January 11, 2011
Massachusetts

Cameras on wind towers first step for security

BY PHYLLIS BOOTH, The Landmark, www.thelandmark.com 11 January 2011

Representatives from Video IQ will set up cameras at the wind site and videotape the area for light commissioners to review before they make a final decision regarding additional security devices at the wind farm.

Commissioners met with security company firms on Nov. 18 to discuss options for setting up security cameras in the aftermath of vandalism at the wind site in September that caused approximately $10,000 worth of damage between graffiti spray painted on one wind tower and damage to a windmill blade.

In October, commissioners talked about fencing-in the area around each of the towers and installing cameras within that space, adding an alarm to the gate to the site and installing observation cameras.

Fitch got quotes for fencing around each tower and transformer with black vinyl coated 6- to 8-foot high topped with barbed wire, for approximately $10,000 each tower. Fencing around the entire perimeter (2,300 ft.) of the wind site would cost in the range of $71,000- $85,000.

“I’m looking to see if there are any grants for critical security,” said Princeton Light Department Manager Jonathan Fitch.

David Oles from American Alarm suggested dome cameras from Video IQ based on the environment and the conditions at the site.

The cameras have built-in heaters to withstand cold temperatures in the winter and a fan that cools them in the summer, said Fitch.

The domed cameras recognize the pattern and makeup of human beings and could notify an outside source that something is going on at the site, said Oles.

“The camera can do the job of a guard and call police or a monitoring agency. The camera also can recognize vehicles,” he said.

He added that having a camera looking at the roadway and another focusing on the plateau at the north tower would cover both towers.

“We’ve only had one incident in 25 years,” said commission chairman Scott Bigelow.

“But if we put a fence around the towers, that would save $10,000 in cleanup costs,” said commissioner Brad Hubbard.

Commissioners are leaning toward domes cameras on each tower and will look at further steps in phases if necessary.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/11/cameras-on-wind-towers-first-step-for-security/