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Wind energy worries residents

Journal Star|Erinn Deshinsky|June 7, 2006
IllinoisGeneral

The company plants to build about 57 turbines in Bureau County, with the possibility of building 85 in Lee County.


OHIO - A Midwest Wind Energy official spoke Monday with residents about plans for a wind farm that would encompass the Bureau County village on three sides.

Midwest Wind Energy submitted plans to various public officials in the area for a 200-megawatt wind farm on approximately 10,000 acres between Lee and Bureau counties.

The Ohio Village Board plans to submit a proposal to the Bureau County Board to accept the Chicago-based company's plan for the $300-million Big Sky LLC wind farm, with the exception that no turbines should be built within one-third of a mile from the village limits. The request will also state any future turbines not on the original plan must be at least one-half to three-quarters of a mile from the village limits.

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OHIO - A Midwest Wind Energy official spoke Monday with residents about plans for a wind farm that would encompass the Bureau County village on three sides.

Midwest Wind Energy submitted plans to various public officials in the area for a 200-megawatt wind farm on approximately 10,000 acres between Lee and Bureau counties.

The Ohio Village Board plans to submit a proposal to the Bureau County Board to accept the Chicago-based company's plan for the $300-million Big Sky LLC wind farm, with the exception that no turbines should be built within one-third of a mile from the village limits. The request will also state any future turbines not on the original plan must be at least one-half to three-quarters of a mile from the village limits.

About 30 people gathered to hear about the wind farm Monday night. Some people who live just outside village limits were concerned about the noise of the turbines, which must comply by state limits of staying below 50 decibels.

The company plants to build about 57 turbines in Bureau County, with the possibility of building 85 in Lee County. Tim Polz, site coordinator for Midwest Wind Energy, said the towers will be similar to those at the Crescent Ridge wind farm in Tiskilwa, which Midwest Wind Energy developed before selling to Eurus Energy America.

Rural Ohio resident Barbara Draper said she fears the large turbines are going to hinder the beauty of her residence. The project will put about five turbines less than half a mile from her house, she said.

"I do not like the looks of it," Draper said.

Polz assured the residents if there were any problems with the turbines, such as excessive noise levels or television reception interference, the wind operators would be liable.

Mayor Charles Thomas said he will submit Ohio's recommendation to the Bureau County Board by June 15.

Polz said the project is slated to begin in 2007. He also said Midwest Wind Energy is keeping a close eye on Crescent Ridge's appeal of the property tax assessment of the wind farm. The county assessed the farm at 100 percent, which the owners claim is too high. Polz said the portion of the Big Sky wind farm in Lee County will be assessed at only 25 percent.

Polz said if Crescent Ridge doesn't win the appeal, Big Sky will most likely stay out of Bureau County.

"It would be difficult for us to justify building the project in Bureau County under that type of assessment," Polz said.


Erinn Deshinsky can be reached at 686-3041 or state@pjstar.com.


 


Source:http://www.pjstar.com/stories…

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