Muskegon County Wastewater Plant Seeks Wind Development
The Muskegon County Wastewater Management System Tuesday announced that it is seeking proposals from utility-scale wind developers interested in building a major wind project on 11,000 acres of its property near Lake Michigan.
Rodger Kershner and Jon Kreucher of the law firm Howard & Howard, who specialize in the firm's energy and utilities practice, were selected by the MCWMS to solicit proposals from reputable wind developers. Kershner and Kreucher will offer advice and guidance during subsequent deliberations.
"The site offers several features that could be of interest to wind developers," Kershner said. "For example, the acreage is contiguous and under common ownership, which should help speed the land acquisition and development process. There are no homes on the site, which means that more area can be used for development than in the typical project. Plus, additional acreage adjacent to the site is believed to be interested in a wind project."
Added Kreucher: "There has been great support within the local community for a wind farm and the Muskegon County area is increasingly acknowledged as one center of renewable energy activity in Michigan. Additionally, with the recent extension of federal renewable energy grants for projects that begin construction in 2011, this might be a project that could launch within the qualification period."
The MCWMS operates an environmentally conscious wastewater treatment plant on the large tract located less than 15 miles from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. While the plant occupies some of the property, the majority of the approximately 11,000 acres is devoted to farming using water and by-products from the facility.
The board and management of the MCWMS have envisioned a wind farm being compatible with its current operations and placed a unit that measures wind speed on the site in April, 2010. Initial data suggests that wind resources are compatible with a commercially viable project.
According to Mark Eisenbarth, the Director of the MCWMS, "This will be an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and will support the operation of our regional wastewater treatment facility. We have great support from our (county) commissioners and sincere involvement from our local industries to make this project a win-win opportunity for the right developer and our community."
Wind developers who want to receive more information about the Muskegon County opportunity should contact Kershner through www.howardandhoward.com. Analysis of proposals received, negotiation with finalist candidates, and selection of the successful developer is currently expected to be complete later this year.
