Current Mitigation

Each of the applications that have been submitted to the BLM and the CEC include a variety of mitigation measures that aim to minimize the effects of perimeter fencing on regional wildlife movement. These measures include:

  • low-to-the-ground rolling gates at the entrances and exits to the site to prevent wildlife entering the facility and becoming trapped,
  • reduced speed limits on access roads to avoid car strikes of wildlife,
  • the placement of clear and prominent markers to ensure all vehicles remain on the designated roads,
  • long-term equipment storage and space for parking will occur in fenced areas to exclude the possibility that wildlife may be drawn to these spots for shelter.1

Many of the applications also indicate that the disturbance associated with fencing will not be limited to the period during construction, thus requiring that any adopted mitigation measures be kept in place throughout the lifetime of the project.

Special Considerations for the Desert Tortoise
Furthermore, projects that encompass habitat of the federally threatened desert tortoise also include the construction of tortoise exclusion fencing (also sometimes called tortoise-proof fencing), designed specifically to prevent tortoises from entering the facility area, which may prevent unintended fatal vehicle strikes of the tortoises. In general, this type of fencing is comprised of vertical galvanized mesh fencing at least two feet high and buried at least one foot deep to prevent tortoise access through burrowing.2,3 In some areas, burial of a portion of the fence will not be possible and in these cases the galvanized mesh fencing will be bent at a right angle directed toward the outside of the fenced area and covered with soil.4 Some applications also include tortoise-proof gates, which are especially low- to-the-ground rolling gates to prevent tortoises from being able to crawl underneath.5 This fencing is considered a mitigation measure, despite the fact that it will result in some loss of habitat, because it serves to minimize the potential for vehicle strike mortality within the facility, among many other potential on-site threats to the tortoise.

1 Solar Millennium, Blythe Solar Facility Project Proposal: Application for Certification, Biological Resources, 48-59.

2 Abengoa Solar Inc., Abengoa Solar Facility Project Proposal: Application for Certification, Biological Resources, 5.3 – 42 to 5.3 – 43.

3 Beacon Solar LLC., Beacon Solar Facility Project Proposal: Application for Certification, Biological Resources, 5.3 – 38 to 5.3 – 39.

4 Abengoa Solar Inc., Abengoa Solar Facility Project Proposal: Application for Certification, Biological Resources, 5.3 – 42 to 5.3 – 43.

5 Beacon Solar LLC., Beacon Solar Facility Project Proposal: Application for Certification, Biological Resources, 5.3 – 38 to 5.3 – 39.