swan 

Greater White-fronted Goose 

Brant 

Canada Goose 

Green-winged Teal 

Northern Pintail 

Northern Shoveler 

American Wigeon 

Greater Scaup 

Oldsquaw 

Black Scoter 

Shorebirds 

Western Sandpiper 

Whimbrel 

Common Snipe 

Northern Phalarope 

Raptors Northern Harrier 

Rough-legged Hawks 
Golden Eagles 

Merlins 

Gyrfalcons 

Passerines 

Common and Hoary Redpolls 

Wilson's Warbler 

Yellow Warbler 

Northern Waterthrush 

Lapland Longspur 

White-crowned Sparrow 

Savannah Sparrow 

Tree Sparrow 

Fox Sparrow 

Other Species 

willow Ptarmigan 

Bank Swallows 

Glaucous Gulls 

Arctic Terns 

Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers 

Sandhill Crane 

Common Raven 

MAMMALS 

masked and tundra shrews, 

snowshoe hare 

tundra redbacked vole 

brown and green-collared lemmings 

meadow vole, Alaska vole, and tundra voles 

least and short-tailed weasels 

brown bear 

moose 

muskrat 

feral reindeer 

Arctic fox 

red fox, coyote 

wolf 

muskox 

caribou. 

Threatened or Endangered Species Spectacled Eider (Somareria _fishen) 

Steller's Eider (Polysticta stellen] 
APPENDIX E 

NOISE AND ELECTROMAGNETIC 

INTERFERENCE ANALYSES 
NOISE ANALYSIS 

This section describes the 148 acre wind farm site near Kotzebue Alaska specific to noise 

generation issues, potential noise generation, applicable noise standards, and the anticipated 

impact of the potential noise generation. 

Current Conditions 

The wind farm site is located approximately 4.5 miles south of Kotzebue Alaska, and the 

Kotzebue Electric Association leases the site from the Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation. The site 

currently has three AOC wind turbines in place that were installed in the spring of 1997. A site 

visit was conducted during the fall of 1997, and at that time,' the current condition of the wind 

farm site was primarily undeveloped open space with no noted significant or unusual noise 

generators. No noise survey data characterizing current conditions at the location of the wind 

farm was conducted or discovered during this investigation, however, during the site visit, the 

noise generated fiom the current wind turbines did not appear significant. Based on the site visit, 

it is estimated that the closest residents to the boundary of the wind farm live in the town of 

Kotzebue and are approximately 4.5 miles to the north. A local airport is also located between 

the wind farm site and the town of Kotzebue; it is approximately four miles north of the site. 

Also a municipal landfill is located approximately two miles northwest of the wind farm site. 

The local topography is nearly uniform with a general low relief. There are no significant terrain 

barriers in the immediate area to impede the noise that will be generated, the surface air flow, or 

to produce pronounced local variation in temperature or precipitation. 

Indications are that there are no municipal or local noise ordinances, therefore, a review 

was completed of the state of Alaska's statutes for applicable noise or noise control requirements 

that would be applicable at the Kotzebue wind farm. Specific noise levels, for example, 

implementing noise area classifications, are not available in the state statutes. The requirements 

are more general and restrict "excessive" or "nuisance" noise and include requirements for not 

having an adverse impact in the area. 

Potential Noise Generation 

Noise generation as a result of this project is expected to consist of construction and 

maintenance of the wind farm and any associated facilities. In addition, the daily operation of the 

wind farm turbines is expected to generate the worst case and a long-term noise generation. 

Construction and development of the facilities is expected to generate noise primarily 

from internal combustion engines used to power the construction equipment and conduct 

operations. Specific noise generation and characterization depends on the type of equipment 

used, the amount of equipment operating simultaneously, and hours of operation. It is anticipated 

that typical construction equipment will be used and that the hours of operation will occur only 

during normal working hours. As described in section 2.5, it is anticipated that the construction 

period will be a relatively short time period. Because of the noise standards that construction 

equipment manufactures are required to adhere to, it is not anticipated that excessive or unusual 
noise generation will result fiom the construction operations. In addition, assuming the 

construction operations occur only during normal working hours it is anticipated that the noise 

generation will not significantly impact potential nearby receptors. 

