Wind farm near Pendleton up and running

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) - A small wind farm north of Pendleton is now in operation.

That the six-turbine project was placed into service last month by San Diego-based developer BayWa r.e. Renewable Energy.

The Chopin Wind Project was constructed on private farmland between Weston and Milton-Freewater starting this past summer.

BayWa CEO Florian Zerhusen says the wind farm is capable of producing 10 megawatts of electricity and can power roughly 7,500 homes.

PacifiCorp has agreed to purchase the power generated by the wind farm.

The project had initially been planned to have more than five times as many turbines, but developers downsized their plans following concerns from nearby residents over effects on views, wildlife and property values.