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The proposed wind farm west of Hays, Kansas (in western Kansas) will represent a nightmare development for everyone living in the area. It is not a project driven by local needs, nor will it represent a net benefit to the Hays community.
It is a project driven by individual and corporate greed that will export both the power and the profits. There is not a single community that has ever hosted such a development that has not lived to regret it.
It is a four-year old conspiracy by a handful of greedy landowners to make huge profits and saddle this community with an ecological catastrophe for perpetuity. Representing only a few families, all inter-related by marriage, these people have been planning and pushing for such a project for at least four years now and they appear about to realize their dream - at the expense of their neighbors and the environment of the Hays community.
The major beneficiaries of this project do not even live on the actual land affected, but they will make substantial annual income from each tower AND get a break on their property taxes while small land holders like ourselves receive absolutely nothing by way of compensation for all the numerous 'externalities' associated with this form of energy generation. These negative impacts are guaranteed to reduce property values for everyone else living in the area. Most of this power will probably be sold east to Topeka and Kansas City, so why don't they build the farm closer to the demand? Because they are being run out of town, that's why. Don't believe me? Learn all about how wind farms and the Flint Hills in Kansas here.
The term 'wind farm' is a deceptive euphemism for an environmental insult - there is nothing 'green' about the power they produce. If you are concerned local citizen (live in Ellis County Kansas), please sign the petition (below) and/or come to the next (re-scheduled) meeting of the Ellis County Zoning Board (date to be announced).
Check out a video of this abandoned wind farm in Hawaii to see what the view west of Hays could look like in a few years. Here is some of what I have discovered, with the help of my wife and others.
- Wind Power is NOT 'Green Energy'. At least not yet. Although touted by supporters as 'environmentally friendly', wind energy is extremely inefficient, and will increase rather than reduce the need for additional coal-fired energy production in the vicinity of Hays due to its need for a reliable backup power supply. Furthermore, diesel engines are required to 'kick-start' turbines that have come to rest. A tower must be in operation for 7 years just to recover the carbon footprint of its installation. The lifetime of towers is still a matter for speculation, but abandoned windmills that have outlived their usefulness litter stretches of the California landscape, leaking toxic fluids and heavy metals. No one wants to touch these things.
- Why Hays Kansas? The selection of this site was not based on what is best for the Hays community but on what is most convenient for the developing corporation - proximity to the Hays power grid for distributing the power. Less populated areas further west are a much more socially acceptable choice for this type of development.
- Lack of Local Need. The purpose of this development is not to supply local energy needs, but rather to generate income for an out-of-state corporation that will exploit tax breaks for an otherwise unprofitable project and then sell the power to the highest bidder. The bulk of the power and the profits will be exported - except for the blood money that will be paid to the local farmers who have sold out.
- Property Values. Abundant evidence suggests that wind farms reduce property values in their vicinity by up to 30%. What compensation will be offered to landowners who are negatively impacted by this development, yet have no towers or income from the project? Surveys in Illinois indicate 74% of people familiar with turbines would not build or buy within ¼ mile of one.
- Lack of Regulations Ensuring Corporate Responsibility. There is a complete lack of federal standards regulating the operation, maintenance, and environmental responsibilities of wind farms. Neither the EPA nor the NIH have established standards for wind farm operation that protect human health and safety. This burden of responsibility rests entirely on the municipalities that host these developments. Any unforeseen problems arising from this development will be a burden for our local government to bear in perpetuity.
- Inadequate Setbacks. A setback of towers 1,000 feet from existing residences, as proposed, is nowhere near adequate to protect residences from all the externalities associated with wind power generation. Numerous studies of existing wind farms suggest that setbacks from residences should be 1.5 to 2 miles at least. In Illinois, 40% of people living 0.5 miles from a turbine still complain about noise.
