These are usually the main environmental concerns that arise in association with the set up of a wind turbine.

Visual Impact

Wind turbines are highly visible structures often opposed by homeowners or real estate developers owning land near a proposed site. Several studies have shown that opposition often diminishes after the turbines are in place as homeowners find the structures aesthetically pleasing and realize their environmental benefits. Thus, opposition related to visual impact can be reduced through careful arrangement of the wind turbines, rendering them impressive against a landscape and through the education of the benefits of wind energy. Less opposition arises in rural settings where farmers are often paid rent or fees by the owners of the turbines.

Magenn Power has an added benefit in that our MARS units may be deployed much higher above surrounding terrain than conventional systems, thus capturing more wind. Conventional systems are positioned in areas where winds are higher such as coastal areas and high terrain. These locations are typically at greater distances to customers. MARS, due to it ability to reach greater winds at higher altitudes can be placed closer to demand centers, reducing transmission line costs and transmission losses.

Avian Mortality

Birds and bats occasionally collide with wind turbines, as they do with other tall structures such as buildings. However, collisions with Magenn's Air Rotors should be significantly less.

Birds and bats tend not to fly into objects directly in front of them. Birds can see these objects and bats can sense them. Current terrestrial wind turbines are large fast-moving blades slicing through the air, hitting birds and bats from the side without the animals sensing the presence of blades. In contrast Magenn wind turbines are three-dimensional, softer objects. Birds and bats will more easily be aware of the turbine's presence.

A large number of studies have addressed this issue. The findings indicate that overall, bird deaths due to wind turbines are low, especially when compared to other manmade structures. An extensive literature review was conducted and a comparison of annual avian mortality in the United States was presented. The table outlines the results.

Birds Deaths from http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/pollution/fpd/technologies/t-1000-e.html

Structure	Bird Deaths (wide range incorporates many studies)
Vehicles	60 million - 80 million
Buildings and Windows	98 million - 980 million
Power lines	174 million
Communicative Towers	4 million - 50 million
Wind Generation Facilities	10,000 - 40,000
Magenn Power Air Rotor Generators	Estimated to be very low as the structure can be seen from a distance

Noise

There are two types of noise generated by a wind turbine: mechanical noise from the gearbox and generator; and aerodynamic noise created by the rotors passing through the air. Progress through technological improvements has practically eliminated mechanical noise. Aerodynamic noise has also improved through better rotor design although it will tend to increase with increasing wind speeds. This is not of great concern since background noise will also increase with increasing wind.

The table below compares the sound levels of various items. Notice the sound level emitted by a 660kW wind turbine at 200m (650 ft) is less than the noise levels of a normal suburban residential area. The Magenn Power Air Rotors are expected to be even quieter then wind turbines because the Magenn Air Rotors will operate at 1000 feet.

Noise Levels from http://www.chs.ca/info/noise/levels.html

Common Sounds	Noise Levels (dB)	Effect
Jet engine (near)	140
Shotgun Firing Jet Takeoff(100-200ft)	130	Threshold of pain
Thunderclap (near) Discotheque	120	Threshold of sensation
Power saw Pneumatic drill Rock music band	110	Regular exposure of more than 1 min. risks permanent hearing loss
Garbage truck	100	No more than 15 min. unprotected exposure recommended.
Subway Motorcycle Lawnmower	90	Very annoying
Electric razor Many industrial workplaces	85	Level at which hearing damage begins (8 hours)
Average city traffic noise Garbage disposal	80	Annoying. Interferes with conversation.
Vacuum cleaner Hair Dryer Inside a Car	70	Intrusive. Interferes with telephone.
Normal Conversation	60
Quiet Office Air Conditioner	50	Comfortable
Magenn Air Rotor	40	Quiet
Whisper	30	Very Quiet
Breathing	10	Just Audible
	0	Threshold of normal hearing (1000-4000 Hertz)

Exposure Time Limits

Sound levels are logarithmic: a small increase in decibels represents a large increase in sound energy. For this reason, exposure to sound should be cut in half for every increase of 3 decibels.

Decibels (dB)	Exposure Time
85dB	8 hours
88dB	4 hours
91dB	2 hours
94dB	1 hour
97dB	30 minutes
100dB	15 minutes

Height Restrictions

Magenn has carefully studied deployment of its MARS units. Of particular focus are altitude guidelines as directed by FAA regulations. The five points, below represent a summary of Magenn planning to satisfy these guidelines. Magenn has established a rapport with cognizant FAA officials and Transport Canada.

See: http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/part101.html

MARS units may not operate in controlled airspace or within five miles of the boundary of any airport.
MARS units that are deployed over 150 feet on a permanent basis will require a NOTAM, which stands for: Notices to Airmen. A NOTAM is issued by the FAA or its equivalent to inform pilots of new or changed aeronautical facilities, services, procedures, or hazards, temporary or permanent. NOTAMS are not difficult to obtain, but will be necessary in most deployment cases in US, Canada and Europe.
MARS units that operate over 150 feet will have a lighting system including individual lights that are placed every 50 feet on its tether. The lights will flash once per second.
MARS units will have a Rapid Deflation Device installed that will automatically and rapidly deflate the balloon if it escapes from its moorings. MARS device will be equipped with at least two deflate systems that will bring the units slowly and safely to the ground. If the MARS unit "cut down" system does not function properly, it will immediately notify the nearest ATC facility of the location and time of the escaped and the estimated flight path of the balloon.
MARS units balloon envelope is equipped with a radar reflective material that will present an echo to surface radar operating in the 200 MHz to 2700 MHz frequency range.

Magenn Power Envelope and Tether System

The MARS envelope will be made of a Kevlar type material. The larger MARS units will have an internal bladder o system.

Magenn believes that it has solved the problems associated with the 1000 foot tether system that is to be used in our design.

The Defense Department of the United States uses unmanned, tethered airships, called aerostats, for drug and border surveillance from the Caribbean to the California border¹. These tethered airships operate at heights up to 15,000 feet. Magenn Power will use the consulting expertise of MAPC who helped develop the surveillance airships for the US Government.

Magenn Power plans on testing single tether as well as a triple tethered system with IPL Dover. These consulting services are identified in our use of proceeds.

¹ http://www.airshipman.com/NewsArticles/news13nov02.htm