The Town Council — which vowed last month to put a stricter cap on commercial wind turbine noise levels, currently set at 50 decibels — plans to get some first-hand experience with the issue soon.
“The board members want to get a handle on what 50 decibels is. I want to hear 30-, 40-, 50-decibel sounds inside a room, outside in the open and from 15 feet away in a house,” Councilman Christopher D. Matthews said.
The plan is to first have acoustic experts help the council understand how loud various sound levels are in different settings locally and then schedule a field trip to Iberdrola Renewables’ Hardscrabble Wind Farm in Herkimer County.
Supervisor Justin A. Taylor said the council chose Hardscrabble over Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County because the turbine heights, blade configurations and specs of the Herkimer County project are similar to those in the suspended application for the Horse Creek Wind Farm in Clayton.
Read the entire article
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Residents in wind-turbine shadows seek noise, other relief
Fairfield, N.Y. — It’s nothing but misery.
That’s the assessment of town of Fairfield resident Monique Consolazio, who lives in the shadow of two of the towering wind turbines making up the Hardscrabble Wind Project.
Hers is a plight shared by many who have lodged complaints against the global giant Iberdrola Renewables, based in Spain.
Davis Road resident James Salamone and his wife, June, are among others calling in complaints about noise, TV interference and light flickers since the turbines came online in late February.
Salamone has compared the loudest noises generated by the turbines to the take-off of a fighter jet. “It’s like living within 50 yards of an Air Force base,” he said recently. “It doesn’t matter if the windows are closed or not.”
He continued, “I don’t know how long my wife and I can stand it. It’s on and off. You can never get used to it.”
Consolazio also compared the loudest noises to aircraft.
The alleged the sound can be like a “jumbo jet hovering over your house.”
Depending on the weather, the wind speed and the direction in which the turbine is turned, she said the turbines can also sound like an approaching giant, “Shazoom-bang;” a prolonged swooshing sound or nothing at all.
Between the noise issues and the unpleasant lighting effects, some residents have packed up and left town. Salamone’s daughter, who formerly lived with her family in another Davis Road residence, is among them.
In connection with the noise complaints, the company recently completed sound-level monitoring at several targeted locations in the rural community.
As noted in the June 24 study summary issued to Iberdrola company officials Michael Clayton, Neil Habig and Scott McDonald, the testing was conducted by CH2M Hill in order to “assess if the sound levels attributable to the project complied with the project limit of 50 dBA [decibels].”
Engineer Mark Bastasch, who drew up the summary, maintains that while the overall measured level at times exceeded the maximum allowed 50 dBA, those incidents “corresponded to periods of extreme winds and were not attributable to the project.”
He claimed that under extremely windy conditions, “the wind-induced noise and tree rustling is a contributing or dominate factor. As such, these events are not representative of a sound level attributable to the project. Outside of these limited high-wind events, the monitoring results do not indicated that the measured sound-level attributable to the project exceeds 50 dBA.”
Town officials are expected to hold a special public meeting at the Fairfield Community Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m., in order to address the company’s study.
Among those expected to be present that evening include an attorney hired by the town to deal with the turbine-related issues, an expert who’s been looking at the company’s sound-study data and town officials, who are expected to proceed with a separate study of their own in order to “make sure [Iberdrola’s] numbers are correct,” said town Supervisor Richard Souza.
He said the meeting date was based, in part, on the availability of the expert to meet with the town council and had nothing to do with the Sept. 13 primary election between Souza and Henry Crofoot. Both are Republicans seeking the town supervisor’s post.
Citing the results of a preliminary sound study, conducted in 2008 before the wind farm project was approved, Salamone questioned the need for a third study.
In his view, the wind turbine operation exceeds allowed sound levels when combined with pre-project ambient noise levels at test sites on Davis Road.
An Iberdrola company spokesperson contacted late last week did not respond with a comment prior to press time.
Souza said the town’s test is needed because the first was based on a model — and projected data.
As noted in the June 5, 2008, cover letter addressed to town of Fairfield officials by URS company official James P. Cowan and dealing with the Hardscrabble Wind Farm noise evaluation for Davis Road, Cowan noted the noise monitoring and modeling was conducted with the goal of “assisting [town officials] in evaluating the potential noise impact of the proposed [wind power] facility” on behalf of a Davis Road resident with noise sensitivities.
Souza said the town’s test would be conducted in November or December after the foliage is gone in order to give all parties concerned a better idea of the problem.
The study recently concluded by Iberdrola and the proposed study to be undertaken for the town would both be based on actual noise-level data.
Neither the Salamones nor Consolazio believe it’s realistic to hope Iberdrola will move the problem turbines from the areas around their homes. Both, however, are hopeful that measures can be taken to mitigate noise levels by taking the turbines out of service during windy conditions, for example.
In the meantime, the wind turbines have pitted neighbor against neighbor: Long-struggling farmers and other property owners generating revenue from the turbines have benefited from the project, and less fortunate residents — those who have reaped neither income, reductions in utility costs or tax relief — feel they’ve been unjustly treated by a company with deep pockets, a lot of legal and political clout, and time to wait them out.
