False aircraft signal fears from wind farm

There are fears the spinning blades of a planned wind farm near Wellington could interfere with signals from a nearby aircraft radar, putting planes at risk.

The multimillion-dollar Long Gully project south of Brooklyn would have 25 two-bladed turbines, each 30-metres high, and produce a total of 12.5 megawatts enough to power 6000 homes.

Resource consent submissions closed late last month, with 74 received 38 in support, 27 opposed and nine neutral.

Airways New Zealand, which operates the Hawkins Hill radar, supported the project as it saw a need for more energy generation.

But it it was concerned that the rotating blades of the turbines could be picked up by its radar, producing "false targets".

"These turbines may not only obstruct coverage over certain areas but could cause reflection of the signal and give false replies," the submission said.

Areas causing interference could be "blacked out", but that would reduce the radar's ability to detect aircraft, "which would be an unacceptable risk to public safety".

State-owned Mighty River Power would own and operate the wind farm. It would be built by Windflow Technology, a Christchurch turbine manufacturer.

Windflow Technology spokeswoman Sheralee Macdonald said it was working with Airways on its concerns. "A lot of work has gone on to assess what the impact might be."

Submitters opposing the project raised concerns about the amount of traffic that would travel through Brooklyn while the wind farm was built.

It sparked a flier drop by Brooklyn resident Vadim Boyko, called "Let's Stop This Turbine Madness".

The wind farm would be the third on the south coast.

Meridian Energy is building the 62-turbine West Wind project at Makara, which is already producing power. It plans another 29-turbine wind farm in Ohariu Valley.

Submitters supporting the Long Gully project backed renewable energy and were pleased its turbines would be made in New Zealand.

Ms Macdonald said it would address concerns raised by the submissions.

The turbine towers would be made in Petone, she said. "You can't get any more local than that."

Wellington City Council has not yet set a date for a public hearing on the project.

- © Fairfax NZ News