We explore the western part of the Island including North Point, the northwestern tip of PEI. Here we find a large wind farm with the turbines rotating quickly in the stiff wind. At the end of the road is a wind energy technology center along with a gift shop and washrooms. Marsha wants to see the exhibits yet Wells balks. Here is a facility to promote the use of wind power yet they charge admission to enter.
Time for a Wells rant. Wells is a supporter of wind energy but over time has reservations of placing wind farms all over the place. Wind farms are often sited on the bases of their ability to produce energy. So where ever significant wind exists along with the right economic incentive turbines are placed. This includes highly sensitive natural habitats for birds and bats. Turbine blades rotate what appears to be somewhat slowly yet the blade tips are moving often faster than 100 miles per hour. Birds, especially birds of prey, are looking downward and never see the blades coming down from above and are killed. The way to avoid these kills is intelligently site wind farms out of natural migration routes and other significant habitats.
Companies are siting the farms to maximize return on the dollar and ignoring ecological factors. Wind companies are often required to maintain bird kill numbers around their turbines yet they do it in a way that minimizes kill counts. For example, they are only looking at the areas directly under each turbine up to the full width of the blade rotation. If a blade extends 150’ out then they look for kills in the 150’ radius of the turbine. If a bird is killed by a blade and lands outside the 150’ it is not recorded as a kill.
Amherst Island, Ontario is one of the most significant winter habitats for Snowy Owls, Short-Eared Owls, and Northern Harriers along with several other birds of prey. The windswept island along the north shore of Lake Ontario supports a large population of voles. The wind often sweeps the snow away so voles are an easy food source for the birds of prey. With the available wind energy on the Island a company managed to put in place a large wind farm despite huge opposition from the local population and environmentalists. Money wins and the environment loses.
The idea of paying money to be “educated” about the benefits of wind energy and how clean and wonderful it is Wells refuses to go in. Instead he heads off with his camera while Marsha enjoys the exhibits.
On the way back to the campground we purchase oysters and feast on oysters and lobster for dinner.
Seeing North America 