By KEVIN WALKER

Michigan Correspondent

L'ANSE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Wind energy projects are often met with opposition by communities and a relatively new proposal for a wind energy park in the Upper Peninsula is no exception. One of the citizens’ groups voicing opposition is taking steps to get a measure on the ballot to have the question of wind farms decided that way.

A recent Associated Press report stated a group based in the northwestern portion of the Upper Peninsula – in L'Anse Township – has obtained enough signatures to put the question up to a vote. If the signatures are approved, an election would be held next year to decide the matter.

The article said zoning changes were approved in L'Anse Township in October that could pave the way for the project, called Summit Lake Wind Project. An international firm called Renewable Energy Systems(RES) has proposed the new wind farm.

In response to the zoning changes made Oct. 11 at a local board meeting, the Friends of Huron Mountains(FHN) issued a statement saying it would seek enough signatures and submit them for a referendum on the wind farm issue. According to the FHN statement, the recent zoning change approved by the L'Anse Township board would allow all commercial forestland in the township to be used for wind turbine development.

FHN Chairman Burt Mason said that “no matter what side of the issue people are on, it is important they sign the petition so that all residents of the community can vote and be heard. This is what democracy is all about.”

According to the statement, if approved, an election would be held in May 2019. Mason could not be reached last week for a separate comment.

According to the United Kingdom based RES, the proposal is for a wind energy facility that will consist of approximately 49 turbines, which will generate a total of 130 megawatts. Each turbine would be up to 498 feet in height. Associated access roads, collection lines, a collector substation and an operations building would all be part of the project. Existing logging roads would be used to the extent possible, the company said in a project factsheet.

In addition, a 25 mile, 138 kilovolt overhead transmission line would be erected to connect to the electricity grid, as well as meteorological masts for measuring wind speed and other climatic conditions.

“We are conducting a comprehensive suite of technical and environmental surveys to assess the viability of the project,” a company statement said. “We value community engagement, which is integral to the Summit Lake Wind Project. We are consulting with local community members and a number of external stakeholders to provide information on the project as it develops and to seek valuable input into the final design.”

Another group, called Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition, is also opposed to the project.