That’s the assessment of town of Fairfield resident Monique Consolazio, who lives in the shadow of two of the towering wind turbines making up the Hardscrabble Wind Project.
Hers is a plight shared by many who have lodged complaints against the global giant Iberdrola Renewables, based in Spain.
Davis Road resident James Salamone and his wife, June, are among others calling in complaints about noise, TV interference and light flickers since the turbines came online in late February.
Salamone has compared the loudest noises generated by the turbines to the take-off of a fighter jet. “It’s like living within 50 yards of an Air Force base,” he said recently. “It doesn’t matter if the windows are closed or not.”
He continued, “I don’t know how long my wife and I can stand it. It’s on and off. You can never get used to it.”
Consolazio also compared the loudest noises to aircraft.
The alleged the sound can be like a “jumbo jet hovering over your house.”
Depending on the weather, the wind speed and the direction in which the turbine is turned, she said the turbines can also sound like an approaching giant, “Shazoom-bang;” a prolonged swooshing sound or nothing at all.
Between the noise issues and the unpleasant lighting effects, some residents have packed up and left town. Salamone’s daughter, who formerly lived with her family in another Davis Road residence, is among them.
In connection with the noise complaints, the company recently completed sound-level monitoring at several targeted locations in the rural community.
As noted in the June 24 study summary issued to Iberdrola company officials Michael Clayton, Neil Habig and Scott McDonald, the testing was conducted by CH2M Hill in order to “assess if the sound levels attributable to the project complied with the project limit of 50 dBA [decibels].”
Engineer Mark Bastasch, who drew up the summary, maintains that while the overall measured level at times exceeded the maximum allowed 50 dBA, those incidents “corresponded to periods of extreme winds and were not attributable to the project.”
He claimed that under extremely windy conditions, “the wind-induced noise and tree rustling is a contributing or dominate factor. As such, these events are not representative of a sound level attributable to the project. Outside of these limited high-wind events, the monitoring results do not indicated that the measured sound-level attributable to the project exceeds 50 dBA.”
Town officials are expected to hold a special public meeting at the Fairfield Community Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m., in order to address the company’s study.
Among those expected to be present that evening include an attorney hired by the town to deal with the turbine-related issues, an expert who’s been looking at the company’s sound-study data and town officials, who are expected to proceed with a separate study of their own in order to “make sure [Iberdrola’s] numbers are correct,” said town Supervisor Richard Souza.
He said the meeting date was based, in part, on the availability of the expert to meet with the town council and had nothing to do with the Sept. 13 primary election between Souza and Henry Crofoot. Both are Republicans seeking the town supervisor’s post.
Citing the results of a preliminary sound study, conducted in 2008 before the wind farm project was approved, Salamone questioned the need for a third study.
In his view, the wind turbine operation exceeds allowed sound levels when combined with pre-project ambient noise levels at test sites on Davis Road.
An Iberdrola company spokesperson contacted late last week did not respond with a comment prior to press time.
Souza said the town’s test is needed because the first was based on a model — and projected data.
As noted in the June 5, 2008, cover letter addressed to town of Fairfield officials by URS company official James P. Cowan and dealing with the Hardscrabble Wind Farm noise evaluation for Davis Road, Cowan noted the noise monitoring and modeling was conducted with the goal of “assisting [town officials] in evaluating the potential noise impact of the proposed [wind power] facility” on behalf of a Davis Road resident with noise sensitivities.
Souza said the town’s test would be conducted in November or December after the foliage is gone in order to give all parties concerned a better idea of the problem.
The study recently concluded by Iberdrola and the proposed study to be undertaken for the town would both be based on actual noise-level data.
Neither the Salamones nor Consolazio believe it’s realistic to hope Iberdrola will move the problem turbines from the areas around their homes. Both, however, are hopeful that measures can be taken to mitigate noise levels by taking the turbines out of service during windy conditions, for example.
In the meantime, the wind turbines have pitted neighbor against neighbor: Long-struggling farmers and other property owners generating revenue from the turbines have benefited from the project, and less fortunate residents — those who have reaped neither income, reductions in utility costs or tax relief — feel they’ve been unjustly treated by a company with deep pockets, a lot of legal and political clout, and time to wait them out.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Article X’ – Siting of Energy Facilities
To: Castile Town Board
SUBJECT: ‘Article X’ – Siting of Energy Facilities
Loss of Home Rule to Town of Castile & all NYS municipalities
Support of ”Coalition On Article X” (www.coaxny.org)
Dear Supervisor Gozelski, Councilpersons Klein, Tarbell, Little & Monteleone,
I'd like to thank the Town Board for allowing me this opportunity for public comment. I am here before the Board this evening as a follow-up to the letter I sent you via e-mail -- the hard copy of which I am handing in tonight to be a part of public record.
As you are aware, New York State has stripped us of municipal "Home Rule" regarding the siting of energy facilities due to the recent passing of ‘Article X’ – newly renamed the “Power NY Act”. Our grassroots Coalition On ‘Article X’ was formed, and is gaining state-wide recognition and membership for one purpose -- to retain "HOME RULE"!
