Lumber company will apply to build Skamania wind farm
The ColumbianWednesday, September 05, 2007
BY KATHIE DURBIN, Columbian staff writer
"SDS Lumber Co. plans to apply for a permit before year's end to build a wind farm in Skamania County that would produce up to 70 megawatts of power."
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/09052007news192087.cfm
White Salmon Enterprise, Sept 6th
SDS and Broughton planning wind project near Willard
Does anyone know what this might mean for Klickitat and those energy overlay zones the County Commissioners created?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Wind Farms Moving Closer: Remember the Energy Overlay Zone?
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8 comments:
Shadowgirl,
I am for these wind generating farms and here is why. If we want to reduce the number of dams to help salmon and we want to reduce carbon emmissions from coal generated eletricity and it's safe to say most people don't want nukes, so we need alternatives like wind generation.
Not everyone can afford their own solar panels and many people don't live where the wind blows even if they could afford their own windmill. I hear a lot of opposition to these wind farms and the EOZ in general, but I never really hear anyone offer alternatives that are economically feasible.
Beatledawg
Hi, Beatledawg:
I totally agree. We need to dismantle as many dams as possible and wind farms seem to be part of the solution. They also provide an additional revenue source for our farmers, etc.
I'm not opposed to the EOZ or wind farms, but I'm just wondering how this will work in Klickitat County.
I read the letter from Doc Hastings where WA State was able to place a wind farm over the objections of the local government based upon the State's mandated energy goals. So, any ideas or info on how this might work if the State looks at placing wind farms in Klickitat County? Can the State require the County to site (x)amount of windmills within the EOZ? The EOZ is quite wide-reaching and there is a lot more development within the zone than when it was first adopted. I'm also not sure if or how much the EOZ usurps the authority of the local city governments or their zoning laws.
I'd like to know how all this might proceed.
Shadowgirl,
I found out some interesting info on the EOZ and the topic of wind generation today and thought I would pass it on to you. I thought it was very positive. It is my understanding that there are currently $2 billion assesed value of wind generation projects currently under way in Klickitat County. That figure equals the assesed value of real estate in the county.........so if I understood this correctly, once they are completed and operational, the assessment tax that goes to help fund county school districts and community hospitals will basically double. If this is the case, why was there so much opposition to the EOZ when it was implimented? Anyone care to chime in?
Beatledawg
One more comment about the title of this topic.......the wind generation in the Willard area is in Skamania County.....I don't think it really has anything to do with the EOZ in Klickitat County........This particular wind farm would have "moved closer" even if we didn't have the EOZ. If I am not mistaken.....this is kind of apples and oranges.
Beatledawg
For what little I know about wind energy I am for it to a point. But as for reducing the number of dams on the Columbia I am totally against. You should realize that dams aren't only for electric power, they also reduce flooding. When I was a little girl I seen the results of the Vanport flood. Just about every year there would be flooding from Cascade Locks to the coast. I favor people over fish. I like the taste of fish, but human life is by far more important to me.
Blue Bell
Bluebell,
I don't think we would ever see the dams on the Columbia removed but I know there are a lot of dams on tributaries that people would like to see taken out and if we could substitute that power with a cleaner source, I am all for it. I didn't know about the flooding issue and that is a very interesting point. The thing I like more than anything is that it gives the farmers an additional revenue source, it is a whole lot cleaner that coal obviously and it generates additional revenue for the county which keeps our taxes down and at the same time helps fund our schools and hospitals.
Beatledawg
I hear people complain about every source of energy we have, whether it is wind farms, nuclear plants, dams, coal, woodburning - you name it. Since they like to stay warm on a cold, icy day, I would like to know how they would like to accomplish that. Wind farms are by far the best alternate along with solar. I would suggest that the wind mills be placed away from residential areas because of the noise they make. In fact, farmers may want to supplement their income with the wind farm, thereby reducing the need for money from the farm bill.
squeaky,
You're wrong about the noise they make. That assumption is based on an old windturbine design that isn't being employed anymore. People get hysterical when they hear that a windfarm might be put next to their property, but much of what they know is limited. I think the real reason for the opposition is because of fear about their land value which might change some if a windturbine was put next to their house. If they plan on living there for the rest of their lives, then they shouldn't worry about it anyways. Don't believe the hype.
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