Board Finds Intense Opposition To Wind Farm Project In Sutton

Nearly all comments made to the Vermont Public Service Board were against the proposed wind farm in the Sheffield/Sutton area. The only real proponents for the project were those from UPC Wind handing out buttons that said, "I Love Wind Power."

David Cowan, vice president of environmental affairs at UPC, said the opposition in Sutton was expected. During the Sheffield hearing, he said the matter seemed to be split among those who spoke, about 50/50. In Sutton it's more like 90/10.

"I'm not even sure we have the 10," he said.

Residents and concerned individuals spoke for about two hours to the Public Service Board at the meeting which was held at the Sutton Town School Monday night, urging them to deny UPC its certificate of public good. UPC wants to build 20 398-foot-tall wind turbines in Sheffield and another six in Sutton. The issue has stirred much controversy and fierce debate.

Cowan spoke briefly before the board opened up the meeting for public comment, saying the sites in the area that were chosen for the wind farm development were picked for several reasons, including being a "good" spot for wind, for being close to land lines and also because, "it's relatively low visibility." He said the project is only visible from about 3 percent of the 10-mile radius of the area.

Three percent may not sound like much to some, but it's more than enough for Sutton.

Comments included calling the whole project a "sham," and that "big wind" is full of "hot air." Almost all of the comments drew applause and occasional cheers.

"This project is totally inappropriate for the ridge lines of the Northeast Kingdom," said Vernon Gray of Burke.

"Imagine the change," said Sutton resident Carol Brouha. "Is this project environmentally worth it?"

Brouha talked about the tourists who visit the area, who visit the Northeast Kingdom to escape the "frenzy" of city life. How will this project affect tourism? she asked.

"Take a cautious approach to industrial wind," she advised the board.

The issue of tourism was raised several times, including by a Burke Hollow woman who claimed that her livelihood rested in tourism. She said many tourists had expressed to her their distaste for wind development and seemed to frown on the idea of having wind turbines in Vermont.

Several others spoke about the detrimental effects to the environment, mostly the views, but also to the wildlife, including birds.

Others spoke about their concerns of possible negative health effects.

Still others commented on whether it was simply worth it.

"The benefit to the state would be a drop in the bucket," said Burke resident James Hill.

He said wind power does not shut down conventional power plants and would only benefit the developers. He said it's not good to pursue wind power only because it's "green."

There were quite a few who referred to the project as being something to "line the pockets" of those in charge, including Robert Michaud, chairman of the Sutton Planning Commission, who echoed Hill's statements.

"We know this project will devastate our town and this region," he said.