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Aviation consultant questioned in turbine case

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 10:07 PM Tuesday, November 10, 2009

COLUMBUS — Attorneys closely questioned an aviation consultant Tuesday, Nov. 10, in a hearing on a proposed wind turbine project in Champaign County.

Thaddeus Brys, a consultant for Aviation Systems Inc., testified before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in a hearing on the Buckeye Wind Project, which would build about 70 turbines throughout Champaign County.

Gil Weithman, law director for Urbana, questioned Brys on news that the Federal Aviation Administration recently reduced the number of turbines it considered a presumed hazard. Previously, it had deemed that 38 of the proposed turbines were presumed hazards to the instrument approach at Grimes and Weller Fields. However, that number was recently reduced to 16, Brys said.

Weithman questioned Brys on his role in the process. Brys, a former air traffic controller who testified on behalf of Everpower Renewables, the company proposing the project, said the FAA had mistakenly applied certain criteria incorrectly, leading to the error.

Nick Selvaggio, Champaign County prosecutor, also questioned Chris Shears on what affect the project might have on future development in the county. Selvaggio noted while the project might provide some benefits, including farmland preservation, he questioned whether some landowners not participating in the project would still be able to develop their land in the future because of required setbacks once the turbines are in place.

Shears, senior vice president of development at Everpower, said the company has considered the issue and tried to strike a balance in its application.

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Speaking of vultures, these wind energy companies troll rural areas looking for communities to devour. And at the taxpayers' expense no less. The Champaign County project won't benefit its citizens in any way and will most likely harm the residents in the aspects of property values, aesthetics, health and safety, yet local officials (esp. the Farm Bureau)have welcomed these industry creeps. I wish the News-sun would do a little investigative reporting.

WindPowerisOverblown
9:55 PM, 11/12/2009

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Each year across America thousands of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and condors perish at “green energy” wind farms. Most prop wind turbines have blade tips speeds of approximately 200 mph. This video illustrates why all birds and bats do not have a chance near the spinning blades of a prop turbine. There has been a wind industry cover-up about the bird mortality problem for decades.

Wiegand
11:40 AM, 11/11/2009

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This video will open your eyes and your mind when you see how easily a soaring vulture is smashed by the innocent looking blades of a prop wind turbine. Most prop wind turbines have blade tips speeds of approximately 200 mph. This video illustrates why all birds and bats do not have a chance near the spinning blades of a prop turbine. Fatal Accident With Vulture on a Windmill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9srP...

Wiegand
11:38 AM, 11/11/2009

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I see Everpower still has unlimited money to spend on lawyers and consultants. Vorys Sater Semour and Pease are the most expensive, (and probably the best) law firm in Columbus. And consultants do not work for free. We on the other hand will rely on elected officials and volunteers for our testimony. Donate!! If you haven't got a penny, a haypenny will do. Keep up the good fight

NIMBY
8:04 AM, 11/11/2009

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