January 12, 2016
Ohio

Indian Lake residents reach agreement with wind farm developer

1/12/2016 By Bill Tipple peakofohio.com

Over the past eight months, wind developer EverPower has been meeting to hear the concerns of citizens and landowners in the Indian Lake area, where the company plans to construct its Scioto Ridge Wind Farm.

As a result, EverPower has agreed to reduce the number of turbines in the project to address concerns regarding viewshed from the lake.

Residents were concerned that turbines were going to be built too close to the Indian Lake State Park.

“We have listened to residents’ concerns and we are sensitive to the viewshed and proximity issues raised, and through mutual agreement, have agreed to remove a significant amount of turbines,” announced Chris Shears, Chief Development Officer for EverPower. “This will make for a more compact project that we are now focused on moving to construction by the end of 2016.”

“Knowing that EverPower was willing to listen to our concerns and make adjustments to their plan makes me feel much better about the project moving forward,” said Jim Rudolph, an Indian Lake resident. “I’m confident this will be a positive for our community in terms of recreation, tourism and development.”

The proposed wind farm is sited on a number of privately owned farms in Logan and Hardin counties and will provide over $1 million in annual landowner payments once operating. The project will now consist of up to 107 turbines that will produce approximately 225 MW of electricity at full output; enough to power 50,000 homes on average.

During the construction period, approximately 150 full and part-time jobs will be created. Once the project is operational, it will require 14 full-time employees and will generate around $1.8 million in annual revenue to local governments and school districts.

“Striking a balance with the community’s concerns, while allowing a large, secure, clean energy project to proceed is a win for everybody,” said Jason Dagger, project manager for EverPower. “We are excited to move forward with the potential of up to a $250 million investment in Hardin and Logan counties.”

“With the support of the Indian Lake community, including residents, businesses, and elected officials, the board members labored many hours to protect the tranquil beauty of this treasure, which belongs to all Ohio residents,” said Don Eggenschwiller, president of Logan Hardin County Neighbors United. “We appreciated the professionalism of the staff of EverPower, which helped produce this historic agreement.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/01/12/indian-lake-residents-reach-agreement-with-wind-farm-developer/