August 3, 2013
Massachusetts

Duxbury Wind Advisory Committee exploring pros and cons of turbines

By Kathryn Gallerani | Wicked Local Duxbury | Posted Aug 02, 2013 | www.wickedlocal.com

DUXBURY – A committee looking into the pros and cons of wind power continues to take a cautious approach before potentially taking a position on wind turbines in town.

Wind Advisory Committee Chairman Andreas Klein told selectmen Monday night that the committee has met four times since it was formed a year ago to serve an advisory role for the Alternative Energy Committee.

“We’re not in a position to advocate one way or another,” he said.

A wind turbine debate started in Duxbury over the possible siting of a turbine near the North Hill Golf Course a few years ago. Any plans were put on hold. A turbine bylaw was to be proposed at Town Meeting, but the warrant article was withdrawn. It may be further amended.

Answering a question from Selectmen Chairman David Madigan, Klein said the committee has not taken a close look at the bylaw, as it is first focusing its efforts on turbine-related issues.

The committee has invited two speakers to its meeting. One was Kingston resident Tim Dwyer. He and other neighbors have sued the town of Kingston and wind-turbine developer Mary O’Donnell of No Fossil Fuel Inc. over the siting of her three wind turbines near the commuter rail station.

Klein said Dwyer explained the concerns of Kingston residents, including health impacts from noise and shadow flicker, to the committee. Committee members are also interested in any studies that are being done or will be done on the health impacts and other components of turbines.

A visit to the Massachusetts Martime Academy to see its turbine in operation is also being plannned, Klein said, as the committee continues its work.

Selectman Shawn Dahlen said he supports the committee’s approach with new developments in wind power possible. He also said it’s important to wait for the results of pending state studies.

“I think time is on our side,” he said.

Klein agreed, saying, “I think we only benefit by waiting.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/08/03/duxbury-wind-advisory-committee-exploring-pros-and-cons-of-turbines/