Digby Municipality: Kindly distribute a copy of this to all the councilors.
To Maritza Adams, District #2 Councilor, Municipality of Digby
Dear Maritza,
I thank you for your work on our behalf as our
elected municipal councilor. However, here in your District #2 on the
south shore of St. Mary's Bay, I have heard rumours
that you are not supportive of the Wind By-law. I do hope that these rumours
are without foundation.
As a District #2 resident, voter and
businessman, I respectfully ask that you support the Wind Energy By-law.
I make this appeal because of my support for quality of life and quality of the
environment within our larger area around St. Mary’s Bay and my ongoing active
support for the development of sustainable economic development, the type which
enhances rather than diminishes this quality of life within the beautiful but
delicate SW Nova Biosphere Reserve of which we are a part.
More specifically, this wind park on Digby Neck
will directly and negatively impact businesses in your district #2, despite
being far from the proposed Digby Neck site. So I also ask for your
support of the Wind By-law because of the impact that this wind farm blemish on
the Digby Neck environment will certainly have on my Japanese Art
Gallery business and many
other businesses in your district.
A high percentage of my gallery customers
drop in as they drive through Route 1 and 101 on their way to or from
Digby Neck and Islands, drawn here from around
the world to this area because of its natural beauty and accessibility and
because of its inclusion in the UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve.
In past years, I have seen as much as a 50% drop in my
business caused by disruptions on Digby Neck such as resurfacing
the road down the Neck and/or Islands.
Thousands of tourists chose to avoid the St. Mary's Bay area entirely. They
chose the South Shore route when they learned from Nova
Scotia Tourist Bureau personnel of possible disruptions to traffic on Digby
Neck during that period of heavy equipment use on route 217.
The construction and maintenance of this
wind park will certainly impact businesses throughout your voter district here
on this south side of St. Mary's Bay in like manner but in a much more drastic
fashion and for a much more sustained period of time. As our local councillor
accountable
to us as voters, we ask your help in preventing this.
Digby Neck and Islands
is unique and will draw people through our district #2 for years to come IF not
blemished by industrial desecration and greed. This will happen if wise voters
and equally wise and visionary councilors choose by-laws to protect the
sustainability of our lands and coastlines and sea while promoting
environmentally sustainable industry and jobs.
I am not opposed to wind energy. I am opposed to wind energy located
purely for
reasons of maximizing corporate profit within people's dwelling space
when there is so much non-dwelling space where such equipment could be located,
for example, in the upper-Sissiboo
River watershed.
Based on your vote as my
representative on this By-law issue and subsequent decisions you will make on
environmentally sustainable economic growth during the rest of your term as
councilor, as a voter and activist seeking environmentally sustainable jobs for
our municipality I look forward to the possibility of promoting your candidacy
for re-election in my district in the next municipal election.
I do wish to hear your thoughts,
Maritza, on these issues and await your timely response to my views and to
my specific request for your support on this By-law issue on which so many have
worked for so long.
With kind regards,
Tom
Tom Haynes-Paton
Japanese Woodblock Prints & Antiques Gallery
PO Box 11, Barton, B0W1H0, Nova Scotia
902-245-2347 Japanesegallery@gmail.com
website japanesewoodblockprints.ca
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Letter to Council
Re: Society Of Our Lady Saint. Mary
To The Municipal Council of the District of Digby,
And to the Members of the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC).
July 14,2009 (Bastille Day)
Dear Warden, Councilors, and PAC Members:
When it comes to a discussion about The Wind Farm Project for Digby Neck, it is no secret that I am not on the same page as you- or most of you- seem to be. That’s what makes Canada the greatest country in the world in which to truly live: citizens are allowed to think, to question, to oppose, and nonetheless be in solidarity as a nation.
.Differ as we may, I find it hard to believe that we would differ on the work of the Society of Our Lady Saint Mary , better known to us as Bethany Place in Rossway, and the Bethany Bargain Bin in Digby. On August 15th., the Society will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in the Municipality of the District of Digby. They deserve commendation and praise for that alone. (They are an Anglican Society with many lay members.)
These are no “Fly-By-Nighter Do-Gooders” by any means. Sister Bonnie has been here the full thirty years, and Sister Barbara for two decades or more. In the light of the work they have done and continue to do, they are the greatest gift to the economy of the people that we have in our midst- bar none! Whatever the situation may be, they are there in time of need with a compassionate ear and succor. Our paid institutions are not always so ready and available to respond on such short notice, if indeed at all.
