July 2, 2008
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
A possible wind farm atop Ice Mountain in Blair County has caused a flurry of controversy, with residents even signing petitions and casting ballots in favor or against it. However, it looks like all that buzz might not even matter.
Officials said some companies have found natural gas on Ice Mountain in Snyder Township, just outside of Tyrone. Although there’s nothing set in stone, it could be an alternative to those windmills.
Tyrone Borough officials said it’s still very early, but the possibility of natural gas drilling looks far more lucrative for Tyrone than the windmill farm. Officials have already met with two companies and plan to meet with one more. The solicitor is already reviewing a lease.
But according to officials, they are being very careful because the property is the same as their watershed, which is the only water source for the borough. They said if drilling deep into the ground means sacrificing the water, it’s not an option. So they’re gathering all of the information they can.
People who live near Ice Mountain said they have mixed feelings about drilling for gas instead of putting up windmills.
The borough council is looking at all of the issues before they address the drilling at a public meeting. In the meantime, there is no word on when the windmill vote will actually be.
1 July 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/07/02/windmill-farm-proposal-may-be-nixed/