Community Renewable Energy

Other Siting Factors to Consider

The wind resource is certainly the most important factor to consider when choosing a site for a wind project, but it is by no means the only factor worth consideration. Some of the following factors are uncovered during the permitting process, but there are a few that should be considered early on, before a significant amount of time and energy have been invested in a particular site.

Terrain: The wind resource on mountain peaks and ridges is often quite high, but installing a wind development at such a location may be impractical. During an initial site visit, a quick examination of the terrain can reveal issues that may be difficult to overcome.

• Steep Slopes: Steep slopes are very difficult to build on, and increase construction costs tremendously.

• Soil and Substrate Condition: Some sites will require blasting, which makes the building process more expensive and increases environmental damage.

• Distance to Access Roads: A road with suitable grading for the crane will be needed to access each turbine site. Increased distance to local access roads increases costs significantly. The cost of grading a road will depend on the ground cover and the slope of the local terrain.

• Site Accessibility: Harsh climates will limit the time periods during which site construction can be accomplished.

Transmission Access: Many of the windiest places in this country remain undeveloped because the distance to the closest transmission lines with available capacity makes the sites cost-prohibitive. Installing transmission lines is much more expensive than creating access roads and requires the cooperation of the local utility. It also necessitates an extensive permitting, financing and construction process. Below are issues to consider when examining a site’s transmission access.

• Proximity to Nearest Line: The cost of installing line will depend on the size of the development, the terrain, and the requirements of the county (i.e., Can the lines be pole-mounted or do they have to be buried?)

• Voltage Level of Nearest Line: This will determine what level of step-up transformer is needed to make the voltage produced by the turbines compatible with the voltage of the nearby distribution or transmission line.

• Line Capacity and Substation Proximity: The nearest distribution or transmission line must have the extra capacity required to accept the electricity from the turbine. If the nearest line cannot support the output from the turbines, a nearby substation may be necessary to accept the power.

Land Use (of Both Humans and Wildlife): The installation of even one wind turbine will have an impact on near neighbors, be they human or non-human. An initial consideration of this impact can prevent the project from being halted after a further investment of time and money.

• NIMBY (Not In My Backyard): Wind turbines placed near housing developments often face opposition from landowners. This is particularly true in areas that were developed for their scenic value. Such locations will likely require substantial community outreach.

• Wildlife: Previously undeveloped areas are more likely to contain wildlife populations that will be affected by the construction of a wind project. It is preferable to use previously disturbed land—including land in use for agriculture or grazing—for wind projects. Where this is not feasible, it is important to look at the prevalence of the type of habitat represented by the site. If the habitat is unique to the area, environmental issues are more likely.

• Noise rules: In many states, noise is subject to regulation. Check with your state department of environmental quality for noise rules. Click here to learn about Oregon's noise rule for energy facilities.
  

Though some public opinion or wildlife impact challenges can be avoided or minimized through careful planning and appropriate mitigation, it is worth an initial review for obvious “fatal flaws” during the initial site evaluation process. For example, if a potential wind site is found to be adjacent to a critical nesting area for an endangered bird population, there may be no recourse but to seek a new project site.

Utility Service Territory: Utilities vary in their need for power, their interest in wind development, and the laws and regulations under which they buy power. Early communication with the local utility is critical to determine their unique circumstances.