December 21, 2007
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
With the focus on Cape Wind’s planned 130 offshore turbines as a federal review is about to be released, wind power on a smaller scale was the focus of a meeting on land-based wind projects Dec. 14 at the Marriot Hotel in Hyannis.
A standout feature of these sessions held regularly by the Massachusetts Coastal Training Program is a roundup of activities in Cape towns. Here’s a sampling:
Barnstable: there’s talk of a “multi-megawatt” solar installation at the wastewater facility on Bearse’s Way in Hyannis.
Bourne: has just put together an alternative energy committee.
Brewster: looking at one or two turbines at one of the town’s wells. Three small-scale residential applications received since passage of bylaw.
Chatham: comprehensive wastewater plan is complete, and powering treatment facilities by wind is being considered.
Eastham: four turbines have been proposed for some time by Massachusetts Technology Council. Some problems with abutters.
Harwich: has a wind energy bylaw and saw its first residential installation six months ago. Has just extended this opportunity to commercial and industrial sites.
Orleans: with two towers turned down “at the last minute” by the board of water commissioners, the town is setting up a renewable energy committee that will look to set one up outside of water protection areas.
Provincetown: The Race Point Light site is being powered in part by a 30-foot wind generator. The Park Service is serious about a turbine at the Herring Cove bath house
Truro: has an energy committee and a wind power bylaw on the books. National Park Service is considering a turbine at the Highland Center.
Wellfleet: has a bylaw, and a test tower that has been up for a year is indicating “a wonderful resource” on the oceanside. Unfortunately, the Park Service is being “obstructive.”
Yarmouth: energy committee working on a residential bylaw, and working “feverishly” to put up a test tower. Solar array going up on top of town hall “shortly.”
Massachusetts Military Reservation: a utility-grade wind turbine is on its way to power Air Force clean-up projects. The Coast Guard base and the National Cemetery are interested in wind power as well.
By Edward F. Maroney
Associate Editor
21 December 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/12/21/theres-a-lot-in-the-wind-about-power-from-the-air-towns-share-hope-pain-of-land-based-wind-projects/