Goodbye, Aerial Applicators?

The Harvest Hills wind energy project proposed for the Palouse poses considerable risks not only to aerial application—a vital agricultural practice—but also to the broader safety and economic stability of our community. The introduction of over 45 wind turbines in close proximity to agricultural land will create severe wake turbulence that could jeopardize both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles used in farming. This turbulence is known to extend up to three miles from a turbine, complicating the safe application of pesticides and fertilizers from the air. By preventing aerial application, Harvest Hills turbines will significantly impact nearby farms who receive no compensation from the turbine installation.

Wind turbines generate severe wake turbulence that poses substantial risks to aerial application operations. This turbulence, which can extend over three miles from a turbine, creates hazardous flying conditions for low-flying aircraft and significantly compromises the safety and effectiveness of aerial applications. Pilots may find themselves upside-down and plummeting towards the earth with no chance to react.

Additionally, light Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), vital for precision agriculture, face operational challenges, being unable to navigate safely near the turbines due to unstable airflows. Information about the turbulence’s impact is detailed in studies conducted by professional academics and governmental aviation organizations, suggesting that small aircraft and aerial application activities could be severely limited within this three-mile radius. This critical data can be further explored and referenced in the full study.

In response, advocates for wind projects have cited a study that purportedly disputes the need for a three-mile setback from turbines. However, this study should be approached with skepticism. It fails to adhere to established best practices in wind modeling, opting instead for a novel approach that has not been endorsed by reputable aeronautic organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Furthermore, the integrity of this study is deeply compromised by a clear conflict of interest: it was conducted by a researcher employed by an organization that exists solely to support the installation of wind turbines. This use of an inappropriately conducted and biased study by wind advocates to dispute the three-mile setback recommendation undermines the validity of their arguments and raises concerns about the integrity of the data being presented in support of closer turbine placements.

The economic repercussions for landowners near these turbines are significant. Those who have not agreed to lease their land for turbine installation face potential declines in crop yields and property values due to the compromised ability to conduct effective aerial applications. Detailed policy insights and recommendations regarding these impacts are available at the National Agricultural Aviation Association’s website: https://www.agaviation.org/policy/wind-turbines/.

Given these significant safety and economic concerns, we advocate for a minimum three-mile setback from wind turbines for non-participating properties to protect our community’s agricultural interests and ensure the continued safe use of aerial application technologies. While the pursuit of energy sources is commendable, it should not undermine the vital agricultural operations that form the economic backbone and cultural heritage of the Palouse.

Change starts with youcontact Whitman County commissioners today and let them know you want an emergency ordinance creating a setback for wind turbines.

6 thoughts on “Goodbye, Aerial Applicators?”

    1. Geoff, thank you for sharing your concerns. I want to assure you that “Save the Palouse” is a diverse group representing various viewpoints on multiple issues, united by a common goal: to preserve the unique beauty and environmental integrity of the Palouse region. Our advocacy efforts are driven by our commitment to this cause, not by any corporate interests. This article highlights the devastating impact turbines will have on our blue-collar farmers and crop pilots.

      In Washington State, lobbying activities by organizations are reportable to the State Public Disclosure Commission. I invite you to do you own research, and assure you that we remain independent of other interests, while steadfastly and singularly focused on saving the Palouse. I hope you will join us.

    1. The danger from turbine blades isn’t the standard “bumpy” turbulence from wind, but much more hazardous vortex or wake turbulence, capable of flipping an aircraft upside-down before any aircraft or pilot can react. To put it simply, wind usually causes bumps, airfoils or blades cause flips. You likely haven’t experienced the latter type of turbulence while flying, because commercial aircraft avoid it at all costs.

  1. Is there data from a reputable source to indicate the amount of turbulence that they produce-?

    Due to the slow rotation of the blades with their high aspect ratio, I would think that they create minimal turbulence.

    1. John,

      Low speed can create larger and more disruptive vortices. This is directly from the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook and Pilot Guide to Wake Turbulence. Obviously the dynamics of rotors on a fixed tower can be different from aircraft, but the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (nonpartisan government org promoting renewables) as well as several academic researchers have generally concluded that turbines can create significant and dangerous wake turbulence.

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