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Dear friends, neighbors and project participants: I hope you had a happy and safe holiday season. l'm writing to you today because, as we've long
anticipated, we are seeing the signs of anti-wind activism in Montcalm County. By now you may have heard of - or seen - that a group has formed to try to stop Montcalm Wind from being built. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we've seen this kind of thing. lt's also not the first time we've met some of the individuals involved with spreading misinformation in your community. What we are starting to see in Montcalm is what we've seen in counties across Michigan and other parts of the country - professional anti-wind activists, many from outside the area and often with ties to the fossil fuel industry, are working with local people to stir up fear and confusion among your friends and neighbors.
We had hoped this might not occur in Montcalm, due to the strong relationships we've worked to build, and the commitment this community has to protecting property rights and supporting local farmers. But, here we are. ln this age of misinformation and mistrust it can be difficult to know what is true, and we expect some folks may buy in to the tactics and messaging used by these professional anti-wind organizers. For this reason, we wanted you
to learn more about who some of these players are and their histories
fighting clean energy in other places.
that wind energy is safe, proven, and effective. lt brings jobs, opportunities, and millions of dollars in economic development to rural communities across the nation. There are hundreds of thousands of modern wind turbines safely spinning across the globe - more than 60,000 in the U.S. alone - and they tell a powerful story of progress and economic opportunity. The
truth
is
Please let us know if you hear something that concerns you, or if you'd like help finding answers to any
questions. Below is some additional information that may be helpful if you encounter those opposing Montcalm Wind. ln future communications we will continue sharing updates on the misinformation being spread and provide factual information to help you get out the truth about wind energy and this project. for your support and partnership,
Thank yo u, as al
4u., rd
Development Manager, Montcalm Wind
cio Apex Clean Energy, lnc. 310
41h
Street NE, Suite
300
|
Charlottesville, VA22902
T 434.220.7595
|
apexcl
F 434.220.3712 ea nen
ergy. com
Folks
to Watch Out For
Kevon Martis:
Martis is a Michigan resident and a "Senior Policy Fellow" atthe Energy & Environment Legal lnstitute (E&E Legal), a Washington, D.C.-based think tank with deep ties to the coal and fossil fuel industries. His colleagues at E&E Legal have extensive histories representing the coal and tobacco industries. Martis is also the co-founder of the lnterstate Informed Citizens Coalition (llCC), an organization dedicated to fighting large renewable energy projects across Michigan, Ohio, and other states. ln this role, he has been known to appear in communities across Montana, lllinois, lndiana and beyond, working to create fear and confusion around renewable energy. Today he is viewed as a "pivotal member" and thought leader on the local anti-wind Facebook page where he provides a constant stream of misinformation and anti-wind talking points. Martis has repeatedly claimed that he does not take money or compensation from fossil fuel u.s. D&td.rco.rr interests, but that seems
unlikely.
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of toxic coal sludge into Eastern Kentucky waterways in October 2000, poisoning the water supply of more than 27,000 residents with arsenic and mercury . Today, Nolan offers legal representation to anti-wind activists. Thanks to an introduction from Martis (his business partner), he may be representing the local anti-wind group in their efforts to create petitions and fight the project. Tactics to Watch Out For
to mobilize opposition to wind energy projects are well-known. Many of these activities have already begun in Montcalm County.
As we mentioned above, the tactics anti-renewable activists use
1.
Keep a look out for organizers who will be providing frightening and misleading information about wind energy to your friends and neighbors and then offering to coach them on how to help fight against the project.
2.
Wind opponents often work to divide the community and create controversy as a way to generate attention for their cause. ln Montcalm, anti-wind activists are sharing the names of those who have signed wind leases in the area to try to intimidate or shame them, and they have begun going door to door to try and stop future leasing efforts. Please notify us if you receive angry messages or threats regarding your participation in the project. We are very disappointed that these folks are attempting to turn neighbors against each other, but we have seen it before. We promise to do our part to share accurate information, answer questions, and address all legitimate concerns. And we thank you in advance for your willingness to stand behind the facts and support the rights of local private property owners who want wind energy on their property.
3.
Pressuring and intimidating local boards, elected officials, and even residents who support wind energy. Just last year Martis published a long Facebook post about how to get"lazy" or "dumb"
elected officials to fear you, writing "it is criticol to get them to the point of wanting you to go owoy ond to the point that they are willing to give you whatever you wont to moke you go owoy." This was a shining example of how these folks operate, and the level of disrespect they bring to a new community, and to those who see their tactics for what they are - bullying, misleading and often false.
