Connecticut Audubon Society statement on the United Illuminating Railroad Transmission Line Upgrade Project
Scores of Ospreys nest and hunt near the route of the United Illuminating project.
October 5, 2023—United Illuminating is proposing to rebuild transmission lines along the 25 miles of the Metro North Railroad corridor between Fairfield and West Haven.
Transmission lines pose a hazard to birds of all kinds. Between 8 and 57 million birds are killed by transmission lines in the U.S. each year.
The project includes installation of approximately 500 new galvanized transmission poles with foundations, upgrading of conductor size, and installing switches at nearby substations.
United Illuminating says the project will “improve the structural integrity and reliability of the high voltage transmission lines” along the railroad corridor, allowing UI “to continue to provide safe, reliable electric service to our customers for years to come.”
Connecticut Audubon released a statement on the proposal today, expressing concern and seeking more information about the project’s effect on birds. Our concern is both general and, because of the proximity of several sanctuaries, specific:
“Connecticut Audubon’s Birdcraft Sanctuary, a National Historic Landmark, and H. Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve are within sight and sound of the Metro North corridor and are known regionally as hotspots for migrating songbirds to feed and rest.
“Further east, our Milford Point Coastal Center is the focal point of the rich and vast wildlife area at the mouth of the Housatonic River, just south of and adjacent to the Metro North corridor. Almost 400 species of birds have been recorded there over the years.”
Here is the full statement, signed by Interim Executive Director Joyce Leiz and by Senior Director of Science and Conservation Milan Bull:
The construction of high (110 to 140 ft) transmission lines along the Metro North corridor from Fairfield to West Haven, in general, will pose serious and significant threats to birds, in contrast to electrical distribution lines along residential streets and neighborhoods.
These transmission lines carry higher voltage, are located on taller towers, and have lines further apart from each other. Therefore the impacts on birds can be more significant and are not the same as the impacts of local distribution lines.
Transmission lines cause mortality when birds collide with the lines, particularly the highest, thinnest and least visible shield wires used to protect conductors.
According to the National Audubon Society, each year between 8 and 57 million birds are killed by transmission lines in the US. Nearly all bird families—both resident and migrant populations— are affected by collisions.
Additionally, the construction and maintenance of transmission lines can degrade habitat by significantly removing trees and shrubs and displace local bird populations.
Connecticut Audubon’s Birdcraft Sanctuary, a National Historic Landmark, and H. Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve are within sight and sound of the Metro North corridor and are known regionally as hotspots for migrating songbirds to feed and rest. Further east, our Milford Point Coastal Center is the focal point of the rich and vast wildlife area at the mouth of the Housatonic River, just south of and adjacent to the Metro North corridor. Almost 400 species of birds have been recorded there over the years.
We understand that transmission is the backbone of our power grid and the “interstate highway” of electrical delivery but we are in an age where almost three billion birds have been lost since the 1970’s, less than the span of a human lifetime, and we risk losing more if climate change continues an upward trajectory.
It is therefore critically important that the Transmission Line Upgrade Project is done thoughtfully and properly to minimize the impacts on birds and other wildlife. United Illuminating should provide us with site specific mitigation efforts for the project that include avoidance, minimization and compensation for our natural resources as well as alternative options.
Joyce Leiz
Interim Executive Director
Milan Bull
Senior Director of Science and Conservation
