Saturday, May 14, 2011
WIND ENERGY SERIES Continued from Page 1
Daryl Hill, a spokesperson for Basin Electric Power Cooperative out of Bismark, N.D., points to the 1.5 megawatt turbine that is now owned by Mitchell Technical Institute, which will be used as part of its wind technology program. This is one of 108 turbines that were commissioned in February north of White Lake. !"n$%t'r)"ne%te+,n-.-/0%1r-/r234%5n%2$$"6 t"-n2.%se8en%t'r)"nes9%2re%-!ne$%)0%:-'t, ;2<-t2%="n$%>2rtners9%2%!"n$%ener/0 "n8est3ent%?"r3%32$e%'1%-?%+-33'n"t0 "n8est-rs%"n%:"-'@%A2..s4% B,e%rene!2).e%1-!er%?r-3%t,e%!"n$%t'r6 )"nes%!"..%)e%tr2ns3"tte$%t,r-'/,%2n%"nter6 +-nne+t"-n%2/ree3ent%!"t,%=estern%5re2 >-!er%5$3"n"str2t"-nCs%tr2ns3"ss"-n%s0ste34% D2s"n%E.e+tr"+%>-!er%F--1er2t"8e%"s%2%n-t ?-r%1r-?"t9%3e3)er%-!ne$%+-312n0%!"t, 3-re%t,2n%GHI%e.e+tr"+%+--1er2t"8es%.-+2te$ t,r-'/,-'t%t,e%Jn"te$%:t2tes%t-%s,2re%"ts ener/04% De+2'se%e.e+tr"+"t0%+2nCt%)e%st-re$9%2%1er6 +ent2/e%-?%t,e%ener/0%/ener2te$%2t%t,e%Fr-! K2<e%="n$%1r-Le+t%!"..%)e%$"8erte$%"nt-
BLACK HILLS PIONEER t,-se%s0ste3s4%M"..%e@1.2"ne$%t,2t%-n+e%t,e !"n$%1-!er%"s%/ener2te$%2t%t,e%t-1%-?%t,e t'r)"ne9%"t%+-3es%$-!n%2n$%t,e%e.e+tr"+"t0%"s +-n$"t"-ne$%2t%t,e%)2se%-?%t,e%t-!er4%B,en9%"t /-es%"nt-%'n$er/r-'n$%+2).es%t-%2%+-..e+t-r st2t"-n%.-+2te$%-n%s"te9%!,ere%t,e%8-.t2/e%"s "n+re2se$%t-%NHO9OOO%8-.ts%2n$%t,en%"t%"s%sent -'t%-n%t,e%tr2ns3"ss"-n%."nes4% De+2'se%t,e%!"n$%?2r3%!-nCt%1r-$'+e en-'/,%t-%?'.?"..%t,e%$e32n$s%-?%t,e"r%ent"re 3e3)ers,"19%t,e%rest%-?%t,e%nee$e$%e.e+tr"+"6 t0%!"..%+-3e%?r-3%1-!er%1.2nts%"n%t,e%+--16 er2t"8e%t,2t%stret+,%?r-3%t,e%F2n2$"2n%t-%t,e Pe@"+2n%)-r$ers4%Its%1-!er%s'11.0%+-ns"sts -?%)2se%.-2$%1-!er%s'+,%2s%+-2.9%!,"+, 32<es%'1%RH%1er+ent%-?%t,e"r%ener/0%1-rt?-6 ."-4%D't9%"t%2.s-%+-ns"sts%-?%n'+.e2r%1-!er9 n2t'r2.%/2s%2n$%-".4%In%t,e%D.2+<%M"..s9%t,e +-6-1%se..s%"ts%ener/0%t-%S's,3-re%E.e+tr"+ "n%S21"$%F"t09%2%+-312n0%t,2t%$"str")'tes%tD'tte%E.e+tr"+%2n$%D.2+<%M"..s%>-!er4% B-$209%D2s"n%E.e+tr"+%>-!er%F--1er2t"8e ,2s%TGU%3e/2!2tts%-?%!"n$%ener/0%-n."ne%"n "ts%rene!2).e%res-'r+e%1-rt?-."-9%2n$%t,"s 1r-Le+t%!"..%s'11.0%GU%1er+ent%-?%t,2t%ener/04% VB,"s%"s%2%1rett0%,'/e%1r-Le+t%?-r%'s9W%M".. s2"$4%VItCs%/-"n/%t-%)e%/ener2t"n/%2%.-t%-? ener/04W 5n$%t,2t%!2s%t,e%1.2n%t,e%!,-.e%t"3e4 M"..%e@1.2"ne$%t,e%)'s"ness%-?%e.e+tr"+"t0 "s%1r-/ress"8e9%es1e+"2..0%!,en%"t%+-3es%trene!2).e%ener/0%)e+2'se%-?%-8er2..%+-st%t1r-$'+e9%2n$%t,e%.-!%en8"r-n3ent2.%"312+t4 B,e%+-312n0%st2rte$%.--<"n/%"nt-%)'".$"n/ 3-re%.2r/e6s+2.e%!"n$%1r-Le+ts%"n%NOOI9%2n$ 2%.-t%-?%t,e%-nes%t,e0C8e%+-nstr'+te$%s"n+e t,en%2re%.-+2te$%"n%X-rt,%;2<-t29%"n+.'$"n/ t,e%D2.$!"n%="n$%>r-Le+t9%2%GOO%3e/2!2tt 1r-Le+t4 :-%!,0%!2s%t,"s%+-312n0%2ttr2+te$%t:-'t,%;2<-t2Y M"..%s2"$%t,e0%st2rte$%t-%.--<%"nt-%)'".$"n/ 2%.2r/e6s+2.e%!"n$%1r-Le+t%"n%NOOI%2?ter%"t !2s%re2."Ze$%t,2t%t,e%3e3)ers,"1%!-'.$ 1re?er%GO%1er+ent%-?%t,e"r%ener/0%+-3e%?r-3 rene!2).e%res-'r+es4% V:"n+e%t,en9%!eC8e%)een%$e8e.-1"n/ rene!2).e%ener/0%res-'r+es%2n$%s-3e%-?%t,e )est%res-'r+es%"n%t,e%+-'ntr0%2re%r"/,t%,ere9W M"..%s2"$4%VX-t%-n.0%"s%t,"s%2%1r"3e%.-+2t"-n9 !e%2.s-%,28e%tr2ns3"ss"-n%+212)"."t0%,ere4W% De+2'se%!"n$%$-esnCt%).-!%2..%-?%t,e%t"3e9 M"..%s2"$%"tCs%"31-rt2nt%t-%2n2.0Ze%t,e%.-+26 t"-n%t-%32<e%s're%t,e%1-ss").e%t'r)"nes%!".. )e%/ener2t"n/%1-!er%2t%.e2st%[O%1er+ent%-? t,e%t"3e4%
Page 7
5++-r$"n/%t-%t,e%53er"+2n%="n$%Ener/0 s-3et,"n/%."<e%t,"s%r"/,t%,ere%"n%:-'t,%;2<-t29W =e/32n%s2"$4%VI%,-1e%"t%-1ens%t,e%$--rs%t5ss-+"2t"-n9%:-'t,%;2<-t2%r2n<s%?-'rt,%"n 3-re%"n8est-rs4W -8er2..%ener/0%1-tent"2.4%X-rt,%;2<-t2%"s Me%2$$e$%t,2t%t,e%Fr-!%K2<e%="n$%1r-Le+t n'3)er%-ne9%?-..-!e$%)0%Be@2s%2n$%\2ns2s4% "s%t,e%s"n/.e%.2r/est%+21"t2.%"31r-8e3ent%1r-Le+t X-!%t,2t%t,e%1r-Le+t%"s%'1%2n$%r'nn"n/9 t,2t%,2s%e8er%)een%+-n$'+te$%"n%2%s"n/.e%+-n6 M"..%s2"$%,eCs%s-3e!,2t%re."e8e$%)e+2'se str'+t"-n%se2s-n%"n%:-'t,%;2<-t24% 3-st%-?%t,e%,2r$%!-r<%"s%-8er4 B,e%+'3'.2t"8e%est"32te$%t2@%re8en'e%/ener6 B,e%-8er2..%1r-+ess%t-%32<e%t,e%Fr-! 2te$%)0%t,e%1r-Le+t%?-r%t,e%ne@t%NI%0e2rs9%?