Avian Protection Plans & Risk Assessments

Summary

Burns & McDonnell prepared a single statewide Avian Protection Plan (APP) and individual member Implementation Plans (IP) for the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association (MECA) to cover 22 members' existing operational facilities in Montana with service areas in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. MECA hired Burns & McDonnell to work with members to prepare a new APP in compliance with the 2005 APP guidelines. Efforts included review of historic avian mortality data and pole/structure designs, retrofits or other remedial efforts to reduce avian electrocution risks and problem nest issues. The project included coordination with resource agencies, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on APP development, review and acceptance; IP content and implementation; and ongoing communication. This was the first successful statewide effort in the nation to prepare one APP for multiple electric cooperatives.

Moon Lake Electric Association (MLEA) is an electrical cooperative that operates facilities and has members in northwestern Utah and western Colorado. MELA requested a review of its existing APP and recommendations for updating it and preparing a new one in compliance with the 2005 APP Guidelines. Burns & McDonnell wrote the new APP, providing information and support for development of an internal avian fatality reporting system and employee training materials. Our team also consulted with the USFWS region to obtain acceptance of the new APP and requested a special purpose permit.