Aroostook County, endearingly referred to as “The County” by native Mainers, is the largest east of the Mississippi. Its 3.8 million acres of forest land, 2000+ lakes, rivers, streams and ponds, and relatively unspoiled natural beauty attract wilderness enthusiasts from thousands of miles every year.
Thanks to Evergreen Wind Power LLC, a Bangor-based subsidiary of UPC Wind Partners, “The County” may soon become a different kind of tourist destination.
Evergreen Wind is in the process of developing a 40 to 50 MW wind farm on a four-mile ridge near the town of Mars Hill. An estimated 33 state-of-the-art, virtually silent turbines will be installed. Once completed, the turbines and access road will only have a footprint of about 20 to 25 acres. At full capacity, Mars Hill will produce enough electricity to power approximately 50,000 average Maine homes.
The area is ideal in that it satisfies Evergreen’s philosophy of selecting “only those sites which are already partially developed, do not present any special environmental concerns, benefit from strong local support, and bring the maximum number of regional economic benefits.” Indeed, there are currently several cell towers and a small ski area in the proposed vicinity, locals are enthusiastic and supportive, there is ample energy demand, and decidedly sufficient space in the local grid to accommodate the project.
According to Governor John Baldacci’s office of Renewables and Energy Independence, Mars Hill will offset air pollution (based on United States average power generation) by 120,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide (this is the equivalent of removing exhaust emissions from more than 17,000 automobiles), 420 tons of Sulfur dioxide, and 288 tons of Nitric Oxide annually. In addition to reducing climate-disrupting and acid rain-causing agents, there are expected to be positive economic and social ramifications, as well as an increase in tourism, research, and educational opportunities.
For Mars Hill Land Owners, 33 turbines will result in a minimum of $100,000 in royalties and leases per year for 20 years. Local municipalities will be able to collect property taxes from Evergreen Wind indefinitely; and after construction three to five permanent full time positions and four to six part time positions will yield a total payroll of approximately $200,000 to $300,000 per year. Additionally, one town tourist bureau at a similar wind farm reported an increase of 60,000 visitors to their town per year. The Mars Hill area may also be a very busy place after construction.
USM’s purchase of 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of Green-e Certified Wind Energy Certificates from EAD Environmental aids the development of the Mars Hill Project and others like it. Buying these Wind Energy Certificates not only reduces USM’s contribution to global warming by nearly 700 tons of carbon-dioxide a year, but it also supports Maine’s local and state economies, and fosters educational opportunities. Micah Cogen, Vice President of Sales for EAD Environmental applauded “the University’s commitment to support the cleanest renewable power generation available” and added that the “recognition of the need to use clean, renewable energy is a growing trend nationally and the University of Southern Maine is establishing itself as a leader.”
That’s one small step for USM, and one giant leap for Maine.