Vermont Business Magazine Former Vermont Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie is among those leading the opposition against an industrial wind farm proposed for Swanton, and he now has a FAA study to support his contention that the site would be unsuitable for a wind farm. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a report in October after it had conducted an aeronautical study. Initial findings of this study indicate that the structure as described exceeds obstruction standards and/or would have an adverse physical or electromagnetic interference effect upon navigable airspace or air navigation facilities. Pending resolution of the issues described below, the structure is presumed to be a hazard to air navigation. The structure will cause interference to the primary radar returns to FAA Saint Albans (QHB) enroute radar.
The study was conducted under the provisions of 49 U.S.C., Section 44718 Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 77, concerning:
Structure: Wind Turbines T1, T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7
Location: St Albans, VT, Heights: 925 feet site elevation, 499 feet above ground level (AGL)
1424 feet above mean sea level (AMSL)
"THE STRUCTURE IS PRESUMED TO BE A HAZARD TO AIR NAVIGATION. THIS LETTER DOES NOT AUTHORIZE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STRUCTURE EVEN AT A REDUCED HEIGHT."
Dubie, who is now chair of the Vermont Aerospace and Aviation Association (VAAA) said following the issuance of the report, "Safety is paramount. The FAA has determined that the seven proposed Industrial Wind Turbines in Swanton, Vt. will block the primary FAA radar located in St Albans, Vt. The FAA operates the St Albans radar to ensure aircraft operating in the Boston Center airspace has safe separation at all times. The proposed industrial turbines would interfere with the FAA radar and would be a hazard to air navigation."
FAA October 19, 2015
** NOTICE OF PRESUMED HAZARD **
The Federal Aviation Administration has conducted an aeronautical study under the provisions of 49 U.S.C.,
Section 44718 and if applicable Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 77, concerning:
Structure: Wind Turbine T1
Location: St Albans, VT
Latitude: 44-50-48.62N NAD 83
Longitude: 73-01-27.93W
Heights: 925 feet site elevation (SE)
499 feet above ground level (AGL)
1424 feet above mean sea level (AMSL)
Initial findings of this study indicate that the structure as described exceeds obstruction standards and/or would
have an adverse physical or electromagnetic interference effect upon navigable airspace or air navigation
facilities. Pending resolution of the issues described below, the structure is presumed to be a hazard to air
navigation.
If the structure were reduced in height so as not to exceed 0 feet above ground level (925 feet above mean sea
level), it would not exceed obstruction standards and a favorable determination could subsequently be issued.
To pursue a favorable determination at the originally submitted height, further study would be necessary.
Further study entails distribution to the public for comment, and may extend the study period up to 120 days.
The outcome cannot be predicted prior to public circularization.
If you would like the FAA to conduct further study, you must make the request within 60 days from the date of
issuance of this letter.
The structure will cause interference to the primary radar returns to FAA Saint Albans (QHB) enroute radar. For
more detailed information contact Cindy Whitten at 816-329-2528.
To pursue a favorable determination, all issues regarding radar performance must be resolved.
NOTE: PENDING RESOLUTION OF THE ISSUE(S) DESCRIBED ABOVE, THE STRUCTURE IS
PRESUMED TO BE A HAZARD TO AIR NAVIGATION. THIS LETTER DOES NOT AUTHORIZE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE STRUCTURE EVEN AT A REDUCED HEIGHT. ANY RESOLUTION OF THE
ISSUE(S) DESCRIBED ABOVE MUST BE COMMUNICATED TO THE FAA SO THAT A FAVORABLE
DETERMINATION CAN SUBSEQUENTLY BE ISSUED.
IF MORE THAN 60 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS LETTER HAS ELAPSED WITHOUT
ATTEMPTED RESOLUTION, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR YOU TO REACTIVATE THE STUDY BY
FILING A NEW FAA FORM 7460-1, NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION.
If we can be of further assistance, please contact our office at (816) 329-2528. On any future correspondence
concerning this matter, please refer to Aeronautical Study Number 2015-WTE-3837-OE.
Proposed wind turbine blades (from 1349 feet to 1424 feet AMSL) will be within direct, radar line-of-sight
relative to the FAA Saint Albans (QHB) enroute radar antenna and will cause clutter and target detection
issues for primary radar. No intervening topography exists between the radar antenna and wind turbines with
sufficient elevation that would provide natural shielding for the wind turbine blade(s). Primary air traffic
facility impacted will be Boston Center. Further study and coordination with air traffic control would be
necessary in order to pursue potential favorable determinations. Please advise if you would like further study
via email at [email protected].
For more information go directly to FAA link: https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/searchAction.jsp?action=displayOECase&oeCaseID=257580006&row=0 and also see attached FAA pdf
Please also see the following article.