- Noise Pollution. Noise is the No. 1 complaint of those living near wind farm operations. Low-frequency vibrations often penetrate buildings. Even well-maintained turbines create noise, but if not properly maintained even worse noise is generated. There is no legal recourse for residents if operators are lax in maintenance.
- Hydrological Risks. Towers must be installed on deep foundations with substantial potential for water table contamination. We already live in a geographic region of 'negative water recharge' - we are depleting our aquifers faster than they are being replenished - and these installations will further endanger our precious local water supply.
- Visual Pollution (day and night). Destruction of our prairie landscape by visually intrusive towers is obvious, but nighttime light pollution by flashing strobe lights will also degrade the pristine nighttime experience and make it more difficult to view familiar astronomical features most of us have come to take for granted.
- Air Quality Issues. Elevated levels of airborne dust result from turbine rotation, increasing particulate air pollution. Airborne dust is already a major health concern in this area and a wind farm can only exacerbate this human health hazard. The location of these towers has the potential to create huge summer dust storms driven by southerly winds that could easily close stretches of I-70.
- Wildlife Hazards. Numerous hazards to wildlife have been identified, to migrating birds, in particular. Hunting is an important local recreation and source of revenue that could be negatively impacted.
- Human Health Risks. Numerous direct and indirect impacts of wind farms on human health are being studied all over the world in locations where wind energy projects have been in place for years. Negative impacts on human health can be both physiological and psychological and are still being evaluated. There are allegations of spontaneous hemorrhaging menstrual irregularities, urinary and digestive problems, and infertility.
- Hazards to Cattle. There are various examples of negative impact on grazing cattle that include weight loss, inexplicable bleeding and spontaneous abortions.
- Interference with Telecommunication and Satellite Signal Reception. Residents in the vicinity of wind farms consistently report interference with satellite TV reception and loss of cell phone service. This will have both economic and social impact on all affected residents.
- Lack of Socio-Economic Benefits. Independent research indicates that wind farm projects have a very poor record of development in the communities that choose to host them. Despite promises of local employment, most jobs usually go to out-of-state contractors and there is little, if any, investment in basic infrastructure.
- Increased Heavy Vehicle Traffic. This will persist for the extended construction period. More than 100 tons of concrete are poured for the base of each tower. By my estimation, some 300,000 tons of rock must be quarried, crushed and trucked for all the access roads and concrete foundations. Additional permanent traffic will be associated with tower maintenance.
Where is the Environmental Impact Plan that any reasonable governmental authority would require? Where are the studies to assess the social and economic consequences for this region?
They do not exist.
The 'back-door' nature of this deal appears to have easily circumvented any reasonable assessment of this project's impact on the community.
If the Ellis County Zoning Commission approves this project they will be selling out the residents of this community and blighting our landscape for eternity. The $600,000 annual contribution to the county budget is nothing more than a corporate bribe that could evaporate at a moment's notice. It is a laughable pittance when compared to the negative impacts of this development, and nowhere near enough to offset the permanent damage it will do to our environment. It is precisely the job of the Zoning Commission to defend the interests of the community as a whole - not simply bow to the interests of a handful of greedy landowners seeking personal profit. To those who would whore out their land for this project, we have only one question. What kind of citizen puts their own personal greed ahead of the environmental health and safety of their neighbors and their community?
Sites and documents with more information:
- Common Misconceptions About Wind Power (provided to the Zoning Board by Tim Davis)
- Introductory Facts About Wind Power (provided to the Zoning Board by Tim Davis)
- Noise Radiation from Wind Turbines Installed Near Homes: Effects on Health
- Wind Turbines: Noise & Health, 2007
- Protect the Flint Hills of Kansas
- Wind Farms Make People Sick
- Wind Watch
- Save Western New York
- North Texas Wind Resistance Alliance
- Lincoln, Wisconsin, Moratorium on Wind Turbine
- Our Wind Farm Story (by one family)
- It takes 50 turbines to power a shopping mall
- Comments regarding lack of regulation for a New York wind farm
MEETING
The Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission will have a public hearing at soon. When we learn the re-scheduled date and time, we will place it here. The hearing is expected to be heated. Competitive Power Ventures, the company developing the potential Ellis County wind farm, will request a conditional use zoning permit.
