From the website of the Partnership for the Preservation of the Downeast Lakes

A Few Falsehoods and Absurd Statements from First Wind

The following quotes are taken from the Bowers Wind application Exhibit 17, Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) and First Wind's Sworn Testimony. Those of us who are familiar with this unique region should be outraged at their arrogance. Do they think the LURC Commissioners and the people of Maine are this stupid? Apparently so!

“Due to the limited vertical beam spread, the visual impact from these lights is reduced - typically viewers do not see these lights directly and they do not produce glare”   (page 15)

“As compared with other recreational areas in Maine, these lakes in general do not see a lot of use, and the area is not considered a tourism center.”   (page 51)

“Scraggly Lake can also be accessed by Junior Lake, although this narrow passage is shallow and rocky and thus most suitable for small watercraft such as kayaks and canoes.”   (page 30)
(Note: in fact, the channel connecting Junior Lake and Scraggly Lake is 150'’ wide and 30’ deep)

 

“This region of Maine has very low population, vast woodlands, and plentiful lakes. It is not recognized as a tourism center and there are primitive recreational opportunities... the Project, as proposed, will not result in an unreasonable adverse effect on the scenic values and existing uses.”   (page 2)

“If we were on these lakes and there was no escape from the view, if everywhere you looked there were turbines, that would be too many.”   (David Raphael of Landworks, First Wind's Scenic Impact Analyst. When asked at what point would he consider there are too many turbines. Testimony before LURC, June 28, 2011, transcript page 72)

“The height of the Project ridges are sufficient in relation to turbine height to prevent the turbines from visually dominating the land forms.”  (page 54)
(Note: Turbine #14 will be 428 feet tall and will be mounted on a hill that rises only 388 feet above the water level of the surrounding lakes. The turbine will be 110% of the visual height of the hill it sits on! But First Wind doesn't think 428 feet will dominate 388 feet. Right.)

“To the extent that a particular user group is more sensitive to changes in the landscape and objects to visibility of turbines, they may choose to fish or recreate in any of the many other lakes in the region.”   (David Raphael of Landworks, First Wind's Scenic Impact Analyst, to LURC, July 25, 2011)

“The impact of visibility on residential camps and lodges is not directly relevant to the applicable review criteria.”   (Memo from David Raphael of Landworks to Neil Kiely of First Wind, July 20, 2011)

“Fishermen can orient their boats away from the turbines or situate themselves in one of the many coves if views of the turbines become undesirable. They may also recreate at other nearby and comparable lakes with fewer or no views of turbines, if preferred.”   (page 44)

“Snow fishermen often utilize temporary structures that provide visual obstruction.” 
(page 44)

“All the lakes... share the same similar characteristics of low-lying hills, mixed forest cover, and rocky shorelines. Several shoals, coves and low islands can be found dispersed throughout. While the scenery is pleasing, it is not unique or distinct – there are no special, defining features -- other than isolation and solitude.”   (page 43)

“...many viewers see wind turbines as representative of technological innovation and beautiful examples of modern design that are representative of the well established design ethic of “form follows function.” When considered in this context, wind turbines, with their towers and rotors, are simple, unadorned and elegant elements in the landscape...”   
(page 42)

 

“The Project area has 'everyday' scenic attributes that are of higher value than the more developed areas of New England and the northeast, but are commonplace in northern New England and the Adirondack region of New York State. Thus the relative scenic values within the area must be considered and not be compared to locations outside the region.”   
(page 35)

“This is an area that does not include any high value natural resources or landscape features that are identified or celebrated for their special qualities. No distinctive geological or topographic formations, or unique large-scale eco-system or natural communities have been identified....Although this area is recognized for its vast forests and remote qualities, these qualities are compromised or qualified by the fact that extensive timber harvesting has occurred in and around the Project area.”   (page 50)

“In addition, the research, interviews and field review conducted yield the sense that local anglers and private camp owners occasionally visit these lakes, but they do not draw visitor-ship extensively from out of state - there is relatively little tourism infrastructure in the area in the form of lodging, restaurants and other amenities for visitors.”   (page 51)

“(On Junior Lake) the islands in fact represent perhaps the most striking feature of the lake, and the visual appreciation of this foreground feature would be unaffected by middleground or background views of turbines.”   (page 27)

http://www.ppdlw.org/

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