We welcome your thoughts and want to hear from you. Our focus is making sure you have the information you need to understand this project fully.

Wind power is an advanced technology that has been reliably supplying clean, affordable electricity into the utility grid for decades. Yet, a number of misconceptions persist about clean energy projects like Broad Mountain Wind.

You have questions, we have answers. DOWNLOAD THIS DOCUMENT to get your questions answered on a variety of topics, including: property values, shadow flicker, turbine safety lights, access roads, water quality, sound emission, electromagnetic, wildlife management and more.

You can also DOWNLOAD OUR ORIGINAL FAQ for a closer look at some common questions raised by various stakeholders. Or, take a look at the issues below:

Project Overall

Who is the developer of the proposed wind project?

Broad Mountain Power LLC (“Broad Mountain Power”) is the owner of the Project, Liberty Power is representing the owner, and is responsible for all aspects of construction and operation. Broad Mountain Power intends to continue to own and operate the Project throughout its life.

What is the proposed wind project?

Broad Mountain Power is proposing to develop, construct, and operate the 80- megawatt (MW) Project within Packer Township and Nesquehoning Borough in Carbon County in eastern Pennsylvania.

Where is the wind project being proposed?

The Project location includes lands in Packer Township and Nesquehoning Borough. The layout calls for 21 turbines on Broad Mountain, although 26 locations are permitted. There extra five spots are there only as a contingency or insurance in case any unforeseen circumstances arise.

Who is the lead consultant on the wind project?

The lead consultants for preparation of the Project application is Shoener Environmental (“Shoener”) with AECOM (“AECOM”) assisting with work associated with the transmission line. Shoener provides services to obtain the required environmental approvals and permits for the development of the Project. AECOM provides professional consulting and engineering services in planning, approvals and permits required to build the 69-kilovolt transmission line associated with the Project.

What are the proposed timelines for the Project?

The table below provides an overview of the estimated projected dates associated with the Project.

Milestone	Anticipated Timeline
Environmental Field Studies	Q4 2017 – Q3 2019
Permitting & Environmental Approvals	Q2 2018 – Q1 2020
Interconnection Studies & In Service	Q3 2018 – Q2 2020
Turbine Supply Agreement	Q3 2019 – Q2 2020
Construction	Q1 2020 – Q4 2020
Commission	Q3 2020 – Q4 2020
Anticipated Commercial Operation Date	December 2020

Who do we contact for more information? / Where can I access more information?

Website:                             www.broadmountainwindproject.com

Email address:                  broadmountainwindproject@libertyutilities.com

Mailing address:               Weatherly Plaza, 202 Carbon Street, Weatherly, PA 18255

Phone number:                 1-866-591-5005 (Toll Free)

What are the basic project components?

Basic Project components include:

• Up to 5 Siemens-Gamesa 2.6 MW-114 Turbines and 16 Siemens-Gamesa 4.5 MW-145 Turbines (derated to 4.2 MW) The (total installed nameplate capacity of the Project is 80 MW);
• A 34.5 kilovolt (kV) electrical power collector system (will be buried where possible);
• Fiber optic data lines from each turbine and/or wireless technology for the communication of data and operational control monitored through a SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System);
• A substation;
• A 69-kv transmission line (approximately 2.6 miles in length running between the substation on Broad Mountain to PPL’s transmission line in Nesquehoning Borough);
• Truck turnaround areas;
• Developer will be investigating the concept of an operations and maintenance building (which may be located in Nesquehoning Borough). The plan could be for Broad Mountain Power to lease an existing commercial building and small office);
• A minimum of (4) 127.5 metre meteorological tower(s) (“met tower”);
• Access road(s) to the met tower site(s); and,
• Access roads to turbine components and infrastructure.

Temporary infrastructure during construction may include staging areas for the turbines, access roads, met tower(s), preparation areas for collector lines and transmission line, as well as crane paths, and construction site office(s). The 34.5-kV electrical collector system would transport the electricity generated from each turbine to the substation, then along the 69-kV transmission line to an existing PPL line along Route 54.

Final selection of the route for the transmission line is based on the results of consultation activities, detailed design/engineering work, and other considerations.  AECOM produced a siting report that examined several possible routes, which considered many factors, including environmental, social, operations, engineering, cost, etc.  This report was shared with PPL, and Broad Mountain Power is pursuing the ‘Point of Interconnection’ (POI) that AECOM recommended and PPL endorsed.

