May 19, 2011
Michigan

Vestas, utility address planners

Jennifer Linn Hartley - Staff Writer, Ludington Daily News, www.ludingtondailynews.com 18 May 2011

Representatives from Consumers Energy and Vestas, the company contracted to manufacture wind turbines for the utility’s proposed wind farm in Riverton and Summit townships, gave an informational presentation to the Mason County Planning Commission Tuesday night.

The presentation was part of a work session during Tuesday’s planning commission meeting for commissioners to familiarize themselves with Consumers Energy’s special land use application for their proposed Lake Winds Energy Park.

A group of Mason County residents requested an amendment to the county zoning ordinance calling for more stringent wind turbine regulations. After months of work, the Mason County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to start reviewing the text amendment at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Tuesday’s presentation pertained to issues that would not be affected by any zoning ordinance changes. Representatives from Consumers Energy and Vestas described the system and circuits wind turbines would be operated on, gave details on turbine specifications and operation.

Project Developer Steven Schneider of Consumers Energy, said Tuesday night was the company’s first opportunity to share details of their project, beyond their special land use application, with the board.

The goal of the presentation was to give commissioners a clear and comprehensive understanding of the application, Schneider said.