The construction of Virginia's first wind farm in Botetourt County has sparked concern among residents, who fear the project will negatively impact the area's natural beauty and potentially harm local wildlife. The Rocky Forge Wind project, consisting of 13 large wind turbines on North Mountain, aims to generate enough power for approximately 20,000 homes annually. However, for Jennifer and Parke Slater, who operate a bed and breakfast on their Fincastle property, the wind farm poses a significant threat to their business. They worry that the wind turbines will detract from the natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the world, specifically those seeking outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
The Slaters are not alone in their concerns. Other county residents express worries about the turbines' impact on eagles and other wildlife, as well as the potential damage to Botetourt's natural resources and beauty. They argue that the project goes against the county's mission statement, which includes environmental protection. Eric Claunch, a resident of Eagle Rock, raises concerns about potential health effects from infrasound, a type of sound that cannot be heard but can be felt as vibrations. He believes that the wind turbines could cause his tinnitus to return, a condition he developed from living near an airport.
Despite these concerns, Apex Clean Energy, the company operating the wind farm, assures residents that the windmills will not produce enough infrasound to be harmful and will not be close enough to homes for people to feel effects. Brian O'Shea, Apex Clean Energy's Director of Public Engagement, emphasizes that research shows no evidence of health issues from wind turbines. However, Claunch also raises concerns about wildlife impacts, noting that the turbines will be located in a wildlife corridor where eastern golden eagles fly over the mountain.
While wind turbines pose a threat to birds, the impact is more significant on raptors like hawks and eagles due to their slower reproduction rates. Claunch also points out the damage to Mill Creek, a former class four trout stream, which has been "basically ruined" by sedimentation from mountain construction during storms last summer. Additionally, he expresses concerns about fire risks on the remote mountain location, stating that his request for fire suppression equipment on each turbine was denied.
The Slaters and Claunch are not opposed to green energy but object to the destruction of the county's natural resources. They call for more transparency and citizen input in future wind turbine projects, and some even suggest a moratorium on such projects. The project will also impact views from McAfee's Knob, a popular hiking destination, with turbines "right smack in the middle of that iconic view."
Despite the concerns, Apex Clean Energy says it has studied the environmental impacts and is mitigating them as best it can. The company claims the project will provide significant benefits, including $20 million in tax revenue for the county over the project's lifetime and construction jobs with local vendors. However, the Slaters and Claunch remain skeptical, questioning the county's handling of the project and its impact on the environment and local businesses.
