National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Recycled water project in Pittsburg and Antioch could be powered by the wind

ANTIOCH – A highly-visible wind turbine could soon power a project that delivers recycled water from a local sanitary district to public landscaping.

Delta Diablo Sanitation District is looking at building a 327-foot-high turbine to provide about two-thirds of the power for the recycled water project in Pittsburg and Antioch.

Officials presented the plan to Antioch leaders Tuesday to get initial feedback and so there are “no surprises,” Delta Diablo general manager Gary Darling said.

The power generator will be located on Delta Diablo’s waterfront property on the Pittsburg/Antioch border, though technically in Antioch.

The turbine, which is similar to those seen across the San Joaquin River from the city, will generate about a megawatt of power, Darling said.

“We see this as a great way to link green technologies. It fits well with our goal of being good stewards of the environment,” he said.

Artist renderings showed the turbine would be visible from throughout Pittsburg and Antioch – a point of contention for Antioch leaders.

“The object seems very obstructive,” Councilwoman Mary Rocha said.

“It’s right in the middle of all our views. I have to be honest, I’m not real hot about it,” added Councilman Gary Agopian, who asked if the district had considered solar panels as an alternative.

The wind option made the most cost sense, Darling said.

Councilmembers also raised potential environmental concerns about birds getting caught in the blades. The blades turn slow enough that it should not be a problem, Delta Diablo officials said.

The turbine project is still about a year away, as it must go through the state environmental review and permitting process.

Delta Diablo will present the turbine proposal to the Pittsburg City Council on March 7.