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WIND PLANT SITING ISSUES

Sam EnfieldAtlantic Renewable Energy Corporation

Wind Powering America2nd Mid-Atlantic Regional Workshop

February 26, 2003Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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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

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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)

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• Aesthetics

• Sound & Flicker

• Wildlife Impacts

• Avian Impacts

• Radio/TV Interference

• Sedimentation

Wind Plant Siting Issues

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• 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

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The Mill Run Wind Power Project

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The Mill Run Wind Power Project

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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

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Wildlife Impacts

Several Species of Possible Concern

• Indiana Bat

• Northern Flying Squirrel

• Others

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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

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Radio/TV Interference

• Licensed Transmission Pathways Legally Protected

• Greater Population Density (than West) Increases Likelihood of

Interference

• Competition for Elevated Sites

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Sedimentation

• “Most serious form of water pollution in mountainous West Virginia”

• Greater rainfall (than West) generates more runoff, but also supports more vegetation

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…Questions?ATLANTIC RENEWABLE