-r%2.. K2<e%="n$%1r-Le+t%2%re2."t0%st2rte$%'1!2r$s t,ree%+-'nt"es%2n$%t,e%st2te9%!"..%t-t2.%bNI4H -?%t!-%0e2rs%2/-9%!e..%)e?-re%t,e%?"rst%t'r6 3".."-n4%`?%t,2t9%5'r-r2%2n$%Dr'.e%+-'nt"es%!".. )"ne%!2s%ere+te$4%A"rst%2n$%?-re3-st9%D2s"n e2+,%re+e"8e%b[4U%3".."-n%"n%t2@%re8en'e9%!,"+, E.e+tr"+%>-!er%F--1er2t"8e%+-n$'+te$%2 +-3es%-'t%t-%2%."tt.e%-8er%bGUU9OOO%e2+,%0e2r4 !e2t,er%st'$0%t-%$eter3"ne%"?%t,e%2re2%!2s cer2'.$%F-'nt0%!"..%re+e"8e%b[4a%3".."-n%"n%t2@ s'"t2).e%?-r%2%+-33er+"2.%/r2$e%!"n$%?2r34 re8en'e9%!,"+,%"s%2%."tt.e%-8er%bGU[9OOO%e2+, De+2'se%-?%t,e%e.e82te$%r"$/e."ne%.-+2te$%"n 0e2r4% t,2t%2re29%$2t2%re.e2se$%)0%t,e%J4:4 :-'t,%;2<-t2%!"..%re+e"8e%2n%est"32te$ ;e12rt3ent%-?%Ener/09%$'))e$%t,"s%12rt"+'6 bGO4R%3".."-n%"n%t2@%re8en'e9%!,"+,%"s%2%."tt.e .2r%2re2%2s%V-'tst2n$"n/W%%?-r%!"n$%1r-$'+6 -8er%bIHH9OOO%e2+,%0e2r4% t"-n4%5?ter%"t%!2s%$ee3e$%2%s'++ess?'. B,-se%n'3)ers%2re%)2se$%-n%NI%0e2rs%-? "n8est3ent%1r-Le+t9%t,e%3e3)er6-!ne$%+-36 -1er2t"-ns%-?%GOa%t'r)"nes9%2t%2%HU%1er+ent 12n0%nee$e$%t-%,-st%1')."+%,e2r"n/s9%se+'re +212+"t0%?2+t-r4 .e2se%2n$%e2se3ent%2/ree3ents%!"t,%ne2r.0 [O%.2n$-!ners9%+-31.ete%t,e%1er3"t%1r-+ess !"is is t"e first story in a fi.e/0art consecu/ 2t%t,e%st2te%2n$%?e$er2.%.e8e.9%+-n$'+t%2n ti.e series t"at will discuss t"e inner wor6ings en8"r-n3ent2.%2ssess3ent9%2n$%t,en%!-r< of wind energy8 and "ow increasing de.elo0/ !"t,%t,e%.-+2.%+-'nt0%+-33"ss"-ners%t-%/et ment will affect Sout" ;a6otans< 1er3"ss"-n%t-%)'".$9%2n$%+-nstr'+t t,e%r-2$s4% V=,2t%1e-1.e%$-nCt%re2."Ze%"s%t,e 2+t'2.%+-nstr'+t"-n%-?%t,e%t'r)"nes /-es%1rett0%]'"+<.09W%s2"$%:te8e =e/32n%!"t,%t,e%:-'t,%;2<-t2 ="n$%Ener/0%5ss-+"2t"-n4%VFre!s 2re%"n%2n$%-'t%"n%.ess%t,2n%s"@ Number of turbines: 108 3-nt,s%'s'2..0^%"tCs%t,e%1.2nn"n/ 1r-+ess%t,2t%t2<es%t,e%.-n/est9 Type of turbine: )e+2'se%0-'%+2nCt%)'".$%t,ese General Electric 1.5 megawatt t,"n/s%2n$%t,en%L'st%3-8e%t,e3 !,ere8er%0-'%!2nt4%_-'%,28e%tEstimated project budget: re2..0%<n-!%t,2t%t,"s%"s%t,e%.-+2t"-n $363 million !,ere%t,e0%!"..%/ener2te%t,e%3-st ener/04W% Total nameplate generation: `n+e%t,e%1er3"t%1r-+ess%!2s 162 megawatts +-31.ete%2%+-nstr'+t"-n%st2rte$%"n `+t-)er%NOGO%2n$%)0%F,r"st32s9 Number of households t,ere%!ere%aa%t'r)"nes%2.re2$0 powered by 1 megawatt: ere+te$4%D0%Ae)r'2r09%t,e0%,2$ 350 ere+te$%t,e%.2st%t'r)"ne9%!-r<e$%tt"e%"n%2..%-?%t,e%e.e+tr"+2.%2n$%+-n6 Height of tower: tr-.%+-nne+t"-ns9%2n$%)e/2n%t,e 262 feet +-33"ss"-n"n/%1r-+ess%t-%32<e s're%e2+,%t'r)"ne%!2s%re2$0%t-%)e Weight of tower: ?'..0%-1er2t"-n2.4 276,147 pounds 5s%?-r%t,e%1r-Le+tCs%32/n"t'$e9 =e/32n%s2"$%"tCs%"31ress"8e4 Length of blade: V=e%2re%8er0%?-rt'n2te%t-%,28e 121 feet
Crow Lake Wind Complex â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by the numbers
Weight of blade: 13,889 pounds Above ground weight of turbine: 480,000 pounds Cubic yards of concrete used in foundation: 300 CY Largest GE truckload: 238,000 pounds New turbine access roads: 42 miles Trench for underground power lines: 65 miles Pictured is the collector station at the Crow Lake Wind project site, north of White Lake. This is where the energy is collected, and transmitted to the many other electrical cooperatives throughout the United States, including some in the Black Hills. Pioneer photos by Heather Murschel
Number of construction workers: 400
BLACK HILLS PIONEER LOCAL SCENE
Page 2
Monday, May 16, 2011
Energy boom an economic power source White Lake population doubles during wind farm construction BY HEATHER MURSCHEL Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE + Now that the dust has settled, some residents of White Lake have had time to reflect on the busiest year most of them have seen in a long time, thanks to a brand new, 151.5megawatt commercial wind farm north of town. “Our population almost doubled for about six months in thanks to that proKect, and I believe a lot of people benefited because of it,” said Charlie Christensen, chairman of the White Lake Development Board. “It was something we really needed and worked hard to prepare for it.” The entire complex consists of 108 utility-grade wind turbines, 42 miles of new turbine access roads, and nearly 65 miles of utility trenches that more than 400 outof-area workers had to come in and build. Understanding that those workers would need a place to live, somewhere to eat and somewhere to fuel up, White Lake residents began to prepare for the influx of
