Link not available
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times
21 July 2007
CAPE VINCENT — If the St. Lawrence Wind Farm wants to satisfy the state Public Service Commission, it should rewind six months and start its environmental review over.
For the wind farm to build its 96 proposed turbines, it needs approval from the PSC in the form of a certificate of necessity, spokeswoman Anne P. Dalton said.
The commission’s comments on the review say the town Planning Board accepted a draft environmental impact statement that is incomplete and “does not address any topic in sufficient detail.”
[Continue reading via the WDT archives]
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Save-the-River-Thousand-Islands-Land-Trust-Comments-on-the-St-Lawrence-Wind-Draft-Environmental-Impact-Sta
Author: Save the River and Thousand Islands Land Trust
<-----link to original document
Save The River and Thousand Islands Land Trust respectfully submit the following comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Horse Creek Wind project proposed by PPM Energy in the Town of Clayton.
Save The River and the Thousand Islands Land Trust support green energy, including wind turbines, in any community but that they must be properly sited and that appropriate studies must be completed. We are submitting joint comments to highlight our significant concerns about the deficiencies of planning and oversight on this wind energy development proposal.
The Thousand Islands region and St. Lawrence River valley are areas where land and water interconnect and, as a result, are a rich, diverse area for wildlife. Additionally, our area is a key piece of the North Atlantic Flyway, a significant migratory pathway for millions of birds. Several noteworthy bird species have been documented using this region either as nesting habitat, over wintering, or foraging areas. Multiple organizations and agencies have recognized the environmental importance of the area including:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified the Thousand Islands region as one of three focal areas for Strategic Habitat Conservation in Region 5.
2006 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan considers the St. Lawrence River islands, shorelines and wetlands a conservation priority
New York Department of Environmental Conservation has designated the area as a New York State Bird Conservation Area.
Audubon New York has identified the area as an Important Bird Area.
In light of these important environmental features, Save The River and the Thousand Islands Land Trust are very concerned about the lack of depth and breadth of the environmental studies included in the DEIS and the overall site review process for this proposed development. Specifically,
Regional Study and County-wide review – With large-scale wind development projects underway throughout the St. Lawrence River valley and the North Country, a thorough review of the collective impact of these projects is critical. The impacts and benefits of wind-energy installations are not constrained by political boundaries. The Jefferson County Legislature and Jefferson County Planning Department should be involved in coordinating these projects on a county-wide basis.
Pre-construction Studies — Pre-construction evaluation of the facility is critical to fully understand and mitigate potential environmental impacts. Pre- construction studies provide important information needed to site and construct the wind turbines with minimal impact on environmental features. The DEIS currently recommends relying heavily on post-construction mitigation, which is not acceptable.
Rigorous SEQR Review — We are very concerned that the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process has not been followed to its fullest extent. The SEQR process requires full review of adverse impacts and alternatives. The DEIS for this project fails to show what the significant adverse environmental impacts might be and it does not contain information necessary to evaluate project alternatives.
Relevant Agency Expertise — In light of the national and regional significance of the ecology of this region, agencies with relevant expertise, such as the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, New York Department of State, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, must be an integral part of the decision-making process on any environmental and site review processes.
Long-term bird and wildlife studies – The DEIS must include studies of at least three years in duration to account for natural annual variability of bird and wildlife habitat. Currently, the DEIS includes only one year of study and data collection. An expert panel recently convened by the National Research Council, Environmental Impacts of Wind-Energy Projects (2007), strongly recommended that all wind energy proposals develop predictive and risk- assessment models of potential, cumulative impacts that include full season, multi-year pre-siting studies, pre-construction studies and are followed by post-construction studies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has a policy of recommending three-year studies.
Wetland Impacts – The DEIS does not adequately address the impact of project construction, including roads, transmission lines and turbines, on wetlands. Additionally, post-construction impacts of storm water run off from new roads and other turbine maintenance facilities must be examined.
