A coalition of 11 environmental and citizen groups are planning a lawsuit challenging the NedPower Mount Storm wind project.

Groups such as the Friends of Blackwater Canyon contend the project near the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area could kill endangered squirrels, bats and other animals.

Director Judy Rodd says Friends of Blackwater Canyon and the other groups plan to sue Richmond, Virginia-based Dominion Resources as well as Shell Wind Energy.

Rodd says the nearby Mountaineer Wind Project kills 4,000 bats annually and predicts NedPower's 44 turbines could kill 20,000 bats a year.

Representatives of Shell and Dominion did not have immediate comment.