This is Kevon Martis' extended interview with NBC25’s Brett Dickie regarding wind energy issues in Michigan:
Kevon Martis interview
You can also see the news article and original segment:
Special Report: Controversy in the Wind
Showing posts with label wind turbines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wind turbines. Show all posts
Friday, May 10, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Forest Hill Energy suing our townships
The Lansing State Journal posted this today:
Suit challenges townships' powers in $120 million wind project
An excerpt:
But William Fahey, the Okemos-based attorney for Dallas and Essex townships, said the state legislature has granted townships broad powers to regulate conduct for the public health, safety and general welfare.
“Our constitution says the powers of townships shall be liberally construed,” Fahey said. “Unless there is some specific statute out there that takes these powers away, the townships continue to have the powers and can exercise them.”
Clinton County’s new zoning ordinance also addresses the issue, Fahey said, stating in three places that the ordinance “does not take away any power the townships have independently to regulate activities in these townships.”
You can also read Forest Hill Energy's complaint here.
Suit challenges townships' powers in $120 million wind project
An excerpt:
But William Fahey, the Okemos-based attorney for Dallas and Essex townships, said the state legislature has granted townships broad powers to regulate conduct for the public health, safety and general welfare.
“Our constitution says the powers of townships shall be liberally construed,” Fahey said. “Unless there is some specific statute out there that takes these powers away, the townships continue to have the powers and can exercise them.”
Clinton County’s new zoning ordinance also addresses the issue, Fahey said, stating in three places that the ordinance “does not take away any power the townships have independently to regulate activities in these townships.”
You can also read Forest Hill Energy's complaint here.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
What it's like to live with turbines
Kevon Martis writes:
This video shows Cary Shineldecker of Riverton Township in Mason County, MI testifying about life inside the CMS Energy Lakewinds wind plant.
It contains 56 Danish 0-1.8MW V100 turbines. Each device is 476' tall. The closest turbine is 1139 feet from his home. CMS received $73 million in stimulus funding for the $255 million project. The installed cost for this wind project is $2,500/KW, which is 25% higher than the national average. This is because MI must use "low wind" wind turbines due to an average 6.5M/s wind resource, far lower than IA's 8.5M/s resource. This plant will have an annual average capacity of perhaps 25MW.
CMS is currently planning a new CCGT natural gas plant of 700MW capacity, with a price tag of $750 million. It will have an average capacity of nearly 700MW or 28 times more capacity than the wind plant for only 3 times the cost and will actually be able to replace coal generation at a 1:1 ration while slashing emissions.
His home can be seen here. Why must anyone be compelled to live this way without consent or compensation when the devices he now lives with are impotent regarding emissions reduction?
The video is here:
This video shows Cary Shineldecker of Riverton Township in Mason County, MI testifying about life inside the CMS Energy Lakewinds wind plant.
It contains 56 Danish 0-1.8MW V100 turbines. Each device is 476' tall. The closest turbine is 1139 feet from his home. CMS received $73 million in stimulus funding for the $255 million project. The installed cost for this wind project is $2,500/KW, which is 25% higher than the national average. This is because MI must use "low wind" wind turbines due to an average 6.5M/s wind resource, far lower than IA's 8.5M/s resource. This plant will have an annual average capacity of perhaps 25MW.
CMS is currently planning a new CCGT natural gas plant of 700MW capacity, with a price tag of $750 million. It will have an average capacity of nearly 700MW or 28 times more capacity than the wind plant for only 3 times the cost and will actually be able to replace coal generation at a 1:1 ration while slashing emissions.
His home can be seen here. Why must anyone be compelled to live this way without consent or compensation when the devices he now lives with are impotent regarding emissions reduction?
The video is here:
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Hello, turbines. Goodbye, eagles.
This article, 'The Fish and Wildlife Service Is Not for the Birds', was printed in today's Wall Street Journal. Here is an excerpt. You can read the entire article here.
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On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress, after nearly six years of haggling and numerous design changes, finally approved the Great Seal of the United States. In doing so, it made the bald eagle our national symbol. This year, in the name of clean energy, the Fish and Wildlife Service is considering changing federal rules so that a wind-energy developer can be granted an "incidental-take" permit allowing wind projects to kill bald eagles and golden eagles for up to 30 years.
