CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — Wind power generation plant AES Laurel Mountain LLC has pleaded guilty to two federal misdemeanors in the deaths of hundreds of migratory birds at its Barbour County facility.
The Exponent Telegram reports (http://bit.ly/1OLWL61) that U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II says 314 migratory birds, mostly Blackpoll Warblers, died Oct. 2, 2011 at the site. The next day, 81 more migratory birds died at the complex.
The birds had been confused by the lighting of the complex and collided with battery containers and wires.
The filing says the company failed to comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by not using "reasonable, prudent and effective measures to avoid or minimize the impact of lighting on migratory birds."
The company could face fines for each count, incarceration of up to 6 months, or both.
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Information from: The Exponent Telegram, https://www.wvnews.com/theet/
