Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 130
Wind turbines
ISSUE
MINOR‐8
Some existing wind turbines south of Travis AFB are
planned to be switched out for taller models.
Compatibility Assessment
The High Winds, Montezuma Wind II, Shiloh I, Shiloh 2, Shiloh III, Shiloh IV,
and Solano Wind farms are located in the Montezuma Hills, approximately
nine miles southeast of Travis AFB, consisting of 607 wind turbines. The
total heights of the turbines range from roughly 300 to 400 feet above
ground level. A portion of the wind turbines are located within the Outer
Horizontal Surface imaginary surface, which recommends that no structure
be constructed at more than 500 feet above the elevation of the airfield.
Some new commercial tower heights have increased to over 400 feet above
ground level, to reach better wind resources. The construction of taller
wind turbines could penetrate the Outer Horizontal Surface and create
vertical obstruction hazards for aircraft operations at Travis AFB. In addition
to being vertical obstructions, taller wind turbines may also have a negative
effect on the radar viewshed and create interference issues, as described in
Issue FSI‐1.
Montezuma Wind Energy Wind Farm
Findings
The updated 2015 Travis AFB LUCP establishes policies for wind turbines in
Solano County. The LUCP states that existing wind turbines can be replaced
at the same dimensions and material without review by the ALUC. However,
if the replacement wind turbines are a different dimension and are greater
than 100 feet above ground level, they must not be within a line‐of‐sight to
the Travis DASR, shown on Figures 5.8‐2, 5.8‐3, 5.8‐4, 5.8‐5, and 5.8‐6, and
be reviewed by the ALUC.
The construction of taller wind turbines could create potential vertical
obstruction hazards for aircraft operations at Travis AFB.
Replacing the existing wind turbines with taller wind turbines would
trigger a review by the ALUC to ensure they would not be within the
line‐of‐sight of the DASR. Changes that would further impede radar
would not be allowed.
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Compatibility Assessment