In response to a letter from Gov. Christine Gregoire, D-Wash., the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) adopted an order recommending that Gregoire approve a modified version of the proposed Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project near Ellensburg, Wash. EFSEC already recommended the project to Gregoire for approval in May.
EFSEC's new order recommends modification of the project to include a provision that when considering final siting of turbines within 2,500 feet of a nonparticipating landowner's residence, the project developer shall give ‘highest priority’ to increasing the distance of the turbine from the residence, even beyond the minimum four-times-height setback.
EFSEC retains final approval authority of the final turbine siting and will review the placement of each turbine, the council adds. Once Gregoire officially receives EFSEC's recommendation, she has 60 days to approve or reject the revised Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project proposal.
If approved, the project will generate 98 MW to 195 MW of wind power – depending on the output of the turbine used – and will connect with the nearby Bonneville Power Administration and/or Puget Sound Energy transmission systems.
