Wind Turbine Considerations

If the land disturbed while erecting the turbine is greater than one (1) acre, then a Stormwater Construction General Permit (ARR150000) is required.

Land disturbance between one (1) acre and 4.99 acres is considered a small construction site and requires an Automatic Notice of Coverage and development of a small site Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Although submission of these documents to DEQ is not required, they must be posted on site. Small construction sites are still required to adhere to all requirements in the permit, although approval of the automatic coverage is not required by DEQ and there is no associated fee.

Large construction sites are any sites that are five (5) acres or greater. Large construction sites are required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) and large site SWPPP to DEQ and receive a Notice of Coverage prior to beginning construction. A project to install multiple wind turbines is required to submit a NOI and SWPPP for a large construction site, if the total of all disturbed acreage necessary for installation of all wind turbines will be five (5) acres or more. The complete NOI and SWPPP for a large construction site must be submitted to DEQ through the ePortal website: https://eportal.adeq.state.ar.us/.

More information, permits, and forms can be found on DEQ's website in the Water Permits Section under Stormwater General Permits.

The following list of agencies is provided as a resource for individuals and facilities interested in erecting wind turbines. DEQ does not assume liability for this list or claim that it is all encompassing. It is meant to be used solely as an aid.

Federal Aviation Administration

If your facility maintains three or more turbines that are each over 200 feet above ground level, you will need to ensure they are marked and lighted properly. For more information, download Advisory Circular (AC 70/7460-1K) Obstruction Marking and Lighting

Arkansas Energy Office

Find information on federal incentives and other topics related to wind turbines at

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Information for Planning and Consultation site may be used to get clearance for wind turbine construction, in most instances, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A good reference is the agency's Arkansas Wind Energy Bird and Bat Monitoring Guidelines: Recommendations to avoid and minimize potential wildlife impacts from wind energy