Overview

A key aspect of the RITE Project’s Phase 2 Gen4 system demonstration was to identify any impacts of the six-turbine array on the local environment. Toward this end, Verdant Power conducted unprecedented monitoring activities during the demonstration period.

These efforts included the operation of an array of fixed underwater hydroacoustic sensors that monitored the turbine field for any underwater activity. In addition to this fixed monitoring, Verdant Power also conducted on-vessel mobile fish monitoring in the project area. A characterization and analysis of the river’s benthic habitat was also conducted.

Key Results to Date

The results of these activities showed no observed evidence of increased fish mortality or injury, nor any irregular bird activity in the project area. The data demonstrate that fish avoid zones of impact with Verdant Power’s system and populate inshore areas.

Verdant Power will continue monitoring activities during the Phase 3 build-out of the RITE Project in order to analyze any impacts from a larger array.

More detailed information on Verdant Power’s environmental monitoring activities can be found here:

• NYSERDA RITE Environmental Assessment Project – Final Report (March 2011)
  The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has been a long-standing partner of the RITE Project and provided matching funding for project environmental monitoring and analysis. [Download Final Report]
• RITE Project Pilot License Application
  Verdant Power developed a dedicated website to track the progress of its Pilot License Application to FERC at www.theriteproject.com. A copy of the application, which contains detailed environmental data in Exhibit E, can be downloaded at this website.

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Monitoring unit showing a school of fish. Turbine location is beyond 18.0 meters from shore.

Monitoring unit showing one fish. Turbine location is beyond 18.0 meters from shore.