o
INDEX
LOCAL OBITUARIES STATE EDITORIAL/OPINION SCHOOLS TV SCHEDULES COMICS LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS COMMUNITY SPORTS WEATHER
o
White Lake is a small agriculture community located in southeastern South Dakota. Home to around 400 people, the community nearly doubled in population during the six-month construction phase of the 151.5 megawatt wind complex built north of town. Pioneer photo by Heather Murschel
workers more than two years ago. SD Prairie Winds I, Inc., a subsidiary of Basin Electric Power Cooperative out of Bismarck, N.D., built the Crow Lake Wind proKect to increase the percentage of renewable energy in its portfolio. Construction started in October 2010, and the turbines were fully operational in March. During the initial process, Christensen said community leaders contacted the subcontractors after they heard who received the bids for each proKect, and conducted a needs assessment with the companyXs workers. The survey would ask questions in regards to what kind of housing and services theyXd prefer, so the community could accommodate them a lot better. Because White Lake only consists of about 400 people, a lack of housing was the first thing to address. Christensen said the existing hotels and motels didnXt have enough space to accommodate the influx of workers, so area residents rented out
their homes. But even that wasnXt enough, so city officials purchased an old campground and fixed it up to provide temporary housing. Using grant money, crews installed brand new sewer and water lines, built new roads and moved in some gently used trailer homes so workers could lease a place to stay. Christensen said that alone was a boost for the community, because even though the workers are long gone, they now have a nice new campground with brand new infrastructure that could provide some revenue for the city over time. Next on the list of necessities is food. The local grocery store, and the local cafZ were two businesses that Christensen said flourished because of the construction. “We were spinning in circles the entire time we were so busy,” said Jacki Konechne, who owns JackiXs CafZ with her husband Merlin. Located on the main drag of White Lake, the quaint cafZ normally serves up
to 15 meals on an average day. But, when Basin Electric Power Cooperative had its construction workers on the clock, they served upwards of 100 meals + to go. To insure she would garner their business, Konechne took it to them. Everyday, she packed up meals, and traveled toward the site every morning to deliver breakfast and sack lunches. Then, sheXd return with dinner. “I went above and beyond, but it was worth it because they treated us so well,” she said. “It certainly made for some hard work, but IXd do it again in a heartbeat.” Konechne and her staff worked from 4 a.m. to nearly midnight every single day for several months. Reflecting on the current economy and the hardships sheXs faced, Konechne said the additional revenue allowed her to make up for the decline in business she experienced in 2009. “It helped us more than IXll ever know,” See WIND ENERGY SERIES— Page 27
Crow Lake Wind project yields money for local schools, counties 2&3 4 5 6 7&8 9 10&11 12-20 21&22 23-25 26
Black Hills Pioneer (ISSN 1061-6179) is published daily except Sundays and holidays (New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day), for a mail subscription rate of $150.00 per year in county only by Seaton Publishing Co., Inc., 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783. Periodical postage paid at Spearfish, SD 57783. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Black Hills Pioneer, PO Box 7, Spearfish, SD 57783.
