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Proposed Garrett Co. Wind Farm Lies In 'Sensitive Area'

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) -- A Garrett County permitting official says most of a proposed wind farm on Fourmile Ridge lies in areas designated as sensitive by the state.

Permit and Inspections Division Chief Jim Torrington says 75 percent of the proposed wind farm is in areas designated as having rare, threatened and endangered species.

The Cumberland Times-News reports that Torrington spoke last week at a meeting of Garrett County commissioners. Torrington said he didn't know if the project would need a federal permit required when projects will likely result in the death of threatened or endangered species. He added the review process could take two years.

Wind turbines can kill birds and bats that fly into their blades. The Fourmile project would have up to 30 turbines near Frostburg.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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