Saturday, May 12, 2012

National Wind Watch | May 10, 2012



-------- Original Message --------
Subject: National Wind Watch | May 10, 2012
Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 09:12:10 -0400
From: news@wind-watch.org



Any time citizen participation or regulatory review is called too onerous, rest assured that the process is working as it should. —Editorial, Baltimore (Md.) Sun, March 9, 2007

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In the News

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New Jersey
9 May 2012

Bayonne wind turbine stands stationary and silent
When the City of Bayonne announced plans to erect a 260-foot wind turbine at the Oak Street Pumping Station, some residents expressed concerns about the giant windmill's proximity to houses. Though residents were worried about the amount of noise the turbine would make, those fears have proven unfounded so far. That's because the turbine is still not operational. Its massive propeller still stands stationary — and silent. The turbine was completed in late January. At the time, officials estimated the . . . Complete story »
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Minnesota
9 May 2012

AWA Goodhue Wind to sue landowners
AWA Goodhue Wind plan to sue a number of local landowners for what they claim is "illegal termination of their lease agreements." AWA is the Texas-owned company that plans to develop a large wind "farm" between Cannon Falls and Zumbrota. The lawsuits were announced by Daniel S. Schleck, a Minneapolis attorney who represents a number of the landowners involved, in a press release dated May 2, 2012. In his release, Schleck describes the landowners as "former participants" in the project. . . . Complete story »
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California
9 May 2012

County workshop on wind energy ordinance set for May 11; Planners to hear expert speakers
(San Diego's East County)—The County's Wind Energy Ordinance & Plan Amendment Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) will be reviewed at a special San Diego County Planning Commission Workshop at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 11 at 5201 Ruffin Rd., Suite B. The workshop is a response to Commissioners' request for more information after evidence presented at an April 13 hearing indicated that wind turbines can result in negative health impacts from audible and sub audible noise, vibrations, and dirty electricity/stray . . . Complete story »
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Wales
9 May 2012

MP and AM's dismay at huge wind farm
Aberavon's MP and AM have expressed disappointment at the news that the Pen-y-Cymoedd wind farm development has been given the go-ahead in spite of the concerns of residents. The £365 million development overlooking Glyncorrwg will be the highest-generating onshore wind farm in England and Wales, generating 299MW from 76 turbines, enough to power 206,000 homes, according to developers. In a joint statement, MP Hywel Francis and AM David Rees said: "We are disappointed that the concerns of local residents and . . . Complete story »
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Virginia
9 May 2012

Wythe County hears from wind farm company
WYTHE COUNTY, VA — Representatives from an international company planning to build a wind farm in Wythe and Carroll counties met with area residents Monday to share information and discuss the project. EDP Renewables North America is looking at land along the ridge of Stoots Mountain near Austinville. Speaking to a group of landowners, Project Developer Wendy Kingsland said current plans call for the construction of 20 to 24 wind turbines along both sides of the ridge. She said the . . . Complete story »
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Vermont
9 May 2012

On the Canadian border, a wind project sparks international intrigue
At a boisterous rally on Sunday in Derby Line, residents expressed concerns about noise, aesthetics, possible damage to local wildlife and property values in opposition to a two-turbine wind development. But this was not your typical antiwind protest. Because the proposed turbines are a stone's throw from the U.S.-Canadian border, the familiar arguments about wind development were elevated from local controversy to international dispute. The towns of Derby Line, Vt., and Stanstead, Québec, have a long-standing geographic and cultural connection. . . . Complete story »
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Rhode Island
9 May 2012

Consortium wind project on defensive
The East Bay Energy Consortium (EBEC) is playing defense now that the Internet is buzzing with mostly negative commentary about its proposed wind turbine project. At its monthly meeting on May 7, EBEC members expressed strong reaction to blogs, chats and online comments about the use of eminent domain in legislation (pdf) to establish it as a private/public state agency. The online forum Patch, in particular, seemed to exasperate EBEC members, who represent the nine communities in the partnership, from . . . Complete story »
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Scotland
9 May 2012

