Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-12-2008Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes CITY OF MEDINA PLANNING COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1. Call to Order: Chair Jeff Pederson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Planning Commissioners Jeff Pederson, Simons, Victoria Reid and Robin Reid, Nolan. Absent: Litts and Verbick absent Also Present: Planning Director Tim Benetti and Associate Planner Dusty Finke. 2. Public Comments on Items not on the Agenda No public comments. 3. Update from City Council Proceedings Weir updated the Commission regarding the following: • Farmers Market • Uptown Hamel • Water/Sewer agreement with Corcoran • Special Event permit ordinance • Affordable Housing policy — largely incentive -based • Rural Residential • Luetmer/Druk rearrangement 4. Planning Department Report Benetti updated the Commission on new applications that will be coming up in future months. 5. Approval of July 8, 2008 Planning Commission Minutes Motion by Simons, seconded by V. Reid to approve the July 8th, 2008 minutes with changes as noted. Motion carried unanimously (Absent: Verbick and Litts). 6. Hennepin County Public Works Facility -1600 Prairie Drive (PID 10-118-23-12-0003 and 10-118-23-11-0004) — Amendment to Planned Unit Development General Plan (No. A16846) for the construction of a Wind Turbine tower and Civil Defense Siren tower (Public Hearing Closed). Benetti presented the staff report. He stated that Hennepin County had invited Commissioners, Council members, staff, and any interested city residents to a tour to Northfield to visit wind turbine locations in person. He described the site location. He stated that the maximum distance to the tip of the blade would be 389 feet (1.5 MW) or 407 feet (2.1 MW). The turbines would meet PCA nighttime noise standards at 623 feet (1.5) or 850 1 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes feet (2.1). The site plan identified a 400 foot setback. If a 407 foot in height tower were proposed, the setback would have to be increased to minimum of a 407 foot setback. He stated that the Wind Analysis information which was originally in the PC packet had been requested back by Hennepin County because some of the information should not have been made public. Hennepin County has since provided a condensed version of the executive summary, which may be made public and has been placed in the packet. Benetti described regulations existing in the zoning ordinance which regulate smaller wind turbines. He described different state regulations related to wind turbines. Benetti played video recordings of the turbines at Northfield for those unable to attend the tour. Public Hearing opened at 7:28 p.m. Randy Hogan (owner of 1982 Hamel Road) stated that he is speaking on behalf of Sara Hogan, owner of Greenwood Stables LLC. He had previously been in management with a power company. He stated that when they were considering purchasing the property they saw the large existing telecommunication tower, but they decided they could put up with the view of the tower. More than the height, turbine noise was a concern. Typical "rural sound" density is 20-30 dBa. The turbine would increase local decibel levels by 5 to 10 dBa. He stated that when the wind is coming from the northwest, which is quite often, the sound from the turbine would be greatest directly over their new barn. Horses are more sensitive to the noises, and this will have a large impact on their new private horse barn. In addition to the sound which can be heard, every structure has a resonate frequency. The turbine might share the resonate frequency with their new barn, which would have a tremendous impact on the horses. He stated that the wetland setbacks should be a higher standard for other governmental agencies. He concluded that there is no public benefit, and Hennepin County should not be in the business of power production, which is not a purpose of its charter. Wind energy is a great thing and we should support it, but this is not the place for it, and those who have to live near the towers should benefit from it. He also stated that he is concerned that this will set a precedent, because you shouldn't allow one group to do something and not allow others. Owners up and down Highway 55 might then wish to construct a turbine. Jean Corwin (owner of 1975 Hamel Road) stated that the Hennepin County property was taken from them by eminent domain in the first place. She stated that while there currently are no buildings on their property, the proposal will significantly diminish property values when they wish to sell. The tower may make it so there are never buildings on the property. She stated they had traveled to Elk River to witness a turbine and had heard a constant whirring or whooshing sound. She stated that it would be very difficult if she was forced to listen to that rhythm constantly. She felt there is no gain for the City of Medina and noted that there are no houses or farm animals near the turbine in Elk River. Leslie Borg stated that she has been a resident for 33 years and is opposed to the application. It would hurt property values and the rural Medina would be gone. 2 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes Bert Gardner (2495 Willow Drive) stated that bad decisions made for