NEWS FEEDSRead Orleans' recommendations for wind turbine zoning
At Thursday’s Orleans Town Council meeting, the town’s Wind Committee submitted its second set of recommendations for wind turbine zoning.
The first set had recommendations for noise rules and setbacks to avoid ice throw, turbine failure and flicker.
These recommendations deal with other concerns, including well water disruption and radon exposure because of rock blasting.
Other suggested requirements for wind developers included:
- Follow the National Electric Code to eliminate stray voltage
- Submit construction schedule reports to the town
- Perform a survey of underground karst features and well testing
- Submit an earthquake preparedness manual and report on the likely effects of seismic activity on the facility
- Provide firefighting equipment and training as well as an emergency response plan
- Use lights on the nacelle of the turbine that won’t shine downward
- Place a fence around and security cameras on turbines
The board would have a $100,000 escrow account to use for studies and expert advice.
“The problem is if there is no town input or complaint board, you are left at the mercy of the developer,” said committee member Patricia A. Booras-Miller. “The town should have input and make sure complaints are responded to in a timely manner.”
The committee also submitted a summary of all of the recommendations, including the ones for noise. Each recommendation has references of studies and other sources.
