News
Planning for New Wind Turbines in Columbia and Garfield Counties Moves Forward
by Ken Graham
Draft Environmental Impact Statement Open Houses
Pomeroy
Wednesday, September 9th
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Pomeroy High SchoolDayton
Thursday, September 10th
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Seneca Activity Center
In August, a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) covering the proposed Lower Snake River Wind Energy Project was completed and released for public comment. The new project will be developed by Puget Sound Energy, and preparation of the EIS is part of the permitting process. The public comment period runs through September 16th.
PSE has filed an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in Garfield County and plans a CUP application later this year in Columbia County. The proposed project will be located in areas of northern Columbia County and western Garfield County. In their Garfield County CUP application, PSE proposes to construct and operate approximately 795 wind turbines that would have a maximum generating capacity of up to 1,432 MW of electricity in the two Counties.
"The Lower Snake River project will add to our state's clean energy resources while at the same time bringing new economic opportunities for families in Dayton, Pomeroy and Starbuck," says Paul Weigand, vice president of power generation for PSE.
An open house will be held in Dayton on September 10th at the Seneca Activity Center, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., to give local residents a chance to learn more about the new project and the EIS. Residents will also be able to submit written comments on the EIS at that time. An open house will also be held in Pomeroy on September 9th at Pomeroy High School, also from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Copies of the EIS will be available for review at the open houses. The EIS is also available for review at the Columbia County Public Works Department and the Columbia County Planning Department office. The EIS can be viewed on line at www.co.garfield.wa.us, or a free CD containing the information can be picked up at the Columbia County Planning Department office.
Planning for the new Lower Snake River Wind project began in 2008, and was originally a joint effort between PSE and Renewable Energy Systems (RES Americas). In July, PSE signed an agreement to become sole owner of the project, with RES as the prime contractor. As sole owner of the project, PSE will oversee all development, design and construction of the wind facility, as well as its operation when in service.