May 11, 2012
Quebec, Vermont

Enter the Canadians

By Laura Carpenter, The Newport Daily Express, newportvermontdailyexpress.com 10 May 2012

DERBY, VT/STANSTEAD, QUE. – Stanstead can now officially intervene on the proposed Derby Line Wind project, according to an order by the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) issued May 9.

Stanstead residents and town officials are in an uproar over the proposed project and have held rallies against it. Stanstead Mayor Philippe Dutil even threatened to shut off the water to Beebe Plains, VT, if Vermont towns and villages on the border support the project.

The Town of Stanstead requested to intervene because of the proximity of the project to Stanstead residents, according to the motion.

Stanstead says the project would affect residents with noise, visual and light impacts, and many other issues.

PSB hearing officer John Cotter granted permissive intervention for Stanstead officials to provide testimony of the potential impact to the orderly development of the region, potential impacts on the natural environment and historical sites, aesthetics north of the border, and impacts on the water supply and purity on the International Water Company.

Stanstead also wanted to intervene on economic impacts from the project in Vermont, but that was denied. The project developer, Encore Redevelopment, LLC of Burlington, did not object to Stanstead’s involvement, except for any testimony on the economic impact. And Encore said it would only support the motion from Stanstead if the town agreed to not request extension in the schedule.

The Department of Public Service sent a letter stating support for Stanstead in the PSB process.

Cotter has also issued an order suspending the schedule. Parties had until May 11 to file testimony, however that deadline will now be reschedule.

Encore wants to construct two turbines, more than 400 feet tall each, on two farms just east of Derby Line on the US-Canadian border, and is seeking two Certificates of Public Good. Despite opposition, the developers continue moving forward, maintaining that there is also support.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/11/enter-the-canadians/