Wind Generators In Nantucket Sound Not A Safety Concern

The FAA on Wednesday issued a “Does Not Exceed (DNE)” determination for the proposed construction of 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound.

The FAA completed an aeronautical study and has determined that the proposed construction of the 130 wind turbines, individually and as a group, has no effect on aeronautical operations. Therefore, the FAA concludes that the project, if constructed as proposed, poses no hazard to air navigation.

The FAA makes obstruction evaluations based on safety considerations and the available solutions to mitigate potential risks.

But 130 of the wind turbines is apparently as high as the FAA is willing to go. In its letter approving the structures, the agency said additional wind turbines or met towers proposed in the future may cause a cumulative effect on the national airspace system. This determination is based, in part, on the foregoing description which includes specific coordinates and heights. The agency said any changes in coordinates will void the determination, and any future construction or alteration requires separate notice to the FAA.

The FAA said the determination includes temporary construction equipment such as cranes, derricks, etc., which may be used during actual construction of the structure. However, this equipment shall not exceed the overall heights as indicated above. Equipment which has a height greater than the studied structure requires separate notice to the FAA.

"This determination concerns the effect of this structure on the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace by aircraft and does not relieve the sponsor of compliance responsibilities relating to any law, ordinance, or regulation of any Federal, State, or local government body," the FAA said.

FMI: FAA Determination