You, perhaps better than I, know their history. When I returned to this place I embraced almost fifty years ago for the first time, they were caring for elderly and handicapped people. They operated a Shuttle Service for those on limited incomes and no transportation on the Neck until, I understand, insurance became cost prohibitive.
Their next caring Ministry began in a house in Conway with the establishment of the Bethany Bargain Bin where we can bring in our no longer needed items of clothing, pots
and pans, furniture and all and any clean and useful household items sparing them from the fate of the landfill, and offering them for minimal prices to all and any who need them.
It wasn’t long before a move to the larger facility was needed, a building which they bought a couple of years ago.
We know their work well. Many young people and not-so-young too, have learned an appreciation for music from Sr. Bonnie who offers piano lessons at her home. We know her dedication to choirs and congregations in area Churches where she offers her skills at the organ and in voice. School concerts, and whenever, she is there.
We know that she and Sister Barbara open their beautiful Chapel to women and men of all faiths and none for Retreats, Spiritual Conferences, Prayer Days, and times of reflection and meditation. We know that they have a small Hermitage on their property in the isolation and solitude of nature. People come from near and far and spend days, weeks, and months at times to stop and listen to God speaking to them in the silence.
The world is a noisy place; our minds are a noisy place; our homes are a noisy place; and the place and world in which we work, a cacophony! The pressure of the times on our lives in relationships ,families, at work, and in the community are ominous! Broken marriages, drug alcohol abuse, addictions, and spousal aberrations loudly testify to that. Respite is a rare commodity indeed!
Bethany Place in Rossway is indeed a haven for many. A place of spirituality and prayer, it draws men and women of all faiths and none to come and be alone with their God – a place to quell the noise a while and to come in touch Him/Her. The gift is the silence.
There are few if any places like it in our midst where one can participate in a directed
Spiritual retreat alone or with the many, or can experience the hermitage life style for a bit and wander the woodlands, or take to the orchards to the south on to St.Mary’s Bay.
The silence that alone can put men and women in touch with God is threatened now by the prospect of a four hundred foot wind blowing apparatus whizzing and whining and droning twenty four hours a day a mere six hundred meters away on a hillside, dropping down its monotonous din , it’s flicker, and even the risk of ice thrown off a blade on the retreatant wandering too closely to it.
To erect such a monstrous machine there is to kill the silence, and to drive our God away.
God does not speak in noise and confusion, but only to the quiet, settled heart. It is with
this in mind that I appeal to Council and to the PAC to invoke the utmost manifestation of respect, goodness, and decency for this holy gathering place and deny the proponent
such near proximity to Bethany Place.
In copying this to them, I too beg them to comply. “Man does not live on bread alone.”
I request this letter be on the agenda of the Meeting on July 20,2009.
Daniel Mills
9396 Waterford
RR 4, Digby NS
BOV 1AO
CC Linda Fraser CAO for circulation to Warden,Councilors, and PAC
Harold Theriault Jr. MLA
Darrell Dexter, Premier of NS
Hon.Sterling Belliveau, Minister of the Environment
To The Municipal Council of the District of Digby,
And to the Members of the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC).
July 14,2009 (Bastille Day)
Dear Warden, Councilors, and PAC Members:
When it comes to a discussion about The Wind Farm Project for Digby Neck, it is no secret that I am not on the same page as you- or most of you- seem to be. That’s what makes Canada the greatest country in the world in which to truly live: citizens are allowed to think, to question, to oppose, and nonetheless be in solidarity as a nation.
.Differ as we may, I find it hard to believe that we would differ on the work of the Society of Our Lady Saint Mary , better known to us as Bethany Place in Rossway, and the Bethany Bargain Bin in Digby. On August 15th., the Society will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in the Municipality of the District of Digby. They deserve commendation and praise for that alone. (They are an Anglican Society with many lay members.)
These are no “Fly-By-Nighter Do-Gooders” by any means. Sister Bonnie has been here the full thirty years, and Sister Barbara for two decades or more. In the light of the work they have done and continue to do, they are the greatest gift to the economy of the people that we have in our midst- bar none! Whatever the situation may be, they are there in time of need with a compassionate ear and succor. Our paid institutions are not always so ready and available to respond on such short notice, if indeed at all.
