February 14, 2014
Vermont

Third industrial wind forum set for Feb. 21

Brattleboro Reformer | 02/14/2014 | www.reformer.com

GRAFTON – A public forum on the impact of industrial wind towers on the watershed – and how these projects may affectrivers and streams is slated for Friday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the White Church, 55 Main Street. This is the third forum on wind development in rural communities sponsored by Vermonters for a Clean Environment, a statewide not-for-profit organization.

The full panel includes Geoff Goll, an expert in water resource engineering. He has testified before the Vermont House and Senate regarding the impacts of high elevation energy projects on water resources. The focus of Goll’s talk will be on watersheds and how industrial wind facilities may affect rivers and streams. He has extensive experience in consulting for storm water management, river and stream restoration, and wetland mitigation. He is also an expert in subsurface investigations, geotechnical design, soils classification and engineering, and the design of dredging, dam rehabilitation, and marine structure projects. His experience in the areas of subsurface investigation includes test borings in soil, bedrock and in-lake and harbor sediment.

In addition, Steve Wright, a former commissioner of Vermont Fish and Wildlife and long-time member of the State Environmental Board who is familiar with Lowell Mountain will answer questions.

Robert McCafferty, a realtor active in southern Vermont has been invited to join the panel in response to the interest in property values and the impact of wind development.

Iberdrola Renewables, the fourth largest energy company in the world, has recently erected three test towers, two in Windham and one in Grafton, on land owned by New Hampshire-based Meadowsend Timberlands Limited.

All are welcome to attend this free event. Free sandwiches and beverages will be served.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/14/third-industrial-wind-forum-set-for-feb-21/