Construction of proposed wind turbine in Sea Girt doubtful
November 9, 2010
The project has been controversial from the start. Residents of Sea Girt have noted that the noise pollution and flicker effect could negatively affect property values, while environmental supporters cite negative affects on local wildlife.
The project has been controversial from the start. Residents of Sea Girt have noted that the noise pollution and flicker effect could negatively affect property values, while environmental supporters cite negative affects on local wildlife.
State Senator Sean T. Kean (R-Monmouth) was pleased to learn that the proposal to construct a wind turbine at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt will likely not move forward. The project, which needs a permit from the state's Department of Environmental Protection to proceed, appears to face an uphill battle.
"I was pleased to read media reports quoting DEP officials express reservations about the project," said Kean. (The Coast Star, November 4, 2010)
"I am glad to hear that the DEP is hesitant to grant the required permit for the wind turbine to move forward," Kean also said. "Sea Girt residents as well as surrounding communities have been voicing their displeasure for the wind turbine."
Senator Kean had previously …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]State Senator Sean T. Kean (R-Monmouth) was pleased to learn that the proposal to construct a wind turbine at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt will likely not move forward. The project, which needs a permit from the state's Department of Environmental Protection to proceed, appears to face an uphill battle.
"I was pleased to read media reports quoting DEP officials express reservations about the project," said Kean. (The Coast Star, November 4, 2010)
"I am glad to hear that the DEP is hesitant to grant the required permit for the wind turbine to move forward," Kean also said. "Sea Girt residents as well as surrounding communities have been voicing their displeasure for the wind turbine."
Senator Kean had previously sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin of the DEP, in which he echoed some of his constituents' concerns that the proposed industrial strength wind turbine would be harmful to the neighboring communities, if constructed.
The project has been controversial from the start. Residents of Sea Girt have noted that the noise pollution and flicker effect could negatively affect property values, while environmental supporters cite negative affects on local wildlife. A phenomenon, called "Wind Turbine Syndrome," has been known to cause difficulty sleeping, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating, is also a concern.
"I am a supporter of renewable energy," Kean said, "But with the proposed wind turbine's proximity to residential homes and the presence of migratory routes for birds in the area, I knew this was a poor decision."
Senator Sean Kean previously introduced legislation, Senate bill 2374, which prohibits industrial strength wind turbines from being constructed within 2,000 feet of residential homes or residentially zoned property.
"I commend the DEP for being upfront regarding the proposed wind turbine and taking all of the viewpoints into consideration," said Kean. "My hope is that they will maintain their stance that the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt is an impractical location for an industrial strength wind turbine, should an application for a permit be submitted."
The Army National Guard has yet to apply for a permit to construct the wind turbine.