ROANOKE -- A state hearing examiner has recommended construction of the first utility-grade wind farm in Virginia, provided it meets conditions to minimize harm to the environment.

The recommendation announced Thursday goes to the State Corporation Commission, which will decide whether to approve construction of the 19-turbine development on Highland County ridges.

SCC hearing examiner Alexander Skirpan found that the project by Highland New Wind Development poses a risk to bats and birds, but said a monitoring program by the company and a state agency following construction would help reduce the hazard.

Details of the monitoring were left to the developer and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, but Skirpan said steps to mitigate the damage "may include limitations on operation.''

Skirpan's 84-page report found that the project may operate under Virginia law, and said it will be a renewable energy source that is encouraged by the state's energy plan.

"Clearly the hearing

examiner's report underscores the importance of this project to Virginia,'' said Frank Maisano, a spokesman for Highland New Wind and other mid-Atlantic projects. "We're pleased the report was as strong as it was in supporting the renewable arguments.''

Under state law, the SCC may approve electric generation projects that do not threaten the reliability of the electric system, that advance electric competition, and have positive impacts on economic development.