The research and development campus Peregrine Turbine Technologies (PTT) wants more Birch Point land for "will have the aesthetics of a college campus," Chief Executive Officer David Stapp told selectmen Oct. 7.

PTT is based at other town property the company got, behind the former Mason Station power plant. Stapp said the company wants to buy the town's remaining tax-acquired parcels on Birch Point, for the R & D campus.

"It's very early ... but we know we want it to have elements of public access (to) enjoy some of those beautiful features down there." 

As outlined in a written version Stapp provided of the presentation, PTT proposes buying "all Town-owned Birch Point properties and rights for our Advanced Energy HQ campus; properties to be clear of all environmental, liens and right of way impingements i.e. roadways;" and PTT requests a three-year tax abatement.

Stapp told the board, PTT would like to drill geothermal wells and place two 25-megawatt units, for a total of 50 megawatts of geothermal power.

After the meeting, Wiscasset Newspaper asked Stapp via email, how near the wells would be to any areas of remediated contamination in the Mason Station area. 

Stapp answered, "The subject of remediated sites, where they are located and what stipulations there are will be a matter to be studied. Obviously we will be in compliance with any DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) guidance and town regulations. Since I don't yet have site maps depicting those locations, it is too early for me to say what the proper location of wells will be. An important point to make regarding this type of well is that no fracking is needed and therefore no risk of seismic activity or any other side effect commonly associated with that. These will be simple drilled wells with steel casings that eliminate any release of subsurface gas or water. They are very environmentally friendly."

In a monthly report Sept. 10, Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky listed the ash ponds cleanup project as completed and the Northpoint cleanup project as being in the design stage.

Stapp told selectmen, getting the properties that surround PTT's current location will allow for the R & D facility. "We need to create subsidiary incubators because our technology actually applies to a dozen different market sectors and each one is going to be a separate corporation with exclusive market rights ..."

Selectmen's Chair Sarah Whitfield thanked Stapp for the presentation, which he also handed in to the board. The board plans to discuss it Oct. 21. Whitfield said this will give the board and the public time to read it and come up with any questions. 

Also Oct. 7, selectmen nodded Jodie's Cafe's liquor license renewal, Wiscasset Speedway's 2026 special amusement permit, Ervin Deck's appointment to the ad hoc economic development advisory committee, and business license requests from Chase Small Craft; Soap Lite, LLC; Final Limited Motorsports; Midcoast Creative Studio; Uncle Sean's Fish 'N Chips; Calling your Wild Astrology; and ZBON Fitness.