'Homegrown power': $100M Bedford project may bring economic boost

Local News

Discussion

December 6, 2009

By KATHY MELLOTT The Tribune-Democrat Sun Dec 06, 2009, 10:52 PM EST

BEDFORD — Construction could begin in the spring on the first wind farm in Bedford County, a $100 million facility proposed for the top of the Dunning and Evitts mountain range.

Iberdrola Renewables Inc. of Portland Ore., has filed a construction permit application with the state Department of Environmental Protection and review is under way for the Dunning Mountain wind project.

The application spells out Iberdrola’s plans to build 25 windmills stretching about four miles in parts of Bedford, East St. Clair, King and South Woodbury townships.

It will impact about 550 acres with just less than 100 acres listed as “disturbed,” the company’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit spells out.

Iberdrola spokesman Paul Copleman said the company is working to provide clean energy through the Dunning Mountain project and others.

“We are committed to setting a high standard in the industry for responsibly developing wind power,” he said. “This project will create clean, homegrown power and substantial economic benefits for the area.”

The 400-foot-tall windmills will generate a combined total of 48 megawatts, or the electricity needed to power as many as 14,000 homes. Estimates are one megawatt powers between 255 and 300 homes.

Described as the world’s largest owner and operator of renewable energy systems, Iberdrola has been planning the farm since 2005, when it built four wind towers to determine the velocity and consistency of the mountaintop wind. It should be operational by late 2011.

Iberdrola already has secured or is seeking leases with private landowners, according to the permit application maps showing five or six property owners hosting windmills.

While operation of a wind farm requires minimal manpower, Iberdrola officials said there are jobs created during the construction.

The project also could benefit the Gamesa blade facility in Cambria Township.

Source of the blades for Dunning Mountain is yet to be determined, but Iberdrola is a major Gamesa customer and currently is using its blades in multiple sites around the country, Copleman said.

Meanwhile, the project has its opponents and has prompted formation of Save Our Allegheny Ridges or SOAR.

Concerns go beyond the vistas and beauty of the mountain and ridge tops, said SOAR chairwoman Laura Jackson of Everett.

“A lot of people are concerned about property values,” she said.

SOAR is pushing for protection for the timber rattlesnake, endangered bats and the golden eagle.

Copleman said Iberdrola takes wildlife issues seriously.

The company is in the process of determining the scope and details of a rattle-snake study to determine impact, he said.

The potential impact on private and public water sources on the New Enterprise side of the mountain, also needs addressed, Jackson said.

The project could also have a potentially negative impact on the Dutch Corner area, one of the first farming communities in the region recently designated a rural historic district, making it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

But Copleman said indications from state agencies are that the wind farm will have no direct impact on the historic district.

The wind energy giant began operation of the Casselman wind farm in Somerset County in February. It is a 23-turbine facility near Garrett.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
A Boswell-based summer camp is expanding again, with an additional 130 acres of Ligonier-area land expected to provide more space for a growing program for inner-city youth.

February 10, 2012
City not seeking grant for firemen
Six weeks after a second round of layoffs, Johnstown firefighters believe they have found a way to restore their depleted manpower.

February 10, 2012
Six awarded Allegany College scholarships
Six Somerset County residents recently were awarded the Lucas Popernack Memorial Scholarships for study at Allegany College of Maryland in the current 2011-12 academic year.

February 10, 2012
Blogging with heart
Although it was probably high school English classes that propelled by career, I always liked science and history – with some notable, teacher-personality-or-competence-related exceptions.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Commissioners appoint three to arena board
The Cambria County commissioners, looking for new input for the county-owned War Memorial Arena, have appointed three new members to the seven-member War Memorial Authority board.

February 10, 2012
In brief: Police seek suspect in Lower Yoder burglary
West Hills Regional Police are searching for a suspect in the burglary of a Lower Yoder Township home on Tuesday.

February 10, 2012
Lawsuit: Bedford County shooting not 'justified'
The widow of a man who a prosecutor determined committed “suicide by cop” by pointing a weapon at state police during a standoff is suing, claiming the shooting was not justified.

February 10, 2012
Book honors Flight 93 co-pilot Homer
The widow of Flight 93 copilot LeRoy W. Homer Jr. is releasing a book this month on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

February 10, 2012
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

'Homegrown power': $100M Bedford project may bring economic boost

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Contact Us