Weekend thoughts

If you have been following the developments in Falmouth over the turbines there, you know that after a DEP sound study, Wind I was found to violate the state regulations regarding noise.  For everyone out there about to jump up and down over the facts of the study, keep your seats for the moment.

First, I have heard the pro-wind argument that it was found only at one of five sites and than only two decibels over the limit.  Not a relevant argument in my mind, and apparently not one in the state's mind either.

The fact that it did occur at any site is extremely important in the debate given the nature and effect of turbines.  Not all sites will experience the same conditions at all times.  The use of five sites in my limited understanding of the science is significant in that it provides an opportunity to find a problem when you are trying to measure something that will not exists at all times at all sites, but will create a re-occurring problem.

We can argue about whether the regs. are too stringent or not stringent enough, the fact is they are the regs.  If the violation occurs, is not deemed to be an anomaly, it needs to be addressed.

If you are anti-wind, demanding Fairhaven follow Falmouth and ban nighttime spinning, based on the Falmouth findings, it is not a relevant argument at this point either.

What we as a town now should be doing is looking at is how to get that study done here.  

The measure at this point should be, and would be, the more restrictive state level for the sound.

Maybe if the state does come down and do the same test, it can set up the same equipment in the center by the waterfront to handle the noise complaints coming from that area too.

But I don't want to stray off point here.

The simple fact is if the spinning blades are violating the state noise standard than that issue must be dealt with.

Quite frankly, with all the studying for new regs. being done and proposed to be done, somebody should put in a provision that any developer must  post a bond of XXX dollars, sufficient to conduct such a study (somebody or some agency with the actual authority to do so by the way).

There are several emerging realities we as a town, the region we live in and our country as a whole have to face and deal with as emerging "green" energy alternatives creep into our lives, indeed as any fossil fuel alternative emerges.

I think the same are pretty obvious, the "realities" that is.

Just a thought ...

Think 45 days is enough to react to a debt request.  From today's S-T about the Rochester T.M. - "Other articles seek to increase from 30 days to 60 days the time the town has to meet to agree to a debt limit increase request from the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School ... "  

Another thought:

Fairhaven needs to get a firm grasp on its health insurance costs.  Not only on the insurance plans, and how we are self-insured, but also who is eligible in town to actually get insurance.  A little known fact:  each and every year, certain individuals have the option to determine whether certain officials remain eligible or not.