URBANA - Everpower Renewables is expected to proceed with a project that would build numerous wind turbines in the eastern part of Champaign County.

Michael Speerschneider, a spokesman for the New York-based company, said an application for the project was expected to be delivered to the Ohio Power Siting Board Friday, April 24.

The project, which has been in the stages since 2006, would include building more than 70 turbines across 6 townships in Champaign County, Speerschneider said. He said it would take about a year for the application to be reviewed by the state.

The power generated from the turbines will be added to the electric grid, and sold on the open market to companies such as AEP, FirstEnergy and Buckeye Power. Turbines may be located in Goshen, Rush, Salem, Union, Urbana and Wayne Twps.

Speerschneider said it will also create about 10 to 12 full-time jobs for maintenance and operation of the turbines.

"We think this is a very well put together project," Speerschneider said. "It's in a good spot with a lot of advantages."

Speerschneider cited several studies, including avian and bat surveys and groundwater assessments, with the application. He anticipates few issues, if any.

Construction of the wind turbines could begin as early as next summer.

"We don't anticipate and significant issues," he said. Hopefully we've addressed them up front."

Some community members, however, argued more information should have been available to the public about the project in advance.

At a public information session about the turbines last year, Diane McConnell, a member of Union Neighbors United, raised a concern that the exact locations of the turbines were not disclosed. The organization has argued for tougher setbacks from homes.

"We aren't against wind," she said, "but we feel (the turbines) should be placed in an unpopulated area with a buffer zone with at least two miles around them."