Proposed site is a rural area located near Port Sanilac Michigan. Michigan is rated #14 in the top 20 states measured for wind energy potential. (Source. An Assessment of the available Windy Land Area and Wind Energy Potential in the Contiguous United States, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, 1991) This location is within a Class 3 range with wind speed at 50m/h, classified as fair (6.4 – 7 m/s). The classes are in a range from Class 1 (lowest) to Class 7. Class 4 is considered a good resource for generating power. (Source. www.windpoweringamerica.gov/)
I chose this location even though it is a “Fair” classification because of its rural location. The closest town located on the shores of Lake Huron is approximately 400 residents and is 3.2 miles from the site. The height of the wind turbines can be raised to increase productivity of the system. The impacts of noise, shadow flicker and visual/landscape negativity should be at a minimum for this area. Additional studies should be conducted to determine the added impact to migrating birds due to an increase in the turbines height.
I chose this location even though it is a “Fair” classification because of its rural location. The closest town located on the shores of Lake Huron is approximately 400 residents and is 3.2 miles from the site. The height of the wind turbines can be raised to increase productivity of the system. The impacts of noise, shadow flicker and visual/landscape negativity should be at a minimum for this area. Additional studies should be conducted to determine the added impact to migrating birds due to an increase in the turbines height.