4.
A common tactic of the anti-wind movement is to use virtually every argument imaginable to drive fear and cast doubt on wind energy. Just like throwing spaghetti at the wall, it takes time and mental energy to address each accusation, many of which have little to no basis in reality.
Facts About Wind Energv Please know, local residents who have concerns about the project are not bad people. If someone does not like the look of a wind turbine, that's a personal decision they are entitled to hold. Unfortunately, many people have been led to believe things that are intentionally misleading or flat-out untrue. We know it can be difficult to be the target of someone's anger, especially when it's based on misinformation. Please know that our ability to stand strong together, share accurate information, and not engage in an emotional argument will have a positive impact on this project and the community.
Here are some facts to help you engage in a productive conservation on wind in your community.
L.
Wind energy projects do not decreose nearby propertv volues. The most comprehensive property value study conducted to date analyzed 50,OOO home sales near 57 wind projects across 27 counties in nine states, and the results found no discernable impact to sale values. ln some cases, there can even be a slight increase in value when a development uses a
comprehensive community-based lease - similar to what we have - that allows everyone to participate and receive added income from the property throughout the life of the project. More locally, one doesn't need to look any further than Gratiot County, or go over to the Thumb, to investigate this. Houses are still selling for full or above-market value in both communities.
2.
Wind turbines do moke a sound. but not much of one.
Modern wind turbines are not silent, but they also do not sound like "jet engines". With improvements in technology and advancements in the engineering and design of the blades, today's wind turbines typically emit about as much sound as a household refrigerator or air conditioner from safe, 1,200ft setbacks. But, don't take our word for it. Again, we encourage you to drive over to Gratiot County, shut off the car, and listen to the turbines. lf you go while the corn is high, the rustling of the corn in the wind will likely be louder than the turbine.
3.
Wind turbines do produce "infrosound" - but it is not hormful to the health of humans or onimals.
"lnfrasound" is all around us, and it is produced by everything from ocean waves to the human heartbeat. lnfrasound waves are sound waves of a lower frequency than that which can be perceived by the human ear. lnfrasound is only dangerous to humans at very high levels, levels significantly higher than those produced by wind turbines. ln fact, you have probably been exposed to higher levels of infrasound than you would be from a wind turbine if you have ever traveled in a car, used a lawnmower, sat in traffic, or stood in the water on the beach.
4.
Montcalm Wind turbines will not be locoted right next to houses. Montcalm Wind is being designed with community and landowners in mind. Because of the site approval authority we are giving landowners and because of the restrictions we are imposing on ourselves to not disrupt pivot systems, we anticipate that our turbines will be located on or near shared property lines of participating landowners and set deep into corners of fields. We will also not build along the lake shorelines or in the unincorporated residential portions of the townships.
5.
Wind turbines, ond the processes to produce them, generote for fewer emissions thon they produce. Studies show a typical wind turbine repays its carbon footprint in less than six months. From that point on, not only do wind turbines help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and
nitrogen dioxide pollution going into the atmosphere in order to power our economy, but they create new jobs, grow entirely new industries, and provide significant tax benefits to local communities while also helping preserve farmland.
6.
Wind turbine blodes con be safely and sustoinably disposed of, and new recycling options are coming soon.
The majority of a turbine's components (about 8O-85%l can be sold or recycled without quality losses including those components made of steel, aluminum, and copper. Turbine blades are more
difficult to recycle and dispose of, because they are typically constructed of fiberglass-reinforced plastics or carbon fiber. Fiberglass is used in a number of common applications, including boats, bathtubs, roofing, aircraft, and insulation. The fiberglass used in wind turbine blades is similar to that used in these other
applications, but the blades' dimensions create some unique challbnges. Turbine blades are large, so they must be cut down to a smaller size to be processed. With the rising use of fiberglass is used in several industries, several companies are taking note of this business opportunity, and new options for cost effective fiberglass processing and recycling are beginning to emerge. Turbine manufacturers are also investing to help address this challenge. Vestas, a leading turbine manufacturer, has committed to eliminate non-recyclable waste from the manufacturing, operation, and decommissioning of its turbines by 2040.
7.
