March 8, 2015
Letters, New Hampshire

Wind project would be destructive

Valley News | Sunday, March 8, 2015 | www.vnews.com

We are writing in strong opposition to the proposed Spruce Ridge wind turbine “farm” (read “factory”) on the ridge lines near Mt. Cardigan.

The Portuguese corporation responsible for this project wishes to build 29 industrial-sized turbines, each 500 feet high, which would stay in place for at least 20 years. The corporation has not communicated with the town of Canaan’s administration or residents about its plan, which it must know would be met with stiff opposition due to the obvious and long-term environmental and aesthetic damage it would cause to our area’s natural beauty.

The Mt. Cardigan State Forest and mountain summit, with its splendid views, are among the region’s most iconic landmarks, beloved by local residents and tourists alike. However, the corporation has already applied to the FAA for a permit to erect a tower, complete with red blinking light, to measure wind velocity and frequency at the proposed turbine sites.

As taxpayers, we are concerned about the negative effects such a large wind farm would have on the property values of Canaan, and the surrounding towns of Orange and Alexandria, including but not limited to the project’s potential for noise, water and air pollution (leading to health concerns); deforestation; erosion and soil run-off; blasting for turbine footings; and damage to area wildlife, birds and amphibians.

The New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee will accept written statements from the public about the project until March 23, sent to Jane.Murray@nh.des.gov.

We hope that as more area residents learn the true nature of this project, they think carefully about its consequences. While we can support alternative sources of energy, such as solar power, for the future good of all, we do not believe that industrial wind farms are the best way to produce electricity in our small state, especially when the power they generate must be transmitted (and sold) via large and unsightly above-ground power grid lines.

For additional information, please go to nhwindwatch.org.

Alix Olson and Martha Popp

Canaan


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/03/08/wind-project-would-be-destructive/