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Wind Power News: August 2017
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.
Danish billionaire loses battle to block Highland windfarm
A Danish billionaire has lost his fight against the Scottish Government over a major windfarm which threatens the view from his Highland estate. Anders Povlsen had sought a judicial review through his company Wildland into the decision to allow a controversial windfarm in Sutherland. But the Court of Session has now refused the request to have the decision set aside. Mr Povlsen is furious over the Scottish Government giving permission for the windfarm on the Altnaharra estate, owned by Jim . . . Complete story »
Wind gravy train
What a disturbing read your article of 25 August “Support needed to help wind farms flourish” was. The author didn’t gloss over the impact of industrial wind on unwilling communities or the astronomical consumer-funded constraint payments made to operators to turn off turbines because of the SNP’S reckless over deployment of wind. He didn’t even mention it! Some £336,000,000 in constraints has been paid out at the time of writing – an increase of £8,000,000 in 15 days. The majority . . . Complete story »
Govt forest panel says environment impact assessment not needed for wind power projects
Based on a single contested study of migratory birds, the government’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) approved a 40 MW wind power project in Andhra Pradesh, despite the environment ministry batting for an environmental impact assessment (EIA). According to a news report by Mint, the FAC said that an EIA was unnecessary for wind power projects. Incidentally, this was not the first instance of the FAC approving a wind power project despite objections. In June, the FAC gave its nod to clearing . . . Complete story »
Frustrated Chatham-Kent residents stage blockade at wind turbine site
Chatham-Kent residents frustrated with wind turbine construction they blame for tainting their drinking water staged another blockade Tuesday morning and have temporarily shut down the North Kent Wind project. It is the second blockade in as many weeks by the group calling itself Water Wells First. It is protesting what it believes is provincial inaction on pile driving residents claim is pushing bits of sediment into their drinking water. “The people here in the community just feel like they’re sitting . . . Complete story »
Wind farm files to dismiss review of WECS ordinance
A group of Henry County residents who are challenging local wind turbine rules have until the middle of September to respond to a ‘motion to dismiss’ filed by Big Blue River Wind Farm LLC. Petitioners from Middletown, Straughn, New Castle, Shirley, Spiceland, Mooreland, Sulphur Springs and Hagerstown asked the local courts in May to review the Henry County Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) ordinance. The filings claimed that the WECS ordinance is invalid because the Henry County Planning Commission didn’t . . . Complete story »
Bat and bird deaths a concern in proposed Kluane wind energy project
The Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board has recommended the proposed Kluane N’tsi (Wind) Energy Project go forward, providing management plans are put in place to mitigate concerns around the safety of bats and birds. “Wind turbines cause the death of both birds and bats due to these animals being struck by blades or striking guy wires,” the YESAB recommendation report said. “The project is also located in an area that is a ‘major corridor for birds.’ The designated office . . . Complete story »
Community raises questions about Amish homes’ eligibility for turbine setbacks
PARISHVILLE – Some residents opposed to the North Ridge Wind Farm project in Parishville are concerned about suggested revisions to the definition of residences for the purpose of turbine setbacks. They say the proposed changes, targeting hunting camps, could apply to Amish homes as well. In a letter to the Parishville Town Planning Board, Avangrid Renewables, the company behind the wind farm, asked that hunting camps not be considered residences for the purpose of the town’s mandated setbacks for turbines. The . . . Complete story »
Wind farm firm in court fight over ‘confused’ planning ban
A wind farm company has claimed An Bord Pleanála has overestimated the impact that 25 turbines will have on historic landmarks such as the Hill of Tara. North Meath Wind Farm Ltd has launched a High Court challenge after it was refused permission for a 25-turbine wind farm outside Kells. That refusal, announced in early July, had been met with delight by opponents of the Castletownmoor Wind Farm, who feared it would dominate the rural area. But counsel for the . . . Complete story »
Turbine protesters chain themselves together at demonstration held in North Kent
In an effort to halt construction of a wind turbine project in North Kent, three protesters chained themselves together in a show of solidarity on Tuesday. Sheltered from the rain, but weathering the elements, Rick Ball, Lee Montgomery and Yvonne Laevens were at the entrance to the site on Bush Line, near Highway 40 in the former Chatham Township. “It should have never have gone this far,” Laevens said. “We have to (do this). We’ve tried just about everything else.” . . . Complete story »
After permit denial, Grain Belt Express asks for rehearing
As expected, the developers of a controversial wind energy transmission line has asked the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) for a rehearing, after commissioners denied necessary permits for the project earlier this month. Developers of the Grain Belt Express (GBE) argued in their application for a rehearing that the decision in a court case involving a similar, but unrelated, electric line case was improperly applied to GBE. That case, Neighbors United vs. PSC, ended when the Missouri Court of Appeals . . . Complete story »