Fairfield airport reviews windmill applications

Ten applications to construct wind turbines in the Fairfield area are awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Local review of the applications was referred to the Fairfield city attorney during Wednesday?s meeting of the Fairfield Municipal Airport Committee.

Airport manager Bob Lyons reported twelve applications have been submitted to the FAA for an air space review. Two applications submitted on behalf of Maharishi University of Management have already been denied based on the windmills? potential to cause electromagnetic interference at the proposed location 1.69 nautical miles south of the airport.

Two of the pending applications also were submitted on behalf of Maharishi University of Management for 340-foot towers along Pleasant Plain Road. Another two of the applications appear to be for 138-foot towers in the vicinity of EcoVillage. The remaining six applications ? for towers 108 feet to 130 feet in height ? appear to be in or near Cypress Villages subdivision, with developers hoping to construct three at most.

Lyons explained any individual or company interested in building any sort of tower ? above a certain height and within a specified distance of the airport determined by a complicated FAA system ? is required to file Form 7460-1 with the FAA. The FAA ultimately has the power to accept or deny the application; however, local officials have the opportunity to provide feedback during the process.

To see the full story, read the printed edition of the July 17, 2009, Fairfield Ledger.