BY HEATHER MURSCHEL Black Hills Pioneer WHITE LAKE + When the state cuts funding for education, itXs the school districts suffer the most because they canXt depend on property taxes. But, thanks to the brand new _363 million commercial wind farm in their districts, Kimball, White and Wessington Springs school officials arenXt going to have to cut as much as they would have had to. The 151-.5 megawatt proKect north of White Lake is owned by SD PrairieWinds 1, Inc., a subsidiary of Basin Electric Power Cooperative, out of Bismarck, N.D. Preliminary estimates predict the Crow Lake Wind proKect is going to generate a total of _25.3 million in tax revenue over the next 25 years, and much of that will trickle down into counties and schools. Daryl Hill, a spokesperson with Basin Electric Power Cooperative, said those numbers are based on 25 years of operation, at a 39 percent capacity factor. Using those approximate amounts, Aurora and Brule counties could each receive a
little more than _199,000 a year, and Jerauld County could receive a little more than _194,000. Susan Urban, the Aurora County Auditor, said because they donXt know for sure how much tax revenue is going to be generated those amounts are simply speculation. “This wind farm will definitely be producing revenue for this county. But, as for how much a we still donXt know,” Urban said. Once the property is assessed by the state, she said, sheXll have more of an idea, and that should help county offices and school districts know where they stand financially. As for when theyXll get the additional revenue, she said about March of 2012, after the turbines have been fully operational for a year. Bob Schroeder, the superintendent of the White School District in White Lake, said he is optimistic that the final amounts will make an impact on his budget. Schroeder, and the districtXs business manager Carol Gillen See CROW LAKE— Page 27
Monday, May 16, 2011
BLACK HILLS PIONEER
Page 27
WIND ENERGY SERIES Con$%nue( *+o, Page 0 !"#$!%&'.$)*$+%!$%bl#$./$0%1#$&.$."2/34" ."&!$+&5.#2$63!.$7&5#8$%5'$93.$%$l&..l#$%!&'#. *.$+%!$4//'$7/2$3!$:$*;0$4l%'$."#<$+#2# "#2#.= >3!.$l&1#$>%?1&;!$@%7A8$."#$?/0035&.<B /+5#'$42/?#2<$!./2#$&5$C"&.#$D%1#$%l!/ 0%'#$%'63!.0#5.!$./$2##l$&5$%''&.&/5%l b3!&5#!!.$E#?%3!#$."#$+/21#2!$"%'$./ l#%F#$./+5$!/$#%2l<8$%5'$+/21$+#ll$&5./ ."#$l%.#$#F#5&548$%$l/.$/7$."#0$+#2#$#&."#2 +/21&54$/2$!l##9&54$0/!.$/7$."#$.&0#.$$G/8 ./$%??/00/'%.#$./$."#&2$!?"#'3l#!8$."# 42/?#2<$!./2#$!.%2.#'$./$/9#5$%.$H$%.0.$ )I"#$42/?#2<$!./2#$+%!$63!.$4#..&54$b< %.$."%.$9/&5.8$%5'$&.$2#%ll<$5##'#'$% b//!.8=$@"2&!.#5!#5$!%&'.$)I"/!#$+/21#2! +#2#$!/$42%.#73l$."%.$."#$!./2#$+%!$/9#58 ."%.$."#<$!./99#'$&5$%ll$/7$."#$.&0#8$%5'$* 15/+$."%.$0%'#$%$b&4$'&77#2#5?#$7/2$."#0 /F#2%ll.= J!$7/2$+"%.$."#<$+/3l'$"%F#$l&1#'$./ '/$'&77#2#5.K @"2&!.#5!#5$!%&'$."#$/F#2%ll$92/6#?. +%!$!399/!#'$./$!.%2.$&5$>3l<$LMNM.$E3.8 b#?%3!#$."#$9#20&..&54$92/?#!!$4/. ?%34".$39$%.$."#$7#'#2%l$l#F#l8$?/5!.23?B .&/5$?/3l'5;.$!.%2.$35.&l$O?./b#2$LMNM. )C#$+#2#$"/9&54$7/2$."#0$./$!.&?1 %2/35'$%$l&..l#$l/54#28=$"#$!%&'.$)E3. &5!.#%'$/7$NM$0/5."!8$&.$P3&?1l<$4/.
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Landowners with turbines on their property were one of the main benefactors of the project. But, during the construction aspect of the project, the more than 400 out-of-state workers needed to build the project, stayed and played in White Lake. Pioneer photo by Heather Murschell
CROW LAKE
Con$%nue( *+o, Page 0
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BLACK HILLS PIONEER LOCAL SCENE
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A landowner’s guide to wind development Education key to negotiating fair contract, protecting investment BY HEATHER MURSCHEL !lac% 'ills *ioneer WH#T% '()% * 'ando/ners /ho si5ned lease a5ree7ents /ith Basin %lectric Po/er <ooperati>e to create the <ro/ 'ake Wind pro@ect east of <ha7berlainC are a lot 7ore educated about the rene/able ener5y sourceC thanks to the process they /ent throu5hF TodayC about GH lando/ners ha>e si5ned on to be key players in the de>elop7ent of the lar5est /ind far7 in the Inited States that is o/ned by a cooperati>eF #n Kctober LHMHC 7ore than GHH outNofNstate /orkersC be5an constructionC and by Oebruary the last of MHP turbines /ere erected and the co7pleQ beca7e fully operationalF %rectin5 the turbines is the easy partF When it co7es to de>elopin5 a
o
INDEX
LOCAL OBITUARIES STATE EDITORIAL/OPINION HEALTH TV SCHEDULES COMICS LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS COMMUNITY SPORTS MOVIE LISTING WEATHER
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/ind far7C securin5 the land and the necessary per7its are the 7ost ti7eN consu7in5 aspectsF When a /ind de>elop7ent co7paN ny be5ins to sho/ interest in a certain areaC it /ill contact lando/ners to be5in a ne5otiation process to secure lease and ease7ent a5ree7entsF #f this takes placeC lando/ners should seek ob@ecti>e infor7ation on the process and utiliRe the resources a>ailable in order to protect the7N sel>esC and their propertyF Sary (nne WelchC the co77unicaN tions 7an5er /ith WindustryC an outN reach and education or5aniRation based in SinnesotaC said that before a lando/ner si5ns any le5ally bindin5 docu7entsC they should kno/ the basic infor7ation about the co7panyC the le5alities in>ol>edC and /hat their nei5hbors already kno/F
A total of 108 commercial-grade wind turbines now grace the landscape just north of Interstate 90 near White Lake, east of Chamberlain. Known to many as “skyscrapers of the prairie,” they are situated high above the ridgeline, harvesting one of South Dakota's fastest growing energy resources. This one is located on Jim Headley's ranch in Aurora County. Pioneer photo by Heather Murschel TUou are the lando/nerC and are allo/ed to ask for infor7ation fro7 a potential tenantCV Welch saidF When representati>es fro7 Basin %lectric Po/er <ooperati>eC based out of Bis7arckC WFXFC called Yi7 Headley in LHHP about constructin5 a /ind far7 in his areaC he said t/o other /ind de>elop7ent fir7s had already called hi7F They started to inZuire about leasin5 ease7ents on his [C\HHNacre ranch MH 7iles north of White 'ake in LHHPC once the co7N pany]s /eather data had re>ealed the location /as dee7ed Toutstandin5V for /ind ener5yF TThese co7panies started thro/in5 7oney at 7e ri5ht a/ayCV the lon5N See WIND FARM SERIES — Page 39
Landowner resources and legal references 2&3 4 5 6 8 11 12&13 14-26 27-29 30-33 33 34
Black Hills Pioneer (ISSN 1061-6179) is published daily except Sundays and holidays (New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day), for a mail subscription rate of $150.00 per year in county only by Seaton Publishing Co., Inc., 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783. Periodical postage paid at Spearfish, SD 57783. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Black Hills Pioneer, PO Box 7, Spearfish, SD 57783.
