ED‐3: There is potential for wind turbine impacts.
Location:
Wind turbines can interfere with radar systems by inhibiting target detection,
generating false positive readings, and interfering with target detection. In addition,
the turbines can become vertical obstruction hazards to safe aircraft operations.
These and other impacts can affect military operations and must be considered
during the planning and siting phases for wind energy development. There are
currently no commercial wind energy projects planned within the JLUS Project Area.
Project Area
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES
ED‐3A: Develop or update wind energy ordinances Primary Parties:
The JLUS partner jurisdictions should develop new or update existing zoning
regulations related to wind energy generation facilities. This should include a review
of which zoning districts allow wind energy generation facilities; adding a
requirement for consultation with the DoD Siting Clearinghouse and adherence to
FAR Part 77 requirements, establishing height limits for wind energy generation
towers; and adding a requirement for notification to, review by, and coordination
with AZARNG prior to permit approval if the proposed development is within an area
identified by the AZARNG as used for helicopter flight operations. As part of this,
AZARNG should provide a map to the electric companies identifying the areas and
altitudes where helicopters operate.
Pinal County
City of Eloy
Town of Queen Creek
Town of Marana
Partner:
AZARNG
There should be a differentiation in regulations between residential uses, small
commercial installations for individual business use or net metering, community
generation for distribution less than five megawatts, and utility‐scale facilities, so as
to not over‐regulate individual residential and smaller scale wind energy projects.
Strategy Type:
Timeframe:
Geographic Area:
N/A
FOR OTHER STRATEGIES THAT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, SEE STRATEGIES ED‐1A, ED‐1B, AND ED‐1D.
118
Implementation Plan