Cost-benefit analysis – A cost-benefit analysis of the project must be considered so that decision-makers have a thorough understanding of economic and environmental costs and benefits to the region. In conclusion, we strongly urge the Town of Cape Vincent Planning Board to require the developer of the project, AES/Acciona Energy NY, to take additional time to review the potential environmental impacts of this project proposal. This wind energy facility is anticipated to be in operation for 20-30 years. Taking a relatively short amount of time to study, understand, and plan for the mitigation of any potential impacts will have long- term benefits in ensuring that this development has limited impact on the environment and economy of our region.
Sincerely,
Jennifer J. Caddick
Executive Director
Save The River
Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper
Aaron R. Vogel
Executive Director
Thousand Islands Land Trust
June 14, 2007
<-----link to original document
Save The River and Thousand Islands Land Trust respectfully submit the following comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Horse Creek Wind project proposed by PPM Energy in the Town of Clayton.
Save The River and the Thousand Islands Land Trust support green energy, including wind turbines, in any community but that they must be properly sited and that appropriate studies must be completed. We are submitting joint comments to highlight our significant concerns about the deficiencies of planning and oversight on this wind energy development proposal.
The Thousand Islands region and St. Lawrence River valley are areas where land and water interconnect and, as a result, are a rich, diverse area for wildlife. Additionally, our area is a key piece of the North Atlantic Flyway, a significant migratory pathway for millions of birds. Several noteworthy bird species have been documented using this region either as nesting habitat, over wintering, or foraging areas. Multiple organizations and agencies have recognized the environmental importance of the area including:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified the Thousand Islands region as one of three focal areas for Strategic Habitat Conservation in Region 5.
2006 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan considers the St. Lawrence River islands, shorelines and wetlands a conservation priority
New York Department of Environmental Conservation has designated the area as a New York State Bird Conservation Area.
Audubon New York has identified the area as an Important Bird Area.
In light of these important environmental features, Save The River and the Thousand Islands Land Trust are very concerned about the lack of depth and breadth of the environmental studies included in the DEIS and the overall site review process for this proposed development. Specifically,
Regional Study and County-wide review – With large-scale wind development projects underway throughout the St. Lawrence River valley and the North Country, a thorough review of the collective impact of these projects is critical. The impacts and benefits of wind-energy installations are not constrained by political boundaries. The Jefferson County Legislature and Jefferson County Planning Department should be involved in coordinating these projects on a county-wide basis.
Pre-construction Studies — Pre-construction evaluation of the facility is critical to fully understand and mitigate potential environmental impacts. Pre- construction studies provide important information needed to site and construct the wind turbines with minimal impact on environmental features. The DEIS currently recommends relying heavily on post-construction mitigation, which is not acceptable.
Rigorous SEQR Review — We are very concerned that the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process has not been followed to its fullest extent. The SEQR process requires full review of adverse impacts and alternatives. The DEIS for this project fails to show what the significant adverse environmental impacts might be and it does not contain information necessary to evaluate project alternatives.
Relevant Agency Expertise — In light of the national and regional significance of the ecology of this region, agencies with relevant expertise, such as the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, New York Department of State, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, must be an integral part of the decision-making process on any environmental and site review processes.
Long-term bird and wildlife studies – The DEIS must include studies of at least three years in duration to account for natural annual variability of bird and wildlife habitat. Currently, the DEIS includes only one year of study and data collection. An expert panel recently convened by the National Research Council, Environmental Impacts of Wind-Energy Projects (2007), strongly recommended that all wind energy proposals develop predictive and risk- assessment models of potential, cumulative impacts that include full season, multi-year pre-siting studies, pre-construction studies and are followed by post-construction studies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has a policy of recommending three-year studies.
Wetland Impacts – The DEIS does not adequately address the impact of project construction, including roads, transmission lines and turbines, on wetlands. Additionally, post-construction impacts of storm water run off from new roads and other turbine maintenance facilities must be examined.
Cost-benefit analysis – A cost-benefit analysis of the project must be considered so that decision-makers have a thorough understanding of economic and environmental costs and benefits to the region. In conclusion, we strongly urge the Town of Cape Vincent Planning Board to require the developer of the project, AES/Acciona Energy NY, to take additional time to review the potential environmental impacts of this project proposal. This wind energy facility is anticipated to be in operation for 20-30 years. Taking a relatively short amount of time to study, understand, and plan for the mitigation of any potential impacts will have long- term benefits in ensuring that this development has limited impact on the environment and economy of our region.
