March 24, 2008
Letters, New York

Wind turbines pose potential health hazards

We moved here from Florida last August. We came north to leave the noise pollution, ground pollution and health endangerment from these and other things. If we had known prior to investing our retirement money here, we would have gone elsewhere.

The only ones profiting from the so-called alternative energy sources are the companies, not the citizens, nor the towns. They are selling a bill of goods for all the wonderful things that are supposed to follow. But, I am sure they are not advising them of the tax breaks or incentives as they prefer, nor the surcharges (now deemed insufficient), nor continuation of tax write-offs for the companies, not those that have been misguided with skewed information and the dollar signs flashed in their faces.

We need to take a closer look at all alternatives and learn from the mistakes already made in Europe from these wind turbines and the devastation to the habitats, personal health issues caused or exacerbated by this subaudible and audible noise. There are no significant reductions in fossil fuel usage, in fact, just the opposite – loss of recreational revenue, decrease in property values and erosion of the total tax base and the quality of life across the board.

We have serious health concerns, and the reason for our relocation was to be able to live in a more amiable and cleaner environment. If these things come, we will not be able to stay. Who’s buying us out and covering all the moving expenses (both times), looking for an acceptable locale, the stress factor involved with having to face this dilemma, etc.?

Has anyone thought of all the water that will be needed to create the cement pads? It will be taken from local water sources. There are major issues over water already on the burner. What will this cause to loss of water availability to all residents in Jefferson County?

The agricultural area will be impacted with the potential of a decrease in milk production and animal production, in addition to potential changes to the soil (mineral, forestry, magnetic consequences).

And, there will not be any long-term job employment opportunities, so they come in, do whatever and leave. Where is the supposed gain for all those who will remain?

Also, there is potential pollution from the subsidiary companies that will be needed to be brought into the areas to support installation. Increase in revenues can also mean increase in crime, traffic, pollution in total and a decrease in our quality of life, let alone our property right of use and investment.

DeWayne and Elaine Wilkie

Depauville

Watertown Daily Times

23 March 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/24/wind-turbines-pose-potential-health-hazards/