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Wild Horse wind facility plans FAA lighting application and monitors damaged turbine pending decommissioning
Summary
Puget Sound Energy told EFSEC the Wild Horse wind facility will apply to the FAA for light‑mitigation approval before Jan. 1, 2028 and install the new system within 24 months of FAA approval; the facility continues to monitor a damage turbine and plans decommissioning after wildfire season.
Puget Sound Energy informed the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council on Sept. 17 that it will apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval to install light‑mitigating technology at its Wild Horse wind facility and that it will install the new system within two years of receiving FAA approval.
"As required by the RCW, PSE will apply to the FAA prior to 01/01/2028 and will install a new light mitigating system within 24 months of receiving FAA approval," Jennifer Galbraith, representing the Wild Horse Wind Facility, told the council. The work responds to new legislative requirements in Washington designed to reduce light pollution at wind energy facilities.
Galbraith also reported there has been no change to the previously reported damaged turbine tower. The facility is monitoring the turbine continuously and is developing plans to safely decommission the tower after wildfire season; emergency responders remain on standby and the site will remain closed to public access for the remainder of 2025, she said.
The Wild Horse Technical Advisory Committee met Aug. 21 to review grazing management history and agreements; that meeting produced no items requiring formal council action, Galbraith said. The facility’s FAA application and subsequent installation schedule will proceed as required by statute and FAA review.
No council vote was taken; the council received the operational update and staff noted the planned FAA application and the decommissioning planning steps as matters staff and the certificate holder are managing.