Sincerely,
Jennifer J. Caddick
Executive Director
Save The River
Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper
Aaron R. Vogel
Executive Director
Thousand Islands Land Trust
June 14, 2007
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Cape Vincent Lists its Requirements For Wind Turbines
By Kelly Vadney
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY)
Publication Date: 06/28/2007
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Planning Board on Wednesday gave the St. Lawrence Wind Farm several hoops to jump through before completing the environmental review for its proposed project.
The wind farm, proposed by AES Acciona Wind Power NY, would bring up to 96 turbines to the town. A second project, Cape Vincent Wind Farm, proposed by BP Alternative Energy, would bring 60 to 80 turbines to the interior of Cape Vincent and 30 to 60 to the neighboring town of Lyme. BP’s project is not yet in the environmental review stage.
[Continue reading via the WDT archives]
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Towns Seeking Wind Zoning Advice
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times
Date: 06/27/2007
With industrial wind farm developments on the horizon in the north county, town supervisors are reaching out to Jefferson County government for help.
The Jefferson County Town Supervisors Association has asked the county planning office to present examples of zoning laws for turbines at an upcoming meeting, said County Planning Director Donald R. Canfield. While the county cannot implement zoning for municipalities, it can offer advice if called upon.
[Continue reading via the WDT archives]
Watertown Daily Times
Date: 06/27/2007
With industrial wind farm developments on the horizon in the north county, town supervisors are reaching out to Jefferson County government for help.
The Jefferson County Town Supervisors Association has asked the county planning office to present examples of zoning laws for turbines at an upcoming meeting, said County Planning Director Donald R. Canfield. While the county cannot implement zoning for municipalities, it can offer advice if called upon.
[Continue reading via the WDT archives]
Sunday, June 24, 2007
CAPE RESIDENTS SAY WIND FARM PLAN DOSEN"T HONOR SETBACKS
CAPE RESIDENTS SAY WIND FARM PLAN DOESN"T HONOR SETBACKS
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times
Publication Date: 06/24/2007
CAPE VINCENT — St. Lawrence Wind Farm has proposed turbine locations short of a 1,000-foot setback the company pledged to honor, mapping some industrial windmills closer to properties that are not participating in its project.
Former town Councilman Clifford P. Schneider wrote the town Planning Board about the locations, saying he found 30 proposed turbine sites that are closer than 1,000 feet to nonparticipating parcels.
[Continue reading via the WDT archives]
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Save The River ,TILT Call For A Chomprehensive Wind Farm Review
By Kelly Vadney
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY)
Publication Date: 06/19/2007
Two nonprofit environmental organizations have teamed up to call for a comprehensive review of proposed wind farms in Jefferson County.
Save the River and the Thousand Islands Land Trust submitted identical comments concerning the proposed St. Lawrence Wind Farm, Cape Vincent, and the Horse Creek Wind Farm, Clayton.
[Continue Via the WDT archives]
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY)
Publication Date: 06/19/2007
Two nonprofit environmental organizations have teamed up to call for a comprehensive review of proposed wind farms in Jefferson County.
Save the River and the Thousand Islands Land Trust submitted identical comments concerning the proposed St. Lawrence Wind Farm, Cape Vincent, and the Horse Creek Wind Farm, Clayton.
[Continue Via the WDT archives]
Monday, June 11, 2007
Lyme Seeks lead Agency status in BP's~ Cape Wind farm
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY)
06/11/2007
The town of Lyme is using its six-month moratorium on wind farm development, which was enacted in April, to seek control in the environmental review process for the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm and draft zoning regulation for turbines.
It has written the state Department of Environmental Conservation asserting that it “will act as lead agency” for any State Environmental Quality Review within its boundaries.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY)
06/11/2007
The town of Lyme is using its six-month moratorium on wind farm development, which was enacted in April, to seek control in the environmental review process for the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm and draft zoning regulation for turbines.
