Wyoming County wind farm causes stir

A wind farm proposed for Southwestern Wyoming County has some residents wondering how it may affect the county's watersheds.

The 87-turbine farm proposed by BP Alternative Energy will encompass 14,861 acres in Eaton, Noxen, Forkston and Mehoopany townships.

Richard Ide of Tunkhannock owns about 230 acres in Mehoopany, off Fire Tower Road, near where BP wants to install transmission lines.

"The runoff is probably not going to be my problem, but it may be the problem of people who live at the bottom of the mountain," Mr. Ide said. "I'm concerned for the people below."

Mr. Ide and others are urging residents to review BP's project plans, which are available at the Wyoming County Conservation District.

Comments on the project can be submitted to the state Department of Environmental Protection until Friday.

A number of waterways are in the project area, including Stone Run, Kasson Brook, South Branch Roaring Run, Roaring Run, Newton Run, Sugar Hollow Creek, Bowmans Creek, Hettesheimer Run, York Run and Bowman Hollow.

"Stone Hollow Creek, York Run and Hettesheimer Run flow into Bowmans Creek and run parallel to the streets," Noxen Supervisor Carl Shook said. "All those streams are within 100 yards from a road."

He is concerned the project may increase runoff into the streams, including during construction.

Conservation district resource specialist Dave Taylor said staff members will monitor construction at the site. "We're going to be concerned about any erosion on site," he said.

According to project plans, BP expects to have access to the site from Fire Tower Road in Mehoopany and a logging access road in Noxen.

"They are going to have to widen roads, and we will lose some trees," Mr. Taylor said, adding the project site will be restored after construction is complete.