A controversial wind farm that was set to be the largest in Washington has been slashed in half. The proposed project outside the Tri-Cities has raised concerns about endangered hawks and viewsheds. However, the project developer said these new restrictions could be bad for renewable energy development in the state.
Also at the meeting, the council discussed how wind projects could affect aerial firefighting capabilities.
The height of the turbines would likely prevent some aerial firefighting, including the use of drones and helicopters,Washington State Department of Natural Resources leaders told the council.
While the turbines could reach up to 657 feet, most aerial firefighting happens below 500 feet, according to Russ Lane, manager of the DNR Wildland Fire Management Division. Aerial firefighting could be unsafe in the middle of the proposed project.
Read more on this story at KLCC.org