• “Farmer's Guide to Wind Energy: Legal Issues in Farming the Wind,” by the Farmers Legal Action Group • “Harvesting the Wind: A Legal Guidebook for Landowners,” New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Wind Energy Tool Kit • “The Law of Wind: A Guide to Business and Legal Issues,” Stoel Rives LLP • “Wind Energy Guide for County Commissioners,” by Mike Costanti and Peggy Beltrone, U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Wind Powering America, National Association of Counties The a0o1e in2or3ation 5as 6ro1i7e7 0y Win7:stry; a non<6ro2it 5in7 e7:< cation or=ani>ation o:t o2 Minnea6olis; Minn@
Questions to ask during process • Does the developer have a local contact person to answer landowner questions regarding the project? • Has the developer successfully completed other projects? • What is the plan for getting the energy generated to the grid, and where will it be sold? • Are there geographic or financial barriers for power line construction? • How much transmission will need to be constructed? What size line is needed, and for what distance? • Has the developer registered with the Secretary of State in order to do business in the state? • Is the developer a member of the American Wind Energy Association, a trade association for the wind industry? • Once the type of turbine is determined, will the developer be able to provide a letter of commitment from the turbine manufacturer?
BLACK HILLS PIONEER
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
WIND FARM SERIES
Page 39
C"#ti#&ed *r", Pa/e 0
time rancher said. .I learned early on that as a landowner you have to be careful 8 remember to protect yourself and your investment.; As a representative with the Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell, he was quite knowledgeable about what was fair, when negotiating a lease agreement. Headley knew what information he should ask for and was aware of the tricks companies can use to lure landowners in. However, he said there werenEt any tricks when it came to working with Basin officials. .This company was different. TheyEve been upfront with us and played it straight with all of us,; he said. .They told us right away that if they couldnEt get the project to go through in 30 months, they werenEt going to do it.; Because they didnEt want to tie up their land, after a few meetings he and the surrounding landowners all felt comfortable about moving forward. .We knew we were getting a good deal, and we felt comfortable with the contract,; he said. One of the main things he was attracted to was the fact that Basin Electric Power Cooperative is a member-owned, communitybased company. Any profits the company sees, goes directly back into the pockets of its members. .Every one of us are now members,; he said. .I really think this was the best deal for everyone involved because of that very reason.; Today, Headley is one of approximately 40 different landowners who now receive monthly payments to have commercial grade wind turbines on their property. The additional revenue does allow for him and his family to have a sense of financial security, but Headley said there have been a few issues that have come to light since the project has been commissioned. Prior to deciding the layout of the complex or where the turbines would be location and on whose property, company officials erected meteorological towers and gathered objective weather and wind speed data so each turbine could garner the strongest gusts in the area. During the layout process, he said there was some friction between landowners, when it came to where the turbines eventually ended up. That meant that some received more money, while others received less. Therefore, Headly said he doesnEt feel comfortable revealing how many turbines he has on his property, or the amount he is paid each month. But he noted that the turbines allow for a consistent income, and he believes it was a stable investment. As for the turbines being a visual or audible distraction, Headley said he hardly notices them anymore. .I donEt focus on them, and tend to look past them without even noticing it,; he said. Headley describes the sound of a wind turbine as .white noise; similar to that of a dishwasher because itEs consistent and not distracting. .You get used to it 8 that or you hardly hear it,; he said. .People always ask if they are loud 8 and theyEre not.; A few things that are distracting, he said, is the fact that the disturbed land has left pockets of noxious weeds, including a vast amount of Canada thistle to sprout on his property. Company personnel are also neglecting to close his gates; therefore heEs consistently having to check his livestock. .I know in the grand scheme of things, the
gates are very minor, but it gets pretty frustrating because thereEs a sense of uncertainty that they actually get closed, so you are always going out and checking,; he said. .ItEs money out walking around 8 and it can develop into a pretty big safety issue if itEs not addressed.;
Tips of the trade Headly is just one of hundreds of landowners who live in rural South Dakota areas who could hear from a wind developer at some point in time. When this happens, landowners should educate themselves on the process, and find out the time period the company is looking at as far as an agreement. To arm landowners with the tools they need to maneuver through the process and protect themselves financially, the South Dakota Energy Infrastructure Authority, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and the South Dakota Attorney GeneralEs office has compiled a .LandownerEs Wind Power Development Handbook,; which is available to download at www.sdeia.com. At a minimum, the report states that a landowner should know how long their land will be tied up. They should know how the construction of the turbines could affect, or interrupt any farming or ranching operations, and whether or not landowners will be reimbursed for damages. ItEs also key to find out how the wind turbines will be removed upon expiration of the lease agreement, and how the land will be reclaimed once the equipment is no longer functional. Windustry, a non-profit landowner education organization out of Minnesota, created a guide to help a landowner evaluate a wind energy development company. Within that guide, it states that a reasonable wind energy agreement ranges from 20 to 30 years. If an agreement is longer than 30 years, the developer should have a good reason to tie up the land for that long. The guide also reminds landowner that there are several aspects that can make or break a wind farm. To succeed, a wind project needs at least the ability to obtain financing, turbines, permits and interconnection agreements, and those are just a few of the necessary aspects. Some companies have the ability to pull it together, while others do not. As for how landowners will get paid, wind farm operators generally pay landowners in the form of annual rent or lease payments. They may also receive a percentage of the income generated by the wind turbines on their land with an escalation clause possible after two years, and/or a flat per-megawatt payment. The payment details should be included in the lease and easement agreements. ItEs also good to know that not every wind agreement that is signed will result in a wind project. If landowners feel interest in their land is merely to prevent others from developing it, they are recommended to work with their lawyer to structure the lease terms and compensation packages. As for the legalities, itEs recommended that landowners come together and share the cost of a lawyer; that way they can all work to negotiate common least terms. A qualified lawyer should be familiar with real estate law, contract law and/or natural resources law.
