February 8, 2018
Michigan

Algansee approves moratorium on wind turbines, solar farms

Don Reid | The Daily Reporter | Feb 8, 2018 | www.thedailyreporter.com

ALGANSEE TOWNSHIP – The Algansee Township board became the latest to adopt a two year moratorium on wind turbines and solar farms; or until it can refine its ordinances pending a review by consultants.

Supervisor Russ Jennings said he had heard from Ovid and Kinderhook Townships about a meeting at Bronson District Library where former Riga Township planning official

Kevon Martis talked about reasonable regulations for wind turbines.

Solar was not discussed.

Jennings admitted he did not attend but said the reason for the moratorium “was there has been a lot of horror stories about both.”

“We do have wind energy in our ordinance but it has been there for several years. But I think it should be looked at and updated,” Jennings recommended.

The board will ask McKenna and Associates to review its standards.

Freddie Avra said he attended the wind turbine meeting and he did not think anyone in attendance was in favor of them.

“They are very big units.

They are expensive,” Avra said. “They are running 500 to 600 feet in height.

One of the big problem with them is the set backs.” Jennings also said Cypress Creek has been looking at leases for solar farms in the county.

On MondayCypress Creek Renewables, a company that specializes in the ownership and development of long-term solar energy projects, announced a new $115 million solar project in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. The new 75megawatt facility is expected to be placed into service by 2019.

Jennings said he wanted the consultant to make sure the Algansee ordinance goes along with the state and other townships in Michigan.

DTE Energy has signed over 270 leases for wind turbine sites in Branch County. Almost all are in Sherwood, Matteson, and Union Townships.

There have been none in Algansee, Kinderhook or Ovid.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/02/08/algansee-approves-moratorium-on-wind-turbines-solar-farms/