Business group to study Roanoke County, Va. wind energy farm
The Southwest Virginia Business Development Association told WSLS Roanoke last week that it will commission an independent study of a wind farm proposed for Poor Mountain in Roanoke County.
The Poor Mountain wind farm, which would consist of 15-20 turbines, was first proposed in March by Chicago-based renewable energy developer Invenergy. The company would like to sell the power generated – enough to electrify 8,000-10,000 homes – to the local electric utility, Appalachian Power.
The company’s proposed plan for the 2,600-acre site is currently under review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine if the project would interfere with traffic from Roanoke Regional Airport. Invenergy said it will await the FAA review before seeking approval from state regulators and the County Board of Supervisors.
The business association’s study will likely address the impact of the project on local bird and bat populations, soil and water issues, local aviation and the possibility of noise pollution, as well trying to quantify the local economic impact.
