Page 1 of 2
ACTION ALERT!
September 15, 2010
Deadline for
Comments
September 23rd!!
Related Documents
Titus Memorandum Opinion
Titus Order
Titus Order re Stipulation
Federal Register Notice
Federal Register Notice Reopening
Comment Period
Beach Ridge Energy News Release -
USFWS
Beech Ridge Energy Brochure-USFWS
Beech Ridge Energy Comment Card-
USFWS
Public Scoping Meeting Presentation -
USFWS - presented at scoping meeting in
Rupert, WV - August 2010
Beech Ridge Viewshed Impact Map
Phase I and II Descriptions for the Beech
Ridge Wind Power Project
Beechridge Facility Layout
WV PSC Document
Detailed Project
Information
What There Is To Lose
file://E:\ActionAlertbeechridge.html
Reduce Negative Effects
from the Greenbrier
Wind Project!
Comment on the
Beech Ridge
Industrial Wind
Project Study!
Dear Friends
We must band together to stop wildlife
deaths and other negative impacts from
this industrial wind development.
In December 2009, Judge Titus handed down a ruling that says the project is in
violation of the Edangered Species Act and forbades the Beech Ridge Project
from going forward until it has received an Incidental Take Permit from the US
Fish and Wildlife Service. Further, the 40 turbines that were being constructed
could only operate when Indiana Bats were in hibernation from November 15th
to April 1st until the company works with the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) to implement a plan to reduce harm to bats.
In July 2010, the USFWS announced a 30-day public comment period regarding
their intent to prepare an Environmetal Impact Statement necessary to process
the Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Take Permit that has been
requestd by Beech Ridge Energy. In August 2010, Friends of Blackwater and
several other groups requested an extension to the comment period citing the
importance of this precedent setting process. The USFWS agreed and the
comment period was extended to September 23, 2010.
Why is this comment period so important?
The Beech Ridge Energy HCP and ITP are
the first of their kind to be pursued in the
United States. They will lay the ground rules
for all future industrial wind projects and the
Endangered Species Act. Already five more
wind projects have applied for Incidental
Take Permits. This will determine the future
of not only endangered species and wind
energy in West Virginia but across the
nation. Please take a few minutes to comment to the USFWS. It is vitally
important that they know what you think should be a part of this Environmental
Impact Statement. You can comment using our sample letter by clicking here.
You are encouraged to include your own additional comments based on
anything you deem appropriate. It is important to note that these comments are
required to process this emailable form and that the USFWS gives more
creedence to letters that include your individual comments as opposed to just a
form letter.
9/20/2010
 Page 2 of 2

PS In this NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process the federal agency
must consider direct, indirect and cumulative impacts to wildlife, the environment
and heritage resources. The purpose and economic impact must also be
considered. The fish and wildlife Service must also make their decision based on
the best available science so any studies you have should be sent to them as
well.

CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO USFWS

In addition you may submit comments by:

1) U.S. mail at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Field Office, 694
Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 26241;

2) Facsimile at (304) 636-7824; or

3) Electronic mail at fw5es_wvfo@fws.gov

PLEASE ACT NOW!

File Maintenance
Please let us know if you are getting more than one copy of this e-mail or our printed newsletter, if you
have an address change, or if you prefer an online newsletter only. Send requests and changes to
outreach@saveblackwater.org

If you would like to be removed from our E-NEWS list, click HERE to unsubscribe.

FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER
501 ELIZABETH STREET - CHARLESTON, WV 25311
1-877-WVA-LAND
info@saveblackwater.org
www.saveblackwater.org

file://E:\ActionAlertbeechridge.html 9/20/2010