Champlain Wind LLC, a project company of wind energy developer First Wind, has submitted an application to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a revision to its original design for the 48 MW Bowers Wind project, which is proposed for Maine's Penobscot and Washington counties.
Key changes to the project's design including the following:
The number of turbines would be reduced by 40% (from 27 turbines to 16 turbines);
The turbine locations would be reconfigured in response to feedback to the original project design;
The turbines would be moved further away from nearby lakes;
More efficient turbines would be used (each turbine’s generating capacity would be increased by 30%);
The wind project would feature aviation lighting that is radar-controlled in order to reduce the effects of nighttime lighting, and the radar-controlled lights would stay off until planes approach;
A new watershed fund would be created, and the dollars could be used to improve deer herd and promote local guiding and other tourism businesses; and
The project would connect with the generator lead from the 83 MW Stetson Wind project near Danforth, Maine.
“Since 2009, we have been listening to people who live in and around the project area to make sure that their input is considered in the design of the project,” says Neil Kiely, First Wind’s director of development. “Although it is early in the review process, we are extremely encouraged by the support we have received.”
About 144 residents live in the host community of Carroll Plantation. Recently, 112 residents and landowners have signed a petition in support for the project.
