The Springwater Preservation Committee

Springwater Preservation Committee

Springwater wind farm project could start next year
From the Genesee Country Express, October 5, 2003 -- By Peter Vogt

SPRINGWATER- -

In March of 2002, Bill Moore of Atlantic Renewable Energy Corp., addressed the Springwater town council concerning a proposed wind farm in the township. Since that initial presentation, there has been little to no further discussion, leaving some people to wonder if the project proposal had been little more than hot air. Well, it was not, and Monday night Moore was again before the town board, this time to update the members on what has been going on.

“We are still actively planning for this project,” Moore explained. “It required a couple years of studying the data, and now is the time to reengage the board.” Given the data to date and the improving market for green (environment friendly) power sources in the state, Moore added that Atlantic Renewable is reasonably sure the project will go forward. “It is hoped that we can start construction next year,” he stated. The site, on the ridge line west and south of Tabor’s Corners, does appear to be an excellent wind site. In fact, two more measurement towers have been placed on the hill to collect more data.

Depending on the turbine selection and the project’s final design, Moore expects it to have about 15 generators, spread out over three or four farms and 2-3 miles, with a production output of 23 MW, enough power for 5000 people/500 homes. Before actual work can begin, Atlantic will have to negotiate with the individual farmers and with the New York State Electric & Gas, whose utility power grid the company will have to interconnect with. Also, there will have to be a tax agreement with the town. Wind generators can be exempted from property taxes if the taxing entity agrees. Moore said that instead of taxes, the company’s practice has generally been to agree to a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) at a rate of as much as $5,000 per mega watt. That could mean upwards of $115,000 annually for the town if production is 23 MW.

Moore described the towers as about 80 meters high. The blades would be another 80 meters in diameter, raising the total height to 120 meters….The sound created by the blades would be minimal, well within acceptable levels, he said. The biggest impact of the towers will be visual. “There is a way to hide that sort of structure,” remarked Moore. “The visual impact is not to be denied.” Moore suggested that perhaps an open house at the town hall showing preliminary plans and answering questions would be a good idea.

Town historian Havilah Toland responded, saying, “Public relations is very important. When you mention an open house, sounds excellent to me.”

Atlantic Renewable has offices in both Maryland and Virginia. The company has seven projects in the eastern United States, five in the Atlantic states. Two are in New York (Madison Co.,), with a major project being put together at Flatrock in the Tug Hill region of the state near Lowville in Lewis County.

Bill Moore is a principal in the company and is responsible for Atlantic Renewable’s projects in New York. In addition, Moore is responsible for all real estate and project financing aspects of Atlantic Renewable’s projects. He works out of Atlantic Renewable’s Maryland office.

Return to the Home Page