Developing Projects. In order to provide protection for bats while providing planning and financial certainty to the Cooperator, all Developing Projects may be subject to minimization measures based on results of post-construction monitoring performed by the Cooperator in adherence to Exhibit C of the Agreement. In this document, “Developing Projects” are defined as any project that is not defined as an Operating Project.
Developing Projects. In order to provide protection for bats while providing planning and financial certainty to the Cooperator, all Developing Projects may be subject to minimization measures based on results of post-construction monitoring performed by the Cooperator in adherence to Exhibit C of the Agreement. In this document, “Developing Projects” are defined as any project that is not defined as an Operating Project. Potential minimization measures will be based on the level of mortality estimated from the project’s first year of monitoring. If mortality is greater than 4 bats per 1000 square meters of rotor sweep area per year (hereinafter referred to as 4 bats/1000m2/yr), which represents a 25% reduction of the state-wide average through 2012, the Cooperator will consult with the Commission to consider bat minimization efforts and discuss the implementation of voluntary measures to address bat fatalities. Depending on the initial risk category designated for the project, minimization measures may include any mutually acceptable methods, but will be limited to reasonable levels up to and including the efforts summarized in the table below. Maximum Effort for Reduction of Bat Mortality High Risk Low Risk Time of Year April 1 - November 15 July 1 - September 30 Time of Night Start 1/2 hour before sunset and end 1/2 hour after sunrise Start 1/2 hour before sunset and continue for 5 hours Cut-in Speed (m/s) April 1 - June 31 = 5.0 July 1 - September 30 = 5.5 October 1 – November 15 = 5.0 5.0 Temperature (F) > 50 > 50 Any project that implements the Maximum Effort for high risk criteria is anticipated to reduce bat mortality between 50% and 73% based on previous research conducted. Likewise, a program that implements the Maximum Effort for low risk criteria is anticipated to reduce bat mortality between 40% and 58%. Once a Developing Project implements the Maximum Effort applicable to its risk criteria, no further minimization measures shall be required. If at any point after the first year of post-construction monitoring, a Cooperator can demonstrate that mortality is below 4 bats/1000m2/yr, no additional minimization measures shall be required. The Cooperator may demonstrate mortality levels through direct on-site monitoring data modified by minimization measures as described above, or through application of mortality reduction percentages agreed to with the Commission.
