News
Winds of Change
May 19, 2022
Clear Skies Above Barre wants YOU to be informed.
Heritage Wind LLC announced plans to change course at the May 2022 Town Board Meeting. In June, they are seeking State approval of substantial changes to the project.
Major factors include:
- Turbine Specs: V162 6.0 MW, which has a hub height of 119 meters (over 390 feet). Height to tip is over 820 feet tall.
- Four New turbine locations:
- One south of Root road near what was formerly T7,
- One south of Delano Steele within the existing row of turbines,
- One additional turbine in the Northeast cluster off of 31,
- One back behind Culver Rd and Oak Orchard Rd.
New York's Heritage Wind Decision Aims To Reduce Project's Impact on Birds
American Bird Conservancy
Media Contact: Jordan Rutter, Director of Public Relations
(Washington, D.C., January 25, 2022)
In mid-January, New York State's new Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) approved Heritage Wind – the first wind energy facility considered under the state's new renewable energy project review process.
Members of the conservation community, including American Bird Conservancy (ABC), Genesee Valley Audubon Society, and Rochester Birding Association, have long expressed grave concerns about the Heritage Wind project. While some of these concerns remain, ABC believes that ORES rendered a thoughtful decision that reasonably balances renewable energy development with the need to protect the state's declining bird populations.
Apex Clean Energy, the developer for Heritage Wind, proposed to place wind turbines adjacent to a wetland and forest complex of enormous ecological importance. Continued...
State OKs industrial wind facility in Orleans County
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
Jan 13, 2022
The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting announced Thursday that it has issued a siting permit for Apex Clean Energy to build a major wind energy facility, the 184.8-megawatt Heritage Wind facility, in the town of Barre, in Orleans County. Continued...
Public hearing on Oct. 4 for Heritage Wind PILOT
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor
Posted 13 September 2021 at 4:26 pm
BARRE--
There will be a public hearing at 10 a.m. on Oct. 4 at Barre Town Hall about a proposed PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) plan from Heritage Wind, where the company will pay over $400,000 annually to Orleans County, Albion Central School and the Oakfield-Alabama school district.
The PILOT doesn’t include the Town of Barre, where 33 proposed turbines would be located. The town negotiated a separate host community agreement with Heritage Wind’s parent company, Apex Clean Energy. Continued...
Rural towns, community and conservation groups to sue state over siting process
Orleans Hub
Posted 30 June 2021 at 9:35 am
Town of Yates, Clear Skies Above Barre Among Plaintiffs
Albany--Today, local governments, community organizations and conservation and public interest groups across New York State are set to file a lawsuit against the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) asserting a violation of New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
The lawsuit seeks to overturn regulations setting standard uniform conditions applicable to all renewable energy projects in the state. The coalition of plaintiffs alleges ORES failed to acknowledge that its regulations for siting power plants could result in even one significant adverse environmental impact, and as a result failed to prepare and environmental impact statement.
“As an elected town supervisor whose residents have industrial renewable energy targets on our backs, I for one will not sit back and allow the 94-C law and regulations — written behind closed doors by unnamed people and being administered, remarkably, by one unelected official — to violate the norms of procedural and rural environmental justice,” said Jim Simon, Yates Town Supervisor. “We all want to contribute to a more sustainable future, but when ORES ignored the local knowledge and expertise of thousands of comments offered on their draft regulations, it was clear that New York State wasn’t interested in what is clean, green or sustainable. Rather, it is bent on being arbitrary, capricious and dictatorial.” Continued...
Bird Conservation Groups File Lawsuit To Improve New York Renewable Energy Regulation
American Bird Conservancy
Law to accelerate renewable energy development needlessly puts birds at risk
Media Contact: Jordan Rutter, ABC Director of Public Relations
(Washington, D.C., June 29, 2021) American Bird Conservancy (ABC) today filed suit, along with other bird conservation groups and other stakeholders, against the New York Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) for failure to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) during development of regulations to enforce the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. The Act, or Section 94-c, has the laudable goal of rapidly expanding renewable energy production in the state to combat climate change. In the rush to implement the Act, however, critical shortcuts were taken in the environmental and public review processes, resulting in regulations that provide far too little protection for at-risk birds.
