INDIANANS FEEL NEIGHBORLY TO WIND

Neighbors say wind farms aren't so bad; Overall positive view of turbines near their homes
Kristin Maiorano, 18 March 2010 (Fox-Toledo)

"As Tippecanoe County residents raise concerns about bringing wind farms to their area…[for] those who have had wind turbines in their backyards for months…complaints were minimal, and many residents in Benton and White Counties seem to like the presence of wind farms.

"…Elmira Deckard, of White County, said she misses the feel of living in the country…But Deckard said she thinks she's in the minority when it comes to wind farms…Just down the street, Elmira's sister-in-law Charlene Deckard takes a different view…She only has one slight complaint…[and early morning shadow]…"

NewEnergyNews recently stood beneath this working 3-megawatt behemoth to take this picture, heard virtually no noise and carried on a conversation in a normal tone of voice. (click to enlarge

"Despite their proximity to several wind turbines, neither woman has one on her property. But they still get some compensation for signing a good neighbor policy…

"Over in Benton County, the situation is a little different. Only people with a turbine on their land get any money. And for Don Clute, the pay [a guaranteed $5,000 per year plus more for what is earned in electricity generation] isn't bad…"

click to enlarge

"And when it comes to noise, nobody seems to take issue…[Charlene Deckard:] "I don't hear them at all…" [Elmira Deckard:] "In the house I hear nothing…" [Don Clute:] "If a train goes by a mile away it makes more noise than I've ever heard from a wind tower."

"Clute said one of his turbines doesn't run during the day because it's so close to the Prairie Crossing Elementary School…But Benton Central High School principal Destin Haas said he has not received a single parent complaint…"