A wind turbine outside the state Department of Environmental Quality office in Bay City generates electricity when it spins - and sometimes a "flicker effect" that annoys employees.

The problem is with frosted skylights on top of the building, officials say.

The natural light they give off is great. But when the sun shines just right, shadows from the turbine blades fall onto the roof of the building, creating a strobelike effect inside.

The problem is a touchy one for the DEQ, which has been actively promoting wind power in the state, along with Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Fortunately, the flicker has been infrequent since the building opened a year ago, said Rhonda Klann, acting supervisor at the Bay City office.

"The conditions have to be just right," Klann said. "It's not something that happens routinely or all the time. I've seen it twice since we've been here."

Tina Ballard-Atkins, a DEQ supervisor in Bay... [continue via Web link]