Confirmed again, and again,The Big Liars at First Wind

Oakfield Left Blowing in the Wind
An unprecedented number of articles recently published in newspapers across this state, and beyond,
expose the lesser known side of the wind energy industry. Political connections, questionable business
practices, and general disregard for the well being of those in proximity to their wind developments
have become consistent criticisms leveled against what had previously been a public relations success
story.
This creates an interesting backdrop for the recent informational meeting hosted by First Wind (per
Maine Department of Environmental Protection requirements) explaining their upcoming “permit
modification” for the Oakfield Wind Project. Many residents, already wary about the impacts to their
properties, were anxious to learn what changes are proposed and how it will affect them.
First Wind's characterization of what was unveiled as a “modification” of their originally planned
project is disingenuous. A 51+/- mw, 34 turbine wind facility, designed to connect with the local
electrical infrastructure, has been reinvented as a 106 +/- mw, 46 turbine facility requiring a new high
voltage line extending approximately 60 miles, from Oakfield to Chester. Turbines, originally 1.5 mw
generators, are now 2.3 mw models. Each blade increases in length by 39 feet, with an overall turbine
height of 428 feet (vs. 389 feet). With additional, larger turbines, the anticipated sound levels have
increased dramatically.
Sound has proven the greatest concern in communities facing industrial wind developments. This
unique source of noise has proven vexing for many - (seemingly) within allowable standards, as set
forth by state regulators, yet described as almost intolerable in intensity.
At this meeting, similar to the first project, First Wind displayed sound maps. The difference was the
inclusion of a “nighttime sound map”. As explained by project manager Alec Jarvis, this map
demonstrated that some locations would experience “quieter noise levels at night”. Initially, that
seemed reasonable, as those most impacted by these facilities have described the sheer torture of the
noise experienced during nighttime atmospheric stability. When analyzing the maps, however, one
noticed that instead of reducing the nighttime noise, the new models were reflective of the increase in
daytime noise over previous projections. First Wind explained this in as diffuse a manner as possible.
Increased daytime noise over the generally understood maximum sound levels to be anticipated as 45
dBA, day or night, were not addressed. “Decreases at night” are now necessitated by daytime noise
levels substantially louder than previously modeled. If nighttime reductions are not implemented,
noncompliance with MDEP allowable limits for nighttime noise would occur. All noise levels are to
increase for the majority of those impacted.
When asked about the change to 2.3 mw turbines, First Wind stated these were the “best fit” for the
project area. Numerous opaque reasons were offered, but none included this feature from the
manufacturer's acoustic emission document - the ability to operate in “noise restricted operation”. This
feature allows developers to site the turbines inappropriately, capitalizing on the MDEP daytime sound
limit of 55 dBA, only to curb the noise at night just enough to maintain compliance with what had
been used, for practical reasons, as the overall standard (45 dBA) for wind developments in Maine. In
all previous discussions, both with Oakfield and MDEP, First Wind claimed the ability to meet the 45
dBA limit at all relevant locations, day and night.
First Wind exhibited reluctance to disclose when the decision was made to redesign this project to
consist of increased numbers of larger turbines. No conclusive answer was offered, but the appeal of
the permitted project has been suggested as an explanation. Consider the following:
• The Oakfield Project leases, some with negotiations dating back three years or more, contain
language allowing for turbines between 1.5 and 3.0 mw. The concept of an altered project design was
factored into these very carefully drafted leases.
• Changes to the project were discussed late last year at a Selectmen meeting. The information came
from Andy Hamilton, attorney with Eaton Peabody. He indicated First Wind had presented this
possibility to him. This occurred before the original project had received DEP approval. Obviously,
no appeals could exist at that time.
At this recent meeting, we were told that everyone was aware of the plan to further develop east of the
original project area. Whereas, in October of 2008, at the first informational meeting in Oakfield, Matt
Kearns, then Vice President of Business Development, New England, for First Wind, explicitly denied
the existence of a “second phase” - First Wind had plans for “one project”. Within two weeks, I
attended a meeting of landowners where agreements were sought for “phase II”.
Once again, we are led to believe this is to be “one project” - just larger. This is still not accurate.
Leases are signed for other hills in Oakfield, as well as Dyer Brook and Island Falls. First Wind has
mapped hills on the west side of Linneus. Landowners have been approached in Sherman, and
beyond. This information comes directly from landowners and residents in these areas. Every time we
are told we know what to expect, First Wind begins their revisionist explanations as to what they really
meant.
The preceding information is well founded. After discussing this project directly with representatives
from First Wind between August 2007 and February 2009, I then read the entire project application. I
attended virtually all meetings reviewing this project, at the same time submitting material and
interacting extensively with the DEP, finally opting to join appeals, first to the Board of Environmental
Protection, and now as one of two appellants petitioning the Law Court.
For those in attendance, this recent Oakfield meeting provided a local opportunity to experience the
lesser known side of this industry. False expectations, misleading explanations, and disregard for the
impacts on surrounding residents were on display for all to see. Now, it is time for First Wind's public
relations campaign to begin anew...
Brian Raynes
Oakfield, Maine