[These data suggest] that MOE’s 40 dB(A) regulations meet the needs of only 60% of Ontario’s rural population. If MOE were to adopt regulations based on noise not exceeding any receptor point’s lowest pre-existing ambient background level by more than 3 dB(A) by night and 5 dB(A) by day, that could meet the needs of 95% or more of the population.

The resolution of this must fall to our elected representatives: For what percentage of the population is it acceptable to sacrifice health and well-being in order to meet green-energy goals for wind turbines?

Go to: “Bad Vibrations — Where’s the Science?”

Click here for original, which may have been updated.

Experience and studies in Europe and the United States have indicated that both the physical structures of the tower/turbine and the rotating blades can cause interference on conventional and Doppler radar signals. Wind turbines, which are within the “Line of Sight” of radars, can have a negative impact on radar data.

An extensive study of microseismic and infrasonic effects of low frequency noise and vibrations from windfarms has shown that wind turbines can have a negative impact on seismoacoustic (seismological and infrasound) recording equipment that can reduce their sensitivity and hence effectiveness for monitoring earthquakes and nuclear explosions. Wind turbines generate detectable seismic vibrations in the earth, and low-frequency acoustic signals in the atmosphere, which increase with wind speed. The greater the number of wind turbines, the higher the level of seismic and acoustic noise.

Based on this, the following systems could be negatively impacted by the proximity of wind turbines:

• Cable distribution off-air receive systems (Head-ends);
• Satellite uplinks and receive systems;
• Direct-to-home (DTH) receive systems (Star Choice, Bell Expressvu);
• Radar (weather, defence and air traffic);
• Airport communications and guidance systems;
• Broadcasting – AM, FM and TV;
• Coast Guard communications and vessel traffic radar systems;
• Point-to-point radiocommunication links;
• Point-to-multipoint systems;
• Cellular type networks; and
• Seismological and infrasound monitoring systems.

Wind turbines can affect radiocommunication and radar signals in a number of ways including shadowing, mirror-type reflections, clutter or signal scattering.

Download “Technical Information and Guidelines on the Assessment of the Potential Impact of Wind Turbines on Radiocommunication, Radar and Seismoacoustic Systems”

Current Biology, Volume 18, Issue 16, 26 August 2008, Pages R695-R696

Erin F. Baerwald, Genevieve H. D’Amours, Brandon J. Klug, and Robert M.R. Barclay

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada T2N 1N4

Worldwide, development of wind energy is projected to increase substantially in the next decade, and installed wind energy capacity increased 27% in 2006 and 45% in 2007 in the U.S. alone. While we recognize issues concerning climate change, the long-term environmental impacts from past and continued use of fossil fuels, and the need to develop clean sources of renewable energy, the fact that large numbers of bats are being killed by wind turbines cannot be ignored. There are likely to be biologically significant cumulative impacts for some species, especially migratory tree-roosting bats, unless solutions are found.

It is our collective opinion that the state of our knowledge of factors associated with bat fatalities at wind facilities is unsatisfactory and that there is a dearth of reliable information upon which to base policy and management decisions. We assert that more consistent, longer-term pre- and post-construction studies are needed to further elucidate patterns of bat fatality and to test ideas about possible solutions and efficacy of mitigation measures. We support the use of standardized protocols to improve consistency of data collection and comparability among studies. We also are concerned that the seriousness of the effect on bats has not been adequately articulated to managers, decision makers, and the public.

Based on the current state of the situation, we support:

• Multi-year monitoring and hypothesis-based research in regions and at sites with the highest potential for adverse environmental impacts on bats;
• Establishing standards for conducting site-specific, scientifically sound, and consistent pre- and post-construction evaluations, using comparable methods as much as is feasible;
• Development and implementation of consistent guidelines for siting, monitoring and mitigation strategies among states, provinces, and agencies that would assist developers with compliance with relevant laws and regulations;
• Conducting experiments at wind facilities in different regions to test mitigation treatments, evaluate their effect on reducing bat fatalities, and determine the economic costs of undertaking them;
• Development of methods to assess the relationship between bat abundance and fatality risks at local and regional scales;
• Avoiding wind energy development at sites proposed by developers that are identified as high-risk by bat experts using the best science available; criteria and standards for high-risk sites will need to be established for different groups of bats and any habitats deemed to be critically important to the conservation of bats on a state, provincial, or regional basis;
• Educating the public and decision-makers regarding the full range of trade-offs and benefits regarding all forms of energy, including wind energy; impacts on bats and other wildlife must be integrated into decision-making consultations;
• Coordinating efforts to ensure transparency and data sharing among stakeholders.

Download “Patterns of Bat Fatalities at Wind Energy Facilities in North America”

2. Cost of a Lawyer — Ask the wind power company to pay to have the agreement reviewed by a lawyer who will work for everyone in the area. This saves you $ 500 to $ 1,000.

3. Transferability — Add a clause that stipulates that the agreement cannot be transferred by the wind company to any person or company without your approval. If the company is truly in the wind business, they will be willing to pay you a fee if the lease is transferred.

