Wind Power News: Massachusetts
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 and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Independence turbine owners refusing to cooperate with sound study
KINGSTON — In an about face, the Independence turbine owners at Kingston Wind Independence are refusing to participate a long-awaited acoustic monitoring study. This information was not available at press time. This week the turbine owners released a statement accusing local residents of making “false, baseless and inflammatory statements” in the media. They did not say they won’t be participating in the study. They left that to Alicia Barton, chief executive officer and executive director of the Massachusetts Clean Energy . . .
Independence turbine owner accuses residents of making false statements
KINGSTON — Kingston Wind Independence LLC, the owner of the Independence wind turbine, accuses local residents of making “false, baseless and inflammatory statements” in the media while also saying the company’s legal department is “keeping tabs” on public statements they make to protect the company’s reputation. At the same time they issued the press release that includes what they describe as “fact check information,” the company’s management announced it will not take questions and declined to make any further comment. . . .
Can wind turbines make you sick?
No easy answers as turbines pop up around the world. After years of complaints about noise and health effects, on May 21, 2013 residents of Falmouth, MA will vote on whether or not to tear down both of the town’s wind turbines. (Credit: Mass. Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs) When it comes to renewable energy, wind is the leader of the pack. Wind energy in the U.S. grew by a whopping 30 percent in 2012, and the U.S. is . . .
Shifting winds: Even after turbines have been up and running in communities, the battle rages on to shut them down
One year ago today, Kially Ruiz says he received his first noise complaint about the new turbine his company built and operates under an agreement with the town of Kingston. The problem was, the turbine did not actually begin operating until the following day. In the ensuing 365 days, the battle between Ruiz’s company, Kingston Wind Independence LLC (KWI), and a small but very vocal cadre of residents near the 262-foot turbine has escalated to the point that the quasi-public . . .
Selectmen urge yes votes on Questions 1 and 2
The Falmouth Board of Selectmen is encouraging residents to vote yes on Questions 1 and 2 on the May 21 ballot. Question 1 will ask voters to authorize the town to borrow money to fund a Comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Plan and the design of a water filtration system, which would help with both drinking water and coastal water quality. Question 2 will ask voters to authorize the town to borrow money to fund removal of Wind 1 and Wind 2 . . .
Kingston: Independence turbine owner warns residents they’re keeping tabs on “false” statements
The company that operates a wind turbine in the Town of Kingston says residents “have been making false, baseless, and inflammatory statements.” Kingston Wind Independence LLC owns a turbine on Cranberry Road and recently issued a three-page press release in response to comments made by Kingston residents who want the turbine shut down because they say they’re adversely affected by the structure. A group of residents say shadow flicker, which is created when the blades of the turbine rotate, makes . . .
Zoning Board of Appeals declares Wind 1 a nuisance
Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals decided 4-1 on May 9 that Falmouth’s Wind 1 turbine located at the town’s Wastewater Treatment Facility is a nuisance. Neil Andersen of 211 Blacksmith Shop Road appealed the earlier denial by Falmouth Building Commissioner, Eladio Gore. The board’s ruling comes before the town’s May 21 Annual Town Election that includes a ballot question, Question 2, that asks voters to support funding the removal of both Wind 1 and Wind 2. MA DEP previously found . . .
Rowe sets budget at annual meeting
ROWE — Annual town meeting voters approved $3.3 million in spending for the coming fiscal year. They also approved a town licensing restriction for delinquent taxpayers and supported a year-long wind turbine moratorium Monday night at the fire station. The only measure voters defeated was an article to change the town treasurer’s position from an elected office to an appointed one. Those who voted against the measure argued that changing the treasurer’s position to an appointment would upset the checks . . .
First Wind plugs into solar power; one site is in Warren
After more than a decade of finding places to harvest energy from the air, First Wind’s latest expansion plan involves staring straight at the sun. The Boston-based wind farm developer is on the hunt for solar power opportunities across its current footprint of New England, Hawaii, Utah and Washington. First Wind is furthest along on its solar energy plans in its home state. The company has its corporate office here, and 65 of its 200 workers. But it has no . . .
Heath voters hail ‘benign perfect storm’
HEATH — While most towns face budget increases each year, Heath’s circumstances have allowed for a 4.08 percent drop in next year’s expenses approved at Saturday’s annual town meeting. A number of reasons resulted in a “benign perfect storm” for the upcoming fiscal year, according to Moderator Douglas Wilkins. The total budget approved was $1.9 million, $83,969 less than the current year’s. Finance Committee members cautioned that future budgets will again rise, with several town vehicles coming due on the . . .
