January 10, 2011
Michigan

Residents share wind turbine concerns

Jennifer Linn Hartley, Staff Writer, Ludington Daily News, 10 January 2011

RIVERTON TWP. – Area residents who wanted to know more about concerns associated with wind farms had the opportunity to gather Sunday afternoon at Riverton Township Hall.

More than 30 people met to discuss wind turbines and possible impacts if Consumers Energy is able to build its planned 56 476-foot-tall wind turbines in Riverton and Summit townships.

Cary Shineldecker and Evelyn Bergaila, both Riverton Township residents, started the meeting off with a discussion about what is being planned and then discussed amendments to the Mason County Zoning Ordinance the two and other concerned residents have proposed.

Among requests in the group’s proposed amendments are an increase in the setbacks required for a wind turbine to 1.25 miles, currently the zoning ordinance calls for a setback of two times the height of the turbine. The 1.25 mile setback would be to help protect the health, safety and welfare of those living near turbines, the group has said. The setback takes into account noise, blade throw, ice throw – if ice formed on the blades loosens and then is thrown from the blade – bats and birds.

See the full story in today’s print and eEditions of the Ludington Daily News.