New Michigan law regulates meteorological evaluation towers over 50 feet tall

Michigan recently enacted a new law mandating regulation of meteorological evaluation towers (METs).

These towers are typically under 200 feet tall and are used to assess possible locations for wind turbines.

Under the new law, recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), owners of such towers must register any towers more than 50 feet tall by May 30 in a state directory managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Office of Aeronautics.

Furthermore, orange and while alternating bands must be painted on the towers (with orange at the top and bottom), at least one orange marker ball must be affixed to the highest point of all guy wires on the tower, and one or more 7-foot safety sleeves must be on all anchor points on all guy wires.

"We are very pleased the governor and Legislature passed this law quickly," Michigan Aeronautics Commission Director Mike Trout said. "An MET can be very problematic for agricultural, balloon and helicopter pilots to see, and could cause a crash."

The new law is available in its entirety at www.1.usa.gov/1VVtCfx. For more information, contact Hilary Vanderstow at vanderstowh1@michigan.gov or at 517-335-9418.