It has written the state Department of Environmental Conservation asserting that it “will act as lead agency” for any State Environmental Quality Review within its boundaries.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
2007 , Stantec sent letters out to the residents of Cape Vincent announcing their plans to build an 86 turbine wind complex on Wolfe Island Identifying the residents of Cape Vincent as stakeholders in this project .
Although the project has been completed this does not mean we are no longer stakeholders.
Below are documents I received from Stantec notifying me of the Wolfe Island Project and the stakeholder comment period
Wallstreet Video news sto Source: The Wall Street Journal
Canadians Make a Racket Over Mysterious 'Windsor Hum'
Although the project has been completed this does not mean we are no longer stakeholders.
Below are documents I received from Stantec notifying me of the Wolfe Island Project and the stakeholder comment period
Wallstreet Video news sto Source: The Wall Street Journal
Canadians Make a Racket Over Mysterious 'Windsor Hum'
Thursday, May 17, 2007
SPITZER GETS BILL LIMITING FARM TAX/ Aubertine Co-Sponsors Bill
Published: May 17, 2007
SPITZER GETS BILL LIMITING FARM TAX
ASSESSMENT RELIEF: LEGISLATION WOULD HOLD INCREASE TO NO MORE THAN 10% OF 2006 VALUE
Watertown Daily Times
By CHRIS GARIFO
TIMES ALBANY CORRESPONDENT
ALBANY -- Property tax assessments on farms will increase by no more than 10 percent above their value from the year before under legislation heading to Gov. Eliot L. Spitzer.
"This makes a lot of sense," said state Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, who introduced the legislation in the state Senate. The measure's co-sponsors include state Sen. James W. Wright, R-Watertown, and Assemblymembers Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, and Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur.
Farmland in New York is not assessed based on its commercial value, as are most other properties. Instead, a formula is used based on the productive value of the soil.
Under the formula, better soils have a higher assessed value because they produce better crops.
However, the formula also takes into account the overall farm economy to determine the actual value of the land to agriculture. A complex process is used to determine that and is based over several years.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
SPITZER GETS BILL LIMITING FARM TAX
ASSESSMENT RELIEF: LEGISLATION WOULD HOLD INCREASE TO NO MORE THAN 10% OF 2006 VALUE
Watertown Daily Times
By CHRIS GARIFO
TIMES ALBANY CORRESPONDENT
ALBANY -- Property tax assessments on farms will increase by no more than 10 percent above their value from the year before under legislation heading to Gov. Eliot L. Spitzer.
"This makes a lot of sense," said state Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, who introduced the legislation in the state Senate. The measure's co-sponsors include state Sen. James W. Wright, R-Watertown, and Assemblymembers Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, and Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur.
Farmland in New York is not assessed based on its commercial value, as are most other properties. Instead, a formula is used based on the productive value of the soil.
Under the formula, better soils have a higher assessed value because they produce better crops.
However, the formula also takes into account the overall farm economy to determine the actual value of the land to agriculture. A complex process is used to determine that and is based over several years.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Friday, April 27, 2007
antitrust complaint against the wind industry.
Watertown Daily Times
Date: 04/27/2007
T. Urling and Mabel Walker of Watertown and Cape Vincent are among 20 north country residents named in a 94-person antitrust complaint against the wind industry.
The complaint — submitted Wednesday via e-mail to the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division — alleges that a number of foreign and domestic companies “have conspired to eliminate competition in the newly emerging wind energy industry.” It claims that, through alliances and cross-ownership, the alleged “international cartel” is avoiding competition for potential wind farm sites, reducing benefits to landowners and municipalities, and that “virtually all of the earnings are funneled abroad to the foreign owners and investors.”
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Date: 04/27/2007
T. Urling and Mabel Walker of Watertown and Cape Vincent are among 20 north country residents named in a 94-person antitrust complaint against the wind industry.
