Edgewood Mayor Expresses Wind Turbine Concerns
Editor’s note: NM-Central.com has published several articles raising questions regarding Edgewood’s approach to alternative energy: Edgewood Considering Windmills Without Requiring Permits, Everyone Knows It’s Windy, and Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach. While we remain supportive of properly planned and sited wind projects, we wish to reiterate our concern that not all projects are appropriate for all places, and there are certainly places within Edgewood’s existing boundaries that would not likely be appropriate as sites for wind turbines. We again call on Edgewood not to rush to judgment on this issue, and not to simply brush off concerns simply because it may take time and effort to resolve them. Once the money is spent and a wind turbine is up and running, it’s a bit late to come to the realization that one should have looked at the project more closely. We also caution Edgewood that the Town could well face legal action from cell tower proponents who may feel that they are receiving unequal treatment under the law if they allow wind turbines to be built without restrictions. Of course, the cell tower proponents could go with a “stealth” design that makes the tower look like a wind turbine…
by Bob Stearley, Mayor, Town of Edgewood
It is important for the World to develop energy alternatives to oil and gas. Wind energy generated by small turbines in Edgewood, however, does not appear to be an economical choice at this time. The cost of even a small system (~2.5 kW) is around $20,000. A good-case scenario might be for it to be built on a 63 foot tall tower, and to be located in an area where there are no buildings, trees, or hills, and a (computer predicted) wind class of 3, where it would be predicted to generate an average of 440 kWh per month and a savings of $58 per month. If there are buildings, hills and trees in the area, and the predicted wind class is 2, the energy generation would be 270 kWh and a savings of $36 per month. If the tower is 35 feet tall the (predicted) savings would be only $30 per month. Even if the Federal Government provides $5,400 (of our tax money) to subsidize the cost, the net cost of $14,600 is still out of line with a potential return of from $30 to $58 per month.
Even if the potential buyers of these systems obtain this data, they may still decide to invest in one or more towers on the principal of doing their part by reducing their use of oil and gas, and to exercise their independent spirit.
With these economics, it is likely that very few will be built by individuals in Edgewood. Therefore, we can expect that Edgewood’s permitting of wind turbines will have a negligible impact on the use of oil and gas. However, wherever one is erected, I believe that the neighbors who have it imposed on their views (and the quiet) of Edgewood and South Mountain are likely to be mad.
A search of the internet shows that the erection of wind turbine towers in residential areas has created anger from the neighbors. Some worry about the value of their home, with their views dominated by the neighbor’s wind turbine(s). Try using Google with “wind turbine wars”. One of the references from Google was a newspaper report of statements by Lynda Barry of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin: “Admittedly, some people don’t have any problems with the spinning turbines. Many others, though, think the noise, vibrations and flickering shadows created by the spinning turbine blades cause headaches, disorientation and sleep deprivation. “What was really bothersome was just how distressed people were,” says Barry. “You just see it over and over again.” Another website stated: “The study has come to the conclusion that solar power is far-and-away a much more efficient and cost effective method of sourcing renewable energy for your home. In fact, wind power cost up to 8 times more per kilowatt than solar power.”
The current version of the Edgewood Regulations for Small Wind Turbines allows multiple turbines on any sized lot, limited only with a 1.1 ratio between the tower height and the distance to lot lines and occupied buildings. It allows turbines of up to 100 kW energy output, having 69 foot blade diameters, which will generate enough electricity for 13 average households. Perhaps some residents, or absentee land owners, could find energy companies who would lease their lands and install wind farms. Do the citizens of Edgewood want to allow wind farms within the incorporated area?
By the way, the best wind conditions for wind turbines would be along the ridgelines of Campbell Ranch, which would include South Mountain.
There will be a public hearing by the Town Council at the Edgewood Community Center at 6:30 pm on October 7. If you care about this issue, please write letters or e-mails to us (mayor@edgewood-nm.gov), and please come to demonstrate your support or opposition of the proposed Regulation.
2 Responses “Edgewood Mayor Expresses Wind Turbine Concerns”
“I believe that the neighbors who have it imposed on their views (and the quiet) of Edgewood and South Mountain are likely to be mad.”
It is interesting to note that Mayor Stearley has steadfastly opposed a prohibition of dogs barking at night in the Animal Control ordinance.
I, for one, am an advocate of barking dog restrictions, nighttime or otherwise. People have a “right to quiet enjoyment” of their homes, and incessantly barking dogs are a distraction at best and a nuisance at worst, especially at night. In my opinion, people who can’t keep their animals under control and prevent them from becoming a nuisance probably shouldn’t have them. The objection to wind turbine noise is also relevant, especially in areas where smaller lot sizes are prevalent.