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UPC Wind Files Application for Cascade Wind Project
Proposed 60 megawatt wind farm will bring clean
energy technology and new jobs to Oregon’s Wasco
County
April 10, 2007
The Dalles, Ore., April 10, 2007 -UPC Wind, a leader
in U.S. wind power production, today announced an important
milestone for its proposed Cascade Wind Project. The
project moved a step closer to construction when UPC
filed its site certification application with the Oregon
Energy and Facility Siting Council (EFSC) to build the
proposed 60 megawatt wind farm near The Dalles in Wasco
County. The Council serves the Oregon Department of Energy.
The EFSC Site Certification for the Cascade Wind Project
is expected to be granted early next year and, according
to UPC Wind, there could be commercial wind farm operation
by the end of 2008. The project would benefit the local
economy with jobs in both construction and operations,
property tax payments to Wasco County and the long-term
lease contracts to property owners.
“Cascade Wind is positioned to help Oregon take
a national leadership role in renewable energy production.
We are excited to be working with so many people dedicated
to expanding clean, green and environmentally responsible
energy options in the northwest,” said Paul Gaynor,
President and CEO of UPC Wind. “Filing our application
today is a solid step forward in our plans to develop
the Cascade Wind Project, which will greatly expand Oregon’s
wind energy capacity.”
Large energy providers in Oregon must undergo the EFSC
site certification process to gain approval for construction
and implementation of their facility. The Council reviews
site certification proposals and determines compliance
with their Energy Facility Siting Standards and with
the requirements of other state and local permitting
agencies. A site certificate granted by the EFSC is binding
for all state and local agencies whose permits are addressed
during the review process.
UPC Wind has proposed construction of 40 General Electric
wind turbine generators at the Cascade Wind Farm site.
Each turbine has a 1.5 megawatt production capacity.
The total energy output of the proposed project could
power as many as 12,000 homes. If approved, Cascade Wind
will connect to Bonneville Power Agency’s electricity
grid.
To determine the suitability of the Northwest Oregon
location, UPC Wind has conducted several rigorous on-site
natural resource and biological studies at the proposed
wind farm area. These studies include examinations
of historical and cultural resources in the area, rare
plant studies, habitat reviews, and surveys of the
resident birds, bats and large game animals.
The UPC Wind studies directly address many of the EFSC’s
siting standards including fish and wildlife habitat
protection, security for threatened and endangered species,
impact of facility on scenic and aesthetic values and
recreation areas. UPC Wind has worked extensively with
the EFSC to confirm that they meet the Council’s
rigorous siting standards.
UPC will hold a community open house on Wednesday, May
23, at 7 p.m. at the Gorge Discovery Center. The event
will include presentations about detailed project plans
and concepts during the EFSC application process.
About First Wind
First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts. First Wind
is an American-owned company, with a proven track record
of developing, owning, and operating well-sited, community-friendly
wind farms that increase energy independence. For more
information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com.
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For more information, contact:
John Lamontagne
Director, Communications
First Wind
617-964-3340
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