National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Iberdrola moving forward with wind projects in Lewis, St. Lawrence counties

Iberdrola Renewables is still in the process of lining up a pair of wind projects in St. Lawrence and Lewis counties.

This week, Iberdrola filed a Public Involvement Program plan with the Public Service Commission for the proposed Deer River Wind Farm in Lewis County. Iberdrola spokesman Paul N. Copleman said PIP plans explain how the company plans to inform the public of a wind project’s progress. The 40-turbine Deer River Wind Farm is slated to be built within the towns of Pinckney, Harrisburg and Montague. The project does require a transmission line that crosses into the town of Rodman in Jefferson County, which must be included in the Article 10 review process. No turbines will be constructed in Jefferson County, however.

Iberdrola also submitted a PIP plan for the North Ridge Wind Farm project for the towns of Hopkinton and Parishville in St. Lawrence County. That project will also be comprised of 40 turbines.

In 2012, Parishville adopted its wind law to create a wind overlay zone in anticipation for the North Ridge project. For the Deer River Wind Farm, Iberdrola proposed installing a 197-foot-tall tower off Route 177 in Pinckney to test wind conditions for the project. The Lewis County Planning Board approved the tower in March.

Copleman said the PIP plans are the next steps in a long road ahead. “We’re still very early in a long development process that will have plenty of opportunities for people to learn more and have discussions about the project, the lengthy permitting process, and the local economic benefits for the landowners and the community,” he said.