Wind farm may be coming to area
Two out-of-state energy companies will present their plan for a wind farm in the county’s west end to the public.
GEOS Global, based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and BP Wind Energy, Charlottesville, Va., want to put up electricity-generating wind turbines, commonly called windmills, on Rausch Creek land.
According to Mike McCoy, business developer for BP Wind Energy, the farm would involve sev- eral townships, all in Schuylkill County, including Porter, Frailey, Tremont and Hegins.
McCoy said towers with meteorological instruments have been on the ridge tops for more than a year, gathering information to determine if there is enough wind for the turbines.
“Generally, wind projects work by our companies looking in areas to develop all over the country,” said McCoy. “We look for areas where there would be potential winds for a farm and then we confirm the wind resource and then take the next step.”
McCoy said the possible ridges include: South Ridge, Big Lick, Porter West, Porter East, Lincoln, Bear Mountain and North Good Spring. He also noted that maps will be available at the informational meetings so the public can see exactly where the potential wind farm would be located.
McCoy said GEOS Global and BP Wind Energy have been working with Robert Rivkin of Rausch Creek Land. McCoy said the land would be leased from Rausch Creek.
A public meeting will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Williams Valley High School cafeteria. A second meeting will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in the Tri-Valley High School cafeteria.
Representatives from the companies will attend the meetings, set up displays and answer questions.
BY REBECCA ZEMENCIK
Staff Writer
Republican Herald
22 November 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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