Comments on: Lake Michigan wind farm proposed near Ludington

By: cpkuntz

cpkuntz — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:05:32 +0000

Build the wind farm, but do it right. With a little more of an investment, the wind farm can be constructed with the stipulation that no turbine shall be within ten miles of the shore. If the tourism base of Oceana and Mason counties is destroyed, it will defeat the purpose of the wind farm: to increase the prosperity of the region in an environmentally sustainable manner. The proposed Radial Wind Farm off the coast of Milwaukee will be built at least fifteen miles from the Wisconsin and Illinois shore. That will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world. I wholeheartedly support it. But don't let the power company save a few bucks now that will coast local residents millions in the future. There is no reason to trade the beauty of the coast for the benefits of alternative energy: we can have both.

By: LoreenN

LoreenN — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:37:02 +0000

I think that a wind farm is certainly preferable to a coal-fired power plant and all the toxicity that comes along with that.

I am concerned about the impact on the lake, communities along it, and wildlife, though. Placing the turbines further out into the lake would seem to be a realistic compromise. I, for one, am always happy to see the three turbines up around Mackinaw City and have not detected any noise or humming from them.

After walking around the lake last year and seeing all the coal-fired plants on the Wisconsin side, I'd like us to chart a course for the future where we are generating power that does not rely on coal at all. If you check out Google Earth, look at the plant in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Their retaining pond for coal ash abuts the lake. Coal ash is high in mercury, lead, and arsenic.

I think we need to look into the future and try to envision the Great Lakes cleaner and healthier than they are now. Wind and solar power -- especially as the technologies evolve -- would seem to be a big part of that future.

Loreen Niewenhuis
http://LakeTrek.Blogspot.com

By: LoreenN

LoreenN — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:37:02 +0000

By: EliseGJones

EliseGJones — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:20:48 +0000

I couldn't agree more. Move it out of sight please…beyond the horizon. Don't spoil a place many refer to as Heaven. Please.

By: paptep

paptep — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:30:13 +0000

I fully support the concept of a Lake Michigan wind farm. We should be into green energy. I see no problem with the change in view of the horizon. It will look far better than a coal burning plant and the thousands of acres of fly ash waste.

By: judithstouder

judithstouder — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:49:38 +0000

Existing transmission lines plus plenty of wind make this an excellent place for a wind farm. From where it will stand more than two miles offshore it will not affect life at all, except to make a beautiful, interesting horizon. A hundred, or even 200 graceful wind mills will not in any way destroy the beauty of this area. We should encourage the developers in any way possible.

By: jados

jados — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:32:33 +0000

3.7 Miles offshore the turbines will hardly be visible, I think it is a Great Place to put a wind farm.

By: meeksta

meeksta — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:53:22 +0000

NOOOOO!!!!! Don't put windturbines there!!!! NOOO please, please please, I beg you, do NOT put wind turbines there, find a place that's not beautiful…..or don't do it at all. We already have a resevor we don't NEED wind turbines. It's one of the most beautiful places in Michigan, DO NOT RUIN IT! Please, Im down on both knees begging anyone to stop this from happening, please no no no! It's my life up there watching the natural sunset without wind turbines. Please no no no no no