Former biologist wants wind developer to conduct new avian studies

 By MARCUS WOLF

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
June 13,2017


Avian advocate Clifford P. Schneider argues that Apex Clean Energy’s Galloo Island wind project should not move forward in the state Article 10 law review process because it lacks the sufficient environmental studies needed to assess the project’s potential impacts. Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Daily Times


Apex Clean Energy Cries ‘Uncle’ in Tennessee, but not in New York

The following was contributed by a reader
Apex Clean Energy, the wind developer behind Lighthouse and Galloo wind projects currently under New York’s Article 10 review, decided to pull the plug on their Crab Orchard Wind project proposal in Cumberland County, Tennessee.
Apex’s excuse was, “There are several important inflection points at which we determine whether the fundamental attributes of the project support a continuing investment in that project,” Apex noted. “We have come to such an inflection point on the Crab Orchard Wind project.”
Inflexion points seem to suggest market timing, financing, tax credits, subsidies, equipment costs and other developmental issues, but certainly not opposition and political pressure.
A reasonable person might wonder, if any of these factors affected Apex’s decision to abandon Crab Orchard, then they might be abandoning other projects, since these inflexion points would affect Apex’s projects no matter where they are located, since all projects are driven by the same fundamentals.
But alas, Apex has not suggested they are leaving any other projects, just Crab Orchard in Tennessee.
So, what’s special about Crab Orchard?
In a search for those inflexion points that might be responsible for Apex’s decision to leave Tennessee there is one that popped up and screamed – THAT’S IT!!
Please, please click on the You Tube video below and see the real reason why Apex called it quits – it’s because of the logic, eloquence and fortitude of Tennessee’s U.S. Senator, Lamar Alexander.
What Alexander argues before the Senate are the very same issues that influence Galloo, Lighthouse and any other wind project proposed for New York.
Alexander’s best line was ‘Choosing wind turbine electric generation when you have nuclear capability is like going to war in sailboats when you have a nuclear navy’.

Agreements regarding Galloo Island Wind project application open for comment


By MARCUS WOLF
WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
MAY 23, 2017  


Proposed agreements between Apex Clean Energy and state agencies regarding what the developer will include in its Galloo Island Wind project application are available for public comment. Conrinue reading via this link to the Watertown Daily Times

Galloo Island Wind developer must provide more details for PILOT application


By MARCUS WOLF
WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
WEDSDAY, MAY 17, 2017


WATERTOWN — The developer for the Galloo Island Wind project needs to clarify sections of its payment-in-lieu-of-taxes application before the committee charged with conducting the first step of the review process can deem it complete. Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Daily Times

JCIDA committee to discuss Apex Clean Energy’s PILOT application later this month


By MARCUS WOLF
WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017
WATERTOWN — Donald C. Alexander decided that the payment-in-lieu-of tax agreement application from the developer of the Galloo Island Wind project was suitable and the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency’s loan review committee will discuss it May 19. Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Daily Times

Retired biologist argues Jefferson County not suitable for wind turbines

By MARCUS WOLF
Watertown Daily Times
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017

State agency guidelines and reports used to help review the Clean Energy Standard advise against wind energy development in Jefferson County, argues a retired biologist tasked with reviewing Apex Clean Energy’s Galloo Island Wind project. Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Daily Times

Lighthouse owners want more communication with town officials about wind project


By MARCUS WOLF
WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017


The owners of the historic lighthouse on Galloo Island want to know what Hounsfield town officials will do to represent their interests in the review process for Apex Clean Energy’s Galloo Island Wind project Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Daily Times

2017 Avian Risk Assessment for Apex Clean Energy’s Galloo Island Wind Project

Submitted to the Public Service Commission January 30,2017

by Clifford P. Schneider
Lake Ontario Unit Leader - Retired
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

 RE: Galloo Island Wind Project, Case No. 15‐F‐0327


Dear Secretary Burgess:

In accordance with Article 10 of the Public Service Law, please find
attached a 2017 Avian Risk Assessment for Apex Clean Energy’s Galloo
Island Wind Project.