Penn. DEP issues NPDES permit for construction of wind farm

• Environmental impacts minimized by avoiding wetlands, improvements to existing roads and implementation of stormwater runoff controls

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 20, 2007 -- The Department of Environmental Protection today issued a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to Krayn Wind LLC, to address the discharge of stormwater from construction activities for its proposed Highland Wind Farm Project to be located in Adams Township, Cambria County, said DEP Southwest Regional Director Kenneth Bowman.

"The proposed site meets the department's environmental regulatory requirements," Bowman said. "This permit underwent intensive review by DEP water quality experts to ensure that no adverse environmental impacts would result from the construction of the wind farm."

Krayn Wind LLC submitted an NPDES permit application on Feb. 16 for the construction of 20 wind turbines on 43 acres of a 4,371-acre property. Approximately 8 miles of 15-foot wide gravel access roads - including existing dirt roads, which will be upgraded and maintained - are also planned for the site.

The permit application was advertised to the public, but the department received no comments during or after the public comment period and, in addition, no public meetings were requested.

The stormwater permit requires best management practices for earth-moving activities and revegetation of disturbed areas. The Cambria County Conservation District reviewed the erosion and sedimentation controls included in the application and recommended its approval.

For more information, visit DEP's Website at www.depweb.state.pa.us, Keyword: "Water Quality."

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