Jim Headley ranches outside of White Lake in Aurora County. Approximately two years ago, he and almost 40 other landowners were contacted by Basin Electric to allow wind turbines to be constructed on their property. Today, the project is up and running, and Headley is satisfied with his decision to enter into a long-term lease agreement with the electric cooperative headquartered out of North Dakota. Pioneer photo by Heather Murschel One of the most responsible things landowners can do, is to request background information on the wind development firm looking to construct wind turbines on their property. Pictured is the Basin Electric Power Cooperative's annual report, which showcases its background, its investments and how the company is sitting financially. Courtesy image
BLACK HILLS PIONEER LOCAL SCENE
Page 2
Wind Energy Information Sources South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Website: www.puc.sd.gov and www.SDWind.com Telephone: 1-800-332-1782 E-mail: wind@state.sd.us American Wind Energy Association Website: www.awea.org Telephone: (202) 383-2500 E-mail: WindMail@awea.org National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Website: www.National Wind.org Telephone: 1-888-764-9463 E-mail: nwcc@resolve.org National Renewable Energy Laboratory National Wind Technology Center Website: www.nrel.gov/wind Telephone: (303) 384-6900 E-mail: Public_affairs@nrel.gov Windustry Website: www.windustry.org Telephone: 1-800-946-3640 E-mail: info@windustry.org Wind Powering America Website: www.WindPoweringAmerica.gov 1-800-342-5363
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
PUC to rule on Butte County wind farm by August ■ Black Hills Power hopes to create jobs with $38 million project north of Belle Fourche B" H$%&H$' ()'S+H$, Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE + Pending a ruling from the state, Black Hills Power officials should know if they can construct the first wind farm in western South Dakota by the end of the summer. The $38 million proJect has been proposed eight miles north of Belle Fourche, and at full capacity, it could produce 20 megawatts of electricity for utility customers throughout the region. One megawatt can power 300 to 350 homes. The overall scope of the proJect includes constructing seven to 12 wind turbines, on a 4,200-acre site, leaving room for an expansion of up to 50 megawatts. SWe believe it is a very good proJect, and a great step forward for the region,U said Chuck Loomis, vice president of operations at Black Hills Power. SWeVre
looking forward to working with the farms, is that they are often built in remote landowners, Butte County, and stakeholdareas, so they are usually not close to ers in the region to make this a successful existing transmission lines,U he said. proJect.U In this case, transmisIn order to meet the sion lines are already current and future enerlocated about three gy needs, Loomis said miles from the site. the company has been Loomis said those lines looking at potential are owned by Black sites for a number of Hills Power and they years, and this proJect transmit power from the couldnVt come at a betNorthern Hills to southter time. eastern Montana along SAs we see electric U.S. Highway 212. demand continuing to Wind energy is grow, we have to plan becoming more attracyears in advance to tive to most utility commeet our customersY panies because of the energy needs,U Loomis latest regulations that said. are being placed on Chuck Loomis, When determining coal-powered plants by Vice President of Operations, the best location for the the Environmental Black Hills Power wind farm, Loomis said Protection Agency, and the results of the weathincreased incentives. er data, and the existing Therefore, Loomis said Black Hills Power transmission lines the energy landscape is changing dramatibecame an attractive aspect of deciding to cally to include renewable energy construct the farm in Butte County. resources. SOne of the maJor challenges with wind SWeVre anticipating an increase demand for wind energy, so we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to add more to our portfolio,U he said. In addition to providing energy for the increasing customer base in the region, Black Hills Power is also looking to abide by the stateVs obJective to have 10 percent of the stateVs energy portfolio to come from renewable, recycled or conserved energy by 2015. SAs part of the work that we are doing to meet that obJective, we have filed a
“Whether it's building roads, pouring concrete or erecting the turbines, Black Hills Power will work with local firms to help with the economic development of the region.”
See WIND ENERGY SERIES — Page 10
o INDEX
LOCAL OBITUARIES STATE EDITORIAL/OPINION HOMES TV SCHEDULES COMICS LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS COMMUNITY SPORTS MOVIE LISTING WEATHER
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2&3 4 5 6 8&9 11 12&13 14-22 23-25 26-29 29 30
Black Hills Pioneer 9:SS; <=><?><@AB is Cublished daily eIceCt Sundays and holidays 9;eK "earLs MayN +hristOas MayN &hanksPiQinPN ,abor MayN (eOorial May and :ndeCendence MayBN Ror a Oail subscriCtion rate oR S<T=U== Cer year in county only by Seaton PublishinP +oUN :ncUN V<T Seaton +ircleN SCearRishN SM T@@WVU Periodical CostaPe Caid at SCearRishN SM T@@WVU PXS&(%S&$'Y Send address chanPes to Black Hills PioneerN PX BoI @N SCearRishN SM T@@WVU
Black Hills Power is proposing to build a $38 million wind farm on a 4,200acre parcel eight miles north of Belle Fourche. Pictured above is an illustration of where the parcel is located. Courtesy image
Page 10
BLACK HILLS PIONEER
WIND ENERGY SERIES Continued from Page 2 declarati2e rulin9 ?ith the South WAheyX2e also done 6uch o= the Lakota Public 0tilities le9?ork in ter6s o= the <er6ittin9 Eo66ission to essentially con=ir6 <rocess@S ?ith the6F that this is 9ood <ublic Too6is said the layout o= the <olicy ste< =or us to take & andF ?ind turbinesF 6eanin9 ?here that this ?ind =ar6 ?ould be reathey ?ill be locatedF ?ill be detersonable and cost e==ecti2e in li9ht 6ined based on the ?eather and o= other electrical alternati2es to ?ind <attern data collected by the 6eet our custo6ers needsFS t?o 6eteorolo9ical to?ers that Too6is said@ ?ere erected by $ene?able Brian $oundsF a sta== analyst Solutions@ ?ith the <ublic utilities Ahe nu6ber o= co66ission o==ice in lando?ners that ?ill be PierreF said ad6inistraa==ected by the ?ind =ar6 ti2e rules allo? the has not been disclosedF co66ission 120 days and ?ill not be <ublic to 6ake the rulin9F or until all o= the a9ree6ents by the end o= Ku9ust@ are =inaliJedF and the <roKs o= no?F construcBect is a<<ro2ed and 6o2tion ?ould be9in in in9 =or?ard@ 2012 and create an estiW"tXs i6<ortant to 6ain6ated 40 construction tain the inte9rity o= the Bobs@ lando?nersFS he said@ Chuck WRhether itXs buildin9 Too6is said this is co6Loomis roadsF <ourin9 concrete 6on <ractice ?hen it or erectin9 the turbines co6es to the o2erall Black Hills Po?er ?ill ?ork ?ith <rocess@ local =ir6s to hel< ?ith the ecoAhis ?onXt be the =irst addition o= no6ic de2elo<6ent o= the re9ionFS rene?able ener9y ?hen it co6es to Too6is said@ WRe ?ill also be the co6<anyXs <ro=ile@ ?orkin9 ?ith the 6anu=acturers to "n 200OF Black Hills Po?er estab6ake sure all o= the ?ork is co6lished <urchase a9ree6ents =or <leted in accordance ?ith the rene?able ener9y ?ith t?o ?ind s<eci=ications@S =ar6s outside o= EheyenneF Ryo@ "n Se<te6berF i= all 9oes as #ach yearF Black Hills Po?er buys <lannedF Too6is said co6<any Z5 6e9a?atts =ro6 both =ar6s@ o==icials ?ill be9in ?orkin9 ?ith "n addition to ?ind <o?erF Black the city o= Belle Mourche and Hills Po?er <urchases a s6all Butte Eounty to continue the <era6ount o= hydro-<o?er =ro6 the 6it <rocessF and be9in so6e site Ho6estake Hydro-electric Plant in ?ork@ S<ear=ish e2ery year@ $ene?able SolutionsF a ?ind Ks =or the na6e o= the siteF he de2elo<6ent =ir6 in Yinnesota said there is a tea6 o= <eo<le lookand the initial de2elo<er o= the in9 at identi=yin9 a na6e =or the siteF has already co6<leted 6uch site@ o= the ad2anced ?ork@ $ene?able $esources had initialWAhey ha2e ?orked to e2aluate ly na6ed it the Eenter o= the 'ation the locationF and ha2e been in conRind Mar6F and that is still a contact ?ith lando?nersFS he said@ sideration@
