Learn the truth about the myths surrounding Columbia County wind projects and get the answers to wind frequently asked questions.
COLUMBIA COUNTY WIND ENERGY MYTHS
MYTH: Wind Turbines Cause Epilepsy.
FACT: Wind Turbines Do Not Cause Seizures. One out of every 4000 people are prone to photo sensitive seizures, which are caused by extremely fast flickering lights. The frequency of flashes that are of concern for people affected by photosensitive seizures is between 5Hz and 70Hz and must be in the field of view. Wind turbines however operate at a speed of 15 rpm, or a frequency is 0.75Hz.
MYTH: Wind Energy Development Results In Permanent Displacement Of Thousands Of Acres Of Farm Land And Will Eventually Lead To The Demise Of Agricultural Practices In Rural Areas.
FACT: Wind Energy Development Is Preventing The Permanent Loss Of Agricultural Lands By Ensuring Landowners Reliable Income In Times Of Uncertain Crop Prices. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that the off-farm income share of total household income of U.S. farmers rose from about 50 percent in 1960 to more than 80 percent over the past 10 years. Wind energy development on agricultural lands allows farmers to continue to farm the land and prevents sell-off of agricultural lands and reduces the need for off-farm income earning. The small footprint of a wind energy project allows cultivation of crops among turbines and results in minimal loss of productive lands.
MYTH: Wind Energy Is Heavily Subsidized And Costs More For The Taxpayers Than It Is Actually Worth.
FACT: Every Energy Technology Is Subsidized. Wind receives a tax credit that provides an inflation-adjusted 1.5 cents for each kilowatt-hour generated, over the first ten years of the project.
- This Credit Reduces The Tax Liability Of A Wind Farm, But Is Not A Subsidy Of Public Money Flowing To The Wind Farm Owner.
Other Energy Sources Receive Subsidies In Many Forms, Including Tax Deductions, Loan Guarantees, Liability Insurance And Leasing Of Public Lands At Below Market Prices. Some, like the depletion allowance for oil and gas, are permanent in the tax code. Additional indirect subsidies include federal money for research and development programs and policy provisions in federal legislation.
MYTH: Wind Turbines Are Noisy.
FACT: Modern Wind Turbines Are Quiet. You can stand right underneath the blades and still hold a conversation without raising your voice. RES Americas follows rigorous and independent noise standards when designing its projects and would not locate a turbine where it could cause a noise nuisance to local residents. Moreover, wind farms are subject to strict planning conditions that monitor noise levels to ensure they never exceed proscribed levels.
- The Turbines Make A Noise Similar To The Swooshing Noise A Kite Or Large Bird Makes, And In Some Areas This Noise Is Hidden By The Sound Of The Wind In Nearby Trees Or Other Vegetation. In technical terms, turbines generate 34-45 dB (at a distance of 350 meters), for comparison a car traveling 40 mph at a distance of 325 feet generates 55dB.
- An Operating Modern Wind Farm At A Distance Of 750 To 1,000 Feet Is No Louder Than A Kitchen Refrigerator. The sound turbines produce is similar to a light whooshing or swishing sound and is much quieter than other types of modern-day equipment. Even in rural or low-density areas (where there is little additional sound to mask that of the turbines) the sound of the blowing wind is often louder.
MYTH: Wind Farms Hurt Land Values.
FACT: Properties Near Washington State Wind Projects Have Increased In Value. An informal study was undertaken on two farms in the state of Washington directly adjacent to a wind farm that was constructed in 2004. Both properties have manufactured homes, outbuildings, and a barn. Sales were documented prior to construction of the wind farm and after the farm became operational. In both cases, the value of the property increased.
- First Property Increased 19% Between 2004 (Prior To Wind Farm Construction) And 2007 (After Wind Farm Construction). (Columbia County Assessor’s Office)
- Second Property Increased 22% Between 2001 (Prior To Wind Farm Construction) And 2007 (After Wind Farm Construction). (Columbia County Assessor’s Office)
Studies Have Shown That The Typical Impact On The Value Of Land And Tourism Near Wind Farms Is Positive. A study conducted by ECONorthwest out of Portland, Oregon on the impacts of wind energy development in Kittitas County found that in five counties (including Walla Walla County) there were no negative impacts on property values for lands adjacent to or within view of wind energy projects. (“Economic Impacts Of Wind Power In Kittitas County,” ECONorthwest, 11/02)
A Study Commissioned By The U.S. Government Found No Evidence Showing That Wind Farms Negatively Impact House Prices. A study conducted by the Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) indicated no change in property values of 25,000 homes within a five-mile radius of various wind farms – other than a small increase, likely due to a general increase in overall property prices. (George Sterzinger, Fredric Beck, Damian Kostiuk, “The Effect Of Wind Development On Local Property Values,” Renewable Energy Policy Project, www.repp.org, 5/03, Accessed 8/31/07)
