Wind energy was the main topic of discussion at the June 10 Ashford Town Board meeting. Gary Davidson from Horizon Wind Energy was on hand to clarify concerns from the council members.
Davidson noted that Horizon’s proposed project would be a 20 megawatt development consisting of between nine and 13 turbines located in the Dutch Hill ridge area, which would tie in to the transmission line on Ashford Hollow Road.
He continued to explain that if the proposal were to move forward, noise level studies, visual impacts, road use, infrastructure information and the interconnection process would be estimated for public dissemination.
Roads would be bonded against heavy equipment damage and the community could also require bonds in the event that the project was one day decommissioned.
Davidson also added that the anticipated lifespan of the GE turbines which Horizon uses is 25-30 years.
In response to an inquiry about potential lightening strikes to the wind towers, Davidson remarked that preventative measures such as grounding, breakers, and proper installation normally inhibit power surges or other damage.
He noted that electricity produced by area turbines connected to mid-level voltage stations would be consumed locally via demand.
Members of START (Southern Tier Advocates for Renewable Technologies) were also in attendance at the town board meeting.
Ashford’s planning board has been working on a wind law for the past two years and members have visited and investigated other wind farms in western New York. Town Supervisor Christopher Gerwitz advised residents to research and educate themselves on wind energy, and visit and tour other facilities.
Meteorological towers for gathering wind data have been operating in the Ashford area since 2004.
A public forum regarding proposed local wind energy ordinances will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center in West Valley.
Other items discussed during the evening’s meeting:
• West Valley resident Tim Klahn addressed the board regarding Continental 1, an organization which promotes a continuous, four-lane highway system from Miami to Toronto, including the Route 219 extension. Klahn feels that this proposition is costly and detrimental to New York state as well as the local area.
• Councilmen John Pfeffer and Charlie Davis attended a town hall meeting in Ischua featuring Congressman Eric Massa earlier this month. They were able to discuss NYSERDA’s PILOT money and the water issue with him.
“He’s very interested in that [water project]. He wants to come here and see it personally,” Pfeffer informed the board.
• The board unanimously passed the filing of the SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) Negative Declaration form, with the absence of Councilman Bill Heim. The Full Environmental Assessment Form allows a proposed adoption of a local law regulating wind energy projects and installations.
• The comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Decommissioning and/or Long-Term Stewardship at the West Valley Demonstration Project has been extended for three more months.
• Highway Supervisor Tim Engels advised board members that the highway crew is preparing to seal and chip town roads.
• Pfeffer would like to hold regular office hours (to be determined) in order to be more accessible to town residents.
The next Ashford Town Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center in West Valley.