“The Act and associated regulations had the potential to provide a model for rapid, yet environmentally responsible, wind energy project development,” says Joel Merriman, ABC's Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign Director. “Instead, unrealistic timelines were entrenched, too few wildlife species were offered protection, and many industry best practices were ignored.” Continued...
Somerset, Cambria join lawsuit against renewable energy board
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
By Benjamin Joe
Several local municipalities and advocacy groups are part of a lawsuit filed against the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) accusing the state agency of violating state law when it failed to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and not take a “hard look” at the environmental consequences of its regulations, among other allegations.
Ben Wisniewski, an attorney with the Zoghlin Group PLLC, that filed the lawsuit in Albany County, Tuesday, represents 13 petitioners, including the Town of Cambria, the Town of Somerset and the Town of Yates, as well as three other towns in New York and seven advocacy and education groups including Cambria Opposition to Industrial Solar (COIS) and Save Ontario Shores (SOS).
“The allegation here is when this new ORES siting body was drafting its regulations for power plants, they failed to engage in the environmental review required by SEQRA,” Wisniewski explained. “That’s the violation.” Continued...
ABC says New York Fast-Track Renewable Energy Regulation Paves the Way For High-Risk Wind Project
(Washington, D.C., April 27, 2021)
A proposed wind energy facility in Orleans County, New York, is among the first projects proposed under the state's new renewable energy development law. This law ignores well-established best practices that would minimize impacts to birds, despite outcry from bird conservation organizations. Regulations to implement the law went into effect in March 2021, and developers are clamoring to shift to the streamlined permitting process.
“The Orleans County project is located in a major migratory pathway for birds, and adjacent to a high-biodiversity wetland complex that supports nesting Bald Eagles and many rare species,” says Joel Merriman, American Bird Conservancy's (ABC's) Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign Director. “The project poses a high risk to birds, but the state's new regulation may mean it's on a glide path to approval.”
The wetland complex adjacent to the proposed Heritage Wind project site encompasses Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, as well as Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas. Together, these properties and adjacent habitat are designated an Important Bird Area by National Audubon Society, as well as being identified as an important area for many species of concern, including the Sedge Wren, Short-eared Owl, and Black Tern, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has found that this area is a major migratory pathway for songbirds.
“It's a bad place for wind turbines, plain and simple,” Merriman continues. “It's really unfortunate — this conflict could have been avoided, had the developer kept turbine locations away from this incredibly important area.” Continued...
Speak Up to Protect Birds in New York State
American Bird Conservatory
A proposed wind energy project in New York poses a high risk to birds, but may be on a fast-track to approval.
The proposed site for the Heritage Wind project is adjacent to an extremely biodiverse wetland complex that supports nesting Bald Eagles and many rare species. Making matters worse, the project is located in an important pathway for huge numbers of nocturnal migrants.
Despite the project's risk to birds, the state's new renewable energy regulation means it could get approved without necessary measures to minimize impacts to birds.
The Office of Renewable Energy Siting is accepting comments on the project until May 21st. Please ask decision-makers to take a hard look at risks to birds and require necessary steps to reduce impacts.
American Bird Conservancy worries about avian impact with Barre wind turbine project
Orleans Hub
Posted 29 April 2021 at 1:28 pm
A proposed wind energy facility in Orleans County, New York, is among the first projects proposed under the state’s new renewable energy development law.
This law ignores well-established best practices that would minimize impacts to birds, despite outcry from bird conservation organizations. Regulations to implement the law went into effect in March 2021, and developers are clamoring to shift to the streamlined permitting process.
“The Orleans County project is located in a major migratory pathway for birds, and adjacent to a high-biodiversity wetland complex that supports nesting Bald Eagles and many rare species,” said Joel Merriman, American Bird Conservancy’s Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign Director. “The project poses a high risk to birds, but the state’s new regulation may mean it’s on a glide path to approval.” Continued...
Senator Ortt Joins State And Local Officials in Decrying Government Overreach
ROBERT G. ORTT April 15, 2021
The New York State Senate
Sen. Ortt joins Assemblymen Angelo Morinello and Mike Norris, local officials, in pushing back against Gov. Cuomo’s implementation of section 575-B.
Today, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt was joined by Assemblymen Angelo Morinello and Mike Norris, Niagara County Legislators John Syracuse and David Godfrey, local town officials, and community groups decrying Gov. Cuomo’s new renewable-energy edict.