I would like to publicly thank regional Assemblyman, Dan Burling, and Genesee County's Senator Michael Razenhofer -- along with all NYS legislators who had the guts to speak out against this blatant Power Grab by Albany -- for taking a stand for all NYS towns & counties, by voting against the "Power NY Act".
Only a few short years ago, this Board was united in opposing the proposed, foreign-owned industrial wind installation within our township. If 'Article X' had been in effect at that time, your voices, and those of the taxpayers you represent, would have been silenced. This move by Albany has stripped us of all control of our own destiny, and instead, given a free pass to these multi-national corporate developers to rape us for our resources.
In these uncertain economic times when we are expected to receive less & less State & Federal support, it is totally unacceptable that we should be forced by “Big Brother” to surrender our municipalities' Constitutionally appointed planning and zoning rights. Clearly, our municipal governments at the County & Town levels are under attack by Albany.
I believe that we MUST stand up and speak out against the blatant theft of our freedoms if we wish to leave any semblance of those freedoms for our children and grandchildren to enjoy! It is for that reason that I have approached the Board this evening -- to ask that you join the efforts of our state-wide "Coalition On Article X", which has already been joined by many other elected and appointed officials from across New York State, by developing and passing a resolution that sends a clear message to Albany that we support municipal "Home Rule", and oppose 'Article X'. All who support “Home Rule” are encouraged to join our efforts.
Again, thank you very much for this opportunity to address the Board, and THANK YOU for all you do to protect all of our freedoms!
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Kay Barton, COAX member
Coalition On Article X www.coaxny.org
SUBJECT: ‘Article X’ – Siting of Energy Facilities
Loss of Home Rule to Town of Castile & all NYS municipalities
Support of ”Coalition On Article X” (www.coaxny.org)
Dear Supervisor Gozelski, Councilpersons Klein, Tarbell, Little & Monteleone,
I'd like to thank the Town Board for allowing me this opportunity for public comment. I am here before the Board this evening as a follow-up to the letter I sent you via e-mail -- the hard copy of which I am handing in tonight to be a part of public record.
As you are aware, New York State has stripped us of municipal "Home Rule" regarding the siting of energy facilities due to the recent passing of ‘Article X’ – newly renamed the “Power NY Act”. Our grassroots Coalition On ‘Article X’ was formed, and is gaining state-wide recognition and membership for one purpose -- to retain "HOME RULE"!
I would like to publicly thank regional Assemblyman, Dan Burling, and Genesee County's Senator Michael Razenhofer -- along with all NYS legislators who had the guts to speak out against this blatant Power Grab by Albany -- for taking a stand for all NYS towns & counties, by voting against the "Power NY Act".
Only a few short years ago, this Board was united in opposing the proposed, foreign-owned industrial wind installation within our township. If 'Article X' had been in effect at that time, your voices, and those of the taxpayers you represent, would have been silenced. This move by Albany has stripped us of all control of our own destiny, and instead, given a free pass to these multi-national corporate developers to rape us for our resources.
In these uncertain economic times when we are expected to receive less & less State & Federal support, it is totally unacceptable that we should be forced by “Big Brother” to surrender our municipalities' Constitutionally appointed planning and zoning rights. Clearly, our municipal governments at the County & Town levels are under attack by Albany.
I believe that we MUST stand up and speak out against the blatant theft of our freedoms if we wish to leave any semblance of those freedoms for our children and grandchildren to enjoy! It is for that reason that I have approached the Board this evening -- to ask that you join the efforts of our state-wide "Coalition On Article X", which has already been joined by many other elected and appointed officials from across New York State, by developing and passing a resolution that sends a clear message to Albany that we support municipal "Home Rule", and oppose 'Article X'. All who support “Home Rule” are encouraged to join our efforts.
Again, thank you very much for this opportunity to address the Board, and THANK YOU for all you do to protect all of our freedoms!
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Kay Barton, COAX member
Coalition On Article X www.coaxny.org
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Windfarms: about the 2 km setback adopted in the state of Victoria, Australia
Dear Editor,
The "truth about wind farming" in this state is that it is making some adjoining neighbours to wind developments in Victoria seriously unwell, forcing some families out of their homes and off their multigenerational farms. Others are literally trapped in homes becoming increasingly unwell, and are unable to sell, or move. Turbine hosts and their families have also been adversely affected, but their contracts restrict them from talking publicly. Some are now privately contacting us for advice and information.
These problems are not new - they were first described by Toora Rural GP and Local Medical Officer for the South Gippsland Board of Health, Dr David Iser in 2004. Dr Iser conducted a small study on his patient population, after some of his longstanding patients became seriously unwell after the start up of the Toora Wind Development. His results were identical to those of UK Rural GP, Dr Amanda Harry, in her study. He made his concerns known to the then Victorian Health authorities, and politicians including the then Premier, Mr Bracks, and called for more research.