Apex observes strict ethics and conflict of interest policies that prevent influence over local elected officiols.
us
from gaining undue
We recognize that important decisions to regulate our projects will fall on the shoulders of local elected officials. And for this reason, we do not want to do anything to compromise their ability to make objective and responsible decisions for their community. For this reason, Apex observes strict policies to ensure we do not do anything that could create even the appearance of impropriety when it comes to influencing decision-makers. Our grant programs are designed to avoid these types of conflicts and our gift policies also prevent them. There are localofficials who have opted to participate in our projects. Overthe past year, we have signed more than 100 leases throughout Montcalm County. Everyone who owns any amount of
property in the project area is eligible to participate - including elected officials - and everyone who signs a Iease signs the same lease terms as everybody else. These practices ensure that we treat alllandowners equally, and no undue influence is ever exerted over decision-makers.
Carrie Wills <clerksidneytwp@gmail.com>
Re: My question from the webinar 1 message info@montcalmwind.com <info@montcalmwind.com> To: clerksidneytwp@gmail.com
24 March 2021 at 09:46
Hi Carrie,
First, we wanted to let you know that the full question log from the virtual public meeting is now posted on our website at https://www.montcalmwind.com/feb2021_publicmeeting.
We also wanted to respond directly with an answer to your specific question about how our company generates revenue.
Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates renewable energy projects throughout the country. Renewable energy facilities are revenue-producing assets, and there are a wide variety of investors who are interested in becoming a part of America’s energy transition by owning these facilities, including Michigan's utilities, which have set a goal to transition to renewable energy.
The majority of the costs associated with a renewable energy facility occur during the development and construction phases of the project. While those early costs can be high, renewable energy facilities more than pay these costs back through the revenue they generate over their 25-plus-year lifetimes, especially considering there is no fuel cost. Apex Clean Energy typically makes its money in these transactions when it sells a shovel-ready or fully-built project to a facility owner.
Depending on who purchases the power generated by the project, it may be rate-payers who see the cost savings from the addition of renewables or a private power buyer (as an example, Michigan-based Steelcase entered a 12-year power purchase agreement with Apex Clean Energy in 2016 for 25 megawatts of wind power, about 70% of the company's U.S. electricity usage).
We hope this answers your question and if you have any other questions about the project or wind energy in general, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Thanks,
Brian O'Shea Public Engagement Manager (952)393-2986 brian.oshea@apexcleanenergy.com
On 2021-02-23T20:27:59-05:00, Carrie Wills <clerksidneytwp@gmail.com> wrote: > > Apex is spending a lot of money to get this wind project up and running and > then will be paying a ton of money in taxes. How is Apex actually making > money off the turbines? If they sell the electric back to power companies, > doesn't that money eventually come from the public for use of the electric > service? > I'm just trying to understand how all of this works. > Thanks > Carrie > > > -> Carrie Wills > Sidney Township Clerk > PO Box 141 > Sidney MI 48885 > clerksidneytwp@gmail.com > 989-506-0860 > 989-328-3535 Twp Hall >
Carrie Wills <clerksidneytwp@gmail.com>
Update: Fremont Insurance Homeowner Policies 1 message Albert Jongewaard <albert.jongewaard@apexcleanenergy.com> To: Albert Jongewaard <albert.jongewaard@apexcleanenergy.com>
3 March 2021 at 14:55
Good afternoon, As you may have heard, a rumor has been circulating in Montcalm County that several local insurance providers will cancel or refuse to write a homeowner’s policy if there are turbines on the property, located nearby, or if a policy holder signs a wind lease.
If this is news to you – please do not be concerned. It’s false.
If this is something you’ve heard, or if it’s been brought up in your community or at a township meeting, I’m pleased to let you know that this claim is false. Apex Clean Energy develops wind projects across the country. After some investigation, it became clear that we have never seen or heard of a homeowner policy being cancelled, and I’m confident it will not happen with Montcalm Wind either.
According to Joel Bush, a representative of Fremont Insurance, Fremont has historically been very conservative with risk, but they do currently insure homes with wind leases and their farm underwriting team is generally where these policies come from. Fremont was very clear, they always look at every policy on a case by case basis but they would never say “outright no” to wind turbines, even if it’s smaller wind turbines installed by a landowners for personal use.
