The County Commissioners are in the process of writing a zoning ordinance that would allow various types of wind energy facilities, or wind turbines (the towers with propeller-like blades attached) in Blaine County. The ordinance being considered states certain types of these turbines could be constructed in the scenic corridor of Highway 75, running through our valley.
Under the proposed ordinance these towers could have a height of 40 feet or possibly more, according to the current information on Blainecounty.org. I feel that to allow this type of structure in the scenic corridor under any circumstance (including a conditional-use permit) is a terrible, terrible mistake. They will be highly visually obtrusive, as Kathy Lynn pointed out in her editorial of Sept. 23, and are in direct opposition to what the County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended to the Commissioners—that wind turbines of any kind not be allowed in the scenic corridor, in order to preserve scenic values and property values.
At a time when we are doing everything to attract tourists to our lovely valley, it seems insane to deliberately allow the "uglification" of what draws people to come and spend money. And according to a study of wind averages in mid valley, the wind velocity is around 7 mph, while for wind turbines to work effectively, a wind velocity of between 12-14 mph is required. To allow the construction of something ugly that won't work well is baffling to me.
I urge readers who feel the same concerns to contact the County Commissioners, either by phone or e-mail. And I also urge them to ask that there be public meetings in the evenings, when residents can voice their opinions to the commissioners, before something is rushed into an ordinance that we will all regret.
Beth Duke
Hailey
