Q: What are the steps and time line for Desert Claim's application to the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council?

A: Desert Claim originally submitted its application to EFSEC in 2006. Early in 2009 a revised application was submitted to EFSEC, with improved power capacity, residential setbacks from turbines, and economic benefits for the state and local community. In 2009 EFSEC will hold a hearing on the revised Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and conduct an adjudicatory hearing and public hearings on the wind farm's application. EFSEC will then make its recommendation on Desert Claim to Gov. Christine Gregoire, who has the final approval authority.

Q: What is the new power-generation capacity of Desert Claim?

A: With the revision, Desert Claim now has 95 turbines with 190 megawatts of capacity, enough to generate power for 57,000 homes. The previous layout had 90 turbines and 180 megawatts.

Q: How far are residences from turbines?

A: The recent revision features a 75 percent reduction in the number of residences located within 2,500 feet of a wind turbine. That’s important because Kittitas County Development Services had stated a desire for a 2,500-foot setback in discussions with enXco in 2007.

The revised layout would have only seven nonparticipating residences within 2,500 feet of a turbine, compared with 29 previously. The closest nonparticipating residence is now 1,687 feet from a turbine. That is beyond the distance required by EFSEC of another wind project last year.

Q: How will Desert Claim deal with the effects of shadow flicker on nearby residences?

A: Shadow flicker, defined as alternating changes in light intensity due to the shadows of moving blades cast on the ground or objects, can be managed by programming the turbine control system. Desert Claim has committed to eliminating shadow flicker at any residence where it could be experienced, unless the owner voluntarily agrees to a waiver. The project will stop a turbine during times when shadow flicker could occur at a residence.

Q: What are the effects of the sound of the turbines?

A: Sound levels from turbines meet state requirements, which set 50 decibels or less as the limit at the project boundary. This is equivalent to the state's nighttime limit for residential properties and is comparable to the sound levels in a quiet residential area. For most residences, the increase will be no more than 1 or 2 decibels above the sounds they already hear, such as the sound when the wind blows.

Q: What are the size and configuration of the project?

A: The project consists of a single contiguous area of 5,200 acres.

Q: How many landowners are participating in the project?

A: The rural character of much of Kittitas County makes it possible to build a wind farm like Desert Claim in a low-density area. The participating landowners of the nearly 5,000 acre Desert Claim project consist of five private landowners and a government agency. The landowners, including the State, will benefit from lease payments for the life of the project. Private owners will also be able to continue growing hay and running several hundred head of cattle after the wind farm begins operation.