A major wind-energy project has moved a step closer with the Federal Aviation Administration releasing a preliminary notice of presumed hazard for the project.
While the notice does not approve or deny construction, it means structures could impact airspace navigation and will have to be reviewed further when locations are determined.
Apex Clean Energy is proposing installing 80 to 120 wind turbines in rural Morgan County for its Lincoln Land Wind project. A final number of turbines has not been set as developers move to finalize the design within the boundaries set by a new county wind ordinance.
Will Nissen, a development manager for Apex Clean Energy, said the FAA’s finding was expected because turbines are expected to be taller than 500 feet, but under the county ordinance limit of 600 feet.
“Any structure over 500 feet, the FAA will issue a presumed hazard notice,” he said.
After the final design is complete, Nissen said Apex will submit it to the FAA for a deeper study of the airspace around the locations and will provide a report on each site.
“They will issue a designation for each turbine submitted and they’ll determine if there is an issue,” Nissen said.
The notice of presumed hazard does not prevent the developer from continuing the design of the project, but Nissen said the final application will have to go through the FAA before the project is submitted to the county to begin the permitting process.
A county wind ordinance approved in July requires that the project meet FAA regulations before construction can begin.
“We anticipate at the time the FAA will issue a designation of no hazard after they’ve looked at all the airspace,” Nissen said. “Technically, it’s not the FAA approving the project, it’s just them saying that a turbine is considered no hazard.”
Nissen said Apex hopes to have the final design and locations completed within two or three months, but said a final review by the FAA could take several months to complete.
“I hope to have that review done by the middle of next year,” Nissen said. “This is just a standard step in the process.”
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