The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) recently approved the first set of decommissioning plans for wind farms since new rule changes were approved last year.
According to the PSC, the approved rules strengthen requirements for future wind projects and ensure they are properly decommissioned at the end of their use. The changes were put in place to ensure that wind projects are properly taken down and cleaned up when the facility is no longer being used, the commission says.
The PSC notes it has been responsible for ensuring reclamation for coal mining in the state since 1970 and incorporated that success and experience in the rule changes.
“A half-century ago, our ancestors made a commitment to ensure our coal mines would be reclaimed when the prairie became quiet again,” says Randy Christmann, PSC chairman. “These decommissioning rules demonstrate a renewed commitment by our generation to ensure that North Dakota’s beautiful landscape will be returned to its splendor when these giant wind turbines reach the end of their useful lives.”
The rules require that decommissioning plans, including cost estimates, are filed with and approved by the commission prior to operation of any new facilities. The commission requested that existing facilities submitted plans by July 1.
The rules also require financial assurance for decommissioning. For projects sited after July 1, 2017, a two-phase approach will be used with an initial financial assurance provided prior to construction and financial assurance sufficient to ensure complete decommissioning required before operation. Previously sited facilities are required to provide financial assurances after the 10th year of operation.
During a June 27 commission meeting, plans for 14 wind farms were approved.
“The new rules are both forward-looking and some of the most comprehensive in the country,” says Commissioner Brian Kroshus, who holds the portfolio for economic regulation. “They include necessary financial assurances that decommissioning can and will occur in a timely manner, restoring the land to its original state, and protecting landowner interests. While it’s difficult to know exactly when a facility will reach the end of its useful life, having a clearly defined exit strategy in place is critical.”
Commissioner Julie Fedorchak adds, “The work we’ve done on decommissioning rules ensures three things. First, companies know what’s required for decommissioning on the front end and can plan for it. Second, they will have good cost estimates based on data from qualified engineers. And third, financial assurances from owners will be in place to pay for decommissioning.”
The rule changes were approved by the PSC in early May 2017 and approved by the Administrative Rules Committee in June 2017. The rules changes took effect on July 1, 2017.
