PUC Approves Construction Permit for Wind Energy Farm Near Highmore

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved a construction permit for a wind energy farm in Hyde County. PUC Chairman Gary Hanson says the Triple H Wind project will be located roughly three miles southwest of Highmore.

Hanson says the siting process for the Triple H Wind project was different than previous wind siting attempts.

Hanson says the project has some unique customers.

Hyde County is home to the 27-turbine Hyde County Wind Energy Center along South Dakota Highway 47 south of Highmore. Hanson believes residents of Hyde County have become comfortable with the idea of wind energy in their backyards.

The construction permit was approved with 41 conditions that must be met regarding shadow flicker, sound levels, land restoration and risk to whooping cranes among others. The project will cover over 27-thousand acres and has an estimated cost of 300 million.

(KCCR)