On Jan. 15, the Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the New Era Wind Farm—a proposed project near Red Wing, Minn.—might kill as many as 14 bald eagles per year. Despite that toll, the agency said the developer of the 48-turbine wind farm could go ahead and apply for an eagle-kill permit. If granted, it could be the first project to get one. At least one other wind-energy concern, Oregon's West Butte Wind Project, also has applied for an incidental-take permit, and others are sure to follow.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said that its estimate for bald eagle kills at the New Era facility was a "worst-case scenario" that "would not damage" the local population of bald eagles. That might be true. Nevertheless, the possibility that federal authorities are willing to issue such a permit once again exposes the double standard at work when it comes to renewable energy.
For years, the wind industry has had de facto permission to violate both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (which protects 1,000 species) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Federal authorities have never brought a case under either law—despite the Fish and Wildlife Service's estimate that domestic turbines kill some 440,000 birds per year.
While the wind industry enjoys its exemption from prosecution under these federal wildlife laws, the Interior Department has aggressively brought cases against the oil-and-gas industry. In 2011, the Fish and Wildlife Service filed criminal indictments against three drillers who were operating in North Dakota's Bakken field. One of those companies, Continental Resources, was indicted for killing a single bird (a Say's Phoebe) that is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law was adopted in 1918, at a time when several bird species were being decimated by hunters.
Compare the action taken against Continental Resources with the Pine Tree wind project, a three-year-old facility owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Since 2009, nine golden eagle carcasses have been recovered at the project and reported to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Los Angeles Times reporter Louis Sahagun reported on Feb. 16, 2012, that at least six of the birds had been struck by turbine blades. Yet there have been no indictments. Jill Birchell, special agent in charge of law enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Service in California and Nevada refused to comment on the Pine Tree case, other than to tell me that "it is an ongoing criminal investigation."
-------
This article is particularly disturbing because we have just seen a resurgence of bald eagles in our area. After personally not seeing them for the last 30 years, we now have a family of bald eagles that we've frequently been seeing. Neighbors have been trading stories of bald eagle sightings, and people have been emailing around pictures of them when they're able to take them.
Now, with the turbines coming, they will most likely be wiped out. Not to mention the other birds.
There was an article in the Clinton County News today by Steven Reed about the commission passing the wind turbine resolution. Project developer Tim Brown of Forest Hill Energy "declined to comment when asked about the remaining obstacle - special ordinances passed by the Essex, Dallas, and Bengal Township boards."
Our desire to protect ourselves, our homes, and our wildlife from turbines is just an 'obstacle'.
-------
On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress, after nearly six years of haggling and numerous design changes, finally approved the Great Seal of the United States. In doing so, it made the bald eagle our national symbol. This year, in the name of clean energy, the Fish and Wildlife Service is considering changing federal rules so that a wind-energy developer can be granted an "incidental-take" permit allowing wind projects to kill bald eagles and golden eagles for up to 30 years.
On Jan. 15, the Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the New Era Wind Farm—a proposed project near Red Wing, Minn.—might kill as many as 14 bald eagles per year. Despite that toll, the agency said the developer of the 48-turbine wind farm could go ahead and apply for an eagle-kill permit. If granted, it could be the first project to get one. At least one other wind-energy concern, Oregon's West Butte Wind Project, also has applied for an incidental-take permit, and others are sure to follow.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said that its estimate for bald eagle kills at the New Era facility was a "worst-case scenario" that "would not damage" the local population of bald eagles. That might be true. Nevertheless, the possibility that federal authorities are willing to issue such a permit once again exposes the double standard at work when it comes to renewable energy.
For years, the wind industry has had de facto permission to violate both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (which protects 1,000 species) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Federal authorities have never brought a case under either law—despite the Fish and Wildlife Service's estimate that domestic turbines kill some 440,000 birds per year.
