To the editor:
An unprecedented number of articles recently published in newspapers across this state, and beyond, expose the lesser known side of the wind energy industry. Political connections, questionable business practices, and general disregard for the well being of those in proximity to their wind developments have become consistent criticisms leveled against what had previously been a public relations success story.
This creates an interesting backdrop for the recent informational meeting hosted by First Wind (per Maine Department of Environmental Protection requirements) explaining their upcoming “permit modification” for the Oakfield Wind Project. Many residents, already wary about the impacts to their properties, were anxious to learn what changes are proposed and how it will affect them.
First Wind’s characterization of what was unveiled as a “modification” of their originally planned project is disingenuous. A 51+/- mw, 34-turbine wind facility, designed to connect with the local electrical infrastructure, has been reinvented as a 106 +/- mw, 46-turbine facility requiring a new high voltage line extending approximately 60 miles, from Oakfield to Chester. Turbines, originally 1.5 mw generators, are now 2.3 mw models. Each blade increases in length by 39 feet, with an overall turbine height of 428 feet (vs. 389 feet). With additional, larger turbines, the anticipated sound levels have increased dramatically.
Sound has proven the greatest concern in communities facing industrial wind developments. This unique source of noise has proven vexing for many — (seemingly) within allowable standards, as set forth by state regulators, yet described as almost intolerable in intensity.
At this meeting, similar to the first project, First Wind displayed sound maps. The difference was the inclusion of a “nighttime sound map”. As explained by project manager Alec Jarvis, this map demonstrated that some locations would experience “quieter noise levels at night”. Initially, that seemed reasonable, as those most impacted by these facilities have described the sheer torture of the noise experienced during nighttime atmospheric stability. When analyzing the maps, however, one noticed that instead of reducing the nighttime noise, the new models were reflective of the increase in daytime noise over previous projections. First Wind explained this in as diffuse a manner as possible.
Increased daytime noise over the generally understood maximum sound levels to be anticipated as 45 dBA, day or night, were not addressed. “Decreases at night” are now necessitated by daytime noise levels substantially louder than previously modeled. If nighttime reductions are not implemented, noncompliance with MDEP allowable limits for nighttime noise would occur. All noise levels are to increase for the majority of those impacted.
When asked about the change to 2.3 mw turbines, First Wind stated these were the “best fit” for the project area. Numerous opaque reasons were offered, but none included this feature from the manufacturer’s acoustic emission document — the ability to operate in “noise restricted operation”. This feature allows developers to site the turbines inappropriately, capitalizing on the MDEP daytime sound limit of 55 dBA, only to curb the noise at night just enough to maintain compliance with what had been used, for practical reasons, as the overall standard (45 dBA) for wind developments in Maine. In all previous discussions, both with Oakfield and MDEP, First Wind claimed the ability to meet the 45 dBA limit at all relevant locations, day and night.
First Wind exhibited reluctance to disclose when the decision was made to redesign this project to consist of increased numbers of larger turbines. No conclusive answer was offered, but the appeal of the permitted project has been suggested as an explanation. Consider the following:
• The Oakfield Project leases, some with negotiations dating back three years or more, contain language allowing for turbines between 1.5 and 3.0 mw. The concept of an altered project design was factored into these very carefully drafted leases.
• Changes to the project were discussed late last year at a Selectmen’s meeting. The information came from Andy Hamilton, attorney with Eaton Peabody. He indicated First Wind had presented this possibility to him. This occurred before the original project had received DEP approval. Obviously, no appeals could exist at that time.
At this recent meeting, we were told that everyone was aware of the plan to further develop east of the original project area. Whereas, in October of 2008, at the first informational meeting in Oakfield, Matt Kearns, then vice president of business development, New England, for First Wind, explicitly denied the existence of a “second phase” — First Wind had plans for “one project”. Within two weeks, I attended a meeting of landowners where agreements were sought for “phase II”.
Once again, we are led to believe this is to be “one project” — just larger. This is still not accurate. Leases are signed for other hills in Oakfield, as well as Dyer Brook and Island Falls. First Wind has mapped hills on the west side of Linneus. Landowners have been approached in Sherman, and beyond. This information comes directly from landowners and residents in these areas. Every time we are told we know what to expect, First Wind begins their revisionist explanations as to what they really meant.
The preceding information is well founded. After discussing this project directly with representatives from First Wind between August 2007 and February 2009, I then read the entire project application. I attended virtually all meetings reviewing this project, at the same time submitting material and interacting extensively with the DEP, finally opting to join appeals, first to the Board of Environmental Protection, and now as one of two appellants petitioning the Law Court.
For those in attendance, this recent Oakfield meeting provided a local opportunity to experience the lesser known side of this industry. False expectations, misleading explanations, and disregard for the impacts on surrounding residents were on display for all to see. Now, it is time for First Wind’s public relations campaign to begin anew.
Brian Raynes
Oakfield
