On December 1st, 2009, The New York State Power Authority submitted a request for proposal to potentially build an industrial wind farm off the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, or both.
This proposal would see the construction of 40-166 450ft industrial wind turbines 2 miles off shore at depths not to exceed 150 feet, stretching through Parma, Greece, Rochester, Irondequoit and Webster with a possible power plant and storage facility location in Irondequoit Bay. There are several other potential projects targeting Niagara, Ontario, St Lawrence Counties, and the Town of Hamburg and Evans off Lake Erie.
The negative environmental aspects of these farms are too numerous to list here, but include:
An Experimental Project - never attempted in fresh water and all for 1% added to the power grid.
Winter ice storms could destroy turbine structures, crashing hundreds of tons of metal into the lake and spilling oil into our fresh water (~215 gallons/turbine with 40,000 gallons in electric service platforms.) Hardly clean energy! Will not reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Where does the used oil go? How are the oil changes done w/o leaks and spills? Who pays for it? Who supplies it? THESE ARE INDUSTRIAL TURBINES, NOT WINDMILLS!
Will negatively impact property values as the lake becomes devalued, esp. after turbines become disabled and rusted.
Noise pollution from turbines and fog horns will impact quality of life for humans and wildlife.
Flashing red lights all night on turbines will disrupt life far beyond the shoreline.
Recreational boating and the fishing industry will diminish as Coast Guard regulations prohibit boats from within at least 100ft.
Risk of boat collisions increase at night as depth perception is distorted on the water.
Serious impact on fish & Fowl, esp. to migratory birds crossing the lake. Lake Trout spawning grounds.
THESE TURBINES ARE PRIMARILY MANUFACTURED OVERSEAS, AND THAT IS WHERE YOUR TAX DOLLARS WILL GO! ANY LOCAL JOBS CREATED WOULD BE TEMPORARY. IS LAKE ONTARIO WORTH SACRIFICING FOR A SMALL AMOUNT OF INTERMITTENT ELECTRICITY FOR NYC RESIDENTS? THIS PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST $1 BILLION! ASK YOUR LAWMAKERS WHERE THE MONEY WOULD GO!
Do YOUR Own Research
You may also visit the NYPA website to get more information on the project proposal. PLEASE NOTE, Their disclaimer is in bold:
The New York Power Authority(NYPA) "makes no guarantees concerning the accuracy or completeness of the information from technical studies made available by the Authority. Respondents are encouraged to verify the sources and methodologies employed in the technical studies made available by the Authority through independent means." www.nypa.gov
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