August 21, 2014
New York

Controversy over Orangeville wind turbines heading to court

By Ed Reilly | WKBW | August 20, 2014 | www.wkbw.com

Sixty residents from Orangeville and Attica have filed lawsuits claiming that the Stony Creek Wind Farm is ruining their quality of life, destroyed property values, and is affecting their health because of noise and vibration.

Attorney Richard Lippes, who handled the Love Canal lawsuits, is representing the angry residents.

Lippes said the basis of the lawsuit claims the wind turbines were erected too close to residential homes and are now causing “adverse effects.”

The lawsuits were filed in State Supreme Court in Wyoming County and they also seek restrictions on operation of the wind turbines.

The Orangeville wind farm contains 58 wind turbines and was constructed in 2013 by Invenergy – which is the sole defendant in the lawsuits.

Invenergy issued the following statement in response:

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About the Orangeville wind farm

As a clean energy leader, Invenergy is committed to successful, enduring partnerships with the communities in which our projects are located. We are grateful for the broad support we’ve received in Western New York and continue to receive from members of the community.

While support for renewable energy is strong across our country, we take seriously any concerns of those who live in a project host community. That is why we took great care in developing the Orangeville wind farm in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The lengthy authorization process was open and inclusive, allowing extensive opportunity for citizen input.

In addition, since the Orangeville wind farm commenced commercial operation, the facility has been operated and maintained in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including local zoning laws, relevant state agency directives, and Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) requirements.

About Wind Turbine Sound and Health

Numerous studies – conducted in countries all over the world – have found no evidence to support a link between sound emitted from wind turbines and adverse health effects.

About Wind Turbines and Property Values A 2013 comprehensive report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory studied wind turbines and home values. In analyzing more than 50,000 home sales near 67 wind farms in nine states, researchers were “unable to uncover any impacts to nearby home property values.”

About Petitioners’ Motions

The Orangeville wind farm will vigorously defend itself against the unfounded claims set forth in these complaints.

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Watch Ed Reilly’s story for more information

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URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/21/controversy-over-orangeville-wind-turbines-heading-to-court/