The complaint — submitted Wednesday via e-mail to the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division — alleges that a number of foreign and domestic companies “have conspired to eliminate competition in the newly emerging wind energy industry.” It claims that, through alliances and cross-ownership, the alleged “international cartel” is avoiding competition for potential wind farm sites, reducing benefits to landowners and municipalities, and that “virtually all of the earnings are funneled abroad to the foreign owners and investors.”
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Cape Vincent Local Development Corp. sends out survey asking about wind farm.
Byline: Kelly Vadney
Article from:Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY) Article date:
Apr. 11--CAPE VINCENT --
It's easy to ruffle feathers in Cape Vincent.
Just follow the Cape Vincent Local Development Corp.'s footsteps and send out 2,000 surveys that ask questions about wind turbines.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Article from:Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY) Article date:
Apr. 11--CAPE VINCENT --
It's easy to ruffle feathers in Cape Vincent.
Just follow the Cape Vincent Local Development Corp.'s footsteps and send out 2,000 surveys that ask questions about wind turbines.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Saturday, April 7, 2007
WPEG ~ Wind Lawsuit Claims zoning law change required for utilities designation of wind turbines
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY)
04/07/2007
The town of Cape Vincent sees proposed wind turbines just like a water treatment plant or electrical substation, utilities allowed under its existing zoning laws. But an opposition group contends that dozens of 400-foot-high turbines spread over hundreds of acres aren’t utilities, and has filed a lawsuit to force the town to create new zoning controls.
A judge will decide who’s right, and that ruling may send the town back to square one in the planning process for turbine development. If the ruling is made in favor of the town, the planning process will continue with the possibility of turbines being placed in the municipality’s river and lakefront districts, on waterfront property near Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, NY)
04/07/2007
The town of Cape Vincent sees proposed wind turbines just like a water treatment plant or electrical substation, utilities allowed under its existing zoning laws. But an opposition group contends that dozens of 400-foot-high turbines spread over hundreds of acres aren’t utilities, and has filed a lawsuit to force the town to create new zoning controls.
A judge will decide who’s right, and that ruling may send the town back to square one in the planning process for turbine development. If the ruling is made in favor of the town, the planning process will continue with the possibility of turbines being placed in the municipality’s river and lakefront districts, on waterfront property near Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Monday, April 2, 2007
Turbine foes file lawsuit
April 02, 2007
Turbine foes file lawsuit
(Watertown Daily Times (NY) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Mar. 31--CAPE VINCENT -- A citizens group opposed to a proposed wind farm here has mounted a legal challenge to the town's determination that the project qualifies as a utility under zoning law.
Wind Power Ethics Group filed an Article 78 petition Wednesday in state Supreme Court against the town's Zoning Board of Appeals and St. Lawrence Windpower LLC, the developer of the proposed 97-turbine project.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Turbine foes file lawsuit
(Watertown Daily Times (NY) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Mar. 31--CAPE VINCENT -- A citizens group opposed to a proposed wind farm here has mounted a legal challenge to the town's determination that the project qualifies as a utility under zoning law.
Wind Power Ethics Group filed an Article 78 petition Wednesday in state Supreme Court against the town's Zoning Board of Appeals and St. Lawrence Windpower LLC, the developer of the proposed 97-turbine project.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Wind Farm Meeting Moved Due To Crowd
I do not have the link to this post , however I am working on it.
By Kelly Vadney
Publication: Watertown Daily Times
(Watertown, NY)
Publication Date: 04/01/2007
The town of Lyme’s debate on a wind power moratorium Saturday drew enough residents to be moved, physically.
When the crowd formed a line outside the municipal building’s meeting room, the Town Council relocated the session less than a mile down the road, to the fire hall. There, about 80 people listened to arguments for and against a moratorium on wind farm development. A moratorium would put development on hold while the council adopts zoning for turbines.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
By Kelly Vadney
Publication: Watertown Daily Times
(Watertown, NY)
Publication Date: 04/01/2007
The town of Lyme’s debate on a wind power moratorium Saturday drew enough residents to be moved, physically.
