Wind farms in Benton's future

Benton, N.Y. — Since 2006 the Town of Benton has been working with Empire State Wind on a proposal to put wind turbines in Benton.

Public meetings have been held and town officials and residents seem to be in agreement that the town would be a good location to harness the wind power.

Little had been heard from Empire State Wind Energy in the last several months. Company president

Keith Pitman attended the May 12 town board meeting to give an update on their project and the wind industry.

“The good news is right now we are prepared to take Benton and go with the project,” said Pitman, adding,

“We are definitely of the opinion that we want to do a project here in Benton.”

However, when Councilwoman Becky Jensen asked about how long it would be before the project starts, Pitman couldn’t give a direct answer, stating,“It could be tomorrow or months from now. We will keep working on it.”

Pitman said there have been many changes in the wind industry over the last four years. The greatest obstacle he noted is in acquiring equipment. As wind power was introduced in New York State , the price of equipment was high and now Pitman says it is leveling off.

“We are a small buyer,” he said, explaining the company is being cautious about buying equipment. He noted that a tower collapsed in Fenner in December and all wind turbines in that project have been shut down since the collapse.

The day after Pitman visited, news articles about a five-month investigation on the Fenner tower collapse, which was the first in the United States, pointed to a need to reinforce the foundations on the remaining 18 turbines. More investigation will be conducted. The company expects the turbines to be back in operation by late summer or early fall.

Benton Supervisor Bob Clark asked Pitman if the company is looking at other vendors for equipment. Pitman said some vendors have dropped out and others consolidated in the last few years. The company will look for equipment compatible to Benton’s needs, he said.

“I believe, I am still positive (in the project),” Clark said.“I just ask you to look closely at setbacks.”

“We are aware of the laws and are in tune with the town,” Pitman answered. He said the issues in Benton should be minimal.