SNP green energy targets 'need taller wind farms'
The SNP's radical green energy targets can only be met if planning rules are loosened to allow wind farms that are 60 per cent taller, a major renewable power company has warned MSPs. MEG Renewables said council planners are currently reluctant to approve medium-sized developments where the turbines are more than 50m (164ft) high because they are "well outside of their comfort zone". In a submission to a major Holyrood inquiry, Neil McGeoch, the company's managing director, said this limit . . . Complete story »
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Massachusetts
9 May 2012

UMass Dartmouth plans more turbines
DARTMOUTH — There could be more wind turbines rising in the future at UMass Dartmouth, outgoing Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack suggested at last week's dedication ceremony for the first commercial wind turbine located on campus. State and local officials gathered on campus last Tuesday to dedicate the 243-foot, 600KW wind turbine sitting in a clearing between Cedar Dell Pond and the center of campus, and hand out Green Campus Awards to university staffers and community members involved in sustainability and . . . Complete story »
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Arizona
9 May 2012

Sprawling Arizona project advances despite industry uncertainty
The Bureau of Land Management is nearing approval of what would become Arizona's largest wind farm, covering nearly 50,000 acres of federal land, that supporters say could spark more commercial-scale wind power development. Houston-based BP Wind Energy North America Inc.'s proposed 500-megawatt Mohave County Wind Farm in northwest Arizona would string together as many as 283 wind turbines across nearly 39,000 acres of BLM land and nearly 9,000 acres of Bureau of Reclamation land. The wind farm would have the . . . Complete story »
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U.K.
9 May 2012

Queen's Speech: energy laws will send bills soaring
Households will be made to pay for wind farms and nuclear power stations under a new Energy Bill that will force up electricity bills by around £200 a year. The new laws revealed in the Queen's Speech will bring in a raft of costly subsidies to help energy companies pay for "green" electricity. British households will have to cover the cost of the subsidies through their energy bills over the next 20 years. The Government said the main point of . . . Complete story »
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England
9 May 2012

Concerns over offshore wind farm impact on South Downs
Environmental campaigners have raised concerns that an offshore wind farm could damage the South Downs. Cabling for the Rampion wind farm, which is being developed by E.ON, will go underground in the national park. Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth has given "conditional support" to the project but said not enough has been done to protect the coast. E.ON said it had consulted widely and would continue to take feedback on board. 'Minimise impact' Chris Todd, from Brighton and . . . Complete story »
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Massachusetts
9 May 2012

Selectmen to shut down Wind 1 at night; Board of Health to hold emergency hearing
At its meeting Monday night, the Falmouth Board of Selectmen voted to shut down Wind 1, one of the town's 1.65-megawatt turbines off Blacksmith Shop Road, from 7pm to 7am daily, beginning in about two weeks. According to the Cape Cod Times, selectmen chair Mary Pat Flynn said that the partial ceasing of Wind 1′s operation is a compromise between the town and the turbine's abutters, many of whom have long complained of adverse health effects as a result of . . . Complete story »
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Vermont
9 May 2012

Big Wind blows into Brighton
ISLAND POND – With strong local opposition to the construction of wind farms and/or "demonstration" projects in Orleans County, what will be the reaction to residents of Brighton, Newark and Ferdinand about the proposed wind farm by energy development company Eolian Renewable Energy LLC? Eolian filed for a Certificate for Public Good on April 12, proposing the construction of four wind testing towers. One of the 185-foot towers will be located in the town of Ferdinand, one in Newark and . . . Complete story »
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Massachusetts, Victories
9 May 2012

Falmouth turbine compromise OK'd
FALMOUTH — Wind turbines loomed heavily in town Monday night as selectmen and board of health members at separate meetings voted on measures meant to address residents' health concerns. Selectmen voted in favor of shutting down Wind 1, one of the town's two 1.65-megawatt turbines off Blacksmith Shop Road, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Stopping Wind 1′s operation for 12 hours each day represents a compromise between the town and some people who live near the turbines . . . Complete story »
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Scotland
9 May 2012

