Maple Ridge Wind Farm
9:35 AM
Posted by Energetic
Maple Ridge Wind Farm is the largest wind farm in the state of New York in the United States, with 195 Vestas model V82 1.65 MW wind turbines. Each turbine tower is 260 feet (79 m) tall. Each turbine has blades 130 feet (40 m) long, which added to the hub diameter gives a rotor diameter of 270 feet (82 m). Collectively, the turbines are capable of producing a maximum of 320 MW, which accounts for three quarters of the wind power capacity of New York. Maple Ridge Wind Farm became fully operational in January 2006.
The wind farm is located on Tug Hill in Lewis County, New York. The site was chosen because it lies at an elevation of 1,600–1,800 feet (490–550 m) and experiences strong lake-effect weather patterns from nearby Lake Ontario. The area is used primarily as pasture and feed-crop land.
Maple Ridge Wind Farm was named in honor of Lewis County, which is the leading maple syrup producing county in New York.
Mixed feelings from neighbors of the Maple Ridge Wind Farm are reported.
The Maple Ridge Wind Farm was featured during the 2007 Wind Tour of Assemblyman Pete Lopez.