Published on March 24, 2004

MONTPELIER — There will be no decision this year on a controversial plan to erect four industrial wind towers on East Mountain in East Haven.

A recent ruling from the hearing officer at the Public Service Board (PSB) who is in charge of the case has granted a delay so more studies can be conducted on the patterns of migratory birds and bats on East Mountain.

Hearing officer Kurt Jensen said he was extending the deadline to extend “a reasonable opportunity” to research and provide evidence on “all the issues involved.” Such an extension, he added, would likely help the board “make an informed decision.”

The delay will allow The Nature Conservancy (TNC) along with other parties to conduct fall migratory studies on the mountain, which is home to the Bicknell thrush, characterized as “a Vermont species of concern.”

Joining TNC in asking for an extension were the state Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) and the Kingdom Common Group (KCG), a community group opposed to the project.

The extension comes after a TNC scientist submitted a critical review to the PSB of a study underwritten by the developer regarding the impact the 300-foot towers would have on birds and bats.

East Haven Windfarm, the Montpelier company seeking approval from PSB, objected to the extension.

According to the ruling, the company wanted an offer of proof and a hearing to show why its study was insufficient.

But Mr. Jensen elected to grant the extension on the basis that the project’s construction likely could not be completed prior to the summer of 2005.

“I will alter the schedule to provide sufficient time for ANR, TNC, and KCG to conduct their studies and present their case,” he wrote in a ruling handed down on March 17.