Wind Power Freedom
Jun 13 - Bangor Daily News
A two-year battle in the Waldo County town of Freedom (pop. 700) over a wind
power project should not - and need not - be replicated in other Maine small
towns.
Unlike large-scale wind power projects such as the one developed in Mars
Hill, which produces about 25 megawatts, the Beaver Ridge project planned
for Freedom would produce 4.5 megawatts. The developer, Competitive Energy
Services, wants to build three 400- foot high turbines on a ridge off a back
road. Though many in town like the idea of supporting this burgeoning
electricity option, and all it means for energy independence, those who live
near the site are worried about the horror stories they've heard: a
constant, mind- numbing whooshing sound that penetrates walls and interferes
with sleep.
The small, rural town, with its volunteer boards, was unprepared to evaluate
the $12 million project when it was proposed in the spring of 2006. A
moratorium was adopted at town meeting, giving town officials time to
develop an ordinance with which to review the project. The town planning
board later approved the project, but the zoning board of appeals reversed
that approval. Then the ordinance, which apparently was seen as too
restrictive by the developer, was repealed by referendum, giving the company
the green light. On Tuesday, voters in town shot down an attempt to
reinstate the ordinance, so the project moves toward construction.
It may take years for the wounds to heal in Freedom, but other towns should
be able to avoid this fate. State regulators and the wind power industry can
take steps to help. Some reputable group - the Conservation Law Foundation -
could also take on this important task.
For its part, the wind power industry must provide the public with an
accurate picture of what it is like to live near turbines, and not
sugar-coat the less appealing aspects. If it does not, it risks losing
popular support in part because of misinformation.
The support of those who are theoretically willing to have wind power in
their backyard often flags when they learn the details. One of the first
thoughts many have is that the turbines will provide cheap electricity to
nearby homes. Not so. The electricity is sold on the New England power grid,
which, in theory, could lower local rates. The expansion of wind power,
then, must be explained in this context if it is to be embraced more
readily.
The state has taken steps to expedite review of large-scale projects in the
unorganized territories. It should do the same for small towns by developing
model ordinances which towns can easily customize and adopt.
Wind power has a bright future in Maine, but ensuring that its potential is
reached will require an effort to educate the public.
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