Wind Power News: Massachusetts
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch 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.
New England fishing groups wary of rapid offshore wind development plans
As offshore wind moves up the coast of New England, efforts are underway to make sure the region’s fishing interests have a seat at the table early in project development. An alliance of industry and academic stakeholders is promoting the need for research and best practices as offshore wind takes hold in waters where fishing has long been an economic anchor. Fishing groups have several concerns about the potential for boating obstacles and ecological impacts. A dearth of research makes . . . Complete story »
Sound from Scituate Wind turbine in compliance with MassDEP regs
Based on sound level testing done last year for the Scituate Wind turbine, results indicate the turbine is in compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Noise Policy. During a remote meeting of the Board of Selectmen on March 24, Al Bangert, special projects director, presented a summary of the final report on the wind turbine sound level compliance testing. After ongoing complaints by neighbors to the turbine, in May 2018 the Board of Selectmen awarded a $50,000 contract . . . Complete story »
Mayflower Wind cables to land in Falmouth
FALMOUTH – Underground cables that will be part of a developing offshore wind farm could touch base somewhere in Falmouth. Mayflower Wind, a joint venture project between Shell and EDP Renewables, presented plans to develop an 804-megawatt wind farm about 65 miles from shore on the Atlantic Coast Outer Continental Shelf to the Board of Selectmen Monday. The energy generated from the wind turbines will travel through underground cables to an offshore substation and then to another substation onshore. Christopher Hardy, . . . Complete story »
Planned offshore wind turbines will have connection to shore substation
At least one offshore wind turbine project will make landfall in Falmouth. Representatives from Mayflower Wind Energy met with the Falmouth Board of Selectmen on Monday, March 9, to discuss its offshore wind project. Mayflower Wind is one of several energy providers leasing space in the Atlantic Coast Outer Continental Shelf, approximately 50 to 70 miles south of Cape Cod and 20 miles south of Nantucket. “We will have 80 to 100 wind turbines placed within a one-by-one-nautical-mile grid,” said . . . Complete story »
Health board investigating ‘nuisance’ wind turbines on Plymouth border
PLYMOUTH – Residents in Plymouth and Bourne who are upset with wind turbines they say are a health hazard will have to wait a little longer to see if their complaints will be acted upon. After labeling the project a “public nuisance” two weeks ago, the Board of Health said Wednesday it will continue to review the situation and consult with town counsel and the Select Board about what next steps to take in this ongoing scenario. “We will pursue . . . Complete story »
Healey calls for exploring expanded carbon pricing
Attorney General Maura Healey released a white paper on Monday that calls for the creation of a New England task force to explore expanded use of carbon pricing in electricity generation to achieve region-wide greenhouse gas emission reductions. The white paper’s recommendation is drawing attention because it mirrors what the region’s power grid operator has been saying for years. Healey in the past has been critical of the grid operator, ISO New England, for failing to design a wholesale market . . . Complete story »
Plymouth health board reviewing wind turbines on Bourne line
PLYMOUTH – Larry McGrath hasn’t used his patio in two years. The vibrations, noise and pulsating lights, he says, make it impossible to enjoy what should be a serene and peaceful outdoor setting at his home on Lake Drive near the Bourne border. The source of these sensations emanates from a series of large wind turbines that began generating power four years ago. Located in Plymouth on the line with Bourne, the 500-foot structures have been a concern to neighbors . . . Complete story »
Vineyard Wind facing lots of hurdles
A federal regulator speaking at a conference in Boston on Tuesday posted a slide suggesting Vineyard Wind would be operational in 2023, but the company itself is not saying whether its wind farm will be generating electricity by then. Vineyward Wind originally hoped to begin construction in 2019 and have half the 800 megawatt wind farm up and running by January 15, 2022, and the remaining half a year later. That timetable was dashed when the Bureau of Ocean Energy . . . Complete story »
No response on Hoosac Wind complaints
Early the morning of Feb. 6, I was woken from noise and vibrations from Hoosac Wind yet again audible in our bedroom. The noise from the turbines was loud enough to wake me and I was not able to sleep. I called the Landowner Concern Line even though the last four calls were ignored with no response over the last five months. Neighbors also tell me of a similar situation with calls to the line with no response from the . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines in Plymouth declared public health nuisance
After years of fighting, Plymouth has declared several massive wind turbines a public health nuisance. “Thank goodness they’re responding,” said Karen McMahon, who has lived for three years in the shadow of several 500-foot tall wind turbines. “It’s horrible and it vibrates. And it vibrates the windows.” She says it is nearly impossible to tune out the sound of the giant blades. “There are three sets of blades that I can see from my living room,” she said. Her neighbor . . . Complete story »
