RSS | Print | Comments | Tell a Friend | Larger Text | Smaller Text | Bookmark and Share

Local News

Friday, July 03, 2009

Company plans $100M wind farm in Hardin Co.
Oiler's Lube Express - Findlay
By JIM MAURER

Staff Writer

DOLA -- A company plans to construct a $100 million wind turbine farm in northern Hardin County which would generate 50 megawatts of electric power, enough for 12,000 homes.

JW Great Lakes Wind, Cleveland, held a public hearing this week to present its plans for the farm, which would be located on about 3,400 acres in northern Hardin County, west of Dola and north of Ohio 81.

The company would construct 19 to 27 wind turbines, project manager Peter Endres said. Each turbine would be 410 to 480 feet high, with 150-foot-long blades.

The Cleveland company would operate the farm and sell electricity generated at the site, he said. The electricity would tie into American Electric Power's Dunkirk substation, south of the Hancock County line.

Other companies also are looking at Hardin County to establish wind farms, said John Hohn, vice president for economic development at Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance.

Five wind-generation companies have options on 45,000 acres of land in the county, he said.

"There is good wind, we're close to power grid lines, and we have received good cooperation from government agencies," Hohn said.

Also, Endres said, there are "few environmental risks," such as sensitive animal or aquatic species, the county is agriculture-based, and there has been community support for development of wind power.

A state law passed last year mandates a percentage of renewable energy be provided by power companies.

"This was the second public hearing," Hohn said. "We're still in the early stages, but we're heading in the right direction."

It has taken about two years to get this far, Hohn said.

The company will seek plan approval from the state's Power Siting Board, which could take eight months to a year.

Construction could begin by late next year or early 2011, Endres said, and electricity production could begin by mid- to late 2011.

About 100 jobs would be created during construction, he said.

Also, the company is acquiring land in southern Hardin County for construction of a second wind farm, Endres said, which would generate about 100 to 150 megawatts of power and cost about twice as much. There are higher voltage transmission lines in the southern portion of the county, he said.

The economic impact for the county could be $12 million, Hohn said, with contracts, materials, food and gas. That is the amount generated by a similar-sized project in New York state.

About four to five full-time jobs would be created at the two wind farms for turbine maintenance and operation, said Endres.

Maurer: 419-427-8420,

Send an e-mail to Jim Maurer
Comment on This Story
NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail rebeccaconklin@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.
Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.
Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.

1 Comment

Warren wrote:
Wind Farm Proposal
“ On one hand, this will never happen...I am certain that only ONE person or small group will complain, and the rest of us will need to cowtow to their complaint.

On the other, it probably WILL happen...take perfectly arable land and convert it into a use such as this, while Sen. Feinstein refuses to use the Mohave Desert as a location for a solar farm...the sort of backward thinking that has this country on a fast road to a very hot place! ”
Friday, July 03, 2009 10:20:13 AM
   VIDEO
Little Rock Nine

LITTLE ROCK NINE: Jefferson Thomas, who was among nine black students initially barred by the Arkansas governor from attending Little Rock Central High School in 1957, spoke to Findlay students as part of Black History Month. The crisis was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.


   SPECIAL SECTIONS
BRIDAL TAB

WINTER BRIDAL TAB: Dove releases, prenuptial agreements, bridesmaid advice, budget tips and more to plan your big day.


Brought to you by


ARY DJ
   STAY IN TOUCH
The Courier on Facebook
   VIRTUAL VILLAGE
What's Cookin'

FOLD IT IN: Swap recipes and learn kitchen tricks with community blogger Paula Gossman.


Far Flung Guest Book

DROP A LINE: Whether you're always here or just passing through, visit and sign our online Guest Book on the Far Flung blog.


Virtual Village
   PHOTO GALLERY
Randy's Seen

IMAGE BLOG: Go behind the scenes with Courier photographer Randy Roberts.


You can purchase photographs from The Courier through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!

   LOCAL NEWS
  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
SARA wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
SERIOUSLY?
“ First off, I think this article has been taken WAY out of context. Cograts to the guys who have received their well deserved pro... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:51:20 AM
unknown wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
interested observer
“ hmm do you have any extra money to help us pay for a 4WD if so let me know so i can buy me one. ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:50:56 AM
Citizen wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Road Level Emergencies
“ If the sheriff issues a level 3 for Hancock County, does that include the city of Findlay? ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:14:54 AM
Weathertech09 wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Road Advisory
“ Even if you issue advisories law enforcement doesn't do a good enough job issuing citations its that simple your out on a level... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 5:52:51 AM
Jimbo wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
Business as usual.
“ I guess I am happy that the Fire Department is getting what they deserve, but I feel that there are a lot of other people in the... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 10:05:36 PM
Alicia Chamblee wrote in article "Animal neglect cases getting agency's attention":
Animal Shelter Issues
“ I cannot believe that the animal shelter "turns away" animals. Of course there are limits to how many animals can be saved, but... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 2:10:44 PM
jeff wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
9%
“ Actually if you add in the 5% raise they were supposed to get in 2009 but deferred it till 2010 and the 4% raise they got for 20... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 1:09:12 PM
Interested Observer... wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
ME...ME...ME...Shut up already
“ All people want to do is complain. You live in OHIO people. Get a 4WD and you won't be trapped in your driveway, street, etc.... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 1:01:05 PM
Just my opinion! wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
Firemen
“ My family hasn't seen an increase in over 3 years. My spouse works hard and does everything that is asked of him. I do appreci... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 10:55:06 AM
Baffled wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
Frightened......please stop....
“ Is it really necessary to find fault with this article? These men have earned these promotions and in receiving them, have the... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 10:17:03 AM
  U.S. Headlines
  World News
  Ohio News
Bob's Choice Meats
News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.