April 29, 2012
Massachusetts

Kingston’s Independence commissioning still set for mid-May; However, turbine blade might be replaced

By Kathryn Gallerani, Wicked Local Kingston, www.patriotledger.com 28 April 2012

KINGSTON – Engineeers from Hyundai are in town this week to begin the two-week commissioning process expected to end mid-May with operation of the wind turbine Independence.

If all goes well with a series of scheduled tests, Kingston Wind and Aquienergy President Kially Ruiz told selectmen Tuesday, the Independence would be certified and deemed ready to operate.

“We’re confident this is safe, and we’re ready to go,” he said.

Ruiz said the blade repair that has raised questions in the community has been fixed, but he admitted it was more serious than first thought when a crack was discovered during installation. The possibility exists that the blade might be replaced because of an insurance claim filed by Kingston Wind.

An engineering company, STV Engineering, chosen by the developer, has analyzed the repair work completed by Hyundai-certified repairmen, and Kingston Wind will submit the report from STV Engineering to the town for peer review.

While Ruiz assured the selectmen, and attempted to assure the public, that the Independence poses no danger or threat to safety, not everyone agrees.

A group of Kingston residents have hired an attorney, Christopher Senie, who has requested that Zoning Enforcement Officer Paul Armstrong issue separate cease and desist orders to prevent operation of the Independence and stop operation of the three wind turbines on business owner Mary O’Donnell’s Marion Drive property.

Armstrong has notified Senie that on the advice of town counsel, he will have a reply to the requests for the cease and desist orders next Tuesday, April 31. The Country Club Way area residents are challenging the validity of the site plan approval and building permits for the four turbines.

To review Ruiz’s wind turbine commissioning and startup summary report, log on to the town’s website, www.kingstonmass.org.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/29/kingstons-independence-commissioning-still-set-for-mid-may-however-turbine-blade-might-be-replaced/