Operating/Under Review. The facility commenced commercial operation in 2011. On September 22, 2023, the Department received preliminary Request for Amendment 3 to the Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility site certificate (pRFA3) under the Type A review process. The pRFA3 seeks Council approval for wind turbine upgrades to 36 of the 43 existing turbines that would include: replacing the wind turbine rotors, Nacelles, refurbishing the turbine generators, and reinforcing the turbine foundations. Installation of a new 34.5 collector system, and the decommissioning of two of the 43 existing turbines is also included in the amendment request. The upgrades would require Condition 27 to be amended, lowering the minimum aboveground wind turbine blade tip clearance from 30 to 21 meters for the 36 turbines proposed to be upgraded.
On February 14, 2024, the certificate holder submitted a complete RFA3.
On February 29, 2024, the Department issued a Draft Proposed Order (DPO), and a Public Notice requesting public comment on RFA3 and the DPO.
The Public Hearing on the DPO was held in person in Hermiston, on March 21, 2024, as well as virtually. The Energy Facility Siting Council reviewed the DPO at their April 19, 2024 meeting in Salem. Based on the comments received, the Department issued the Proposed Order on April 24, 2024 and concurrently issued the Public Notice on the Proposed Order and Opportunity to Request a Contested Case. The RFA3, Proposed Order, and Public Notice on the Proposed Order and Opportunity to Request a Contested Case are available in the timeline below. The deadline to request a Contested Case is May 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.