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
School bus rules get a new review, after Legislature slashes training BY BOB MERCER !"#$% H("") P(+,--. S"[0\ MKTTS & South LakotaXs re9ulations =or school bus dri2ers and attendants are due =or an u<date this su66er by the state Board o= #ducation@ But the bi99est chan9es ?ere already 6ade by the Te9islature last ?interF ?hen 6andatory trainin9 and annual in-ser2ice re]uire6ents ?ere suddenly stri<<ed =ro6 the rules@ K dri2er still 6ust ha2e a co66ercial license ?ith a school-bus endorse6ent@ But the only 6aBor re]uire6ent =or continuin9 education that re6ains is so6e ty<e o= trainin9 e2ery =i2e years@ MurtherF school districts are no lon9er res<onsible =or the cost o= trainin9@ Ahe state board lacks the authority to o2er-
rule the Te9islatureXs decisions@ Ai6 Steichen is the Raterto?n school districtXs bus trans<ortation su<er2isor@ He ser2es as <resident o= the South Lakota School Arans<ortation Kssociation and lobbied a9ainst the re<eal@ W"t no? 6eans they ha2e to <ay =or their o?n trainin9FS Steichen said@ Ahe state board ?ill hold a <ublic hearin9 on its <ro<osed chan9es at its neGt 6eetin9 Culy 1O-1^ in Pierre@ Ahe <ro<osed rules basically are an u<date based on 2010 national s<eci=ications and <rocedures@ Ahe current rules in 6any <laces re=er to the 2005 2ersion@ [ne ne? rule ?ould set a 6ini6u6 =or =loor insulation in school buses@ WAhese ?ere ?ritten by 6y school-bus association =riendsFS state #ducation Secretary Yelody Scho<< said@
Northern State looks to broaden its reach to students for business BY BOB MERCER !"#$% H("") P(+,--. P"#$$# & 'orthern State 0ni2ersity intends to add 6inors in accountin9 and in international business studies to hel< students ha2e broader <ro=essional skills ?hen they enter the ?ork=orce@ Ahe uni2ersity already o==ers 6aBors in both <ro9ra6s@ 'S0 President Ci6 S6ith told the state Bankin9 Eo66ission durin9 its 6eetin9 on the ca6<us recently thatF as an eGa6<leF the accountin9 6inor ?ill be a 9ood =it ?ith the bachelor de9ree and 6aster de9ree <ro9ra6s in bankin9 o==ered by the uni2ersity@ He said there is increased de6and =or accountin9 kno?led9e in 6any occu<ations in2ol2in9 9o2ern6entsF non-<ro=it or9aniJations and s6all businesses Ahe <lan calls =or the accountin9 and international business 6inors to be a2ailable outside the 6ain Kberdeen ca6<us too@ 'S0 o==icials are seekin9 a<<ro2al =or the 6o2es =ro6 the state Board o= $e9ents@
Lecisions are eG<ected =ro6 the re9ents ?hen they 6eet Ahursday and Mriday in Kberdeen on the 'S0 ca6<us@ Ahe conce<t o= the <ro<osed 1O-credit accountin9 6inor is to allo? students to eG<and their understandin9 o= the subBect ?ithout ha2in9 to co6<lete the =ull 150-credit <ro=essional accountancy <ro9ra6F accordin9 to uni2ersity o==icials@ Eourses =or both 6inors ?ould be o==ered =ace to =ace =or students attendin9 Ea<ital 0ni2ersity Eenter and throu9h 2ideocon=erencin9 to other locations in South Lakota such as Huron@ Ahe international business courses also ?ould be a2ailable =ace to =ace =or students at the 0ni2ersity Eenter & Rest $i2er at $a<id Eity@
BLACK HILLS PIONEER LOCAL SCENE
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Thursday, May 19, 2011
Constructing a turbine
The steps toward success Dissecting the process of harvesting SD’s renewable resource B" H$A&H$R ()RSCH$L Black Hills Pioneer PIERRE & Whether it-s at the federal, state or local levels, there-s an intricate process involved when it comes to building a utility grade wind farm. From start to finish, a commercial wind development proBect can take between five to seven years to complete. At its most efficient, the process can still take upwards of 18 months to two years to complete because a lot of planning is involved. Steve Wegman, with the South Dakota Wind Energy Association, said that time is spent collecting and analyIing weather data, obtaining landowner easements and proper permits, conducing environmental assessments as per state and federal regulations and developing the site. Because South Dakota is ranked fourth in wind energy potential, state officials have simplified the process to attract more company-s to build here. “We support wind energy in South
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INDEX
LOCAL OBITUARIES STATE EDITORIAL/OPINION FARM & RANCH MOVIE LISTING TV SCHEDULES COMICS LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS COMMUNITY SPORTS WEATHER
o
2&3 4 5 6 8 8 9 10&11 12-24 25&26 27-29 30
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Dakota, whether it-s at the local level or with the state, we do what we can to simplify the process and create incentives for companies to build here,” said Hunter Roberts, the energy policy director with the Governor-s Office of Economic Development. “Our process is expedited because of the growing popularity of wind energy, and in now way does our process hold up the wind energy businesses looking at South Dakota.” First and foremost, government officials created a demand for companies to invest in South Dakota-s renewable energy sources. In February 2008, South Dakota enacted legislation establishing an obBective that 10 percent of all retail electricity sales in the state be obtained from renewable and recycled energy by 2015. It was later modified to include conserved energy, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass and geo-thermal resources. Roberts said there is also several tax incentives that have been established to lure companies to choose South Dakota over the other surrounding states. After an interim study was conducted by a state legislative taskforce in 2007, the tax structure in South Dakota was realigned to be more competitive. Some other tax incentives are provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture-s Rural Energy for America Program, and renewable energy system tax exemptions. Today, Roberts said, wind farms pay at least 80 percent less in taxes than a manufacturing building. So where are the best locations for these skyscrapers of the prairie? In most cases the wind farms in South Dakota are located in rural areas, where wind speeds are well above average, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy-s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The actual layout of a wind farm is determined by the weather data that was collected over the course of at least one year in the early stages of the proBect. If a company is serious about developing a See WIND ENERGY SERIES — Page 7
Pictured above and below, is the blade installation aspect of the construction process for one of the 108, 1.5-megawatt wind turbines that were constructed at the Crow Lake Wind project site east of Chamberlain between October 2010 and February. Photos courtesy of Basin Electric Power Cooperative
