News Summary

NORTH LEWISBURG — EverPower Renewables Corp. is making progress on a proposal that would eventually dot Champaign County with wind turbines, but in the meantime, residents got a chance to ask questions about the project.

On Tuesday, June 10, dozens of residents filed into Triad High School, seeking information on the proposal that, if approved, would place between 120 and 150 wind turbines along a ridge that runs along the east side of Champaign County. While there was no formal question and answer session, residents were able to wander between several displays. Representatives from the New York-based company answered questions ranging from how bird and bat studies are conducted to the impact of the turbines on the environment. Many residents said they were excited about the possibility of a commercial wind project in Champaign County, while others who live in the area said they had concerns about the impact of the turbines in their neighborhoods.

Gerald Connolly, of Champaign County, said he has agreed to allow the company to place about six turbines on his property, and so far he believes Everpower has been helpful in answering questions he had. He attended Tuesday's open house to get a better idea of where the turbines may be constructed, although none of the sites have been finalized.

"Some of the people that are against them I think, are worrying about nothing," he said.

Jim Bartlett, also of Champaign County, said he is not opposed to wind energy in general, but had concerns about how close the turbines would be to his home.

Howard Petricoff, legal counsel for the project, said several studies, including the impact on birds and bats in the area, are still being conducted. EverPower will likely submit their application to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio sometime this summer. In all, he said the approval process for the project will likely take about six months.

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