November 12, 2010
Wisconsin

Residents unsure of Shirley Wind Farm

WFRV News, www.wfrv.com 11 November 2010

A wind farm with some of the tallest turbines in the nation has begun limited operations south of Green Bay, but some neighbors believe the personal costs are too high.

“This project is going to provide power to about 8,000 homes in the area. Providing about 20 mega watts of electricity,” said John Maserjian, a spokesman for CH Energy Group.

The wind turbines have been called an excellent non-fossil fuel based energy source, some neighbors still say any gains from these alternative energy sources will be off set by a loss of aesthetic value and equity in their homes.

“Basically, I think they’re locking people in their homes here and people that want to get out, they’re going to take a big loss. I think it’s really sad,” said Belinda Gagnon, who lives near the wind farm.

CH Energy Group says electricity generated by the Shirley Farm helps reduce air pollution by keeping 55,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The company says it’s also addressed other health concerns.

“We met with all affected property owners. We talked with the townships and with the counties. We made sure we followed all the local, state and federal laws and ordinances,” Maserjian said.

Each generator has an estimated life span of 20 years or more, so some residents just hope for the best.

“We don’t want any more,” said Marie Pantzlaff.

When the Shirley Wind Farm is fully operational, the eight turbines will generate more power than a 90 turbine farm north of Madison.

Terry Kovarik has the story.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/12/residents-unsure-of-shirley-wind-farm/