August 12, 2018
Massachusetts

Buzzards Bay residents raise issue with turbines

By Paul Gately | Aug 10, 2018 | bourne.wickedlocal.com

Buzzards Bay residents plagued night-and-day by four Future Generation wind turbines operating on Mann cranberry bog in South Plymouth have returned to the Bourne Board of Health seeking intervention and relief.

The board, however, says its jurisdiction does not extend across the town line. The board has been legally advised not to consider out-of-town matters already adjudicated by the Barnstable Superior Court.

Board Chairman Kathy Peterson on August 8, however, did say she and Health Agent Terri Guarino would contact the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to determine when its Mann turbine testing would conclude, and also try to secure technical assistance to review results.

Peterson says this would involve a request to learn why state testing of the towering commercial-grade turbines was conducted away from the neighboring Head of the Bay homes in Bourne.

“After the DEP finishes its tests, we can start there,” she told Buzzards Bay residents, who said they are adversely affected by the wind farm and that medical issues have arisen.

The residents pivot on a decision by Superior Court Justice Gary Nickerson two years ago that said area residents should wait for the Head of the Bay turbines to be up-and-running. At that point, he ruled, the group could return to the Bourne Board of Health.

Residents, who are on edge, said they tried to apply for state funds to help mitigate turbine impacts only to learn they are not eligible for the money. They said their own sound tests of the turbines indicate the structures exceed noise levels mentioned in Bourne Board of Health turbine regulations.

What they seek this side of the Plymouth line could represent a critical test of board of health power in the public health, safety and welfare of Buzzards Bay residents. For now, however, there is frustration.

“I know where they’re coming from,” board of health member Kelly Mastria said of the Bourne residents. “I don’t know how we can help.”

Peterson said the health department would contact the DEP to determine what might be done for the turbine neighbors, who have secured scientific expertise about the structures to further their cause.

Peterson also said the entire issue would be placed on an October agenda for follow-up discussion.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/08/12/buzzards-bay-residents-raise-issue-with-turbines/