Last week’s 2021-2022 New York State Budget included language that would establish a new state process for wind and solar projects in Upstate and Western New York communities. This new language would essentially undo the current “home rule” law and remove local input from the process. Continued...
Public can attend Barre town meetings in-person again beginning April 14
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor
Posted 10 April 2021 at 9:05 am
BARRE - The Barre Town Board will be opening up its meetings to the public for in-person attendance again starting this Wednesday, April 14.
There is a public hearing at 6 p.m. on proposed solar law changes followed at 7 p.m. with a Town Board meeting.
“Accommodations have been made for a limited number of people to attend,” said Town Supervisor Sean Pogue. “All in attendance must follow proper CDC and NY state health guidelines. Masks are mandatory and must cover the nose and mouth simultaneously at all times.”
Others will still be able to watch and comment on YouTube. The link is posted on the town website (click here).
“There is also the ability to listen in by calling 585.589.5100, push 5, push 4, 3, 2, 1, # on your phone,” Pogue said.
Barre approves revised wind ordinance, allowing 700-foot high turbines
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor
Posted 11 February 2021 at 10:57 am
BARRE - The Town Board, in a meeting that stretched nearly four hours on Thursday night, approved revisions to the town ordinance for wind turbines.
One big change increases the maximum height of the structures from 500 to 700 feet.
The board passed the changes to the town ordinance and approved the SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review Act), stating the ordinance doesn’t have significant environmental impacts.
The board voted on the local law and SEQR despite objections from Town Board member Kerri Richardson, who asked at about 10:15 p.m. that the meeting be adjourned until next week to give the board more time to discuss the local law and the SEQR.
Richardson said she and other board members were tired as the meeting stretched on last night. She also wanted to get home to her 2-month-old baby. Adjourning the meeting would allow the board members to all be able to “think clearly,” she said.
“We could meet again next week,” she said. “I’m not trying to hold this up.”
The other board members – Town Supervisor Sean Pogue, and council members Margaret Swan, Lynn Hill and Tom McCabe – said they wanted to continue discussing the local law and SEQR last night, without putting it off any longer.
Richardson said she was disappointed by the lack of “courtesy” from the other members and she left the meeting at about 10:20 p.m.
Before she left, Pogue told her being an elected official sometimes requires going “above and beyond.” That rankled Richardson, who noted she gave birth about two months ago with the baby born seven hours after she was at a town meeting. Continued...
Save Ontario Shores opposes state efforts to speed up large-scale solar, wind energy projects
Orleans Hub
Posted 4 December 2020 at 9:08 am
Press Release, Save Ontario Shores
The president and vice president of Save Ontario Shores (SOS) testified at New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) virtual public hearing on Monday (Nov. 30), regarding draft regulations that would make it easier to develop large-scale industrial wind and solar projects in New York State.
ORES, which is controlled by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, would be able to sidestep local laws protecting public health, environment, property values, recreation and tourism in order to advance the governor’s green energy agenda.
SOS Vice President Kate Kremer called it “outrageous” that ORES is advancing regulations, with far reaching implications for rural towns, during a pandemic.
“Developers with current applications for projects, including Apex’s Heritage Wind in Barre, are taking steps to quickly move to this new project-friendly regulatory system,” she said. “For rural communities it is a new process that is hopelessly stacked against them.” Continued...
Barre will discuss zoning changes for turbines on Oct. 14
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor
Posted 8 October 2020 at 9:04 am
BARRE – The Barre Town Board is reinstating its workshop for 5 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the Town Hall to discuss proposed changes in for wind energy regulations.
The town scheduled a public hearing on Sept. 28 about the changes but cancelled that so neighboring towns and counties could be notified that Barre was considering changes in the zoning.
Barre is expected to set a new date for the public hearing at the Oct. 14 meeting.
Among the revisions proposed include increasing the maximum height of a wind turbine, from tip height, to 700 feet. Continued...
Barre cancels public hearing on Wednesday for zoning changes on wind turbines
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor
Posted 28 September 2020 at 3:53 pm
BARRE -- The town has canceled a public hearing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Barre town highway garage, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said the hearing will instead be in late October. that date will be set at the Oct. 14 Town Board meeting.
