Flying ice should not be a serious concern for two reasons. First, the utility-scale wind turbines in Ontario wind farms are sited 250 meters away from homes and public roadways (this figure could be higher depending on municipal by-laws). Secondly, ice buildup on blades negatively affects aerodynamics and, therefore, the operating efficiency of the wind turbine. The newest turbines are equipped with highly sensitive sensors that can react swiftly to changes in humidity and shut down a turbine to prevent ice throws.
