I attended the July 30 showing of BP Alternative Energy's proposed 95 wind turbine settings in the town of Cape Vincent. A presentation by Dereth B. Glance, program director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment, stated that in her experience there was no noise at 750 feet away from operating turbines. She also stated that studies have shown that there is no reduction in property values as a result of proximity to wind turbines. These statements are in sharp contrast with the reality that I have encountered in my efforts to learn the truth about wind turbines.
May I respectfully submit that some thoughtful research at the wind turbine complex in the town of Martinsburg would offer enlightenment to anyone that seeks it on these important subjects. One place is Rick Beyer's house. The closest turbine to his house is about 1,000 feet, and there are many others at various distances away.
You may want to contemplate setbacks and property values at this time. Also be aware that the sound varies with atmospheric conditions (the most noise is generated when the air is heavy with moisture). Other variables associated with noise are wind direction and velocity, time of day, time of year and ground cover. In my approximately six visits to this place and discussions with Rick I have become convinced that a 1,000-foot setback from anyone's property of these unbelievably huge machines is an unmitigable disaster.
The next location to observe is at the Flat Rock Inn. From the parking lot you can see about 170 of these turbines with the closest one about 1,000 feet away. In my numerous visits there and talking with Gordon (the owner of the Inn) I have come to believe that although your rural setting will never be the same due to the never-ending visual moving presence, a minimum required setback from a nonparticipating property line should be at least one-and-one-half miles.
The last place to investigate is on Gardiner Road. Just a short distance up the hill on the left is the Jeff Beyer residence. The Beyers have four turbines located behind their house, with the closest about 2,300 feet away. I have witnessed the sound coming through the trees from this distance, and Jeff has told me there are nights when the sound is so loud that they are unable to sleep.
Spending some time at these three locations and visiting more than once under different conditions can provide insight that can be gained in no other way.
David Docteur
Cape Vincent
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