November 17, 2007
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
BOURNE – An Air Force review of the proposed 130 wind turbines Cape Wind Associates wants to build in Nantucket Sound has found “no impact on the PAVE PAWS radar operations.”
In a short statement released late yesterday, the 6th Space Warning Squadron reported that Air Force Space Command had developed a series of criteria to use in determining whether proposed turbines would impact the radar. The criteria include the latitude and longitude of turbines, their height above sea level and windmill construction material.
The Air Force contracted Mitre Corp. to study possible effects of Cape Wind on the Sagamore radar facility, according to the statement. The review did not indicate any problems that would result from the Cape Wind project.
In June, the Defense Department established a 25-kilometer zone around the PAVE PAWS facility. Any proposed wind turbines within the 25-kilometer buffer area would require review by military officials. The buffer zone stretches about 15½ miles from PAVE PAWS.
Cape Wind’s proposal fell outside of the zone but opponents of the project claimed the proximity of the site to the edge of the buffer was too close for comfort.
PAVE PAWS is one of two radar facilities of its kind in the continental United States and five worldwide responsible for missile warning and space surveillance.
“We’re gratified that the Air Force has now settled this question so clearly and conclusively that Cape Wind presents no problem for the safe operation of PAVE PAWS,” Cape Wind spokesman Mark Rodgers said last night.
By Patrick Cassidy
Staff Writer
17 November 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/11/17/review-turbines-no-impact-on-pave-paws/