When the crowd formed a line outside the municipal building’s meeting room, the Town Council relocated the session less than a mile down the road, to the fire hall. There, about 80 people listened to arguments for and against a moratorium on wind farm development. A moratorium would put development on hold while the council adopts zoning for turbines.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Cape Vincent NY ~ WPEG~ files suit ~ Wind Turbines as Utilities
Watertown Daily Times
31 March 2007
CAPE VINCENT — A citizens group opposed to a proposed wind farm here has mounted a legal challenge to the town’s determination that the project qualifies as a utility under zoning law.
Wind Power Ethics Group filed an Article 78 petition Wednesday in state Supreme Court against the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals and St. Lawrence Windpower LLC, the developer of the proposed 97-turbine project.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
31 March 2007
CAPE VINCENT — A citizens group opposed to a proposed wind farm here has mounted a legal challenge to the town’s determination that the project qualifies as a utility under zoning law.
Wind Power Ethics Group filed an Article 78 petition Wednesday in state Supreme Court against the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals and St. Lawrence Windpower LLC, the developer of the proposed 97-turbine project.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Friday, March 23, 2007
~ Paving Paradise ~ NNY Follies ~ Wolfe Island~
23 March 2007
Next week, Canadian Hydro will sponsor two public hearings to discuss a plan to construct 86 windmills on Wolfe Island. The 200-megawatt project will feed Ontario’s electric grid, from towers located across the west end of Wolfe Island.
For the geographically challenged or those who don’t have much opportunity to visit the Cape Vincent area, Wolfe Island is across a narrow channel of the St. Lawrence River from Cape Vincent; the ferry runs from the southeast corner of the island to the Cape. The island is clearly visible from Cape Vincent to Tibbets Point, and most of the towers will be clearly visible as well.
I mention this because, with the wind farm or farms proposed for Cape Vincent and Clayton, if the Canadian Hydro project goes through, the St.Lawrence River valley and eastern Lake Ontario will almost overnight become the site of as many as 350 windmills.
There are fewer than 200 towers in the Maple Ridge project on Tug Hill, and that project dominates the horizon from Turin to past Copenhagen. Along the river, wind farms could dominate the horizon from Fishers Landing to, well, to well out into Lake Ontario.
I have a great deal of ambivalence about the prospects of turning the lake and river area into a giant wind farm. I do believe that green power is important — the renewable, natural nature of wind-generated power has to be superior to burning coal or natural gas or splitting atoms. And yet…the number of windmills it takes to produce enough power to make a wind farm economically viable means that no working wind farm can ever be inobtrusive. Despite what some of my Cape Vincent critics blindly maintain, the aesthetic enjoyment of an area with such breathtaking natural beauty as the Thousand Islands region has significant value and it should be protected.
It seems to me that the dual “economic development” goals of some people along the river are mutually exclusive; you cannot on the one hand push a massive wind farm as a major economic asset and also continue to pursue with abandon tourism dollars. Some — perhaps many — people will be put off by the sight of the towers relentlessly marching along the river to the extent that they will not find the natural beauty they came to enjoy. And they won’t come back. (And believe me, when the initial awe of wind towers wears off, they aren’t going to draw any tourists here.)
Sometimes, man acts with foresight and wisdom. Mostly, though, my experience is that foresight is in extremely short supply. As Joni Mitchell pointed out, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone?” It seems that folks along the river are hell bent on paving paradise and putting in a tower lot. They don’t seem willing to consider that once paradise is gone, it just never comes back.
posted by Kentsboss
nnyfollies
23 March 2007
Next week, Canadian Hydro will sponsor two public hearings to discuss a plan to construct 86 windmills on Wolfe Island. The 200-megawatt project will feed Ontario’s electric grid, from towers located across the west end of Wolfe Island.
For the geographically challenged or those who don’t have much opportunity to visit the Cape Vincent area, Wolfe Island is across a narrow channel of the St. Lawrence River from Cape Vincent; the ferry runs from the southeast corner of the island to the Cape. The island is clearly visible from Cape Vincent to Tibbets Point, and most of the towers will be clearly visible as well.
I mention this because, with the wind farm or farms proposed for Cape Vincent and Clayton, if the Canadian Hydro project goes through, the St.Lawrence River valley and eastern Lake Ontario will almost overnight become the site of as many as 350 windmills.
