Painting time for Lynn wind turbine

LYNN – The same firm that holds the contract to paint the U.S. Capitol will work through the end of June painting the Lynnway wind turbine.Aulson Company, Inc.’s 20-worker crew will sand blast the 190-foot-tall turbine before putting the first of three paint coats on the rolled steel structure. Surrounded by a covered scaffolding, the crew will use air vacuums to capture paint and metal dust.”It’s going to be completely enclosed – nothing will escape,” said Water and Sewer Operations Director Robert Tina.He said the tower was erected in November 2013 with only a primer coat to absorb construction-related nicks and scrapes. Painting the turbine is a weather-dependent job and Tina said variations in humidity during the next few weeks could keep workers idle.Tina said Methuen-based Aulson paints most of the bridges in Massachusetts. Workers will not paint the turbine’s three Fiberglass blades. Located at the end of Commercial Street extension, the turbine generates electricity for the sewage treatment complex for a $100,000 estimated annual savings for Water and Sewer customers.