WIND PLANT SITING ISSUES Sam Enfield Atlantic Renewable Energy Corporation Wind Powering America 2...
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Transcript of WIND PLANT SITING ISSUES Sam Enfield Atlantic Renewable Energy Corporation Wind Powering America 2...
WIND PLANT SITING ISSUES
Sam EnfieldAtlantic Renewable Energy Corporation
Wind Powering America2nd Mid-Atlantic Regional Workshop
February 26, 2003Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
Atlantic Renewable
Developer of wind projects in the EasternUnited States:
•2000: 11.5 MW Madison (NY) PG&E Generating
•2001: 15.0 MW Mill Run (PA)9.0 MW Somerset (PA)30.0 MW Fenner (NY) CHI Energy
•2002: 66 MW Mountaineer (WV) FPL Energy•2003 & Beyond: >350 MW of projects under
development in NY, PA and WV
The Mill Run Wind Power Project
• Ten 1.5 MW GE turbines
• Operational October 2001
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
The Somerset Wind Power Project
• Six 1.5 MW GE turbines
• Operational October 2001
• Distinct Ridgelines
• Forest Cover
• Population Density
• Previously Mined
Wind Plant Site Characteristics in
the Mid-Atlantic Region(Allegeheny Plateau)
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
• Aesthetics
• Sound & Flicker
• Wildlife Impacts
• Avian Impacts
• Radio/TV Interference
• Sedimentation
Wind Plant Siting Issues
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
• Subjective – Most Do Not Find Them Objectionable, Some Do
• Use of Prominent Ridgelines Increases Visibility
• Visual Impact of Tree Clearing
• Aviation Warning Lights
• Haze – Visibility 1/3 to 1/4 of Historical – Sulfates the Major Factor
Aesthetics
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
The Mill Run Wind Power Project
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
The Mill Run Wind Power Project
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
Sound & Flicker
• Typically an Issue Only for Receptors (Homes) Within 1500 Feet of Turbines
• Background Sound Levels Typically Low in Rural Areas
• Topography Can Shelter Receptors from Wind, Increasing Relative Contribution by Turbines
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
Wildlife Impacts
Several Species of Possible Concern
• Indiana Bat
• Northern Flying Squirrel
• Others
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
Avian Impacts
• Little Experience with Wind/Avian Issue in Region
• Concern that Appalachian Ridges Constitute Major Migration Pathways, thus Pose Risk to Migrating Raptors and Songbirds
• Studies Do Not Indicate Major Migration Use
• Migration Not Correlated with Risk
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
Radio/TV Interference
• Licensed Transmission Pathways Legally Protected
• Greater Population Density (than West) Increases Likelihood of
Interference
• Competition for Elevated Sites
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
Sedimentation
• “Most serious form of water pollution in mountainous West Virginia”
• Greater rainfall (than West) generates more runoff, but also supports more vegetation
ATLANTIC RENEWABLE
…Questions?ATLANTIC RENEWABLE