You, perhaps better than I, know their history. When I returned to this place I embraced almost fifty years ago for the first time, they were caring for elderly and handicapped people. They operated a Shuttle Service for those on limited incomes and no transportation on the Neck until, I understand, insurance became cost prohibitive.
Their next caring Ministry began in a house in Conway with the establishment of the Bethany Bargain Bin where we can bring in our no longer needed items of clothing, pots
and pans, furniture and all and any clean and useful household items sparing them from the fate of the landfill, and offering them for minimal prices to all and any who need them.
It wasn’t long before a move to the larger facility was needed, a building which they bought a couple of years ago.
We know their work well. Many young people and not-so-young too, have learned an appreciation for music from Sr. Bonnie who offers piano lessons at her home. We know her dedication to choirs and congregations in area Churches where she offers her skills at the organ and in voice. School concerts, and whenever, she is there.
We know that she and Sister Barbara open their beautiful Chapel to women and men of all faiths and none for Retreats, Spiritual Conferences, Prayer Days, and times of reflection and meditation. We know that they have a small Hermitage on their property in the isolation and solitude of nature. People come from near and far and spend days, weeks, and months at times to stop and listen to God speaking to them in the silence.
The world is a noisy place; our minds are a noisy place; our homes are a noisy place; and the place and world in which we work, a cacophony! The pressure of the times on our lives in relationships ,families, at work, and in the community are ominous! Broken marriages, drug alcohol abuse, addictions, and spousal aberrations loudly testify to that. Respite is a rare commodity indeed!
Bethany Place in Rossway is indeed a haven for many. A place of spirituality and prayer, it draws men and women of all faiths and none to come and be alone with their God – a place to quell the noise a while and to come in touch Him/Her. The gift is the silence.
There are few if any places like it in our midst where one can participate in a directed
Spiritual retreat alone or with the many, or can experience the hermitage life style for a bit and wander the woodlands, or take to the orchards to the south on to St.Mary’s Bay.
The silence that alone can put men and women in touch with God is threatened now by the prospect of a four hundred foot wind blowing apparatus whizzing and whining and droning twenty four hours a day a mere six hundred meters away on a hillside, dropping down its monotonous din , it’s flicker, and even the risk of ice thrown off a blade on the retreatant wandering too closely to it.
To erect such a monstrous machine there is to kill the silence, and to drive our God away.
God does not speak in noise and confusion, but only to the quiet, settled heart. It is with
this in mind that I appeal to Council and to the PAC to invoke the utmost manifestation of respect, goodness, and decency for this holy gathering place and deny the proponent
such near proximity to Bethany Place.
In copying this to them, I too beg them to comply. “Man does not live on bread alone.”
I request this letter be on the agenda of the Meeting on July 20,2009.
Daniel Mills
9396 Waterford
RR 4, Digby NS
BOV 1AO
CC Linda Fraser CAO for circulation to Warden,Councilors, and PAC
Harold Theriault Jr. MLA
Darrell Dexter, Premier of NS
Hon.Sterling Belliveau, Minister of the Environment
An Appeal to the Community
The race is now a Marathon.....On Monday, July 20th. at 8 PM 3 of 5 Municipal Councilors will make a decision, or defer it to later, about the future of our Wind By-Law.....
We need prayers; we need e-mails; we need people to fill the hallowed chamber.
Yes, 3 people will decide the future for 8,000 people in the Municipality....The Warden is walking off the job for a 2 month Leave of Absence tomorrow; and Councilor Amero of Weymouth,(does he take a cut in pay?) is exempted for conflict of interest.....quite a kettle of stinky fiah 'ain't it?"
Attached a couple of letters from today's Digby Courier......both very timely and very good.
I am sure the Digby Courier would be pleaed to host your letters from wherever you are...If you have visited Digby Neck and/or live here full or part time, wouldn't it be good to fill a page with letters asking the Council/Planning Advisory Committee to stand up for Digby neck.....
Emails to Councilors@municipality.digby.ns.ca or editor@digbycourier.ca (by 10 AM tomorrow)
Councilor Linda Gregory will vote to pass the by-law built over the past year or so;
Jimmy MacAlpine will be acting warden, and would be called upon to break a tie.
Meritza Adams seems to favor letting the by-law fail.
No better time than now "to come to the aid of your country!"
