Wind power costs more than dollars
To the Editor:
Thank you for your Nov. 27 story, (Fish and Wildlife Intervenes…), regarding the earthen dams being proposed for Klickitat County.
One dam would be located somewhere just above the aluminum smelter and would be 9,500 feet long and 120 feet high. The other would be located somewhere near the top of the Columbia Hills and would be 5,200 feet long and 260 feet high (picture a 26-story building.)
The exact location of this second dam remains a mystery to me and others who have tried using public notice information to discover its location.
In the event of dam failure, it would be nice to know where all that water would rush to. I hope my guess about this is incorrect.
After public safety come bird issues. Large, artificial bodies of water on the Columbia Hills would certainly attract water birds and the raptors that feed on them. National Audubon Society’s Columbia Hills Important Bird Area is already slated for wall-to-wall industrial wind power development - the proposed lakes only make this disgrace worse.
The most recent wind power applications for the Columbia Hills did not mention the huge dams now proposed.
The proponents must have known there were not enough power lines to move all that power. I knew it, as did everyone else involved. They must have realized holding dams and pumping water would be necessary for storing energy generated by their proposed wind plants. But this information only comes out now, after environmental assessment is completed and permits granted. Shame again on wind power.
Think about this as the economy tanks: wind power is already by far the most expensive energy on the market.
This scheme to build huge holding dams can only increase those expenses even more. By law, you will be required to buy that power.
The deadline for public comment is approaching soon. Considering the difficulties in assessing the proffered websites, I am requesting that period be extended.
Dave Thies
White Salmon
Kindness is the Christmas spirit
To The Editor:
As winter settles into our area, I can't help but think about all the people who work out in the elements doing their very best to make the rest of us as comfortable as possible.
The seemingly tireless efforts of the PUD, road crews, contractors, repairmen, police officers, firefighters, and emergency teams should not go unnoticed.
There are also those in our communities who sacrifice their personal time to help a neighbor or someone else in need when the trials of bad weather strike - frozen pipes, driveways, sidewalks.
I am grateful to live in a community where so many people are willing to lend a helping hand no matter the sacrifice of personal comfort. It is just a small reminder during this Christmas season of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ gave for us so that we could benefit for eternity.
Let’s extend our gratitude to all who work to ease the stress of bad weather, and may God bless you richly as you give of yourselves for others.
Peggy Woodard
Goldendale
|
