LURC approves Stetson wind farm (New England's largest- 57 MW, Maine)

[jpak]

http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/020332.html

AUGUSTA - Maine's wilderness zoning board has given final approval to a 57-megawatt wind farm in northern Washington county that would be largest such project in New England.

The Land Use Regulation Commission voted 5-0 Wednesday, with two members absent, in favor of the plan by Evergreen Wind Power to install 38 turbines on Stetson Mountain, a ridge line that stretches between Danforth and Springfield.

The vote came two months after LURC approved a zoning change for the $100 million project.

"We are pleased that the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission has recognized the importance of developing alternative energy sources such as the Stetson Wind Project, which is poised to become the region's biggest source of wind energy," said Paul Gaynor, president and CEO of UPC Wind Management of Newton, Mass., parent of Evergreen Wind Power.

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[MADem]

1. Yay for Maine! nt

[phantom power]

2. Is Stetson Mtn. a wilderness area?

(is that why the wilderness zoning board was involved?)

[jpak]

3. Nope - an unorganized township

LURC has jurisdiction on development in these areas (most of northern and eastern Maine)

LURC recently rejected a wind farm proposal in western Maine due to its proximity to the Bigelow Mountain Preserve and the Appalachian Trail.