Originally limited to 115 speakers, wind farm hearing opened to 1,000+
Credit: "Horse Heaven wind farm hearing opened to 1,000+. See if you’re eligible to speak" | "More eligible to speak at Horse Heaven WA wind farm hearing" | By Annette Cary | August 21, 2023 | tri-cityherald.com ~~
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Far more people are eligible to speak at a public hearing next week on the proposed Horse Heaven wind farm just south of Kennewick and Benton City than the 115 people a state agency originally said.
Incorrect information was released because a key staff member keeping records that showed who could speak was on leave, according to the Washington state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council on Thursday.
Now the agency says anyone who commented on one or more specific issues for the Horse Heaven no later than Jan. 31, 2023, may sign up to speak at a public hearing 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. That would make more than 1,000 people eligible to comment.
The majority, but not all, of those comments can be found at bit.ly/HorseHeavenComments under “Comments Received.”
If you want to speak and want to make sure you are eligible, email efsec@efsec.wa.gov to inquire or call 360-664-1345.
Those allowed to comment at the Aug. 23 hearing, which is being held by phone or internet, are asked to comment only on issues they specifically raised previously.
They need to register to speak in advance by calling 360-664-1345 or emailing efsec@efsec.wa.gov before 5 p.m. Aug. 23.
Comments also can be sent to comments@efsec.wa.gov or P.O. Box 43172, Olympia, WA 98504-3172.
Comments from people who did not meet the Jan. 31 deadline will not be included in the adjudicative record but will be saved as a general comment.
Anyone may observe the hearing. Go to bit.ly/HHAdj_Aug23-PublicComment or call 564-999-2000 and use ID 6326170#.
At the Wednesday hearing Administrative Law Judge Adam Torem will hear concerns about the proposed project that would stretch 24 miles along the Horse Heaven Hills from south of Finley to south of Benton City.
Scout Clean Energy has provided two alternatives for state officials to consider.
Up to 244 turbines would stand about 500 feet tall, unless Scout opts to go with fewer but taller turbines. Then there would be 150 turbines with blades extending about 670 feet high, which is taller than the Seattle Space Needle.
The project site would be 112 square miles, although the developed area of the project would cover only about 10 square miles.
Much of the land is privately owned and used for dryland wheat farming and livestock grazing. Some of the land is managed by the Washington state Department of Natural Resources.
The project also would include solar facilities and battery storage, for a maximum output of up to 1,150 megawatts, depending on the weather.
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