good reasons can still have a tremendously negative impact. He stated that he pictured sandhill cranes being sliced and diced by this 400 foot veg-a-matic. Letters from Greenwood Stables @ 2260 Fox Street, Robert B. Laurent @ 2265 Pioneer Trail, James Sargent Lane @ 2605 Hamel Road, Ken Bechler & Elizabeth Sedgwick @ 4182 Arrowhead Drive, and Eric & Jill Voltin @ 630 Shawnee Woods Road were accepted into the public record (attached). Public Hearing closed at 7:46 p.m. Karl Masaad (Director of Environmental Services, Hennepin County) stated that the County Board is looking at various ways to help with energy cost. In addition to energy reduction and conservation, they are also looking at ways of productions. He stated that the County would be very interested in the studies about noise impacts, to see what types of turbines were studied and what could be implemented to minimize this concern. With regards to the concerns, there are studies being finalized on the impact on bird mortality in Northfield, which have not showed significant increases. Nolan inquired about the County's solar panel project. Masaad stated that the County had accepted bids and construction was to begin shortly. This would produce about 1/10 of the potential energy of a wind turbine. Nolan inquired if the County had considered smaller turbines. Masaad stated that they had tried to size the turbine to produce enough energy for the Public Works facility. There are also economies of scale which point towards larger turbines. Simons inquired how the wind output/efficiency compares to southwest Minnesota. Tony Hainault (Hennepin County) stated that a capacity factor above 37 is considered excellent, and the report describes a 41 capacity. Depending on the area of southwest Minnesota, it can be lower than this or considerably higher. R. Reid inquired about lighting of the tower. Roy Earl (Hennepin County) stated that there is a solid light on the hub, similar to that on the top of the radio tower. Simons asked how far from the southern property line Option 2 was located. Benetti stated that it is approximately 1250 feet. R. Reid stated that she wished there was unbiased information about the noise. 3 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes V. Reid stated that she had attended the tour. She stated the road noise was significantly louder than the turbine. Pederson stated that it is commendable that Hennepin County is looking at ways to approach their energy. Renewable energy is important. It is his job as a Planning Commissioner to listen to the citizens. He stated that it makes sense at Buffalo Ridge, but that he could not support it in Medina. He stated that he is here for the residents and they appear to all be opposed to the application. He stated we need alternative energy, but not in the middle of the City. Simons stated that he appreciates the comments. He stated that a 40-story building does not protect the citizenry. He stated that he does not know how this helps the City. Distance from current buildings is irrelevant, distance to the nearest building pads is more important. Nolan stated that he also agrees with most of what has been said. We all have an inherent need to look at alternative energies and to take our share of burden. He stated that he is extremely surprised that the County facility uses the same energy as 500 homes. Solar panels would have much less of an impact. Wind turbines make more sense in clusters, which may lead others in the area to request them. If everyone moved to them, it would be a disaster. He stated that it seems like a way to meet shrinking budgets in the future, which shouldn't be the main concern. V. Reid stated that while she is a Planning Commissioner, she is also a citizen of Hennepin County, Minnesota, and the United States. She feels we need alternative energies and that she lives relatively close to this location and would drive by it four times every day. She stated that it appeared that the will of the Commission is to recommend against the application proposed. R. Reid stated that this is a great idea and something we should be doing, but not in this location. She felt we have to represent the neighbors, who appear to be unanimously opposed. Neighboring homeowners have legitimate concern. She stated that she is less concerned with the noise. This will set a precedent. The wind turbine does not need to be in this location in order to achieve the goals. The turbine can go anywhere and sell to the grid and have the same effect. She stated that she wished she could get behind it, but she can't. Motion by Simons, seconded by Nolan to recommend denial of the General Plan for the Planned Unit Development Amendment based on the findings described by the Commission (Absent: Verbick and Litts). 