Pogue said the hearing needed to be pushed back so neighboring towns and counties could be notified that Barre was considering changes in the zoning.
Among the revisions proposed include increasing the maximum height of a wind turbine, from tip height, to 700 feet. The town currently sets the limit at 500 feet.
Apex Clean Energy is proposing wind turbines that would be a maximum 680 feet high as part of a 33-turbine Heritage Wind project in Barre.
The zoning amendments also would set the setbacks from property lines to be at least 1.5 times the tip height of a turbine, and that is for non-participating land owners or those without leases for a turbine.
The zoning changes also would revise standards for noise levels for wind turbines, shadow flicker and construction hours.
The town also is looking to add requirements for aircraft detection lighting and for decommissioning of the turbines. Read here.
Barre survey results have nearly 70% 'totally opposed' to turbines
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor
Posted 10 August 2020 at 1:38 pm
Supporters of project expect turbine revenue will reduce town taxes significantly
BARRE -- A survey of Barre households paid for by George McKenna, a local veterinarian, shows nearly 70 percent of the respondents are “totally opposed” to turbines in the town.
McKenna sent surveys last month to 735 households in Barre. He received 258 responses. (Five were returned by Postal Service because no one lives at house.)
That is a 35 percent response rate for the 735 surveys. McKenna has been vocal in his opposition to the turbine project proposed by Apex Clean Energy. The company wants to build 33 turbines in Barre that would top 650 feet.
McKenna had a group of local residents, including a lease holder for a turbine, open the surveys and compile the results.
“I was expecting 40 to 50 percent to be opposed,” McKenna said. “But they are overwhelmingly opposed at 70 percent.”
In the survey, residents are asked to consider 11 scenarios and to check only one box that they most strongly agree with.
The first option — “We don’t want the wind turbines” — was the most popular answer, by far. It was checked by 176 of the 258 surveys or 68 percent. Continued...
Court Overturns Administration Efforts To Weaken The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
American Bird Conservancy
Washington, D.C., August 11, 2020
A federal court today overturned an Administration reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) that had upended decades of enforcement and let industry polluters off the hook for killing birds. Continued...
New York's Accelerated Renewable Energy Act Poses Risks To Birds
American Bird Conservancy
May 11, 2020
..."A lot hinges on development of strong standards and conditions for project siting and planning,” says Merriman. “These must ensure that local bird populations are thoroughly assessed, and that turbines are not sited in high-risk areas.”
For example, in an application filed for the Heritage Wind project in western New York in mid-March, the developer proposes placing wind turbines in close proximity to a large wetland complex that includes a National Wildlife Refuge and two state Wildlife Management Areas. Important to both breeding and migratory birds, this block of habitat supports many species of conservation concern and is also considered an Important Bird Area. During the planning process, two local bird conservation organizations raised concerns about the planned facility's proximity to these sensitive areas, but these points have not been addressed by the developer.
“The bird-related conflict that poorly sited wind facilities create is largely avoidable if good siting practices are required,” says Merriman. “The State can greatly reduce this kind of conflict by establishing no-go zones and other commonsense standards to keep turbines out of high-risk areas.” Continued...
Save Ontario Shores responds to state easing siting regulations for large-scale renewable energy
Orleans Hub
Posted 3 April 2020 at 9:23 am
Press Release, Save Ontario Shores
The Renewable Energy Siting Law passed today has some minor changes from the governor’s original budget amendment. Community groups were added back in as possible parties. There are additional opportunities to request a hearing.
But the process does not give local concerns, local health impacts, and local environmental issues a chance against the looming “state energy goals” and the out of state industrial renewable developers who stand to profit from these projects.
New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) says the upstate grid is self-contained and cannot transport renewable energy downstate. NYISO also says currently planned transmission upgrades will be insufficient to transport renewable energy downstate. Since upstate electricity is 90% emission-free, New York cannot advance its renewable energy goals by adding more capacity upstate. Continued...
Latest population numbers show Orleans has one of the steepest drops since 2010
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2020 at 11:13 am
The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest population estimates show Orleans County has one of the largest population declines, by percentage, among the 62 counties in the state.
Orleans County had a population of 42,883 in the 2010 Census. The 2019 population estimate puts the county’s population at 40,352. That’s a drop of 2,531 people. The 5.90 percent reduction ranks 56 out of 62 counties. Continued...