He was ignored, as has every other Clinical Whistleblower globally about this issue since. There are Medical Practitioners and Acousticians from the UK, from Europe, from Canada, the USA and Australia who are trying to alert authorities to this growing public health problem in their respective countries, which is completely preventable with safer siting based on proper independent acoustic and medical research. This research has not yet been done. The Waubra Foundation was established in 2010, to advocate for such research.
Finally, a government Planning Minister has listened to these growing concerns of rural residents. On the basis of our Australian field observations where neighbours are reporting sleep and body vibrations in conjunction with turbine operation up to 10km from the nearest turbine, this setback is not far enough to protect adjoining residents, but it is a good start.
This is timely, as a court decision in Ontario has recently found that there are indeed adverse health problems with wind turbines, and there is a need for research. The relevant quote from the judgement and the reference are cited below.
When this research is done, it will help everybody, including particularly the wind industry, to proceed with safe siting of wind turbines in the knowledge that they will indeed be good neighbours, not to mention good corporate citizens. If there truly is "no health problem" as so many wind developers assert, despite some even publicly admitting otherwise, then the research will indeed show that.
In the meantime, the National Health and Medical Research Council have advocated adopting a "precautionary approach", which is exactly what Minister Guy and his government are doing.
Dr Sarah Laurie, Medical Director, Waubra Foundation
www.waubrafoundation.com.au
The "truth about wind farming" in this state is that it is making some adjoining neighbours to wind developments in Victoria seriously unwell, forcing some families out of their homes and off their multigenerational farms. Others are literally trapped in homes becoming increasingly unwell, and are unable to sell, or move. Turbine hosts and their families have also been adversely affected, but their contracts restrict them from talking publicly. Some are now privately contacting us for advice and information.
These problems are not new - they were first described by Toora Rural GP and Local Medical Officer for the South Gippsland Board of Health, Dr David Iser in 2004. Dr Iser conducted a small study on his patient population, after some of his longstanding patients became seriously unwell after the start up of the Toora Wind Development. His results were identical to those of UK Rural GP, Dr Amanda Harry, in her study. He made his concerns known to the then Victorian Health authorities, and politicians including the then Premier, Mr Bracks, and called for more research.
He was ignored, as has every other Clinical Whistleblower globally about this issue since. There are Medical Practitioners and Acousticians from the UK, from Europe, from Canada, the USA and Australia who are trying to alert authorities to this growing public health problem in their respective countries, which is completely preventable with safer siting based on proper independent acoustic and medical research. This research has not yet been done. The Waubra Foundation was established in 2010, to advocate for such research.
Finally, a government Planning Minister has listened to these growing concerns of rural residents. On the basis of our Australian field observations where neighbours are reporting sleep and body vibrations in conjunction with turbine operation up to 10km from the nearest turbine, this setback is not far enough to protect adjoining residents, but it is a good start.
This is timely, as a court decision in Ontario has recently found that there are indeed adverse health problems with wind turbines, and there is a need for research. The relevant quote from the judgement and the reference are cited below.
When this research is done, it will help everybody, including particularly the wind industry, to proceed with safe siting of wind turbines in the knowledge that they will indeed be good neighbours, not to mention good corporate citizens. If there truly is "no health problem" as so many wind developers assert, despite some even publicly admitting otherwise, then the research will indeed show that.
In the meantime, the National Health and Medical Research Council have advocated adopting a "precautionary approach", which is exactly what Minister Guy and his government are doing.
Dr Sarah Laurie, Medical Director, Waubra Foundation
www.waubrafoundation.com.au
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Board Votes For Turbines
ALLEGANY — Four years of community protest against a wind turbine farm in the Chipmonk and Knapp Creek areas were overlooked Monday when the Allegany Town Board voted 4 to 1 in favor of allowing the project to proceed.
Votes in favor of the wind overlay district, which allows the 29-wind turbine farm to be constructed by EverPower Wind Holdings Inc., were cast by Town Supervisor Patrick Eaton and town board members John Hare, Hans Sendlakowski and Ray Jonak. The lone vote against the project came from board member Jim Hitchcock. Several people applauded and thanked Mr. Hitchcock after he cast his vote.
The vote came after an hour-long rally attended by hundreds of protesters in front of the Allegany Senior Center. They held signs such as “RIP Allegany, 5 in a Room to Decide Her Fate,” and “Mr. Eaton, Too Bad You Won’t Be On The Town Board To Spend This Blood Money Come November.” They also chanted “vote no” and listened to a song about wind turbines by Barbara Dyskant. The group heard from town of Howard residents Donna Marmuscak and Jerry Hedman who said a 29-wind turbine farm is currently being constructed by EverPower in their community. Ms. Marmuscak said her community also fought against the project to no avail.
After the vote, rally organizer, Kathy Boser, said they had expected this outcome because the “writing was on the wall.”
Votes in favor of the wind overlay district, which allows the 29-wind turbine farm to be constructed by EverPower Wind Holdings Inc., were cast by Town Supervisor Patrick Eaton and town board members John Hare, Hans Sendlakowski and Ray Jonak. The lone vote against the project came from board member Jim Hitchcock. Several people applauded and thanked Mr. Hitchcock after he cast his vote.
