October 5, 2010 - Connecticut River flooding; Vermont Yankee tries again

Flooding is a major issue for many parts of the country.  It can cause major property damage and loss of life -- or have more moderate effects.  This past week, on the Connecticut River, which forms part of the Vermont-New Hampshire border, flooding has swept up to 100,000 pumpkins into the river.

Also in Vermont, the owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant are once again lobbying state legislators and regulators for a license extension.  Without some form of government action, Vermont Yankee will lose its license in 2012.  Vermont presents a unique forum for nuclear re-licensing decisions, as it is the only state to give itself (legislatively) the authority to deny re-licensing petitions.  For nuclear power plants in other states, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission typically wields that power.

In Rumford, Maine, a hearing was held last night to allow citizens to comment on a proposed wind energy siting ordinance.  Wind siting continues to be a significant issue, as municipalities attempt to balance environmental and aesthetic values against business opportunities and the chance to participate in the green economy.

June 18, 2010 - quick roundup

The town of Oxford, Maine, is looking at perhaps $25,000 in repairs needed at the dam at the former Robinson Mill. Last year, the town foreclosed on the mill property over $244,920 in back taxes from the last three years, and then voted to take possession of the mill property after the owner failed to make payments on his installment workout plan. The town expects repairs to include replacing the dam's log boom and grates, plus new decking and walkway supports. The dam maintains the water level in Thompson Lake.

The Lewiston Sun Journal reports that First Wind has canceled its presentation to the board of selectmen in Rumford, Maine. Rumford is considering a wind siting ordinance, and the Sun Journal reports that First Wind said it would be premature to present on the project before the ordinance comes out. First Wind had proposed a wind farm on Black Mountain and North and South Twin mountains, but has retooled the project after finding that the wind intensity didn't match the specified turbines.

The price of power from Cape Wind continues to make news. Now Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has intervened in the case before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities over the proposed Cape Wind power purchase agreement with utility National Grid. Wal-Mart is reported as saying it supports the concept behind the project, but challenges the price it would have to pay for the wind-generated electricity.