Public Comments Sought On Proposed Wind Project Near Burney

A public review period has begun for a wind turbine project 25 miles northeast of Redding that’s much larger than the existing Hatchet Ridge wind farm. The Fountain Wind Project 8 miles west of Burney would install up to 72 turbines. At a height of up to 679 feet, they would be much taller than the existing turbines and would be visible from surrounding counties. They would be spread over an area of nearly 4500 acres and installed on land leased from timber companies. An organized opposition last year pointed out that the land is rated by Cal-Fire as a high fire hazard zone, much of it in the footprint of the Fountain Fire. They also fear the impact on Native American cultural sites and wildlife, especially Eagles, Hawks and Owls. A draft environmental impact report is available for review on the county website, with comments accepted through September 18th.