Wind farmers’ may be having regrets

I found out the term “stray voltage” is often misused. Static discharge, electromagnetic fields, objectionable currents, radio wave frequencies and others are not the same, but are often stated as stray voltage. All of these can be summed up as electrical pollution, according to electrical engineers.

Bernard Starzewski’s letter on Aug. 4 was correct in defining stray voltage. However, problems with electrical generation from coal, gas, nuclear and wind can cause electrical pollution known by engineers as objectionable currents. Bernard is also correct in stating that AC power generation depends on the earth to act as a return leg of the circuit to the power plant.

Electrical consultants tell me that the earth was never meant to be a conductor for electricity. Let’s top that off with Wisconsin having the third-worst electrical grid in the country, farms and homes located less than the state-recommend setbacks. Add this all together with no independent engineer overseeing the construction (of a proposed wind-turbine farm in Manitowoc County), an ordinance that was written by Navitas Energy, and a county board that was just looking at money.

Farmers who have signed contracts have signed away rights to their land. The needs for the wind farm will come first. They have recently received letters from Navitas Energy that restricts them from hauling manure within 360 feet of the base. This means approximately 20 acres per turbine. Some farmers are starting to regret signing these contracts, knowing that this could put a halt to their way of life.

Health and safety issues with electrical pollution have not been addressed. For more information on the health effects from electricity log on to www.stetzerelectric.com.