Pocono News Section

Wind Farm Under Construction in Schuylkill County

Wind Farm Under Construction in Schuylkill County - Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 6:16PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008 @ 06:16pm EST
MAHANOY CITY, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - Plans to bring a brand new wind farm to Schuylkill County continue to move forward. The second phase of the Locust Ridge Wind Farm in Mahanoy City should be finished by the end of the year.

The latest development calls for 51 new wind turbines to be built in Mahanoy City and surrounding communities. The company Iderdrola says when finished, the new turbines will generate enough power for 40,000 homes.

"I'm not sure how far you have to go in Schuylkill, Luzerne or even Columbia Counties to find 40,000 homes, but we're going to be powering a significant portion or the homes that are right here," company spokesman Joe Green said.

The renewable energy company has already built 13 turbines in the area. The 400-foot tall towers went online last year. While many people were concerned about noise and birds being killed, officials say that hasn't been a problem.

"We got into this business because we're environmentalists and we don't want to create something that's a challenge for the environment," Green said.

Right now, there are just over ten wind farms in the state of Pennsylvania. Developers say our region is prime for more because of its high, hilly terrain.

State leaders came to Schuylkill County on Wednesday to get an update on the latest project and find out ways they can help. From increasing transmission line capabilities to training new skilled workers, there is a lot more that can be done.

"We're going to see over 1,200+ jobs created here in the next two years in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and this is the type of clean technology you want to see coming on board," PUC Commissioner Robert Powelson said.

Right now, Pennsylvania ranks 16th in the nation for creating wind farms. State officials are aiming to crack the top ten in the coming years.