A very typical sight in rural areas on the way to the cottage.
The majority of people living in turbine areas (and proposed turbine areas) are saying nay to these so called efficient "green" energy generators. In reality, wind turbines are unreliable and inefficient (on average 17-25% efficient), they are not “green” – need constant backup, so C02 emission is not reduced, and they are expensive – will cause electric bills to go up (30-40%).
Other common reasons for not wanting industrial wind turbines in an area are;
Loss of property value, studies show 20-40% decrease in property values within a 2-3 mile radius.
Loss of right of quiet enjoyment, views and comfort of property is disrupted. The natural beauty of the area is changed for at least 50 years
Human health impact, people are said to be suffering with Wind turbine syndrome: sleep interruption, headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, anxiety, concentration issues, and tinnitus. Shadow flicker from the blades passing between the sun and the home has been known to trigger migraines.
Animals, (farm and wildlife) are often affected, unexplained deaths after turbines were turned on, stray voltage problems, unexplained nervousness and irritability in livestock. Wildlife often leaves the area permanently.
According to a recently published scholarly article in the Wildlife Society Bulletin, it is estimated that wind turbines batter about 600,000 birds, and kill 20,000 to 37,000 annually. Birds of prey and other large species are particularly at risk.
For or against these turbines, everyone has an opinion. In my part of the world, debate continues, protests are getting louder, pitting neighbour against neighbour and community against community. The “Not a Willing Host” movement grows and pressures the government to bar the industrial turbines from rural Ontario, where 1,200 have already cropped up.
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Sources
www.wind-watch.org
www.windaction.org
Wildlife Society Bulletin
Wind Concerns Ontario
