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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.”
Comments
No Wind!
I have camped in the area for over 40 years and can never remember it being very windy in Ocotillo. Wonder where the wind is coming from to turn these things? Funny how we can't use public land anymore because of the environmentalists but you can build 450 turbines on the same land. It's a great time to be 70 years old so I have good old days to remember.
Real environmentalists hate this project.
It's destructive to wildlife, habitat, scenery and Native American sites, all of which should be protected. This project isn't green, it's "Greenwashing" and the only "green" is the money flowing to the corporations.
Heartbreaking. What else is
Heartbreaking.
What else is there to say?
I agree. :(
I agree. :(