We, the undersigned, request a complete moratorium on the proposed Hays Wind Farm Proposal until such time as the following comprehensive assessments can be made by qualified persons or agencies without financial interests in this project.
- Assessment of net economic impact of this project on the community and all affected residents.
- Assessment of fair and equitable compensation packages for affected landowners whose property values will be depressed.
- Assessment of the numerous environmental hazards posed by this development to the entire surrounding community, including impacts on human and animal health, water table contamination, air quality issues, noise and visual pollution, and all the localized impacts associated with the construction phase of the project.
- Assessment of community liability in 'worst case scenarios', either economic or environmental.
TO SIGN THE PETITION
We urge every citizen of Ellis County, Kansas, with a concern for their environment and quality of living to stand up against this proposed environmental atrocity. To sign the petition, just leave a comment below. Drop to the bottom of this page and fill in the comments section. Please be sure and include your real name, real residential address, and a brief comment in support of the petition.
(Note: After you sign this online petition below, if you would also like to canvass your neighborhood, walk the streets of downtown, stand in front of the post office, or collect signatures in person anywhere, you can also download a paper copy of a petition here.)
Sign the petition below!
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Comments (86)
Pam Pohly
2707 Woodrow
Hays, KS
I endorse this petition. While I am a proponent of wind energy, and, I think that Kansas residents should embrace wind energy - I do not however believe that wind turbines should be located so close to a populated area. I believe that proper "setbacks" should be designated.
I also believe that those that stand to profit from any similar venture should be required to compensate all neighbors whose properties or quality of lives may be negatively impacted. Further, I do not think that citizen tax dollars should go to providing tax incentives to profiteers who wish only to make personal profits. I am against tax relief incentives for any of the land owners, developers, corporate owners, or principals in a project such as this, now or in the future.
This "Hays Wind Farm project" should NOT be approved by the Zoning Commission or the County Commission.
Posted by Pam Pohly | March 26, 2007 1:21 PM
Posted on March 26, 2007 13:21
As an affected resident, I support this petition 100%.
J.P. Michaud
1189 180th Ave
Hays, Kansas, 67601
Posted by J.P. Michaud | March 26, 2007 2:29 PM
Posted on March 26, 2007 14:29
PLEASE do not allow this windfarm to ruin this beautiful county of ours!!!!
Nikki Hausler
Posted by Nikki Hausler | March 26, 2007 4:16 PM
Posted on March 26, 2007 16:16
I have read this petition and agree that we need to stop this project.
Paul Wildeman
Posted by Paul Wildeman | March 26, 2007 6:05 PM
Posted on March 26, 2007 18:05
Bravo on such a great expose of the wind industry!
Posted by Dona Tracy | March 27, 2007 4:50 AM
Posted on March 27, 2007 04:50
Tammy Deterding
1145 Pine Ridge Drive, Hays
Posted by Tammy Deterding | March 27, 2007 9:00 AM
Posted on March 27, 2007 09:00
Steve Price
1137 Pine Ridge Dr.
Hays, KS
I oppose this development in the proposed location and therefore support this petition.
Posted by steve price | March 27, 2007 6:43 PM
Posted on March 27, 2007 18:43
Bradley Thompson
3707 Canal Blvd B
Hays, KS
I endorse this petition
Posted by Bradley Thompson | March 27, 2007 7:54 PM
Posted on March 27, 2007 19:54
We endorse this petition.
Bob and Barb Goodrow
1497 200th Ave.
Hays, Kansas 67601
Posted by Bob and Barb Goodrow | March 27, 2007 10:36 PM
Posted on March 27, 2007 22:36
We support this petition 100%!!
