September 11, 2006
New York

Attorneys working on environmental impact statement for windmill project

herkimertelegram.com

By Joe Parmon – Telegram Staff Writer

Attorneys representing the towns of Fairfield and Norway and wind energy company Atlantic Renewable are in the midst of working on completing a draft environmental impact statement in connection with the proposed windmill project in the towns.

Attorney Bernard Mewlewski of Saratoga, representing the towns in the matter, said taking public comments on any environmental concerns is part of the process.

“I am working with the developer’s people to establish how we are going to respond to those comments,” said Mewlewski.

Once the comments and responses have been received and addressed, a final Environmental Impact Statement will be publicly revealed.

Mewlewski said public hearings need to take place in both towns before the company’s application can be ultimately approved.

“We are months away from that point,” said Mewlewski.

Fairfield Town Supervisor Frank Matthews declined to comment on the matter since it is in negotiation.

Atlantic Renewable has proposed to build a series of 69 wind towers in Fairfield and Norway. The windmills would be stretched along a high ridge that runs through the town, from Yellow Church Road along Route 171 and down Hardscrabble Road.

The proposal has drawn out strong opposition from many who are concerned about the impact the towers would have on property values and the scenic beauty of the area.

Company officials, meanwhile, have said the project could have a $1 million annual economic impact on the local economy. Landowners who lease out their land would receive a yearly rent payment and would also be paid based on the kilowatts per hour that are generated by the windmill on their property.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/09/11/attorneys-working-on-environmental-impact-statement-for-windmill-project/