WIND FITS MOUNTAIN MAJESTY – STUDY

Environmental Study Finds: Projects wouldn't detract from high-desert beauty
Richard Cockle, July 19, 2010 (The Oregonian)

"A draft environmental study has found that four proposed wind energy projects on the north end of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon would have little effect on its pristine high-desert beauty…

"Opponents, however, remain skeptical that roughly 200 wind turbines, some towering 415 feet above the juniper and sagebrush, wouldn't detract from the grandeur of the 9,733-foot fault-block mountain and its wildlife…More than 20 groups in Oregon have voiced concern about the plans…"

Devastating to the view, aren't they? (click to enlarge)

"…[T]he draft study was prepared by Entrix Environmental Solutions for the Bureau of Land Management…[It] says the proposed wind turbines and power lines would be visible from less than one-half of 1 percent of the 170,000-acre Steens Wilderness.

"Columbia Energy Partners hopes to erect wind turbines on or near the mountain in four projects each generating about 104 megawatts. Entrix evaluated the $300 million Echanis Wind Project, already approved by Harney County, plus the cumulative impacts of the so-called East and West Ridge projects and the Riddle Mountain Project, all on private land…All three unapproved projects are under study by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council."

If they were visible at all, they probably would ruin the view. (click to enlarge)

"…[T]he four wind energy projects would cost about $1 billion, bring up to 150 new [construction] jobs…[and] about 12 permanent maintenance jobs per project…They would generate enough renewable energy to power more than 120,000 homes…The Echanis Wind Project alone would encompass about 10,000 acres and construction could begin early next year. The West and East Ridge projects each would be about the same size…[and start construction] in 2012 and 2013 if they get permits.

"The environmental study made no recommendations on which of two proposed power transmission lines should serve the wind projects. One proposed route is a 29-mile configuration that parallels an existing electrical transmission route crossing the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Steens Mountain. The other is a 46-mile configuration mostly on private land…"