South Dakota PUC approves siting permit for North Bend Wind
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a siting permit for the 200-megawatt North Bend Wind Project.
The approval for the wind energy facility, located in Hyde and Hughes counties in South Dakota, comes with 45 conditions that must be adhered to during the construction and operation of the project. Among the issues that must be addressed include land and road restoration, shadow flicker, noise levels, ice detection and ice throw, post-construction grouse lek monitoring, and decommissioning.
“It’s obvious that significant negotiations have taken place between parties to get us to this point. My concern is for landowners; to ensure that reclamation will be done properly and that things will be made whole for landowners once construction is done,” PUC Chairman Chris Nelson said. “Largely, the conditions parties have stipulated to have worked for other wind farm permits that have been issued by the PUC. It’s my belief that landowners will be protected in the issuing of this permit.”
The project will include up to 71 wind turbines and will span approximately 46,931 acres of land in Hyde and Hughes counties. Other components of the project will include access roads and associated facilities, underground 34.5-kilovolt electrical collector lines, underground fiber-optic cable, a 34.5-kV to 230-kV collection substation, a 230-kV interconnection switching station, an aircraft detection lighting system and one permanent meteorological tower.
“Our staff take their role in protecting all landowners and citizens very seriously, and I really appreciate the countless hours they work to protect the land and interests of both participants and non-participants alike. Including a condition related to aerial spraying is a great example of that dedication,” PUC Vice Chairperson Kristie Fiegen said.
North Bend Wind, LLC filed its application with the commission on June 23, 2021, starting a statutory nine-month review period. In November 2021 and February 2022, the company filed requests to extend the deadline for a commission decision.
“It is nearly always to the benefit of intervenors when parties negotiate and resolve issues prior to the commission making a final decision. Those negotiations not only allowed the intervenors to withdraw today but also eliminated the need for a hearing in this docket, saving a great deal of time and resources,” Commissioner Gary Hanson said.
North Bend Wind estimates that construction of the wind farm will cost around $265 million to $285 million. The project will interconnect to Western Area Power Administration’s Fort Thompson-Oahe 230-kV transmission line, which crosses the southern portion of the project area. The project is owned by ENGIE North America and is anticipated to be operational in late 2023.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative will purchase the power produced by the wind project.
