The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has voted to grant a construction permit, with conditions, to Crocker Wind Farm LLC for a wind facility and 345 kV transmission line in Clark County, S.D.
The wind farm, which will include up to 120 wind turbines and 5.2 miles of overhead transmission, will have the capability to produce up to 400 MW of electricity.
Issues related to road protections, decommissioning and aircraft-detection lighting are among the 40 conditions approved by the PUC’s commissioners, Kristie Fiegen, Gary Hanson and Chris Nelson.
Crocker filed the application to construct the Crocker Wind Farm on Dec. 17, 2017. The PUC held a public input hearing in February in Clark and an evidentiary hearing in May in Pierre. State law requires the commission to make its decision no later than six months after receiving an application for a wind energy facility. Formal parties participating in the docket included Crocker, PUC staff, and intervenors Shad Stevens and Gayle Paulson.
“The Crocker Wind project has generated significant public interest,” says Chairperson Fiegen. “The PUC worked hard to develop meaningful conditions that are responsive to the landowners, area residents and the applicant.”
At the meeting, Commissioner Hanson offered a condition that was met with agreement by his fellow commissioners – that Crocker provide a public liaison officer to facilitate communication among landowners, area residents and PUC staff and work to resolve problems or complaints.
“I feel strongly that folks in Clark County be given a clear path to communicate if they have concerns during the construction or operation of the facility,” he said.
Crocker expects the wind farm to begin commercial operations by the fourth quarter of 2019.
