Wind panel talks of enforcement

LAFARGEVILLE — Members of the Orleans Wind Committee discussed possible enforcement mechanisms at their meeting Tuesday night.

One aspect is noise level enforcement. The committee agreed April 28 that audible and low-frequency noise should not exceed five decibels above ambient noise at nonparticipating property lines.

The members asked if there could be an automatic monitoring system.

Facilitator Charles E. Ebbing has said at previous meetings he instituted an automatic monitoring system at a manufacturing plant.

"You could put in an automatic monitoring system," he said. "But you've got to have checks and balances. You need a qualified person to send out there to make sure the data is accurate."

Chairman Stephen Bingeman asked if a station would be needed at every turbine.

Mr. Ebbing said not necessarily. He said he thought a few strategically placed around the perimeter would be enough. He estimated the cost to be $50,000.

"Can the turbines be self-monitoring?" member William DiTrinco asked. "If one is making too much noise, can the system shut it off right there?"

Mr. Ebbing said, "There's a class of machines that do that already, but they're more expensive. If you don't monitor the monitor, they can fool with you."

If a resident has a complaint of noise or other issues, member Patricia A. Booras-Miller suggested that a committee reporting to the Town Council be responsible for hearing and resolving complaints. If necessary, the committee could ask a professional to investigate the complaints.

Committee members agreed different issues have to be handled differently.

"We're going to need a noncompliance aspect for each and every issue and section," member Judy E. Tubolino said. "It makes a difference whether we have complaints with flicker, water quality or noise. A noise complaint could have resolution in 10 days, but water is a necessity — that needs to be resolved in less than 24 hours."

The committee will refine recommendations on setbacks and noise and work on more recommendations for telecommunications, water quality and flicker at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the town office.