Wind farm gets OK from district

SUMMERLAND – Permission for building one turbine was given even though some on the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen board objected.

Zero Emission Energy Developments will be erecting 14 wind turbines, transmission lines, laying down access roads and adding associated structures. One of the proposed sites, with wind turbines measuring 145 metres in height with three 50-metre blades, is situated in district territory. This means the company would need permission to build which was given at Thursday's board meeting. The 390-hectare site would go up 32 kilometres west of the District of Summerland.

A few directors were concerned about granting permission without more discussion or study about height, noise and environmental effects although this didn't prevent the motion from passing.

Chief administrative officer Bill Newell said this is the first time a business wanted to build wind farms in the district. When completed the site will add 15 megawatts to the power grid. Zone Emissions is taking advantage of a B.C. Hydro program encouraging development of clean energy sources.

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