National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Wind turbine project to start Nov. 2

Construction of Consumers Energy’s Lake Winds Energy Park is set to begin Nov. 2 providing a road agreement is reached between the company and the Mason County Road Commission.

Reaching an agreement on road use between the company and county road commission is necessary as part of the special land use permit for Consumers Energy’s planned wind farm in Riverton and Summit townships.

Dennis Marvin of Consumers Energy said the utility is hoping to get that fully resolved by the scheduled start date of Nov. 2.

White Construction, lead contractor for the wind turbine project, is expected to start construction of access roads and turbine foundations this fall, keeping on track with Consumers anticipated completion of the project by the end of 2012.

Marvin said residents may start to see construction signs put out by White Construction before Nov. 2; however, no actual construction will begin before then.

Residents of Riverton and Summit townships can also expect a general construction announcement letter from Consumers Energy in their mail later this week, Marvin said.

The company is constructing a wind farm consisting of 56 476-foot tall wind turbines in Riverton and Summit townships.

Consumers Energy is urging motorists to be alert for construction traffic in Riverton and Summit townships, as well as throughout the county since many of the construction materials are coming from west Michigan area suppliers.

Construction materials and equipment will be transported into the project area using Pere Marquette Highway and Stiles Road.

The next phase of the project is slated to begin in spring of 2012. Consumers Energy will issue more advisories at that time.

No wind turbine components, such as blades, will be installed or received until the spring of 2012.