June 18, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Nesting birds have accomplished what thus far, citizens opposed to the Sunrise Powerlink have not been able to manage: slowing down construction of the project. According to a newsletter sent by the Community Alliance for Sunrise Powerlink, some birds have sought to nest in construction equipment and in other works area, “significantly hampering construction.”
Environmental mitigation measures required by the California Public Utilities Commission and the Bureau of Land Management during the high voltage line’s construction include protection of bird nesting areas, in compliance with state and federal agency requirements.
“SDG&E is committed to protecting bird nests and complying with all mitigation measures,” the newsletter stated. But it added, “However, if a resolution is not quickly reached, the project could face major construction delays. SDG&E is working closely with state and federal agencies to resolve the issue.”