State regulators approve construction permit for Deuel County wind project
Over 29,000-acre project green lighted to come online
PIERRE — The South Dakota wind will soon blow on another wind farm near Watertown.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a construction permit for the South Deuel Wind Project Friday, with several conditions attached. The wind energy conversion facility will span approximately 29,258 acres in Deuel County — located in eastern South Dakota — and is set to include up to 68 wind turbines with a total capacity of 260 megawatts.
The project, which will also feature a six-mile, 345-kilovolt generator tie line, will include electrical collection systems, control and data systems, an operations and maintenance facility, and improvements to an existing switchyard, according to the Public Utilities Commission office. Additionally, it will feature up to two aircraft detection lighting system towers, and as many as three meteorological towers.
“I really appreciate all the work parties put into this docket to get us to this point. Many of the conditions we have before us today are a result of the participation of intervenors and discussions among all parties to resolve outstanding issues,” PUC Commissioner Gary Hanson said. “This docket is a good example of the process working as it should.”
The commission’s approval comes with more than 50 conditions on the project covering requirements for compliance during construction, operation, and maintenance, such as mitigation measures for the project’s impact on local habitats and wildlife, road use, noise levels and reclamation.
Commissioners expressed concerns about the status of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) study to determine potential hazards,emphasizing the need for cooperation with local agricultural operations and spray applicators. Another condition places daily time limits on construction activities.
PUC member Chris Nelson affirmed that the project met state law requirements.
“Deuel Harvest South has met the requirements of state law to receive a permit to construct and operate,” Nelson said in a statement. “How many of the turbine locations are actually constructed will be determined by additional FAA evaluation and noise modeling based on turbine type.”
Commissioner Kristie Fiegen underscored the importance of the conditions to protect local landowners.
“Considering all evidence in the record, South Deuel Wind Project has met the criteria in state law to receive a permit,” Fiegen added.
The project, filed by Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South, LLC in June 2024, is expected to begin commercial operations in December 2026. A public input meeting was held in Clear Lake in August 2024, and an evidentiary hearing took place later, in January 2025.
By law, the PUC was required to issue a decision within nine months of receiving the initial application.
How many birds will be slaughtered with this project, and how will that impact the ecological system. It isn’t green unless you consider the whole ecosystem.
Pardon me, but we already have dozens upon dozens of wind towers blowing in eastern Codington County, along with Grant and Deuel towers.