Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Local residents fear dangers of more turbines after one collapses

FENNER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Local residents are wondering if one wind turbine could collapse in Madison County, then it is very possible for a turbine to fall anywhere.

Fairfield resident Jim Salamone thinks why couldn't it happen in his back yard.

Salamone, who is opposed to the proposed wind turbine projects in Fairfield says he was not surprised when he woke up to find out a wind turbine had collapsed in Fenner. He says the meteorological tower that used to be right across from his home already collapsed because of wind and ice.

Meteorological towers are used to measure wind in areas where developers want to put turbines. Salamone says the meteorological tower that collapsed near his home was the third one to do so in as many years.

Salamone says he wonders if those towers can collapse so easily, and if a tall turbine can also collapse how safe is his property living so close to a proposed site.

"They must be 1250 feet from your house, 500 feet from the road. So if a 476 foot wind turbine comes down 500 feet from the road that is only going to leave you, what 24 feet (that) if the blade breaks that is has to travel before it could go through your car." said Salamone.

Salamone says he is not opposed to a wind turbine project if they are put in the right place, but he says the rolling hills near most homes in Fairfield, is not the right location for large turbines.

In response to the proposed Fairfield project, Paul Copleman Communications Manager for Iberdrola Renewables says the company has no higher priority than safety.

"With over 3,500 megawatts of wind projects operating in 17 states, and a number of projects under development all over the country, Iberdrola Renewables requires strict safety guidelines during wind farm development, construction and operation, and designs all projects with appropriate setbacks and community input." said Copleman.

Speaking about the Fairfield project, Copleman says the company is currently awaiting permits for environmental and wetlands portion of the project. He says they are hopeful to start construction in Fairfield in 2010.

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