June 12, 2011
Connecticut

Wind farms far from reality; Site approvals only 1 step in extensive process

BY ALEC JOHNSON, REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN, www.rep-am.com 12 June 2011

COLEBROOK – The Connecticut Siting Council’s approval this month of two wind farms in town, the first commercial wind turbines in Connecticut, is only another step in a $24 million project for BNE Energy.

Work at either the Rock Hall Road or Flagg Hill Road site is far from happening. The company faces a more detailed review of their plans and possible appeals before any construction can begin. Too long of a delay could jeopardize federal funding that BNE hopes will cover up to 30 percent of the project.

First, the siting council requires the company, whose offices are in West Hartford, to provide more detailed plans for both the development and management of the turbines. Once those plans are submitted, the council will take up to 45 days to a review, comment and possibly require changes before allowing the projects to proceed, said Melanie Bachman, the council’s staff attorney. Bachman said the process is nearly as laborious as the months of testimony and cross examination that went into the council’s findings of facts on which they based their favorable ruling.

Until that review is completed, “they can’t commence any site clearing or anything,” she said. That includes a requirement of the council that the company rebuild Rock Hall Road, to fortify it so it can hold heavy machinery.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/12/wind-farms-far-from-reality-site-approvals-only-1-step-in-extensive-process/