If I am (starting) to bug you, let me know, but I've come to love the people of this place so much I don't want to see their way of life destroyed....There are many of us having sleepless nights. Small business'in Gullivers Cove could be in jeopardy; Bethany Place, with all it's apostolic work, may be forced to close and leave the area.( You can't operate a Centre of Spirituality with retreats etc.,etc. under constant noise, nor a hermitage......Their charitable works are well known over the past 30 years and as I've written to Council,
"noise could drive out our God because God cannot fill noisy,troubled hearts"...They are the best friend of the poor,the needy, those on the fringes of society and the bureaucratic entities and cliques.....
I'm 73; my years here have been wonderful. Being alone with no blood ties here, makes it easy for me to pack up and leave, but who would give me a return on my money on my home and lot with turbines whizzing relentlessly for the next 20 years? A million dollar view? Of course, and more, to wit, the bond of friendship and support I find in this community. But the thought of unrelenting noise obliterates all that.Rather than sell the place for next to nothing, I feel compelled to tear it down to make sure our Council derives no tax dollars from it in perpetuity.....save a pittance for the land....
Should the wind by-law die, then it will be open house until the slaughter is complete by competing Wind Developers all along the Neck. That's what Barry Zwicker, one of the Windfield Big Wigs had in mind when he told our Council that they screwed up; drop the by-law; "Let us come to help you!" Have you known such arrogance in your life?
It's the 11th hour. It's not too late to make a difference....
A hundred thousand apologies for ranting, but I am very angry.
If you need more info,get back to me on email or phone 902-245-5171...I'm in for the rest of the day.....
Please know, I am not a self-appointed representative of anyone. I'm doing my own gig here because I have to.I am dancing to my own drummer despite the Warden's statement to the contrary...danny
We need prayers; we need e-mails; we need people to fill the hallowed chamber.
Yes, 3 people will decide the future for 8,000 people in the Municipality....The Warden is walking off the job for a 2 month Leave of Absence tomorrow; and Councilor Amero of Weymouth,(does he take a cut in pay?) is exempted for conflict of interest.....quite a kettle of stinky fiah 'ain't it?"
Attached a couple of letters from today's Digby Courier......both very timely and very good.
I am sure the Digby Courier would be pleaed to host your letters from wherever you are...If you have visited Digby Neck and/or live here full or part time, wouldn't it be good to fill a page with letters asking the Council/Planning Advisory Committee to stand up for Digby neck.....
Emails to Councilors@municipality.digby.ns.ca or editor@digbycourier.ca (by 10 AM tomorrow)
Councilor Linda Gregory will vote to pass the by-law built over the past year or so;
Jimmy MacAlpine will be acting warden, and would be called upon to break a tie.
Meritza Adams seems to favor letting the by-law fail.
No better time than now "to come to the aid of your country!"
If I am (starting) to bug you, let me know, but I've come to love the people of this place so much I don't want to see their way of life destroyed....There are many of us having sleepless nights. Small business'in Gullivers Cove could be in jeopardy; Bethany Place, with all it's apostolic work, may be forced to close and leave the area.( You can't operate a Centre of Spirituality with retreats etc.,etc. under constant noise, nor a hermitage......Their charitable works are well known over the past 30 years and as I've written to Council,
"noise could drive out our God because God cannot fill noisy,troubled hearts"...They are the best friend of the poor,the needy, those on the fringes of society and the bureaucratic entities and cliques.....
I'm 73; my years here have been wonderful. Being alone with no blood ties here, makes it easy for me to pack up and leave, but who would give me a return on my money on my home and lot with turbines whizzing relentlessly for the next 20 years? A million dollar view? Of course, and more, to wit, the bond of friendship and support I find in this community. But the thought of unrelenting noise obliterates all that.Rather than sell the place for next to nothing, I feel compelled to tear it down to make sure our Council derives no tax dollars from it in perpetuity.....save a pittance for the land....
Should the wind by-law die, then it will be open house until the slaughter is complete by competing Wind Developers all along the Neck. That's what Barry Zwicker, one of the Windfield Big Wigs had in mind when he told our Council that they screwed up; drop the by-law; "Let us come to help you!" Have you known such arrogance in your life?
It's the 11th hour. It's not too late to make a difference....
A hundred thousand apologies for ranting, but I am very angry.
If you need more info,get back to me on email or phone 902-245-5171...I'm in for the rest of the day.....
