MONTPELIER — The Vermont Public Service Board has approved a 15-turbine, 30-megawatt wind energy project in Searsburg and Readsboro.

It is the second project in three years to win PSB approval. The order Thursday was signed by two of the board’s three members.

The board attached numerous conditions to the permit, including requirements to mitigate the wind farm’s impact black bears. The ridgetop where the turbines will be located is thought to be critical habitat for the region’s bear population.

The developer, Iberdrola Renewables, will conserve more than 100 acres of prime bear habitat elsewhere to compensate four times over for the habitat that will be damaged or destroyed by the development.

Searsburg is home to the state’s only commercial wind facility. Twelve years ago Green Mountain Power installed 11 turbines on a ridgeline there.