Electrical Interconnection

The 34.5 kV electrical power line collector system will be underground where possible (considering all technical, site, environmental, and regulatory constraints). The location of the 69 kV transmission line (two circuits) will be finalized during detailed engineering design.

Adequacy of the Wind Source & Physical Land Mass to Support the Project

Broad Mountain Wind has undertaken the appropriate due diligence with respect to determining that the wind resource is sufficient for the construction of the Project. In addition, the internal business analysis has also determined that the land secured will be sufficient for the development of the Project.

Noise

The Packer Township Ordinance limits operational windmill noise to 50 dBA at the property line of the property containing the windmill. Was this requirement met? 

Noise levels from the full and continuous operation of the Project were predicted at the boundary line of the parcel on which the turbines are located, at the external boundary of the Project, as well as at representative residences. Noise levels at all Project boundary lines are 50 dBA or less, in compliance with Packer Township standards.

Will I hear the turbines at my residence?

Noise levels at the residences are predicted to be less than 40 dBA, and therefore below U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization standards. In fact, the wind turbines are expected to be inaudible at all nearby residences a majority of the time.

Health and Safety

Will there be impacts from stray voltage during operations of the Project?

Stray voltage is an extraneous voltage that is related to the transmission of electricity, not the production of electricity. Stray voltage appears on grounded surfaces in buildings, barns and other structures. Stray voltage is a direct result of poor grounding practices, improper or inadequate wiring or the breakdown of insulation in old wires or electrical loads. The Project’s electrical collection system will avoid these causes of stray voltage by incorporating all new construction in accordance with standard utility practice and meeting the required stringent design and inspection requirements.

Visual Impacts

What will the visual impacts be from the Project?

Broad Mountain Power acknowledges public comments and concerns related to potential visual impacts. To show anticipated visual changes associated with the Project, high-resolution photographs were taken from 15 vantage/viewpoints surrounding the Project and computer-enhanced image processing was used to create realistic photographic simulations of the proposed wind turbines. The computer-generated photo-simulations were filed as part of the zoning application package for Packer Township.

Will the aeronautical obstruction lights be used?

Yes, as per FAA requirements, aeronautical lighting will be installed, which will conform to current FAA regulations.

Property Values

Broad Mountain Power acknowledges public comments and concerns related to potential property value impacts. Multiple studies have found wind farms have no significant long-term impacts on property values. While some potential property purchasers may be hesitant to purchase land near wind turbines, academic studies show that the positive impacts of a wind energy project either balance or outweigh any negative impacts. A study of more than 50,000 home sales among 27 counties in 9 states found no statistical evidence that home prices near wind farms were affected by the wind farm. (Wind Farm Proximity and Property Values: A Pooled Hedonistic Regression Analysis of Property Values in Central Illinois. Jennifer L. Hinman, (May 2010))

Traffic and Impacts to Roads

What is the transportation route the Project will use? Who will pay for road repairs/upgrades?

At this time, it is anticipated that all Project components will be transported via Interstate, State, and municipal roads to the Project’s entrance road (aka Dennison Road) in Nesquehoning Borough. The transportation of Project components will comply with the required federal, state and municipal level permits, licenses and authorizations.

Discussions will take place with the appropriate jurisdictional staff related to the development of a Road Use Agreement to address aspects such as the identification of the transportation route(s), road upgrades/repairs, and traffic planning issues. Any damages/repairs to local roads as a result of Project construction, including the transportation of Project components, will be the responsibility of Broad Mountain Power.

What measures will be used to control traffic and maintain public safety?

A Traffic Management Plan (which would include public safety) would be developed by the Construction Contractor for the protection of public safety during the construction. The Traffic Management Plan may include site access restrictions. The effect of constructing and operating the project is anticipated to have a limited, short term effect on traffic.

Construction

What impacts will there be from construction of the Project?

Broad Mountain Power is currently preparing permit applications for construction of the Project, with each permit application addressing different potential impacts during construction (e.g., erosion and sediment control, stormwater, grading, etc.).  The Project will be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the permits issued by the regulatory agencies. Construction is a short-term event, lasting approximately 10-12 months. However, the local benefits are significant. The Project is estimated between $125 million and $145 to develop. Approximately $12 million to $15 million of the project cost will go directly to the local economy. Construction will create between 80 and 120 temporary construction jobs.