While the wind industry enjoys its exemption from prosecution under these federal wildlife laws, the Interior Department has aggressively brought cases against the oil-and-gas industry. In 2011, the Fish and Wildlife Service filed criminal indictments against three drillers who were operating in North Dakota's Bakken field. One of those companies, Continental Resources, was indicted for killing a single bird (a Say's Phoebe) that is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law was adopted in 1918, at a time when several bird species were being decimated by hunters.
Compare the action taken against Continental Resources with the Pine Tree wind project, a three-year-old facility owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Since 2009, nine golden eagle carcasses have been recovered at the project and reported to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Los Angeles Times reporter Louis Sahagun reported on Feb. 16, 2012, that at least six of the birds had been struck by turbine blades. Yet there have been no indictments. Jill Birchell, special agent in charge of law enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Service in California and Nevada refused to comment on the Pine Tree case, other than to tell me that "it is an ongoing criminal investigation."
-------
This article is particularly disturbing because we have just seen a resurgence of bald eagles in our area. After personally not seeing them for the last 30 years, we now have a family of bald eagles that we've frequently been seeing. Neighbors have been trading stories of bald eagle sightings, and people have been emailing around pictures of them when they're able to take them.
Now, with the turbines coming, they will most likely be wiped out. Not to mention the other birds.
There was an article in the Clinton County News today by Steven Reed about the commission passing the wind turbine resolution. Project developer Tim Brown of Forest Hill Energy "declined to comment when asked about the remaining obstacle - special ordinances passed by the Essex, Dallas, and Bengal Township boards."
Our desire to protect ourselves, our homes, and our wildlife from turbines is just an 'obstacle'.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Townships will not forget
January 16, 2013
Clinton County Planning Commission
St Johns MI 48879
Commission Members:
I am sure I speak for most of the people who attended your January 10 meeting when I say I have never left a meeting more dismayed, disappointed, and stunned. It was apparent that nothing the citizens had to say was going to make any difference in your actions. Word is now out in the community that the County Board of Commissioners feels the same way and will approve Forest Hill Energy’s permit to build wind turbines. Why do the people even bother?
These are not the words you spoke at the meeting, but this is what your action said:
We know your property values will plummet; we don’t care. We don’t live in your townships.
We know some of you will suffer adverse health effects. We don’t care. We don’t live close by.
We know you don’t want to hear or see the windmills in your backyards. It doesn’t matter.
We know you have presented facts and figures and studies. It doesn’t matter. We hold all the power
and you have no say.
We know wind energy is not efficient and your electricity costs will eventually skyrocket. We don’t care.
We know you are passionate about what happens to your beloved community. It doesn’t affect us.
We know many of you have just recently learned about the wind turbine project and the opposition
movement is growing daily. We don’t care. We’ve worked on it for years and we are sick of it and want to move on.
We hear the stories from people who live in communities that already have turbines. We hear how old ladies with arthritis are forced to sleep on their basement floor to try to escape the vibrations. We don’t care.
We know that we are here to serve the citizens of the county. We choose Forest Hill Energy. You don’t matter.
We hear you speak, plead, and urge us to deny the permit. It doesn’t matter. The almighty dollar
speaks louder than you.
The residents of Bengal, Dallas and Essex Townships are not going to forget how have been treated. We did learn something, however. It does no good to take the time to attend meetings and present our
case. Sadly, our words fall on deaf ears.
Cherie Anderson
Clinton County Planning Commission
St Johns MI 48879
Commission Members:
I am sure I speak for most of the people who attended your January 10 meeting when I say I have never left a meeting more dismayed, disappointed, and stunned. It was apparent that nothing the citizens had to say was going to make any difference in your actions. Word is now out in the community that the County Board of Commissioners feels the same way and will approve Forest Hill Energy’s permit to build wind turbines. Why do the people even bother?
These are not the words you spoke at the meeting, but this is what your action said:
We know your property values will plummet; we don’t care. We don’t live in your townships.
We know some of you will suffer adverse health effects. We don’t care. We don’t live close by.
We know you don’t want to hear or see the windmills in your backyards. It doesn’t matter.
We know you have presented facts and figures and studies. It doesn’t matter. We hold all the power
and you have no say.
We know wind energy is not efficient and your electricity costs will eventually skyrocket. We don’t care.
