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Wind exec takes stand on proposed turbine project

Everpower official testifies about effects in Champaign.

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 10:27 PM Monday, November 9, 2009

COLUMBUS — Attorneys questioned a representative for Everpower Renewables Monday, Nov. 9, on everything from tax issues to shadow flicker concerning a proposed turbine project in Champaign County.

Chris Shears, senior vice president of development at Everpower, spent the entire day on the witness stand as attorneys questioned several aspects of the Buckeye Wind Project. The project, which is under review by the Ohio Power Siting Board, would develop about 70 wind turbines throughout six townships in the county.

Attorneys representing the county, as well as Union Neighbors United and the Urbana Country Club, were among those who questioned Shears about the project.

Jane Napier, assistant prosecutor for Champaign County, questioned Shears on the long-term economic impact of the project. She noted that after the project is initially constructed, there may not be a long-term boost to the county.

Shears argued there will also be 12 full-time jobs, as well as jobs to provide parts for the turbines and lease payments for landowners who have the turbines on their land.

“Those are very real and tangible benefits over and above the benefits of energy generation,” he said.

Testimony is expected to continue through the week.

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The selfish proponents of placing industrial turbines in residential areas want to destroy a rural county to line the pockets of European investors (Terra Firma, a UK firm, owns EverPower). No doubt you took the Farm Bureau bus trips to all those wind farms which leads me to surmise you hold a lease for those turbines and are making a nice pile of money at the expense of your land and neighbors. Please don't lecture the rest of us who aren't prostituting our farmland.

ABigFatNaysayer
10:04 PM, 11/12/2009

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It is unfortunate how short sighted, narrow minded and selfish some of you are. I have visited wind farms in IN, PA, and in Bowling Green and they are all FABULOUS, quiet sources of clean, renewable energy. Wind energy is creating jobs here in Ohio - since we have hundreds of manufacturers that are supplying component parts for the turbines. I want a cleaner future for my children and can't wait for these wind companies help diversify Ohio's fossil fuel power.

fooey to the ney-sayers
3:17 PM, 11/11/2009

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how can these turbines be put somewhere that no one lives all of the country side is populated by people that have bought road frontage and put a house on it because city life was to much now they are all crying that they don't want the turbines thanks for taking away farmland and putting a wrench in something that will help cut down on the use of coal and oil I didn't want people buying farmland to put a house on and then cry because the farm down the road makes dust so shut up

C
3:17 PM, 11/11/2009

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To VR. Do a little more research. Yes, there are hundreds of these windmills along the coasts of the North Sea and facing the Atlantic - guess what - steady wind all the time! However, these countries are also going broke, just like us, and they no longer can afford to subsidize the costs, which are necessary to make these things make a dime (Euro). Without subsidies, the mills are shut down and everyone who invested in them is left holding the bag. This will be the fate of these in Ohio

Wise up before it's too late
7:09 PM, 11/10/2009

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I couldn't agree more! The negatives of putting these horrible things up in our county DEFINITELY far out weigh the positives! I can't believe that a representative from Everpower would use the idea that 12 new jobs would come to our county as a "selling point" for the project! Are you kidding me 12 jobs! That is nothing is the whole scheme of things. Put the turbines in areas where people don't live, not 900ft from their homes! Regardless if the are erected, our county is already divided.

Union Twp Home Owner #2
4:05 PM, 11/10/2009

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