Says Structures Pose No Hazard If Properly Marked

A wind farm proposed by Fair Wind Power Partners LLC for western Maryland on Backbone Mountain has been given the go-ahead by the FAA, providing the wind turbines on the mountain are properly painted and lighted.

The 12 wind turbines are part of a 30 megawatt powerplant that is set to begin construction in 2014 and start generating electricity in 2015. An official for Garrett County said that it was likely that one structure planned to top out at 3,655 feet ASL would not be built as part of the project.

The Cumberland Times-News reports that the FAA sent a letter to the county saying that the proposed wind turbines would not be a hazard to navigation. However, that determination can be reviewed if an interested party files a petition before January 17. If no petition is filed, the ruling becomes final on January 27.

The FAA says that to meet its standards, the structures must be painted white and marked with synchronized red lights.

Jim Torrington, the head of Garrett County's permits and inspections, said the county is currently evaluating stormwater management and erosion sediment control concept plans, and that permits could be issued as early as next week.

(Wind farm image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.garrettcounty.org