Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials from the University of Maine at Presque Isle held a windmill-commissioning ceremony on Thursday, with a little help from Mother Nature in the way of a major wind storm.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
UP, UP AND AWAY — Mother Nature helped make the ribbon-cutting ceremony at UMPI’s wind turbine May 14 a rather memorable occasion, as wind gusts during the event ranged between 30-50 mph. Taking part in the releasing of environmentally-friendly dove-shaped paper balloons are, from left: Lumus Construction President Sumul Shah and his daughter, Alaya; Pallav Shah, Lumus project manager; Jessica Mayne, UMPI student; Charlie Bonin, vice president of administration and finance, UMPI; and Sue Pinette, administrative assistant, UMPI.
“A breeze is blowing in Aroostook County as we gather to take the next step — a very large one,” said President Don Zillman in his opening remarks at the Campus Center gathering held to recognize the milestone.
Zillman noted the process of getting into wind-generated power was driven by many reasons.
“First, it’s a strong part of the campus’s commitment to renewable energy. It establishes the campus community as a pioneer. It will enhance and be a part of our educational program, as part of students’ learning now and the next generation as well. And it will help us reduce our electric power bill,” said Zillman, adding there are all kinds of good reasons out there and all are important.
Zillman recognized the many people who helped see this project to fruition, including: the Federal Department of Energy; Maine Public Utilities Commission; Bangor consultants Woodard & Curran; members of the University of Maine System; leadership at Maine Public Service; the Maine Army National Guard; Scott Wardwell, manager of the Northern Maine Regional Airport, for his work obtaining licensing from the FAA; City Manager Tom Stevens, City Council and department heads for their continued encouragement; Maine legislators, the governor and federal representatives for their support of the project; Sue Jones of Community Wind and Skip Babineau, who handled wind meetings; as well as educational partners Tim Crowley, president of Northern Maine Community College, and Gehrig Johnson, superintendent of SAD 1. Zillman also recognized Lumus Construction, Inc., and the contractors who worked to bring the project to completion.
“I also want to acknowledge the support we’ve received from the community on campus — faculty, staff and students,” said Zillman.
Sumul Shah, president of Lumus Construction, Inc., provided an informative lesson on the construction and use of wind turbines and how sites are selected.
“We plan projects by looking at the general wind mass, look for windy locations. We measure wind for a year or two before determining the size and placement of wind turbines,” explained Shah.
Commissioner Vendean Vafiades, of the MPUC, was on hand for the event and expressed pleasure with the project.
“We honor UMPI for its stewardship for the campus and community. This is a wonderful symbol for the community and its (the University’s) commitment to renewable energy,” said Vafiades.
UMS Chancellor Richard Pattenaude also spoke at the commissioning ceremony.
“All at UMS are proud of this accomplishment. This doesn’t happen easily. It takes unwavering commitment,” said Pattenaude.
“The campus and community made this possible, I just helped,” said Zillman.
Stevens recognized city officials who were involved in working with the campus as the project developed, including: Ken Arndt, Scott Wardwell, Larry Clark and Calvin Hall.
“We’re thrilled to see it come to fruition today,” said Stevens.
A high-wind advisory, with gusts predicted up to 50 mph, had Stevens joking about the scheduling of the ceremony.
“It shows Don has some clout to pull off an event with a high wind advisory in effect today,” said Stevens.
Stevens said the impact of the project will be felt beyond the borders of the community.
“It affects us locally but the impact broadens far and wide beyond that. On behalf of the city, we’re very pleased to have it (wind turbine) in our community,” said Stevens. “Congratulations.”
Legislative sentiments were read as well, including presentations by: Sharon Campbell, on behalf of Sen. Olympia Snowe; Phil Bosse, on behalf of Sen. Susan Collins; and Barb Hayslett, on behalf of Congressman Mike Michaud.
With the conclusion of the ceremony inside, those in attendance moved outside, some walking and others driving to the site of the wind turbine for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Jim Wilson, vice president of Woodard & Curran, a Bangor consulting firm involved with the project, read a proclamation dedicating the wind turbine as, “a symbol of the campus’s commitment” to clean energy.
With that, Ayala, daughter of Shah, had the honor of cutting the ribbon on a large box holding environmentally-friendly, dove-shaped paper balloons. As the balloons were swept away, over 100 small, paper whirligigs were dropped from the top of the turbine tower — last seen heading for Caribou, transported by strong winds blowing through the area that morning.
Construction of the 600 kW wind turbine began in November 2008, with completion of the $2 million project occurring about a month ago. The campus reportedly spends over $300,000 annually for electricity; the windmill will save the University approximately $100,000 annually.
Local contractors who assisted in the project include: Soderberg Construction of Caribou; S.W. Cole Engineering of Caribou; County Electric Inc. of Caribou; Masse Earthworks of Caribou; Langille Construction of Presque Isle; Energy Service Partners of Presque Isle; and K-PEL Industrial Services Inc. of Fort Fairfield.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
JOHN DENNIS, cultural director for the Micmac Cultural Community Education Center in Presque Isle, performed a Native American drum and honor song at the base of the windmill, during a commissioning ceremony May 14 at UMPI.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ALAYA SHAH plays with a ribbon during the windmill commissioning ceremony held May 14 at UMPI, after having had the honor of cutting it earlier at the campus event.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A WINDMILL COMMISSIONING ceremony was held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle May 14, beginning at the Campus Center, then moving on to a ribbon-cutting event at the wind turbine. Pictured, from left: UMS Chancellor Richard Pattenaude; Commissioner Vendean Vafiades, Maine Public Utilities Commission; UMPI President Don Zillman; Sumul Shah, president, Lumus Construction, Inc.; Jim Wilson, vice president, Woodard & Curran; and Presque Isle City Manager Tom Stevens.