There are fewer than 200 towers in the Maple Ridge project on Tug Hill, and that project dominates the horizon from Turin to past Copenhagen. Along the river, wind farms could dominate the horizon from Fishers Landing to, well, to well out into Lake Ontario.
I have a great deal of ambivalence about the prospects of turning the lake and river area into a giant wind farm. I do believe that green power is important — the renewable, natural nature of wind-generated power has to be superior to burning coal or natural gas or splitting atoms. And yet…the number of windmills it takes to produce enough power to make a wind farm economically viable means that no working wind farm can ever be inobtrusive. Despite what some of my Cape Vincent critics blindly maintain, the aesthetic enjoyment of an area with such breathtaking natural beauty as the Thousand Islands region has significant value and it should be protected.
It seems to me that the dual “economic development” goals of some people along the river are mutually exclusive; you cannot on the one hand push a massive wind farm as a major economic asset and also continue to pursue with abandon tourism dollars. Some — perhaps many — people will be put off by the sight of the towers relentlessly marching along the river to the extent that they will not find the natural beauty they came to enjoy. And they won’t come back. (And believe me, when the initial awe of wind towers wears off, they aren’t going to draw any tourists here.)
Sometimes, man acts with foresight and wisdom. Mostly, though, my experience is that foresight is in extremely short supply. As Joni Mitchell pointed out, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone?” It seems that folks along the river are hell bent on paving paradise and putting in a tower lot. They don’t seem willing to consider that once paradise is gone, it just never comes back.
posted by Kentsboss
nnyfollies
23 March 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
2007~ NNY Follies ~ Breathing room ~ Lyme Moratorium ~
One man’s blessing may be another’s curse. It appears that the border between the towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent may be pointing that out, as the town of Lyme is on the verge of enacting a six-month moratorium on wind farm development to give town officials time to study the ramifications and effects of allowing giant towers and turbines in the community.
If the moratorium is enacted, it could significantly slow down BP Alternative Energy’s proposed two-town wind farm project, much to the consternation of many people in Cape Vincent who have leapt upon the wind power bandwagon without checking for a safety net. This immediately sets them apart from both Clayton and Lyme, where municipal officials have decided to at least take a breath before enthusiastically endorsing the power projects.
A moratorium is not a death sentence for any reasonably proposed wind project; it is merely a way for a municipality to have the time to decide just what controls they need to institute on this invasive land use. It is a reasonable and fairly common response to new proposals, and has been used for such things as establishing a permit process for outdoor furnaces and other invasive uses that from time to time crop up.
The residents of Lyme will be well-served by this moratorium, should the Town Council enact it. For one thing, they will have a reasonable amount of time to study the issue to see if wind farms in general are appropriate for their community. For another, it will allow the council time to decide what controls, if any, they wish to place on wind farm development. They may, for example, wish to establish zones where wind farms are not appropriate ““ Lyme’s many miles of lake shore leap immediately to mind, but there could be many places where the community doesn’t want the towers to be placed. The council may also wish to limit density or place controls on environmental impacts such as noise. All of these issues are important, and all need time for study. Six months, in fact, may not be enough ““ but the town council could extend the moratorium if it deems more study is needed.
A question that will no doubt be asked is why, if Cape Vincent is willing to dive into wind farms without so much as a serious question, should Lyme take this step. I would answer that with another question: Why did Cape Vincent officials not care enough about carefully studying a monumental, irrevocable decision to step back and allow itself time enough to do so?
A cynic might suggest that the difference between Cape Vincent and its neighboring communities is chiefly that none of those officials in Lyme and Clayton allowed themselves to be blinded by the almighty dollar, or placed in a compromising position by accepting wind farm money before the issue even came before them. I am a cynic.
