South Dakota PUC approves 219.6 MW wind project construction permit

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved, with conditions, the construction permit for Prevailing Wind Park, a 219.6 megawatt wind energy facility in Bon Homme, Charles Mix and Hutchinson counties in southeastern South Dakota. The action came at an ad hoc commission meeting in Pierre on Nov. 20, 2018.

PUC staff and Prevailing Winds proposed more than 40 conditions that address issues such as road conditions during construction, cultural resources, assignment of a public liaison officer, and land restoration after construction, among other conditions. The commission’s order with the conditions is expected to be issued by the end of November 2018.

Prevailing Wind Park will include up to 61 wind turbines in a 50,364-acre area. Other components of the project will include access roads, underground collector lines, an operation and maintenance facility and four permanent meteorological towers.