The final Carbon County Commission meeting for the 2017 year took place on Wednesday evening and had a full agenda. One of the items was a public hearing that took place for a conditional use permit for a meteorological tower outside of Scofield.
Carbon County Building, Zoning and Planning Director Todd Thorne, as well as two representatives from EDP Renewables, spoke with the commissioners regarding this. They explained that a test tower will be installed in the east of Scofield to test wind conditions and determine if it is feasible to have a potential wind farm in that area.
This was reviewed by the Carbon County Planning Commission, which did not see any concerns. The permit has all of the standard conditions as well as a request for fencing to be placed around the structure to ensure that wildlife and livestock will not be harmed. They also requested that the area is kept well maintained and cleaned.
The commissioners then asked for background information, beginning with how many wind farms the company currently has. They were informed that throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico, there are currently 41 operating wind farms and two solar plants in California through EDP Renewables.
There is a tax revenue value in potential wind farms. Other benefits are payments that will be received by the land owners for the use of the facilities as well as benefits accrued for construction team used within the community. The commissioners were ensured that the relationship with the counties and landowners is of utmost importance to the company.
This particular wind farm is being contemplated as an 80 megawatt facility and there is an estimation of around 22 machines that will be placed. The facility will harbor three to nine individuals operating on the site. This particular contract will pursue 20 years with the hopes to extend.
The public hearing regarding the conditional use permit was opened at 4:46 and then closed at 4:47 due to no comments being made. The commissioners then approved the permit.