Tasmania wind farm gets conditional approval from EPA

Plans by NP Power Pty Ltd to build and operate a wind farm involving up to 100 wind turbines on the shore of Lake Echo in Tasmania’s Central Highlands has been considered by the EPA board and referred to the Central Highlands Council.

In order to manage the impact on wedge-tailed eagles, the EPA board has required that any permit issued by the council should include a number of conditions. It has demanded conditions to make sure wind farm mortality rates for the threatened species will be monitored reliably and comprehensively as well as a provision for shutting down turbines as a reaction to mortality thresholds. The proposal needs the approval of the Central Highlands Council and the federal government.