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However, Vermont Community Wind Farm's proposal to construct the largest industrial wind facility in the state has certainly caught their attention.
Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport manager Dave Carman told the Clarendon Select Board this week that he had encouraged the wind developer to submit a Notice of Construction Form to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA requires submission of the form on any object that would extend more than 200 feet above ground level. While Carman acknowledged VCWF's two temporary wind measurement towers would be under the height restriction at 197 feet each, he said the wind turbines to be erected as part of the overall project would each measure nearly 400 feet above ground level.
"It would be prudent for them to submit that form, because that would actually give them an idea of what kind of obstacles would exist for the larger towers," Carman explained in a later interview. "Our point of view is that they might as well file it now to see what hurdles might exist."
After the form is filed, the FAA undertakes an initial aeronautical study and issues either a Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation - which would green-light the project - or a Notice of Presumed Hazard - which would trigger an in-depth technical analysis.
The airport manager explained his overriding concern was for the "operational safety and the economic impact it has on the airport."
"The airport is a public investment and it's pretty important that we know the answers to these questions," Carman said.
He emphasized he intended to stay out of the politics of the wind turbine project. "I just want to have questions answered regarding operational safety and how it will affect us here," Carmen said.
Clarendon Select Board Chairman Michael Klopchin informed the airport manager the town had filed a request with the state Public Service Board to reconsider its decision to issue certificates of public good to VCWF for the temporary towers.
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