DCPREZ-2014-10672 - Laserfiche WebLink

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guidelines)have been developed but are not properly implemented. The Service has developed interim guidelines for new communications towers,which we encourage any company/licensee proposing a new communications tower to implement in an effort to minimize impacts to migratory birds:please see Appendix for general recommendations with regard to migratory birds and communication tower installation. To minimize bird collisions,we recommend keeping the tower height to less than 200 feet,thus making lighting unnecessary. You stated in your letter that this is not a possibility at this location since necessary coverage would not be met; however, we recommend your client also consider other sites where this would(<200 foot tower)be a possibility. We also recommend changing the project design to a self-support tower. When attracted to a lit tower,migrating birds often circle around the tower,colliding with guy wires. Bird diverters(which glow or flash during both day and night)may also be placed on guy wires to possibly alert birds of guy wire presence. If lighting is necessary, we strongly recommend the use of white day/night strobe lights with the minimum intensity and frequency of flashes allowable. Red steady-burning lights(L-810) should not be used, as they attract night-migrating birds at a higher rate than white lights. This lighting system would pose heightened collision risk due to the height of the proposed tower(all towers>350 feet require 2 sets of steady-burning red lights). Following concerns from the Service and other organizations, FAA initiated a study evaluating the need for steady burning lights on towers. FAA researchers concluded through this study that steady burning lights can be flashed,or in some instances omitted altogether, and still provide sufficient visibility to pilots. As a result, the agency is proposing to redefine their standards on obstruction lighting so that steady burning lights will no longer be necessary. Pending the FAA finalizing changes to their approved lighting systems,we anticipate contacting all tower operators to recommend changing lighting systems to comply with new approved lighting configurations. Therefore, if lighting is necessary on your tower,we recommend selecting/installing a more"bird friendly"system now rather than potentially incurring extra costs once the FAA finalizes changes. Please contact our office if you will not be able to reduce the tower height to less than 200 feet,thereby eliminating the need for lighting. The tower, as currently proposed,presents risk to migratory birds,particularly during migration periods. Also,we recommend any habitat disturbance(e.g.,tree removal)occur before May 1 or after August 30 to minimize potential impacts to breeding migratory birds, but please be aware/hat some species may initiate nesting before May 1. We appreciate the opportunity to respond. Questions pertaining to these comments can be directed to Mr. Peter Fasbender 920-866-1725. Sincerely, 01,600., W)a/n C -�. fpiPeter J. Fasbender Field Supervisor