7. Baker Golf and Ski Chalet — 2935 Park View Drive (PID 17-118-29-11-0003) — Conditional Use Permit Amendment for construction of two 22' x 80' (1760 square feet each) accessory structures for the storage of electric golf carts in the Public/Semi-Public zoning district. Finke presented the application, explaining that the request is to construct two accessory buildings for the storage of electric golf carts. The location of the accessory structures are within the "Baker Park Reserve Composite Master Plan" which dictates the area that may developed. He further noted that staff recommended the applicant add any future projects for this area to be included as part of the application. A restroom addition and locker rooms were discussed as a future project but plans had not been developed. Planning staff recommended that the applicant 4 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes request the restroom and locker room expansion be part of the application, as long as the expansions fell under 5% of the buildings square footage. Finke further explained to the Commission that he had consolidated all resolutions with their conditions. Doug Berens (Three Rivers Park District) informed the Commission that the Park District had in previous years discussed construction of storage buildings for the golf carts. He said keeping the carts out of the elements and to prevent vandalism is important. They also wanted to go with electric golf carts since they are more environmentally friendly. Pederson asked Berens if he knew why the number of staff had increased at the golf course. Berens indicated that they tend to do more labor intensive work such as hand mowing the greens instead of using larger mowers that they don't spray, which increases the amount of labor needed during the summer months. Nolan clarified that the increase in labor was not geared towards food and beverage or clubhouse activities. Berens stated that 75% of the staff was for maintenance of the golf course. Public hearing opened at 8:35 p.m. Weir informed the Commission that the Council is encouraging rain gardens whenever accessory structures are proposed. She asked the Commission if they would consider this as a condition. Pederson stated that it was a good idea and that the Commission would discuss it. He further asked the applicant if they had considered the installation of a rain garden. Berens said he was not sure, but would check with their water resources manager. Pederson asked if the applicant was adding more hard coverage with the project. Berens indicated that it was not much more since the current parking location is considered a hard surfaced area. He further felt that the existing conditions could handle the run-off. Finke stated that staff had discussed the stormwater treatment with the applicant and found that the existing stormwater pond provides adequate infiltration. He also noted that runoff runs overland for over 1000 feet, which provides some additional opportunity for infiltration, even if it is over turf. Public Hearing closed at 8:38 p.m. R. Reid does not have any issues with the application. She also does not have an issue with controlling the number of employees. She said the application doesn't appear to be a major change from the existing CUP and felt that the use of electric golf carts was good. V. Reid agreed with R. Reid and felt that allowing expansions up to 5 % was a good idea to streamline projects. Pederson felt the condition of the number of employees should remain as a condition since we do control other businesses and the number of employees. Benetti informed the Commission that he spoke with the City Attorney and that the City shouldn't regulate the number of employees 5 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes unless it is specifically stated in the zoning ordinance. The Commission concluded that it was a good idea to exclude the condition referencing the number of employees. Nolan requested staff to better clarify the language on the 5 percent expansion allowance without a CUP Amendment. Motion by Nolan, seconded by V. Reid to approve the CUP Amendment for the construction of two accessory structures, subject to the recommended changes. Motion carries unanimously (Absent: Verbick and Litts). 8. Ordinance Amendment - Chapter 8 of the City's Zoning Ordinance — Creating a Private Recreation zoning district. Finke presented the proposed private recreation zoning district ordinance. He indicated that the Comprehensive Plan identifies three areas that fall under Public/ Semi -Public. During the Comprehensive Plan process it was decided that a separate land use be utilized as Private Recreation. Discussion of development standards was explained in depth. He stated that the ordinance allows limited residential development where urban services are available. Staff held a public open house for the three properties zoned Public/Semi-Public and sent a mailing to all properties within 350 feet. He further reminded the Commission that the discussion was a public hearing. Nolan asked about the PUD requirement. Finke explained that the PUD would regulate all properties within the Private Recreation zoning district. If a residential project came in, staff would have residential standards as a guide. If a project such as a golf course addition were to be submitted, the City would need to add additional lot standards for such uses other than residential. Litts asked if some of these recreational parcels became uneconomically viable, do they still have to be used for recreational use or can they change it. Finke explained that an owner could apply for a Comprehensive Plan amendment if they wished to change the use. Under the draft ordinance, 15 percent of the land could be developable for residential. This could potentially add value to property and make the broader recreational use more viable. Finke explained that the smallest parcel in this area is 12 acres. The rural designation was made twice the size as the RR2 requirements (commercial horse zoning district). The thought was that the larger parcels would have open space benefits. R. Reid asked if someone could build townhomes. Finke replied that the proposal must meet the density required by the ordinance, which may make townhomes likely. Pederson asked what staff wanted the Commission to look at for a developable percentage. Finke stated that the draft ordinance allows up to 15 percent of the entire property, and that the Commission should discuss this regulation. 