UD wind turbine generates federal suit; Lewes resident seeks damages, jury trial  

Credit:  By Henry J. Evans Jr., capegazette.villagesoup.com 27 January 2012 ~~

Lewes — A lawsuit has been filed seeking injunctive relief and damages in connection with construction of the University of Delaware’s wind turbine near the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment campus in Lewes.

The lawsuit alleges the wind turbine was built on open space lands in violation of law. The action states defendants obtained permits for the wind turbine based on misrepresentations.

Lewes resident Jerry Lechliter filed the action against the University of Delaware, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, City of Lewes, U.S. Department of Energy, Gamesa Technology Corp., Blue Hen Wind Inc., and individuals associated with those agencies.

Lechliter alleges the university obtained permits for the turbine “based on backroom negotiations with DNREC and the City (Lewes) and its public misrepresentations that the wind turbine would cause no intrusive noise and not result in diminution of property values.” The action seeks damages in excess of $250,000 together with costs and further relief as the court deems just.

Lechliter, representing himself in the action, filed the 40-page lawsuit Jan. 9 in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington.