Heritage Wind, LLC, a project of Apex Clean Energy, is considering the feasibility of a potential wind energy project in Barre.

Apex has been attempting to build a wind project in Somerset and Yates despite resistance from an organization opposed to the project.

Despite that resistance, Mark Goodwin, president and COO of Apex Clean Energy said the company has “talked to hundreds of local people who are interested in bringing more wind energy to (Orelans) county. Orleans County is blessed with a very strong wind resource, and we look forward to working with the people of Barre to bring the benefits of wind energy to their community as well.”

Apex is currently working through the Article 10 process on Lighthouse Wind. Article 10 is the current permitting process required by the state, and it requires that communities be given the opportunity to weigh in on several procedural items before an actual application for a wind project is prepared.

“Much like the old State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process, Article 10 requires us to work closely with local stakeholders to discuss the project, scope studies for the project, and review those results,” said Dan Fitzgerald, senior director of development for Apex. “Though we need to work within the new permitting framework, we will do everything we can to ensure that those who had the opportunity to comment under SEQRA will also have the opportunity to participate under Article 10. In addition to our work with the Town of Barre, we will also be working with the Town and Village of Albion, Orleans County, and many other stakeholders throughout project development.”

Over the next six months, Heritage Wind plans to submit its Public Involvement Plan, take part in hundreds of conversations within the community, and determine what specific studies will be needed to assess the appropriateness of a wind energy facility for the area.

This story was originally published on East Niagara Post.


All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.