First Wind submits new, smaller Bowers Wind project proposal

Thursday, Nov 01, 2012

Champlain Wind LLC, a project company of First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company, has submitted an application to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a revised 48 megawatt (MW) Bowers Wind project that has 40 percent fewer turbines than an earlier proposal. The proposed project will be located in Penobscot and Washington Counties. Several public health groups, neighboring landowners, environmental organizations, and sportsman associations have pledged their support for the revised project.

The Maine DEP has accepted the application and the project now enters the review process, with support from statewide environmental, public health and recreational groups such as Maine Audubon, American Lung Association of the Northeast, Conservation Law Foundation, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, and the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club. The project has also been endorsed by the Washington County Commissioners and the Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC).

“This is a $100 million project that would be located in rural Maine and has the potential to put nearly 100 Maine companies and hundreds of Mainers to work during the construction phase, with several permanent positions for the life of the project,” said Matt Kearns, Vice President of Northeast Business Development for First Wind. “The wind industry has invested more than $1 billion in Maine over the last few years and with projects like this we can continue to invest in Maine companies, communities, students and organizations.”

“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,” said Neil Kiely, Director of Development for First Wind. “Although it is early in the review process, we are extremely encouraged by the support we have received.”

Source: Business Wire