The Massachusetts National Guard has received partial approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for proposed wind turbines, according to a report in the Cape Cod Times.
The FAA approved eight of 17 sites at the Upper Cape military base, saying they pose no adverse effects to aviation. Height reductions of 177 feet to 225 feet are being recommended on seven of nine other locations.
In June, the National Guard filed a site plan with the FAA and Air Force Space Command for the review of 17 possible sites to locate wind turbines at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) on Cape Cod.
Within the 22,000 acres of MMR, sites for 400-foot wind turbines have been identified. The sites submitted for review were identified through an initial analysis by the military and state of various factors, to include wind resources, impact to base operations and training, and proximity to the airfield and base and residential housing.
The National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard, both located at the MMR, have worked with the state's Executive Offices of Public Safety and Security and Energy and Environmental Affairs on the renewable energy initiative, which supports Gov. Deval Patrick's goal of 2,000 MW of wind power statewide by 2020.
After the FAA review, the remaining wind turbine sites deemed feasible will go through another round of military review to closely assess current and future military mission compatibility. A request for proposals will then be issued.
Proposals will undergo analysis of possible impacts to the environment and residential areas on and near the base. The Massachusetts National Guard, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will continue to inform and involve the community throughout the process to develop a proposal for wind turbines at the MMR.
SOURCES: Massachusetts National Guard, Cape Cod Times
