The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we, Service), working with the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, developed the Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (Guidelines). These voluntary Guidelines provide a structured, scientific process for addressing wildlife conservation concerns at all stages of land-based wind energy development. They describe a process for wind project developers to use to gather information to identify sites with low risk to wildlife, and to assess, mitigate, and monitor the potential adverse effects of wind energy projects on wildlife and their habitats. They also promote effective communication among wind energy developers and Federal, State, and local conservation agencies and tribes. These Guidelines are intended to:
 Promote compliance with relevant wildlife laws and regulations;
 Encourage scientifically rigorous survey, monitoring, assessment, and research designs proportionate to the risk to species of concern;
 Produce potentially comparable data across the Nation;
 Mitigate, including avoid, minimize, and compensate for potential adverse effects on species of concern and their habitats; and,
 Improve the ability to predict and resolve effects locally, regionally, and nationally.
Although the Guidelines are voluntary, they are designed to minimize impacts to wildlife, including species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C 703-712), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668Â668d), and Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531Â1544), as well as species not afforded protection under these Acts, but which are potentially significantly impacted by wind energy development (e.g., sage grouse). The Guidelines are also consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667e) and Executive Order 13186 Â Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds (January 10, 2001). When used in concert with appropriate regulatory tools, the Guidelines form the best practical approach for conserving species of concern.
We are reporting 160 annual responses, 707,430 annual burden hours, and $7,187,265 in nonhour burden costs. This is a net decrease adjustment of 240 responses, a net increase of 271,830 annual burden hours, and a net decrease of $2,052,744 in nonhour burden costs. We based these adjustments on our experience in administering this collection and comments received from our survey and 60-day notice.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Annotated comparison tables for burden estimates (1).pdf
1018-0148 - SSA - 2014 rev clean.docx
Tier 5 (Other Post-construction Studies