The vote came after an hour-long rally attended by hundreds of protesters in front of the Allegany Senior Center. They held signs such as “RIP Allegany, 5 in a Room to Decide Her Fate,” and “Mr. Eaton, Too Bad You Won’t Be On The Town Board To Spend This Blood Money Come November.” They also chanted “vote no” and listened to a song about wind turbines by Barbara Dyskant. The group heard from town of Howard residents Donna Marmuscak and Jerry Hedman who said a 29-wind turbine farm is currently being constructed by EverPower in their community. Ms. Marmuscak said her community also fought against the project to no avail.
After the vote, rally organizer, Kathy Boser, said they had expected this outcome because the “writing was on the wall.”
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
John Byrne appearance on the Sean Hannity radio program 8/29/11
Citizen action on Article X
COAX NY member and spokesman John Byrne represents the Citizen Power Alliance appearance on the Sean Hannity radio program 8/29/11 speaks on Article X – Power NY Act
http://batr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CPA-Sean-Hannity-82911.mp3
COAX NY member and spokesman John Byrne represents the Citizen Power Alliance appearance on the Sean Hannity radio program 8/29/11 speaks on Article X – Power NY Act
http://batr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CPA-Sean-Hannity-82911.mp3
Power Authority Loses Gusto For Rockaways Wind Farm
A proposal to build an offshore wind farm at the Rockaways in Queens is mired by delays and is now on the back burner. NY1's Courtney Gross filed the following exclusive report.
Fifteen miles off the coast in the Rockaways in Queens, state and city officials once planned to dot the skyline with wind turbines.
First announced in 2008 and endorsed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the massive offshore wind farm was set to start spinning by 2015. Currently, it is sputtering.
Jonathan Foster, the vice chairman of the New York Power Authority, whose chief executive officer just resigned, said the project is not at the top of the agency's priority list.
"At this point, with our leadership somewhat in flux and having also announced two other major projects, the Hudson Transmission Project and also Recharge New York, we've got a full plate," said Foster.
It has been more than a year since the Power Authority got approval to apply for a federal lease on the ocean floor, but they have yet to apply.
The authority also just withdrew a key application with the state's independent power operator.
A spokesperson could not give a timeline for the project and called the application premature, and said environmental and economic studies are ongoing.
Large-scale offshore wind projects have had trouble gaining traction in the United States. Advocates say it has mostly to do with economics and a lack of enthusiasm for wind power.
"It's more expensive, yes, because it hasn't been tried," said Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "But again, you need to put these projects in. You need to get the experience and then the cost comes down."
An economic analysis found it would cost between $2.3 billion and $4.7 billion. The initial plan envisioned an offshore farm between 350 MW, or 97 turbines, and 750 MW, or 194 turbines.
Rockaways officials are still trying to get the project back on course.
"I am going to be communicating with the new head of the Power Authority, when we get a clear understanding of who that is, and try to push this idea," said Queens Senator Malcolm Smith. "This is not just for the Rockaways. This is for something that is going to impact the entire city and the entire state."
For now, the idea is staying on dry land.
Fifteen miles off the coast in the Rockaways in Queens, state and city officials once planned to dot the skyline with wind turbines.
First announced in 2008 and endorsed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the massive offshore wind farm was set to start spinning by 2015. Currently, it is sputtering.
Jonathan Foster, the vice chairman of the New York Power Authority, whose chief executive officer just resigned, said the project is not at the top of the agency's priority list.
"At this point, with our leadership somewhat in flux and having also announced two other major projects, the Hudson Transmission Project and also Recharge New York, we've got a full plate," said Foster.
It has been more than a year since the Power Authority got approval to apply for a federal lease on the ocean floor, but they have yet to apply.
The authority also just withdrew a key application with the state's independent power operator.
A spokesperson could not give a timeline for the project and called the application premature, and said environmental and economic studies are ongoing.
Large-scale offshore wind projects have had trouble gaining traction in the United States. Advocates say it has mostly to do with economics and a lack of enthusiasm for wind power.
"It's more expensive, yes, because it hasn't been tried," said Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "But again, you need to put these projects in. You need to get the experience and then the cost comes down."
An economic analysis found it would cost between $2.3 billion and $4.7 billion. The initial plan envisioned an offshore farm between 350 MW, or 97 turbines, and 750 MW, or 194 turbines.
Rockaways officials are still trying to get the project back on course.
"I am going to be communicating with the new head of the Power Authority, when we get a clear understanding of who that is, and try to push this idea," said Queens Senator Malcolm Smith. "This is not just for the Rockaways. This is for something that is going to impact the entire city and the entire state."
