Zeeland Township may alter wind energy ordinance
Zeeland Township planners are looking at altering the township’s wind energy ordinance, Zoning Administrator Don Mannes reported to the township board Aug. 19.
Though the township is one of only two in the county — along with Chester Township — with a “decent wind ordinance,” he said, the ordinance lacks rules for removing turbines after they no longer function.
“These are usually put up with grants, but there’s no money to take them down, so there they stand. We’ve got to have something to be able to take them down when they’re done,” Mannes said.
Another component of the law needing consideration prohibits even small turbines in residential areas, he said.
“If people want to feel good about having some electricity come from the wind, we’re shutting the door on that. We should not just say ‘no,’ but look at it. Small, quiet ones are now available,” Mannes said.
Planners will likely wait until the county commission completes its own rule revisions on wind turbines within Ottawa County, he added.
25 August 2008
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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