Wind farm operations are expected to occur 365 days per year, 24 hours per day and 

include periodic maintenance operations. The traffic associated with these operations is not 

expected to significantly contribute to the total noise characteristics of the respective area. The 

primary noise generator is expected to be the wind turbines. A sound survey was not conducted 

during the site visit to analyze the noise generated by the existing wind turbines, however, 

vender noise data is available. Using estimates and assumptions that are reasonably conservative, 

noise levels of the AOC 15/50 wind turbine were estimated to be 104 &(A) at the hub with an 

18 mile per hour wind (NREL 1997). This estimation is consistent with the Acoustics 

Measurement of Noise Emission From Wind Turbines (Expert Group Study 1994). Based on 

other vender data and information, this noise level appears to be on the high side for modem 

wind turbines, but will be used as a conservative basis for the purposes of this noise evaluation. 

Assuming a relatively high noise level as a basis will help ensure a conservative review of the 

potential noise impacts. 

The primary assumptions used in reviewing the potential noise impacts are: 

104 &(A) noise level at the hub of each wind turbine 

The wind farm will contain a maximum of 20 wind turbines 

The hub height of each wind turbine will be a minimum of 24 meters 

There are no other significant noise generators in the vicinity of the wind farm 

A municipal landfill is located approximately two miles northwest of the site 

An airport is located approximately four miles north of the site 

The nearest residential receptor is approximately 4.5 miles north in the town of Kotzebue. 

The total noise generated by up to 20 wind turbines is estimated based on the relationship 

among sound power, sound intensity, sound power level, and the addition of harmonic waves. 

Using these relationships as described in the Noise Control: Handbook of Principles and 

Practices (Lipscomb, Taylor, 1978), it is conservatively estimated that the maximum noise level 

is approximately 114 &(A) assuming 10 or more wind turbines. Assuming a worse case 

configuration of all wind turbines being essentially at the same location the additivity of the 

noise fiom each wind turbine continues at a nonlinear scale until the eleventh wind turbine is 

added at which point the increase is insignificant and may be neglected. Therefore the maximum 

noise generated is with a configuration of 10 co-located wind turbines. Assuming the wind 

turbines are on 24 meter towers the noise level at the ground can be estimated by using the 

following equation (Lipscomb, Taylor, 1978): 
NoiseL = SNoiseL - 10xlog(4 x r x R' ) 

where: 

NoiseL = Noise level at distance R in &(A) 

SNoiseL = the source noise level in dB(A) (104 dB(A)) 

R = the distance from the source in meters (24) 

Using this relationship it is estimated that the noise level at the ground level is approximately 75 

&(A) assuming 10 or more wind turbines simultaneously operating. This noise level is below 

the federal requirements for occupational hearing conservation programs and in addition will 

decrease as the distance from the noise source increases. Using the same relationship as 

described in the above equation, noise levels were estimated for distances fbrther away from the 

wind farm and are shown in the table below. 

Noise Level (in dB(A)) At Distance (in meters) 

24 

100 

500 

1000 

2000 

32 1 9 (landfill) 

5000 

6437 (airport) 

26 7242 (Kotzebue) 

To put these noise level estimates into perspective; normal conversation at approximately 

one meter has a sound pressure of approximately 60 dB; a quiet ofice has a sound pressure of 

approximately 50 dB and is considered quiet; and finally a soft whisper at five meters is 

approximately 30 dB and is considered very quiet (Lipscomb, Taylor, 1978). Based on the 

estimated noise levels it is not anticipated that any significant noise impact will result from the 

wind farm. Directly at the wind farm, workers or maintenance personnel will not likely be 

required to use hearing protection and at the landfill, the airport, or at the town of Kotzebue the 

noise will be negligible. 
REFERENCES: 

(Lipscomb, Taylor, 1978), Noise Control Handbook of Principles and Practices, Van Nostrand 

Reinhold Environmental Engineering Series, 1978. 

(Expert Group Study 1994), Expert Group Study on Recommended Proctices For Wind Turbine 

Testing And Evaluation, 4. Acoustics Measurement of Noise Emission From Wind Turbines, 3. 

Edition 1994. 

