Wind Power News: Pennsylvania
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
FAA: Broad Mtn. wind farm does not impact airspace
The Federal Aviation Administration says a proposed wind farm on the Broad Mountain will not impact aircraft flying to and from local airports. Last week, the federal agency released its report on the 22 turbines proposed for Packer Township, which if built will reach 655 feet tall. The report determined that the turbines do not create a hazard to air navigation. “This aeronautical study revealed that the structure would have no substantial adverse effect on the safe and efficient utilization . . . Complete story »
Why one Northampton County town is taking action to protect the Appalachian Trail from pipelines and cellphone towers
In an effort to protect their 1½-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, Plainfield Township officials have approved zoning that will prevent projects like natural gas pipelines, wind turbines, solar panels and cellphone towers from being located near the scenic footpath. The ordinance, approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, also addresses mineral extraction, billboards and mobile homes. “I think we always need to be vigilant and concerned about how the trail is going to be impacted. You look . . . Complete story »
Fell Twp. supervisors continue work on wind turbine ordinance
FELL TWP. – The clock is ticking for the township to enact legislation that places restrictions on wind turbines, but supervisors are confident they’ll get it done on time. “We know what (we’ve) got to do, and we’ll get it done,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Joseph Trichilo. About 30 residents piled into the township building Tuesday night for updates on both the upcoming wind turbine ordinance and a future zoning hearing for Pioneer Aggregates’ Simpson Stone Quarry on Route 171. . . . Complete story »
Schuylkill officials consider zoning amendment relating to wind turbines
Schuylkill County officials are considering an amendment to the current county zoning ordinance, regarding regulations for wind turbines. Virginia Morton, of Tower City, addressed the commissioners during the board’s meeting Wednesday. She also spoke during public comment at a previous meeting. At that time, Morton said that a company called Clean Air Generation had leased 12,672 acres owned by Rausch Creek LLC. The lands include acreage in both Hegins and Porter townships. Porter Township used the county zoning ordinance; Hegins . . . Complete story »
Developer of proposed Packer Twp. wind farm files zoning appeal
The company trying to build almost two dozen windmills atop Broad Mountain in Packer Twp. says amendments to the township’s zoning law would effectively block the development of future wind projects within the municipality. On Thursday, Broad Mountain Power LLC filed a formal appeal with the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas challenging recent zoning ordinance amendments made by the township. The challenge seeks to invalidate what the company says are “procedurally flawed” ordinance amendments because the township did not . . . Complete story »
Hegins Township to make own ordinance correction
VALLEY VIEW – Hegins Township supervisors agreed Thursday that a challenge that a potential wind farm developer brought against the township’s zoning ordinance had merit. However, the township will come up with its own correction of that zoning ordinance defect, instead of one suggested by the developer, and may consider a correction to its zoning map. The board, by a 4-0 vote, adopted a resolution rejecting the curative amendment that was brought by Clean Air Generation LLC, of Waverly, opting to . . . Complete story »
Landowners can determine wind project future
I hope the article about the potential wind project in Bedford Co. in the August 7, 2019, Bedford Gazette (“Turbine proposal discussed), was a wakeup call to what is literally on the horizon for residents of South Woodbury, East St. Clair, and Bedford Township (speciVcally in Dutch Corner). CPV Kettle Wind LLC is trying to obtain leases from landowners for wind turbines on top of Dunning and Evitt’s Mountains and right-of-way easements for an overhead transmission line from the top . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines discussed in Bedford Township
The energy company studying the potential for wind turbines in the area of Bedford, East St. Clair and South Woodbury townships cited its development of a natural gas facility in Cambria County as an example of how it will work with local communities in Bedford County. Representatives from Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) met with East St. Clair and Bedford townships on Aug. 6 to notify them of the company’s interest in possibly installing turbines somewhere along the ridges of Dunning . . . Complete story »
Schuylkill County Planning Commission approves letter urging ordinance update
POTTSVILLE – The Schuylkill County Planning Commission on Wednesday approved sending a letter to the county commissioners urging an immediate update to the 2010 zoning ordinance. Nearly 40 people packed into the Hoffman Room of the Schuylkill County Courthouse for the meeting. Many of them were there for two main reasons – to seek an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance addressing wind turbines and to express opposition to Aqua Pennsylvania’s plans for the Eagle Rock ER-7 well station. Virginia Morton – with . . . Complete story »
Petition aims to stiffen wind turbine rules
Virginia Morton will present a petition to the Schuylkill County Planning Commission on Wednesday regarding wind turbine operations in the county. Morton, of Tower City, and the grassroots online citizens’ group she’s formed, Schuylkill County Wind Energy Concerns, want to amend the county’s zoning ordinance to permit industrial wind turbines only by special exception. The petition has been circulating at two locations seeking signatures. The effort is in response to Clean Air Generation LLC leasing 12,672 acres from Rausch Creek . . . Complete story »
