Resource Library Category: Ordinances
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Documents presented here are not the product of nor are they necessarily endorsed by National Wind Watch. This resource library is provided to assist anyone wishing to research the issue of industrial wind power and the impacts of its development. The information should be evaluated by each reader to come to their own conclusions about the many areas of debate.
Ridgeville and Wilton, Wisconsin, Wind Ordinances
Author: Towns of Wilton and Ridgeville, Wisc.
H. Noise.
1. Audible Sound Limit.
a. No Wind Turbine or group of turbines shall be located so as to cause an exceedance of the pre-construction/operation background sound levels by more than 5 dBA or dBC. The background sound levels shall be the L90 dB sound descriptor (both A and C weighting) measured during a pre-construction noise study during the quietest time of evening or night. Measurements shall be for ten (10) minutes or more. L90 results are valid when L10 results . . .
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The "how to" guide to criteria for siting wind turbines to prevent health risks from sound
Author: Kamperman, George; and James, Rick
Version 1.0, July 30, 2008
Download ‘The “how to” guide to criteria for siting wind turbines to prevent health risks from sound’
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Town of Magnolia (Wisc.) Wind Energy Systems Licensing Ordinance
Author: Town of Magnolia, Wisconsin
Download “Magnolia (Wisc.) Wind Energy Systems Licensing Ordinance”
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Town of Chilton (Wisc.) Wind Energy Systems Licensing Ordinance
Author: Town of Chilton, Wisconsin
Download “Chilton Wind Energy Licensing Ordinance”
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Wind Power Siting Issues — Overview
Author: Hewson, Tom
Presented at: National Association of Attorney Generals, Wind Energy Facility Siting Issue Panel, Manchester, NH, April 21, 2008
Extracted text:
Wind Project Siting Issues
• Need high quality wind resources
• Large footprint, small power output
• Wind power — Green but high cost alternative
• Tall Structures — Highly Visible
• Impact on local property values
• No air/water emissions but may pose other environmental health & safety challenges
• Wind generation environmental/economic benefits
Wind Project Development Issues
• Large footprint, small power output
– Industry rule of thumb has . . .
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Local law governing wind energy facilities in the town of Hamlin, N.Y.
Author: Hamlin, N.Y., Town Board
Findings
Regulation of the siting and installation of wind turbines is necessary for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of neighboring property owners and the general public.
Wind Energy Facilities represent significant potential aesthetic impacts because of their large size, lighting, and shadow flicker effects.
If not properly regulated, installation of Wind Energy Facilities can create drainage problems through erosion and lack of sediment control for facility sites and access roads, and harm farmlands through improper construction methods.
Wind Energy Facilities . . .
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Amendments to Calumet County, Wis., ordinance
Author: Calumet County, Wis., Board of Supervisors
These amendments concerning noise and setbacks from wind energy systems were approved into law on March 18, 2008. Includes thorough guidelines for pre- and post-construction noise measurements and estimates of impact from wind turbines.
“The audible sound emitted by Wind Energy System operations shall not be greater than 5 dBA above the background noise level (L90) for the quietest period of the day measured during the pre-build noise study.”
“No low frequency sound or infrasound from wind energy system operations shall be . . .
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Safety Regulations for Operators and Technicians
Author: Vestas Wind Systems
“Do not stay within a radius of 400m (1300ft) from the turbine unless it is necessary. If you have to inspect an operating turbine from the ground, do not stay under the rotor plane but observe the rotor from the front.”
“In case of a fire during an uncontrolled operation, do under no circumstances approach the turbine. Evacuate and rope off the turbine in a radius of minimum 400m (1300ft).”
View: “Vestas Safety Regulations for Operators and Technicians: V90-3.0MW/V100-2.75MW, page 3″
Download . . .
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Wisconsin Wind Ordinances
Author: Rock County Tax-Payers for a Better Renewable Energy Plan
You can download PDFs of these ordinances by clicking on them. We’re in the process of collecting as many Wisconsin wind ordinances as we can. If you know of an ordinance you’d like us to make available, please CONTACT US (click here) and let us know!
Town of Chilton Wind Ordinance
Town of Clay Banks Draft Wind Ordinance
Town of Magnolia Wind Ordinance
Town of Union Wind Ordinance
Trempealeau County Wind Ordinance
State of Wisconsin Draft Model Ordinance
Go to: Wisconsin Wind Ordinances
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Stafford, N.Y., Zoning Law for Wind Energy Systems
Author: Town of Stafford, N.Y.
This amendment to the zoning law of Stafford, N.Y., prohibits any wind energy system taller than 175 feet. It requires a setback of twice the total height of the wind energy system or ten rotor diameters, whichever is greatest, from:
any state forest, public park or other area set aside for the purpose of preserving wildlife habitat or natural formation.
important bird areas.
the property line.
any public access building.
the right-of-way of any public road.
any residence or building.
The noise limits are 45 dB at . . .
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