(NREL 1997), Communication with NREL Wind Energy Program, December 9, 1997. 
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ANALYSIS 

The purpose of this section is to describe potential electromagnetic interference 

(EM) as it is applicable to the proposed wind farm site located near Kotzebue Alaska and 

the potential effect on radio services. The wind fm site is located approximately 4.5 

miles south of Kotzebue Alaska, and the Kotzebue Electric Association leases the site 

from the Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation. The site currently has three AOC wind turbines 

in place that were installed in the spring of 1997. A site visit was conducted during the fall 

of 1997, and at that time, the current condition of the wind fm site was primarily 

undeveloped open space. A local airport is located between the wind farm site and the 

town of Kotzebue; it is approximately four miles north of the site. A local AM radio 

station (KOTZ) is located in the town of Kotzebue and dperates at the frequency of 700 

kilohertz. The KOTZ antenna is located approximately 1000 feet to the west of the wind 

fm site. Also the abandoned U.S. Air Force White Alice Communications station is 

located less than one mile to the west of the site. The local topography is nearly uniform 

with a general low relief There are no significant terrain barriers in the immediate area, or 

pronounced local variation in temperature or precipitation. 

The potential EMI effects of wind turbines on radio services involve multiple 

parameters including: the type of wind turbine, whether it is on a vertical or horizontal 

axis, the diameter and number of blades, the shape of the blades and properties of their 

materials, and the height of the support tower. Also applicable for wind turbines with 

blades made of dielectric materials, or materials which are an electrical insulator, are the 

shape and location of any metal parts such as lightning conductors or spars. The 

electromagnetic scattering properties of a wind turbine is a complex condition and 

involves three dimensional vector fields incident upon a time varying structure and 

requires many parameters for its description. The analytical descriptions use 

electromagnetic analysis techniques to categorize the EMI situation into three classes 

dependent upon their dimensions in terms of a wavelength, (Expert Group Study 1986). 

The vulnerability of various radio services to EM1 effects is dependent upon some 

primary parameters of the radio service. The primary parameters are: spatial positions of 

the transmitter and receiver with respect to the wind turbine; carrier frequency; 

polarization of the signal; modulation type and frequency; time constants of the automatic 

gain or other controls; and the symbol rate of digital systems, (Expert Group Study 1986). 

A semi-quantitative analysis has been performed and is documented in a paper 

titled, "Some Comments on Possible Electromagnetic Interference Attributable to Wind 

Machines," (Nix, 1998) This paper specifically evaluates the EMI situation at Kotzebue 

against the background of the existing technical literature on this subject. The conclusions 

are specific to AM broadcast reception, MV broadcasting, aircraft navigation, cellular 

telephones, and the Air Force Radar Installation. It is expected that very little reradiation 

and essentially no interference will occur with the KOTZ radio broadcast because the wind 

turbineslwind machines near the radio antenna present only about 5% of a wavelength in 

any dimension. Currently there are no conventional TV or FM broadcasting stations in the 
Kotzebue area and therefore interference is not an issue. In addition, receiving dish 

antennas for satellite reception have beam widths of only a few degrees and they are 

oriented to a specific satellite(s), therefore, wind farm interference is not expected. The 

airport is located approximately four miles north of the wind farm site and has not 

observed any wind machine related interference with their aircraft navigation systems. In 

addition, a report by D.L. Sengupta and T.B.A. Senior indicates that no significant 

degradation of VHF Omnidirectional Ranging (VOR) systems will occur assuming wind 

turbines are sited according to FAA guidelines, (Sengupta, Senior 1977). There is 

currently no cellular service in the Kotzebue area and therefore intefierence is not an issue. 

The abandoned U.S. Air Force White Alice Communications station is no longer in 

operation, therefore interference is also not considered aq issue. In addition, radar antenna 

systems typically have very narrow beams in order to rnehure directions accurately, 

therefore interference is not anticipated even if the systems were operational. 

Based on the reviewed information, and assuming the electromagnetic related 

services do not change in the Kotzebue area, it is not anticipated that the planned wind 

farm will cause any noticeable EM1 issues. 

REFERENCES 

(Sengupta, Senior 1977), Sengupta, D.L., Senior, T.B . A., "Electromagnetic Interference 

by Wind Turbine Generators. Final Report," ERA-04-01 865 1; EDB-78-002 1 12; Michigan 

Univ., Ann Arbor MI, February 1977. 

Nix, Gerald. 1998. National Renewable Energy Laboratory . Memorandum to E. Lurier, 

Dames & Moore. "Some Comments on Possible Electromagnetic Interference 

Attributable to Wind Machinesyy 

(Expert Group Study 1986), Expert Group Study on Recommended Practices For Wind 

Turbine Testing And Evaluation, 5. Electromagnetic Interference, Issue 1, February 198 6.