Company 'concerned' about PSC complaint, possible fine

The North Dakota Public Service Commission has filed a complaint that Tatanka Wind Farm changed the location of some transmission towers without notifying the commission.

A possible fine of up to $200,000 is by no means a certainty.

"We are just putting the company on alert that our staff is concerned about this," commission President Susan Wefald told the American News on Wednesday.

The commission will decide what to do after studying a response from Acciona Energy, the developer of Tatanka. Acciona has 20 days to file a response.

In a news release on Wednesday, Acciona stated it thought it was operating within the parameters of its permits when it filed paperwork for changes to move some transmission poles 200 to 400 feet to protect a grove of old trees at the request of a landowner "and to maintain our consistent stance on sustainability whenever possible."

The wind farm was dedicated Wednesday. It's located in McPherson County and, in North Dakota, McIntosh and Dickey counties.

The structures in question are for transmission; they are not wind turbine towers.

Wefald said Acciona came forth for approval of some changes in location, but not all.

"It is important for us to know the precise locations because that is the most important thing landowners want to know," she said.

Acciona said in its release, "We're obviously aware of the PSC investigation. We're always cautious to work within the parameters of our permits and throughout the transmission line construction process, we have worked closely with the PSC staff.

"We've had several discussions with PSC staff during the past few weeks and we'll continue to work with them to bring this matter to an amicable conclusion."

The commission will decide what to do after studying a response from Acciona Energy, the developer of Tatanka. Acciona has 20 days to file a response.