We, the undersigned, request, for reasons of safety and health regarding onshore wind energy facilities, that:
1. No large wind turbine generator shall be erected closer than 1,600 meters (1 mile) or 12 times its total height (hub height plus rotor radius), whichever is greater, from a neighboring property line or public road or path; and
2. No large wind turbine generator shall be erected closer than 2,000 meters (1-1/4 miles) or 15 times its total height, whichever is greater, from a residence, school, place of business, or health care facility.
Go here to sign.
BACKGROUND
Large wind energy turbines
- Are subject to stresses that often cause catastrophic blade failure, collapse, and fire.
- May shed and throw large pieces of ice over a great distance.
- Create intrusive shadow flicker over a long distance when the sun is behind the turning blades.
- Raise noise levels to a degree that is incompatible with the rural or wild environment in which they are typically sited.
- Generate a wide range of noises and vibration, day and night, that cause loss of sleep, headaches, tinnitus, irritability, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms in people who live near them.
In certain terrains, such as rolling hills, in quiet rural areas, and under some climatic conditions, greater distances of 3-5 km (~2-3 mi) are required to protect the health and welfare of neighbors. Any specified setback, however, must be part of a robust set of regulations to limit noise and protect the environment and landscape.
For more information, see
- "Noise and Health Effects of Large Wind Turbines"
- "Safe setbacks: How far should wind turbines be from homes?"
Show it to your legislators and government officials in discussing regulation of the wind industry. Use it as a starting point for local zoning. Use it as a model for local petitions.
wind power, wind energy, wind turbines, wind farms
