Apparently the Fond du Lac Reporter filmed the new wind turbines in Fond du Lac County and posted the footage on You Tube:
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/do-wind-turbines-make-much-sound/610841121
A bubbling brook and birds can be plainly heard while the turbines spin. A passing automobile drowns out all other sound.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Turbine built too close to residence
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Town of Marshfield - We Energies is facing a 15-yard penalty of sorts after a resident flagged the power company for building a wind turbine too close to his home.Local ordinances require that wind towers be erected at least 1,000 feet from a neighboring house, but a series of mistakes ended up with the tower being built 47 feet too close to Bill Winkler's home.
Winkler couldn't be reached for comment. His brother, Mike Winkler, was among the most vocal opponents of the We Energies 88-turbine wind power project.
"I don't know what's going to happen with that," Mike Winkler said of the tower location problem.
After the location error was discovered, We Energies hired a consultant to use global positioning system technology to measure the distance of every wind tower from nearby properties, said wind farm project manager Andy Hesselbach.
The utility's analysis and the consultant found that no other tower in the $300 million project was too close to a neighbor's property. The only exception: a few homes that have been built in recent years, but owners of those homes were informed that they would be building homes within 1,000 feet of where a turbine would be located.
We Energies knew last summer that the turbine site selected by a prior developer was too close to the Winkler residence, Hesselbach said, so the utility drew up revised plans moving the turbine by 85 feet, and filed those with the state Public Service Commission.
"We thought everything was all squared away," he said.
Town of Marshfield - We Energies is facing a 15-yard penalty of sorts after a resident flagged the power company for building a wind turbine too close to his home.Local ordinances require that wind towers be erected at least 1,000 feet from a neighboring house, but a series of mistakes ended up with the tower being built 47 feet too close to Bill Winkler's home.
Winkler couldn't be reached for comment. His brother, Mike Winkler, was among the most vocal opponents of the We Energies 88-turbine wind power project.
"I don't know what's going to happen with that," Mike Winkler said of the tower location problem.
After the location error was discovered, We Energies hired a consultant to use global positioning system technology to measure the distance of every wind tower from nearby properties, said wind farm project manager Andy Hesselbach.
The utility's analysis and the consultant found that no other tower in the $300 million project was too close to a neighbor's property. The only exception: a few homes that have been built in recent years, but owners of those homes were informed that they would be building homes within 1,000 feet of where a turbine would be located.
We Energies knew last summer that the turbine site selected by a prior developer was too close to the Winkler residence, Hesselbach said, so the utility drew up revised plans moving the turbine by 85 feet, and filed those with the state Public Service Commission.
"We thought everything was all squared away," he said.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Farms clean up with new crop - wind turbines
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Town of Marshfield - The state's newest energy crop is rising above the rolling farm fields overlooking Lake Winnebago in northeastern Fond du Lac County.While farmers throughout Wisconsin have planted more corn in recent years to make ethanol, some area farmers will soon receive payments for giving land over to another renewable resource: wind turbines.
More than 170 turbines sit atop towers in two new wind farm projects in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. The new turbines will generate only a fraction of the state's power needs, yet they are the most significant expansion yet of the state's renewable energy efforts.
"It's our future for energy, isn't it?" said Melvin Olig of Mount Calvary as he took an afternoon walk on country roads with turbines on either side.
Proposals to build the turbines were floated five years ago, and the projects became controversial. Some homeowners worried that the towers would dramatically change the rural landscape, and they raised concerns about noise and other potential problems.
"It doesn't bother me," said Olig, who checks which way the wind is blowing each morning by looking out his kitchen window at the two turbines he can see from his home.
"Some people are quite up in arms about it, but if you're doing something that's legal on your own land, I don't have a problem with it."
Town of Marshfield - The state's newest energy crop is rising above the rolling farm fields overlooking Lake Winnebago in northeastern Fond du Lac County.While farmers throughout Wisconsin have planted more corn in recent years to make ethanol, some area farmers will soon receive payments for giving land over to another renewable resource: wind turbines.
More than 170 turbines sit atop towers in two new wind farm projects in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. The new turbines will generate only a fraction of the state's power needs, yet they are the most significant expansion yet of the state's renewable energy efforts.
"It's our future for energy, isn't it?" said Melvin Olig of Mount Calvary as he took an afternoon walk on country roads with turbines on either side.
Proposals to build the turbines were floated five years ago, and the projects became controversial. Some homeowners worried that the towers would dramatically change the rural landscape, and they raised concerns about noise and other potential problems.
"It doesn't bother me," said Olig, who checks which way the wind is blowing each morning by looking out his kitchen window at the two turbines he can see from his home.
