Wind-energy symposium to come to Ottawa County
Ottawa County is finalizing details for a wind-energy symposium that will speak to farmers, city residents and businesses alike, organizers said.
The inaugural event is 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on June 5 at Olive Township Hall, said Mark Knudsen, director of the Ottawa County Planning and Grants Department.
If registration exceeds 150 people, the site likely will change, he said.
Topics will include wind energy basics, wind turbine site issues, small wind energy systems and large wind energy systems, according to a county newsletter.
Organizers also will discuss Michigan legislation that deals with wind energy and how landowners should evaluate wind leases.
“When you walk out, you will know everything and anything about wind energy,” Knudsen said Monday, May 12.
The event is being co-sponsored by the Michigan State University Extension in Ottawa County.
Wind energy is a timely issue and many townships are developing laws concerning wind turbines, said Adam Kantrovich, extension director. He wants to make sure townships don’t completely deter wind turbines from coming to the area.
“Some are making it relatively difficult because they don’t want one particular size,” Kantrovich said. “Hopefully this will be able to open people’s eyes.”
Port Sheldon Township is working on a wind energy ordinance so it’s encouraging planning commission members to attend the symposium, said Howard Baumann, township supervisor.
The Holland Board of Public Works and the Zeeland BPW will be in attendance as well, Knudsen said.
15 May 2008
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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