Collateral Damage, that is what we, the people who live here, are considered. What is collateral damage? Well, the definition states, "injury inflicted on something other than an intended target; specifically : civilian casualties of a military operation." Is building a wind project a military operation? If so, welcome to war.
Recently, a community member approached Blattner and raised concerns regarding the current state of the roads, their drivers' antics on the road and the numerous road closures and how this is affecting not only locals' day to day lives but also the potential for emergency services to access emergent situations. This raises the concern that someone may get hurt, or worse, die. The response? "Collateral Damage."
Hey Blattner! Hey Terra-Gen! Hey to you too Ameren! We know you watch us, though you do not care about us, but we see you. You know, this quiet, rural community that was enjoying a simple way of life before you weaseled and lied your way in? The people you think you can bully and mislead? We see you.
We see you speeding past our homes, parking your construction equipment in random places, including the middle of roads with no road cones, flags or other safety equipment. We see you, having no regard for us, our children, our pets, etc. We see you destroying our roads with zero concern for our safety. Don't worry, we will continue to notify the Highway Patrol and Sheriff. We see you disrupting family traditions and destroying prime farm ground. We see you altering our lives forever.
We also see through your lies. Reality Check: If you are a person in a wind altered community who thinks that things like "donations" (more like hush money), wind infrastructure payouts and tax revenue that has yet to be proven will save your school, your county, or even you, Get A Clue. "Workers at the High Prairie Wind Farm raised $7,500..."
We have said it before and we will say it again, Blattner, Terra-Gen, Ameren - they are all here for one thing and one thing only, to line their own pockets. They do NOT care about us. If you do not believe us, come visit the footprint of this project, stay awhile, live what those within the footprint live every day. The turbines are not even up yet and it has already become clear how much this project will alter this community.
Remember this: You are "Collateral Damage." You are in their way. They have one goal. We recommend watching out for each other but as we watch the slow fracturing and demise of the relationships in this community, the wholesome, hometown feel of neighbor protecting neighbor disappears.
Just remember that when you are being run off the road, like so many have been already, or find yourself hitting massive pot holes that weren't there before, you are just "Collateral Damage."
We see you.