"Some people are quite up in arms about it, but if you're doing something that's legal on your own land, I don't have a problem with it."
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Renewable energy and energy efficiency grants available
From an e-mail from the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC):Farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses have new opportunities to install energy efficiency upgrades and new renewable energy systems.
Yesterday, USDA Rural Development released its NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) for this year's Section 9006 clean energy grant and loan guarantee program. The program rules are similar to last year's, with a few changes. Congress recently boosted total 2008 funding for this program from $23 million to $36 million in recognition of the value and demand for Section 9006.
Below are key changes for 2008:
Grants: For grants, the USDA is making $15.9 million available for 2008 (though more may come later from unused loan guarantee allocations). The USDA has established two grant cycles this year, with application deadlines of April 16th and June 16th. 50% of the grant funding will be set aside for each cycle. Applications not funded in the first cycle will be reconsidered in the second cycle.
Loan Guarantees: USDA will review and decide applications for loan guarantees on a continuous basis, but must be received by USDA no later than June 16th. Applications for combined loan guarantee-grants will be reviewed bi-weekly and USDA also must receive those applications no later than June 16th. The USDA has provided funding resulting in $205 million in loan guarantees (leveraging $19.9 million from original Congressional funding).
On-Line Applications: Grant applicants have the option to submit applications online from www.grants.gov and submit their application electronically. (At the time of this writing, the application is not yet available). Loan guarantee applications can only be submitted in paper form.
Further Information: Further information on the program including frequently asked questions, official application forms and templates, checklists, tips, case studies, application instructions and regulations can be found at www.farmenergy.org.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
State seeks nominations of energy efficient pulp and paper mills
An article from The Post-Crescent (Appleton):
MADISON — Nominees are wanted for the 2008 Pulp and Paper Energy Efficiency Award, which recognizes a Wisconsin pulp or paper mill for outstanding achievement in implementing an energy-efficiency project.
Nominations will be accepted through April 9.
Applicants must be pulp and/or paper mills in Wisconsin that have been successful in completing energy-efficiency projects during the previous 18 months. Submissions are limited to one per mill site. Self-nominations will be accepted.
"Energy is a major cost for manufacturers — especially in the paper industry, the largest consumer of energy in Wisconsin — and bringing new energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology to mills will go a long way toward reducing these costs," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement. "This award encourages and recognizes the achievements of those Wisconsin mills making the most promising strides."
A review panel of pulp and paper energy-efficiency experts will select the winner. The award is sponsored jointly by Focus on Energy and CleanTech Partners Inc.
The award, sponsored jointly by Focus on Energy and CleanTech Partners Inc., will be presented during the Wisconsin Paper Council's annual meeting May 29 at Best Western Bridgewood Resort in Neenah.
For more information, contact Tom Wroblewski at CleanTech Partners, 608-203-0116, or by e-mail.
MADISON — Nominees are wanted for the 2008 Pulp and Paper Energy Efficiency Award, which recognizes a Wisconsin pulp or paper mill for outstanding achievement in implementing an energy-efficiency project.
Nominations will be accepted through April 9.
Applicants must be pulp and/or paper mills in Wisconsin that have been successful in completing energy-efficiency projects during the previous 18 months. Submissions are limited to one per mill site. Self-nominations will be accepted.
"Energy is a major cost for manufacturers — especially in the paper industry, the largest consumer of energy in Wisconsin — and bringing new energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology to mills will go a long way toward reducing these costs," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement. "This award encourages and recognizes the achievements of those Wisconsin mills making the most promising strides."
A review panel of pulp and paper energy-efficiency experts will select the winner. The award is sponsored jointly by Focus on Energy and CleanTech Partners Inc.
The award, sponsored jointly by Focus on Energy and CleanTech Partners Inc., will be presented during the Wisconsin Paper Council's annual meeting May 29 at Best Western Bridgewood Resort in Neenah.
For more information, contact Tom Wroblewski at CleanTech Partners, 608-203-0116, or by e-mail.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
EcoEnergy seeks state OK for turbines in Calumet
After months of battling local opposition to a mid-sized wind project that required town approval, EcoEnergy announced an expansion of the project to more than 100 MW and, consequently, moved the permitting process to the Public Service Commission and out of the hands of town boards.
From an article by Ed Byrne in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
A wind energy firm planning to develop turbine fields in Calumet County says it is no longer going through local regulation to get the project approved.
Instead, Curt Bjulin, Wisconsin project manager for EcoEnergy, said his firm is seeking approval from the state Public Service Commission for the project in the towns of Chilton and Rantoul.
