Critics Raise Eyebrows Over Plowing at Cape Vincent Wind Sites

Study scuffle: Critics raise eyebrows over plowing at Cape Vincent wind sites

By Nancy Madsen Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Thursday, October 14 2010

Oct. 14--CAPE VINCENT -- One man's archaeological study is another man's construction site prep work.

The sites for wind turbines, access roads and an electrical substation in the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm are being plowed up, action that wind power opponents say pre-empts the environmental review process, while the developer says it is part of that process.

"In the areas where we have open fields, we're plowing them," said James H. Madden, project manager for developer BP Alternative Energy. "We know where the facility areas are and as part of the archaeological study, we have the option of doing shovel tests or, where previously farmed, plowing, to make it easier to do the work."