Justin & Kayla Schlepp
1134 Lake Hollow Drive
Hays, Kansas 67601
Posted by Justin & Kayla Schlepp | March 28, 2007 9:52 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 09:52
I fully support the petition!
1081 Noose Road
Hays, KS 67601
Stan Unruh
Posted by Stan Unruh | March 28, 2007 9:58 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 09:58
As an affected family to this proposed windmill project we are extremely opposed to it and in full support of this petition
Rod and Pat Bittel & family
1101 Noose Road
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Rod and Pat Bittel & family | March 28, 2007 10:04 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 10:04
Mark & Tammy Deterding
1145 Pine Ridge Drive
I oppose this wind farm
Posted by Mark Deterding | March 28, 2007 10:05 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 10:05
Terri Rule
1138 Lake Hollow
Hays, KS 67601
I support this petition!
Posted by Terri Rule | March 28, 2007 10:24 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 10:24
PLease keep this out of residential areas. Move it out where there aren't new housing developments. It should be at least 10 miles outside of the city limits in all directions.
Jeff and Lisa Arnhold
1310 MacArthur Road
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Jeff and Lisa Arnhold | March 28, 2007 10:42 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 10:42
This is nothing more than a monetary benefit for a few families who don't care about their neighbors lifestyles or the counties best interest. This farm can be put further away from hays and not near residential areas.
Bruce and Terri Rupp
1514 200th Ave
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Bruce and Terri Rupp | March 28, 2007 10:44 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 10:44
Jackie Bollig
1075 Noose Rd.
Hays, KS 67601
I support this petition and oppose the wind farm
Posted by Jackie Bollig | March 28, 2007 10:51 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 10:51
Howard and Lucy Barnes and Family
950 Noose Road
Hays, Kansas 67601
We support this petition!!!
Posted by Howard and Lucy Barnes | March 28, 2007 11:00 AM
Posted on March 28, 2007 11:00
We currently reside at 1105 Noose Road and oppose the siting of a wind farm in our neighborhood.
Specifically, we are troubled that our property values, both intrinsic and extrinsic, will be negatively impacted by the proposed wind farm. Wind resources abound in many nonresidential areas in Ellis County with transmission facility interconnections available in those nonresidential areas, to be confirmed by power pool authorities who would conduct transmission feasiblity studies. We do support the efforts to utilize renewable energy resources when possible to further the goals of Kansas to be a "net exporter" of energy by harnessing our native wind resources, but not at the expense of several families who could stand to lose property value and be driven out of their homes for the very reasons they moved into the area. Provided the wind farm were to indeed negatively impact property values and driven out of their homes from the possible noise and viewscape pollution, those families would endure a double whammy by being forced to sell for quite possibly less than they paid to move into the neighborhood. The expense of many can be avoided possibly all together by siting such a project in a purely nonresidential area. We moved to this "Yocemento neighborhood" to enjoy the quiet peacefulness and have thoroughly enjoyed our friendly neighbors and take a great deal of pride in making this neighborhood a place to simply call home. We have every intention of making this neighborhood our permanent home, through both our working and retirement years, and pray that serious consideration is given to the siting of this project in another location. Thank you.
Darrin and Tricia Lynch
Posted by Darrin and Tricia Lynch | March 28, 2007 12:00 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 12:00
I support this petition!
Dave Dreiling
517 W 32nd OR 691 Frederic
Hays, KS
Posted by Dave Dreiling | March 28, 2007 12:28 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 12:28
William Kramer
1100 Country Club Dr
Hays, KS 67601
I Sign the Wind Farm Petition
Posted by Bill Kramer | March 28, 2007 12:39 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 12:39
I fully support this petition and hope to see everyone at the meeting.
Jacinta Faber
1540 Yocemento Ave
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Jacinta Faber | March 28, 2007 12:44 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 12:44
I fully support this petition. Clean energy is good, but a power generation factory such as this should not be placed so close to residences.
