Penn Wind receives approval to harness wind power in Black Creek
A Sunbury-based alternative energy company received approval to harness wind power in Black Creek Township, paving the way to set 22 turbines along the skyline of Buck Mountain on former coal mining land.
During nearly three hours of testimony and public response Thursday night, the Black Creek Township Zoning Hearing Board heard Penn Wind LLC’s request for a special exception to build four, 425-foot-tall turbines in the township.
The board granted zoning approval to construct the turbines, with the condition they follow all township regulations and with the understanding the supervisors may impose additional stipulations in the land development stage.
Of the proposed wind turbines, four would be in Black Creek Township, with the remaining 18 in Beaver Township, which granted conditional-use approval about three weeks ago. The site of the turbines, located about two miles west of the Sugarloaf Township post office, would saddle Buck Mountain where Schuylkill, Luzerne and Columbia counties intersect.
Transmission lines and access roads would run through North Union Township, Schuylkill County.
Black Creek’s ordinance required Penn Wind to apply for special exception through the zoning hearing board before moving on to land development plans before the township planning commission. The turbines’ 50-foot-diameter foundations would anchor 6 feet underground.
The zoning hearing board reviewed the entire turbine ordinance Thursday night, discussing safety, environmental and health issues.
Robert Palushock, chairman of the zoning hearing board, said some residents were concerned prior to the meeting about the farm’s impact on the community, especially waterways in the area. Despite testimony, several residents were not sold on Penn Wind’s belief there would be minimal environmental or quality-of-life impact.
A hypothetical issue presented to the board questioned response to fires at the wind farm. Penn Wind said it is discussing fire protection with Nuremberg and Beaver Township fire departments. PPL in Allentown, which would buy power from Penn Wind, could have the ability to remotely shut down the turbines in the event of a malfunction.
And then there’s the view.
Penn Wind superimposed turbines from vantage points including the Black Creek Municipal Building, Nuremberg, Weston and the Sugarloaf golf course to see the impact on skyline.
A study showed minimal vibration, noise and shadow flicker on land below from the arms of turbines.
In addition to township land approval, Penn Wind would still need to secure local, state and federal permits.
According to its Web site, www.pennwd.com, Penn Wind and PA Solar LLCs were founded in 2006 and since then operated from an office in Sunbury.
Amanda Christman
24 April 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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