July 28, 2008
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Department of Environmental Protection has issued two permits to AES Armenia Mountain Wind LLC for the construction of 124 wind turbines in Bradford and Tioga counties.
“This is a landmark occasion for the future of clean, renewable energy in rural north central Pennsylvania,” said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell. “When complete, this will be the largest wind energy facility in Pennsylvania, producing about 150-megawatts of electricity or enough to service 47,000 homes.”
AES, based in Arlington, Va., plans to construct 52 turbines in Armenia Township, Bradford County, and 73 in Richmond, Sullivan and Ward townships, Tioga County.
The Water Obstruction and Encroachment and NPDES Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities permits to AES allow the company to proceed with its plans to build wind turbines in the counties.DEP’s Water Obstruction and Encroachment permit will require AES to comply with state regulations for 39 stream and wetland crossings that will impact 250 lineal feet of waterways and 0.75 acres of wetlands.
The NPDES Stormwater Construction Activity permit will regulate earth-moving activities for the turbine pads and 33 miles of road construction on 500 acres. The permit requirements will ensure that sediment runoff caused by precipitation does not impact creeks, streams or residential properties.
Governor Edward G. Rendell signed a bill in early July establishing a $650 million energy fund to support conservation and spur renewable energy development, including $25 million for wind energy and geothermal projects.
During the Rendell administration, Pennsylvania has established itself as a leader in developing and deploying clean renewable energy resources with $1 billion in private investment and the creation of 3,000 jobs in the renewable energy industry.
For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Wind energy.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection
28 July 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/07/28/dep-issues-permits-for-multi-county-wind-project/