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What: The
Equinox wind farm will produce clean, renewable electricity
from five modern
wind turbines. The project will generate 30 million
kilowatt-hours a year, enough power to run 4,000+ Vermont
homes. The wind turbines are on 260-foot tubular towers.
The 130 foot blades on each turbine will rotate at
a leisurely 16 rpm
Why: Wind power
is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel generation.
It uses local resources to reduce air pollution and
global warming. It also gives Manchester residents a
real life opportunity to think globally and act locally;
demonstrating to the town’s many visitors how
wind energy fits in with their community. Mt. Equinox
is a particularly good site as it is already developed
with a road, power line, and an Inn at the summit. The
mountain has held wind energy projects twice before.
Environmental Issues:
The single largest environmental impact of the wind
farm will be the huge amount of pollution prevented
compared to other energy sources. The Equinox wind
farm will prevent 95,000 pounds of pollution
per day compared to New England’s existing fossil-fired
power plants—equivalent to taking 2,900
cars off the road or burning 5,800
gallons of oil a day.
This figure does not include “upstream” impacts
of mining, drilling, pipelines, oil spills, wars,
or transportation of fuels. The project is not expected
to have a significant impact on wildlife or plant
communities. Soils and water quality will be protected
by using best management practices for road and power
line upgrades. The project has been endorsed by Conservation
Law Foundation, Sierra Club Vermont chapter, Vermont
Natural Resources Council, Vermonters for a Clean
Environment, and VPIRG. Public opinion surveys taken
in nearby Searsburg, Vermont indicated that 66 percent
of local residents were supportive of a similar wind
farm before construction and that the approval rate
increased significantly (to 83 percent) after the
wind farm began operations.
Who: Endless Energy
Corporation of Yarmouth, Maine is developing the project.
Burlington Electric Department, a progressive municipal
utility, is purchasing the power.
More Information:
Contact Harley Lee at 207-847-9323
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