6 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes Simons said that he thinks of a 40 percent hard coverage as fine if it's for horse paddocks, but not if it is "actual" hard surfaces. Finke replied that the definition of hard coverage in the PREC district does not specifically address paddocks. Open Public Hearing @ 9:10 p.m. Eric Voltin, resident at 630 Shawnee Woods Road, explained that he reviewed the proposed ordinance. He has concern with the opportunity to allow residential density such as townhomes at Medina Country Club. He's also concerned with County Road 116 and Foxberry Farms Road having further traffic placed on it. He's primarily opposed to developments along Shawnee Woods Road. He further provides his opinion on the lack of viability and rural character for townhomes to be located on such a small road as Shawnee Woods Road. Pederson explained to the public that allowing a percentage of residential within the private recreation zoning district was approved through the Comprehensive Plan process. Finke stated that the required density is discussed within the ordinance. R. Reid said she acknowledged that trees, traffic, and wetlands would be dealt with when an application came in; and presently the issue at hand is designing an ordinance and not an actual residential project. Voltin concluded that the future residential projects should have similar characteristics and density as the surrounding properties if proposed in the future. Dave Newman of Bancor Group explained that the project presented 2 years ago was concept only. The project they ultimately move forward with may be very different depending on the market. He stated that with the new tree preservation and wetland ordinances in place, the site has become extremely tight. He suggested the Commission consider allowing more of the property for residential development so that trees and wetlands could be protected. John, President of Medina Country Club, stated that the Club really received no financial benefit from any residential development. He further raised concern that the club be able to replace an existing maintenance buildings in the future at the golf course. His main concern is the language that references development parcel by parcel. He explained that they have a number of parcels associated with the golf course and the proposed ordinance could have impacts on the improvements they want to make with their future maintenance barn. Pederson asked for clarification on a future project that would be PUD rather than parcel by parcel. Finke replied that the PUD would only be necessary for residential development. If the Club needed to construct an addition or a new structure, the City would look at each individual parcel. This may lead tothe need to rearrange or combine lots. If lots were combined, the Club should have no problem meeting setbacks or hardcover requirements. Finke read an e-mail from Steve Theesfeld, 600 Shawnee Road (attached). Pederson explained that he is the first resident that would be impacted if a development were proposed. 7 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes Nolan explained the Comprehensive Plan process to the public with the proposed revisions. Simons asked about density range for private recreation. Finke stated that there was not a specific percentage established through the Comprehensive Plan process. Simons then asked what the lowest residential density was and Benetti stated its 2.0-3.49 units per acre. Nolan asked about the City's discretion as it relates to PUD's with a future application. Finke said the ordinance recommends that in order to have a PUD, a certain percentage of residential density would be required. The intention is for the required density and the maximum developable percentage to limit the discretion during the PUD review. R. Reid asked what the lowest density is in the Comprehensive Plan. Finke stated that low density residential requires 2-3.5 units/net acre. However, the City is responsible for maintaining 3-5 units/net acre across the entire City. During Comp Plan discussions, the City allowed some areas with lower density, but this had to be "made up" by areas with some higher density. Close Public Hearing @ 9:30 p.m. Simons voiced concern for allowing 40 percent hard coverage. Finke explained that the majority of the discussion was related to golf courses, but there are other different recreational uses which may come into the City, which may require more hardcover. He also noted that one of the lots at the Medina Country Club is approaching 40% hard cover. Pederson asked which property has 40 percent coverage. Finke explained that the parcel on which the clubhouse and parking lot is located is close to 40 percent hardcover. Litts