Abstract
The Maple Ridge Wind Power Project consists of 195 wind turbines and three permanent
meteorology towers on the Tug Hill Plateau of Lewis County, just west of Lowville, New
York. In 2005, a total of 120 Vestas wind turbines were constructed within the Phase I
project area; the remaining 75 turbines in Phase IA and II of the project were constructed
in May to December 2006. Each 1.65 MW turbine consists of an 80m (262 feet) tall
tubular steel tower; a maximum 82m (269 feet) diameter rotor; and a nacelle which
houses the generator, transformer, and power train. The towers have a base diameter of
approximately 4.5m (15 feet) and a top diameter of 2.5 m (8 feet). The tower is topped by
the nacelle, which is approximately 2.8m (9 feet) high and 7.6m (25 feet) long, and
connects with the rotor hub. The rotor consists of three 41m (134 feet) long composite
blades. Approximately 30% (57 out of 195) of the nacelles are equipped with L-864 FAA
aviation obstruction beacons (lights) consisting of flashing red strobes (for night) and no
illumination during the day. With a rotor blade oriented in the 12 o’clock position, each
turbine has a maximum height of approximately 122m (400 feet). All components of the
turbine are painted white.
After a first year pilot-project (summer-fall 2006), April 30-November 14, 2007 was the
first complete 3-season of study (Spring-Summer-Fall, winter studies precluded by heavy
snowfall and limited site accessibility). Weekly carcass surveys were conducted at 64 out
of 195 (32.8%) turbine sites. We completed 1736 individual turbine searches, equivalent
to about 28 rounds of searches at the 64 turbines. Two out of the three meteorological
towers were also searched weekly for a total of 56 searches, from May 1, 2007 to
November 14, 2007 (28 rounds).