The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced that it will reinstate and review safety guidance concerning the siting of wind turbines near highways and railways. The department stated that the review will focus on potential interference from turbines with radio frequencies used in transport safety systems.
The decision follows an internal review of past cases in which earlier recommendations for turbine setbacks were withdrawn. According to USDOT, 33 projects have been identified where initial safety recommendations were later rescinded. A minimum setback distance of 1.2 miles from rail and highway infrastructure will now be recommended while additional data are gathered. USDOT also plans to conduct a broader study to update guidelines on turbine placement near transport systems that depend on radio frequency communication.
The department said that future reviews will include collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration to assess potential risks to aviation and emerging technologies. Feedback on turbine siting will be coordinated with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s advisory committee on radio frequencies.
