Falmouth Voters To Get Say On Controversial Turbines

By Jay Lindsay April 11, 2013 Updated Apr 11, 11:08 am

BOSTON — Voters in a Cape Cod town will get their say on whether to tear down two town-owned wind turbines some consider health hazards.

On Wednesday, the Town Meeting assembly approved a motion that sets a vote on the issue for May.

The decision comes a day after Town Meeting refused to authorize spending $14 million to tear down the turbines.

The motion approved Wednesday asks voters whether the town should spend the money needed to remove the turbines, said board of selectmen chair Kevin Murphy. Even if voters say the town should remove the turbines, that spending can’t happen unless Town Meeting changes its Tuesday decision and authorizes it.

But Murphy said the May vote will at least reveal what the people want.

The mental and physical ailments opponents blame on the turbine range from headaches and vertigo to severe depression. National wind advocates say no credible science has linked such problems to turbines.

Turbine opponents say if they win in the upcoming town-wide vote, that could pressure some Town Meeting members to switch sides and authorize the spending to remove the turbines. Seven votes would have changed Tuesday’s outcome.

“I don’t see how the Town Meeting could go against the wishes of the town. There would be outrage,” said turbine opponent Malcolm Donald.

Both turbines are located at the town’s wastewater treatment facility; the first began running in 2010.

Noise complaints eventually led the town to shut the blades down for 12 hours at night. Turbine supporters say that’s an example of the measures that can keep the turbines running while addressing neighbors’ concerns.

Supporters also say there’s strong, silent support for the turbines in Falmouth and the renewable energy and revenues they produce.

A vote to remove the turbines would make Falmouth the country’s first community to do so, and renewable energy advocates worry that would set a terrible precedent.

Town Meeting member Kathy Driscoll, who opposes dismantling the turbines, said that body has repeatedly voted to keep the turbines running, and she had hoped Tuesday’s decision would settle the issue. Still, she said, she welcomes another vote and said it’s not clear to her if one side has an advantage.

Mike Johnson

This issue of health effects, the so called “turbine syndrome” seems very similar to the “autism from vaccines” controversy. The overwhelming majority of studies (including those conducted in 2012 by the State of Massachusetts’ Dept. of Health) have found no correlation between health impacts from wind turbines, yet some continue to insist the turbines are making them sick. I’m not questioning those who say they have health problems, but without any scientific or medical proof that there is a cause and effect it would be illogical and particularly poor fiscal policy for the Town of Falmouth to spend $14 million in taxpayer money to remove the turbines. There is one scientifically-proven health effect I am aware of: negative health impacts (e.g., cancer, lung diseases like asthma and emphysema) and coal burning power plants. Right citizens of Salem?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Samuel-Sitar/100001444731897 Samuel Sitar

the health problems are made up.
Mark

I am suffering ALL the symtoms of the residents, here in Michigan. They are stress related due to a lack of money, please send me some and ALL my symtoms will disappear!! Stress is a MAJOR cause of all sorts of illnesses. Maybe a ‘chill pill’ needs to be given to these residents!