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Achieving a balance between renewable energy and land conservation -- the impact on the Appalachian Trail from Wind Power development.
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The Appalachian Trail & Wind Power
An Uneasy Alliance
Does MATC/AMC Support Wind
Power?• The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) supports
significant increases in renewable energy ………. The MATC recognizes the need to develop wind power as a renewable energy source.
• The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) supports significant increases in renewable energy that result in actual greenhouse gas and air pollutant reductions and is balanced with strong protection of natural and recreational resources of statewide, regional or national significance.
Yes, but a Qualified Yes
5-MILE BUFFER3+ CLASS WIND SHADED
CIRCLE SIZE & PLACEMENT APPROXIMATE
Potential Wind Power
Conflict Areas in Maine
“Energy Issues: Because there are both societal benefits to renewable energy and
significant adverse impacts associated with the installation of wind farms, the benefits of any
individual project must be weighed in relation to the costs. Some of these factors include:
Source of power that is likely to be displaced by the wind farm: Will the wind displace fossil-fuel
plants or other renewable sources? (This is a remarkably complex question, but in some circumstances it
seems likely that wind will not displace fossil fuels, but rather will lead to closure of biomass generation or increased
peaking of hydroelectric dams.)Power production in relation to the severity of
impacts: Will the amount of power produced be in proportion to the severity of the impacts?”
Policy on Wind-Energy Facilities(As adopted by the ATC Board of Directors on November 3, 2007)
Reddington Wind
Permit denied in 2007
2008 Wind Energy Act
• Wind Projects are a Permissible Use in LURC Jurisdiction
• Wind Power is Presumed “Good”
• No Visual Impact if > 8 miles
• Expedited Areas, fees and procedures.
A.T.
First Wind’s Bingham Wind will be its 6th & Largest Project
62 turbines492-ft tallBase Elevation 1,400’ - 1,800’All > 7 miles from the A.T.
Visual Simulation of View from Bald Mountain -- provided by First
Wind
N
S
Bald Mountain Pond
Northeast Shoreline Protected
from Development
Protection for some Combination of Conservation
Land
Protection of a Potential Wind
Power Mountain
Ridge
Protection of Crocker Mtn. &/or Orbeton
Stream
Protection, Mitigation & Enhancement (PME) Agreement
• Radar Activated Lighting
• Orbeton viewshed
• Minimize Visual Impact on Bald Mtn. Pond
• Conservation Land Protection
• A.T. Related Issues Resolved
•MATC/AMC will not Oppose Project
•No Collaboration with other Opposition Parties
•MATC/AMC Signs PME Agreement
Record Hill
Record Hill from East Baldpate. Mt. Blue in the Distance.
Cumulative Impact
• 8-mile, 15-mile & 25-mile rings.
• Existing (402 MW) and developing projects (382 MW).
• 850 MW in planning – not shown.
Western Range project: Iberdrola
Higher Turbines
120 m394-ft.
150 m492-ft.
175 m574-ft.
2008 2012 2015
Wind Assessment Study
• 15 wind-related bills submitted to Legislature in 2011.
• All rejected by EUT committee & Governor.
• Under pressure, passed a “resolve”.
• 25 Recommendations to Improve the current Wind Act.
• Visual assessments up to 15 miles.
• Consider cumulative visual impacts.
• Require DEP approved Decommissioning Plan.
An Act to Protect Maine’s Scenic
CharacterLD 1147
.
More than 50% of Maine’s wind generating capacity was built prior to the Wind Act.
After 7 years, it is time to recalibrate the Wind Act to better balance wind power development with protection of Maine’s “Quality of Place”.
Amendments to the Act will not stop future wind power development.
Appalachian Mountain Club
• Over 100,000 members
• Joy Street, Boston office
• Social activities, kayak trips, hikes, etc.
• Enjoy the Outdoors
Maine Appalachian Trail Club
• About 700 members
• Augusta post office box
• Chainsaw training, stone steps, clipping, etc.
• Work so others can enjoy the A.T.