asked if we had to deal with 40 percent hard coverage since only one of the lots has that percentage and the rest have almost no hard cover. Finke explained that reducing the hardcover would bring this individual lot into non -conformity. He noted that combining the lots would bring them into conformance because the larger lots include almost no hardcover. Litts expressed concern that if the City is treating the golf course as though it has the same ownership (which it doesn't), it could cause issues for future development. Simons and the balance of the Commissioners agreed that the 40 percent hard coverage was not acceptable and should be further looked at for other alternatives. Pederson suggested that staff incorporate two sided architecture under the design standards. Commission discussed percentage and density and the tree ordinance for developers to be able to stick to the ordinance. Simons favors standards that are consistent with underlying zoning ordinance. 8 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes Nolan stated that he likes the idea of giving developers flexibility, but that residential should go with the underlying zoning. However, since the district is not consistent with medium density residential, he would be comfortable with a required density of 3-5 units/net acre. Motion by R. Reid, seconded by Simons to recommend approval of the ordinance with the following recommended changes: increasing maximum developable area to 20 percent, change density requirements to 3-5 units/net acre, adding two sided residential architecture design standards, and directing staff to further research impervious surface and lot sizes. Motion carries unanimously (Absent: Verbick and Litts). 9. Open Discussion Item: Mixed Use District Finke presented the mixed use district recommendations. He informed the Commission that this area would be along major roadways with Commercial along the actual roadway and higher density at the rear of the commercial. He further explained the purpose of the mixed use area. Staff recommended it to be a holding zone like the RR-UR zoning district until the MUSA is extended and open for development. At time of development it would be rezoned to some other designation. The mixed use zoning would stay in place until the property is developed. He further explained the purpose of allowing market flexibility. He then raised a question to the Commission if they would like to establish the residential and commercial standards prior to moving forward with this ordinance, since the City may use them as a guide for this area. He said if the Commission decides to move forward with this ordinance amendment for this area as a holding zone, density would be a topic staff would like to discuss. Pederson said he would prefer to have the ordinance brought back at a later date. Simons agreed with Pederson. Nolan was thinking that this area was going to be developed with a PUD with an overall plan. He raised concern for the potential of inconsistency without a PUD. R. Reid asked what the City does for areas that have commercial on a lower level and residential above, since this is what she envisioned for this area. Finke and Commission discussed the use of a PUD which allows for flexibility to clarify R. Reid's question. Nolan said he would like to get feedback from others that were part of the process. Pederson asked about the Comprehensive Plan timeline. Finke stated that it is August 20th, 2008 for comments from other communities. At that time the City will decide whether they will act on any of the comments. Nolan stated he would like some guidance from the City Council on some of the larger parcels within this area prior to making decisions as it relates to the zoning district. 9 Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes Finke asked the Commission what they thought about greater flexibility for this zoning district. Nolan stated that the PUD would allow for the flexibility when a project is in process. 10. Future Meeting Information: Staff informed the Commission that the next meeting date had been changed to a Wednesday due to elections and it will be held on September 10th, 2008. 11. Adjourn: Motion by R. Reid, seconded by Nolan to adjourn at 10:29 p.m. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Verbick and Litts). 10 Greenwood Stables, LLC 2260 Fox Street Long Lake, MN 55356 August 12, 2008 Medina Planning Commission members Medina City Council members Re: Wind Turbine proposed by the Hennepin County b ic Works Facility Dear Members, I am the owner of the horse farm located at 1982 Hamel Road. I would like to register my opposition to the construction of the proposed wind turbine for the following reasons: 1. Height® At a height of up to 369 feet from ground level, this would be the equivalent of a thirty story building behind my rural residential property. I already have to look at the existing radio tower, but the wind turbine would appear to be both taller and closer to my property. 