Please know, I am not a self-appointed representative of anyone. I'm doing my own gig here because I have to.I am dancing to my own drummer despite the Warden's statement to the contrary...danny
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tourism and Turbines
Turbines
vs. tourism
WIND energy proponents continue their campaign
of "greenwashing" as evidenced by the
article "Wind power has big potential" in your July
10edition.
The "win-win" parties alluded to in the article
would not include those of us living in small rural
communities like Pugwash, where a proposed 17-
turbine complex has many residents up in arms
because ofthe threat it poses to the local economy.
One of the critical economic drivers for Pugwash
is "destination tourism." Thousands of cottagers
and retirees come here for the warm-water beaches,
championship golf course and beautiful surroundings.
Local businesses that provide essential services
to the community cannot survive without the profits
from this summer population spike.
Wind energy proponents deny that those seeking
beauty and serenity would be dissuaded from investing
in an area dominated by a noisy and intrusive
turbine complex.
Indeed, some even argue that turbines are themselves
tourist attractions, implying, incredulously,
that those wishing to invest in a recreation/retirement
property, or even a two -week vacation, would
seek out a wind turbine complex to maximize their
enjoyment.
Pugwash can have a wind turbine complex promising
two jobs or "destination tourism" promising
200jobs, but not both. There is no "win-win" here.
Richard M. Gray, Pugwash
------------~--,-~-~--------~~------
vs. tourism
WIND energy proponents continue their campaign
of "greenwashing" as evidenced by the
article "Wind power has big potential" in your July
10edition.
The "win-win" parties alluded to in the article
would not include those of us living in small rural
communities like Pugwash, where a proposed 17-
turbine complex has many residents up in arms
because ofthe threat it poses to the local economy.
One of the critical economic drivers for Pugwash
is "destination tourism." Thousands of cottagers
and retirees come here for the warm-water beaches,
championship golf course and beautiful surroundings.
Local businesses that provide essential services
to the community cannot survive without the profits
from this summer population spike.
Wind energy proponents deny that those seeking
beauty and serenity would be dissuaded from investing
in an area dominated by a noisy and intrusive
turbine complex.
Indeed, some even argue that turbines are themselves
tourist attractions, implying, incredulously,
that those wishing to invest in a recreation/retirement
property, or even a two -week vacation, would
seek out a wind turbine complex to maximize their
enjoyment.
Pugwash can have a wind turbine complex promising
two jobs or "destination tourism" promising
200jobs, but not both. There is no "win-win" here.
Richard M. Gray, Pugwash
------------~--,-~-~--------~~------
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Danny's Letter to the Editor
Bethany Place will soon celebrate its 30th.year of truly gracing not only the Municipality of the District of Digby, but environs near and far.An amazing grace indeed has befallen the people of Digby County.
The two Religious women minister unflappably in each and every situation- to all who come to their door:the poor,the destitute,the needy,the lonely,the body-broken, and the sick at heart.
What "fuels" them? Thirty years is a very long time. They are no "fly-by-nighters!" Of course, their nurture comes from God with Whom they unite themselves in prayer on-going. They are fed by the silDigby ence of the place where they live, the beauty of the planet just around them.
They too draw others into their prayer-life with members of all denominations or none from far and wide, and at home. They have spiritual retreats, a small hermitage on site, for those who seek solitude
in their search for meaning and for God. God is the source of their multifaceted ministry.
The solitude which many come to seek is threatened now by the prospect of a 400 foot wind turbine spinning behind their home- noisily day in and day out! That is hardly a gift from God!
I hope and pray that many who have come to know and love these dedicated women, and who have been graced by them over so many years, will write to our Municipal Council in protest, and write to the Dept. of the Environment before it is too late.
Daniel Mills
The two Religious women minister unflappably in each and every situation- to all who come to their door:the poor,the destitute,the needy,the lonely,the body-broken, and the sick at heart.
What "fuels" them? Thirty years is a very long time. They are no "fly-by-nighters!" Of course, their nurture comes from God with Whom they unite themselves in prayer on-going. They are fed by the silDigby ence of the place where they live, the beauty of the planet just around them.
They too draw others into their prayer-life with members of all denominations or none from far and wide, and at home. They have spiritual retreats, a small hermitage on site, for those who seek solitude
in their search for meaning and for God. God is the source of their multifaceted ministry.
The solitude which many come to seek is threatened now by the prospect of a 400 foot wind turbine spinning behind their home- noisily day in and day out! That is hardly a gift from God!