County opposes governor’s push for more state control in siting renewable energy projects
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2020 at 9:22 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has gone on the record opposing Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s push for more state control in siting large-scale wind, solar and other renewable energy projects. Continued...
Barre opposes Cuomo’s proposal for more state control with large-scale energy projects
Orleans Hub
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2020 at 9:20 am
BARRE – The Barre Town Board went on the record Wednesday to oppose Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to speed up review of large-scale energy projects, with the state taking more control of the process. Continue...
Yates, Somerset officials oppose new Cuomo push for reviewing renewable energy projects
Orleans Hub
Posted 27 February 2020 at 10:06 am
Press Release, Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon and Somerset Town Supervisor Jeff Dewart
The Town of Somerset (Niagara County) and the Town of Yates (Orleans County) are adamantly opposed to Governor Cuomo’s attempt – under the guise of a last-minute amendment to the state budget process referred to as Article 23 – to accelerate renewable energy development at the expense of our towns, our citizens and our environment...
... Ultimately, state lawmakers should realize that voting to jettison Article 10 and to force Article 23 into law is an unconscionable power grab and will result in numerous obstacles by picking winners and losers among developers and creating new agencies, staffing, rulemaking and, inevitably, litigation. Continued...
Cuomo wants more state control of solar, wind energy permits
The Buffalo News
By Tom Precious
Published February 25, 2020
ALBANY – Large-scale solar and wind projects would be subject to a dramatically new permitting process controlled only by the Cuomo administration – a plan developers say would cut by years the time to it takes for large renewable energy facilities to be approved in New York.
Local government officials, however, say it will sharply reduce the role communities now play in the process for siting larger energy projects...
... "You're basically saying local laws don't matter. Local zoning doesn't matter. There is no local input and the state is going to decide where these projects to me. It's incredible to me. ... This is just the definition of big government and what's wrong with one-party rule in this state," State Sen. Rob Ortt, a North Tonawanda Republican, said of the Cuomo plan. Continued...
Heritage Wind to file application for up to 33 wind turbines in Barre
The Daily News
By Mallory Diefenbach
Published: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 5:15 am
BARRE — Heritage Wind will be filing an application for a wind farm at the end of the month.
Heritage Wind is proposing a wind farm consisting of up to 33 wind turbines generating up to 184.8 megawatts of electricity in Barre.
The project would include wind turbines, access roads, electrical collection lines, substations, permanent meteorological towers, an operations and maintenance building, and staging/laydown areas to be used during construction, which may include a potential temporary concrete batch plant. Continued...
CSAB elects 2020 leaders and invites town officials to February meeting
President - Barbara
Co-Vice Presidents - Scott & Gary
Secretary - Iva
Treasurer - Nancy
The next CSAB monthly meeting will be on Wed, Feb 5th at Barre Town Hall at 7pm! We are very excited about this meeting and will be inviting all town board, planning board, zoning board, and county legislators. New Year, new start - hoping they will join us!
DPS Postcard Study
Of the 244 individuals who filed postcards abut Heritage Wind with DPS as of 12/31/19, an overwhelming 77% oppose Heritage Wind. Only 21% are in support of the project, and of those in support of the project, 68% of the support postcards were sent by leaseholders themselves or their family members (that we're aware of the relation-there could be more). None of the postcards sent by people in support of the project identified if they were a project participant. 2% of individuals noted that they were undecided. Learn more here.
Bald eagle spotted on Route 98 in Barre
Staff Reports Posted 28 December 2019 at 9:31 pm
BARRE – Karen Russo of Albion was driving on Route 98 in Barre today when she saw a bald eagle in a field, with an animal carcass. Continued...
Ortt Seeks Accurate Wind Turbine Cost Assessment
Press Release, November 21, 2019
Today, Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) was joined by his colleagues in calling on the New York State Comptroller to identify the true cost of the state’s proposed subsidies for the building and operation of wind farms off of Long Island. ...
Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) said, "Upstate New York taxpayers will be on the hook for the long-term costs of these enormous subsidies, for twenty-five years or more, to provide electricity to New York City and Long Island. It is critical that an independent audit provide the transparency and the full reporting that taxpayers deserve."
Eagle in Elba
November 6, 2019 - 3:59pm
Jazmyn Fredo captured this picture today of a bald eagle in Elba, off Pekin Road. Continued...
