Manistee/Benzie Wind Turbine Map Circulated By Opponents

Consumers Energy did the same thing. When map was circulated with the longitude and latitude locations identified as wind turbines to the FAA, from information supplied by Consumers Energy, they also called the map completely in accurate when confronted. Make no mistake this is a business and billions in profit hang in the balance for these wind prospectors. They don’t care about anything except installing these massive structures in your community and they will use every means necessary to achieve that goal. I sincerely hope you are able to stop these people from destroying your community. When Consumers Energy came out with their own map it was nearly identical. We need to address the political support of these projects or this will be the first of many fights. Repeal the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and stop the guaranteed loans and Production Tax Credits that funnel billions into the pockets of wind developers.

Having dealt with wind company developers here in my own area, I can tell you that these maps are generally accurate. They may not reflect the project built, but it does reflect an ideal state where they are able to build on the properties they have leased. The developers say that they aren't actual site maps... we know. But you can take the FAA height obstruction site maps and overlay them with a plat map to see where the parcels lay, and amazingly enough it synchs perfectly with the leases recorded at the register of deeds. It also amazingly has the promised (ineffective and way too short) 1320ft setbacks from homes. Bottom line is that these maps for most intensive purposes represent what the developer INTENDS to build.

Your rules about posting on this web site state, "IPR reserves the right not to publicize rumors, allegations, conspiracy theories and other information which we know to be false or unsubstantiated." You say opponents of the wind farms are distributing this map. When you question Duke's representative, they told you sites have not yet been selected. Duke says this map is unsubstantiated. This project is very controversial. Are you violating your own rules by publishing this map? Are you being irresponsible and adding fuel to the fire by publishing something you know to be unsubstantiated? I listen to you all day long everyday. NPR and Interlochen Publice Radio is one source of news and information I consistently rely on. I believe publishing this map is very irresponsible on your part. If it is part of an FAA permit, it is public information and you should be able to find a copy of the permit it accompanies. You have not provided that information. I believe you have not checked to see if such a permit has been filed. If in fact, such a permit has been filed, why would Duke deny these locations have been selected when they would already be part of the public record? Shame on you.