Wind Power News: Michigan
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.
Strange radar images on Grand Rapids, Michigan Doppler radar
During the late evening hours on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 some strange images appeared on the Grand Rapids NWS Doppler radar. What were they? Doppler radar is a valuable tool meteorologists use to track weather phenomena throughout the United States. Covering West Michigan, the National Weather Service (NWS) Doppler radar located near the G.R. Ford airport in Kentwood usually detects precipitation – like rain and snow, but sometimes it shows some rather ‘strange’ things, like Tuesday evening. Starting around 11:15 . . .
Court order allows wind energy planning to proceed
BAD AXE — Following an agreement between both sides, a Huron County judge on Monday ordered to adjourn a hearing in a lawsuit the Brookfield Township clerk filed against the township and county, claiming the county does not have the authority to oversee the township’s zoning matters. Along with the lawsuit, Michael Lorencz last week submitted a request asking Huron County Circuit Court Judge M. Richard Knoblock to approve a restraining order prohibiting the county from zoning Brookfield Township. Knoblock . . .
State committee formed to mull over turbine values
UPPER THUMB — For quite some time now, local officials have been quietly working with other municipalities and state lawmakers in efforts to establish the most fair way to determine the value of used wind energy turbines. Why? Because that value determines how much local governments, schools, libraries, fire departments and other entities receive in tax revenue from wind energy developments. “In a nutshell, I think we’re moving in positive directions. We’re very cautious about the outcome, and we have . . .
DTE replacing broken blade; Still no reason for turbine accident
BAD AXE — DTE Energy officials told the Huron County Planning Commission they anticipate replacing a broken wind turbine blade in Sigel Township next week. Next Friday is the target date for the exchange, explained DTE Senior Manager Dennis Buda, during Wednesday’s Huron County Planning Commission meeting. In the meantime, Rooney Contracting will be preparing the area for the exchange. Rooney is expected to be done by 4 p.m. Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, eight cranes from Patrick Jeffers Construction will . . .
Suit holds up wind energy site plan review
BAD AXE — Multiple issues related to wind energy blew together at Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting. Early in the meeting, Commissioner David Peruski, who chairs the Legislative Committee of the Huron County Board of Commissioners, made planners aware of a restraining order signed that afternoon by Huron County Circuit Court Judge M. Richard Knoblock, which prohibited the county from zoning Brookfield Township. He proceeded to recommend that planners pull a site plan review for NextEra’s Pheasant Run Wind Park from . . .
Brookfield clerk files zoning lawsuit
BAD AXE — The Brookfield Township clerk has filed a lawsuit against the township and Huron County, claiming the county does not have the authority to oversee the township’s zoning matters. “By allowing the Huron County to zone Brookfield Township, the plaintiff (Michael Lorencz) and the other electors of Brookfield Township are being denied their right to zone and make decisions about zoning at (the) local level,” states the lawsuit filed in Huron County Circuit Court. On Wednesday, Huron County . . .
Lawsuit alleges wind turbines have caused harm; Plaintiffs seek cease-and-desist order concerning Lake Winds Energy Park
Residents living near wind turbines in Lake Winds Energy Park filed suit earlier this month in 51st Circuit Court and are seeking a jury trial for their case. (The Daily News reported that it was filed then.) The plaintiffs in the suit allege the wind farm has caused them physiological and monetary harm and will continue to do so if allowed to continue operations. They are asking for $25,000 plus interest and attorney’s fees, injunctive relief in the form of . . .
Wind turbine sound debate to restart in Emmet County
CROSS VILLAGE — The howling debate about how loud wind turbines should be in Emmet County will resume Thursday night. The Emmet County Planning Commission will discuss the recent findings of a commissioned acoustic review on whether the 35-decibel sound limit on wind energy systems would be viable under a legal challenge. Emmet County’s contracted engineering firm AECOM recommended in its report the county increase its sound ordinance level to 40 decibels for ambient noise, similar to an amendment the . . .
When renewable energy shoots itself in the foot
It isn’t often that a new renewable energy project can be called a bad thing for renewable energy, but such is the case in Ann Arbor, Mich., with the Pioneer High wind turbine scheme. The plan afoot – just waiting for final approval by the city – is to install two wind turbines, one rated at 50 kilowatts, the other 11 kW, at a cost to U.S. taxpayers (not counting any tax credits down the road) of nearly a million bucks. It’s . . .
DNR: Windmills can pose threat to birds, bat populations
CADILLAC — For scientific purposes, windmill developers can apply for collector’s permits to gather the bodies of dead animals found on property they lease. DNR All Bird Biologist Karen Cleveland said many developers used to apply for the permits through consulting firms that also studied the bodies to determine cause of death and to gather other physiological data. Recent changes in federal guidelines pertaining to collector’s permits require the developer to be the primary applicant instead of the consulting firm, . . .
