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One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032
Contact: Nancy Heck
E-Mail: nheck@carmel.in.gov
Phone: (317) 571-2494
Nancy Heck
The
Department of Community Relations
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City of Carmel
One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032
News Release
Date:
September 12, 2007
Contact:
Nancy Heck
(317) 571-2494
Release:
Immediate
Meteorological Tower Successfully
Installed in Carmel
Carmel, IN – Last week, a
meteorological tower was installed near 106th Street and
Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel, just north of the City’s
Wastewater Treatment Facility. This tower is the first step
in determining if wind energy can be used as a renewable
energy source in this area. Information will be gathered on
wind frequency, speed, consistency and other variables for a
period of one year.
The tower is 60 meters tall with approximately twenty-eight
support wires around it. This City-owned property was
selected as the project site due to its location away from
residential areas. This could also be the location for
eventual wind generators if the data collected confirms
their viability.
The ultimate goal of this City testing project, which is
being conducted by North Coast Wind and Power based out of
Ohio, is to test the feasibility of building one to four
wind generators at the site. The energy would be used by the
Carmel Wastewater Treatment Facility, which currently
operates on electricity. The facility is able to recapture
about 40-50 percent of the methane produced by the
wastewater treatment process and burn it as a fuel source at
the plant. This is economical because it saves taxpayers
money on energy bills and reuses this byproduct of the
wastewater treatment process. Using wind generators will
further allow the City to take advantage of a clean
renewable energy source instead of buying electric power
derived from burning coal.
The Wastewater Treatment Facility’s current electrical costs
total approximately $300,000 annually, which could increase
to approximately $800,000 annually if expanded to include a
proposed water treatment plant. To determine whether one or
more wind generators would be feasible, the City would look
at the return on the investment. For example, if the cost of
installing a wind generator is $1 million and data collected
during the test year estimated annual energy savings of
$100,000, then the wind generators would pay for themselves
in 10 years.
The City of Carmel is committed to promoting environmental
consciousness through a variety of initiatives. Installing
roundabouts instead of traditional traffic light
intersections conserves gasoline and reduces air pollution
because vehicles do not have to stop and idle at red lights.
It also conserves electricity as there are no mechanical
signals to maintain in a roundabout. The City’s planning and
design principles also promote energy conservation through
the installation of pedestrian and bike paths in many of the
new developments. This encourages citizens to walk or bike
as alternate means of transportation. Mayor Jim Brainard has
led the charge for environmental initiatives in Carmel. In
2005, he signed an executive order requiring that all
replacement vehicles purchased for use by City departments
have flex fuel or hybrid power capabilities when an
appropriate model is available. Exploring the possibility of
using wind energy as a renewable energy source is another
initiative of the Mayor.
“The testing for the feasibility of wind generators in
Carmel sends a clear message that the City cares deeply
about the quality of life in the community, which includes
the environment. I also want to encourage our citizens and
other neighboring communities to consider renewable energy
sources when possible. In addition to conserving electricity
and improving air quality, the City will save on energy
bills at a time when global demand and prices are rapidly
increasing,” said Mayor Brainard.
For more information on wind energy, please visit
www.awea.org or
www.northcoastwindandpower.com.
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