Our home for 18+ years has been at 1540 Yocemento Ave, Hays, KS 67601.
Our home would be less than a quarter mile from a tower if this is built.
Paul Faber
1540 Yocemento Ave
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Paul Faber | March 28, 2007 12:58 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 12:58
Dionne Werth
1133 Pine Ridge Dr.
Hays, KS 67601
I am for renewable resources but a wind farm of this magnitude should not be placed in the front and back yards of a residential area. We moved out here 2 1/2 yrs ago because of the neighborhood, neighbors, and the peacefulness of the views. We did not move out here to live in the middle of a wind farm. A wind farm of this size needs to be moved away from residential areas. The wind blows all throughout Kansas not just in our front and back yards!
Posted by Dionne Werth | March 28, 2007 1:14 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 13:14
I endorse this petition. 100%
Ray A. Dinkel
Posted by Ray A. Dinkel | March 28, 2007 2:35 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 14:35
I adamantly oppose the development of the Wind Farm proposed to be constructed west and south of Hays. I am also suggesting a nuisance suit be brought forward to block this project; this based on the opinion that this project was done in a covert manner, in order to avoid any opposition of the large populous who will be directly affected in a negative way to financially benefit only 3 landowners.
Diane Scott
307 W 37th St
Hays, Kansas
Posted by Diane Scott | March 28, 2007 3:46 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 15:46
We agree with this petition and do not want the wind farm in the area. There are many more appropriate places for a wind farm such as in western Kansas crop land now being used to grow corn!! Wind farms have a place in Kansas but not so close to the many houses and families who live near by.
Chuck and Sandy Zadina
1731 Yocemento Ave.
Hays, KS
Posted by GUY C ZADINA | March 28, 2007 4:08 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 16:08
Kim Lambrecht
1522 200th Avenue
Hays, Ks
I support this petition.
Posted by Kim Lambrecht | March 28, 2007 5:18 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 17:18
I am against the wind farm being placed in the proposed location southwest of Hays. Please add my name to the petition.
thank you
Melinda Pfannenstiel
1235 Munjor Rd.
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Melinda Pfannenstiel | March 28, 2007 10:59 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 22:59
Please add my name to the petition regarding the wind farm being placed southwest of Hays.
Leon Pfannenstiel
1235 Munjor Rd.
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Leon Pfannenstiel | March 28, 2007 11:00 PM
Posted on March 28, 2007 23:00
My name is Bruce Rupp
I live at 1514 200th Ave.
Hays KS
I oppose the windfarm. It will create an eyesore for the people who want a sunset without a turbine or strobe-light effect. I didn't move out to the country to have these monstrosities in my back yard blocking my country view. They belong in unpopulated areas not near a town of 20,000 and not right by a new housing development with 20 homes built in the last 10 years at values between $200,000-$300,000.
Posted by Bruce Rupp | March 29, 2007 9:09 AM
Posted on March 29, 2007 09:09
I support this petition:
Jackie Bollig
1075 Noose Rd.
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Jackie Bollig | March 29, 2007 9:25 AM
Posted on March 29, 2007 09:25
I support this petition
Tina Foltz
Hays Kansas
Posted by Tina Foltz | March 29, 2007 12:36 PM
Posted on March 29, 2007 12:36
502 W. 39th, Hays KS.
I am against building wind farms. I think this is an example of big business getting richer and money hungry landowners getting richer at the expense of others. I think that we already have enough things for our kids and grandchildren to clean up in the future. We have already created enough issues with the environment that are causing problems without adding more to it.
(Note from site moderator: Will the person who left this comment please sign back in and give a name? We can't add you to the petition without a name! Just sign below and give this address again and we'll know its you...)
