Wind Power may be blowing Downeast

KEAN Energy LLC presented project details of its proposed small-scale wind farm to a crowd of 61 citizens in Lubec on October 6. The public forum was the third presentation by KEAN representatives in Lubec during the past few weeks. Many of those attending were residents living in proximity to the proposed site, while others were curious about the project. They posed many questions to Peter Whitney, a partner in KEAN and presenter for the evening. Whitney first outlined the project, emphasizing the project "will not happen without the town's support."

Project groundwork
Some of the state permitting required, explained Whitney, includes that for small-scale wind energy development, including sound, shadow flicker and safety assessments.
Wetlands, vernal pools and wildlife C including endangered species C will be evaluated under the Natural Resource Protection Act, said Whitney. Several residents expressed concern for the wildlife in the area as well as bird migration patterns. The Maine Historic Preservation Commission will be involved in determining if the spot has historic significance. Because of the scope of potential earthwork, a stormwater permit will also be required. KEAN will, however, first perform meteorological wind studies on site to determine suitability for the wind power project.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires lights on structures over 200 feet. The windmill towers will be 396 feet to the top of the blade, said Whitney, and will require lights. Residents were concerned regarding the lighting of the towers, which Whitney said will probably have red lights near the top for airplane safety.
An audience member posed a concern regarding emergency medical flight, such as LifeFlight of Maine, being able to land in the area. Whitney said that normally helicopters could land within 700 to 800 feet of wind towers such as these.
The company will install a 196-foot meteorological tower anchored by 24 stainless steel stays. Resident Bob Foster questioned Whitney about what KEAN would do if "the weather station doesn't come up with the right figures." Whitney then described the ideal location of the area, but also said the wind studies will determine whether the project will in fact proceed. If it does proceed, a two-acre area will be cleared for the towers, and extensive road work will be done to handle the transport of the windmill components. The wind turbines arrive on 180' tractor-trailer beds, which need to negotiate turns including entering the property from Route 191.
Sound levels and distances
KEAN distributed handouts compiled by Resource System Engineering of Brunswick, which provided technical information on sound and also the results of modeling decibel levels for KEAN's Jonesport wind farm project, currently under way. Leo Murray, who said he lives about a mile or so from the project, asked, "What would I experience that is different from what I woke up to this morning?" Whitney stated that the noise levels emitted by the turbines are projected to be 8 to 10 decibel levels below the Department of Environmental Protection requirements, which currently range from a maximum of 45 decibels within 500 feet of the property to 55 decibels at the property line. Whitney described the allowable decibel levels at various ranges from the towers, including the quiet zone at 1,600 feet for this project.
Decibel levels were discussed with much detail, with audience members questioning night-time levels of noise and even the effect on their pets, such as dogs.
The company continues to emphasize that the closest year-round residence is almost 4,000 feet away. A study similar to the one conducted for Jonesport, which predicts sound levels coming from the operation of the towers based on factors including terrain and vegetation, was provided to attendees. In the end, Whitney said, "I can't say that if you are a mile away you will not hear these turbines."

Taxes and benefits
Whitney, in outlining the benefits of the project, explained the estimated $130,000 to $160,000 expected to be assessed in property taxes. In addition the company has stated that a Community Benefit Fund would be established, with one percent of gross revenue contributed to the fund. Approximately seven to 100 temporary construction jobs would be provided if the project is built, and four full-time employees will manage the Lubec and Jonesport sites. The project is expected to be 100% Maine owned, operated and financed, said Whitney.
When asked about community electric bills being reduced, Whitney said he has developed another company, Electricity Maine, a competitive energy supplier licensed by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, that will create a system of meters that could offer power discounted by as much as 10% per kilowatt hour to area residents.
Helen Saccone, a business owner and resident of Lubec, raised concerns that as Lubec is growing a tourist economy, the wind farm may be a deterrent to people coming here. Others debated the issue, looking at the wind towers and energy as a draw to the area.
Saccone's husband Marty wanted to know if KEAN had a reference point to look at the tax base and the effect of property values in wind farm areas. Town Administrator John Sutherland noted that at the wind farm near Mars Hill the property values have not changed. Whitney had no further information regarding the effect of wind farms on property values.
Bob Judd of Lubec raised issues regarding financing of the project. Judd wanted to know if the project would be viable without the Federal Wind Energy Tax Credit. Whitney answered with a definitive "yes." KEAN will likely benefit from either the Investment Tax Credit or Production Tax Credit. Both are federal initiatives which provide financial incentives to energy producing companies.

Lifecycle and decommissioning
Concerns regarding the dismantling of the towers when they become obsolete or abandoned were raised. While details were not provided, Whitney stated that the firm would contribute to a fund each year, which would be set aside for the decommissioning of the towers.
Information regarding the decommissioning and the fund was clarified at a planning board session attended by Whitney on October 19. The minimum expected operational life for the proposed towers is 20 years. Because of technological advancements the towers could potentially be replaced or upgraded sometime within 20–30 years. Suspension of operations and damage because of natural disasters are also possible.
The planning for the decommissioning of the 400' steel towers, turbines and other mechanical and electrical components is broken down in a decommissioning budget presented by KEAN. When it is offset by potential salvage value, the work is anticipated to make money for KEAN, even though the budgeted cost of taking away the equipment and site reclamation is estimated to be $1,494,900. KEAN will reserve "an amount equal to $3,000" per year for 15 years for the work. They propose to do this by any of a number of means, including a performance bond, surety bond, letter of credit parental guaranty, BlackRock account -- a third party escrow account -- or other "acceptable form of financial assurance." KEAN also stated that the materials will be transported to the appropriate facilities for reconditioning, salvage, recycling or disposal.
When asked by Marcia Chaffee if the agreements, such as the decommissioning agreement, would be in place if the company changed hands, Whitney answered in the affirmative.
At the planning board meeting on October 19 it appeared likely that the board will this week sign a letter of support for the project, which will be forwarded to the selectmen. The planning board has no authority over the wind farm project. KEAN is seeking official letters of support for the Lubec wind farm proposal, which in turn will assist the firm in securing financing.