Presented to American Society of Civil Engineers Oregon Section Environmental & Water Resources Group Dana Siegfried David Evans and Associates, Inc. (503) APRIL 25, 2007 Wind Power Development & Permitting in Oregon

Wind Power Basics Global Wind Power 75,000 MW installed to date 16,000 MW installed in 2006 Growing at 25% per year Europe leading the world in % of power provided by wind

Wind Power Basics Wind power in the US 11,600 MW installed nationwide – enough to power 3 million homes 2,400 MW installed in 2006 (650,000 homes) Top 5 states are: Texas, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Washington Oregon is 8 th, with over 400 MW. Currently, over 1000 MW is being reviewed by ODOE

Wind Power Basics Wind Power Incentives Federal Production tax credit (expires 12/08) is 1.9 cents/kWh for first 10 years of production State Currently none in Oregon, but a Renewable Portfolio Standard bill in this legislature for 25/25 Over 20 states have RPS

Wind Power Basics Wind Power Benefits No greenhouse gases (except for manufacturing and construction) Provides income to farmers Provides tax base in rural communities Provides short and long term employment opportunities Diversifies power supply; helps stabilize prices

United States Annual Average Wind Power

Wind Power Projects in the United States

Wind Power Basics Development Land owner and developer hook up Meteorological tower installed and at least one year of data gathered Control of land acquired, usually through leases

Wind Power Basics Design – a typical wind project includes: Towers and turbines (1.5 to 2.5 MW) Collection system Transmission to grid; interconnection; substation Access roads Laydown areas

Wind Power Permitting in Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council is the decision maker in siting wind projects They have “super-siting” authority; truly a one-stop permit shop Coordinate closely with other state agencies and ensure compliance with all agency rules and statutes Site certificate required for projects more than 35 MW

Wind Power Permitting in Oregon Process begins with a Notice of Intent and Project Order Then an Application for Site Certificate (ASC) is prepared, demonstrating compliance with rules (more later) Council conducts hearings and renders decision, usually a Site Certificate, with conditions Process takes approximately one year

Wind Power Permitting in Oregon Application must contain information on: Scenic resources Fish and Wildlife Cultural resources Noise Recreation Wetlands Land use (farmland) Geology/seismic, structural, applicant’s expertise, soil, facility retirement, etc.

Environmental Impacts of Wind Power Scenic Gorge National Scenic Area Key viewing areas Wild and Scenic Rivers Resources identified in local and federal plans

Environmental Impacts of Wind Power Fish and Wildlife Raptors Washington ground squirrels Rare and sensitive species Limited habitat (native grasslands and steppe) Mitigation required

Environmental Impacts of Wind Power Cultural resources Prehistoric Historic – Oregon Trail, old homesteads, schools, cemeteries Coordination with Tribes and SHPO Noise No more than 10dBa increase without a waiver No more than 50dBa

Environmental Impacts of Wind Power Recreation Impacts typically minimal Wetlands Impacts typically minimal Land Use Goal 3 Exception required if more than 20 acres of farmland will be removed from production

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