WIND ENERGY SERVICES
Catena has provided services to wind energy projects in Montana
since 2009.
Our experience is diverse and has encompassed all project phases.
We have conducted siting evaluations on extensive portions of Montana with the
highest development potential, advising clients on leasing and project acquisition.
Subsequent to project site selection, we have conducted environmental studies, supported
facility siting, assisted with permitting and provided other services to
address environmental concerns. We have advised clients in support of many
utility-scale wind energy projects in Montana, including projects currently in
operation and others in various stages of development.
We are experienced with working through the recommendations
of US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Land Based Wind Energy Guidelines (WEG) and Eagle
Conservation Plan Guidance (ECPG). We frequently conduct studies to evaluate potential
impacts to wildlife and related resources and support applications for Eagle
Incidental Take Permits (EITP). Our biologists are familiar with local species
and habitats, Montana species of concern (SOC), local raptor nesting behavior
and phenology, and typical nest distributions.
Core services provided to the wind industry include:
- Siting evaluations & related site assessments
- Wildlife studies including:
- Raptor (including eagle) nest surveys
- Avian use surveys, including eagle use monitoring
- Avian migration surveys
- Bat acoustical studies
- Greater Sage Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse lek surveys
- Habitat evaluations, and
- Other surveys to address site-specific wildlife concerns,
including SOC.
- Wildlife agency coordination
- Eagle Fatality Estimation
- Eagle Conservation Planning consistent with Region 6 guidance
- Tiered Assessment and associated documentation as described
in the WEG
- Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy development
- Wetland surveys (waters of the US)
- Cultural resource surveys
- Permitting and regulatory agency coordination
- Project permitting
- Construction monitoring, and
- Post-construction wildlife monitoring.
