Horizon trims size of proposed wind farm near Union

These two photos show the present view southwest from the athletic complex, and a simulation of the landscape after the wind farm is built. SUBMITTED PHOTO / CH2M HILL

Project Manager Valerie Franklin said that Horizon has notified the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council it is reducing the maximum number of turbines by 10 percent, from 182 to 164.

“Because we have not selected precise turbine locations at this time, this reduction is not tied to any specific location within the project.

“However, the reduction demonstrates our willingness to reduce the size of the project to meet various community, cultural and wildlife goals,” Franklin said.

Franklin also said that no part of the project will be within one mile of Union’s city center, or within one mile of the city’s urban areas.

Landscape architects from consulting engineering firm CH2M Hill recently prepared photo simulations of the proposed Antelope Ridge Wind Farm. The above simulation gives a view from the Union athletic complex, looking southeast. SUBMITTED PHOTO

In addition, Horizon is removing the 80 acres of permitting corridors closest to the city that would be considered for turbines, Franklin said.

Franklin said the closest permitting corridor will continue to be Ramo Flat improvements.

“We likewise commit to placing no turbines in this county road right of way,” Franklin said.

Franklin also clarified a question regarding the maximum height of turbines for the proposed facility.

In its Notice of Intent submitted to EFSC in April 2009, Horizon said the maximum height would be 520 feet.

Franklin said the currently proposed maximum height, from ground to the tip of the blade, is 475 feet.

These before and after views look south from the Eastern Oregon Livestock Exposition Grounds. Submitted photo/CH2M Hill

The city of Union has officially expressed concerns about impacts on scenery, property values, tourism and health.

Numerous local citizens throughout the county have raised objections to the proposal, though some others have come out in support.

Franklin hopes differences will be worked out.

“I do believe the majority of the county wants the jobs and investment this project will bring,” she said.

By state law, the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council is the approving authority for wind facilities generating more than 101 megawatts. Horizon submitted a preliminary application for a site certificate last October.

In December, EFSC deemed the preliminary application incomplete and issued a first request for additional information. Franklin said that likely won’t be the only RAI.

“We expect they’ll probably submit a second request. We’re still continuing to clarify to EFSC so they can deem the application complete,” she said.

In the first request, the agency asked for comment and more information on a host of issues including the number and height of turbines, fish and wildlife impacts, scenic values, noise levels and much more. Franklin said Horizon has responded to the first request.

Photo simulations sent to the city of Union and also The Observer show three “before and after” views of the proposed project:

• To the southwest from the Union athletic complex.

• To the southeast from the Union athletic complex.

• To the south from the Eastern Oregon Livestock grounds.

Franklin said the photos were produced by landscape architects from engineering consultant firm CH2M Hill.

“They give a good indication of the visibility of the project from key locations in Union,” she said.

The photos have been posted on the Observer’s website, www.lagrandeobserver.com.

Franklin said Horizon plans a voluntary open house in La Grande later this month to answer citizens’ questions and address concerns.

That meeting will be in addition to the public meetings EFSC will hold as part of its review process.

For more information on the Antelope Ridge project, visit EFSC’s website, http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/SITING/index.shtml. Click on the “Facilities Under Review” link.