How will the Project be constructed?

The project will be constructed in a staged approach with pre-site grading, foundation work, turbine erection and then reclamation.

The construction sequence for the Project will be developed in consultation with the contractor(s), and Broad Mountain Power will follow all applicable rules and regulations. Land clearing and grading activities will be minimized by keeping disturbance and construction activities within the permitted limits of disturbance, by following the sequence of construction, and by providing immediate temporary or permanent stabilization in accordance with the permit requirements. A brief summary of the anticipated construction sequence is provided below [note the items below may be altered]:

• Stage one consists of mobilization, delineating sensitive areas, establishing site access, and installing perimeter and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) simultaneously with required tree clearing and grinding.
• Stage two consists of installation of several diversion swales to redirect clean runoff around larger work areas.
• Stage three commences with earthwork moving, rough grading, construction of the proposed improvements (roads, foundations, WTG completion and electrical completion), and final grading.
• Stage four consists of vegetative restoration and permanent stabilization measures, and installation of the post-construction stormwater management BMPs. Removal of temporary erosion and sediment control BMPs will occur once the site is permanently stabilized.

How will project components be transported to the mountain during construction activities?

All component vehicles will use the Project entrance road (Dennison Road) to access the Project. Trucks carrying tower sections, blades and nacelles for delivery to the Project will follow a route and obtain any necessary state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in conjunction with local municipalities (if applicable). Each large turbine component delivery truck may be accompanied by the appropriate escort vehicles per state transportation requirements.

Who is paying for construction of the Project?

Broad Mountain Power is the proponent for the Project and is paying for construction of the project.

Operations

Can the wind turbines withstand extreme weather events?

Project components will be designed to withstand the effects from extreme weather events, including high winds and icing events. Considering the design features of the turbine which act to reduce or eliminate the potential for damage from extreme events, no adverse net effects from extreme weather events are anticipated during operation of the Project.

Will ice build up on the wind turbines?

The meteorological conditions that would cause the formation of ice on wind turbine blades in the Project area is a rare occurrence. Even under those conditions however, ice concerns is controlled in modern wind turbines through the use of sophisticated controls that stop the operation of the wind turbine under such conditions.

Complaint Response Protocol

Broad Mountain Power will continue its pre-construction contact with Project stakeholders during construction and operations as long as this seems an effective two-way channel for communication. Broad Mountain Power and/or the Construction Contractor and/or the Operations Contractor will develop and implement a Complaint Response Protocol for the construction and operation phase to address any reasonable concern from the public. Any issues brought forward will be assessed and addressed on a case by case basis. All reasonable commercial efforts will be made to take appropriate action as a result of concerns as soon as practicable.

A Complaint Response Plan was filed as part of the Zoning application package for Packer Township.

Decommissioning

Who is responsible for decommissioning the Wind Project?

Broad Mountain Power will repower or decommission the project.  Broad Mountain Power is responsible for the decommissioning of the Project including the cost of component removal and has committed to returning the site to a safe and clean condition after decommissioning in accordance with requirements to be determined prior to decommissioning. A site restoration plan will be developed based on the standards and best practices at the time of decommissioning.

Decommissioning would include the dismantling and removal of facility components, including foundations to a depth of 4 feet below grade, and restoring the land. Components would be recycled or reused wherever possible.

A Decommissioning Plan was filed as part of the Zoning application package for Packer Township.

Natural Environment

How is the natural environment being taken into consideration during the Project?

The Project is being designed with several main objectives:

1. Maintain the natural drainage patterns of the site where possible.
2. Avoid stream, wetland and riparian buffer crossings wherever possible.
3. Maximize protection of existing drainage features and vegetation.
4. Limit the disturbed area and minimize erosion within the disturbed areas.
5. Minimize sediment transport and prevent potential pollutants leaving the site.
6. Stage the earth disturbance to minimize the extent and duration of areas of un-stabilized soils.
7. Minimize soil compaction.
8. Implement an effective inspection and maintenance plan to ensure proper functioning of the Best Management Practice construction details (BMPs).

How many trees will be cut down for the placement of project components?

