Whistling Ridge Wind Interconnection Project - scoping
The following comments were submitted in response to the open comment period described below.
Comments are numbered consecutively as they are received. Breaks in the number sequence result when comments are deleted because they
were submitted in error or have inappropriate content (such as SPAM). If you do not see your comment two business days after
you submit it, please contact (800) 622-4519.
BPA has been asked by SDS Lumber Company to interconnect its proposed Whistling Ridge Energy Project in Skamania County, Wash. to the Federal Columbia River Transmission System.
The proposed 70-MW wind project would interconnect to BPA’s existing North Bonneville-Midway 230-kV transmission line approximately five miles West of BPA's Underwood Substation. BPA will prepare a joint environmental impact statement with the State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to determine potential impacts of the proposed project and interconnection.
Comments are numbered consecutively as they are received. Breaks in the number sequence result when comments are deleted because they were submitted in error or have inappropriate content (such as SPAM). If you do not see your comment two business days after you submit it, please contact us at (800) 622-4519.
For More Information:
http://www.efw.bpa.gov/environmental_services/Document_Library/Whistling_Ridge/
Close of comment: 5/18/2009
- WRW090001 -
DyeFacts and Questions regarding the Whistling Ridge Energy project scheduled for assessment by BPA and Washington EFSEC From Ruth Dye, Resident and land owner in Underwood, WA April 24, 2009 Fact SDS Lumber started a LLC called Whistling Ridge Energy LLC (WRE) Fact WRE would finance, develop, own and operate the proposed wind project. Fact There will be approximately 50 turbines up to 426 feet tall Question: If mitigation for damage to the wildlife or watershed is deemed necessary, will there be money for land banks paid for by WRE or will WRE pay SDS for land set aside for mitigation. That is like pulling money out of one of your hip pockets and putting it in your other hip pocket as a tax dodge for SDS/WRE. Fact There will be an infrastructure constructed of roads, transformers, underground collector lines, a substation, and operations and maintenance facility on the site. Question: How will you protect the 3 watersheds in this area? Little Buck Creek (both forks), Lapham Creek, and Little White Salmon? Fact Washington EFSEC (this is the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council) must decide whether to grant necessary permits and approvals for siting WRE’s proposed wind project, and BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) must decide whether to allow the interconnection of WRE’s proposed project to the FCRTS (Federal Columbia River Transmission System). Question: Who has the final say in the project? Fact BPA and Washington EFSEC are preparing a joint NEPA and SEPS on WREs proposed wind project. Question: Who is actually conducting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)? Seems like this should be a 3 party with no fiduciary interest. If this is being conducted by 2 power companies it represents only those vested in the interest of this project and not the people of the United States. Fact There will be a public meeting once the EIS is completed. Question: Will this be held locally so local people can be involved? If not, why not? Question: Is the site for the proposed WRE project within the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife guidelines “DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF GUIDELINES FOR SITING, CONSTRUCTING, OPERATING AND MONITORING WIND TURBINES”? In July 2002, the USFWS Turbine Siting Working Group held a three-day meeting with fifteen Service representatives. The meeting resulted in the creation of draft interim voluntary guidance for wind power development. The guidance was critically reviewed by all Service Regions, later by the Washington Directorate, and finally by the department of the Interior. The interim voluntary guidance for land-based wind turbines was completed and approved in July 2003, when it was announced in the Federal Register. The complete guidelines can be found at: http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/837481-2JBKG4/native/837481.pdf http://www.fws.gov/r9dhcbfa/windenergy.htm. Fact: Quote from the USFWS “Overall, USFWS seeks more cooperation and collaboratio
- WRW090002 -
Paulus
- WRW090003 -
Kapp
- WRW090004 -
Dickson/Conf. Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
- WRW090005 -
Eastwich
- WRW090006 -
Tyler
- WRW090007 -
Powell/National Park ServicePlease see attached.
View Attachment
- WRW090008 -
HolmbergNo comment attached.
- WRW090009 -
Meninick/Yakama Nation Cultural Resources Program Manager
- WRW090010 -
Attorney/Friends of the Columbia Gorge
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