For now, the idea is staying on dry land.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Palmer response to Congressman Reed
Name: Arnold Palmer
Address: 11802 Stanton Road,
Prattsburgh, NY 14512 9319
Email: apalmer@rochester.rr.nyTelephone: 585.739.1015 Voice
Issue: EN
Message Subject: Your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall, CPA Group, re wind power
Message Text:
In your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall of the CPA Group, you wrote "First and foremost, we must remove ourselves from dependence on foreign oil. This is not only an economic issue but a national security concern as well. In the short term we must develop sources of domestic energy to assist in removing the necessity of foreign oil." Surely you realize that because of the irratic nature of wind as an energy source, particular in NYS's southern tier, state and federal law requires that anytime a wind source is brought on line, a conventional coal or oil powered power generation facility must be spooled up and remain on standby to take up the inevitable slack when the wind source throughput vacilates. That means that wind farms do not, in any way, limit our dependence on foreign oil - in fact, the opposite becomes true with a 2X factor. Of course, because the wind in our area is only strong at night in the winter, the Cohocton site is seldom, if ever, on line. Ask the leaseholders who aren't being paid because the turbines do not run enough to meet the lease minimum for payment. In Steuben County, and most other areas, the only thing green about wind projects are the accelerated investment tax credits paid to the wind farm developers by the federal government. It's clear that you've never taken a tour of the Cohocton wind farm and spoken first hand to the people who have 400+ foot wind turbines a few feet from their homes. BTW, let Jim Hall or a local resident conduct/accompany your visit, not just the wind developer. Thanks for your time and attention. PS: Stop by my place sometime. You can see all 42 of the turbines from a single location.
..
Address: 11802 Stanton Road,
Prattsburgh, NY 14512 9319
Email: apalmer@rochester.rr.nyTelephone: 585.739.1015 Voice
Issue: EN
Message Subject: Your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall, CPA Group, re wind power
Message Text:
In your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall of the CPA Group, you wrote "First and foremost, we must remove ourselves from dependence on foreign oil. This is not only an economic issue but a national security concern as well. In the short term we must develop sources of domestic energy to assist in removing the necessity of foreign oil." Surely you realize that because of the irratic nature of wind as an energy source, particular in NYS's southern tier, state and federal law requires that anytime a wind source is brought on line, a conventional coal or oil powered power generation facility must be spooled up and remain on standby to take up the inevitable slack when the wind source throughput vacilates. That means that wind farms do not, in any way, limit our dependence on foreign oil - in fact, the opposite becomes true with a 2X factor. Of course, because the wind in our area is only strong at night in the winter, the Cohocton site is seldom, if ever, on line. Ask the leaseholders who aren't being paid because the turbines do not run enough to meet the lease minimum for payment. In Steuben County, and most other areas, the only thing green about wind projects are the accelerated investment tax credits paid to the wind farm developers by the federal government. It's clear that you've never taken a tour of the Cohocton wind farm and spoken first hand to the people who have 400+ foot wind turbines a few feet from their homes. BTW, let Jim Hall or a local resident conduct/accompany your visit, not just the wind developer. Thanks for your time and attention. PS: Stop by my place sometime. You can see all 42 of the turbines from a single location.
..
Decision Time In Allegany
If Allegany Town Board members cast votes on Monday that allow a 29-wind turbine farm to be built in the hills of Knapp Creek and Chipmonk, officials in the neighboring town of Carrollton will have to decide on a road-use agreement for the transport of materials.
The historic vote, which has the potential to change the face of the area landscape, will take place at the 7 p.m. meeting Monday at the Allegany Senior Center on Birch Run Road. The town board will vote on the wind overlay district for the proposed wind farm. If the board votes “yes” on the proposal, the wind farm project will be approved.
The historic vote, which has the potential to change the face of the area landscape, will take place at the 7 p.m. meeting Monday at the Allegany Senior Center on Birch Run Road. The town board will vote on the wind overlay district for the proposed wind farm. If the board votes “yes” on the proposal, the wind farm project will be approved.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Orleans Town Council to consider strict wind power zoning regulations
The Orleans Town Council is weighing zoning law amendments that will make its rules for wind turbine placement among the most restrictive in the region.
The town of Henderson banned all wind energy towers in November. Orleans would still allow commercial and residential turbines, but the noise and setback rules would make placing turbines in the town very difficult. A public hearing continued from Aug. 11 will be reconvened at 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at the town offices, 20558 Sunrise Ave. Copies of the law are available at the town office.
The law was written and reviewed by the Planning Board after the town’s Wind Committee made zoning recommendations in October 2009 and a Wind Economics Committee made further recommendations in May 2010.
“The Planning Board wrote it, which basically went with what the committee members had suggested — it’s very strict,” town Supervisor Donna J. Chatterton said. “Pretty much, it’s a stop to having any, but they can change it.”
Read the entire article
The town of Henderson banned all wind energy towers in November. Orleans would still allow commercial and residential turbines, but the noise and setback rules would make placing turbines in the town very difficult. A public hearing continued from Aug. 11 will be reconvened at 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at the town offices, 20558 Sunrise Ave. Copies of the law are available at the town office.
The law was written and reviewed by the Planning Board after the town’s Wind Committee made zoning recommendations in October 2009 and a Wind Economics Committee made further recommendations in May 2010.
