The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Everpower to apply for wind project

Ferguson attempts suicide after being found guilty on all 32 counts
12:48 a.m.
State jobless rate jumps to 10.5 percent
10:12 p.m.
Attorneys question turbine report
9:55 p.m.
Longtime Springfield schools secretary to retire after 44 years
8:14 p.m.
NASA images to be unveiled at Urbana University
6:32 p.m.
> More headlines

By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 8:06 PM Friday, April 24, 2009

URBANA — Everpower Renewables is expected to proceed with a project that would build numerous wind turbines in the eastern part of Champaign County.

Michael Speerschneider, a spokesman for the New York-based company, said an application for the project was expected to be delivered to the Ohio Power Siting Board Friday, April 24.

The project, which has been in the stages since 2006, would include building more than 70 turbines across 6 townships in Champaign County, Speerschneider said. He said it would take about a year for the application to be reviewed by the state.

The power generated from the turbines will be added to the electric grid, and sold on the open market to companies such as AEP, FirstEnergy and Buckeye Power. Turbines may be located in Goshen, Rush, Salem, Union, Urbana and Wayne Twps.

Speerschneider said it will also create about 10 to 12 full-time jobs for maintenance and operation of the turbines.

“We think this is a very well put together project,” Speerschneider said. “It’s in a good spot with a lot of advantages.”

Speerschneider cited several studies, including avian and bat surveys and groundwater assessments, with the application. He anticipates few issues, if any.

Construction of the wind turbines could begin as early as next summer.

“We don’t anticipate and significant issues,” he said. Hopefully we’ve addressed them up front.”

Some community members, however, argued more information should have been available to the public about the project in advance.

At a public information session about the turbines last year, Diane McConnell, a member of Union Neighbors United, raised a concern that the exact locations of the turbines were not disclosed. The organization has argued for tougher setbacks from homes.

“We aren’t against wind,” she said, “but we feel (the turbines) should be placed in an unpopulated area with a buffer zone with at least two miles around them.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

Share this article

ADD COMMENT

Comments feed

This is a normal reaction from local homeowners. They like the idea of wind power, but "Nor in my backyard". I can agree with a residential buffer zone. However, the citizens requirement for "2 miles" from any resident would allow for no turbines. 2 miles is an unacceptable requirement.
Someone with a reasonable request could get a lot more accomplished than what is being asked by opponents. Get real opponents. It is going to happen, compromise is in order, not unacceptable demands.

L Berry
8:50 AM, 4/27/2009

REPORT ABUSE

There is only one place in Clark County that could probably support wind power, which is in the Northeast corner, near to Champaign County, where they are discussing putting these wind turbines.

Bob
12:52 PM, 4/25/2009

REPORT ABUSE

LD,

Here is a good website to learn more about home wind turbines: ( http://www.home-wind-turbines.com )

Here is another site: ( http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/... ) which illustrates a potential problem in our area - low wind power class - turbines require a minimum wind power to turn the turbine and Clark County is in a low power area which may make it difficult to operate.

You may want to consider looking into solar power.

HopeThisHelps
1:31 PM, 4/24/2009

REPORT ABUSE

I would like to know more about household turbines. The pros and cons, cost, etc... Any good reference material for our area (Clark County)? Thanks.

LD
9:07 AM, 4/24/2009

REPORT ABUSE

We welcome your comments. Please remember this is a public forum and behave appropriately. Your comments must conform to our visitor's agreement.