Opponents of the proposed $300-million Scout Clean Energy Nimbus wind facility in rural Carroll County are pleased with the recent decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend public comments on the potential impacts to aviation from the 46 wind turbines proposed near County Roads 905 and 920.
Nimbus opponents favored the new public comment period because information about potential negative impacts to aviation were not available prior to the close of an earlier public comment period.
“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,” states information received from a Freedom of Information Act request from George Caudle. “Pending resolution of the issues described below, the structure is presumed to be a hazard to air navigation.
“To pursue a favorable determination at the originally submitted height, further study would be necessary. Further study may include 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 FAA indicated there were potential impacts to seven local airports including those in Boone County, Carroll County, and Fort Smith in Arkansas, two airports in Branson, Mo., and airports in Springfield and Cassville, Mo.
Scout made a new application to the FAA on January 10 which Caudle said reduces the reduces the height of 11 wind turbine towers to reduce some negative impacts on the Boone County Airport but doesn’t address all potential negative impacts.
Comments are being solicited regarding potential impacts of the wind turbines on existing and planned air space by aircraft, navigation facilities, airports, procedures and air traffic control systems. It is unknown exactly how long the extended comment period is, but FAA comments are to be directed only to impacts to aviation. Oeaaa.faa.gov.