I hope and pray that many who have come to know and love these dedicated women, and who have been graced by them over so many years, will write to our Municipal Council in protest, and write to the Dept. of the Environment before it is too late.
Daniel Mills
Sunday, July 12, 2009
MIchigan turbine testimonial
Personal Stories
Life at 1500 feet
March 14, 2009 by Thumb Area Resident
Location:
The residents of Michigan's Thumb area have been writing about their experience living near industrial scale turbines. Their individual stories are remarkably consistent regarding noise, flicker, sleep interruptions, and feelings of helplessness. The testimony of one Thumb resident is included on this page. Many others can be found by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
My family and I live and farm in the Thumb area. We have three turbines within a half mile of our farm. The nearest is about 1500 ft. from our house. Since the turbines began turning this fall, we have been amazed at the amount of noise they create. The sound is like that of a distant jet. The sound can often be heard indoors- especially at night. The nature of the noise is so out of place it is hard to mask. When we're outside, the noise created by the turbine echoes off the buildings and seems to be amplified. When the wind is strong, the noise is masked, but about 75% of the time, the turbines are the dominant sound outside. A big concern we have at this time, is that as the weather improves (which we hope it will soon) windows will open, weather proofing will be removed and the noise that dominates the outdoors will intrude on the indoors even more. At 1500 ft, we thought we may be safe, but we were mistaken. I don't know what the answer is for setbacks, but 1500 ft. is to close.
The key to a successful wind farm is placement. Once these structures are erected, there is no turning back! If a turbine at 1500 ft. causes a disturbance when it's new, how much more will it disturb when the components begin to deteriorate. I know some have the view of "it's my land and I'll do what I want", but I'd like to believe the Thumb is different. We are all friends, neighbors and stewarts of the land. As farmers, we control erosion with cover crops, safely apply chemicals, plant filter strips, follow manure management guidelines to reduce the impact on our neighbors, etc.... all in an effort to care for the land and our community. As land owners we have a responsibility to our neighbors as well. We are all part of this peaceful area we call home. It is often said you don't know what you've got till it's gone. Be assured, you may not realize how peaceful this area is until one day, for what ever reason, the turbines aren't turning and you hear the quiet- it's a quiet we've become much more aware of in recent months. A quiet that is to rare.
We were all made promises during the development phase of this project. Two important ones were jobs and money. Jobs came- and then just as quickly went. Many of the jobs were from Wisconsin and other states. They took their paychecks and likely sent them home to their families. Some Michigan people were granted temporary construction jobs, but they have also gone back to their own areas too. There are only a handful of permanent jobs.
Money. Where to begin, Money is the driving force of wind development. It seems the only green part of wind development is the money. Subsidies and tax breaks are freely given to developers, and land owners are promised large payments. As for the actual benefit to the area- it remains to be seen. The minimum amounts promised to us (yes- we were offered a contract and after having it reviewed by a land use attorney decided not to sign it) were quite insignificant in the farm industry- less than $3000. Is the promise of more with a guarantee of so little worth the impact on our friends and neighbors? I know first hand of two homes that have been put on the market because of the windmills. Both homes are over a half mile away from the nearest turbine. Noise and other elements such as strobing and flicker are a concern, even at this distance, and has lead to their decision to sell.
Doctors are still learning about the effects windmills have on the human body. It seems quite clear that there is a direct link between health and the proximity of homes to turbines. There are so many questions and so few definitive answers. My experience with developers is that they use a lot of words like- shouldn't, we don't expect, probably, may, etc. Do you feel comfortable with these answers? Are you willing to sacrifice you peace and quiet and possibly your health for these types of answers?
Green energy may be critical to our future, but it needs to be done correctly. Families should not have to suffer because they don't own enough land to make the decision for themselves.
Web link: http://www.windturbinetestimonies.blogspot.com/
Life at 1500 feet
March 14, 2009 by Thumb Area Resident
Location:
The residents of Michigan's Thumb area have been writing about their experience living near industrial scale turbines. Their individual stories are remarkably consistent regarding noise, flicker, sleep interruptions, and feelings of helplessness. The testimony of one Thumb resident is included on this page. Many others can be found by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
My family and I live and farm in the Thumb area. We have three turbines within a half mile of our farm. The nearest is about 1500 ft. from our house. Since the turbines began turning this fall, we have been amazed at the amount of noise they create. The sound is like that of a distant jet. The sound can often be heard indoors- especially at night. The nature of the noise is so out of place it is hard to mask. When we're outside, the noise created by the turbine echoes off the buildings and seems to be amplified. When the wind is strong, the noise is masked, but about 75% of the time, the turbines are the dominant sound outside. A big concern we have at this time, is that as the weather improves (which we hope it will soon) windows will open, weather proofing will be removed and the noise that dominates the outdoors will intrude on the indoors even more. At 1500 ft, we thought we may be safe, but we were mistaken. I don't know what the answer is for setbacks, but 1500 ft. is to close.
