The undercurrents of a lengthy debate over proposed wind farms in Rudyard Township continue to swirl through town long after the Rudyard Township Planning Commission adjourns its meetings. This division, along with new concerns from both sides and a change in the voting makeup, was front and center at the Tuesday, March 23, Planning Commission meeting.

People spoke both in favor of and against the proposed changes to the wind turbine ordinance. Stormy exchanges were punctuated by thunderclaps of applause, and emotions seething beneath the surface boiled over when one resident, Mark Howland, turned from the podium to directly address the windmills' opposition, saying it is unfair that other businesses don't have such stringent noise requirements and demanding to see scientific proof of problems such as noise-related health concerns and potential risks to birds, cited by some as reasons not to install the windmills.

“I've heard a lot of stuff and allegations go around this town about some of these people on this board and some of our people on the township board,” Mr. Howland added. “I'm mad, I'm really mad. These are good people.”

Some men and women who considered themselves friends before this topic turned incendiary are no longer on speaking terms, according to townspeople falling on either side of the issue. Differences of opinion on how to regulate wind turbine development and who stands to reap benefits from the arrangement, in addition to how the windmills will impact the lives of residents, have been causing rifts in the town of Rudyard ever since Milwaukeebased wind farm developer Half Moon Power came before the township with its proposal. The first phase of the project would see 20 to 40 turbines erected, producing 40 to 80 megawatts of power each. About 80 land parcels, each 80 to 100 acres, are being eyed for turbine development. The wind developer is currently considering properties southeast of town on both sides of I-75 between 18-Mile Road and 24-mile Road.

Love Replaces Mayer

on Commission

The planning commission featured a new face in commissioner Tina Love, who replaced former commissioner Mike Mayer. Mr. Mayer's term expired this month and he was not reappointed by the Rudyard Township board, although he was involved extensively with the research process as one of three commissioners who actually visited a wind farm on behalf of the residents. In addition to this switch, Bob Wiles recused himself from the voting process in light of an admitted financial arrangement with Half-Moon Power, with which he is leasing his land for feasibility studies.

Public Hearing Set for April 6

To Decide How Complaints

Would Be Handled

During the meeting, Kevin Hirsch, a representative from Half-Moon Power, urged the commission to revise a section of the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance dealing with the public complaint process, as he believes it features a loophole that could lead to frivolous complaints and delays.

Especially worrisome to the wind company representative is the subsection related to noise complaints, stating the noise cannot exceed 55 decibels at the nonparticipating property line. If people complain, their case will be brought before an independent arbitrator. As it is currently written, the complainant must agree to the independent consultant chosen for his or her respective case; however, the onus is also on the owner/operator to initiate testing within 10 days, or the system can be shut down until the testing is started. Mr. Hirsch worried that if a complainant continually turns down consultants for that duration, the operation would still be halted.

“By comparison, within Rudyard, are there other businesses or farm operations that could be shut down within 10 days, without finding, without court action, without due process, simply because a complaint is e-mailed to the zoning board?” asked Mr. Hirsch.

Despite Half-Moon wanting the language of the complaint process changed, planning commissioner Kris Piippo expressed that a formal complaint process needs to be included in the windmill ordinance. In monitoring a similar situation in Huron County, which has already implemented wind turbines in its community, Mrs. Piippo noted that a formal complaint process was something that county wished they would have included in their windmill ordinance.

“If we can't learn from a community who's gone through this, I think we're missing the boat,” she said. “Huron County didn't have conflict resolution in their original ordinance and they found out they really needed it. We have to make sure residents have a place to go to ensure that their needs are addressed. They have to be lisagreement tened to and they have to be taken seriously.”

The planning commission recognized the need to discourage frivolous complaints, while addressing legitimate ones, and will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, at the township hall to address the entire complaint process.

“Perhaps if people had to put a deposit down, there would be less frivolous complaints,” Mrs. Piippo offered. “This financial commitment would also ensure that they're serious.”

Property Line Setbacks

Among Top Concerns

The planning commission approved sending the proposed change from 1,000-foot setbacks to 1,320-foot setbacks to the township board for consideration, with commissioner Love, the lone vote of dissent on that issue. Some parties wanted the setback requirements lowered back to the original 1,000-foot parameters, while others want the setbacks extended to 1,800 feet.

“These setbacks are still much too small to protect all the citizens in our community, but it's a start,” said Rob English, who is worried about his family’s health if wind turbines end up too close to their home.

Although acknowledging these concerns, several property owners are concerned further restrictive measures will take away their freedom to use their land as they see fit.

“I am being stopped from utilizing my land to its fullest potential, to protect non-participating property owners, if that 1,320-foot buffer is adopted. Why should their rights for future land development overshadow my present plans for my land?” asked Anthony Jarvie.

Lessons Could Be Learned

From Others, Some Suggest

The parade of public comment ensuing late into the meeting raised several key points in regard to objectivity and learning from communities that have gone through similar processes.

“You've been asking the wrong question,” resident Tim Presley told the planning commission. “You've been asking, 'How can we be sure the project goes through?' You should be asking, 'How will this affect our lives and our health?' Once they're here, I don't think you're going to move them.”

Kelly Alexander, an Emmet County planning commissioner who lives approximately 1,000 feet away from a wind turbine in Mackinaw City, owned by Mackinaw Power, offered commentary on his experiences with the technology. Mr. Alexander said that flicker occurs at his residence for one-hour to two-hour durations some days. He also said, even with the noise restrictions, the sound is bothersome on windy days and protecting a community by only measuring high-frequency noise is inadequate.

“Unfortunately, the problem that we have with noise is more related to a low-frequency noise, because it seems to permeate more than dissipate over space like high frequency noises do. We called it white noise, we called it a lot of different things. We just called it irritating, mostly,” Mr. A1exander said.

One of the phrases Mrs. Piippo called irritating is the term “get one” in reference to having a turbine on one's property.

“We need to look at the big picture of renewable energy, rather than who's going to 'get one,' “ she said. “These green technologies are about helping the country meet its energy demands.”

Objectivity Urged for Board

Several residents included complaints over how long and involved the process has become, The company is roughly midway through a two-year study to gauge wind energy in the area. Planning Commission Chairman David Folkersma said, “We would sure like to do it faster, too, but there are state regulations we have to go by.”

Township resident Lorna Hosworth implored the commissioners to be the eye of storm, remaining calm and objective despite the pressures from both sides.

“As far as the wind turbines, I flat don't care,” she said. “As far as the noise, I don't care; I sleep through the train. But I want you to approach this in a neutral, professional manner. You cannot make your decisions based on emotions or who a property owner is today. You must be neutral.

“Members of this board have been very vocal publicly about their opinions. That must stop.”