May 3, 2024 |
Photo – Wind farm – Bigfoot99 file photo
Representatives from PacifiCorp recently updated the county board of commissioners on wind turbine projects in the area.
During the April 16th Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Rocky Mountain Power Director of Project Delivery Brandon Smith provided the board with an update on transmission line projects in the county. Rocky Mountain Power is the local subsidiary of PacifiCorp.
After Smith finished his presentation, PacifiCorp Director of Wind Operations Laine Anderson updated the commissioners about wind turbine projects in and around the county. Anderson said two new turbine farms are being constructed on the border between Carbon and Albany Counties. The director of wind operations said the first project should be finished by the end of this year.
Anderson said equipment should be arriving on site now. The director of wind operations said when both Rock Creek projects are completed, they will have a combined total of 98 wind turbines.
Anderson said most of the Rock Creek turbines will be located within Albany County, with only about 10 being built in Carbon County.
Anderson said PacifiCorp is almost done replacing equipment at the Foote Creek North wind farm, located near McFadden. The director of wind operations said work should be finished in two months.
Anderson said construction should begin soon on 19 wind turbines being built near Rock River. When the project is completed, Anderson said the site will generate 50 megawatts of electricity.
Anderson said the Rock River One turbines are expected to be installed by this December.
The PacifiCorp director of wind operations said the local wind turbine construction projects have generated nearly $4 million in state taxes and impact fees.
Residents living near wind farms have complained about the red aircraft warning lights on top of the turbines. County commissioners asked PacifiCorp to install a system that only turns on the lights if an airplane is detected nearby. Director of Wind Operations Anderson said the automated systems have been installed at the wind farms outside of Medicine Bow.
Commissioner John Johnson asked Anderson what happens to outdated turbine parts. Anderson said PacifiCorp hires a 3rd party company to recycle the unused equipment.
Commissioner Garrett Irene asked Anderson what his company does with old wind turbine blades. Because they are made of a composite material, wind turbine blades are difficult to recycle. Anderson said all recently installed blades will be recycled in some way.
Anderson said PacifiCorp has been having trouble finding a reliable recycling company capable of disposing of the large numbers of blades expected to be generated in the future.
In a related story, Rocky Mountain Power has announced a series of meetings to be held around Wyoming this month to explain rate increases the utility company wants to put into place this year.
RMP advised this week that the company will seek an overall increase of 16.5% this year, which would amount to at least $12 month for every household.
The meeting in Rawlins is set for Wednesday, May 15 at the Econolodge on East Cedar Street.
