Plan would add 45 windmills
The Desert Sun|Stefanie Frith|July 9, 2006
Windmills have also caused an influx of rats in and around her home, she said, because the turbines are killing the birds and hawks that feast on them. "I have trapped over 100 rats in and around my house in the last year and a half," Manley said. "We celebrate when we see a hawk. We used to see them all the time."
Windmills have also caused an influx of rats in and around her home, she said, because the turbines are killing the birds and hawks that feast on them. "I have trapped over 100 rats in and around my house in the last year and a half," Manley said. "We celebrate when we see a hawk. We used to see them all the time."
More than 40 windmills that would provide energy for about 13,500 homes are being considered for an area between Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs.
During a meeting Friday at Palm Springs City Hall, representatives from the city, county and developer PPM Energy of Oregon talked with a couple of residents about the project and the environmental report that is being conducted.
The project would add 45 windmills in three county and city areas north of Interstate 10, west of Indian Avenue, east of Highway 62 and south of Pierson Boulevard. The wind turbines would be about 327 feet tall, 27 feet taller than what is now allowed in that area.
Joyce Manley, who lives near the proposed site, said there are already too many windmills …
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More than 40 windmills that would provide energy for about 13,500 homes are being considered for an area between Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs.
During a meeting Friday at Palm Springs City Hall, representatives from the city, county and developer PPM Energy of Oregon talked with a couple of residents about the project and the environmental report that is being conducted.
The project would add 45 windmills in three county and city areas north of Interstate 10, west of Indian Avenue, east of Highway 62 and south of Pierson Boulevard. The wind turbines would be about 327 feet tall, 27 feet taller than what is now allowed in that area.
Joyce Manley, who lives near the proposed site, said there are already too many windmills - nearly 4,000 in the San Gorgonio Pass - and, if they are taller, it will affect her views of the valley.
"If you are going to put more up, then what's the point of sitting on my porch at night?" Manley asked.
Windmills have also caused an influx of rats in and around her home, she said, because the turbines are killing the birds and hawks that feast on them.
"I have trapped over 100 rats in and around my house in the last year and a half," Manley said. "We celebrate when we see a hawk. We used to see them all the time."
Andy Linehan, wind permitting director for PPM Energy, said studies have shown that windmills have a low impact on birds in the San Gorgonio Pass, although the environmental report will address any potential avian concerns.
PPM Energy will have another meeting in coming weeks to discuss the law change to allow the additional 27 feet on each windmill.