“The Planning Board wrote it, which basically went with what the committee members had suggested — it’s very strict,” town Supervisor Donna J. Chatterton said. “Pretty much, it’s a stop to having any, but they can change it.”
Read the entire article
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Wind Turbine Erupts Into Flames Southwest Of Abilene
ABILENE, Texas -- Firefighters from at least three volunteer departments are on the scene of a burning wind turbine southwest of Abilene.
ECCA Fire Chief Gary Young said the fire started in the wind turbine tower and then spread to grass around the tower.
Young said firefighters are working in rough terrain trying to keep the fire from spreading to other towers in the area.
The turbine is owned by NextEra Energy and is located in the Callahan Divide wind project off of FM Road 89 about 5 miles west of Highway 277.
Crews from ECCA, Buffalo Gap and Nolan are on the scene.
ECCA Fire Chief Gary Young said the fire started in the wind turbine tower and then spread to grass around the tower.
Young said firefighters are working in rough terrain trying to keep the fire from spreading to other towers in the area.
The turbine is owned by NextEra Energy and is located in the Callahan Divide wind project off of FM Road 89 about 5 miles west of Highway 277.
Crews from ECCA, Buffalo Gap and Nolan are on the scene.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Wind farm worker killed inside Iowa wind turbine
A NextEra wind-turbine maintenance worker has been killed while working on a project in Iowa.
According to a statement released by the local sheriffs office, the worker fell while inside the tower of the Clipper Windpower 2.5MW Liberty turbine located at the Endeavor wind centre. Reports say he fell over 60 feet.
The reasons behind the accident are unknown and are still being investigated.
It is unknown whether the turbine was fitted with a lift. According to Clipper's latest marketing material, the Liberty turbine comes with a two-person service lift (see below).
Lifts are not mandatory. However, some manufacturers such as RES are looking at retrofitting them. Their use reduces wear and tear on joints from climbing up ladders, as well as fatigue, so mistakes are less likely.
According to Windpower Monthly’s special report on Health and Safety, serious accidents while working on or installing turbines is on the decline.
In the US, seven people were killed in the wind industry between 1981-85, making up 7.27 per GW of installed capacity.
There were the same number of fatalities between 2006-10 but the ratio per GW declined to 0.12.
According to a statement released by the local sheriffs office, the worker fell while inside the tower of the Clipper Windpower 2.5MW Liberty turbine located at the Endeavor wind centre. Reports say he fell over 60 feet.
The reasons behind the accident are unknown and are still being investigated.
It is unknown whether the turbine was fitted with a lift. According to Clipper's latest marketing material, the Liberty turbine comes with a two-person service lift (see below).
Lifts are not mandatory. However, some manufacturers such as RES are looking at retrofitting them. Their use reduces wear and tear on joints from climbing up ladders, as well as fatigue, so mistakes are less likely.
According to Windpower Monthly’s special report on Health and Safety, serious accidents while working on or installing turbines is on the decline.
In the US, seven people were killed in the wind industry between 1981-85, making up 7.27 per GW of installed capacity.
There were the same number of fatalities between 2006-10 but the ratio per GW declined to 0.12.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Congress Tom Reed Letter to James Hall
August 25, 2011
James Hall
PO Box 638
Naples, NY 14512-0638
Dear James Hall,
Thank you for taking the time to contact my office. This dialogue is very important to me as your representative.
I support an "all of the above" approach to reforming our nation's energy policy. First and foremost, we must remove ourselves from dependence on foreign oil. This is not only an economic issue but a national security concern as well. In the short term we must develop sources of domestic energy to assist in removing the necessity of foreign oil.
In reference to the construction and use of wind turbines, there has been much debate in New York State and in our region about the use, construction and viability of wind as power. While you see the continued construction of wind turbines along Interstate Route 390, there has been opposition to the construction of similar turbines along Lake Ontario and along Interstate Route 90. The opposition to these sources of power has been visual as well as functional. I will continue to support an "all of the above" appoach as the 112th Congress works to remove the United States from dependence on foreign oil.
Please feel free to visit my website, www.house.gov/reed, where you may find additional information on important issues. You may also sign up for my E-newsletter to receive regular updates on what my office is doing in both the 29th Congressional District and Washington D.C. In addition I encourage you to “Like” me at http://www.facebook.com/RepTomReed or follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/RepTomReed where we can continue our conversation.
I welcome the opportunity to communicate with you; please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can ever be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Hon. Tom Reed
Hon. Tom Reed
Member of Congress
NY-29
James Hall
PO Box 638
Naples, NY 14512-0638
Dear James Hall,
Thank you for taking the time to contact my office. This dialogue is very important to me as your representative.
I support an "all of the above" approach to reforming our nation's energy policy. First and foremost, we must remove ourselves from dependence on foreign oil. This is not only an economic issue but a national security concern as well. In the short term we must develop sources of domestic energy to assist in removing the necessity of foreign oil.
In reference to the construction and use of wind turbines, there has been much debate in New York State and in our region about the use, construction and viability of wind as power. While you see the continued construction of wind turbines along Interstate Route 390, there has been opposition to the construction of similar turbines along Lake Ontario and along Interstate Route 90. The opposition to these sources of power has been visual as well as functional. I will continue to support an "all of the above" appoach as the 112th Congress works to remove the United States from dependence on foreign oil.
