Of the proposed wind turbines, four would be in Black Creek Township, with the rest 18 in Beaver Township, which received grant of conditional-use approval around three weeks ago. The location of the turbines, situated around two miles west of the Sugarloaf Township post office, would saddle Buck Mountain where Schuylkill, Luzerne and Columbia counties intersect.
Transmission lines and access roads would run through North Union Township, Schuylkill County.
Black Creek’s ordinance needed Penn Wind to apply for special exemption through the zoning hearing board before moving on to land development plans before the township planning commission. The turbines’ 50-foot-diameter foundations would anchor 6 feet underground.
The zoning hearing board evaluated the entire turbine ordinance on April 23, 2009, discussing safety, environmental and health issues.
Robert Palushock, chairman of the zoning hearing board, said some residents were concerned proceeding to the meeting about the farm’s impact on the community, especially waterways in the area. Despite testimony, several residents were not sold on Penn Wind’s belief there would be minimal environmental or quality-of-life impact.
A hypothetical issue presented to the board questioned response to fires at the wind farm. Penn Wind said it is negotiating fire protection with Nuremberg and Beaver Township fire departments. PPL in Allentown, which would purchase power from Penn Wind, could have the ability to remotely closing the turbines in the event of a malfunction.
Penn Wind superimposed turbines from vantage points together with the Black Creek Municipal Building, Nuremberg, Weston and the Sugarloaf golf course to see the impact on skyline.
A study indicated minimal vibration, noise and shadow flicker on land below from the arms of turbines.
Additionally to township land approval, Penn Wind would still require to secure local, state and federal permits.
