OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington’s governor is expected to offer her opinion within 60 days on a proposed wind farm that would be visible from two towns in the heart of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.
Washington state’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council this week left unchanged an October decision to scale back but approve the project. It would be visible from the towns of White Salmon, Wash., and Hood River, Ore.
The Oregonian reports that (http://is.gd/EDSaj6) SDS Lumber Co. of Bingen and Broughton Lumber Co. of Underwood originally proposed the $150 million Whistling Ridge wind farm in 2008. They sought to put 50 turbines on 1,200 acres the companies own just outside the scenic area on the ridges above White Salmon.
The project has faced opposition from environmental groups and nearby landowners because of its potential visual and noise impacts.
