A proposed wind farm in Washington, set to be the state's largest, has been halved due to concerns about endangered hawks and potential impact on scenic views. The Horse Heaven Hills Clean Energy Center by Scout Clean Energy aimed to build hundreds of wind turbines, reaching heights potentially taller than Seattle's Space Needle, along 24 miles of ridge lines in southeastern Washington. The state's Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) recently imposed restrictions on turbine placement to address concerns for nearby wildlife and cultural properties.
During a meeting, EFSEC limited where turbines could be placed to address worries about ferruginous hawk nests and wildlife corridors. The proposed restrictions were met with criticism from the project developers, who argued that they were arbitrary and lacked scientific support. Scout Clean Energy President and CEO Michael Rucker stated that these restrictions could render the project economically nonviable.
In addition to environmental concerns, the meeting also discussed how wind projects could affect aerial firefighting capabilities. The height of the turbines, reaching up to 657 feet, could hinder aerial firefighting operations, potentially creating a no-fly zone over the project area. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources expressed concerns about the safety of firefighting operations near the turbines, citing the risk of collisions with turbine blades.
EFSEC will recommend whether to approve the renewable energy project, with Governor Jay Inslee having the final say. Public comments on the restrictions are expected before the council sends its recommendations to the governor. The potential impact on aerial firefighting capabilities adds another layer to the debate surrounding the development of large-scale wind projects in the state.
Source: opb.org