Letter: Question what wind farms reap

To the Editor:

Considering the wind farm(s) projected for Goodhue County, many are concerned for surrounding areas, the affects of sound, flickering reflections, killing of birds, human and wild life habitat, erosion of soil, etc.

After attending meetings of the county commissioners where some issues were addressed I checked with some in the foot print of existing farms.

One Jeffers, Minn., farmer said he couldn’t even see the 365-foot tower as it was in the far corner of his property.

But someone must see it, I asked. “Yes, I guess so.” Is there any problem farming and getting around the tower?

“Well I guess there is some nuisance, I don’t farm anymore myself.”

His last comments: “I wouldn’t say I’m sorry but I don’t think I’d do it again.”

Another investor: “Well, we had hoped by now it would pay.” Those with invested property should expect $452 per lease for land with wind mill erected. Over one year later they’ve not seen any money.

Since their produced energy is sold off, they do not expect it to affect individual utility bills. Areas where energy produced is used locally often find increased bills to accommodate turbines’ integration into grid.

Life expectancy of turbines here in Goodhue as in the Summit Wind Jeffers 20 is from 20 to 30 years. Project contractor are responsible for maintenance, replacement if needed during the contracted period.

When I’ve asked; “What then?” I get a slow, “Well ... I don’t really know.”

After planting 403 yards of concrete, 86,000 pounds of rebar to a depth of 11 feet and height of 365 feet per tower/turbine, just what is the footprint we will leave future generations? Isn’t it time we question what we are doing to them and to the world we leave behind?

Twenty years of non-substantial output (projected up to 20 percent) seems little return on such a drastic endeavor.

Catherine Huisman

Red Wing

Tags: goodhue county, wind farm, wind energy, opinion, letters