Pitman: ‘Alfred wind project progressing’

Alfred, N.Y.

There seems to be no major barriers to an Alfred wind project.

Gradual progress is being made, Keith Pitman, president and chief executive officer of Empire State Wind Energy of Oneida, told seven people attending an Alfred wind project update meeting Tuesday night.

Pitman said he met with 15 people who own land near the Alfred State College Farm Laboratory off State Route 244 earlier in the day about the possibility of leasing or buying land in the area, and said data from a recently-erected test wind tower is positive, but not conclusive yet.

“It’s way too early to declare anything terribly intelligent about the data because we are looking for seasonal patterns and stuff like that ... I would characterize what I have seen of it, and we have not done any extensive analysis yet, as being in line with what computer models predict,” said Pitman.

“I see no reason to suspect that we are not getting enough readings for a project,” he said.

Alfred village officials —Trustee Virginia Rasmussen and Mayor Craig Clark — and town officials — Trustee Phil Curran and Jeanne Cartwright, — attended the meeting, as well as a couple of town residents.

Pitman said his company is really looking at seasonal variations because the value of power production is at its highest at these times. This means more power is consumed on the hottest day of the summer and coldest day of the winter, so energy is more profitable then. Since the tower went up in April, there is no data in this area yet.

Pitman said he has not encountered opposition to the project.

“We found the majority of folks thought it would be a good idea,” said Pitman. He described the meeting as positive and said his company protects the privacy of potential landowners. He asked government officials to not get involved with private land negotiations.

Research into the power grid, soil and topography maps and environmental impact information and reports has turned up no “red flags” according to Pitman. He said his company is currently working on a long-term wind turbine supplier and expects to buy models that do not generate much noise. Pitman said the topography in Alfred region is unique and characterized it as “jagged land” which he said he thinks will create more turbulent winds.

Rasmussen questioned Tom Golisano’s commitment to the area on the heels of news he will be moving to Florida and has taken steps to declare residency there. Empire Wind was co-founded by Golisano and he is the chairman of the company.

“There is no change in commitment or his level whatsoever,” said Pitman.

Pitman said officials — particularly town officials — should be working on preliminary road agreements and considering what type of payment arrangements they want. He told them a lot can be learned by researching the Town of Cohocton’s arrangements and suggested they obtain documents there. He also said no turbines will be erected within village boundaries.

Clark, also a dean at Alfred State College’s Wellsville campus, said he think there is no problem with residents wishing to be placed on a daily email list that sends the test tower’s data. He said he will check with ASC President John Anderson for permission and those wishing to receive updates should contact him or Cartwright.

The meeting concluded with Pitman and the group agreeing a bi-monthly newsletter or email list should be compiled to keep residents aware of the project’s status. Cartwright agreed to be the contact for this and she can be reached at (607) 587-8524 or by email at www.hi-tech-ceramics.com.