Quantum Computers and Birds
In early 2024, a first of its kind quantum computing facility was announced as coming to Chicago. Their chosen site was the former US Steel Southworks site, a massive parcel of undeveloped land that has stood empty for decades. After a series of high profile announcements and guarantees of funding from federal, state, and local governments, the all but guaranteed project was touted as finally bringing economic development to the vacant land.
Anyone familiar with birding in the Calumet region however, knows that the area is anything but vacant of life and is home to countless species and an ecosystem not found anywhere else in Chicago.
The proposed development has the potential to devastate this non-traditional but highly important bird habitat. In response, Bird Friendly Chicago, a coalition of local bird conservation groups including COS, sent the following letter to the developer, city commissioners, and environmental and community allies with our recommendations on how to improve the plan for birds.
YOU CAN HELP!
If you live in the city, send a note to your alderman and/or to the planning commission. If you like, keep it short and link to this page.
Sign on to ASE’s petition to support neighbor’s demands.
November 17, 2024
Chairwoman Laura Flores
Chicago Plan Commission City of Chicago
121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, Illinois 60602
RE: Proposed amendment to PD 1162 (8080 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive) Dear Chairwoman Flores,
The proposed site of the future quantum computing facility (8080 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive) is one of the most productive sites in Chicago for a variety of breeding birds, including those of regional importance. As the only sizable grassland habitat in city limits, it is also a critically important stopover habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife. Befitting this status, this area is regularly enjoyed by Chicagoans, having been visited by birders over 500 times this year alone. As such, we ask that environmental, wildlife, and Southeast Side community impacts be centered in the development of this facility.
Key notes:
Over 265 bird species have been observed at this site making it one of the top spots for avian biodiversity in northeastern Illinois.
Home to a variety of grassland nesting birds such as Sedge Wren, Eastern Meadowlark, and Field Sparrows. This is the ONLY known nesting location for Grasshopper Sparrows in the entire City of Chicago. Per the US North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) “State of the Birds 2022” report, grassland birds have seen a 33% decline since 1970, the most severe decline of any family of birds.
This is a critical migratory stopover site for 10 Illinois Threatened and Endangered Species including Short-eared Owl and Northern Harrier. In a single day, over a dozen Short-eared Owls have been observed on this site, accounting for one of the highest all-time totals of any site in all of Cook County.
We understand the desire to develop the privately held portions of this area as a benefit to the surrounding community, city, and state. Given the visibility of this project, this development should adhere to our best values as Chicagoans, with nature and industry as partners instead of adversaries. As such we are submitting this letter requesting the Plan Commission require the following measures be added to/amended in the planned development agreement:
Incorporate bird migration safety features throughout all physical structures, including window glass treatments and light pollution mitigation. The location of this site on the immediate lakefront along a major migratory pathway has the potential to cause bird collisions on a scale like that of the McCormick Place Convention Center. Light and windows can be expected to cause significant bird mortality. Therefore, the project should adhere to the following best practices for bird protection:
Be required to achieve "Enhanced Bird Protection" in the Sustainable Development Policy.
Achieve zero footcandles of light at the boundaries for each sub-area (areas A & B for phase 1).
Install exterior light fixtures (including security lighting) that are full cutoff and equipped with motion sensors (i.e. infrared sensors).
Participate in the Chicago Lights Out program.
Use native plants in landscaping to retain critical habitat. Convert the landscaping of Areas D and E, Subarea F, fronting the Calumet River to migrant landbird habitat: multi- layered, diverse native plants (not cultivars or nativars). The landscape setback should be designed according to “A Habitat Guide for Chicago Land Owners: Enhancing Your Property for Birds (October 2007)” p. 2, published by the City of Chicago
The maximum building height should be set at a level that will accommodate only Phase 1 proposed structures. Any future proposed buildings exceeding that height should require the planned development be amended, so the public has an opportunity to review and comment on substantial impacts to this lakefront site. The maximum building height set forth by the PD is 170 feet. However, the proposed Phase 1 building elevations only indicate a building height of approximately 50 feet. If this height is being set to accommodate future buildings, the applicant should provide additional information at this time.
Guarantee exterior site access for environmental and wildlife conservation efforts. As an additional Planned Development Statement, the applicant should agree to allow exterior access to the site to approved wildlife monitors (Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, breeding bird survey monitors, etc.) so the impact of the development on local wildlife populations can be measured. Access can be managed in a similar fashion as other regional centers for advanced technology such as FermiLab and Argonne National Laboratory. Consider a green roof on a large building to provide habitat for short-eared owls, common nighthawks and grasshopper sparrows.
Implement a sound study to mitigate noise pollution. Noise pollution has significant negative impacts on the health of humans and wildlife, alike. The planned development should require a sound study that demonstrates sound levels at the property line of not more than 65 dB and a sound pressure level of not more than 70 dBA. These are levels established by the World Health Organization as being the maximum allowable before causing negative health effects.
Protect critical natural areas and waterways from pollution. Planned Development Statement item 5 grants as principal uses functions that are wholly incompatible for a site located next to critical natural areas and waterways. It is not clear why a quantum computing facility needs to be granted the ability to carry out "waste-related uses, recycling facilities, intensive manufacturing, ..., outdoor storage of raw materials, coke and coal bulk material uses, window composting and manganese-bearing material operations." These uses should not be granted as principal or special uses to this planned development. Similarly, stockpiling of materials as identified in item 11 is inappropriate for this site.
Allow public access to Chicago’s lakefront and this critical wildlife corridor. All members of the public should be able to enjoy and benefit from our waterways. The vision established by the Friends of the Chicago River and partners is one that includes continuous corridors of healthy open spaces that increase recreation opportunities and biodiversity. We are asking that a public access easement be granted for Areas D and E in Sub-area F and appropriate infrastructure, such as walking trails, be provided.
We echo the asks of Southeast Side residents for a community benefits agreement inclusive of an environmental impact study, a commitment to creating jobs for local residents, measures to prevent displacement, and authentic community representation on the project’s governance committee.
The above measures will help ensure that the proposed project proudly represents Chicago and Illinois as leaders in technological innovations, and in how developments like this can harmoniously exist with our treasured natural resources.
Should you have any questions or would like more information about the comments in this letter please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Judy Pollock, President Chicago Bird Alliance
Edward Warden, President Chicago Ornithological Society
Annette Prince, Director Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
Booker Marshall, Representative Feminist Bird Club, Chicago Chapter