Wind turbines found to impact South Texas naval aviation - report

Wind turbines have negative impact on naval aviation in South Texas, according to a study by the US Navy, which may have implications for the Chapman Ranch wind project, local media reported this week.

The study was presented to local officials on Tuesday, KIII News reported. Citing people present at the meeting, it said the study has concluded that turbines have an adverse effect on Doppler radar and pilot safety at the local training facility.

Proposals to address the issue include adopting a special air traffic rule in South Texas and improving radar facilities. According to the report, the Navy will also look to work with wind companies to minimise risks through turbine sitting and deals to curtail operations in some cases. Meanwhile, a bill was introduced in September to stop incentives for turbines located near air military installations.

The 249-MW, 81-turbine Chapman Ranch wind project was recently acquired by Canada's Enbridge Inc (TSE:ENB) from developer Apex Clean Energy.

Enbridge spokesperson Michael Barnes told The Corpus Christi Caller-Times that the company has not seen the full study and that there have been mixed reports with nothing about the Chapman Ranch project.

Currently work is underway on the roads for the wind farm, with the installation of the turbines yet to begin, he said.

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