OTESCO presents system updates to Sheridan County Commissioners
OTESCO presents system updates to Sheridan County Commissioners
By ALLAN TNKER
At the request of the Sheridan County Commissioners, Ottertail (OTESCO) representatives Kirby Anderson and Tom Hrdlicka updated the commission on the proposed 150 MW wind tower projects Sheridan Ridge I and II. They appeared at the regular monthly, Dec. 7, meeting.
Anderson stated that there were just a few positives in the industry trends currently. The 2010 progress went at a snail’s pace, he stated. They picked up options for three-year easements for a 100-foot corridor that connects Sheridan Ridge I to Sheridan Ridge II.
OTESCO also applied for and received a permit for the Bureau of Reclamation to cross the McClusky Canal along the transmission line corridor.
The substation easements were progressing, with one hold-out. Wildlife habitat and whooping crane impacts were also being considered by the various agencies. “It is not cheap to protect and enhance wildlife and requires a lot of effort,” said Hrdlicka.
No application has yet been made to ND Public Service Commission for site compatibility. “The best case scenario is for action in 2012, there will be no construction in 2011,” added Hrdlicka.