4. Appearance – None of the leases address appearance, but you could have to look at the thing for 50 years. Add a clause that prohibits advertising on the tower. Add a clause that stipulates that the paint colour be agreed. Add a clause that requires that the tower be painted within six months of the appearance of rust or discolouration. Add a clause that covers effective reclamation of the site when all is done.

5. Building Restrictions – Attach a map of the property to the agreement that outlines areas where new buildings over 20 metres can and cannot be built.

6. Fill Material — Under no circumstances should a developer use fill taken from your land.

7. Gear oil — Many wind towers have a reservoir of toxic lubricating oil (PCP’s) in the generator compartment. You can prohibit the use of such oil in the lease.

8. Option Termination — Add a clause that stipulates that the contract is ended if construction has not started on a wind tower within five years from the date of signing. Do not sign a contract without a clear beginning and a clear end.

9. Net Meter Tower — Ask the company to lend you its crane to install your own net metered wind generator. You’ll have to be ready when they are, but it could save you $ 10,000.

10. Option — Set the option payment at a minimum and escalating according to the value of the land. The minimum should be $ 5,000. And the option should cover annual payments while a test tower is in place as well as crop losses etc. You should become an owner of the wind data collected if no tower is built within five years.

11. Rent — Change the clause with respect to rent so the percentage of gross income paid to the farmer starts at 3% or more. Rent should apply to all income from the project including green house gas credits etc. Once the tower has paid for itself the rent should increase. Change the rent clause so the percentage of gross income paid to the farmer increases with the cost of power or at set intervals of 2 to 5 years, so rent rate rises to about 10%.

12. Insurance — Add a clause stipulating that the wind power company must produce a certificate of valid insurance covering liability to the farm and others each year and that in any event it assumes full liability for all damage caused by the wind tower.

13. Protect Capital Value — Add a clause requiring the wind power company to make whole any losses in re-sale value that might occur as a result of the lease or a wind tower being in place. If the wind tower effects your land value, losses might not be covered by rent.

14. Your Other Rights — Some leases have clauses that appropriate your development rights for aggregates, ground water, top soil, sale outside of the family and even your right to speak in public on wind power questions. Any such clause should be stricken from the agreement.

15. A Cooling Off Period – have a clause that states that either party may cancel the agreement within 30 days without reason or penalty.

16. 0ther Development – If the property might be valuable for other development in the next 50 years, think. At most, sign a lease that commits you for no more than 20 years if, for example, you feel your land might be valuable for urban or other development.

17. Power Sales -Stipulate that power must be sold via the IESO or that you get to approve any other contract. Without this the power can be sold to a third party firm held by the wind power company and the 3% rent you were hoping for will 3% of very little.

18. Hours, Times of Access – stipulate that access is during ordinary business hours and requires permission on weekends, at any time or hour in an emergency and that the wind power company agrees to defer any activity except emergency repairs that interfere with seeding, harvest, calving, lambing, or other farm or family activities that are time restricted.

19. Area of Lease — Limit the area covered by lease to a suitably small area – 1 to 5 acres.

20. Applies to One Lot Only — Limit the agreement so it only applies to the actual lot leased and that there is no reference to any other land owned by the farmer.

21. Wind Rights Only — Do not allow any clause that gives the wind power company a right of first refusal or an option for any purpose other than the use of the wind. Such clauses encumber sales, wills, development of other businesses etc.

22. Term of Lease – suggest 3 year option, 20 years for first term and 5 year renewals to follow. These time frames provide company with enough time to do tests and make profits and they bring the replacement date for the generator and the lease renewal dates closer together, which improves your negotiating position.

23. Assessment and Property Taxes – the land owner is ultimately responsible for taxes – a clause to require the wind power company to pay taxes associated with the wind tower is essential and it requires an enforcement clause – you cannot afford their taxes, unless you have their income. In the case of default, you should get the licences to produce and sell power.

24. Wait ‘Til You Know Your Choices – The government is preparing Standard Offer Price rules. With those rules, (out in early 2006) you may be able to run your own farm energy project and do better than you might as a landlord. Lease offers should become more competitive once the Standard Offer rules are known. Don’t sign a lease until the choices are clear and you have determined what is best for your farm operation for the next 20 plus years.

