Wind Watch: Industrial Wind Energy News
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted.
Wind farm turns up controversy over displacing wildlife
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A proposed wind farm on White Mountain in Sweetwater County could displace some wildlife and place turbines within sight of Rock Springs, but also would boost the local economy, according to an environmental study.
The Bureau of Land Management released its environmental assessment this week of the proposed White Mountain Wind Energy Project.
Teton Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Lehi, Utah-based Tasco Engineering, has proposed the project, which would sit on private, state and BLM land two to three . . .
Two sides clash at public meeting
A verbal battleground greeted those who entered the Norwich Community Centre’s Optimist Room Monday, as ProWind Canada’s Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Inc. presented its latest plans to the public.
As you entered the door, opponents of wind-farm developments greeted you and offered literature showing their concerns that no independent epidemiological studies on the health impacts of wind turbines have been conducted. They were supported by residents from the Clear Creek area who already live adjacent to an existing wind farm.
Their literature . . .
Wind turbine worries arise in Wales
Councilman Gerald Klinck recently presented information to the Wales Town Board regarding the possible revision to the town’s wind energy conservation system covering windmills. The issue is taking on added importance in this community that borders the Wyoming County line and the Town of Sheldon, which has seen a proliferation of windmills on nearby hills.
At the Town Board’s Jan. 26 work session, Klinck thinks that Wales could be in for the same fate unless the current law on the books . . .
Jackson residents approve wind turbine limits
JACKSON, Maine — Residents this weekend approved a controversial wind turbine ordinance that would impose strict regulations on industrial wind power developments.
Among other things, the ordinance — written by the planning board and the wind energy subcommittee — stipulates that any 400-foot-tall turbines erected must be at least a mile from any houses.
Although the 111-75 vote Saturday morning at a special town meeting has cheered many who oppose large-scale wind facilities in Maine, it also has dismayed some in this . . .
Turbine firm denies dodging bylaw; Amherstburg setback rule stringent
The president of a company trying to build a $25-million wind turbine project denied Monday trying to circumvent the town’s zoning bylaw.
“We are in no way trying to do an end-around,” GenGrowth’s Paul Merkur told council.
The company has nine wind turbine projects planned, under construction or completed in Southwestern Ontario, including another three in Lakeshore, Merkur said.
Merkur said the company is meeting all ministry environmental standards, and the Amherstburg project has been more heavily scrutinized than most as a result . . .
Leave Donegal landscape alone – wind farm objectors
A proposed 13 turbine wind farm near Ardara would destroy a Gaeltacht and its built heritage, ruin rare wildllife habitat and drive tourists away, opponents to the scheme claim.
Altnagapple Wind Ltd was granted conditional planning permission for the development on 253 hectares at Altnagapple and Mulmosog. A number of appeals, however, have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála, which is now considering the matter.
One objector says that one of the turbines, which will be 65m high and have 82m wide . . .
Opponents organizing to fight wind plans
Legislators and other officials from Jefferson and Oswego counties will begin mounting opposition to New York Power Authority’s proposal to put 500 megawatts of wind energy development in Lake Ontario.
Jefferson County Legislature Chairman Kenneth D. Blankenbush, R-Black River, said they first will find out more about the proposal and then organize to oppose a widespread project.
The Board of Legislators voted to approve the Galloo Island Wind Farm payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement Feb. 2, which helped pave the way for that 252-megawatt project.
“Having . . .
Town of Holland has ‘no power’ to block proposed wind farm, developer says
A wind farm developer has cautioned town of Holland officials that their moratorium on the construction of wind farms is not legally enforceable.
Invenergy LLC, which is seeking state approval for a wind farm in southern Brown County, also questions Holland’s toughened setback requirements for wind turbines.
“Regardless of the town’s desire to enact such a moratorium or setbacks, it has no power to do so,” Invenergy attorney Peter Gardon wrote in a six-page letter dated Feb. 4.
The Holland Town Board voted . . .
Turbine opponents blow in to Evansford
WIND CHANGE: One-time wind farm advocate Donald Thomas now believes turbines are affecting the health of those who live or work in the area.
The noise of turbines could carry all the way to Clunes if the Waubra South wind farm extension goes ahead, Evansford resident Donald Thomas says.
Mr Thomas joined about 60 wind farm opponents at a meeting at Evansford Community Centre last week to draw attention to the health issues they say the turbines create.
Organised by the Pyrenees Landscape . . .
Lawmakers want registry of wind-measuring devices
PIERRE – A state legislator wants to require registration of locations where anemometers are placed to measure wind speeds in South Dakota.
Rep. Jason Frerichs, D-Wilmot, said the registry would help crop pilots avoid the towers when they’re spraying fields from the air.
He said landowners in an area also would benefit by knowing who’s conducting research there for possible development of wind farms.
The legislation, House Bill 1155, is scheduled for its hearing on Wednesday by the House Commerce Committee.
The measure carries . . .