More than 100 residents sue Arkwright project developers
John Whittaker, Sep 26, 2019
The residents, represented by Melody D. Westfall of Syracuse, are asking for unspecified damages related to loss of property values, compensatory damages for destruction of homes and lifestyle, loss of use and enjoyment of their properties, damages for relocation costs and time spent relocating, mental anguish, destruction of scenic countryside, physical pain and suffering, difficulty sleeping, nuisance, trespass, interference with electronics in their homes such as satellites, telephones and televisions, loss of business profits, special damages for stress, anxiety, worry and inconvenience, and the effects lights and noise from the turbines have on their properties. Continued...
Ortt says state often fails to appoint local reps to Siting Board for energy rojects
Posted 18 September 2019 at 7:54 pm
CALEDONIA – Today, Senator Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) joined Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R-Caledonia) to oppose New York’s handling of proposed Article X projects across the state. Continued...
In the shadow of giants: Some say noise, vibrations from Orangeville Wind Farm are unbearable
By Tim Fenster, tim.fenster@lockportjournal.com
ORANGEVILLE, N.Y. — Like many Wyoming County residents, it was the simple beauty of the land that attracted Linda Makson.
In 1973, after years of saving, she and her husband Paul bought 24 acres in Orangeville and built the house that they live in to this day. Through all that time, they developed as little of their land as possible, preferring to keep it natural and a haven for wildlife.
"We chose to live here. We have a little land; we're naturalists," Makson said.
But the environment was changed in 2014, when Invenergy erected its 75-unit Orangeville Wind Farm. Continued...
Listen: part 1 "Health Impacts of Industrial Wind"
Watch: part 2 "Health Impacts of Industrial Wind"
Excerpt from Health Impacts of Industrial Wind, sponsored by NYS Senator Ortt, personal stories of living near Industrial Wind Turbines
"I will call a neighbor and we will just go in our basement and cry together."
Ortt Hosts Forum on the Health Effects of Wind Turbines
WILLIAMSVILLE (WBEN) - State Senator Rob Ortt hosted a forum at ECC's North Campus on Tuesday afternoon to help the public better understand some of the possible health effects of building wind turbines. Continued... LISTEN
At forum, concerns raised about health impacts from large turbines
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2019 at 9:04 am
Experts say low-frequency infrasound has debilitating effects on about 10% of population who live near turbines.
WILLIAMSVILLE – Wind turbines aren’t the noise-free, idyllic structures that are typically presented to be, said several speakers at a forum Tuesday on the public health impacts of industrial wind turbines. Continued...
Ortt to host public health forum Tuesday on effects of industrial wind turbines
Staff Reports Posted 9 September 2019 at 2:35 pm
WILLIAMSVILLE – State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, will be hosting a public forum to on Tuesday to explore the public health impacts of industrial wind turbines. Continued...
Number Three Wind told to listen to World Health Organization turbine noise standards
By JULIE ABBASS
jabbass@wdt.net | Sep 3, 2019
LOWVILLE — Judges in the state Article 10 approval process for large energy projects made recommendations that would require Invenergy’s Number Three Wind Farm to do better in a number of project areas to secure the coveted Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need before construction can begin. Continued...
Proposed bill would require local referendum on large-scale energy projects
By By Connor Hoffman connor.hoffman@lockportjournal.com
New York state Assembly members Angelo J. Morinello, R-Niagara Falls, and Mike Norris, R-Lockport, are co-sponsoring a bill that would amend Article 10 of the Public Service Law to require a local referendum for large-scale energy projects in New York state. Continued...
Wind debate stirs tensions in Barre
By MALLORY DIEFENBACH MDIEFENBACH@BATAVIANEWS.COM
PUBLISHED: FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2019 AT 5:15 AM
BARRE — Tensions between citizens and the Town Board over the Heritage Wind project flared at Wednesday’s Town Board meeting. Continued...
Barre to begin talks with Apex about PILOT revenue
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 August 2019 at 8:00 am
BARRE – Representatives from the Town of Barre, Albion school district and Orleans County are expected to soon sit down with Apex Clean Energy to discuss a payment in lieu of taxes plan for how much revenue the wind-energy company will give the three tax entities to have 33 turbines in Barre. Continued...
