Part III in our series on the Ocotillo wind turbine collapse
By Miriam Raftery
Photos by Jim Pelley
December 11, 2016 (Ocotillo) – State Senator Ben Hueso (D-40th district) wants to know why a massive wind turbine collapsed on November 21st in Ocotillo on public land—and what will be done to prevent future such disasters.
In a letter to Beth O’Brien, Pattern Energy’s manager of external affairs, Senator Hueso notes that this is the third serious incident that has occurred at the Ocotillo Wind Energy Facilitiy since it opened approximately four years ago. Prior problems include a wind turbine that burst into flames and another that hurled a multi-ton blade onto a public trail.
He indicated that residents have contacted him with concerns and asked him to look into the matter. East County Magazine also contacted the Senator to ask what steps will be taken to protect public safety.
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