UPC Wind, a wind power company based in Newton, Mass., has cleared a step in the approval process for its 40 MW Sheffield Wind Project by receiving a Certificate of Public Good from the Vermont Public Service Board.
Prior to the Vermont board's approval, the location of the project has been adjusted three times and different wind turbines have been selected to optimize the output from fewer turbines, UPC Wind says. The current proposed location for the project is a relatively low-lying ridgeline in Sheffield, Vt., near Interstate 91. It will be located on lands that are under active forest management.
In addition, UPC Wind worked with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to address wildlife issues. A total of 2,700 acres surrounding the project will be conserved as bear habitat, the company notes. UPC Wind now plans to open an office in the town of Sheffield and focus on completing construction plans.
Construction of the Sheffield Project is estimated to start next summer, according to a UPC spokesperson.
