Humboldt Wind Farm

Good Stewards of Agricultural Land

• Preserving the rural landscape
  RWE and Humboldt Wind Farm are committed to preserving the Humboldt County’s rural landscape. The Project features considerate design to coincide with the surrounding area as best as possible will include a number of design features to help achieve this goal. We achieve this by using One example of this is the use of an Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) so which allows the lights at the top of the turbines to only illuminate when an aircraft is in the vicinity. We also bury all electrical collection lines in order to minimize the amount of overhead power lines. Finally, we and conduct extensive environmental studies to ensure we are not disturbing any local wildlife.
• 1.5 acres/turbine
  A clearing of 1.5 acres for each turbine will be made to allow our crew access for service and maintenance. Farmers can continue to farm the land around turbines and continue conventional farming practices.
  The vast majority of the land in the project will still be used for agriculture. The turbines have a relatively small footprint which allows the landowners to continue to contribute to the local agricultural economy. 
• Preserving topsoil
  We understand how much topsoil matters to the agricultural community—that's why strict design standards will be put into place to ensure the topsoil is preserved so the land can be cultivated during and after the project's life.
• Minimizing erosion and grading during construction
  Construction on Humboldt Wind Farm will take extra precautions to minimize erosion and grading. Erosion mitigation practices include silt fencing, filter sock, erosion control blanket and other methods. 
• Decommissioning agreement
  RWE will enter into a decommissioning agreement with the county to ensure, at the end of the project’s lifecycle, that all turbines and equipment are removed and recycled responsibly.
  

Supporting Humboldt County

• Economic benefits and jobs
  Humboldt Wind Farm  is expected to create roughly 150 jobs during construction. The renewable energy business is among the fastest growing industries in the country.  This means well-paying, sustainable and safe jobs that spur investment in the community and provide local workers with new industry opportunities. Humboldt Wind also plans on having a full time and dedicated staff on site for maintance and repairs. This creates permanent, local, and well-paid jobs in the community.
• Donations, sponsorship and memberships 
  We prioritized community engagement as an integral part of the development process. That’s why we’re committed to finding local organizations for donations, membership and sponsorship opportunities to ensure that the Humboldt Wind Farm isn’t just a business in town but a long-term member of the community. 
• Tax revenue: schools and infrastructure 
  A local investment of this size guarantees more tax revenue for Humboldt County. This money can be used to help public schools, strengthen first responders, and update older infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Humboldt Wind Farm is expected to generate approximately 65 million dollars in additional property tax revenue throughout the project's lifespan. This money is paid by the Project and is allocated into local coffers by the Project and is a reliable source of tax revenue for the county for the coming decades.
• Diversified income for farmers which guarantees farms stay in the family
  The leasing agreements that RWE enters with family farmers can help diversify their income.  In addition to harvesting soy or corn, landowners who participate in the Humboldt Wind Farm project are also harvesting wind, a consistent, drought-resistant crop. This allows farmers to earn revenue in all four seasons, which lessens the cost burden. This new stable income can help landowners to keep their farms in the family through generations.

Drain Tile Preservation

• Careful design 
  RWE recognizes the importance of drain tile on the land that we lease. We have a vested interest in ensuring we do not damage any drain tiles during construction or throughout the project's life.
• Construction and preparation that considers drain tile
  RWE ensures that all our construction teams are well versed in the importance of drain tiles and how to prevent their damage during construction.
• Aerial imagery and field surveys map out drain tile
  RWE will use aerial imagery and field verification to map out all relevant drain tile. This allows us to prioritize tile locations and mitigate damage during construction or operations. 
• Our drain tile guarantee
   Humboldt Wind Farm has written into the leases with landowners that if any drain tile is damaged during operation or construction RWE is liable to pay for it.