June 25, 2008
Washington

Skamania Co. hears wind power proposal

Skamania County is studying a change in zoning that could attract wind farms over extensive areas north of the Columbia River and outside scenic areas.

The highest profile, potential project involves a $150 million proposal from SDS Lumber in Bingen.

Company President Jason Spadaro explained the project in the fall of 2007 would sit on SDS land along Saddleback Mountain and involve between 40 and 50 wind turbines.

Spadaro says his project is now on hold while Skamania County decides whether to approve the new, wind farm friendly, zoning.

“Its the right way to approach it for the county to tell us where are the appropriate areas that wind energy projects could be considered,” said Spadaro.

“We’ll wait and then see and determine how to proceed with our project if we proceed,” he said.

Not everyone living near the project thinks it’s a good idea.

John Crumpacker and his family are developing the Gorge Crest Vineyard in Underwood.

He favors wind farms in general, but not so near his property.

“We’re not the ideal people because its a “NIMBY” (not in my back yard) situation for us,” said Crumpacker.

“It truly is something we’ll see,” he said.

The next meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Mill A School

1142 Jessup Road

Cook, WA 98605

By Pat Dooris

kgw.com

24 June 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/06/25/skamania-co-hears-wind-power-proposal/