WINDMILL MYTHS

MYTH 1: The wind turbines aren't really THAT big.
Fact: They will be over 400’ high, about as tall as Xerox Tower in Rochester. Their blade length is 139’, total rotor diameter is 285’. The turbines are much larger than the turbines many have seen in Fenner, NY.

MYTH 2: These industrial machines don't make THAT MUCH noise.
Fact: Like the generator in your garage, they ARE very quiet - when they aren't working. But at their loudest, they generate well over 50db of noise, equivalent to a tractor or a loud car stereo. The noise can be clearly heard (and felt) for 1000' and beyond, and much farther based on local conditions. And except on a still day, IT DOESN'T STOP.

MYTH 3: These industrial towers will be safe to be around.
Fact: The rotating blades have tip speeds up to 180 mph, with the potential to throw ice at high velocity up to 1800'. This puts snowmobilers, cross country skiers, and others at great risk. Wildlife will also be endangered.

MYTH 4: Besides ice throw, there are no other potential health concerns from close proximity to these wind towers.
Fact: At sunrise and sunset, shadow flicker can turn the 230' spinning rotors into giant strobe generators, which can cause seizures in susceptible individuals. Also, research indicates that the persistent extreme low frequency noise wind towers generate can cause neurological problems. Some individuals even become physically ill in proximity to the turbines. According to European health studies, the turbines need to be sited from 1.5 to 2 miles or more away from any dwelling. "Wind Farms Make People Sick Up to a Mile Away", Sunday Telegraph, January 25,2004.

MYTH 5: Wind power will help free us from foreign oil for generating power.
Fact: Only 3% of our electricity is generated by oil-fired plants The US Dept. of Energy projects that by 2025 wind power will represent only 1% of all US electrical generation.

MYTH 6: Wind power adds to our supply of dependable electricity.
Fact: Because wind power output is highly variable (it only works when the wind is blowing), it must be backed up by fossil fuel electric generating facilities in order to ensure dependable power delivery. Wind power does NOT free us from dependence on conventional electric power generation.

MYTH 7: One thing Cohocton has is wind – Our turbines will greatly add to the nation’s power reserves.
Fact: Unlike wind farms in the desert west where wind blows hard during the day and during the summer (When energy consumption is at its peak), wind power in upstate New York blows hardest during the winter and at night. For just 5% of the US energy needs to be met by wind, it would take 132,000 turbines operating at least 27% capacity. Our turbines are expected to normally operate at 10 to 15% capacity.

MYTH 8: These industrial wind projects will generate A LOT OF JOBS.
Fact: UPC has acknowledged that at most four permanent jobs will be created. These will be minimum wage, low-skill jobs.

MYTH 9: The taxes or payments these wind companies pay will all be "extra" money.
Fact: ln similar locales, non-leasing adjacent landowners have experienced a significant drop in property values, in some cases 20-40% The potential flight of landowners and reductions in the value of recreational, vacation home and retirement property could have a severe negative impact on tax revenues. And now there are concerns that the State would also reduce payments to towns and schools, claiming we'll r longer need the money. Local Realtors have already lost a sale on Pine Hill due to the proposed project.

MYTH 10: Wind Turbines are safe for the environment and by supporting this project I’m doing my bit to go “Green.”

Fact: Inappropriately sited and constructed towers can negatively affect the water table; can cause sedimentation of ponds and streams; cause soil erosion and create wildlife hazards. At the Tug Hill wind farm site landowners have reported a 50% decrease in deer populations, and an almost 100% decrease in wild turkey, as well as several large fish kills during the construction phase.

MYTH 11: What’s the Big Deal? There won’t be that many towers in town and they won’t be that visible. The trees will hide them.
Fact: At present there are plans for 41 towers with another possible 60 or more to be built. According to the Draft Environmental Statement (DEIS) prepared for the town, the turbines would be clearly visible from Wayland, Avoca, Freemont, Howard, Wheeler, Prattsburgh, Italy and Naples. They will even be seen from Canandaigua Lake. How many 400’ tall trees have you seen in Cohocton?

MYTH 12: With no fuel costs, wind farms make good financial sense.
Fact: Absolutely not. Factoring in all the costs, wind power is nearly TWICE as expensive as fossil fuel electric power generation. Wind power is made financially viable - and, short term, highly profitable for wind farm developers - through multiple tax incentives, Empire Zone deals, power production credits, power purchase guarantees, and NY-SERDA cash transfers, and this financial burden is transferred to us, the taxpayers. And the electrical utility can pass on higher prices to us, the ratepayers. The green from this "green" power goes to the developers, who often sell off the projects within two years to large corporations for their value as tax shelters, like the Fenner project they've showcased.

MYTH 13: Our town has developed a “Windmill Law” to protect property owners.
Fact: That law has been found to be illegal as the town neglected to execute a “State Environmental Quality Review” (SEQR) as required by New York State Law. Further, according to town documents, that law was written with the help and input of UPC. The law would have allowed turbines as close as 1500’ to a dwelling, and 500’ from property lines.

MYTH 14: This is just “SOUR GRAPES.” Those opposed to the project our jealous because they aren’t making any money.
Fact: Cohocton Wind Watch is opposed to the ways in which the Town of Cohocton has (mis) handled this project. We further believe that the town has not done adequate research on ALL aspects of this project, and that they have not properly considered how this project would impact ALL Cohocton landowners. If this project is important for Cohocton, why not take the time to make sure it is done right? As far as CWW is concerned, lease-holders are entitled to make money from their property. Our argument is not with them.

MYTH 15: This project will bring the town substantial revenue.
Fact: The project is expected to generate between $200,000 and $250,000 annually. If property values decrease and the State reduces payments to the town and school, how much of a real gain will there be?

MYTH 16: Residents of the town will receive free electricity or reduced electrical bills.
Fact: No. There will be no reduction in electrical costs for anyone in Cohocton. No one will receive free electricity.


WHAT CAN I DO?

· Read the DEIS (see below).
· Write to the Cohocton Planning Board with comments, concerns and questions by June 9. 2006. Send letters in care of the Town Clerk, 15 South Main St., Cohocton, NY 14826.
· Attend Town Board and Planning Board meetings. Help insure that the new “Windmill Law” will be fair to all property owners.
· Write Letters to the Editor. Go to CWW‘s website for addresses.
· Talk with your neighbors. Make sure they understand what is really going on.
· Contact CWW at http://cohoctonwindwatch.org; or at 585-534-5581.
· To view the DEIS go to www.cohoctonwind.com, or, go the Memorial Town Hall, the Cohocton Public Library, E.J. Cottrell Memorial Library, or UPC’s office at 28 Maple Ave., Cohocton