This is the latest salvo in a battle that's gone on for nearly two years between wind farm developers and Calumet County residents who fear the effects dozens of 400-foot turbines will have on neighbors' lives and health."We have had a great relationship with Calumet County, but there have been a series of moratoriums, revisions and amendments to the wind energy ordinance," Bjulin said. "There is not much certainty."
A spokesman for one of the opposition groups that formed in Calumet County said Friday he fears the PSC will offer residents less protection than the county's ordinance.
"The PSC would be using a cookie-cutter approach to this thing," Town of Chilton resident Lee Bjork said.
Bjork and his contemporaries are increasingly frustrated with the lack of leverage they seem to have, compared with the turbine developers.
They turned out in force last week to oppose a bill before the Legislature that would have given the PSC approval authority over all wind farm developments in Wisconsin. The Senate withdrew the bill, but to Bjork it seemed a rare victory.
"Nobody holds their feet to the fire," he said. "Nobody questions them. Nobody asks, 'Can you guarantee the sound won't exceed 40 (decibels)? Can you guarantee property values won't go down?'"
Bjulin said the process of getting the project approval through the PSC is longer and costly, but it is a known process, unlike going through the county.
"The wind energy facility in Calumet County will cost $220 million and predictability is very important with that kind of investment," he said.
Bjulin said the PSC already has handled the approvals of three large wind energy projects in Wisconsin.
"It is not a new process for wind energy projects," Bjulin said. "The PCS has regulatory authority over projects of over 100 megawatts."
Bjulin said EcoEnergy's Calumet County project was originally under 100 megawatts, but the project was upsized to have one that would qualify for PSC approval.
"Because of a number of considerations, we added an extra turbine and so it is over the 100 (megawatts) number now," Bjulin said.
From an article by Ed Byrne in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
A wind energy firm planning to develop turbine fields in Calumet County says it is no longer going through local regulation to get the project approved.
Instead, Curt Bjulin, Wisconsin project manager for EcoEnergy, said his firm is seeking approval from the state Public Service Commission for the project in the towns of Chilton and Rantoul.
This is the latest salvo in a battle that's gone on for nearly two years between wind farm developers and Calumet County residents who fear the effects dozens of 400-foot turbines will have on neighbors' lives and health."We have had a great relationship with Calumet County, but there have been a series of moratoriums, revisions and amendments to the wind energy ordinance," Bjulin said. "There is not much certainty."
A spokesman for one of the opposition groups that formed in Calumet County said Friday he fears the PSC will offer residents less protection than the county's ordinance.
"The PSC would be using a cookie-cutter approach to this thing," Town of Chilton resident Lee Bjork said.
Bjork and his contemporaries are increasingly frustrated with the lack of leverage they seem to have, compared with the turbine developers.
They turned out in force last week to oppose a bill before the Legislature that would have given the PSC approval authority over all wind farm developments in Wisconsin. The Senate withdrew the bill, but to Bjork it seemed a rare victory.
"Nobody holds their feet to the fire," he said. "Nobody questions them. Nobody asks, 'Can you guarantee the sound won't exceed 40 (decibels)? Can you guarantee property values won't go down?'"
Bjulin said the process of getting the project approval through the PSC is longer and costly, but it is a known process, unlike going through the county.
"The wind energy facility in Calumet County will cost $220 million and predictability is very important with that kind of investment," he said.
Bjulin said the PSC already has handled the approvals of three large wind energy projects in Wisconsin.
"It is not a new process for wind energy projects," Bjulin said. "The PCS has regulatory authority over projects of over 100 megawatts."
Bjulin said EcoEnergy's Calumet County project was originally under 100 megawatts, but the project was upsized to have one that would qualify for PSC approval.
"Because of a number of considerations, we added an extra turbine and so it is over the 100 (megawatts) number now," Bjulin said.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Green Business Seminar, March 27, Green Bay
From Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and the Energy Center of Wisconsin:
We are happy to present another lunch and learn opportunity.
It’s not too late to register for the upcoming Green Business Seminar!
Join us for lunch and a lively look at top trends in sustainable business—and discuss cost savings, brand enhancement and the policy climate to help you position your company for new opportunities.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center
2040 Airport Drive
Green Bay, WI 54313
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Cost: $29 per person, and includes lunch and all program materials. Registrations must be made in advance.
Presenter: Marge Anderson, Energy Center of Wisconsin
Who should attend?
Business leaders, professionals involved with strategic and sustainable planning
Benefits of attending
*Find out what is new in state and federal legislation that could provide incentive for your business
*Discuss recent research on how consumers view energy, the environment and climate change – and how this affects their purchase decisions
*Identify key trends to watch for 2008 and 2009
After attending, you will be able to:
*Identify mega-trends that are driving green business opportunity
*Learn what other companies are doing to cut costs and build business as our economy becomes more eco-conscious
*Understand changes in energy policy in the Midwest that could affect your business
Questions
Contact Trisha Stibor at 608.238.8276 x124 or tstibor@ecw.org.
