Kibby wind expansion hits obstacle
A Canadian wind developer's planned expansion in western Maine is in question after state regulators opposed reviewing the project under an expedited permitting process.
The Land Use Regulation Commission in a straw vote yesterday indicated it would not support TransCanada's request to add 631 acres in Franklin County to the list of territory approved for the state's streamlined permitting process for wind power, according to the Bangor Daily News. TransCanada has proposed adding another 14 turbines on nearby Sisk Mountain to its 44-turbine wind farm on Kibby Mountain, near Stratton.
The commission will formally vote on the proposal at a later meeting, but a majority of members expressed concerns about the project's impact on scenic views, migratory birds and habitat. A TransCanada spokeswoman said the company was disappointed in the straw vote's results but did not say how or if the company would proceed with its plan.
At the same meeting, LURC did agree to consider First Wind's proposal to add 700 acres in northern Washington County to the list of areas included in the expedited permitting process, after some debate. Members expressed concern over designating Kossuth Township as part of the list, a move that would be permanent even if Massachusetts-based First Wind's proposal for a 25-turbine wind farm falls through. The wind farm would include parts of Carroll Plantation, which is already included in the permitting area, so First Wind would have to submit two applications should LURC opt not to reclassify Kossuth Township.
LURC plans to hold public hearings on First Wind's request, according to the paper.
Go to the article from the Bangor Daily News >>
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