BP and Cape supervisor express opposing views

Alexandria Bay, NY

May 15, 2013

By Pamela McDowell, Staff Writer

BP and Cape supervisor express opposing views

Cape Vincent – British Petroleum has submitted written responses to the comments made by several state agencies, local municipalities and organizations regarding the wind company’s preliminary scoping statement which was submitted to the NYS  Public Service Commission’s siting board in March.

The multitude of comments submitted by the agencies regarding the scoping statement of the project stated, in essence, that the wind company’s preliminary plan for the 124 turbine wind project in the town of Cape Vincent is incomplete and needs more study and specific planning.

BP, in turn, replied to these comments on May 10.

Most of the company's responses convey that specific issues of concern will be addressed in the future, with repeated statements such as "… Cape Vincent Windpower will take this under advisement," or "…This information will be supplied in the formal application," even in response to a state requests for specific information prior to the application.

BP’s response to the most significant questions such as the setback distance of turbines from property lines and roadways, and questions on noise levels and shadow flickers, were deflected, with statements that the information will be provided upon submission of the formal wind project application.

The wind company also stated that it needs to consult with Public Service Commission staff to find out what level of detail is required in its plan.

According to Amanda Abbott, director of government and public affairs of BP Wind Energy, a few actions will be taken immediately to address some of the concerns raised, but the remaining issues will be addressed closer to the submission of the application, while other issues will be dealt with in the formal application.

Ms. Abbott stated in an email that the company has submitted a revised map using updated aerial and topographic data. The map shows the location of facilities with individual labels for each of the facility locations such as the temporary lay down yard, the batch plant areas and operations and maintenance building, according to the email.

Ms. Abbott also explains that the company has revised its monthly public involvement tracking report to include future outreach activities, as well as identifying new stakeholders added to the list the public involvement documents will provide a calendar of BPs engagement with the community.

She communicated, "To date, we have consistently sought to engage with all stakeholders, providing the information that we have."

Cape Vincent Supervisor Urban Hirschey says the company should not submit its application until they impart the rest of the information requested by the state and local agencies.

"I'm disappointed. It's a copout," he said. "They really haven't addressed the issues; it's very much like the first statement – ‘we’ll get back to you when we do the application.’ In my humble opinion, their response was nothing."

In a related topic, Ms. Abbott noted that the company has provided the nearly $100,000 required in intervenor funds, for stakeholders to hire experts to help arrive at accurate information on the impacts of the turbines and related issues. The funds can also be used for legal fees.

Several stakeholders, organizations and individuals have applied for a portion of the funding, primarily the town of Cape Vincent and the Wind Power Ethics Group.

 A Conference with state officials addressing intervenor funds will be held at Cape Vincent Elementary School Tuesday, May 21, at 7 PM and is open to the public.