We know you are passionate about what happens to your beloved community. It doesn’t affect us.
We know many of you have just recently learned about the wind turbine project and the opposition
movement is growing daily. We don’t care. We’ve worked on it for years and we are sick of it and want to move on.
We hear the stories from people who live in communities that already have turbines. We hear how old ladies with arthritis are forced to sleep on their basement floor to try to escape the vibrations. We don’t care.
We know that we are here to serve the citizens of the county. We choose Forest Hill Energy. You don’t matter.
We hear you speak, plead, and urge us to deny the permit. It doesn’t matter. The almighty dollar
speaks louder than you.
The residents of Bengal, Dallas and Essex Townships are not going to forget how have been treated. We did learn something, however. It does no good to take the time to attend meetings and present our
case. Sadly, our words fall on deaf ears.
Cherie Anderson
Cary Shineldecker and the horror of his turbine-filled landscape
Wind Wise Radio interviewed Cary Shineldecker of Ludington, Michigan on their January 20, 2013 show.
Cary said, "I am a resident caught in the middle of a wind development. Not only do these ruin our lives, but they ruin everything in nature we hold sacred. Wildlife, scenery, and the value of quiet places for generations to come. Put an end to this madness. Turbines cannot even create enough energy to pay for themselves. Stop development now."
Cary was kind enough to attend the Clinton County Planning & Zoning meeting and spoke about how negatively the turbines have affected his county. (Unfortunately, the commission members ignored him and voted to foist these on our community as well.)
Cary begins speaking at the 5:00 minute mark. He lives three miles from Lake Michigan in a quiet, rural area, with rolling hills filled with orchards. They had abundant wildlife - bobcats, eagles, ducks, deer, etc.
Now everything has changed. He is surrounded. He can see 18 turbines from his living room, and 29 from his front porch. He has 5 within a half mile, 13 within a mile, and 26 within a mile and a half. He doesn't hear anything natural anymore. Just mechanical noises. He said it has completely changed his world.
He said one thing he never knew is that even when the turbines aren't running, they make noise. Heaters, coolers, and fans inside the towers are the loudest sound outside all the time. He said it's constant and in every direction.
His son can't sleep due to pressure and headaches. He and his wife have developed constant headaches and ear pressure. Everyone wakes up. On gusty nights he and his wife sleep on an air mattress in the basement to try and get away from the noise and vibration.
Cary said he has a sound measuring instrument. When it's the loudest he routinely measures the sound at over 45 and in the low 50s. He's put in several complaints. With every complaint, they tell him it's not applicable. The company has a year to perform their own students, so the company has a year to run the turbines at full power, in any direction, however they want, without having to worry about compliance. He has made complaints on other factors too, and their response is 'Not Applicable.'
He said it's a big fight he didn't ask for. But for two and a half years, he's been fighting it every day of his life. He said he's not going to back down.
He ended with these words: "My community is filled with gracious, good, hardworking people who were born here, lived here, loved it here, and wanted to die here. And now they want nothing more than to leave."
Listen to Cary's testimony here.
Cary said, "I am a resident caught in the middle of a wind development. Not only do these ruin our lives, but they ruin everything in nature we hold sacred. Wildlife, scenery, and the value of quiet places for generations to come. Put an end to this madness. Turbines cannot even create enough energy to pay for themselves. Stop development now."
Cary was kind enough to attend the Clinton County Planning & Zoning meeting and spoke about how negatively the turbines have affected his county. (Unfortunately, the commission members ignored him and voted to foist these on our community as well.)
Cary begins speaking at the 5:00 minute mark. He lives three miles from Lake Michigan in a quiet, rural area, with rolling hills filled with orchards. They had abundant wildlife - bobcats, eagles, ducks, deer, etc.
Now everything has changed. He is surrounded. He can see 18 turbines from his living room, and 29 from his front porch. He has 5 within a half mile, 13 within a mile, and 26 within a mile and a half. He doesn't hear anything natural anymore. Just mechanical noises. He said it has completely changed his world.
He said one thing he never knew is that even when the turbines aren't running, they make noise. Heaters, coolers, and fans inside the towers are the loudest sound outside all the time. He said it's constant and in every direction.