Please feel free to visit my website, www.house.gov/reed, where you may find additional information on important issues. You may also sign up for my E-newsletter to receive regular updates on what my office is doing in both the 29th Congressional District and Washington D.C. In addition I encourage you to “Like” me at http://www.facebook.com/RepTomReed or follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/RepTomReed where we can continue our conversation.
I welcome the opportunity to communicate with you; please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can ever be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Hon. Tom Reed
Hon. Tom Reed
Member of Congress
NY-29
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Clipper cuts workforce at its US wind turbine production plant
Clipper Windpower has dismissed 90 workers with most of them at its only wind turbine manufacturing plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, citing order deferrals from customers experiencing problems arranging project financing amid a sluggish US economy.
It was not immediately clear how many employees will remain at the plant, which began production of Clipper’s flagship 2.5MW Liberty turbine in 2005. The 18,580 sq meter facility has capacity of 350 units a year.
Since industrial conglomerate United Technologies Corporation completed its acquisition of Clipper in December, the company has not announced major orders. Officials at Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, the UTC subsidiary that now oversees Clipper, were not immediately available for comment on current plant operations.
Pratt has been conducting a full review of Clipper’s operations and cost structure, and says it remains committed to the vendor’s onshore wind turbine business. Clipper has put on hold plans to develop its massive 10MW Britannia offshore wind turbine in the UK.
Clipper’s position has diminished in the past several years in the US, its main market, as larger competitors such as General Electric, Vestas and Siemens establish dominance. A second-tier of turbine vendors led by Gamesa, Suzlon and Mitsubishi have also been squeezed, but retain healthy global operations and can afford to wait for the American economy and energy demand to rebound.
Clipper also faces heightened competition from Chinese turbine manufacturers who are starting to gain a foothold in the US. Some of them are willing to finance projects and turbine sales at low cost themselves, something that was difficult, if not impossible, for cash-strapped Clipper before it was acquired by UTC. Pratt has not apparently decided on a sales strategy for Clipper.
The vendor and its bigger rivals have been hurt as well by inconsistent US renewable energy and transmission modernization policies, complicating and slowing efforts by developers to undertake major wind projects. Low natural gas prices have also undercut competitiveness of wind in some regions.
Still on the drawing board is the Titan wind farm in South Dakota involving as many as 2,020 turbines, a Clipper joint venture with BP, its main customer. Oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens and Shell have also shelved large-scale wind farms unrelated to Clipper in Texas.
Clipper’s limited product range may also have hurt its market position. While the average size of installed turbine has been trending up in the US – it reached 1.77MW in 2010 according to the American Wind Energy Association – it remains far below the Clipper offering.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Clipper halts 10MW Britannia turbine
UK: UTC-owned Clipper Windpower has halted plans to build the 10MW Britannia turbine at the factory it launched last year in the north-east of England.
The turbine was to be based on Clipper's 2.5MW Liberty turbine and would have been targeted at the UK's Round 3 offshore plan. A prototype was set to be installed next year.
In a statement, Pratt and Whitney Power Systems, which has run Clipper since last year's takeover by UTC, said the project was on hold. There has been no confirmation of its plans for the UK factory, which was backed by the UK government and opened by the then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
According to insiders close to the project, UTC was unhappy with both the Britannia's design and its rate of progress.
The Britannia project was headed by Clipper Marine manager-director and former British Wind Energy Association chairman David Still.
Speaking to Windpower Monthly in April last year, shortly after the project was launched, Still said there was the gap in the market for a 10MW turbine.
Still said bigger turbines made more sense in terms of economics. He added: "I've been involved in wind power since the first turbines were built in the UK. Yes, there are large machines out there such as 6MW etc, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily the most cost-effective solution [in terms of running and maintenance]. Offshore needs a 10MW turbine."
Last week, the company announced it was making 75 staff redundant across US business.
The turbine was to be based on Clipper's 2.5MW Liberty turbine and would have been targeted at the UK's Round 3 offshore plan. A prototype was set to be installed next year.
In a statement, Pratt and Whitney Power Systems, which has run Clipper since last year's takeover by UTC, said the project was on hold. There has been no confirmation of its plans for the UK factory, which was backed by the UK government and opened by the then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
According to insiders close to the project, UTC was unhappy with both the Britannia's design and its rate of progress.
The Britannia project was headed by Clipper Marine manager-director and former British Wind Energy Association chairman David Still.
Speaking to Windpower Monthly in April last year, shortly after the project was launched, Still said there was the gap in the market for a 10MW turbine.
Still said bigger turbines made more sense in terms of economics. He added: "I've been involved in wind power since the first turbines were built in the UK. Yes, there are large machines out there such as 6MW etc, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily the most cost-effective solution [in terms of running and maintenance]. Offshore needs a 10MW turbine."
Last week, the company announced it was making 75 staff redundant across US business.
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