July 14, 2011
Vermont

Developers tout “community-sized” wind project to Derby officials

By Laura Carpenter, The Newport Daily Express, newportvermontdailyexpress.com 12 July 2011

DERBY LINE- A group of Vermont companies are working with two Derby Line farmers to install a 425 foot, 2.2-megawatt turbine on each farm. Each proposed turbine would produce enough power for about 900 average size homes.
Company spokespeople held an informational public meeting Tuesday evening in Derby Line. Village Trustees and Derby Selectmen were present along with about 40 Northeast Kingdom residents.
The companies, Encore Redevelopment, Blue Wave Capital, and Northern Power systems are working with communities to find out if the project is what the people want. They will negotiate tax payments and will work with residents who would be affected by the turbines, including people north of the Canadian-U.S. border.
The companies will only move forward if they feel there is community support and they will rely on public meetings, and the local government to gauge that support.
The new technology associated with the turbines uses permanent magnet direct drive and does not require a gear box, thereby eliminating most sound. The turbines are slow rotating. They would however create some shadows. There is no concern over ice throw as they are designed to prevent ice build-up.
The devlopers say the process will take about 18 months and they hope to have the turbines installed and producing power by December of 2012.
The turbines would be located on agricultural land on knolls. The companies contend that small scale projects, which are not on ridglines, are far less controversial than utility scale projects. They also point out that the project’s footprint would be minimal. Roads will be built on the land, and no wetlands have been found in the areas near the proposed sites of Grand View Farms and the Chase Farm. Farmers would receive lease payments for hosting the system.
Developers pointed to many studies that indicate property resale values are not affected in a negative way.
They also pointed to studies that show no health effects.
Developers plan to file an application for a Certificate of Public Good with the Public Service Board by the end of summer. They will hold addition public meetings.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/14/developers-tout-community-sized-wind-project-to-derby-officials/