Turbine owner presses ahead with installation

By Katie Farrell
Staff writer

December 18, 2008 03:51 am

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NEWBURYPORT — Business owner Mark Richey said yesterday he hopes to see his new 292-foot wind turbine up on his property in just a few weeks.

Richey, owner of Mark Richey Woodworking in the industrial park, said the target date for the arrival of the big crane needed to erect the wind turbine is Jan. 5. It will take about four or five days that week to complete the installation.

"That's the week we're shooting for right now," Richey said. "We're very close."

Currently, the equipment for the turbine is being assembled and checked, Richey added. "Everything is here."

Richey received permission last summer to put up the 600-kilowatt Elecon TurboWinds wind turbine after the City Council adopted an ordinance that regulates the creation of such structures in Newburyport prior to granting Richey approval, and Richey's project met all of its demands.

Neighbors to the property have appealed the city's decision to grant permission for the turbine, raising concern about the impact the 292-foot-tall structure would have, such as the whirring noise it will generate, safety, low-level vibrations and the visual effect called "flicker" that wind turbines create when the afternoon light hits them.

That appeal is still progressing through the court system.

It would be Newburyport's tallest structure.

Richey said yesterday the turbine won't be put up if the winds are strong that day, such as 30 miles per hour or higher. "If the winds are high, we can't erect it," he said. Other weather, such as snow or rain, isn't a hindrance.

The 300-ton crane will arrive on numerous tractor trailers, Richey said, and will bring with it a large crew of people to oversee and manage the turbine's installation.

"It's been exciting," Richey said.