Lyme is doing the right thing if it enacts this moratorium. It does not preclude wind farm development, it just lets the community get in front of the issue, instead of staring at the taillights of a development company that has bulldozed its way through the community, planning process be damned.
posted by Kentsboss
nnyfollies.blogspot.com
15 March 2007
If the moratorium is enacted, it could significantly slow down BP Alternative Energy’s proposed two-town wind farm project, much to the consternation of many people in Cape Vincent who have leapt upon the wind power bandwagon without checking for a safety net. This immediately sets them apart from both Clayton and Lyme, where municipal officials have decided to at least take a breath before enthusiastically endorsing the power projects.
A moratorium is not a death sentence for any reasonably proposed wind project; it is merely a way for a municipality to have the time to decide just what controls they need to institute on this invasive land use. It is a reasonable and fairly common response to new proposals, and has been used for such things as establishing a permit process for outdoor furnaces and other invasive uses that from time to time crop up.
The residents of Lyme will be well-served by this moratorium, should the Town Council enact it. For one thing, they will have a reasonable amount of time to study the issue to see if wind farms in general are appropriate for their community. For another, it will allow the council time to decide what controls, if any, they wish to place on wind farm development. They may, for example, wish to establish zones where wind farms are not appropriate ““ Lyme’s many miles of lake shore leap immediately to mind, but there could be many places where the community doesn’t want the towers to be placed. The council may also wish to limit density or place controls on environmental impacts such as noise. All of these issues are important, and all need time for study. Six months, in fact, may not be enough ““ but the town council could extend the moratorium if it deems more study is needed.
A question that will no doubt be asked is why, if Cape Vincent is willing to dive into wind farms without so much as a serious question, should Lyme take this step. I would answer that with another question: Why did Cape Vincent officials not care enough about carefully studying a monumental, irrevocable decision to step back and allow itself time enough to do so?
A cynic might suggest that the difference between Cape Vincent and its neighboring communities is chiefly that none of those officials in Lyme and Clayton allowed themselves to be blinded by the almighty dollar, or placed in a compromising position by accepting wind farm money before the issue even came before them. I am a cynic.
Lyme is doing the right thing if it enacts this moratorium. It does not preclude wind farm development, it just lets the community get in front of the issue, instead of staring at the taillights of a development company that has bulldozed its way through the community, planning process be damned.
posted by Kentsboss
nnyfollies.blogspot.com
15 March 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Lyme to windmills: Not so fast
Link not available~
wwnytv.net
14 March 2007
The Lyme town board wants a six month moratorium on windmill construction in the town.
Meeting Wednesday night, board members said they need time to draft zoning rules.
A public hearing on the windmill issue will be held at the end of the month.
Three windmill companies have expressed interest in setting up windfarms in Lyme.
“Things are moving a little too fast,” said town council member Norman Schreib.
“The town board decided we want to slow things down to give time to evaluate what’s going on.”
However, board members emphasized they are not anti-windmill.
wwnytv.net
14 March 2007
wwnytv.net
14 March 2007
The Lyme town board wants a six month moratorium on windmill construction in the town.
Meeting Wednesday night, board members said they need time to draft zoning rules.
A public hearing on the windmill issue will be held at the end of the month.
Three windmill companies have expressed interest in setting up windfarms in Lyme.
“Things are moving a little too fast,” said town council member Norman Schreib.
“The town board decided we want to slow things down to give time to evaluate what’s going on.”
However, board members emphasized they are not anti-windmill.
wwnytv.net
14 March 2007
Lyme May Want Own Study of Wind farm
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times
03/14/2007
The immediate future of BP Alternative Energy’s proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm may hinge on what transpires at the Lyme Town Council’s meeting today.
The issue is whether Cape Vincent will supervise the entire environmental review for the proposed 210-megawatt wind farm project, which crosses town lines, or if the Lyme Town Council will opt for a separate environmental review for the portion in Lyme. That could slow development of the wind farm.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Watertown Daily Times
03/14/2007
The immediate future of BP Alternative Energy’s proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm may hinge on what transpires at the Lyme Town Council’s meeting today.
The issue is whether Cape Vincent will supervise the entire environmental review for the proposed 210-megawatt wind farm project, which crosses town lines, or if the Lyme Town Council will opt for a separate environmental review for the portion in Lyme. That could slow development of the wind farm.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
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