Proposed Wind Turbines In Litchfield, NY, Would Disrupt Air Traffic, Agency Says

The FAA has told Ridgeline Energy that its proposal for a wind farm in the upstate New York town of Litchfield east of Syracuse would pose a hazard to air traffic.

The FAA has issued 11 letters to the energy company, according to a report from the Utica, NY, Observer-Dispatch. The company had proposed to build wind turbines as tall as 492 feet, which the FAA said significantly exceeded its height standards. The agency told the power company that the wind turbines could be no higher that 85 to 175 feet, depending on their proximity to the Utica VORTAC.

In the letter, the FAA says the structures could have an "adverse physical or electromagnetic interference effect upon navigable airspace or air navigation.”

The turbines were to be erected in Clayville, a village within the Litchfield city limits, the letters said.

Your News Now reports that the town of Litchfield has passed a law that bans such turbines from being built there. Ridgeline Energy, the company hoping to establish the wind farm, had asked the state to override the local law and allow the structures to be built.

(Wind farm image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov