PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved a construction permit for a wind energy farm in Hyde County. PUC Chairman Gary Hanson says the Triple H Wind project will be located roughly three miles southwest of Highmore.

Hanson says the siting process for the Triple H Wind project was different than previous wind siting attempts.

Hyde County is home to the 27-turbine Hyde County Wind Energy Center along South Dakota Highway 47 south of Highmore. Hanson believes residents of Hyde County have become comfortable with idea of wind energy in their backyards.

He also credits Triple H for their due diligence in contacting landowners.

Hanson says the project has some unique customers.

The construction permit was approved with 41 conditions that must be met regarding shadow flicker, sound levels, land restoration and risk to whooping cranes among others. The project will cover over 27,000 acres and has an estimated cost of $300 million.