July 1, 2013
Ohio

No wind turbines for Shelby, Auglaize counties

By Mike Seffrin | Sidney Daily News | 6/30/2013 | sidneydailynews.com

A Dublin, Ireland-based company has scrapped plans to construct wind turbines in Shelby and Auglaize counties..

In a June 5 letter sent to local landowners whose acreage had been leased by the company, Mainstream Renewable Power officials said: “I am writing to inform you that, after much deliberation, we have reluctantly decided not to pursue the Montra Hills Wind Farm project in Shelby County. The changing of several key market conditions has resulted in the determination that Mainstream will cease its efforts and exit the Ohio market.

“This was a very difficult decision for us to make after the warm welcome you and all of your fellow landowners have extended to us. We have greatly appreciated working with you, and as a few voices challenged our projects here in Ohio we drew real strength from the support of the owners of more than 12,000 acres who put their trust in us. However, we cannot avoid the market conditions we now find ourselves facing in Ohio, and having considered all options we have concluded that this is the right way forward.

“As a responsible developer, Mainstream will not encumber your land by holding onto your lease. Ohio leases will be terminated over the next 30 business days. … ”

The Mainstream officials conclude their letter, “Thank you again for your support with this effort to develop a wind farm in your community. It is with great regret that this decision was deemed necessary. Hopefully in the future as market conditions change, new opportunities for renewable development in your community will arise.”

The letter is signed by Dan Schumann, senior development project manager, and Matt Boss, vice president of U.S. development, for Mainstream. The men list a Chicago address for their offices.

A similar letter reportedly was sent to affected landowners in Auglaize County. Mainstream had leases for 7,000 acres in Shelby County and 5,000 in Auglaize. Groups opposed to the wind farm projects have been active in both counties. The Shelby County group, Shelby Neighbors United, have presented information at several meetings detailing what it believes are the health risks posed by wind turbines. The group has said the Montra Hills Wind Farm would impact more than 1,000 Shelby County households in an approximately 50-square-mile area stretching from the Shelby Hills Golf Course north and east to the Auglaize and Logan county lines. Shelby Neighbors United has not issued an official statement concerning Mainstream’s decision to abandon the Montra Hills project.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/01/no-wind-turbines-for-shelby-auglaize-counties/