Is CSAB against renewable energy?
No! We are not against renewable energy! We are against the negative health, environmental, and wildlife consequences that Industrial Wind Turbines would bring to our town. We are in support of the well-being of all Barre residents, including protecting their quality of life and property values. There are other renewable energy sources that are cleaner, more reliable, and have less negative impacts. For instance, hydroelectric power is the least expensive way to produce power and we have abundant sources of water to make this energy, including Niagara Falls and the Champlain Hudson Power Express. Solid waste energy can be harnessed from decomposing organic material of already-existing landfills. Research is even being done on generating wind power from already-existing highway underpasses and even trees. Scientists have recently developed a way to store solar energy for potentially decades! Read more about this exciting breakthough here and here. These are the technologies of the future, not wind turbines. IF turbines are built, they should be built in places that are already disturbed in some way, like on top of buildings, in order to preserve and reduce our footprint on the planet.
In the race to comply with Governor Cuomo's green initiative, officials are being forced to make the fastest choices, not the right ones for the state's citizens.
New York State has abundant sources of water to make hydropower, but not ideal wind for wind power.
Would my property value be affected?
Yes. Both professional realtors and certified independent property appraisers consistently find that property values are negatively impacted by Industrial Wind Turbines. Realtors have learned that with closer proximity to turbines, average days on the market (DOM) and homes that do not sell increase. Real estate sales data in these markets also show that of the homes that do sell, they sell for 25% - 40% less than comparable homes outside the turbine area. Here are some detailed analyses about wind turbine effects on property values, by independent professionals. We also hope you will watch this video presentation by an expert independent property appraiser. Download his presentation slides.
In a letter to our own Town of Barre Board, a new resident of Barre stated, "If we had known that there was a possibility that the tallest wind turbines on land in America would be 900 feet from our property line, if we had known that there would be five in a half mile radius of our home, I assure you that we would not have been fine with it and we would not have moved here." At the October Town Board meeting, this same new resident confirmed that he is moving away because of the proposed Industrial Wind Turbines.
Barre is an agricultural-residential community, not an industrial one.
Would Apex provide a property value guarantee?
No.
If Apex or the leaseholders believe nearby property values will not be hurt by the presence of Industrial Wind Turbines, then they should have no problem with insuring neighbors with a property value guarantee (PVG). But they won't.
What are the environmental concerns?
Over 53 acres of agricultural land would be lost to turbines, collection lines, access roads, permanent meteorological tower(s), and an operation/maintenance building. During construction, an additional 15 acres would be lost to a staging area and construction vehicles would have a negative effect on our roads, infrastructure, and traffic. Literally tons of rebar and concrete would be poured into the earth for turbine foundations, resulting in higher soil pH levels around each turbine. Some of the planned turbines would also cause deforestation and destroy wildlife habitats.
Additionally, Industrial Wind Turbines cause noise pollution (infrasound), shadow flicker effect and the turbines would have red flashing lights on them throughout the night. Dangers include ice throws, electromagnetic interference, turbine fires, lightening strikes, sinkholes, and possible stray voltage or soil and ground water contamination. Industrial Wind Turbines are proven to kill birds and bats in alarming numbers.
Finally, the amount of energy that would be generated does not justify the amount of energy, fossil fuels and natural resources required to construct the project or the energy they require when not in use.
Wind turbine substation and transmission lines, Clinton, NY. Photo via NWW by Christine Muschi/NYT
Are there any risks to wildlife?
An estimated 573,000+ birds are killed each year by Industrial Wind Turbines in the United States, including federally-protected bald eagles. Barre is located in a major migratory flyway and near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, home to bald eagles and designated Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society. Barre's proximity to an IBA makes it an unsuitable location for wind turbines.
The Heritage Wind website notes that cats are to blame for a decline in bird population, not wind turbines. However, cats do not kill federally-protected bald eagles or migrating Canadian geese, Industrial Wind Turbines do.
Bats are a valuable natural pesticide in our region and save over $1 billion worth of corn worldwide each year, but are being painfully killed in alarming numbers by Industrial Wind Turbines. Researchers are studying why bats seem to be drawn to wind turbines and how wind energy companies can reduce bat fatalities, but Apex has no plans to try to reduce bat mortality in our agricultural community.
By harming birds and bats at the top of the food chain, wind turbines cause a trickle-down effect, which harms whole ecosystems. Studies confirm this. Read more from Phys.org here. "We need to be smart about how we deploy green energy solutions. Let's reduce our footprint on the planet and put turbines in places that are already disturbed in some way—on buildings for example."
Wind turbines kill >573,000 birds each year in the US, including bald eagles. By J. Marjis/BigStock
You Can Help Save Barre
It is imperative that residents who oppose Heritage Wind write to DPS to let them know that you do not want Industrial Wind Turbines in Barre. These comments will be considered by the siting board when they make their decision, so make your voice heard before it's too late.
We understand many of you are afraid to speak out, but Barre is worth saving and needs you.
Investigative Journalism
GateHouse Media, a team of investigative journalists without bias or affiliation with any groups that support or oppose wind energy development, released this investigative report about "how the wind industry angers landowners and divides communities in pursuit of billions of dollars of subsidies and other incentives."
As stated on their website, "We believe in holding powerful people and institutions accountable, telling stories that need attention, and providing coverage in both rural and metro communities."
In the Shadow of Wind Farms investigative journalism about wind farms that divide communities.