Letter: Do homework about wind energy

To the Editor:

I read the commentary “Study of wind project may blow you away” by Erin Logan of Zumbrota (R-E, Jan. 17). I am a resident of Lyon County and a private citizen interested in getting the word out to rural landowners that are not interested in participating in wind development projects and lands adjacent to proposed projects.

There are two important documents everyone falling into that category should read; 1) Minnesota Statute 216F that defines Wind Energy Conversion Systems, in other words, wind turbine projects. Secondly, I would suggest reading the PUC Order Establishing General Wind Permit Standards, issued: 11 January 2008.

_http://energyfacilities.puc.state.mn.us/documents/19302/PUC%20Order%20Standards%20and%20Setbacks.pdf

The PUC order explains in some depth the PUC’s thought process when establishing general wind permit setbacks and standards. Although this document is specifically written for counties that have assumed permitting authority for projects with a total nameplate capacity between 5MW and 25MW, it explains the historic setbacks and standards the PUC uses when permitting large projects even exceeding 25MW.

An important setback that protects the wind and property rights of persons outside the permitted project boundary, and persons within the boundary who are not participating in the project is called the “Wind Access Buffer Setback.”

This setback is measured from a non-participating landowner’s property line not a dwelling. This setback is based on the diameter of the turbine’s rotor blades and the direction of the predominant wind.

Please do your homework to understand the importance of the “Wind Access Buffer Setback” and other such considerations the wind developers should address when submitting permits for wind development.

Scott Riddlemoser

Balaton, Minn.

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