The key to a successful wind farm is placement. Once these structures are erected, there is no turning back! If a turbine at 1500 ft. causes a disturbance when it's new, how much more will it disturb when the components begin to deteriorate. I know some have the view of "it's my land and I'll do what I want", but I'd like to believe the Thumb is different. We are all friends, neighbors and stewarts of the land. As farmers, we control erosion with cover crops, safely apply chemicals, plant filter strips, follow manure management guidelines to reduce the impact on our neighbors, etc.... all in an effort to care for the land and our community. As land owners we have a responsibility to our neighbors as well. We are all part of this peaceful area we call home. It is often said you don't know what you've got till it's gone. Be assured, you may not realize how peaceful this area is until one day, for what ever reason, the turbines aren't turning and you hear the quiet- it's a quiet we've become much more aware of in recent months. A quiet that is to rare.
We were all made promises during the development phase of this project. Two important ones were jobs and money. Jobs came- and then just as quickly went. Many of the jobs were from Wisconsin and other states. They took their paychecks and likely sent them home to their families. Some Michigan people were granted temporary construction jobs, but they have also gone back to their own areas too. There are only a handful of permanent jobs.
Money. Where to begin, Money is the driving force of wind development. It seems the only green part of wind development is the money. Subsidies and tax breaks are freely given to developers, and land owners are promised large payments. As for the actual benefit to the area- it remains to be seen. The minimum amounts promised to us (yes- we were offered a contract and after having it reviewed by a land use attorney decided not to sign it) were quite insignificant in the farm industry- less than $3000. Is the promise of more with a guarantee of so little worth the impact on our friends and neighbors? I know first hand of two homes that have been put on the market because of the windmills. Both homes are over a half mile away from the nearest turbine. Noise and other elements such as strobing and flicker are a concern, even at this distance, and has lead to their decision to sell.
Doctors are still learning about the effects windmills have on the human body. It seems quite clear that there is a direct link between health and the proximity of homes to turbines. There are so many questions and so few definitive answers. My experience with developers is that they use a lot of words like- shouldn't, we don't expect, probably, may, etc. Do you feel comfortable with these answers? Are you willing to sacrifice you peace and quiet and possibly your health for these types of answers?
Green energy may be critical to our future, but it needs to be done correctly. Families should not have to suffer because they don't own enough land to make the decision for themselves.
Web link: http://www.windturbinetestimonies.blogspot.com/
Britain and Wind Turbines
A view from David Derbyshire and Kirsty Walker
£120 Green FUEL Tax- “Wind Turbines” When Denmark Proves They Are No Use…NWO Coffers!!
July 11, 2009 · 2 Comments
Green fuel bill shock: Families face a charge of up to £120 to fund thousands of wind turbines
The levies – dubbed ‘green stealth taxes’ will help pay for the building of 7,000 wind turbines over the next 11 years
Millions of families face being hit with higher fuel bills to pay for a new ‘green energy revolution’ due to be unveiled by Labour next week.
The levies on the price of gas and electricity - dubbed ‘green stealth taxes’ by critics - will help pay for renewable energy to tackle climate change, including building 7,000 wind turbines over the next 11 years.
A White Paper unveiled by Climate Change minister Ed Miliband next week will outline the Government’s next steps for the expansion of green energy.
But industry experts warn the cost of subsidising renewables will increase household energy bills. At present the renewables element of the typical bill is an average £55 a
year, but this could increase to as much as £120 by 2014.
The respected UK Energy Research Centre has predicted that by 2050 the subsidy will cost the economy at least £17billion a year, the equivalent of an extra £700 a year per household.
The White Paper follows the Government’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent within 11 years, and by 80 per cent within 40 years. Britain is the only country in the world with legally binding carbon dioxide targets.