2. Sound- At the Option 1 location, the proposed structure would be approximately 1000 feet from my property line. At the Option 2 location, it would be about 1300 feet away. A review of studies on the subject suggests that one can expect a 5-10 dB noise increase over typical rural residential nighttime sound values. An increase of 5 dB would be noticeable, but an increase of 10 dB would actually be a doubling of the present sound values. The impact of such noise on horses is unclear, but horses have a highly developed sense of hearing that may be more acute than that of humans. One of the main reasons I purchased my property was because of the large open areas for riding. I would not want to have my ability to ride on my property compromised due to turbine generated noise that could startle or upset my horses and lead to accidents. The low frequency noises emitted from the proposed wind turbine could also have a negative impact on the horses inside our new pole barn and arena. Being downwind from the turbine, the effects of noise are likely to be even greater. 3. No benefit- There appears to be no benefit to the surrounding property owners or the community of Medina as a whole from the construction of the w rbine. ased upon the formation I have receive. a this time, the bine is intended only to be a revenue -producing device for e epin Co 4. etland setback® eased upon the diagram provided with the notice of public hea ° g, the proposed location of the w d bine woul appear to violate the wetland setback require E ents. The members of the la ing Co ission d City Co cil have =rF equently expressed their concern for preserving and protecting the wetlands. you for yo cons e ation of my conce Sincerely, Sara G. ogan Page I of I From: Medina |nbsnn Sent: Tuesday, August 12,2OO81:47PW1 To: Tim Benetti Subject: A Resident's Opposition 10the Wind Turbine Tlm, Mr. Robert Laurent phoned inhis opposition hothe wind turbine ifindeed |1borders wet lands eaper Planning Commission Meeting Agenda on8/12/2OO8. Phone Call received a11:4OonTuesday, August 11.2OO8. RO8ERTBLAURENT 2265 PIONEER TR HAMELMNS534O 8/12/2008 ES S GENT L • E 2605 a el oad a, nesota 55340-9785 763/473-3302 jameslane@qwestoffice.net August 12, 2008 Tim Benetti, Planning Director CITY OF MEDINA 2052 County Road 24 Medina, Minnesota 55340 Re: Proposed Hennepin County wind -turbine Dear Tim: My wife Joan and I are strongly opposed to siting of a wind turbine on the Hennepin County Public Works Facility in Medina. We urge that the Planning Commission clearly and decisively recommend against the proposal. We also request that our views be forwarded to each member of the Planning Commission prior to this evening's public hearing and also be made a part of the hearing record. In today's political and economic climate, it is understandable that Hennepin County, no less than any other private or public agency or institution, is interested in energy conservation and development of alternative energy sources. Hennepin County is no exception and should be commended for its sensitivity and resourcefulness in seeking improvements on both fronts. However, the County's interest in development of a single wind turbine in the predominantly rural center of Medina does not make the proposal sound or desirable. The proposal should be denied. If the County has a comprehensive plan to supplement its energy sources or reduce its energy needs for its own properties, the specifics of such a plan should be measured against its impact in each city and each neighborhood where its properties are located. Specific proposals should be tailored to individual sites and properties and negative impacts carefully measured and weighed against the greater good of the surrounding area and the entire city. The mere availability of open space in Medina does not make a 370 ft. wind turbine a good idea. Recently approved County plans to build an 80 kw solar panel on the main building roof of the county facility in Medina makes much better sense and would represent a much more desirable source of alternative energy. A large solar panel also would be compatible with the building itself, the site, the neighborhood, and the city. AUGUST 12. 2008 TO; MEDINA PLANNING COMISSION JEFF PEDERSON, CHAIR CHARLES NOLAN, VICE CHAIR MARY VERBICK ROBIN REID MICHELE LITTS VICTORIA REID JIM SIMONS FROM; KEN BECHLER & ELIZABETH SEDGWICK 4182 ARROWHEAD DRIVE, MEDINA PROPOSED WAD RBE DEAR MEDINA PLANNING COMMISSION & ATTENDING MEDINA HOMEOWNERS, KEN & I ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THIS EVENING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, AND WE ASK THAT YOU READ AND CONSIDER OUR THOUGHTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED WIND TURBINE. WE ARE RESIDENTS OF MEDINA FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS. OUR HOME ON 30 ACRES IS SITUATED JUST N.E. OF STATE HWY 55 & ARROWHEAD DRIVE. QUITE SIMPLY, WE WORK 7 DAYS AWEEK, 16-18 HR DAYS AT OUR SUCCESSFUL LITTLE SEASONAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY. EVEN IF WE COULD ATTEND THE MEETING, JUST THE THOUGHT OF WHAT YOU ARE PROPOSING MAKES US BOTH TOO SAD AND SICK TO ATTEND. WITH THE 37 STORY WINDMILL TURBINE RURAL MEDIA IS ONE. THE EXISTING LANDSCAPE, SES & S SETS RAPED AND EVISCERATED BY THIS STRUCTURE. L FOB'' VER BE TE SILL IS AN ARCHITECTU NIGHT A DEPLET G ED A RESIDENCE OF PROPERTY VALUES ,AND SO UCH ORE THEN ORDS CAN POSSIBLY DESCRIBE. PLEASE FIND IT YOUR HEARTS TO LISTEN TO OUR CONCE SPEAK HEAVY HEARTS, MANY THANKS & KIND REGARDS, E BET SEDG CK & KEN BEC ER 763-478-3993 Renewable Energy m Why Renewable Energy Is Not Cheap and Not Green Page 1 of 10 NATIONAL CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSIS HOME / DONATE / ONE LEVEL UP / ABOUT NCPA / CONTACT Rob L# Bradley, filling girds` The "Avian ortality" problem The universal rationale for this massive public commitment to wind power is that it is environmentally benign. But wind power has at least one major environmental problem -- the massive destruction of bird populations -- that has begun to draw serious concern from mainstream environmentalists. Wind blades have killed thousands of birds in the United States and abroad in the last decade, including endangered species, which is a federal offense subject i to criminal prosecution. Whle bird kills are not considered a problem by everyone, it is a problem for some environmental groups who lobbied to put the laws on the books, made cost assessments for dead birds and other wildlife pursuant to the http://www.ncpa.org/stu.dies/renew/renew2d.html 8/ 12/2008 Renewable Energy - Why Renewable Energy Is Not Cheap and Not Green Page 3 of 10 • "It now appears that windmills are annually killing thousands of birds worldwide [including] ... red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, turkey vultures, assorted o s- and federally protected species like Aquila chrysaetos, the golden eagle. And it turns out that the Bay Area ... is the windmill bird - death capital of America." • The National Audubon Society has called for a moratorium on new wind farms until the bird kill problem is solved, a position that the wind industry opposes. • Some of the bird kills at Altamont Pass are a federal crime under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; killing Bald Eagles is also a crime under the Bald Eagle Protection Act. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is considering prosecution. • Traditional environmental groups will not condemn wind, which they see as "throwing the baby out with the bathwater." They hope that the mortality is not too great and that current remediation http://www.ncpa.org/studies/renew/renew2d.html 8/12/2008 Renewable Energy m Why Renewable Energy Is Not Cheap and Not Green Page 5 of 10 of the wind industry, [environmentalists] entered the devil's bargain that now prevents them from fighting the power companies.... Here in the almost wilds of Aitamont Pass, the environmentalists and Kenetech have reached the point where solutions become problems -- the point at which there is blood on the los answer. The avian mortality problem of wind power is different from bird mortality from stationary objects. Explained one study: "Wind farms have been documented to act as both bait and executioner -- rodents taking shelter at the base of turbines multiply with the protection from raptors, while in turn their greater numbers attract more raptors to the farm." "How many dead birds equal a dead fish equals an oil spill?" Ten thousand cumulative bird deaths from 1,731 MW of installed U.S. capacity is the equivalent of 4.4 million bird deaths across the entire capacity of the United States electric market (approximately 770 gigawatts). A 20 percent share of http://www.ncpa.org/studies/renew/renew2d.html 8/12/2008 Renewable Energy m Why Renewable Energy Is Not Cheap and Not Green Page 7 of 10 these facts could be ignored by the prowind power community, the National Audubon Society's call for a moratorium on wind power projects in bird -sensitive areas (a position spearheaded by Audubon's San Francisco chapter) cannot. Jan Beyea, Audubon's vice president for science policy, explained the national chapter's stand: We do not want to see the wrong types of wind turbines built, nor do we want to see them built in the wrong places. That is why I, and some Audubon chapters, have called for a moratorium on new wind developments in important bird areas. This has gotten some of our environmental friends worried and some in industry very angry. The National Audubon Society is not taking such a strong position because of a concern for individual bird kills; rather, we are concerned about possible impacts on populations in the decades ahead when wind turbines may be all over the country rYo Beyea elsewhere expressed specific concern about "golden eagles in California and the http://www.ncpa.org/studies/renew/renew2d.html 8/12/2008 Renewable Energy m Why Renewable Energy Is Not Cheap and Not Green Page 9 of 10 species are protected by Spanish and European Union law. The "From the Editor" section of that same issue echoed the concerns of Audubon, explaining its decision to show a full -color photograph of a bloody vulture cut in half by a windmill blade on its cover as follows: The decision to print this month's cover was not taken lightly. It will have a significant impact, both on the world of wind power and elsewhere... . There is a real problem with bird deaths at Tarifa. It cannot be kept quiet and it will not go away of its own accord... . There are parallels between the problems of raptors in the Altamont Pass... and the Tarifa controversy. 19 Wind power proponents have argued that the bird death problem is being effectively addressed and should not slow down the growth of the industry. Yet the problem has been studied since the mid 1970s and continues unabated two 120 decades later. Like the claims that wind power will soon be economic, such claims that (in the http://www.ncpa.org/studies/renew/renew2d.html 8/12/2008