If all goes as planned, construction for a small wind turbine to whip up energy for Tamástslikt Cultural Institute should begin this spring.

The 50 kilowatt turbine represents the museums larger goal of becoming energy neutral, balancing both costs and demand for a net-zero result.

Tamástslikt began its journey toward a turbine ten years ago, looking for ways to reduce costs and carbon consumption. From 2003 to 2013, the institute reduced its electrical usage by 63 percent, and its natural gas by 75 percent. Now that it has reduced its consumption, the institute is reaching out to renewable energy sources like wind power.

Plans for the small turbine will be congruent with Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation wind policy which is against wind farms but for wind power. The turbine will also be below the land use noise policy of 60 dBas.

In the really big picture, the tribes care about salmon, we care about water quality, we care about air quality, said Tamástslikts director Bobbie Conner. We are taught to care about everyone that lives here. On another level, (the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation) have specifically adopted energy policies, land use codes and tribal goals to exercise sovereignity by achieving economic and energy independence.

Using grant money from Pacific Powers Blue Sky Fund and Oregons wind energy incentives, the institute plans to place its new wind turbine adjacent to museum building. The tower will have a monopole rather than a lattice structure to prevent bird roosting on the structure.

The turbine will also have a display showing the real-time energy usage of Tamástslikt.

The tribes set up an anemometer measuring wind speeds at Tamástslikt five years ago. With average wind speeds of five meters per second, the total savings of the wind energy from the turbine over the next thirty years is estimated at nearly $480,000. The total operating and maintenance cost over the next thirty years is an estimated $73,000.

Conner said she expects some concerns the turbine obstructing the view shed near Tamástslikt. She cited the CTUIR grain shed as slightly bigger than the proposed 169 foot turbine.

We understand that some people are offended by the sight of (the turbines), she said. We also understand that some people hate gambling.

The Natural Resources Commission at CTUIR will have a meeting to review Tamástslikts wind turbine proposal on March 12.

Conner said the half-million dollar venture represents another step on a path the tribes have been on for decades now.

Were just handmaidens to a process that was started long ago when the tribe was set toward and economic and energy independence, Conner said.

Contact Natalie Wheeler at nwheeler@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4536.