Oct 22 - Sunday Gazette - Mail; Charleston, W.V.

A proposed wildlife protection plan to limit the impact on wildlife by a Highland County, Va., wind farm could hinder the energy project, the company behind the proposal says.

"I'm not saying it could kill the project. I'm saying it could threaten the viability of the project," said Frank Maisano, speaking for Highland New Wind Development.

Highland New Wind Development is seeking certification from the Virginia State Corporation Commission to build the $60 million project, which would plant 19 turbines more than 400 feet tall on remote Highland County ridges near the West Virginia border.

The SCC has concluded the project will provide economic benefits and not disrupt electrical service or competition, conditions necessary for approval. It now is considering which wildlife- related measures to require and what share of the company's costs, if any, should be paid by taxpayers or environmental groups.

According to a report issued last week by an SCC hearing officer, there should be plenty of revenue to make the wind project financially viable and still protect wildlife.

The report by Alexander Skirpan now goes to the SCC for a final decision on whether the project can be built in a 4,200-foot cow pasture outside Monterey.

Skirpan found that the towering turbines post a "significant risk" to bats and "a lesser risk" to birds. He recommended that Highland New Wind Development pay for monitoring and altering their use, including speed, for the life of the wind farm.

Skirpan said the quality of wildlife protection necessitated by the introduction of huge whirling blades into the remote area is more important than the backers' "ability to pay" even if those costs "would render the project financially not viable."

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