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Wind turbines approved for Champaign County

Power Siting Board unanimously votes to approve the Buckeye Wind Project.

Construction on wind project could begin this year

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 8:58 AM Tuesday, March 23, 2010

COLUMBUS — A plan to build more than 50 turbines across Champaign County received the approval of the Ohio Power Siting Board Monday, March 22, but with several conditions.

The 11-member board voted unanimously to approve a proposal for the Buckeye Wind Project, which will be one of the first utility-scale wind projects in the state. The project, developed by Everpower Wind Holdings Inc., will build more than 50 wind turbines in Goshen, Rush, Salem, Union, Urbana and Wayne townships.

Originally, the application submitted to the OPSB sought to build about 70 turbines, but the board voted not to permit 16 of the proposed turbines because they are viewed as a potential hazard to aviation at Grimes and Weller air fields near Urbana. Two additional turbines will not be sited because they did not meet minimum setback requirements. The turbines are supposed to be built 1,000 feet back from roads and structures. In all, there were about 70 conditions required for the project.

Michael Speerschneider, director of development for Everpower, said the company has tried to work closely with the public in developing its application. He said there is more work to be done before construction can begin, but the decision will allow the company to move forward.

Opponents of the project said they will review the decision before deciding the next step.

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