Environment Ministry seeks changes to planned Ishikari wind farm to protect eagles
The Ministry of the Environment has sent its formal opinion on the environmental impact assessment report for the proposed Atsuta wind power project in Ishikari, Hokkaido, to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. The opinion asks developer Tokyu Land Corporation to explain and coordinate with Ishikari City, since most of the site is zoned as an environmental conservation area. It also asks the developer to reconsider turbine placement near places where endangered white-tailed eagles feed or fly often, and calls for an expert council and emergency measures, including shutdowns, if protected birds collide with turbines.
What does it mean?
A wind farm of up to 15 turbines is planned in Ishikari, and the government wants the developer to change parts of the plan. The main concerns are protecting rare eagles from turbine collisions and the fact that most of the land is zoned for environmental protection.