The UK also faces tough European targets to ensure that at least 30 to 40 per cent of Britain’s electricity will be generated by wind, solar, wave and tidal power by 2020.
Currently, just three per cent of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
The Government says the shift away from fossil fuels towards wind, nuclear, tidal, solar and biomass power is essential to prevent dangerous climate change.
Ministers have warned that the country could face deadly heatwaves, rising sea levels and regular floods within 50 years unless urgent action is taken to ‘ decarbonise’.
But the Government’s advisers on climate change say the greenhouse-gas targets could push 1.7million into fuel poverty.
The White Paper is expected to propose ’social tariffs’ to ease the burden of higher energy bills on the poor and the elderly.
Energy companies will be told to subsidise the cost for the poor by adding extra to the bills of better-off customers.
It will also say that climate change targets can be reached only with a massive expansion of offshore wind farms.
The White Paper will introduce incentives for householders to produce their own energy from solar panels, ground source heat pumps and combined heat and power units.
Ministers will also back the introduction of smart meters - gadgets that help consumers monitor and cut power use - in an effort to improve energy efficiency.
Matthew Sinclair of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: ‘The last thing that the Government should be doing right now is pushing up electricity bills even more to line the pockets of renewable energy firms.
‘Wind farms aren’t delivering reliable energy when we need it, and their massive subsidies are paid for by pushing up ordinary people’s bills.
‘It would be a complete betrayal if they were to add to that burden while families are struggling to cope in a recession. Action needs to be taken to reduce the burden of ineffective climate change policies, instead of ploughing blindly on and throwing even more money at the problem.
£120 Green FUEL Tax- “Wind Turbines” When Denmark Proves They Are No Use…NWO Coffers!!
July 11, 2009 · 2 Comments
Green fuel bill shock: Families face a charge of up to £120 to fund thousands of wind turbines
The levies – dubbed ‘green stealth taxes’ will help pay for the building of 7,000 wind turbines over the next 11 years
Millions of families face being hit with higher fuel bills to pay for a new ‘green energy revolution’ due to be unveiled by Labour next week.
The levies on the price of gas and electricity - dubbed ‘green stealth taxes’ by critics - will help pay for renewable energy to tackle climate change, including building 7,000 wind turbines over the next 11 years.
A White Paper unveiled by Climate Change minister Ed Miliband next week will outline the Government’s next steps for the expansion of green energy.
But industry experts warn the cost of subsidising renewables will increase household energy bills. At present the renewables element of the typical bill is an average £55 a
year, but this could increase to as much as £120 by 2014.
The respected UK Energy Research Centre has predicted that by 2050 the subsidy will cost the economy at least £17billion a year, the equivalent of an extra £700 a year per household.
The White Paper follows the Government’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent within 11 years, and by 80 per cent within 40 years. Britain is the only country in the world with legally binding carbon dioxide targets.
The UK also faces tough European targets to ensure that at least 30 to 40 per cent of Britain’s electricity will be generated by wind, solar, wave and tidal power by 2020.
Currently, just three per cent of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
The Government says the shift away from fossil fuels towards wind, nuclear, tidal, solar and biomass power is essential to prevent dangerous climate change.
Ministers have warned that the country could face deadly heatwaves, rising sea levels and regular floods within 50 years unless urgent action is taken to ‘ decarbonise’.
But the Government’s advisers on climate change say the greenhouse-gas targets could push 1.7million into fuel poverty.
The White Paper is expected to propose ’social tariffs’ to ease the burden of higher energy bills on the poor and the elderly.
Energy companies will be told to subsidise the cost for the poor by adding extra to the bills of better-off customers.
It will also say that climate change targets can be reached only with a massive expansion of offshore wind farms.
The White Paper will introduce incentives for householders to produce their own energy from solar panels, ground source heat pumps and combined heat and power units.
Ministers will also back the introduction of smart meters - gadgets that help consumers monitor and cut power use - in an effort to improve energy efficiency.
Matthew Sinclair of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: ‘The last thing that the Government should be doing right now is pushing up electricity bills even more to line the pockets of renewable energy firms.
‘Wind farms aren’t delivering reliable energy when we need it, and their massive subsidies are paid for by pushing up ordinary people’s bills.
‘It would be a complete betrayal if they were to add to that burden while families are struggling to cope in a recession. Action needs to be taken to reduce the burden of ineffective climate change policies, instead of ploughing blindly on and throwing even more money at the problem.
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