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Dear Editor;
In November 2021 I wrote a Letter to the Editor outlining the intentions of an international company, Pattern LLC, to install 170, 650' wind towers in our unique and environmentally sensitive Driftless Region. Besides the height of these towers, previously only see in offshore installations, the property line setback is proposed to be only 1250'. For many people, this is too close to homes which can be affected by flicker and noise caused from high winds. This has resulted in some abandoning their homes due to illness. No current independent studies have been conducted to determine the impact on birds, bats or wildlife. The proposed wind farm location impacts two Important Bird Areas (IBA's) which are migratory bird routes. Independent realtor studies have indicated a 25-49% decrease in property values in areas with wind turbine installations.
This wind farm is proposed to be built in Lafayette and Iowa Counties. The counties have the capability to establish more reasonable setback distances and as well as requiring the company to inform affected townships, villages and landowners about the potential turbine locations. Questions about these issues and several others have been presented to the company who has not fully answered them.
I have three requests of concerned citizens:
1. Co-sign a joint request to the Iowa County Board to require Pattern LLC to answer the 38 questions posed to them in July 2021 by residents in the impacted area. The form is available at http://bit.ly/38-QUESTIONS.
2. Attend the Tuesday, March 15, 6:00 p.m. meeting of the Iowa County Board, 303 W. Chapel Street, Dodgeville in person or via Zoom to express your concern regarding the location and regulations surrounding this project.
3. Attend a Saturday, April 2, 12:00 noon kite flying and weather balloon event that will demonstrate the height of the 650 foot turbines. This will be held at the Hay Field East of the Dodgeville Walmart on Highway 18 (601 E. Leffler St., Dodgeville, WI). There will be kites, string, snacks and informational materials available.
These events present an opportunity to meet your neighbors; learn more about the project and how we can reduce CO2 emissions without large scale projects that export energy Wisconsin doesn't need. Your tax dollars pay for the cost of these installations whether or not the project is completed and they are guaranteed a 10.3% profit by law. Even Tom Tiffany is proposing a "Future Agriculture Retention and Management Act" to eliminate financing alternative energy projects on agricultural land.
More information can be found at TheLongViewAllianceWI.org
Roberta Barham
Blanchardville, WI