(Des Moines, IA) — The Department of Natural resources has been holding meetings on discuss possible changes or improvements to the process of disposing of used wind turbine blades. The DNR’s Aime Davidson says there are regulations in place already for disposing of the blades — but there are still challenges because of the size and strength of the blades. She says blades can be cut down into small enough pieces to landfill, and some companies grind them up and use them as a substitute for aggregate and concrete mixes. The DNR’s ongoing meetings include utility companies, industry representatives, and solid waste agencies, to develop recommendations. Those recommendations should be ready in October.
