In Depth: Power Lines Push Endangered Birds to the Edge

[para. 1][para. 2][para. 3] On February 1, 2024, Zhou Haixiang, a retired professor and wildlife photographer, discovered the dead body of a Siberian crane in a harvested rice paddy near Poyang Lake, Jiangxi province. Zhou, who has dedicated nearly 20 years to tracking the critically endangered Siberian cranes, found the bird's severed wing nearby. With fewer than 6,000 individuals left globally, Siberian cranes are primarily dependent on this region for their survival.

[para. 3][para. 4] Poyang Lake serves as a significant habitat for Siberian cranes, with about 98% of the global population migrating here in 2019. The lake is also crucial for other species, including Oriental storks, white-naped cranes, and bean geese. Their habitat is now under threat from an ultra-high-voltage (UHV) power line project.

[para. 5][para. 6] Zhou's observations linked the crane's death to proximity to these power lines. In response, a public interest lawsuit was filed by a nonprofit group against the State Grid Corp., claiming the power lines pose a threat to wintering migratory birds. The case is being heard in Nanchang Intermediate People’s Court.

[para. 8][para. 10] Poyang Lake is China’s largest freshwater lake, offering a rich ecosystem for migratory birds. Yet, due to environmental changes, Siberian cranes have started foraging on farmlands, majorly depending on crops rather than their traditional food, Vallisneria plants.

[para. 11][para. 12] Construction of the Wuhan-to-Nanchang UHV power line project began in September 2022, with a significant portion of it running along Poyang Lake’s shores. The environmental impact report submitted earlier failed to acknowledge the presence of the critically endangered Siberian cranes.

[para. 13][para. 14][para. 15] During court proceedings, the project’s assessment was criticized for not including these birds, despite the area being vital for migratory species. Evidence presented by the plaintiff included a letter from local forest authorities recognizing the area’s importance for Siberian cranes.

[para. 16][para. 17] Both parties debated the risks of bird collisions with transmission lines, with the defense arguing that birds typically fly at higher altitudes than the lines. However, critics noted that during specific activities like taking off, cranes could come into contact with the power lines.

[para. 19][para. 20] Past incidents from 2019 to 2021 saw similar power lines kill or injure common cranes, indicating the risks involved. Zhou emphasized that the UHV line near Poyang Lake covers a more extended and critical area for the Siberian cranes, increasing the potential risks.

[para. 22][para. 23][para. 24] Prior to the lawsuit, State Grid had initiated mitigation measures, like installing anti-collision devices and warning lights to prevent bird collisions. However, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness and thoroughness of environmental impact assessments (EIA) for such large infrastructure projects. Despite requests for more information, State Grid and the involved design institute had not provided further insights by publication time.

[para. 25] Professor Zhang Zhengwang stated that proper EIAs could have prevented current issues, highlighting the importance of careful planning and early risk identification in projects affecting critical ecosystems and endangered species.