| Wind Watch is a registered educational charity, founded in 2005. |
Wind Power News: September 2014
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Final City Council vote on Southside annexation delayed
CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) – The City Council vote regarding the proposed annexation of land in the Chapman Ranch area was scheduled to take place Tuesday, but instead it was pushed back to Oct. 14. For the first time, council heard from a former commander at Naval Air Station-Kingsville about the impact of the proposed wind farm, which the City is hoping to prevent by annexing the property where it will be located. Captain Mark McLaughlin is a consultant with . . . Complete story »
Wind farms ‘kill confused bats’
Endangered bats are being killed by wind turbine blades because the air currents are similar to those near tall trees, a study shows. It’s feared the legally protected mammals are dying while hunting insects that are attracted by the heat generated by the spinning blades. Thousands of bats have been killed by wind turbines causing a population decline that could cost the farming industry billions each year. The nocturnal creatures are welcomed by farmers across the world as they eat . . . Complete story »
Major wind farm plans for Belford and Netherwitton set for rejection
Plans for two major wind farms in the Northumberland countryside look set to be thrown out, to the delight of objectors. County councillors are next week being recommended to reject proposals for nine 100m turbines at Belford and five 125m structures at Netherwitton. The recommendations have been warmly welcomed by people who have fought both schemes, which together faced hundreds of objections from residents, parish councils and various other bodies. The application for land North of Belford Burn is from . . . Complete story »
Done deal: wind turbine ban approved
After 16 months of debate and public meetings, large-scale industrial wind turbines have been officially banned by Mason County commissioners. The action came Tuesday at a special meeting of Mason County Fiscal Court. During the meeting, the 26-page ordinance was given final approval to restrict large-scale turbines from any area of the county other than heavy industrial zones. Those heavy industrial zones are located in the areas of East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s Spurlock station and the Carmeuse Lime and Stone . . . Complete story »
Answers just blowin’ in the wind: Greenwich wind turbine opponents continue their fight
A state board may have approved a wind turbine project in Greenwich Township, but a group of residents opposed to the idea aren’t finished fighting. Omega Crop Company owners Gerald and Connie Oney have filed a rehearing request with the Ohio Power Siting Board. The board is a separate entity within the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and has the final say as to whether the park is built. The board can make one of three decisions within 30 days . . . Complete story »
Meade Twp. welcomes turbine talk
MEADE TOWNSHIP – If you’ve got something to say about DTE Energy’s newest wind park planned for Meade and Colfax townships, you can take it to the Meade Township Hall on Oct. 7. All are welcome, including landowners, leaseholders and non-participants, to two special meetings scheduled for 7 p.m. next Tuesday at 2119 W. Filion Road. “We’ll be discussing whether to re-zone properties for use of wind turbines,” said Rob Heck, chair of the Meade Township planning commission. “We’re looking for . . . Complete story »
Dorset council objects to Navitus Bay wind farm
A third local authority has rejected proposals for a giant wind farm off the south coast. Christchurch Borough councillors voted unanimously against the planning application by Navitus Bay, at an extraordinary full council meeting. Concerns included the visual impact and the effect on migratory birds. Navitus Bay has said the development, of nearly 200 wind turbines, would also have a “significant positive impact” on the local economy. Plans for the development, between Dorset and the Isle of Wight, have already . . . Complete story »
Energy Department won’t stop Natural Forces wind project
The Department of Energy is not going to intervene to stop a proposed wind farm south of the John Black Road near Amherst. Speaking during a public information session on the province’s future electricity needs, the minister was asked if his department would step in to stop the erection of three turbines by Halifax-based Natural Forces. “Decisions are made and implemented later. That project, the permit was issued in 2012 and the Energy Department does not have any legal authority . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine or tree? Certain bats might not know
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – Certain bats may be approaching wind turbines after mistaking them for trees, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study, led by U.S. Geological Survey scientist Paul Cryan, was the first to use video surveillance cameras to watch bats for several months flying at night near experimentally manipulated wind turbines and led to the discovery that tree-roosting bats, or “tree bats,” may approach and interact with wind turbines . . . Complete story »
Bala 80m wind mast prompts MoD map change
A mast to measure wind speed to be erected in Gwynedd will be so high the Ministry of Defence will have to change its aeronautical charts and maps. The 80.2m (263ft) anemometer mast, which will also record wind direction, was given the go-ahead by Gwynedd council planners in Pwllheli. It will be situated on farmland at Bodelith Isaf, and will have cables stretching up to 50m from its base. It is likely to be used to test whether the site . . . Complete story »