Wind turbine at Mt. Hood Park?

The following is a notice from Myron Dittmer, president of the Mt. Hood Park Association.

The Park Commission, at its June meeting, approved a motion to pursue the application process for installing a wind turbine at Mt. Hood Memorial Park. The Melrose Energy Commission (MEC) is coordinating this application process with the Commonwealth Wind Incentive program.

At the Park Commission meeting, David Shakespeare, Chairman of MEC, described the three phase program following initial acceptance of the application process. The first phase involves an initial site assessment to determine the best location and size of the wind turbine. The second phase, usually taking up to a year to complete, is a feasibility study which involves the installation of test equipment to take important measurements during all seasons including maximum and minimum wind conditions. The third and final phase involves design, installation, and site preparation for a wind turbine. It is expected that when approval is given for funding, that the total process may take many years to complete.

The Association welcomes the opportunity to use a renewable energy resource to generate electric power to reduce operational costs for the Park. The energy produced will be used for the clubhouse and function area, water pumps for irrigation of greens, as well as other uses deemed practical. Also, excess electricity can be sold back to the National Grid.

The Association encourages the Park Commission and city officials to schedule special meetings to allow open and public dialogue and discussion on this matter before moving forward on this study.

A number of important issues need to be fully evaluated and considered during this review process for a wind turbine. Some, among others, include:

1. Environmental impact of surrounding area as a result of site preparation and road access
2. Sound and noise impact on adjacent neighborhoods
3. Evaluation and impact on potential bird kills and their migratory routes
4. Safety, security and maintenance needs
5. Need to integrate this planning with those plans expected from the current feasibility study being conducted for development of athletic and recreational areas at Mt. Hood.

The Association welcomes feedback from the public on this matter since installing a wind turbine may impact those who live in adjacent t neighborhoods, golfers, and families and children who regularly use the park area.

Contact:

Myron F. Dittmer, Jr.
President
Mt. Hood Park Association
93 Altamont Avenue
Melrose, MA 02176
781-665-8172
Email: Mditt7845@aol.com