Falmouth Enterprise : Wind Power Is Catching On

There wasn't a lot of time for people to voice opinions at last week's appeals board hearing on Webb Research's proposed wind turbine, but a few had their say. Residents in the area of the technology park said the planned turbine was too large for the location. It is an understandable concern. Dan Webb, president of Webb Research, admitted that it is a large turbine, but he pointed out that it will not be as tall as the WCIB radio tower by the mall. That is an interesting way to put it into perspective. One resident complained that Mr. Webb would "coat his pockets." That objection is more difficult to understand. Why shouldn't Mr. Webb coat his pockets? He is doing the work and taking the risk.

The same resident also warned that, if Webb Research is allowed to move forward with its plan, every other business in the technology park would follow suit. That is not going to happen. No other property in the park has a location that is as well suited to a turbine as lhe Webb Research lot. In addition, turbines, even small ones, aren't cheap. Not everyone ean afford the capital commitment.

But that resident is right on target in a way. Once Webb Research has installed its turbine, others will follow. It's not because Webb Research itself is paving the way - although it will help - it's because wind power is generally catching on

Mass Maritime Academy, the Tech School and Falmouth Academy have installed wind turbines. The Town of Falmouth has plans for turbines at the wastewater treatment plant and the high school. John Peek is planning to install a turbine at Peck's Boat Yard in Marstons Mills. On Martha's Vineyard several residents are asking for permission to install turbines, and four of the five island towns are looking into it.

Objections to noise and unsightliness follow most applications, particularly for residential installations. The objections might slow the growth of wind power, but they won't stop it. Too many see the wisdom in it. At some point wind turbines will be commonplace, and they will attract no more attention than utility poles.

Source

http://www.notuscleanenergy.com/images/Enterprise_4-22-08.PDF

Note # this article/editorial prior to the installations of Falmouth Wind I and II