Brought to you by
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
Energy Center of Wisconsin
We are happy to present another lunch and learn opportunity.
It’s not too late to register for the upcoming Green Business Seminar!
Join us for lunch and a lively look at top trends in sustainable business—and discuss cost savings, brand enhancement and the policy climate to help you position your company for new opportunities.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center
2040 Airport Drive
Green Bay, WI 54313
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Cost: $29 per person, and includes lunch and all program materials. Registrations must be made in advance.
Presenter: Marge Anderson, Energy Center of Wisconsin
Who should attend?
Business leaders, professionals involved with strategic and sustainable planning
Benefits of attending
*Find out what is new in state and federal legislation that could provide incentive for your business
*Discuss recent research on how consumers view energy, the environment and climate change – and how this affects their purchase decisions
*Identify key trends to watch for 2008 and 2009
After attending, you will be able to:
*Identify mega-trends that are driving green business opportunity
*Learn what other companies are doing to cut costs and build business as our economy becomes more eco-conscious
*Understand changes in energy policy in the Midwest that could affect your business
Questions
Contact Trisha Stibor at 608.238.8276 x124 or tstibor@ecw.org.
Brought to you by
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
Energy Center of Wisconsin
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Town okays ordinance and resident’s solar installation
From an article by Ed Lowe in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
GRAND CHUTE — Resident Donna Kuether's bid to erect a 23-foot-tall solar collector in her backyard got the town's go-ahead Tuesday, nearly a year after she purchased most of the equipment.
The Town Board spent most of that year debating its options before approving an ordinance allowing solar units like Kuether's, provided they are set no closer to property lines than the measure of their height.
It was a clear but belated victory for Kuether, who said she will get the $26,000 system installed behind her Florida Avenue home as soon as the weather allows.
The board, by a 4-1 vote, rejected a recommendation of the town Plan Commission that would have banned systems taller than 10 feet within 100 feet of property lines. . . .
The ordinance passed Tuesday allows permits for free-standing solar systems, provided they are:
+ Sited no closer to property lines than their maximum extended height.
+ Reach no higher than the principal structure on the property.
+ Placed in rear yards.
The ordinance states that neighbors will not be ordered to remove sunlight-blocking structures or vegetation. It also requires notification of permit requests for property owners within a 300-foot radius of the applicant.
GRAND CHUTE — Resident Donna Kuether's bid to erect a 23-foot-tall solar collector in her backyard got the town's go-ahead Tuesday, nearly a year after she purchased most of the equipment.
The Town Board spent most of that year debating its options before approving an ordinance allowing solar units like Kuether's, provided they are set no closer to property lines than the measure of their height.
It was a clear but belated victory for Kuether, who said she will get the $26,000 system installed behind her Florida Avenue home as soon as the weather allows.
The board, by a 4-1 vote, rejected a recommendation of the town Plan Commission that would have banned systems taller than 10 feet within 100 feet of property lines. . . .
The ordinance passed Tuesday allows permits for free-standing solar systems, provided they are:
+ Sited no closer to property lines than their maximum extended height.
+ Reach no higher than the principal structure on the property.
+ Placed in rear yards.
The ordinance states that neighbors will not be ordered to remove sunlight-blocking structures or vegetation. It also requires notification of permit requests for property owners within a 300-foot radius of the applicant.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sustainability: Can you find the road map in your 'glove compartment'?
A talk by
Dr. Patrick Eagan, Engineering Professional Development, UW-Madison
The purpose of the talk is to describe the need and importance of better interpretive frameworks and ultimately design for Sustainability topics. The talk will discuss the sustainability term and challenges associated with it. Examples from water resources will be used. International perspectives will be shared based on recent visits to the Netherlands and Japan. The talk concludes with some different lenses (business, personal) to use when reading your "map".
Tuesday, March 4th at 4:30 pm
Science Hall 102
Lawrence University
Dr. Patrick Eagan, Engineering Professional Development, UW-Madison
The purpose of the talk is to describe the need and importance of better interpretive frameworks and ultimately design for Sustainability topics. The talk will discuss the sustainability term and challenges associated with it. Examples from water resources will be used. International perspectives will be shared based on recent visits to the Netherlands and Japan. The talk concludes with some different lenses (business, personal) to use when reading your "map".
Tuesday, March 4th at 4:30 pm
Science Hall 102
Lawrence University
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