PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT AT TERRA-GEN WIND PROJECT MEETINGS IN BOULEVARD AND CAMPO JUNE 6 AND JUNE 19

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By Miriam Raftery

June 5, 2019 (Campo) – Public participation is needed at two upcoming meetings on Terra-Gen’s proposal to install 60 wind turbines, each 586 feet tall and capable of producing 4.2 megawatts of power.  The turbines are proposed on the Campo tribal reservation, from north of I-8 to near the border in the south. 

“These turbines are about twice the size with twice the harmful energy and noise as existing local Kumeyaay Wind and Tule Wind turbines. If new turbines are approved, life for many area residents will change for the worst.” Says Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Group which represents nearby communities. She adds, “People are already sick around existing turbines.”        

Below are details on upcoming meetings June 6 and June 19, where the public can learn more and speak out:    

                                           

  • Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m.: Boulevard Planning Group meeting in modular behind old Boulevard Fire /Sheriff’s office at Ribbonwood Road and Old Hwy 80.
  • Wednesday, June 19 at 6 p.m.: Bureau of Indian Affairs public meeting on Campo Wind Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) at Campo tribal hall, 36190 Church Road (BIA 10), at Hwy 94, Campo. Campo tribe’s General Council  Members has the power to vote the project down, Tisdale notes.

Wind power has been touted as a renewable energy resource to reduce use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases, all worthy goals.  But smaller turbines in the Campo region have been trouble-prone.  An existing wind project on Campo tribal land has had its share of problems, including an unexplained explosion that knocked out all 25 turbines for months, resulting in litigation and rusted turbines left on the ground for years. On another occasion, a turbine burst into flames and started a brush fire, endangering a nearby home. Reports of stray voltage were documented by measurements taken by a consultant hired by concerned citizens, leading to a university study that raised questions over a possible link to high rates of cancer in nearby residents. That study called for further investigations, but none were funded. Residents have also complained of other health and noise issues as well as visual blight and impacts on wildlife, particularly fatal impacts on birds of prey.

See project maps and details at www.campowind.com                                                                     

Contact Donna Tisdale at 619-766-4170; tisdale.donna@gmail.com


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Comments

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Why don't they install solar panels instead?