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Balloon tests performed this week in Westfield gave residents their first real feel of the height of the proposed Ripley-Westfield wind farm.

Babcock and Brown performed the test as part of their environmental impact study required by the state.

"The balloon testing is performed in support of the visual impact assessment to be included in the DEIS," said Peter Gross of Babcock and Brown. "The balloons were flow to the highest point that the wind turbine blade would reach."

The ballooning is a tool used to help verify the accuracy of the computer modeling, photos, and animation that will be used to illustrate the visual impact of the proposed wind project. Photos were taken from various locations and will be used to help determine what the project will look like from different viewpoints and distances.

"The balloons also gave residents the opportunity to get a feel for the height of the towers and to check the view from various vantage points," said Town Supervisor Martha Bills. "Lots of residents came out to see the testing. The town's consultant said that he saw many people viewing the balloons and taking pictures."

The balloons were flown at approximately 420 feet, which would be the tip of the blade height for the largest model proposed in the application.

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