Furthermore, I explained to Fremont that our company policy is to not locate a turbine closer than 1,250’ to any home, leased or unleased, and that we carry full liability insurance on all aspects of the wind farm. These conditions put their mind at ease and they reiterated that they do not have a policy against wind energy. Far from it, they already do work with wind leases, but that usually goes through their farm policy department.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll provide more information on this if and when it becomes available.
Thank you,
ALBERT JONGEWAARD Senior Development Manager
Apex Clean Energy, Inc. 8665 Hudson Blvd. N., Suite 110
Lake Elmo, MN 55042 cell: 251-402-6831 | office: 612-315-6171 | fax: 651-315-1519 albert.jongewaard@apexcleanenergy.com | www.apexcleanenergy.com
Safety • Integrity • Entrepreneurship • Sustainability • Professionalism
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e•I REPORT FOR MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Estimated Net Annual Community Financial Impact for the Proposed "Montcalm Wind" Project: An Estimated ANNUAL LOSS of $36.6± Million for Montcalm County
3-29-21 To Local Legislators: The primary rationale for the Township & County Official's current support of the proposed Montcalm industrial wind project (projected to be 75± turbines, each 600+ feet tall), is that the developer claimed that this would be a financial windfall for our community. Clearly such an assertion is self-serving. The only way the Officials can make an informed decision about the community economics for this wind project, is to fully assess ALL its local financial pros and cons. In other words, it is the Montcalm County & Township Officials' responsibility to perform an objective and comprehensive assessment of ALL potential economic impacts to the entire community — before giving any approvals to this complex, long-term project. To date, we have no such assessment being performed by the Townships or County to examine the overall impact of this proposed industrial wind turbine project on our community. We would hope that such information would be readily available from State agencies. For example, the Dept. of Health should be monitoring wind turbine health effects on State citizens. Similarly, for the Departments of Agriculture, Tourism, etc. But for political reasons, no State agency is keeping such data. Since our local, county and state representatives are not providing this information, concerned citizens have prepared this ballpark analysis. PLEASE NOTE: This report includes LOW estimates & is based primarily upon only the 11 proposed townships (Cato, Day, Douglass, Home, Maple Valley, Montcalm, Pierson, Pine, Richland, "idney, & Winfield) currently being approached by Apex for inclusion in their Montcalm Wind project at this 7ime. The estimates presented here are supported by over 100 sample studies and reports referenced below. Note that these are typically from independent experts — as compared to the material frequently cited by the wind industry. (Additional references on any of the above-mentioned issues, are also available on request. A superior website to do additional research, is WiseEnergy.org.) Sincerely, Concerned Residents of Montcalm County Opposed to Irresponsible Wind Turbine Placement in OUR Communities! (Including over 2600+ members of the group, Montcalm County Citizens United, formed by Sidney Township residents, Erik & Chantelle Benko, to help inform fellow Montcalm County citizens of the proposed wind turbine project in our county.)
Please contact Erik or Chantelle Benko at MontcalmCountyCitizensUnited@qmail.com for any questions, to submit welldocumented corrections, or to support a balanced economic assessment of this exceptionally important community
Estimated Annual Community Financial Impact for the Proposed Apex / "Montcalm Wind" Project es Subject Apex / Montcalm Wind (75± turbines, each 600+ feet high)
Agricultural Losses Due to Bats
Agricultural Losses Due to Local Weather Changes
Residential Property Devaluation
Tourism Reduction
Comments
Annual Income/Cost
*The community benefits claimed by the wind developer are accepted at face value, even though none are guaranteed. *The $2 million provided here is a generous estimate as Apex refuses to provide an actual report outlining the project's anticipated annual financial benefit to Montcalm County.
+ $2± Million
• It is well-documented that turbines can kill large numbers of bats. • The main solution the wind industry has is to shut off turbines. •Bats are prodigious insect eaters. An individual bat can consume 1000± insects an hour. • When wind turbines come to a community, the bat population can take a substantial hit. • Decreased bat population means many more insects, which results in a decrease in crop yields.