B" H$A&H$R ()RSCH$L Black Hills Pioneer Wind energy can be harvested by many different designs and siIes of wind turbines, whether they are small turbines designed for home and farm-scale usage; midsiIe machines suitable for schools, municipalities or small rural communities; or utility-scale machines designed to generate electricity for hundreds of consumers. Though they are different siIes, all turbines consist of the same four components. The foundation, which is the cement support at the base of the tower that secures the turbine to the ground; the tower, which supports the moving parts of a turbine, and can range in height from 50-meters to 100-meters; the nacelle, which sits on top of the tower and houses the generator, gearbox and drive train; and the rotor, the device that captures the wind that is made into electricity and consists of the hubs and the blades. Before the turbines generate clean, renewable energy, a lot of work needs to be done. First and foremost, getting the wind turbines is an elaborate task in itself. The turbines erected at the Crow Lake Wind Complex, east of Chamberlain are utility-scale, GE 1.5 SLE turbines. It took approximately 12 semi-loads to deliver each turbine to the site. Once they are completely built, they rise 388 feet above the pasture, and weigh 778.16 tons. The tower alone weighs 532,325 pounds, the rotor weights 79,146 pounds, the nacelle weighs 125,664 pounds and the hub weighs 37,479 pounds. Each blade is 121
feet long and weighs approximately 13,900 pounds. To transport one of these turbines, and all of its pieces, it takes 12 semi-trucks. The foundation for a turbine is approximately 50 feet wide and 10 feet deep, and utiliIes 256 cubic yards of concrete, in order to stabiliIe the turbines. That See CONSTRUCTION — Page 7
Thursday, May 19, 2011
BLACK HILLS PIONEER
Page 7
WIND ENERGY SERIES !on$inued fro, -a/e 0 wind farm, first they will erect meteorological towers to measure the wind speed, to find out if it6s a location capable of serving a commercial wind farm. Once the parcel is selected, the turbines will be constructed in the higher elevated areas. South Dakota6s newest wind farm is the Crow Lake Wind project, located east of Chamberlain. Its 300-foot, 1.5-megawatt turbines hug a ridge between the Missouri and James rivers. That ridge features heights between of 1,800 feet above sea level, and 1,950 feet above sea level. MThere is a lot of thought that goes into where these turbines are going to be located,N Wegman said. MWhen you get them into the ground, you can6t just move them again so you have to be sure of their location.N Transmission capabilities are also a key component to location. Once the location is determined, and the project looks like it6s going to be a good move for the company financially, they need to first register with the Secretary of State6s office to do business in South Dakota. If the farm is more than 99 megawatts, approval from the Public Utilities Commission is also necessary. During that six-month period, companies work to create a power purchasing agreement with someone interested in buying the power they are generating. In the case of the Crow Lake Wind complex, the Pictured above is just a few of the 108, 1.5 megawatt wind turbines built at the Crow Lake Wind project, located east project was constructed by SD Prairie Winds 1, of Chamberlain. Construction started in October 2010, and the turbines were commissioned and online in March. Photo Inc., which is a subsidiary of Basin Electric Power courtesy of Basin Electric Power Cooperative Cooperative, an energy company headTuartered in Bismarck N.D. nances had to be re-written to allow for the conDaryl Hill, a spokesman for the member-owned !on$inued fro, -a/e 0 struction of wind turbines. Then, because the cooperative, said they constructed this farm eTuipment necessary for the construction of the because they already had a demand for the energy eTuates to approximateproject is heavy and oversized, they entered into W so they6ll be able to sell the electricity generatly 27 truckloads of cona highway agreement with Basin Electric Power ed at the 151.5-megawatt farm. crete needed for each Cooperative. The next step in the process is leasing easeone. ment agreements from landowners in the area, And with 108 turbines to be constructed, those Construction of a hosting public hearings in regards to overall roads get used. large-scale wind farm impact on the surrounding communities, and A total of 12, full-sized semi truckloads were may take as short as 18 making sure all the proper permits have been months, or as long as a necessary to move just one turbine, and its applied for and/or filed. Wegman said this aspect few years. blades. To construct the nearly 300 cubic yard of the project could take a Site preparation, foundation, 30 truckloads of couple of years depending which includes conconcrete were necessary for on how Tuickly the company structing access roads, “The process works from each turbine, plus the trucks wants to move things along. pouring concrete for the to ship workers from all the what I can tell. You just Once the permits are foundations, installing other locations. obtained, construction can the substation and grid have to go through the steps John Steichen, a member begin. interconnection lines, the Aurora County Crews will first conduct … and I know we're all a of and building the on-site Commission, said he lives site work to build roads and and maintelittle better off now because just off of County Road 378, operations create paths for the turbines. nance facilities usually the main haul road for the MThe construction phase is takes between two to of this wind farm.” project. actually pretty Tuick Y peoeight months. MThere was a lot of traffic ple are surprised by this the The turbine installaJohn Steichen, for those six months,N he most,N Wegman said. MCrews tion, which includes the Aurora County Commissioner said. MSeriously, if I had a are in and out of the area tower erection and penny for every load that within a couple of months, assembly, the rotor and passed by house, I6d be a depending on the size.N nacelle installation, and wealthy man.N At the Crow Lake Wind project site, he said the burying of the colHe said the overall project has been a huge about 400 General Electric workers flocked to the lector substation can positive for the county, which came as a relief to Tuaint community of White Lake, located south take between two and him. of the $363 million project. Construction started four months. The project MMonths into it, it was hard telling what was in October 2010 and by Christmas, 88 turbines commissioning aspect, going to happen,N Steichen said. MSouth Dakota had been erected. By February the last turbine can take between one doesn6t have an established history when it comes was constructed, and the entire project was comand three months. A wind turbine under construction this to wind farms, so we didn6t have a good idea of missioned by March. In June, the project will be Finally, after all those winter at the Crow Lake Wind project east how things turned out.N officially dedicated. steps, the turbines should But it did work out, and he said there weren6t of Chamberlain. Photo courtesy of Basin As for the getting the eTuipment on site, haul be generating clean, any major controversies or accidents. Electric Power Cooperative road agreements must be negotiated. This is when renewable energy. MThe process works from what I can tell,N he the respective county commissions got involved. Site preparation and wind turbines were erected. The said. MYou just have to go through the steps Y The Crow Lake Wind complex stretches from construction at the Crow Lake entire project will be complete by and I know we6re all a little better off now Aurora County, toward Brule and Jerauld counWind Complex began in October June, when the official dedication because of this wind farm.N ties, so each county6s planning and zoning ordi2010, and by February, all of the takes place.
CONSTRUCTION