Cone Wind Project

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why was this location selected?

A: Cone Wind was sited following extensive environmental, engineering, land use, and permitting evaluations. The project is located on privately-owned land in Floyd and Crosby Counties, Texas, that is currently used primarily for agricultural purposes, including dryland and irrigated farming. The area offers strong wind resources, access to existing electrical infrastructure, compatible land uses, and suitable terrain for wind energy development. Environmental and technical studies completed as part of the development process identified the location as well-suited for renewable energy generation while minimizing impacts to surrounding land uses.

Q: Can farming, grazing, or other agricultural activities continue?

A: Yes. Wind turbines, access roads, and supporting infrastructure occupy only a small portion of the overall project area, farming, ranching, and other agricultural activities can generally continue throughout the life of the project. Many landowners continue to farm and graze livestock alongside operating wind facilities.

Q: What sort of soil protection measures are in place?

A: Construction activities will be conducted in accordance with environmental permits and regulatory requirements, including erosion and sediment control measures, stormwater management practices, dust suppression, and site restoration requirements. Enbridge and its contractors work to minimize ground disturbance wherever possible and disturbed areas will be stabilized and revegetated as appropriate following construction.

Q: Does Enbridge have a reclamation plan?

A: Yes. At the end of the project's operating life, project facilities would be decommissioned in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and landowner agreements. Equipment would be removed, disturbed areas would be restored, and land would be returned to a suitable condition consistent with approved decommissioning and reclamation requirements.

Q: What safety measures have been developed to address concerns related to the wind facility?

A: The facility will be monitored around the clock by Enbridge’s Remote Operations Center. In addition to operational monitoring, the site will have multiple systems and programs to support safety, including control systems, maintenance programs, and emergency response procedures. designed to support safe and reliable operations throughout the life of the project. Cone Wind is designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer specifications.  

Q: What measures are being taken to address increased traffic during construction?

A: To minimize impacts, Enbridge and its contractors will implement traffic management measures that may include designated haul routes, coordination with local authorities, road-use agreements, signage, dust control measures, and scheduling considerations for oversized deliveries. Traffic impacts will be monitored throughout construction, and site access locations will be managed in coordination with local authorities, landowners, and affected community members.

Q: Will the project increase electricity prices for local customers?

A: No. Cone Wind is being developed to provide additional electricity to help meet growing demand on the regional power grid.

Q: What benefits will Cone Wind bring to the local community?

A: The project is expected to generate economic activity through construction employment, local purchasing opportunities, tax revenues, and ongoing operations spending. Enbridge is committed to working with communities throughout development, construction, and operations and seeks to create lasting benefits through local partnerships, community investment initiatives, and ongoing stakeholder engagement.

Q: How is Enbridge addressing concerns related to birds and bats?

A: Cone Wind has been designed to reduce impacts on birds and bats, and environmental monitoring will continue throughout operations. Environmental studies are conducted before construction to better understand local wildlife populations, migration patterns, and habitat use. Protecting wildlife and the natural environment is an important part of project development and operations.

Q: How far will wind turbines be from nearby homes?

A: Cone Wind has designated setbacks of 1,000 feet from homes. Turbine locations are carefully evaluated during project planning, and Enbridge works with participating landowners and regulatory authorities throughout the siting process.