WIND POWER FREEDOM

A two-year battle in the Waldo County town of Freedom (pop. 700) over a wind power project should not – and need not – be replicated in other Maine small towns.

Unlike large-scale wind power projects such as the one developed in Mars Hill, which produces about 25 megawatts, the Beaver Ridge project planned for Freedom would produce 4.5 megawatts. The developer, Competitive Energy Services, wants to build three 400-foot high turbines on a ridge off a back road. Though many in town like the idea of supporting this burgeoning electricity option, and all it means for energy independence, those who live near the site are worried about the horror stories they’ve heard: a constant, mind-numbing whooshing sound that penetrates walls and interferes with sleep.

The small, rural town, with its volunteer boards, was unprepared to evaluate the $12 million project when it was proposed in the spring of 2006. A moratorium was adopted at town meeting, giving town officials time to develop an ordinance with which to review the project. The town planning board later approved the project, but the zoning board of appeals reversed that approval. Then the ordinance, which apparently was seen as too restrictive by the developer, was repealed by referendum, giving the company the green light. On Tuesday, voters in town shot down an attempt to reinstate the ordinance, so the project moves toward construction.

It may take years for the wounds to heal in Freedom, but other towns should be able to avoid this fate. State regulators and the wind power industry can take steps to help. Some reputable group – the Conservation Law Foundation – could also take on this important task.

For its part, the wind power industry must provide the public with an accurate picture of what it is like to live near turbines, and not sugar-coat the less appealing aspects. If it does not, it risks losing popular support in part because of misinformation.

The support of those who are theoretically willing to have wind power in their backyard often flags when they learn the details. One of the first thoughts many have is that the turbines will provide cheap electricity to nearby homes. Not so. The electricity is sold on the New England power grid, which, in theory, could lower local rates. The expansion of wind power, then, must be explained in this context if it is to be embraced more readily.

The state has taken steps to expedite review of large-scale projects in the unorganized territories. It should do the same for small towns by developing model ordinances which towns can easily customize and adopt.

Wind power has a bright future in Maine, but ensuring that its potential is reached will require an effort to educate the public.