Impacts to trees will be minimized to the extent possible during construction of the Project. Avoidance will be the main strategy used to minimize impacts to trees and woodland habitat. Broad Mountain Power is undertaking an extensive assessment, considering all regulatory and engineering constraints to work toward the final layout.

How has the presence of species at risk been considered in the development of the preliminary layout?

Broad Mountain Power has initiated consultation with the regulatory agencies that have jurisdiction of species at risk. Environmental studies have been utilized in the siting process to avoid potential impacts, and best management practices will be implemented to minimize impacts to species of risk during operation of the Project.

How has the risk to migratory birds and bats been considered?

Pre-construction bird and bat surveys were initiated at the Project site in 2018 and additional surveys are planned in 2019. The results of these surveys will be used to prepare a site-specific bird and bat conservation strategy.

water

How are water bodies being taken into consideration during the project?

Environmental studies have been utilized in the siting process to avoid or minimize potential impacts to wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers.

What potential effect will the Project have on ground water and/or water wells?

There should be no impact (on drinking water / to groundwater) as a result of the Project. Before excavation commences, a geotechnical study is completed at all potential sites for ground water depth, as well as to determine necessary parameters required for foundation design. For stability reasons, turbine foundations cannot be built in areas where the ground water is too close to the surface. If water is encountered at any time, good construction practices will be used such as minimizing the length of time that the excavation is open and monitoring seepage during excavation.

Aviation Safety

Will the Project be required to provide information to the FAA?

One of the most important milestones in any wind project is securing a determination from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the project does not adversely affect air traffic or radar systems, thereby protecting public safety. Broad Mountain Power has submitted the appropriate documentation to the FAA and are waiting for their review to be completed.

What are the turbine setbacks to private airstrips?

The Project has submitted the necessary information to the FAA, as per the regulatory requirements.  In addition, documentation will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Aviation Division as well.  Broad Mountain Power will follow and meet the requirements presented by these regulatory bodies, as related to aerodromes.

There is no regulated setback to private airstrips in Pennsylvania.

Emergency Response

An Emergency Response Plan has been submitted as part of the zoning application (this document is always evolving and can be amended accordingly).  A copy of this document will also be forwarded to the local emergency response department(s).

Community Benefits

How will the local community benefit from the Project?

The 80-megawatt Broad Mountain Wind Project is estimated between a $145 million to $165 to develop. The project will generate $93 million in economic activity in Carbon County during construction while supporting 270 direct, indirect and induced jobs with $6 million in earnings. Beyond the one-time economic impacts from construction, direct operating expenditures at Broad Mountain upon completion will generate an estimated $3.1 million annually within Pennsylvania, with $2.7 million of that total occurring in Carbon County. The wind farm’s operation also will yield increases in state and local tax bases. The increases in economic output and employment associated with the wind farm’s operations also yield increases in state and local tax bases, with $57,000 annually to the state in income, sales and business taxes. In addition to taxes generated for Pennsylvania, approximately $100,900 in property tax revenues will be paid to local jurisdictions. Each year, $82,100 in property taxes will go to Weatherly School District, $17,760 to Carbon County, and $1,040 to Packer Township. To read the full economic development report, click here.

Miscellaneous

Will the Project interfere with TV and/or internet signals?

The zoning application contains several consultant studies regarding impacts to communication system.  If there is an impact to communication (i.e. TV, radio, or telephone) that is directly connected to or attributable to the wind farm, Broad Mountain Power LLC will work with the stakeholder (service provider and/or complainant) involved to come to a mutual and commercially reasonable solution.

Compatibility of Wind Turbines and Land Use

The amount of land area that the wind turbines occupy (turbine pads with access roads) is small compared to the overall acreage that participating landowners have optioned to lease for the Project. The participating landowners can still use the remaining property for recreational use or other purposes. The Project is a compatible use. The placement of wind turbines adjacent to non-participating property does not prohibit the use (building of homes, or other structures) of the land. In Packer Township, the Project land is in the A-1 Agricultural District and wind turbines are allowed by special exception as per Packer Township Ordinance No. 08-006, dated December 9, 2008.  Put into statistics, Broad Mountain Power has optioned to lease 4,000 acres and the Project footprint is approximately 400 acres, or approximately 10% of the total leased area.