Invenergy applies for wind farm in Orangeville

ORANGEVILLE -- Invenergy has formally submitted its application for a 59-turbine wind farm within the town.

The Chicago-based company applied this past Friday to the town for a special use permit. The project -- called the Stony Creek Wind Farm -- would represent a direct capital investment of $175 million.

As proposed, it would pay more than $500,000 annually to the town as tax relief, along with $100,000 to area schools, fire departments and Wyoming County.

"After several years of measuring wind speeds and conducting background evaluations to determine the viability of a wind project, we are pleased to finally submit applications under the town's recently-approved zoning ordinance," said Senior Development Manager Jay Schoenberger in a news release.

The application marks the start of the State Environmental Quality Review process that will consider any potential environmental impacts.

Schoenberger estimates the process could take up to a year to complete, with construction starting in 2011. But the town would still need to approve or turn down the project.

Invenergy estimates Stony Creek would produce enough electricity to power 30,000 households annually.

The project -- much like the neighboring High Sheldon Wind Farm -- has already generated its share of controversy among town residents. Opponents and supporters are offering vocal opinions for and against the proposed development.

Invenergy dedicated the High Sheldon Wind Farm this past June in the neighboring town of Sheldon. It includes 75 turbines, each approaching 400 feet tall.

High Sheldon can produce a theoretical maximum of 112.5 megawatts, which powers about 45,000 households at any given time. It's essentially eliminated town taxes, with the town receiving about $1 million annually throughout the project's lifespan, among other benefits.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund has also invested $15 million in the wind farm.

But some Sheldon residents have experienced serious problems involving shadow flicker, noise, television interference and other issues.

Invenergy owns and operates 14 such wind farms nationwide.