June 11, 2012
Maine

Opposition grows against Passadumkeag wind project proposal

Written by Danielle Waugh, WCSH 6 News | www.wcsh6.com 10 June 2012

GRAND FALLS TOWNSHIP, Maine (NEWS CENTER) – For people living near Burlington, the Passadumkeag Mountain may look like home. But for workers at a Texas energy company, the mountain looks like wind power.

Texas-based alternative energy company Quantum Utility Generation has proposed a 14 turbine wind project at the Grand Falls Township site.

The Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing the company’s permit application, and is expected to have a decision by August.

According to a spokesperson from the DEP, the Passadumkeag project would span more than 97 acres. Each turbine tower would be about 460 feet tall.

Members of an opposition group, Passadumkeag Mountain Friends, think it’s too obstructive.

“We value this area very much for its remoteness, for its unspoiled qualities,” said PMF spokesperson Elizabeth Johns.

“We think a wind development is an inappropriate thing to put in the middle of what’s really a beautiful area,” said Johns.

For a business owner nearby, the region’s beauty means business.

Jeffrey Harriman, owner of Nicatous Lodge & Camps, joined the opposition group because he thinks the wind turbines will deter customers.

“We’re going to lose the business of the people that come here, to Vacationland,” said Harriman.

“This is what we’ve got left in the state of Maine, is Vacationland.”

A representative from Quantum Utility Generation was not available for comment.

The DEP will hold a meeting for public comment at the Greenbush Town Office on July 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/11/opposition-grows-against-passadumkeag-wind-project-proposal/