State officials steered the question of off shore wind power into Lincoln County’s coastal waters Tuesday announcing the possibility that a 10 mile long area off the historic and protected Damariscove Island, or a site near fabled Monhegan Island, could become the site of an experimental off shore wind power test.
While officials acknowledged nothing is likely to be built for at least two years, it was clear from their presentation that the plans for the project are on the fast track.
The more than 60 folks who listened to the nearly three-hour presentation held at the Wiscasset Community Center, were supportive, skeptical, worried and just plain curious.
Robert G. Marvinney, the state geologist, explained that officials, spurred on by a new state law that was approved without dissent, have identified eight sites up and down the coast that could be chosen as the location for a wind power test project.
Marvinney said he and other officials are talking to stake holders, interested parties and the public during September.
A draft list of demonstration areas – as many as five – will be picked in mid October. After a month for public comment, a final list will be announced on Dec. 15, he said.
One or more floating windmills may be erected in the test locations.
After the test is complete, larger wind farms, covering 20 to 40 square miles, would likely be constructed further off shore and out of sight in deeper water.
“We need to test the technology to see how it would work in the Maine waters. There is a lot of wind off our coast and the floating technology and mooring technology needs to be tested,” he said.
He also cited increased Maine service and construction jobs, possible manufacturing opportunities for Bath Iron Works and heavy construction company Cinbro. The University of Maine composite center is also interested in the project, he said.
Key factors for picking the test areas include being within Maine coastal waters, at least 200 feet deep, boasting an average wind speed of 17 miles per hour, that do not obstruct shipping lanes, or encounter underwater wrecks or possible unexploded ordinance.
The test will study the effectiveness and impact of the off shore windmills. Sites will be developed by the University of Maine and leased to industry for five years.
Each project must clear a permitting process, but it will be expedited.
While many questioned the project, citing concerns for the environment, coastal beauty, impact on fishermen and shipping, others like Rev. Peter Panagore of East Boothbay and David Nutt of Boothbay praised it for its vision and environmental qualities.
“It is progressive technology,” said Nutt. “We should lead the nation in the area of (clean) energy,” he said.
Others were not so sure.
Fred Bowers, a towboat operator was concerned the towers could obstruct marine traffic. He warned the windmills, even ones that are hundreds of feet tall, could be a problem for mariners in fog and stormy conditions. “I have missed Sequin several times in the fog,” he said.
Bill Hopkins of the Westbrook Island Conservation Commission said the experiment was a chance for industry to get its nose under the tent. “You said these (experimental windmills) will be removed after five years, but the law allows them to stay.
“The new state shoreland zoning regulations (protecting the coast) limit my right to cut down a tree. Now you propose to erect large towers disturbing the esthetics of the coastline,” he said.
“The legislature slipped it to us,” said Hopkins.
Possible compensation for fishermen was also a concern.
Dexter Morrison of West Boothbay urged officials to consider compensating the fishermen for loss of their fishing grounds. “You are removing a substantial amount of fishing area and there should be compensation for them. Unless a system is set up, you are exercising eminent domain with out compensation,” he said.
Other fishermen, including Boothbay’s Mark Jones, asked who is responsible for loss of fishing gear destroyed by marine construction traffic while another fisherman warned some fishermen could lose the fishing grounds used by generations of families.
State officials, who distributed maps identifying eight possible sites, are holding a series of similar informational meetings in Ellsworth, Machias, Wells and Rockport.