
- Identify an appropriate location for the ADLS radar tower
- Secure permission from the landowner to install the tower on their property
- Obtain any required state and local permits
FCC Review
Following FAA review, the project will need to obtain additional approvals from the Federal Communications Commission. This is because ADLS radar operates on FCC licensed spectrum, requiring certain approvals to operate the radar. This part of the permitting process typically takes 3 months for most wind projects. Constructing an ADLS system at Timbermill may also require input from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Once all required permits are received, the system is cleared to begin construction. The ADLS construction process typically takes 9 months from start to finish.
Overall Timeline
We understand the desire to address this concern promptly, but we also want to be transparent about the permitting requirements and anticipated timeline.
Completing the required permitting steps will likely take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, followed by a 9-month construction period. Under that timeline, assuming the proposed system is approved, it would likely not be operational until Summer 2026.
This timeline could potentially improve if local and federal approvals come in quicker than expected. On the other hand, delays in federal action on wind-related permits could delay the process. Our commitment is to inform you of important steps in the process and updates as they come.
Alternative Proposals
We have received questions asking whether there are alternatives that could be pursued to mitigate visual impacts from the FAA lighting in the meantime. We wanted to specifically address these suggestions to correct misconceptions about what may be possible.
Light Dimming Technology
At this time, there are no other FAA-approved light mitigating technologies besides ADLS. There are companies working on different technologies to mitigate nighttime lighting, such as light dimming technologies where lights are always blinking, but brighten only when aircraft are approaching. However, the FAA has not yet certified any light mitigation technology other than ADLS, nor have they provided guidance for how these systems would be implemented, if approved.
The types of lights used, as well as the frequency of the lights (blinking every 2 seconds) is required under FAA rules.
Quadrant Lighting
Because the wind turbines at the project exceed 500 feet in total height, quadrant or perimeter lighting (where only a portion of the turbines are lit) is not permitted by the FAA. All turbines are required to light up in unison.
There is an FAA variance process where this could be explored further if the ADLS application is not approved, but we are not aware of other wind projects receiving an exemption from this rule.
Next Steps
Our team will turn our focus to selecting a vendor, working with them to design the ADLS system, and preparing our FAA application. We plan to send an additional update e-mail by the end of April, or when the application is submitted, whichever comes first.
We appreciate your patience as we pursue adding this system, which, once implemented, is expected to dramatically reduce the amount of time the turbines are lit.
In the meantime, feel free to contact us with additional questions via this e-mail address, or through the project website. To learn more about wind energy lighting and ADLS, click here to download a one-pager on the topic.