To the Editor:
I am wondering why the University of Maine’s proposed wind turbine test project, to be located just 2.5 miles off scenic Monhegan Island, isn’t front page news!
If the Department of Energy imminently decides to award the $46.6 million requested for this proposed test, we will all be affected. Fishermen’s livelihoods could be negatively impacted because of cables interfering with their underwater gear; tourists will no longer see Monhegan Island as the scenic destination it now is, and our local economy will consequently suffer.
In addition, migratory and native bird populations would be endangered.
It seems to me that public awareness of this project is sorely lacking. Not everyone has Internet access which is where the bulk of the information now sits, and it is surely the obligation of this newspaper to keep its readers informed of such an important issue.
Yes, there have been a few reports of meetings held, and there are public notices with regard to same, but what is needed is in-depth coverage of how we, as residents, taxpayers, landowners, and business operators will be affected.
As I understand it right now, the project calls for two 328-foot tall wind turbines, with blade heights 576 feet above the water, to be sited in the Gulf of Maine. These turbines will be clearly visible from Pemaquid Point, one of Maine’s most visited and iconic spots.
Finally, for the record, it is my understanding that Bristol’s electricity rates would go up, not down, and the impact on our infrastructure, in order to facilitate the necessary connections to the grid, will be substantial.
This wind power project’s developer is the University of Maine and its corporate partners. Anyone with Internet access may get the full picture by doing a web search under: Bristol Matters Maine.
For information, or to become involved, one can e-mail the Friends of Muscongus Bay at: helpsavethebay@gmail.com. Meetings are held on Monday nights, at 7 p.m., in the lower level of the New Harbor Methodist Church.
