Bat safety concerns hold up wind farm review
Regulatory review of what could be the third-largest wind farm in the state is on hold out of concern for the project’s potential threat to birds and bats in the area.
The Kennebec Journal reported there is no estimated timeline for a decision by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection regarding First Wind’s 62-turbine Bingham wind project. Regulators previously expected a decision on the wind farm this month.
Bob Stratton, supervisor of fisheries and wildlife support for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, said the DEP may revise its recommendations about the turning speed of the turbines, based on estimated impacts on bird and bat populations.
The department has given closer attention to bat populations because two species in the Bingham area are being evaluated for listing under state and federal endangered species laws.
Dan Courtemanch, the project manager for the DEP’s Division of Land Resource Regulation, told the paper the department plans to review the information and set a public hearing early next year.
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