North Conway is known for its shopping outlets, mountain views, and year round recreation opportunities; however, it is not known necessarily for innovative renewable energy initiatives. The North Conway Water Precinct is hoping to change that mindset. This summer saw the installation of 744 solar panels and 16 geothermal wells at the plant on Sawmill Lane. Tin Mountain Conservation Center’s December EcoForum will feature David Bernier of North Conway Water Precinct discussing the department’s current alternative energy projects and their positive impact on the community. Join us December 9, 12-1pm at the Nature Learning Center in Albany to find out more!
With a degree in water and wastewater technology, David Bernier started his career as the Superintendent of the Gorham New Hampshire water and sewer department, where he worked for 16 years. Bernier later moved to Dartmouth, Massachusetts where he was hired as the water and sewer supervisor and later promoted to Public Works Director for the Town of Dartmouth. In 2004, he moved back home to New Hampshire where he currently serves as the Superintendent for the North Conway Water Precinct.
Bernier’s presentation will include an overview of the precinct’s renewable energy projects, particularly the recent solar panel and geothermal well installations. Combined, the projects are estimated to produce 13 percent of the plant’s energy demand and save 6,000 gallons of fuel annually. Over the next 25 years, these technologies will keep 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Bernier will address both the environmental and economic effects of these renewable energy projects.
The Eco-Forum lunchtime lecture series is sponsored by The Flatbread Company of North Conway and the Rock House Mountain Baker and is presented at noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Tin Mountain Nature Learning Center in Albany. The public is urged to attend to learn more about salient issues facing our natural environment and to hear the views of thought-provoking speakers. For more information on this and other programs, call (603) 447-6991 or visit us online at www.tinmountain.org.