His son can't sleep due to pressure and headaches. He and his wife have developed constant headaches and ear pressure. Everyone wakes up. On gusty nights he and his wife sleep on an air mattress in the basement to try and get away from the noise and vibration.
Cary said he has a sound measuring instrument. When it's the loudest he routinely measures the sound at over 45 and in the low 50s. He's put in several complaints. With every complaint, they tell him it's not applicable. The company has a year to perform their own students, so the company has a year to run the turbines at full power, in any direction, however they want, without having to worry about compliance. He has made complaints on other factors too, and their response is 'Not Applicable.'
He said it's a big fight he didn't ask for. But for two and a half years, he's been fighting it every day of his life. He said he's not going to back down.
He ended with these words: "My community is filled with gracious, good, hardworking people who were born here, lived here, loved it here, and wanted to die here. And now they want nothing more than to leave."
Listen to Cary's testimony here.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Shirley Wind study generates much publicity, Rep. Jacque calls for permit suspension
The Shirley Wind study is generating a lot of news. The Green Bay Press Gazette published this article: Jacque: Study finds 'dangerous levels' of noise from turbines - State legislator calls for end to permitting of wind projects.
An excerpt:
A Public Service Commission study has found what one Wisconsin lawmaker classifies as “dangerous levels” of wind turbine-generated low frequency noise or infrasound at the Shirley Wind Project.
Rep. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, has called on the Public Service Commission to issue an emergency rule to immediately suspend the permitting process for wind projects.
The testing was conducted in early December by Clean Wisconsin, an environmental group that advocates clean energy, and primarily funded by the Public Service Commission, found that one woman and her child living in a residence near the turbines suffered from an “extremely adverse” as a result of the turbines.
“I am very appreciative of the Public Service Commission’s willingness to investigate the incidence of debilitating low frequency noise,” Jacque said in a statement. “These results compel them to act immediately to keep this nightmare from spreading.”
Jacque said the study, which was released Friday, established the existence of “dangerous levels” of wind turbine-generated/infrasound in the Shirley Wind Farm in Glenmore.
The study recommended further testing to further study the effects of the turbines at the Shirley Wind Farm.
The infra and low-frequency sound is a primary characteristic of wind turbine acoustic emissions and discredited the wind industry argument that infrasound produced by modern upwind wind turbines do not have sufficient amplitude to reach the threshold of hearing, Jacque said.
Glenmore families living or previously living in or near the wind turbines complained of ear infections, heart palpitations, muscle and joint pain malaise and other symptoms. The Brown County Board of Health recommended low-frequency noise testing near the project in November.
You can read the rest of the article here.
Let's hope the Clinton County Planning & Zoning Commission is taking note of this study as well.
An excerpt:
A Public Service Commission study has found what one Wisconsin lawmaker classifies as “dangerous levels” of wind turbine-generated low frequency noise or infrasound at the Shirley Wind Project.
Rep. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, has called on the Public Service Commission to issue an emergency rule to immediately suspend the permitting process for wind projects.
The testing was conducted in early December by Clean Wisconsin, an environmental group that advocates clean energy, and primarily funded by the Public Service Commission, found that one woman and her child living in a residence near the turbines suffered from an “extremely adverse” as a result of the turbines.
“I am very appreciative of the Public Service Commission’s willingness to investigate the incidence of debilitating low frequency noise,” Jacque said in a statement. “These results compel them to act immediately to keep this nightmare from spreading.”
Jacque said the study, which was released Friday, established the existence of “dangerous levels” of wind turbine-generated/infrasound in the Shirley Wind Farm in Glenmore.
The study recommended further testing to further study the effects of the turbines at the Shirley Wind Farm.
The infra and low-frequency sound is a primary characteristic of wind turbine acoustic emissions and discredited the wind industry argument that infrasound produced by modern upwind wind turbines do not have sufficient amplitude to reach the threshold of hearing, Jacque said.
Glenmore families living or previously living in or near the wind turbines complained of ear infections, heart palpitations, muscle and joint pain malaise and other symptoms. The Brown County Board of Health recommended low-frequency noise testing near the project in November.
