Update on Steens Wind Energy Developments

Steens Mountain Industrial Wind Energy Developments

An example of “right idea, wrong place” is a proposal by Columbia Energy Partners (CEP) to place hundreds of turbines on the north flank of Steens Mountain, adjacent to the Steens Loop Road and Kiger Gorge Overlook.  In an attempt to avoid review by the State of Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council, CEP had subdivided its development into two 104 megawatt sites—projects below 105 megawatts are reviewed only by the County.

CEP recently pulled its applications in Harney County for these two projects after ONDA was joined by the Audubon Society of Portland and 15 other conservation organizations in opposing the projects.   While ONDA is a strong proponent of responsible renewable energy development, including wind power, we believe it is critical that such projects are environmentally sound and landscape sensitive.

CEP’s applications not only failed to follow the appropriate process but also did not include critical baseline wildlife survey data recommended by state wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and other wind industry leaders.  Steens Mountain is one of the most important bird and wildlife areas in the state, and proceeding with a massive industrial wind development without basic wildlife data and rigorous oversight would result in irreparable harm to the area’s wildlife.

ONDA and the other conservation organizations are asking that any future consideration of wind development in the area should include a minimum of two years of wildlife survey data and must be subject to review by the Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council.  CEP has already obtained a county permit for a third adjacent 104 megawatt site near Mann Lake and ONDA will continue to monitor this project while waiting to see whether the other two projects resurface.