Wind turbine setbacks threaten our community

Wind turbines are coming, both inland and offshore. We all sense the need for renewable energy. On countless occasions I have heard people say in despair, "we've got to do something."

When the topic of wind energy was first announced here in the Thumb, I was intrigued. I have always considered myself to be environmentally conscious and I believe we need to be good stewards of our planet Earth. So naturally, I have been interested in learning more about wind energy and the communities elsewhere who have embraced this technology. Unfortunately, the more knowledge I gain, the more concerned I become that siting guidelines are putting our community at risk. If we don't exercise caution, a landslide of trouble could be headed our way.

Current setbacks in Michigan allow a wind turbine to be constructed only 1,000 feet from an adjacent residence without the homeowners consent. This rule applies to all inhabited structures including schools, hospitals, churches, and public libraries. This distance of 1,000 feet is an arbitrary guideline recommended by the state of Michigan.

Some residents who live too close to wind turbines complain of noise pollution and shadow flicker. Health problems and sleep disturbances have been documented in people living within one and a half miles of turbines.

Homeowners trying to sell are concerned that houses for sale near wind turbines may be less attractive to perspective buyers. These are just a few of many issues that need to be considered. Although a leaseholder may have good intentions, their actions may inadvertently put their neighbors in jeopardy. Tight-knit communities have been torn apart, all due to controversy regarding improper sighting.

Near the Thumb's newest wind farms in Pigeon, Elkton and Ubly, there are already homeowners affected by noise and shadow flicker and concerned about property values. A few individuals have spoken up publicly in efforts to aid future development. Such testimonies could help prevent future siting problems, if anyone listens. Some residents remain silent, possibly afraid of what their friends, neighbors, or co-workers might say. Others seem unbothered with living so close.

For wind development to be a positive attribute in our community, a number of things need to happen. To lead us into the future, we need "forward thinkers" with the foresight to determine the long-term consequences of our decisions. Since wind farms may limit other types of development, we must broaden our perspective and develop a master plan accordingly. We need to educate ourselves on all aspects of wind energy, both positive and negative, seeking the truth even when it is not convenient. Ignorance is no excuse. We need to carefully weigh all costs versus benefits. We need to study wind energy development in communities around the world, interview those who live there, and learn from the mistakes and successes of others. As citizens, we need to be actively engaged in what is happening around us. Our elected leaders need to encourage, investigate, and address any questions or concerns regarding wind energy. Our leaders must also ensure that nonparticipating homeowners in our rural community are given a voice regarding wind turbine placement. Likewise, landowners considering wind turbines need to respectfully seek their neighbors' approval before signing wind leases. As landowners and citizens, it is their privilege and responsibility to do so.

The message is simple. If hundreds or thousands of wind turbines are built in the Thumb without careful planning and consideration of all citizens' concerns, setbacks could lead to negative repercussions for years to come. We must put all other motives aside and do what is best to protect our community. Proper placement of wind turbines is key.