— $4.9± Million
• Industrial wind turbines can alter the weather up to 14± miles away. • Temperature and humidity can be adversely affected. • Temperature and humidity changes can lower crop yields. • This is a major Property Rights issue. • The elected officials have the obligation to fully protect what is likely its citizens most valuable financial asset. • Due to negative visual impact, residential property SALE value will decline within AT LEAST a 2-mile radius of the project site. • As local property tax revenue is lowered due to lost home values, ALL local property owners will end up paying a higher property tax rate. • Some property abandonment has happened near other wind projects. •This est. of -$6 million does NOT account for vacant land devaluation within the project footprint • Multiple studies indicate that tourism can decrease in communities with visible industrial wind turbines (esp. those that are vacation destinations), • NC State University (a pro-wind source) did a very applicable survey. Their results were that 80%± of tourists would not come back to where turbines are visible (Ref #17). .$149.16 million is the amt for Montcalm County from the 2019 Report for: Michigan Tourism Office Department of Community & Economic Development (Ref #16)
Estimated income from property taxes, lease payments, misc. employment, etc.
Note /: Bats can travel 100± miles a day, and easily 10± miles from a wind project site. Note 2: A 10-mile radius from the project site (+ site itself) equals roughly 89% of our county area. (see "Impact Map") Note 3: Take a low-standard range county impact with 80% due to turbines (Reference #2). Note 4: Approximate annual loss: $7±M x 89%± x 80%± = $4.9M±
References Developer's documents &statements
1-5
— $.1± Million Note: There are no good numbers for this type of loss (as the MI Dept. of Agriculture has not monitored or studied this), so this is a low, rough estimate.
6-10
— $6± Million Note /: Based on 9,700 ± HOMES* in the 11 proposed townships included in the Montcalm Wind project footprint. (See "Impact Map" for 2mile radius) Note 2: Average home value in Montcalm Co. is $124,000±** Note 3: Assumes low-end value loss (10%±) = $12,400±/ home. Note 4: Total property sale value loss: 9,700± x $12,400 ± = $120.2M ± Note 5: Annual loss (averaged over 20± year life of project): $120.2±M / 20± = $6±M
11-16
— $26.8± Million Note 1: Per (Ref #16, pg 12), Montcalm County tourism is $149± M/year. Note 2: Properties located within at least a 2-mile radius, or 36%+ of our county, will see these tall wind turbines if they are placed in the proposed footprint of the wind project. (see "Impact Map"). Note 3: A very low impact of only 50% (vs 80%) is assumed here. Note 4: Estimated annual loss: $149±M x 36% x 50% = $26.8±M
17-21
Subject Adverse Health Effects tel.
Hydrogeological Impacts (Drinking water and wells)
Ecological Impacts, e.g.: Wildlife eAm• Ecosystems
Miscellaneous, e.g.: Agricultural (misc. ) Livestock Hunting Communication Military Leaseholders
NET TOTAL AIIIl•
Comments • The World Health Organization has gone on record saying that the effects of infrasound can be much worse than those of audible noise, • Some impacts of infrasound and shadow flicker include: cardiac effects, anxiety, sleep disturbances, mental and emotional health decline, etc. • Studies show that these impacts can result in an inability to perform daily tasks, compromised quality of life, and an increased risk of suicide. • Turbine base excavation (which can be over 40 feet deep), and related project construction, has been shown to put water wells at risk. • Some communities have seen dramatic or yetto-be reversed damage including sediment and contaminants in ground water. • Risk of well water loss, can result in the additional cost to connect more residents to town water. • The seriousness of these issues depends on local aquifer depth, soil percolation, etc. • Disruption of wildlife (birds, deer, bears, etc.) habitats due to road, power line, etc. fragmentation. • Displacement of animals (e.g. due to tree removal), Direct negative impact to organisms' • environment. • Increased parasitic infections in certain populations (e.g. raccoon). • Permanent soil erosion can impact local species. • A single significant change in an ecosystem can result is a chain reaction that can be irreversible. • Loss of employment, plus less seed and equipment, etc., purchases due to reduced farming operations. • Reduction of pollinating insects, • A variety of livestock ailments. • Hunting restrictions and reduced available wildlife. • EMS and communication expenses. • Losses to turbine leaseholders.
Community Net Amount:
Annual Income/Cost
References
— $.2± Million Note /: Not everyone is affected the same way by these health problems — just like not all smokers get cancer. Note 2: Human health is priceless, so there is no accurate way to give the full value of wind turbine caused human ailments. Here, a VERY LOW, rough estimate was made.
22-31
— $.1± Million Note: There are no hard numbers for this type of loss as it is a very localized matter (i.e. dependent on local hydro-geological conditions, quantity of private wells, depth of private and community wells, etc.). This is a conservative, approximate estimate.