Download “Two Dozen Suggestions About Wind Power Leases for Farmers”

Download “30 Suggestions on Wind Power Leases for Farmers” (April 2007)

Right-of-Way. Subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Grantor hereby grants, conveys and assigns an exclusive right-of-way and easement (the “Right-of-Way”) to Grantee, its successors and assigns in, upon, over, across, along, above, through and under the Lands (which Right-of-Way shall run with the Lands), for the following purposes:

2.1.1 Windpower Facilities and Project Operations. …

2.1.2 Other Improvements. …

2.1.3 Access. …

2.1.4 Overhang Rights. …

2.1.5 Wind Non-Obstruction Rights. to use, maintain and capture the free and unobstructed flow of wind currents over and across the Lands, and in order to give effect to this right, the following provisions shall apply to each building or structure [including trees, as specified in 2.3.2] installed, constructed or placed on the Lands by Grantor after the Effective Date:

(a) Grantor shall obtain prior written permission from Grantee for any structure located 300 meters or less from a Generating Unit that is part of the Project;

(b) Grantor shall obtain prior written permission from Grantee for any structure over 40 feet (or 12.19 meters) in height that is located less than 1000 meters from a Generating Unit that is part of the Project;

(c) Grantor shall obtain prior written permission from Grantee for any structure over 50 feet (or 15.24 meters) in height that is located over 1000 meteres from a Generating Unit that is part of the Project;

(d) Grantor shall obtain prior written permission from the Grantee to install or place any single structure, or any cluster of separate structures, on the Lands which, individually or in the aggregate, exceed a total area of 7000 square meters; …

2.1.6. Noise Rights. to generate and maintain audible noise levels on and above the Lands up to sixty-five (65) db(A) in excess of the ambient noise level measured at ground level at a point five hundred (500) meters in an upwind direction from the source of the noise, wherever originating, at any or all times of the day or night; and

2.1.7 Shadow and Flicker Rights. to cast shadows, whether intermittent or constant of the towers and rotors of the Generating Units and/or any and all Other Improvements … onto the Lands. …

Conduct of Operations and Use of Lands.

5.2 Restrictions on Access. During the Term, Grantee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to restrict all private consultants and governmental personnel to areas of the Lands impacted by the proposed Windpower Facilities; …

5.10 Relocation and Replacement of Windpower Facilities. Grantee shall have the right to reconstruct, relocate and replace Generating Units at any location on the Lands and to use the Lands for related activities subject to required governmental approvals, if any; …

5.13 Lot Line Setbacks. To the fullest extent applicable, Grantor hereby waives any and all rights they may have to pursue any remedies under any Applicable Laws related to setback dimensions and requirements applicable to the Generating Units from front, side, and rear lot lines of the Lands and/or any adjacent Lands, and agree not to bring any complaint, suit or action or intervene in any investigation or inquiry by any Person with respect thereto. Grantor agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to assist, cooperate and participate in any proceeding and petition prepared by Grantee in connection with any modification or variance to an existing setback requirement.

5.14 Signal Reception. To the fullest extent applicable, Grantor hereby waives any and all rights it may have to pursue any remedies related to any potential interference with radio and television signal reception that may be caused by the Windpower Facilities or the Project Operations. …

Indemnification and Exculpation.

… The foregoing indemnity shall not extend to property damage or personal injury or death attributable to risks of known dangers associated with Grantee’s intended activities on the Lands, such as electromagnetic fields or stray voltage, unless caused by the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of Grantee.

Download “Bowark ROW Agreement”

This recording was kindly provided to National Wind Watch by Calvin Luther Martin.

Listen to “Dr. Nina Pierpont on CFCO radio”

“Richmond Road Turbine Splatters”

View original photos:
 

Introduction

The history of human technological innovation is littered with projects that have had to be abandoned because they were based on a narrow theoretical view that failed to take into account the whole picture. The commercial exploitation of wind energy is fast showing signs of such failure.

The last ten years in Europe has provided ample opportunity to evaluate the real costs and claimed benefits of industrial wind turbines based on actual operating statistics.

• Studies by public electricity distributors now challenge the very assumption upon which the ecological value of commercial wind power is based: that it reducescarbon emissions.
• Energy experts report that industrial wind power is proving to be exceptionally expensive to consumers once required backup and additional infrastructure are factored in. The high cost is caused by (a) the need to maintain backup generating reserve to cover times when the wind does not blow. (b) The need to stabilize the grid when wind produces power that is not needed by current demand. (c) Government subsidization and tax benefits for the wind industry.
• New studies show that the perceived benign environmental footprint of the industrial wind turbine does not correspond with the latest field studies of migratory bird and bat mortality. Growing public protests over noise and health effects are being provoked by wind turbine installations.

In the United States, Senator Lamar Alexander put it bluntly when introducing his
Envirnonmentally Responsible Wind Power Act of 2005:

My studies suggest that at a time when America needs large amounts of low-cost reliable power, wind produces puny amounts of high-cost unreliable power. We need lower prices; wind power raises prices.

In Ontario, Tom Adams, formerly of Energy Probe, wrote in the National Post on 20
November, 2007:

Without radical technological advances, wind power will only burden Ontario consumers.

The first section of this report explains why the real cost of wind power is much higher than previously understood. It examines some of the actual operational reports of electricity distributors with installed wind power. It looks into studies by experts in the field who explain the difficulties involved when industrial wind turbines are taken beyond the theoretical stage and actually integrated into a mixed electricity grid system. And it discusses why they fail to deliver the benefits once promised.

The next section looks at public dissatisfaction with industrial wind power and the issues involved.

The report concludes with specific recommendations and requirements.

Download “Calculating the Real Cost of Industrial Wind Power”