Tennessee Valley Authority
Buffalo Mountain Wind Turbine Project
November 4, 2003
WILL THE WIND TURBINES INSTALLED AT BUFFALO MOUNTAIN INTERFERE WITH PUBLIC SAFETY, BROADCAST, and OTHER RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS?
Ralph Evans of Evans Associates has been commissioned by the Tennessee Valley Authority to determine the effect that the construction of a large windmill farm on Buffalo Mountain would have upon adjacent users of the FCC-regulated radio frequency spectrum. This study consists of two components:
1. Aperture Blockage study
2. Radio Frequency Spectrum Analysis study
Together, these two reports have determined that the overall theoretical effect upon nearby citizens and radio users is negligible and benign.
As of this date, the initial site evaluations have been completed. The aperture blockage study determined that neither the wind turbines nor the rotating blades would physically obstruct any microwave path in the region, provided that the sites are located as specified in the study document.
The spectrum analysis study determined the set of RF radiation specifications that would be required of the turbine manufacturers and the electronic equipment vendors in order to eliminate the possibility of radio frequency interference, as defined by "unintentional emissions" specified under FCC regulations part 15.109.
Field measurements and environmental information gathered at the proposed site will be compared to readings taken after construction of the turbines, so that the theoretical assumptions may be verified.
For more information please contact:
Evans Associates
210 South Main Street
Thiensville, Wisconsin 53092
(262)242-6000
fax: (262)242-6045
http://www.evansassoc.com
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