Virginia Implements Fast-Track Permitting Process for Wind Energy Farms

Virginia has approved a new and efficient wind farm permitting process. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality by implementing the ‘Permit by Rule’ system for wind projects, has taken over the permitting authority from the State Corporate Commission.

The new process is applicable for wind projects of 100 MW capacities both offshore and onshore. For projects with capacities lower than 500 KW to 5MW outputs, only minimal notification requirements are needed.

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According to Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia, the new system had been passed by the General Assembly of the State in 2009. In the future, more permit rules and regulations are also expected to be adopted, encompassing the other renewable energy sources. He also mentioned that development and expansion of renewable energy systems would augment Virginia’s economy, and also help in the creation of clean jobs for the residents.

The permit regulations enunciate requirements for evaluating environmental impacts, site planning, planning of mitigation measures and meetings with the different stakeholders and the public for wind farms above 5 MW dimensions. Permit fees, enforcement and compliance issues are also explained.

According to the State Officials, the permit by rule clearly defines what applications for projects must contain to obtain permits, all of which is founded on Uniform and Transparency standards. Governor McDonnell stated that this would help developers to compute compliance costs, which would be of assistance to secure funding for the projects. Virginians are also assured that their natural resources are being protected through this permit.

Substantial natural resource protections are stipulated in the regulations. DEQ would consult with other natural resource agencies for each project application, for interpreting rightly the requirements. According to David K. Paylor, Director of DEQ, an efficient and productive process has been created for approval of the upcoming Virginian Wind Energy Farms.