You can read the rest of the article here.
Let's hope the Clinton County Planning & Zoning Commission is taking note of this study as well.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Report for Jan 10 meeting
This letter and new report were sent to the Clinton County Planning & Zoning Commission today.
The cover letter explains the "new evidence [that] has come to light that confirms that significant defects remain in FHEFF’s Application which preclude the grant of a Special Use Permit in this matter."
Due to the completed study, which is explained, the letter also says:
"The argument about whether wind turbines produce infrasound and LFN sufficient to cause adverse health effects (as this study unequivocally demonstrates they do), has taken a big step forward with this study. This Report establishes that infra and low frequency sound is a primary characteristic of Wind turbine acoustic emissions. The wind industry and its supporters can no longer say that Wind turbines do not produce significant levels of infra and low frequency sound just because the sound
pressure levels do not rise to the thresholds of perception of audible sounds. The argument raised by the Wind industry that infrasound, produced by modern upwind Wind turbines, does not have sufficient amplitude to reach the threshold of hearing is now thoroughly discredited."
It continues:
"The Report from Shirley Wind demonstrates that we have now reached the point where the non-participating residents can no longer be used as "test subjects." Instead, it is clear that these non-participating residents are victims. Approval of the Fowler Farms Wind park would make Clinton County complicit in these actions."
Please read the interesting and valuable documents, as they will be discussed at the January 10 meeting. Thank you.
Read the letter
Read the Shirley Wind Report
The cover letter explains the "new evidence [that] has come to light that confirms that significant defects remain in FHEFF’s Application which preclude the grant of a Special Use Permit in this matter."
Due to the completed study, which is explained, the letter also says:
"The argument about whether wind turbines produce infrasound and LFN sufficient to cause adverse health effects (as this study unequivocally demonstrates they do), has taken a big step forward with this study. This Report establishes that infra and low frequency sound is a primary characteristic of Wind turbine acoustic emissions. The wind industry and its supporters can no longer say that Wind turbines do not produce significant levels of infra and low frequency sound just because the sound
pressure levels do not rise to the thresholds of perception of audible sounds. The argument raised by the Wind industry that infrasound, produced by modern upwind Wind turbines, does not have sufficient amplitude to reach the threshold of hearing is now thoroughly discredited."
It continues:
"The Report from Shirley Wind demonstrates that we have now reached the point where the non-participating residents can no longer be used as "test subjects." Instead, it is clear that these non-participating residents are victims. Approval of the Fowler Farms Wind park would make Clinton County complicit in these actions."
Please read the interesting and valuable documents, as they will be discussed at the January 10 meeting. Thank you.
Read the letter
Read the Shirley Wind Report
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
NEW time for Bengal Special Meeting - Oct 29, 7:00 p.m.
Soon after the meeting began in Bengal tonight, the board's attorney suffered a medical emergency and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. As a result, the special meeting regarding wind turbines has been rescheduled for Oct 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Bengal Township Hall, 6586 West M-21.
Please attend. If you are unable, please email your remarks to arleitaschafer@gmail.com and indicate she should share it with the rest of the board.
It may be useful to do this even if you do go and speak so the board members have a written record to consult.
Thank you. There were over 100 people there - great turnout! Let's have it happen again.
Please attend. If you are unable, please email your remarks to arleitaschafer@gmail.com and indicate she should share it with the rest of the board.
It may be useful to do this even if you do go and speak so the board members have a written record to consult.
Thank you. There were over 100 people there - great turnout! Let's have it happen again.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Long-term health of dairy cattle, diminished home value
Glen and Jill Feldpaush sent this letter to the Clinton County Planning Commission, the Essex Township Board, and the Bengal Township Board:
October 10, 2012
Clinton County Planning Commission
Chairperson: Shannon Schlegel, Vice-Chair: Mark Simon, Secretary: Kelly Chadwick
Members: Earl Barks, Robert Kudwa, Adam Stacey (B.O.C. Representative), Patti Jandernoa
100 East State Street, Suite 1300
St. Johns, MI 48879
Dear Chairperson Schlegel and Chairmen of the Board,
We are writing to you to voice our concerns regarding the application for special land use and site plan approval submitted by Forest Hill Energy/Fowler Farms, LLC to construct wind turbines in Dallas, Essex and Bengal Township.
