Chile's Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente (SMA) has filed two charges against Eólica La Estrella SpA for violations at its wind farm in the O’Higgins Region, linked to Andean condor deaths. The infractions involve failures in wildlife protection measures and the non-implementation of a tourist viewpoint. The company risks fines up to US$5 million.
Chile's Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente (SMA) notified two charges on Monday against Eólica La Estrella SpA, holder of the Parque Eólico La Estrella project, located in the Pulín sector of the O’Higgins Region. The case originates from a report by the Regional Directorate of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), documenting the mortality of three Andean condors on August 19, 2021, September 26, 2022, and September 14, 2023. A fourth collision was reported on May 23, 2024.
The first charge, classified as serious, stems from non-compliance with mitigation, monitoring, and contingency measures for avifauna protection. Specifically, the wind turbine blades lack intermediate colored bands or objects to enhance visibility; no full-visibility monitoring station was established for the park; and collisions involving Vultur gryphus (Andean condor) were not reported timely.
The second charge, minor, relates to the failure to implement a committed tourist viewpoint, which was to include a 400 m² area, parking, pedestrian trail, and interpretive panels.
Under the Organic Law of the SMA, serious infractions may result in revocation of the Environmental Qualification Resolution, closure, or fines up to 5,000 Tax Units (UTA), equivalent to over $5 billion. Minor ones, up to 1,000 UTA. Karina Olivares, head of the O’Higgins Regional Office, stated: “During the inspection, it was confirmed that the wind turbine blades were white with red tips, without intermediate colored bands or other objects to enhance visibility for avifauna in the area; therefore, the project is not complying with one of the commitments in its environmental permit, which has been associated with accidents and mortality of Andean condors inhabiting this zone.”
The company has 15 business days to submit a compliance program and 22 days to file defenses after notification. The project is a 49.5 MW wind farm operating 11 turbines.