Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Residents in Adams Township are taking a stand against a proposed wind farm.
At a public meeting in Baltic, concerned citizens packed the township hall to hear a presentation by representatives from Farm Wind Energy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
At issue was a request by Farm Wind Energy developer Dave Hokens to amend a local ordinance that prohibits wind turbines from being closer than 3,000 feet from any adjacent property lines, roads or houses.
Hokens wanted that ordinance changed to 500 feet from adjacent property lines and 1,500 feet from homes and he had indicated he would consider forcing the matter in court, if necessary.
Regional Energy Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jeffrey Gosse explained the negative impact the wind farm could have on migrant birds and bats in the Keweenaw, including the northern long-eared bat recently listed as a threatened species.
Farm Wind Energy representatives described the perceived benefits of installing seven 400-foot wind turbines, including a less expensive energy option for utility companies and tax benefits for the local area.
Adams Township Supervisor Gerald Heikkinen noted that there were many doubts about the tax benefits and that the township had not been provided any details on a proposed business plan or land lease agreements from Farm Wind Energy.
Other concerns raised by residents included the noise factor, especially low frequency outputs suspected of causing health problems for those living nearby.
The company confirmed that they had not yet found a buyer for their energy and there was still a lot of work to do.
But with the township board reaffirming their ordinance on turbine setbacks, Farm Wind Energy Representative Eric Udelhofen said it’s basically back to the drawing board.
Exactly what happens next is up to the company, but at least for now–Supervisor Heikkinen was thrilled to see so many people come out to voice their opinion.
And now they do.
