Suffolk water agency looks into wind-power savings

The Suffolk County Water Authority, looking to lower electricity costs that now consume 25 percent of its budget, is considering a pilot project to build a $500,000 wind turbine to power wells in Southold.

But the proposal has sparked complaints by neighbors about possible noise, disruption of a local scenic preserve, and danger to wildlife.

A public hearing that the authority held last week at the Mattituck-Laurel Public Library drew 17 speakers opposed to the project. Later, Town Supervisor Scott Russell said he has received more than 100 emails against the plan.

The proposed turbine would stand 155 feet high and produce 151,000 kilowatt hours of power annually -- enough to run the round-the-clock operation of the six wells the SCWA operates near Laurel Lake. In defending the proposal, officials note that the windmill would be 1,000 feet away from the nearest home and generate 55 decibels of noise, the level of conversation.

The SCWA says that, as a state authority, it is not covered by the town code. Nonetheless, officials say the proposal complies with town code regulating wind turbines -- except for the fact that it would not be on agricultural property. But officials note that the turbine would be located on a largely undeveloped 94-acre tract.

Carrie Meek Gallagher, who oversees environmental issues for the SCWA, said the wind turbine will cut carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.

The authority operates more than 600 wells and spends $20 million a year for electricity.

"This would be good for the public health, good for the environment and good for Long Island," Meek Gallagher said.

Many local residents remain skeptical of the plan.

"The . . . authority knows that wind turbines are extremely loud and noisy 24-7," said Don Wilder, who has asked the town to reject the project. "Turbines are ugly and out of place in this area dedicated to preservation of nature," he said, and warned that they could "kill all manner of bird life."

Russell said Southold has taken no position, but he added that the town planning board is reviewing whether to change its code to allow turbines at well fields.

The town attorney also is reviewing whether the authority is subject to town code.