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October 21, 2011

LURC poised to reject First Wind project

By The Mainebiz News Staff

A proposed wind farm in eastern Maine seems likely to be rejected, after the Land Use Regulation Commission deemed it detrimental to scenic views.

Massachusetts-based First Wind has proposed building a 19-turbine wind farm on Bowers Mountain on the border of Penobscot and Washington counties, but the $136 million project has earned the opposition of registered Maine Guides, sporting camp owners and residents who say the turbines would affect scenic views, according to the Bangor Daily News. On Wednesday, LURC directed staff to prepare an order denying the application, citing "adverse impacts on scenic resources." The commission is expected to vote on the order in December.

First Wind officials and project supporters said the project would create construction jobs and generate money for local communities. Spokesman Matt Kearns told the paper the company is committed to the project and evaluating its options. Earlier this month, LURC approved First Wind's 19-turbine Bull Hill wind farm in Hancock County.

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