Published: August 09, 2009 07:47 pm      

Tazewell official seeks speedy windmill decision

By CHARLES OWENS

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD, Va. — The chairman of the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors is wanting to see an ongoing wind energy economic impact study completed by September to help expedite a decision on a large-scale wind turbine project proposed for East River Mountain.

“I would like to see it ready by our September meeting,” David Anderson, who represents the county’s Eastern District, said. “I plan on asking for a weekly update to see where we stand, and hopefully get something back by our September meeting.”

Anderson said the Springsted company has indicated it will take up to 60 days to complete the study. Anderson believes more than 30 days may have already passed in that schedule.

The ongoing study is an economic evaluation of wind energy, and when completed is expected to show the economic impact of wind turbines on Tazewell County. However, the study isn’t expected to address the environmental impact of windmills.

The study will look at everything from the effect of wind energy on tourism and economic development to how it could impact the proposed Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Park planned near Bluefield, Va, according to an earlier report by Tazewell County Administrator Jim Spencer.

The county Board of Supervisors are not expected to make a decision on a proposed ridgeline protection ordinance until receiving the final wind energy economic impact study. Anderson said the board can begin the decision making process after receiving the wind energy study.

Dominion and BP Wind Energy North America have proposed the development of as many as 60, 400-foot tall windmills along East River Mountain near Bluefield, Va. The project has prompted a strong community response — with some speaking in opposition to the project and others speaking in favor of the windmills.

The proposed mountain ridge construction ordinance seeks to protect certain mountain ridgelines by limiting construction of tall buildings and structures that may obstruct views of their crests or endanger the persons or property of residents below the ridgeline.

The wind energy study is being partially funded by Dominion and BP.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com