NREL Pigeon Abatement Project; NREL Tracking No. 14-011 Award Number: DE-AC36-08GO28308 CX(s) Applied: DOE/EA-1968, DOE/EA 1914 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Date: 04/14/15 Location(s): CO Office(s): Golden Field Office
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April 14, 2015
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NREL Pigeon Abatement Project; NREL Tracking No. 14-011
Award Number: DE-AC36-08GO28308
CX(s) Applied: DOE/EA-1968, DOE/EA 1914
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Date: 04/14/2015
Location(s): CO
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes measures to control and deter pigeons on as needed basis to prevent nuisance and health concerns at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) South Table Mountain (STM) campus and National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) located in Golden, Colorado.
Rock doves or feral pigeons are an invasive species and are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Pigeon droppings can cause acidic staining and surface damage to buildings and structures. Pigeon waste and nesting debris that plug roof drains and downspouts can cause flooding, as well as block exhaust ducts increasing risk to building fires and equipment failure. Pigeon droppings contain undigested seeds and other foods providing a food source for rodents, fleas, ticks, mites and lice. Several diseases are known to originate from pigeon droppings and may cause occupational exposure situations for workers including histoplasmosis.