Mason continues Lake Michigan offshore wind farm research (USA)
Mason County commissioners will continue to research the controversial proposal that would result in large wind turbines in Lake Michigan.
The commissioners at a meeting Tuesday, directed county board Chairman Michael Schneider to establish a committee to look into the issue. County Administrator Fabian Knizacky said commissioners discussed the Scandia Wind proposal for an 1,150-megawatt wind-energy development during the meeting.
Scandia’s proposal calls for separate 500-megawatt wind-turbine groupings four miles off Pentwater and six miles off Grand Haven, along with a 150-megawatt onshore farm at Muskegon County’s wastewater site.
Opponents have criticized the project for its potential impact on the views from the shoreline and area tourism, while supporters have trumpeted the potential for 3,000 jobs that could be sparked by luring a turbine manufacturer to the region.
Scandia Wind developers are asking county commissioners of the four counties involved — Muskegon, Mason, Oceana and Ottawa — to determine whether they could accept the visual impact of the offshore wind farms.
If so, the developers said they would begin a three-year, $7 million economic and environmental study to determine the feasibility of the project.
The developers have asked for a ruling by the county boards by Sept. 1. Various public meetings have been conducted and more are expected.
Source: mlive, May 15, 2010; Image: co.mason, May 15, 2010