Posted by 502 W. 39th, Hays KS. | March 29, 2007 3:45 PM
Posted on March 29, 2007 15:45
I am opposed to the wind farms, they make the prairie side look terrible. I have seen the ones around Spearville and they are ugly. I think that the health risks outweigh the benefits. Has anyone watched Erin Brochavich? I think this is another example of "money hungry" and big corporations getting rich at the expense of others. I think that if KPL in KC wants to use the wind farms as a source of energy then build them there. The risk of these farms and the health problems are of utmost concern. I think that we already have enough health problems without having to add more risks. Our children and grandchildren already have a tough job of cleaning up the environment that we have already created from out "stupidity." Let's stop this from becoming one more problem to fix in 30 years. I hope that this does not fall upon deaf ears. It is time we stand up against those greedy corporations and also those in our community who are getting richer at the expense of the health of others. Stop the madness.
Sheri Stone
502 W. 39th Street
Hays, KS
Posted by Sheri Stone | March 29, 2007 4:21 PM
Posted on March 29, 2007 16:21
I support this petition. My family moved to our home 3 years ago for the calm and beauty of country living. We did not move here to have that ruined by 130 unsightly GIANT towers.
Lori Appelhans
1107 Noose Rd
Hays, Kansas 67601
Posted by Lori Appelhans | March 29, 2007 5:59 PM
Posted on March 29, 2007 17:59
We are not against wind energy-just not in our front yard. Please don't ruin our beautiful country side and the value of our property.
Vince and Cindy Newell
1117 Noose Rd,
Hays,Ks 67601
Posted by Vince and Cindy Newell | March 29, 2007 6:29 PM
Posted on March 29, 2007 18:29
We fully support this petition. We are not opposed to wind energy, but we are opposed to such a project being located near our home.
Stan and Vickie Unruh
1081 Noose Rd.
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Vickie Unruh | March 29, 2007 8:21 PM
Posted on March 29, 2007 20:21
Angie Grant
My address:1189 180th avenue, Hays, KS
CPV would like us all to believe that they are going out of their way to help us landowners that they neglected to include on the whole plan for 4 years! Truthfully, if they voluntarily increased the setback from my house, it was done the night of the meeting because I received a map of the wind farm earlier that same morning and there were exactly three wind mills almost on top of my house. However, when she showed the map on the screen at the meeting, my house had zero wind mills around it. Is this just more lies ? I do not know but there are just far too many unknown risks here ? Yes, it is new technology but even new technology is risky. Especially at ~1500 feet away from my home.
Angie
Posted by Angie Grant | March 30, 2007 7:29 AM
Posted on March 30, 2007 07:29
Charles and Shawndra Albers
1509 Holmes Rd, Hays, KS
We Support this Petition.
Posted by Charles and Shawndra Albers | March 30, 2007 8:54 AM
Posted on March 30, 2007 08:54
Stop the industrial turbines.
I support this petition.
John L. Schmeidler
2169 Locust Grove Road
Hays, KS
Posted by John L. Schmeidler | March 30, 2007 9:20 PM
Posted on March 30, 2007 21:20
My family has land interest within the affected area. We support this petition
Jim & Luanne Kramer
120 W. 37th St.
Hays, KS
Posted by Jim and Luanne Kramer | March 31, 2007 10:40 AM
Posted on March 31, 2007 10:40
I support this petition:
Dan Koerner
106 W. 33rd. A.
Hays KS. 67601
Posted by Dan Koerner | March 31, 2007 12:57 PM
Posted on March 31, 2007 12:57
Vern & Jeanne Riedel
1530 Yocemento Ave.
Hays, KS
We support this petition.
Posted by Vern & Jeanne Riedel | April 1, 2007 11:08 PM
Posted on April 1, 2007 23:08
I support this petition 100%, No wind farm !!!!
Troy Robinson
1155 280th Ave.
Hays, KS 67601
Posted by Troy Robinson | April 2, 2007 1:21 PM
Posted on April 2, 2007 13:21
I support this petition...
Robert Bentham
(Note: Robert, we can't add your name to the petition without an Ellis County address. Do you have one? If you do, please drop to the bottom of this page and add it. Thank you.)