The base section of the Mesalands Community colleges' 1.5 megawatt wind turbine was taken down Thursday after a recall by the manufacture General Electric.

Two sections of the wind turbine tower already installed at Mesalands Community College will be dismantled and replaced because of a manufacturer’s recall, said Phillip Barry, president of the college.

The General Electric recall only affects the base and mid-section, which were installed on Sunday, Barry said.

The replacement parts should arrive by Thursday or Friday, he said.

The 1.5 megawatt turbine is the centerpiece of a Mesalands’ new wind energy technology program that was launched earlier this year.

Barry said the college had received an official statement from General Electric stating that: “GE has identified potential quality issue ... using the company’s rigorous inspection and quality control systems. GE  is  proactively taking the necessary action to replace the tower and mid section.”

“It’s all about safety,” Barry said. “General Electric has apparently discovered a reason to not employ the components we have received, and will send components that are sound and safe.”

The college will not lose any of its money that it has spent on installation, Barry said.

The installation of the wind turbine is being done by RD Construction of Clovis. The turbine’s blades have been attached to the rotor, and are at ground level and to be attached to the top section. Installation of the turbine could take several days because the cranes used to lift turbine sections cannot operate in strong winds.

The delay has not affected anything regarding the college’s wind energy technology program, Barry said.

“Actually, it underscores the training our students are presently receiving about the importance of safety in this industry,” he said.

Dedication ceremonies of the wind turbine will not be changed and will be at 1 p.m. on  Monday, Barry said.