32-36
— $.2± Million Note: This amount of this loss is very dependent on the local terrain, degree of forestation, bodies of water, etc. Since no study has been done locally, this is a low, rough estimate. 37-41
— $.3± Million Note: This is an approximate, low estimate of the financial consequences of several other possible negative results of this industrial wind project.
— $36.6± Million per Year
42-51
Sample References for Some Wind Energy Local Economic Impacts Agriculture and Bats WW1. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Wind 2.
Economics/Bats and Agriculture.pdf
http://wiseenergv.org/Energy/Wind Other/Bat County Data.pdf (agricultural loss by county) State: MICHIGAN County: MONTCALM Harvested Land (acres): 166,345 Estimated Value of Bats Assuming LOW Crop Pest Survival (U.S.$): 2,012,775 Estimated Value of Bats Assuming STD Crop Pest Survival (U.S.$): 12,326,165 Estimated down to $7 million Estimated Value of Bats Assuming HIGH Crop Pest Survival (U.S.$): 28,694,513
3.
https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration pdf/batsofnv.pdf
4.
https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article/94/2/506/914006
5.
http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Wind Economics/Bats and Turbines.pdf (Collection of studies, etc.)
Agriculture and Local Weather 6.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167610510001467
7.
https://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate1505
8.
http://www.co2science.org/articlesN20/aug/a17.php
9.
http://www.atmos.albany.edu/facstaff/mathias/pubs/Slawsky et al 2015.pdf
10. http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/11/4/044024/
Residential Property Values H. http://wiseenergv.org/Energy/Wind Economics/Clarkson
Henderson PV Study.pdf 12. http://www.spatialeconomics.ac.uk/textonly/SERC/publications/download/sercdp0159.pdf
ON13. https://tinyurl.com/y6cx2k7q 14. https://tinyurl.com/y4nhhcq6 15. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Wind Ordinance/REValues.pdf (Collection of studies, etc.)
Tourism 16. https://medc.app.box.com/s/6kjtxi5pofnh1134n1n3fnodsvrbr4es 17. https://cenrep.ncsu.edu/2016/04/03/offshore-wind-tourism/ 18. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421515300495 19. https://tinyurl.com/y5tx4vr9 20. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Wind Economics/Tourism.pdf (Collection of studies, etc.)
Human Health 21. https://asa.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1121/2.0000653 22. https://file.scirp.org/pdf/OALibJ 2018122013570614.pdf 23. hups://tinyurl.com/v2huzqgs 24. hups://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3653647/ 25. https://www.intechopen.com/books/acoustics-of-materials/acoustics-and-biological-structures 26. https://docs.wind-watch.org/Zou-suicide-2017-Oct.pdf 27. http://www.waziristan-calc.igsz.de/infra/Weichb 2017.pdf
0
8. http://www.epaw.org/documents/Wind Turbine Noise Sleep Health.pdf 29. https://puc.sd.gov/commission/dockets/eleclric./2018/EL18-026/Drehleclexhibits/davenporN323x11 30. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Health/Sample Wind Noise Studies.pdf (Collection of studies, etc.)
Hydro-geological — 31. https://tinyurl.com/z2sbyrs 32. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Timbermill/Hydrogeological Assessment.pdf
04
33. hup://www.windconcemsontario.ca/wind-lurbines-to-blame-for-well-water-problems-hydrogeologist 34. https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/02/22/could-wind-turbines-taint-area-aquifer
35. https://tinyurl.com/lnuzguqe
Ecological — 36. https://www.nap.edu/read/11935/chapter/5 37. https://wcfn.org/2016/10/02/wind-turbines-effects-on-animals/ 38. https://www.spectator.co.uk/2013/01/wind-farms-vs-wildlife/ 39. https://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Wind07-2.pdf (Collection of studies, etc.) 40. http://npshistory.com/publications/sound/wildlife-noise-bibliography.pdf (Collection)
Miscellaneous — 41. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Wind Other/Wind&Hunting.pdf (Collection of studies, etc.) 42. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Wind_Other/Wind_Energy_Communication_Interference.pdf 43. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/10/15/reimer 44. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846843/ 45. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24597302 46. https://canadafreepress.com/article/open-letter-windfarms-and-animals-e.g.-birth-defects 47. https://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/environmental-issues/effects-clear-cutting 48. http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Military/Military-Wind_Overview.pdf 49. http://swkroa.com/docs/wind_energy_speech_6.pdf 50. http://docs.wind-watch.org/CALT-Legal-Brief-Wind-Energy-Production.pdf
Additional citations and information contained in the report http://cms5sevize.com/revize/montcalm/document center/Economy%20and%20Planning/Demographics/montcalm 2000 census demogr aphic profile 1.pdf *Number of households impacted: Averaged 9719 down to 9700.
