PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: A TOWN SURROUNDED

October 8, 2012 (Ocotillo) – Photographer Daren Sefcik visited Ocotillo in May, before construction began on the Ocotillo Express wind project, then returned on October 3.

Through still photos and dramatic panoramic videos that reveal 360 degree views, Sefcik documents turbines dwarfng mountains and looming in close proximity to homes. “The landscape has already been destroyed by Pattern [Energy] and it will never, ever be the same,” he said.

Two  panoramic “virtual tours” by Sefcik show the 450-foot-tall turbines in a bulldozed desert where formerly towering ocotillo forests once stood. 

https://sites.google.com/a/sefcik.com/virtual-tours/owef-oct-3rd-2012-shell-canyon-rd

https://sites.google.com/a/sefcik.com/virtual-tours/owef-oct-3rd-2012

The project, located on public land run by the federal Bureau of Land Management, was built over the vocal objections of Octillo residents, who have voiced fears over loss of property values, health problems associated with turbine infrasound and noise, destruction of desert views and wildlife habitat. Upon completion the project will surround the town on three sides with the massive wind turbines, some just 1500 feet from homes.

Sefcik has this messages for Ocotillo residents.  “It is breaking my heart to see this happen and I cannot even begin to imagine how all of you must feel.”