Wind turbines at Highland schools switched off amid safety fears for kids
Wind turbines beside Highland schools – including Holm primary and Culloden Academy – are being switched off today amid safety fears about the possible threat to children. The switch off comes after a turbine collapsed forcing the closure of one Highland School and concerns were voiced about the lack of fencing around the turbines to protect the kids in event of a malfunction. Sixteen machines in schools across the region including Inverness, Ross-shire, Caithness and Sutherland will now stop rotating. . . . Complete story »
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Illinois, Opinions
9 May 2012

Senate bill threatens county choices on wind
Editor's note: Richard Boris, president/mayor of the Village of Lee, located south of Rochelle and DeKalb on the Lee/DeKalb county line, has a unique and extensive view on industrial wind development in rural areas. His efforts have resulted in a ban on wind development within 1.5 miles of his village; however, Lee and DeKalb counties have allowed wind development. Boris is tireless in his opposition to the industrialization of our natural and rural areas by foreign wind developers on the . . . Complete story »
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Vermont
9 May 2012

In the game
DERBY/ HOLLAND – The Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) granted intervener status on a permissive basis to two parties who want to participate in the process and hearings for the proposed controversial Derby Line Wind Project. The Holland and Derby Citizens Group for Responsible Energy (HDCRE) and Derby Line resident Mary Jenne were granted the status this week. Both were originally denied as they had missed the deadline to file, however the denial came without prejudice. PSB hearing officer John . . . Complete story »
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Texas
9 May 2012

TSTC talks turbine safety
"It's an environment if you're not careful and you're not aware of your surroundings, you can definitely get hurt," said Keith Plantier, director of energy systems. Wind turbine technicians put themselves in situations that can be dangerous. That's why TSTC teaches their students real-life lessons about day-to-day safety. "Get the students familiar with the hazards around them. As well as build in a sense of awareness around them," said Plantier Though storms seem like the biggest threat, the height and . . . Complete story »
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Ontario
9 May 2012

Wind turbine appeals get go ahead
HAGERSVILLE – The Ministry of Environment has failed in its bid to have a challenge to the Summerhaven wind turbine project near Jarvis dismissed. Last week in Hagersville, Nadine Harris, a lawyer for the MOE, asked the Environmental Review Tribunal to dismiss an appeal from Haldimand Wind Concerns and aboriginal hunter William Monture of Six Nations on the grounds that the appeals were beyond the purview of the tribunal. The motion for dismissal was heard at the Hagersville Community Centre . . . Complete story »
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Maryland
9 May 2012

Setbacks for turbines debated; Lawyer for opposition argues for greater distance from neighbors
PRINCESS ANNE — Greater setback requirements were called "key" to offsetting potential problems from wind turbines as Somerset County Commissioners heard from both sides of the issue during a work session last week. Most problems reported in other parts of the country occurred in places where turbines were placed too close to neighboring residences, said attorney Steve Smethurst who represents a group of Marion Station residents who live near farmland that is under contract with a wind energy developer. Many . . . Complete story »
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Massachusetts
9 May 2012

Buckland to vote on halt to wind, solar
BUCKLAND – Like their Shelburne neighbors, Buckland voters will consider a year-long moratorium on windmills, giving the Buckland Planning Board time to research and develop a bylaw regulating wind-powered electricity generators. But voters here will also consider a year-long moratorium on solar arrays producing more than 35 kilowatts of electricity. This year's annual town meeting takes place on Wednesday at the Town Hall, beginning at 7 p.m. A special town meeting, to pay some bills that were submitted for the . . . Complete story »
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Scotland
9 May 2012

