This document summarizes a study conducted by Pandion Systems, Inc. and contributors for NYSERDA on the relative risks to wildlife from different electricity generation sources. It finds that risks vary by life cycle stage and across sources. Coal generally poses the highest risks, while wind and nuclear pose lower risks. However, a holistic, cradle-to-grave approach is needed, as all sources affect wildlife. Further analysis is still required to quantify impacts. The framework aims to facilitate rational discussion of comparative wildlife impacts across different electricity generation types and life cycles.

1. Presenter:
Christian Newman, MS, MBA, President, Pandion Systems, Inc.
cmnewman@pandionsystems.com
NYSERDA Study & Report Contributors:
Dr. Jim Newman, Pandion Systems, Inc./EBIF
Dr. Ed Zillioux, EBIF
Dr. William Warren‐Hicks, EcoStat, Inc.
Christian Newman, MS, MBA, Pandion Systems, Inc.
Mark Watson, NYSERDA
Greg Lampman, NYSERDA
Christine Denny, MS, Pandion Systems, Inc.
Peter Colverson, MS, Pandion Systems, Inc.
Susan Marynowski, MS, Pandion Systems, Inc.
Karen Hill, Pandion Systems, Inc.

2.  Environmental Firm Specializing In:
 Wildlife‐Wind Interactions
 Wildlife‐Utility Interactions
 Environmental Communications & Public
Involvement
 Key Associations & Clients/Projects
 NWCC/NREL
 MMS
 AWEA, CalWEA, NWCC

9.  Compare relative risks across major generation
types
 Include risks from resource extraction through
decommissioning
 Assess relative risk at all life‐cycles
 Base analysis on available literature
 Impartial to energy sources

10.  Variability & Uncertainty
 Wildlife Assumptions
 Life Cycle Assumptions
 Data Gaps

16. Draft Relative
Level of Risk Exposure and Effects
Populations: Large scale injury or mortality
Highest Potential Habitat: Large scale destruction
T and E species: Biologically significant reductions
Populations: Limited, but locally to regionally important mortality
Higher Potential Habitat: Limited, but locally to regionally important destruction
T and E species: Incidental mortality and habitat destruction
Populations: Limited and local, no population effects
Moderate Potential Habitat: Limited and local
T and E species: Exposure possible, mortality unlikely
Populations: Limited to no population effects, some individual affects
Lower Potential Habitat: Limited to none
T and E species: Exposure unlikely
Populations: Individuals only, if any
Lowest Potential Habitat: Limited to none
T and E species: Limited to no exposure

18.  Climate Change
 Acid Deposition
 Mercury
Bioaccumulation

19.  Physical Injury and/or
Mortality to Wildlife
 Chemical Injury and/or
Mortality to Wildlife
 Disruption of Normal
Behavior of Wildlife
 Destruction and
Alteration of Habitat

20. Past & Present Levels of Risk to Wildlife
Highest Risk Level for Each Stage
Relative Risk Level to Wildlife
Does not reflect mitigation and future technology
Type of Resource Fuel Construction of Power Transmission and Decommissioning of
Energy Extraction Transportation Facility Generation Delivery Facility
Highest Lower Lower Highest Moderate Lower
Coal
Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential
Higher Highest Lower Higher Moderate Lower
Oil
Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential
Natural Higher Moderate Lowest Moderate Moderate Lowest
Gas Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential
Moderate Lowest Lowest Moderate Moderate Lowest
Nuclear
Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential
Highest Higher Moderate Higher
Hydro None None
Potential Potential Potential Potential
Lowest Moderate Moderate Lowest
Wind None None
Potential Potential Potential Potential

21. We need to look at electricity generation from a
holistic standpoint‐ not just one or two stages.

22.  All energy sources affect
wildlife
 One cradle to grave approach
 Further analysis & studies
needed to quantify impacts
 Creates a framework for
rationale discussion about
comparative impacts

23. Christian Newman, President, Principal
Pandion Systems, Inc.
Gainesville, Florida
Austin, Texas
Burnt Hills, New York
Whitingham, Vermont
352‐372‐4747
www.pandionsystems.com
cmnewman@pandionsystems.com