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Construction on the Walleye Wind project in western Rock County has started after Next Era Energy received the official notice to proceed from the state of Minnesota on June 3.
Among the first steps in the process is to remove the seven former Minwind turbines northwest of Beaver Creek. Using cables and heavy equipment the first one was pulled over on Wednesday, June 8.
Blattner Construction pickups blocked four gravel roads all the way around the section as a safety measure in case the weight of the 350-foot-tall turbine were to send debris flying after impact on the ground.
Allen Collier, construction manager for Next Era, which is putting up the 40-turbine Walleye Wind farm, said many components of the fallen turbine are being recycled.
Using “giant hydraulic scissors” the fiberglass and steel are cut up and taken to recycling places, and concrete and rebar will be removed.
He said samples from that first turbine have been tested for asbestos, and once results are back, the other six turbines will come down, likely Wednesday (this week) one per day after that.
Collier discouraged residential traffic in the area during the decommissioning. “We understand there’s a level of curiosity about this process, but we urge people to exercise caution around the work site,” he said.
Meanwhile, about 50 Blattner work trucks have been buzzing around the 49-square-mile wind farm footprint, and dirt work is underway on many of the turbine sites.
Construction has started on the maintenance building where the wind technicians will operate near the substation and transmission switch yard (in the area of former Minwind turbines.)
In September the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the 109-megawatt project for site construction and certificate of need for the electricity.
On Friday, June 3, the project received its “notice to proceed” from the state of Minnesota, a step that had been expected in April, but was derailed by a change in a collection route that needed re-evaluation.
Next Era plans to build up to 40 wind turbines on 31,000 acres. Once construction ramps up, more than 200 workers are expected on site, creating opportunities for local businesses.
Once operational, the wind farm will generate $400,000 to $600,000 in annual tax revenues to Rock County and provide electricity to the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency through a 30-year purchase agreement.