Local Association Raises Concerns About Wind Turbine Project Impact on Aircraft Safety

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The Lake Cochrane Improvement Association (LCIA) is actively challenging a proposed wind turbine project named South Deuel Wind Project by Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South LLC. While the project is located outside the designated ‘lake park district’ and at least three miles from the lake shore, the LCIA has identified potential safety hazards for aircraft using the nearby Lake Cochrane Seaplane Base.

The LCIA board meticulously reviewed the project’s engineering study and identified three specific tower sites that they believe pose a significant threat to the safe operation of aircraft at the seaplane base. The association has secured legal counsel and formally requests that the developer remove these three towers from the project plan.

The LCIA actively encourages residents to attend the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission hosted public input meeting on August 22, 2024, at 5:30 PM at the Clear Lake Community Center, 218 Third Avenue South, Clear Lake, SD. This public input meeting will provide a platform for the community to voice their concerns and opinions regarding the project if they favor it. Deuel Harvest will briefly describe the project at the meeting, and the meeting will open for comments.

Furthermore, the LCIA’s attorney will file official comments with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These comments will strongly recommend the denial of the three towers in question due to the potential risks posed to aircraft navigating the airspace near the seaplane base.

Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South LLC has acknowledged the LCIA’s concerns but has yet to take a definitive position on their request to remove the three towers. The developer maintains that the project adheres to all Deuel County zoning regulations concerning setbacks from the Lake Park district. They have also pointed out that Mr. Matthew Holden, who initially applied for party status in the project’s permitting process on behalf of the LCIA, resides outside the designated project area.

The upcoming SD PUC public input meeting on August 22, 2024, presents a crucial opportunity for the LCIA and other residents to address their concerns or if they are in favor of the project directly about the project.

Click the following link for the complete docket from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission: EL24-023 (sd.gov)