Detailed crane search saves Texas wildlife
In Gainesville, Texas, a group of IEA Constructors workers arrived on the completed Wildcat Creek Wind Farm. Best described as a “melting pot” of IEA Constructors workers from different projects, this crew was tasked with the disassembly and transportation of the crane on the Wildcat site.
Melony Akins, a skilled crane operator on IEA’s Ranchland crew, made the trip to assist the group with her expertise. As a crane operator, Akins completes detailed inspections and evaluations to ensure the crane is in perfect working condition.
During her crane evaluation on the completed Wildcat site, she discovered a bird nest containing three eggs.
Most crane operators would have missed this, as the nest was in an area that’s easily overlooked. However, Akins is incredibly meticulous in her inspections. Aware of the company’s commitment to the environment, Akins immediately reported her findings to construction manager Bryan Fraysier.
Together with IEA safety specialist Larry Lyons, the crew began their rescue mission and shut down all tasks until the nest could be safely transported. Quick research proved that most bird species in Texas are protected, making the safe removal of the birds even more critical.
IEA Constructors' VP of operations Joe Alt and director of safety Doug Watson became heavily involved to ensure that all wildlife statutes and laws were being followed. Everyone involved wanted to guarantee that the nest was dealt with appropriately. The words 'hurry' or 'cost' were never mentioned. They weren’t going to move the crane until they figured out what to do with the protected eggs.
After a thorough search for Wildlife Rehabilitation Groups, the team found an agency, Nature’s Edge Wildlife and Reptile Rescue, in Fort Worth, Texas, that was willing to take the eggs. The owners promptly responded and put a plan in motion, giving detailed directions to remove the nest and eggs from the crane.
Very carefully, Lyons removed the nest from the crane. He secured the eggs to prevent any damage for their upcoming 100-mile journey to an incubator. It ended up being a four-hour rescue mission that involved eight crew members and the shutdown of multiple heavy haul trucks and two cranes. In the end, all the eggs were safely transported to the prepared incubator.
“We have a commitment to the environment,” Alt said. “It’s against our core values to do away with these animals.”
This crew exhibited IEA’s commitment to safety and health—a value that’s not just limited to employees, but everyone we encounter at job sites and in daily life.
And it all started with one meticulous crane evaluation.
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