Gleneagles joins turbines critics
One of Scotland's top golf venues has warned that Scottish tourism is under threat from the huge number of windfarms being built across the country. Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire his joined American tycoon Donald Trump in criticising the rate that green energy schemes are being approved. With the number of turbine schemes expected to treble over the next few years – the hotel fears for the "unspoilt landscape" of Scotland. In a submission to MSPs, hotel chiefs said: "The hotel's . . . Complete story »
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Michigan
9 May 2012

Some want their land out of Lake Township
CHANDLER TOWNSHIP — It was standing room only for many attending Monday's Chandler Township Board meeting where interested parties gathered to hear the details regarding a proposal by a group of Lake Township property owners who want to transfer nearly 4,000 acres of property to neighboring Chandler Township. Earlier this week, both Chandler and Lake Township Boards received a letter from Okemos attorney, William K. Fahey, expressing his interest in negotiating a State of Michigan Act 425 land transfer. The . . . Complete story »
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Letters, Rhode Island
9 May 2012

Stop East Bay Energy Consortium bill
East Bay Energy Consortium Act must be stopped before it creates another quasi-governmental agency with too much power, including eminent domain. The East Bay Energy Consortium, given a grant by the Economic Development Corporation two years ago, was originally envisioning a $75 million project to develop alternative energy – wind turbines in East Bay communities and selling that energy to National Grid. What has emerged is a bill that creates a quasi-government entity granting unleashed powers to appointees or unelected . . . Complete story »
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England
9 May 2012

Farm scheme for wind turbine 'poses threat' to historic sites
Plans to install a wind turbine could potentially disturb "significant archaeological remains" close to a prehistoric burial monument known as the Ring of Stones. James Clarkson has applied to Calderdale Council for permission to site one Enercon E33 wind turbine on a 50m mast on land south of Gosling Lane, Barkisland, Sowerby Bridge. More than 30 letters of objection have been received regarding the proposal to construct a 300kw wind turbine as well as 15 letters of support. Complaints range . . . Complete story »
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Wales
9 May 2012

Council threatended with prospect of appeal by wind turbine developers
The council's planning committee is being "threatened" with the prospect of appeal by the developers of wind turbines, say members. Faced with an application for two 30m turbines at Llandyfrydog, councillors said they still lacked clear guidance for dealing with turbine applications in the absence of supplementary planning guidance, which is currently being written. However, members were forced to make a decision after the developer declared he would appeal on the grounds on non-determination should the committee fail to determine . . . Complete story »
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Wales
9 May 2012

Huge windfarm approved despite campaigner complaints
The largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales has been given approval to be built in the picturesque countryside, despite campaigners condemning it as "ugly", "inefficient" and "intrusive". The 76-turbine farm, which will be among the highest of its kind in Europe, will now be developed on a mountainside at Pen y Cymoed in South Wales. The £300m project, which is the latest in a line of proposals protesters have campaigned against since 1994, has been supported by the . . . Complete story »
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England
9 May 2012

Wind turbine bid is refused
The contentious spread of wind turbines through the county has been halted in Nanstallon, with Cornwall Council rejecting a farmer's bid to build an 80-foot-high structure near the Camel Trail. Campaigners who opposed the planning application said they were thrilled by the decision to refuse consent, but admit their battle to block the wind turbine has split the local community. The turbine bid has pitted neighbour against neighbour in the village, with a number of residents keen to support the . . . Complete story »
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England
9 May 2012

Protests against wind turbines in East Lindsey which would be 'taller than St James' Church spire'
A protest meeting has been called to oppose the installation of three turbines in rural East Lindsey. As reported, Partnerships For Renewables has submitted an application to East Lindsey District Council for the turbines to be built adjacent to Louth Canal. The firm pledged to set up a community benefit fund for those in the surrounding area amounting to nearly £19,000-a-year. The maximum height the wind turbines will stand to the tip of the blades is 113.5 metres and they . . . Complete story »
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From the Resource Library:
Whither the Wind?
British Holiday and Home Parks Association | Tweet it

Sample Video No Safe Place: McMurtry on industrial wind | Tweet it

Visit an Ally Wind Concerns Bruce | Tweet it

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