Infrasound from turbines should be considered with impact studies, County Leg says
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2019 at 7:34 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to make sure the Siting Board includes the impacts of infrasound on the health of residents who live in communities with proposed wind turbine projects. Continued...
3 anti-turbine candidates running in Barre as independents
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2019 at 12:00 pm
BARRE – Three candidates for the Barre Town Board are running together under the independent “Citizens for Change” party with a goal to change the dynamics on the Town Board and keep out a proposed wind turbine project. Continued...
Apex Energy Plans to Bring 33 Turbines to Orleans County
By Jim Aroune Orleans County
PUBLISHED 6:40 PM ET Mar. 13, 2019
Western New York's tallest building stands in downtown Buffalo, and the Xerox Tower in Rochester is just under 450 feet tall. However, the cluster of turbines on a giant wind farm planned for Orleans County would eclipse those buildings by another 15 stories. Continued...
100 attend Clear Skies meeting, with many leaving with anti-turbine signs
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2019 at 8:24 am
BARRE – Dave and Rhonda Waters attended Saturday’s open house at the Barre Town Hall. They live on Root Road and are concerned about a proposal to have 47 nearly 600-foot-high wind turbines in town, including three near their house. Continued...
Our View: Research and listening is the key to being a good neighbor in Barre during Heritage Wind
PUBLISHED: MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2019 AT 10:11 PM
The Town of Barre is described on its web site as a small-town, country living community where the local economy is driven by farms growing fruits, vegetables, wheat, corn and soybeans. People choose to live there because that is the kind of community they want. They can’t be blamed, then, for asking the hard questions when a wind farm wants to move in. They want to protect and preserve the community they love. Continued...
Barre Town Board decides to let state determine turbine height, setbacks
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2019 at 9:05 am
Citizens group angry that Barre officials declined to push for bigger turbine distances from houses, property lines. Continued...
CSAB asks attorney general to investigate its allegations of ethical misconduct by Heritage Wind
PUBLISHED: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 AT 8:47 AM
BARRE — In a letter penned to the New York state attorney general by Clear Skies Above Barre, allegations of potential ethical misconduct by Heritage Wind, LLC and its parent company Apex were laid out. Continued...
Town attorney says public vote in Barre about turbines would be 'meaningless'
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 December 2018 at 8:48 am
BARRE – Town Board members were asked on Wednesday to put a proposed wind turbine project on the ballot, so residents could make their opinion known on the 47 turbines that would peak at about 600 feet. Continued...
Barre Planning Board recommends town not change turbine ordinance
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2018 at 11:04 am
BARRE – The Barre Town Planning decided on Monday that the town’s ordinance for wind turbines is just fine the way it is. Continued...
Barre Planning Board wrestles with revisions to wind energy ordinance
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2018 at 12:59 pm
BARRE — The Barre Town Planning Board is working to revise the town’s wind energy ordinance, and may make changes to allow turbines taller than the current 500-foot limit. The setbacks from houses and property lines may also be increased. Continued...
4 state legislators raise health concerns over turbine project
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2018 at 7:14 pm
YATES – Four state legislators have sent a letter to members of the Siting Board that will review Lighthouse Wind and determine if the 47-turbine project is approved in Yates and Somerset. Continued...
Fighting for clear skies over Barre
By MALLORY DIEFENBACH MDIEFENBACH@BATAVIANEWS.COM
PUBLISHED: FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018 AT 7:43 AM
BARRE — In March, Heritage Wind filed its preliminary scoping statement for its proposed 200-megawatt wind farm. However, not everyone is happy with the incoming wind farm. Continued...
Citizens' group forms in Barre to oppose wind turbine project
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2018 at 12:06 pm
BARRE – A citizens’ group has formed to oppose to the proposed Heritage Wind project in Barre. Continued...
Barre residents look for more information regarding Heritage Wind
By MALLORY DIEFENBACH
MDIEFENBACH@BATAVIANEWS.COM
PUBLISHED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 AT 12:30 AM
BARRE — “I need more information.” Continued...
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Update!
At the May Town Board meeting, Heritage Wind said that they will be submitting changes to the project to remove turbines 1-6, but adding four others in other locations. This is not over! CSAB will continue to educate and fight against this disastrous project. Please consider financially supporting CSAB.