The ROC has developed a four zone scheme that takes terrain, distance, and the number of
elevation angles impacted into account while. The four zones use terminology that communicates
to wind farm developers the desired action. These zones, defined below, are: no build,
mitigation, consultation and notification.
- The No Build Zone is a 4 km radius red circle around the WSR-88D. The ROC is requesting
that developers do not build turbines in the RLOS within 4 km of the radar due to the potential
for serious impacts, including turbine nacelles blocking the radar beam and potential receiver
damage if sited in the radar’s near field.
- The Mitigation Zone, orange areas on the map, is the area between 4 km and 36 km
where a 160-meter turbine would penetrate more than one elevation angle. Wind farms
sited within the mitigation zone have the potential for moderate to high impacts. Therefore,
the ROC will work with the developer to get detailed project information, do a thorough
impact analysis, and discuss potential mitigation solutions.
- The Consultation Zone, yellow areas on the map, is the area between 4 km and 36 km
where a 160-meter turbine only penetrates the 1st elevation angle or when a 160-meter tall
turbine will penetrate more than one elevation angle between 36 km and 60 km. Due to the
increased potential for impact to operations the ROC is requesting consultation with the
developer to track the project and acquire additional information for a thorough impact analysis.
- The Notification Zone, green areas on the map, is the area between 36 km and 60 km where
a 160-meter tall turbine will only penetrate one elevation angle, or any area beyond 60 km
that a 160-meter tall turbine is in the RLOS. Since impacts are typically minimal beyond 60 km
and workarounds are available for penetration of only one elevation angle, the ROC is making
consultation optional; however, NOAA would still like to know about the project.
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