Wind mills on North Mountain brought out a crowd to BOS meeting
Rocky Forge Wind Farm had a long day of public comments and a presnetation by Apex Energy at the Dec. 19, Board of Supervisors. The proposed first land wind farm in Virginia on is located on North Mountain in Botetourt County’s Eagle Rock area.
Delegate Tery Austin spoke up for the wind farm to move forward. Apex is is looking to make some changes to plans with Rocky Forge that will result in taller wind turbines but fewer of them. They will crest the ridges on the 10,000 acres of the Jerry Fraley property off Dagger Springs north of Eagle Rock.
Austin said, ” We considered this 7 years ago when I was on the board. This is a real opportunity to attract companies to Botetourt County that are seeking green energy in their search, the request will help us attract those new businesses with little impact on our terrain, our resources and create some jobs. Dabney S. Lancaster has a wind mill technicians program already in place. We need to be forward thinking and have the opportunity to lead the way for this type of energy.”
In an interesting turn of events, Hugh Wellons, an attorney from Roanoke, as representative of Sugar Loaf Mountain LLC (a direct adjacent neighbor) spoke. Referencing his clients, he stated, “Who have never been notified by Apex that their property would be used.” According to his presentation, they are the property Apex plans to use to haul much of the wind turbine equipment over. That land is owned by his clients, not the Fraley family. He passed the info to the Board of Supervisors with some incredulousness that it was part of the plan.
County Administrator Gary Larrowe passed him a business card.
It was noted by Jon Cooper a member of the Fraley family, that the county stands to make millions with no investment of the county’s own. He pointed out the numerous conservation efforts the Fraley family have made on the property over the years. He referenced the opposition as having propaganda rather than facts. Matt Cooper another family member, also spoke to the economic benefits to the family and the county.
Needless to say, many of the neighbors haven’t changed their minds since 7 years have passed. Dave Condon worried about aircraft flying along the path, Bob Hundley, Melissa Hundley worried about environmental impact on wildlife, water quality on their family property. The Scarborough family all spoke to the lessening of their property value. The new addition to the worries expressed are forest fires and decommissioning (which is already in the county codes set up a few years ago regarding wind farms.)
Several neighbors spoke for the project and they included Ed Van Ness, Larry Dew and Buddy McGlothlin.
The Board is considering the Apex energy request. Charles Johnson of Apex made a presentation after the public comments ended about the need for taller, but fewer wind mills. The meeting continued on into the evening.
In 2016, the project was approved to move forward.
Regardless, study of the project for a special exceptions permit (SEP) is likely. The county attorney said certain steps must be met. Chairman of the BOS Billy Martin said it would be protocol after study and if SEP moves forward, to hold a public hearing.
So we could hear it all again. Stay tuned for more.
— story and photo Cathy Benson
