Protective Measures for Visual Resources and Land Use
To ensure development projects are executed responsibly, planned avoidance and protective measures are crucial. The Lava Ridge Wind Project aims to minimize impacts on environmental resources such as air quality, wildlife, cultural resources, and land uses.
Lava Ridge Wind Project: Ensuring Net Conservation Gains for Sage Grouse and Eagles
The Lava Ridge Wind Project will result in a net conservation gain for sage grouse and eagles through comprehensive avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures.
Protective Measures for Avian, Bat, and Other Wildlife Species
Planned avoidance and protective measures are an integral part of ensuring development projects are done right.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project: Visual Resources
The Final EIS analyzed visual resource impacts on dark night skies and sensitive viewing areas. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) notes that the Project area is given a Class IV ranking, which is applied to landscapes well suited to projects like Lava Ridge.
FEIS Analysis on Grazing
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) details the importance of grazing in the community, its role as a core sector of commerce for Southern Idaho, and, importantly, how the Lava Ridge Wind Project can work alongside the BLM's grazing allotments.
Additional analysis for water and the aquifer provided in the Final EIS for Lava Ridge Wind
Water - a crucial resource in Southern Idaho - was the second most commented on topic according to the Bureau of Land Management during the Draft Environmental Impact Statement's (EIS) public comment period. The recently released Final EIS includes additional analysis by independent experts who studied the potential impacts to groundwater quality, quantity, wells, and canals.
The BLM’s preferred alternative for Lava Ridge
On June 6, we crossed a major development milestone for the Lava Ridge Wind Project with the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the Bureau of Land Management.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project is available
f you’ve followed this project for some time, you may have heard the term Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS is a comprehensive review done by resource specialists directed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that analyzes the impacts of a project like Lava Ridge.
Looking to The Past to See the Future
Watch an interview with an archaeological survey crew as they work on a cultural survey in Southern Idaho.
Short-Term Housing, Long-Term Gains
The Lava Ridge Construction Phase Would Bring an Economic Boost to Magic Valley Businesses, Hotels, Airbnbs, and RV Parks
Decommissioning the Lava Ridge Wind Project
Wind turbines are sparking an emerging industry for recycling innovators, creating jobs and new income streams while challenging what has been accepted as the status quo for an industry known for its sustainability.
Lava Ridge Wind Project Myths and Facts
This will not impact aquifer recharge to the Snake River or groundwater. Project water use equates to 0.03% of all irrigated acres in the three county area for those two years.
What Does The DEIS Say About Big Game?
The DEIS provides a detailed evaluation of the effects of the Project on big game, including mule deer and pronghorn.
What Does The DEIS Say About Impacts to Water?
The DEIS provides a detailed evaluation of the effects of the Project on water resources locally, and collectively throughout Idaho.
What Does the DEIS Say About Bats?
The DEIS looked in detail at the effect of the project on bat roosting habitat, and the effect of turbine operations on bat populations.
What does the DEIS say about avian populations?
The DEIS provides a detailed evaluation of the effects of the Project on avian populations. Development projects have the potential to affect birds through removal of habitat and collision with turbine blades.
What Does the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Say About Sage-Grouse?
To provide further protection for sage-grouse, MVE has taken into consideration the location of all project components and the design of corridors to help minimize and mitigate the potential impact on sage-grouse.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement Alternative C Highlights
Here’s what you should know about one of the Bureau of Land Management’s preferred alternatives:
Energy Doesn’t Happen Without Development
Clean energy doesn’t happen without development, and we’re thrilled the Lava Ridge Wind Project has reached a new milestone with the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement.
