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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM AND TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT BEGIN TO SURVEY LOCAL RESIDENTS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY, CONSTRUCTION OF WIND TURBINES PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management, in partnership with the Town of Narragansett, is beginning to survey local residents to gather their opinions on renewable energy and the possible installation of three to six wind turbines on state and/or Town properties in Narragansett. The survey is being conducted to collect information from Narragansett residents and others to better inform state and local officials on concerns raised by the possible construction of these wind turbines.Earlier this month, almost 800 randomly selected Narragansett residents were sent an introductory letter informing them about the survey. The actual survey document was mailed to those residents last week, and includes 34 questions. Although participation in the survey is voluntary, DEM and the Town encourage residents to complete the survey and return it to DEM in the stamped, return envelope provided with the survey. All responses will be kept completely confidential, and answers to the survey questions will not be tracked. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, and has a margin of error of +/- five percent. A postcard reminder to complete the questionnaire will be sent to the residents next week, followed by a final reminder two-three weeks later. Renewable Energy Section Now Available on DEM Website DEM has developed a new section on the Department website, www.dem.ri.gov, offering information on a host of renewable energy topics. In addition to the Narragansett RFP and survey, the site also includes photos of the proposed Narragansett wind turbine sites and information on wind, sighting guidelines, the MET tower, and energy efficiency. The new section is available by selecting "Renewable Energy" on the left side of the homepage. Narragansett Wind Turbine RFP In May, DEM and the Town of Narragansett announced they were seeking bids from experienced developers interested in the construction of onshore wind turbine projects on one or a combination of state sites and town-owned properties located in Narragansett. Firms with a history of success in major electrical energy facility design and land-based wind power project development were asked to submit proposals for the wind turbine project. At the close of the bidding period, which ended on July 8, four proposals were submitted to the Department of Administration for consideration. The proposals would be designed to maximize revenue and provide energy needs for the state and the town over the life of the facility. The energy produced from these sites will help to support DEM activities at the Port of Galilee and state camping and beach facilities located in Narragansett. The wind turbines would be limited to the following three DEM controlled properties: Camp Cronin, Black Point, and property on the southwest side of the Galilee Escape Road. The proposed Town of Narragansett properties include the Scarborough Treatment Plant on Ocean Road, adjacent to Scarborough State Beach, and the South Kingstown Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant on Westmoreland Street, approximately ½ mile east of Mariner Square. Rhode Island has abundant wind energy resources and wants to use these resources to maximize the economic development potential inherent in renewable energy projects. The state and the town recognize the benefits of renewable energy, and have set goals to reduce air emissions from the generation of electricity and benefit from long-term electrical energy price stability. -30- |
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