Wind Turbines - for and against.
For;
Wind Turbines are environmentally neutral to the local habitat.
Against;
They are not.
The wind turbines in Altamont Pass in California have on average killed 200-300 Redtail Hawks and 40-60 Golden Eagles each year, while it is estimated that 7000 migrating birds a year are killed at other wind turbine sites in Southern California (California Energy Commission). There are similar reports emerging from other wind farms around the UK.
This article from our archive section makes interesting reading about the RSPB's invlovement in the planning processes.
The 7 turbines initially proposed for Saddleworth will involve the construction of approximately 2 ½ miles of supporting roads.
You have seen the disruption caused by the repairing if just a small portion of road. Imagine the effect on the moorland of the hundreds of cement lorries gauging their way up to the turbine sites and dumping however much gravel and concrete will be needed for the support roads, substations and other buildings that will be needed.
Add to this the hundreds of workers driving to these sites, causing further congestion and pollution locally. None of this has been considered in the environmental impact studies - or if it has it is brushed aside as "temporary".
Do not believe, however, that these seven turbines will be the last.E.On are a PLC - not a defender of the environment.
If turbines produce profit efficiently for the company, they have an obligation to their shareholders to build more.
