Wind project’s benefits, drawbacks debated

State hearing continues on a proposal to put 70 turbines in Champaign County.

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer 1:36 AM Sunday, November 15, 2009

COLUMBUS — Witnesses began testimony this week on a proposal that could soon dot Champaign County with large wind turbines.

Throughout the week, Everpower Renewables, the New York company proposing the Buckeye wind project, provided witnesses who testified before the Ohio Power Siting Board on everything from the potential effect of the turbines on Grimes and Weller Fields to what effects, if any, shadow flicker has on human health.

Testimony is expected to continue into this week, and intervening parties are also expected to call their own witnesses. Those who have filed as intervenors in the case include the county and Urbana, representatives from Union Neighbors United, and the Urbana Country Club, among others.

At stake is a proposal that would build the largest field of electricity-generating wind turbines in the state.

Those in favor of the project point out that it will generate electricity from a clean resource and provide local taxes.

Opponents raised numerous questions about the effect of the moving blades — their sounds, shadows and appearance — on residents who live and work near them.

Chris Shears, senior vice president of development for Everpower, testified that the energy generated by the turbines will be added to the grid and sold on the open market to power companies.

However, Shears said the energy produced by the turbines will likely stay in Ohio.

That would likely help the state meet a goal to develop more renewable energy. He also noted that demand for electricity in the state is increasing, making it more likely that the energy created will stay in the state.

The Buckeye Wind Project, if approved, would spread about 70 turbines throughout six townships in Champaign County.

The Buckeye Wind Project has been a topic of concern in the county for more than a year, and the testimony is part of a review process required by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

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