Public Comments Period Extended For Large Wind Farm Near Burney

A public review period has been extended 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 among the largest in the U.S. The turbines would be spread over an area of nearly 4500 acres and installed on land leased from timber companies. An organized opposition group of residents 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. The project is also opposed by the Pit River Tribe, who 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 October 5th.