Several Bethlehem Water Authority projects are inching toward completion, according to reports given at the March directors' 14 meeting.

The largest of these is the long-running wind energy study, which is likely to see its first physical manifestation in the form of two meteorological towers – essentially weather study sensors – in Penn Forest Township.

Executive Director Steve Repasch said the overall plan with Iberdrola Renewables is shy only some secondary agreements for finalization. Meanwhile, Iberdrola subsidiary and project developer Atlantic Wind is awaiting special exceptions to the local zoning code to begin constructing the two towers, which this writer is unilaterally naming Orthanc and Barad-Dur.

Robin Wildermuth of Woodland Management Services gave a brief report indicating that after about two years Stand 50 has finally been cleared of its best lumber, while other stands are undergoing trimming and thinning with the intention of undergoing natural, safe growth for periods of between 15 and 100 years.

years.

Repasch said the authority's woodland management has done better work in the last few years than during many previous.

Lastly, Repasch reported a decision expected in January from Bath borough is almost ready. He said the plan to acquire the East Allen Township Municipal Authority water system has opened a service agreement to supply water to part of Bath. Some modifications to the deal stretched out last step, but he expected it to be done by the end of the month.

"We though we had this Jan. 28," Repasch laughed, "[and now it's] March 14. This is good by city standards."

The next authority meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. April 11 at City Hall.