The New York Power Authority recently unveiled plans to erect wind farms, 450 foot wind turbines, in Lake Ontario waters. Plans for the project were presented in a meeting of elected officials and community leaders in Oswego, New York on the 13th of November. There was also a small contingency of (uninvited) concerned citizens.
According to the map presented as we understand it, wind farms are planned off the shoreline of -
Niagara County - 60 turbines near the Niagara River outlet into Lake Ontario
Monroe County - 103 turbines spread from Parma to Webster
Wayne County - 20 turbines off the shoreline of Williamson east and north of Sodus Bay
106 turbines spread from Sodus Bay, across the Towns of Huron and
Wolcott, north of Cayuga County, Town of Sterling
Oswego & Jefferson Counties - 560 turbines in Mexico Bay
- and 205 more turbines as you move into the northeast waters of the lake and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
According to the information provided these are choice locations from the standpoint of wind velocity and suitable water depth (less than 150 feet) for construction of the turbine.
The presentation was made by Richie Kessel, President of the New York Power Authority. It is interesting to note that the President of the Authority is appointed by the Governor of the State. Accordingly, the New York Power Authority does not function under or report to any State department or agency.
Although the people of the State have little say in matters or decisions taken by the Authority, the Town Board in its meeting on the November 16, 2009, resolved to express in writing, our opposition to the development of wind farms in the waters of Lake Ontario.
The northern border of the Town of Huron is the shoreline and panoramic view of Lake Ontario. In fact, the spectacle and ever changing display of color as the sun sets in the western sky over the lake, is one of those "priceless" things a credit card can't buy.
