Bismarck, North Dakota — On Thursday, July 31, state leaders voted ‘yes’ on a request to proceed with a wind farm currently being built near Wishek.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a waiver for the Badger Wind Farm, which is currently constructing 92 wind turbines in Logan and McIntosh counties.
The company had requested that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approve the use of ‘aircraft detecting lighting systems’ or ADLS on nearly 20 of the turbines, but the FAA said ‘no’ to lights on ten of the turbines, favoring standard lighting. If they detect a nearby aircraft, those lights will blink.
The company intends to keep all of the turbines at least 3.15 miles from Wishek’s airport.
“The project is currently under construction. Instead of pouting, I believe it is my responsibility to help make the project the best it can be,” said PSC chairman Randy Christmann. “And so really, this is about making that project as cost-effective as possible.”
“Now that we know this is happening, how do we fix it going forward? Speaking for myself, I believe the law clearly states that we have the authority to grant waivers from these requirements,” said commissioner Jill Kringstad. “But I also believe that the intent of the law is not to use these waivers and that all new developments have 100% light mitigating technology.”
The project is owned by the company Orsted, which says the wind farm will generate approximately 250 megawatts per year.
A Badger Wind spokesperson stated that the company intends to complete construction on the wind farm by the end of 2025.