Clinton County is the number one dairy county in the State of Michigan. Agriculture, in particular, dairy farming is one of the largest (if not, the largest) industry in Clinton County. We are 3rd generation dairy farmers here in Clinton County, with our son joining us as a partner to make the 4th generation. We have 2 dairy locations, one in Bengal and one in Essex Township.
We fear the reproductive health and well being of our dairy cattle. The long-term health of our cattle could be affected by the placing of wind turbines on the land near them. There has not been any long-term studies done to say that this will NOT affect the ability for the cows to continue to produce milk at the high level in which we strive for.
We employ 60 full-time employees and 20 part-time employees. Most of these men and women are home owners here in the region. They are contributing members to our county as well. We also fear that the value of their homes and the homes of all our neighbors in the community will be greatly diminished, if not completely unsellable if the wind turbines come into our area. As property values decrease, the county will receive less income from property taxes.
Our own family members will be discouraged from buying a home and settling in our community. Why would anyone want to move into our area if they had to look at, hear, and feel a wind turbine from a neighboring piece of property. Once the land use permit is approved there is nothing to stop them from adding phase 2 and phase 3. No one's property will be immune to the chance of a wind turbine going up across the road from their home or in the field behind their house.
Ladies and gentlemen of the board, we urge you to consider denying this permit altogether. The placement of wind turbines in our county will only benefit the land owners on which they sit and a small amount of taxes promised over 20 years. This does not justify the health risks and other negative economic impacts it will have on our property and potentially our farm animals.
Thank you for considering our concerns.
Sincerely,
Glen and Jill Feldpausch
Rich-Ro Dairy, LLC
3565 North Forest Hill Road
St. Johns, MI 48879
October 10, 2012
Clinton County Planning Commission
Chairperson: Shannon Schlegel, Vice-Chair: Mark Simon, Secretary: Kelly Chadwick
Members: Earl Barks, Robert Kudwa, Adam Stacey (B.O.C. Representative), Patti Jandernoa
100 East State Street, Suite 1300
St. Johns, MI 48879
Dear Chairperson Schlegel and Chairmen of the Board,
We are writing to you to voice our concerns regarding the application for special land use and site plan approval submitted by Forest Hill Energy/Fowler Farms, LLC to construct wind turbines in Dallas, Essex and Bengal Township.
Clinton County is the number one dairy county in the State of Michigan. Agriculture, in particular, dairy farming is one of the largest (if not, the largest) industry in Clinton County. We are 3rd generation dairy farmers here in Clinton County, with our son joining us as a partner to make the 4th generation. We have 2 dairy locations, one in Bengal and one in Essex Township.
We fear the reproductive health and well being of our dairy cattle. The long-term health of our cattle could be affected by the placing of wind turbines on the land near them. There has not been any long-term studies done to say that this will NOT affect the ability for the cows to continue to produce milk at the high level in which we strive for.
We employ 60 full-time employees and 20 part-time employees. Most of these men and women are home owners here in the region. They are contributing members to our county as well. We also fear that the value of their homes and the homes of all our neighbors in the community will be greatly diminished, if not completely unsellable if the wind turbines come into our area. As property values decrease, the county will receive less income from property taxes.
Our own family members will be discouraged from buying a home and settling in our community. Why would anyone want to move into our area if they had to look at, hear, and feel a wind turbine from a neighboring piece of property. Once the land use permit is approved there is nothing to stop them from adding phase 2 and phase 3. No one's property will be immune to the chance of a wind turbine going up across the road from their home or in the field behind their house.
Ladies and gentlemen of the board, we urge you to consider denying this permit altogether. The placement of wind turbines in our county will only benefit the land owners on which they sit and a small amount of taxes promised over 20 years. This does not justify the health risks and other negative economic impacts it will have on our property and potentially our farm animals.
Thank you for considering our concerns.
Sincerely,
Glen and Jill Feldpausch
Rich-Ro Dairy, LLC
3565 North Forest Hill Road
St. Johns, MI 48879
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