Total Households
Township
966
Sidney Douglass
891
Montcalm
1154
Pine
610
Cato
1073 709
Winfield
755
Maple Valley
1015
Pierson
461
Day
1033
Home
1052
Richland Total
9719
http://www.city-data.com/county/Montcalm County-MI.html Est. median house/condo value in Montcalm Co. in 2019. $124,709 (it was $83,300 in 2000) Montcalm: $124,709. **Averaged $124,709 down to $124,000.
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IMPACT MAP (MONTCALM COUNTY)
Estimated Area Affected Color on map Low estimated % of Montcalm County Affected Around Known Leaseholder 36% 2-mile radius Blue RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALE VALUE & TOURISM Green 89% 10-mile radius BATS (+ blue region) Category
About the Impact Map for Montcalm County: APEX has remained very vague about WHERE they propose to place their 75+ Industrial Wind Turbines in our County so we have provided our map based upon the provided information available at this time. This map is based ONLY on the known parcels of land that currently have registered land leases recorded with the Montcalm County Registrar of Deeds within the proposed Montcalm Wind Project "footprint". We have been made aware that APEX has ONLY registered approximately 50% of the land leases that they have signed with landowners in Montcalm County at this time. Therefore, this map represents a VERY LOW estimate of the amount of land in our county that would be negatively affected. The use of a 2-mile radius for affected PROPERTY SALE VALUE is a LOW estimate (based upon studies included in the reference section of this report). It is worth noting that several additional studies have shown a negative impact on property sale values located within more than a 4-mile radius of an industrial wind turbine in lieu of the 2-mile radius utilized in this report (lakeontarioturbines.com). ething additional to consider is that the county directly to the East of Montcalm County (Gratiot County) already has numerous trial Wind Turbines placed there. These Industrial Turbines will also likely provide a negative impact on neighboring townships (that fail within a 10-mile radius of existing turbines already located in Gratiot County) across the county line into Richland Township, Ferris Township, Crystal Township, and Bloomer Township.
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2251 S. Derby Rd. Sidney, MI. 48885 June 24. 2021 Sidney Township Board Sidney, MI. 48885 I am unable to attend the July 5 meeting however I wanted to add my concerns regarding the proposed wind ordinance. My husband and I continue to support the most restrictive ordinance possible as we do not .1I Ie.ic c wind turbines belong in residential areas. We believe the will of the majority of the residents should prevail and it is incumbent upon all our board members to seek out the opinions of all the residents as possible and act accordingly. We know there are board members who believe this as well and we appreciate their efforts to protect our democratic process. The County Planners, if quoted correctly, have speculated to the best of their ability, their opinion of the planned ordinance. However, respecting their knowledge and experience, they are not necessarily objective and not the final word in legal advice. This is not about expediency. One size does not fit all. Turbines belong in less populated areas. Johansen was quoted in the Greenville Daily News as saying the ordinance essentially excluded wind turbines in Sidney Township. Five times the tip height of a 300 foot wind turbine is 1500 feet, not 3000 feet that he estimated (based on a 600 foot height which would not be allowed in the ordinance anyway). His contention is incorrect based on these numbers and this sort of misinformation is confusing. Apex should not be allowed to bully any of the townships. not with threats of legal action, not with their paid participants and not with their convoluted rhetoric. Apex has paid residents to speak in public meetings and we urge you not to be swayed. When Apex has had their wa. . the will disappear and the residents and families that have been negatively impacted will be left behind wondering how they allowed this to happen. Apex has only profits to loose, Sidney Township stands to loose its peaceful way of life, forever. Please don't let this happen. Allow Apex to sue, if that is indicated. They may have deep pockets but we have so much more to loose than profits. If our township is so cash strapped, go back to the residents and raise taxes as that will be cheaper for everyone than the hit we are taking on our individual property values. There is no such thing as free money. Thank you for your time and attention to this. Thanks for your patience and diplomacy. I'm sure many notice and are appreciative but are too emotionally charged to take the time to say so. Respectfully; 14SaSCSA9.1i, Lynn Marie Henschell