Editor,
I am a proponent of wind and solar energy. However, based on my review of recently produced Freedom of Information documents. I think this project needs further analysis and assessment before road and turbine development takes place.
For me, the primary issue is proper and appropriate siting. Like the hog farm in Newton County, which has since been shuttered, corporate wind developers have chosen a rural landscape, one which is economically impoverished.
This seems to me to be a test case, and I am concerned that this project has the potential to set precedent in a not so favorable way. The adverse impacts to the natural environment must be considered. Local landowners and investors stand the chance to reap profits if wind can be harnessed successfully at this location. If it can, then there is strong possibility more wind power installations will occur in counties in the wind corridor, i.e., Madison, Newton, and Boone, and perhaps even Washington and Benton; all areas that have karst terrain.
The Habitat Conservation Plan mentions karst surveys and caves, and addresses impacts to bat populations known to be on proposed site. If the project was in my immediate backyard, I would address impacts to the viewshed, recreational tourism, stormwater construction, groundwater, stream quality, deforestation, as well as issues related to economic and environmental justice.
Just because wind development has the potential to curb greenhouse emission, i.e., fossil fuels, it should not be given a free pass to harm the environment or the residing adjacent residents.
The situation in Green Forest is a hot mess. Neighbors are quarreling, an anti-wind farm messaging campaign is emerging, even wind proponents are starting to become divided.
It reminds me of Cargill Hog Farm in Newton County. The unfortunate thing for area residents here is they do not have the presence of a national park to garner protections. Green Forest is an impoverished area with no zoning restrictions.
I keep thinking of Lin Welford and I can’t help but wonder what her role would be in regard to her beloved environs. In a sense, Lin’s grassroots advocacy is inspiring me to do what I can. Thank you, Lin.
D. Schumacher
Great letter. My sentiments as well. This needs more study. I hope the agencies involved — the FAA, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and Public Services Commission, not to mention the Quorum Court — can find ways to give this more review than it has received so far.