Ecogen reps meet with residents by Mary Perham

Representatives of the Ecogen energy company attempted to soothe growing concerns about a proposal to build electricity generating wind turbines in Prattsburgh.

The company wants to erect 34 400-foot tall turbines in the town of Prattsburgh and its neighbor Italy, in Yates County.

Recently, residents in the town have become concerned with noise the wind turbines make. Fueling their worries has been complaints by residents in the town of Cohocton who live near wind turbines and claim they sound like jet engines. Those wind turbines are owned by the First Wind energy company.

Ecogen attorney Robert Burgdorf told 150 attendees at its informational meeting Thursday night that noise, safety and jobs were legitimate reasons for the board's concerns and that Ecogen has dealt with those issues "vigorously and in good faith."

Burgdorf said Ecogen will use a Siemens turbine, which the developer claims is quieter than the Clipper Wind model used in Cohocton. Currently, Siemens is working on a part that will reduce noise made by the machine's exhaust fan, Burgdorf said.

According to Ecogen sound consultant, Peter Guldberg, the Siemens model will produce "the same electricity with a lot less noise."

Ecogen tailored the meeting to issues raised by the Prattsburgh Town Board at its April 21 meeting - a decision that led to angry outbursts from some residents who wanted to present new concerns and information.

Prattsburgh Councilman Steven Kula walked out of the meeting shortly after it start¬ed at 6:30 p.m. when he was told the meeting would fol¬low Ecogen's format.

Councilman and residents had been told at the town board's meeting Tuesday that any new concerns would have to wait until they could be raised Thursday.

Ecogen representatives also fielded other, written questions and comments after the initial presentation.

Those comments ranged from support from residents, and a dozen of the 60 union leaders and contractors who said the project would create needed jobs.

But while there was support for the project, other residents raised health concerns ranging from sleep disorders and autism to long-term vascular illnesses. Burgdorf said there is very little credible information on reported health problems.

A number of residents charged Ecogen has used unfair tactics to negotiate leases, backed out of agreements and attempted to buy their silence - charges Burgdorf denied.

Several residents questioned Guldberg's assertion the Siemens model is quieter, since its specifications place its maximum decibel level near other, similar machines.

But Guldberg insisted at the end of the three-hour meeting, noise will not be a problem in the town.