Grissom Military Coordination & Planning

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE BASE

Over about the last 10 years, many Miami County property owners have sought to develop solar and wind energy projects on their lands.  While a boon to the local economy, renewable energy facilities – if not properly placed or mitigated – can have a detrimental impact on flight operations within Grissom ARB Airspace. 

Therefore, it is important, before plans or investments are made, that property owners interested in renewable energy developments work with the Grissom Installation Encroachment Management Team ahead of time to determine what necessary approvals apply and what limitations, if any, will result from potential impacts renewable energy facilities may have on military operations and communications equipment in the airspace above our communities.  

For example, certain renewable energy facilities are required to gain a federal determination of “No Hazard” before beginning operations.  These determinations are made by applying to the “Military Aviation Installation Assurance Clearinghouse,” which is facilitated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense.  A link to the website is below and property owners are encouraged to review the Clearinghouse’s FAQs to educate themselves on how the process works.

If you are interested in pursuing a renewable energy project in Cass, Miami, or Howard Counties, we recommend contacting the Installation Encroachment Management Team at Grissom Air Reserve Base as well as the MAIA Clearinghouse, as soon as possible, to ensure an efficient and transparent process.

The Contact information for each is below.

Grissom Air Reserve Base
Installation Encroachment Management Team
Mark A Waite, PE
Chief Engineer, 434 MSG/CEC
(765) 688-4576
mark.waite.1@us.af.mil

Military Aviation Installation Assurance Clearinghouse
Website: https://www.acq.osd.mil/dodsc/about/index.html
Email: osd.dod-siting-clearinghouse@mail.mil

In addition, local cities and counties also may have zoning or other requirements related to proposed renewable energy facilities, therefore property owners should check with these agencies to confirm the ability to development renewable energy projects and the applicable requirements for doing so.  Links and contact information is provided for local cities and counties under the Resources tab.