Hearing reset on wind project

RICHMOND — Following a series of disagreements, Highland New Wind Development LLC and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources have reached an impasse. DHR hoped HNWD would work with agency officials to discuss ways to mitigate impacts of the project's 400-foot wind turbine towers on the Camp Allegheny Civil War battlefield.

DHR told HNWD it would consider mitigation efforts after the agency concluded the utility would adversely affect the battlefield. After discussing several potential mitigation efforts, DHR and HNWD decided the matter could not be resolved without a hearing.

DHR had complained to the State Corporation Commission months ago that HNWD was not meeting a condition of its SCC permit on issues of viewshed and archaeological resources.

Hearing dates were postponed when HNWD made last-minute efforts to satisfy DHR's requests. Tuesday, DHR again asked for a hearing. DHR said, "the parties have engaged in dialogue, but have reached an impasse that requires a hearing" because "further dialogue will not be fruitful." The hearing is set for Dec. 22 in Richmond. Watch for details in next week's Recorder.

— Anne Adams