On December 9th, 2011 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced the publication of a review that calls for more peer-reviewed scientific studies of the impact of large-scale solar projects on wildlife, especially in the desert of the U.S. Southwest.

Authors of the scientific literature review published in the journal "BioScience" state that they found only one peer-reviewed study of the impacts of large-scale solar development and operations on wildlife.

"The dearth of peer-reviewed studies, as shown by the USGS review, can happen whenever society rapidly embarks on major undertakings, such as developing large-scale solar projects," explained USGS director Marcia McNutt.

"Our goal is to raise the visibility and accessibility of information of impacts of solar energy impacts on wildlife as these important projects move forward."

USGS: Studies can help BLM site projects

The agency states that these studies are particularly important in sensitive habitats such as the deserts of the U.S. Southwest.

The USGS further states review paper can help the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other agencies charged with solar siting to identify, prioritize and resolve situations where inadequate information exists regarding impacts on wildlife, as well as to direct monitoring efforts.

A number of large concentrating solar power (CSP) projects in Southern California have sustained legal challenges over potential impacts to wildlife habitat. In several cases developers have altered plant designs to reduce this impact, as well as providing for extensive mitigation to make up for any potential damages.

2011-12-15| Courtesy: U.S. Geological Survey | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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