Wind turbine a danger to all
Duxbury Clipper, eduxbury.com 23 November 2011
As Duxbury approaches our 375th anniversary, residents should be aware of a project looming which will permanently impact the heritage and pristine beauty of our entire landscape while exposing the town to significant economic and environmental risks; wind turbines. Similar projects in eight communities in Southeastern Massachusetts have been cancelled and three are moving in that direction.
Why? According to industry expert Tom Hewson of Energy Ventures Analysis, in Arlington, Virginia; “I’ve reviewed about a half-dozen wind developer project applications for sites in Mass. and Conn. and this project has probably the worst fundamentals of them all. Single turbines in high density residential areas such as Duxbury are always questionable.” Duxbury is poised to pursue a nearly 300 foot wind turbine, requiring an amendment to the by- law approved last spring. For perspective, the Myles Standish stands 130 feet high, the Statue of Liberty, 305 feet. This industrial wind turbine will redefine Duxbury permanently. Each of the three proposed sites are situated in The North Hill Marsh Reservation area. Currently one turbine is being discussed however, the North Hill Marsh can accommodate up to three turbines.
Many communities worldwide protect their residents with minimum setbacks of 1.24 miles. By that standard, 877 Duxbury homes are within a 1.24 mile radius of this proposed turbine. Research showing adverse effects of turbines has gained momentum and begun to receive peer-reviewed acceptance, however this research is completely ignored by developers, investors and wind industry proponents. Currently Duxbury by-laws passed last spring, require a set-back of “a minimum distance equal to two times the overall height of the wind facility from the nearest existing residential or commercial structure.” This is unacceptable and irresponsible
Original feasibility plans (DNV Global Energy Concepts October,2009) rated wind conditions for all three proposed sites as ‘marginal’ and a Meteorological Tower was advised to verify and measure wind conditions and determine how much power a site can be expected to generate. There are no plans to verify wind conditions with a Met Tower and the AEC is relying on extrapolated virtual wind data. This is also unacceptable and irresponsible.
I invite you to become informed by visiting the Duxbury Wind Wise website. We are a group of concerned citizens with respect for the character, heritage and aesthetic beauty of Duxbury. We are neighbors, parents, recreational enthusiasts, golfers, hikers, bikers and bird-watchers that support alternative energy efforts in town and believe in responsible use of green energy and town resources that do not adversely affect the economic health, public safety, tranquility, esthetics and environmental balance of Duxbury’s treasured resources.
Dan Campbell
Tremont Street
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/24/wind-turbine-a-danger-to-all/