Boone Co. tests wind power
By Jeff Havens, Staff Writer
EnXco, a wind-power company, has been given permission by the Boone County Board to set up two weather testing stations: one on Wyman School Road, the other on Blaine Road. The purpose of the stations is to examine the viability of electrical generation by wind turbines. The company hopes to produce enough electricity to sell to thousands of customers.
The testing could take up to three years to complete. Should the conditions prove to be favorable, up to 70 turbines with large rotating blades, towering more than 200 feet above the ground, could dot the northern part of Boone County.
Supporters of wind power say this type of electrical generation is non-polluting, renewable and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Opponents say wind power units are a visual blight on the landscape, pose a danger to birds and are noisy.