Proposed Wind Ordinance Summary

Large Wind Energy Systems
Primer
Deering Planning Board
Deering, NH
Rev A
Topics
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What is an LWES?
Components of an LWES
Anatomy of a Wind Turbine
Why an Ordinance?
Key Characteristics of an LWES to Control
Deering’s Proposed Ordinance
What Is a LWES?
“Large Wind Energy System
(LWES)” - An electricity
generating facility, with a
generating capacity of over
100 kilowatts and less than
30 megawatts, consisting of
one or more Wind Turbines,
including any substations,
Met towers, cables/wires
and other buildings
accessory to such facility.
LWES Are Regulated by NH Energy
Regulations
• RSA 162-H: ENERGY FACILITY EVALUATION, SITING,
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION [2009]
• 162-H:3 Site Evaluation Committee Established
• Jurisdiction over permitting of energy facilities
greater than 30 MW capacity
• Projects smaller than 30 MW may come under the
jurisdiction of the SEC if petitioned by the applicant,
local officials or citizens as specified in the law.
• Also has the authority to exercise jurisdiction over
any project
http://www.nhsec.nh.gov/overview/index.htm
Wind Energy in NH
New Hampshire is a net power producer,
generating more than is consumed. The output
of Groton Wind is going to NStar, in Boston, and
55% of Granite is going to Vermont.[11] In 2010
New Hampshire produced 22 million MWh and
used 7.7 million MWh.[12]
https://www.wind-watch.org/
Groton, NH
Wind Farms in NH
Dixville Notch, NH
Lempster, NH
Anatomy of a Wind Turbine
Proposed
Deering
Ordinance height
restriction of 450’
Why Do We Need an Ordinance?
• Ordinance allows Town to express its criteria and address
protection for:
• Master Plan (rural character, designated viewsheds, etc)
• Potential financial and tax costs to Deering
• Water quality
• Impact on neighboring properties
• Unacceptable noise
• Adverse impact on wildlife & hunting
• Turbine shadows and flickers
• If no ordinance, jurisdiction goes to State SEC - we lose control
of the application, permitting and monitoring process
Potential Financial Costs That Require
Attention
• Increase in Valuation of Town Taxable Property, affecting
School and County tax rates
• Loss of Revenue in decreased property values and
abatements
• Increase in fire protection
• Public safety costs
• Road maintenance costs
• Water safety and agreement monitoring costs
• Legal advice and representation
• Risks of costs to decommission or remove abandoned or
outmoded systems and structures.
Key Characteristics of an LWES to Control
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View Sheds
Sound levels/pressure
Tower Shadow
Blade Glint
Environmental impacts: Water Quality, Hunting,
Recreation areas, and Wildlife, including birds and bats.
Viewsheds
Municipalities are also authorized to adopt
innovative land use controls under RSA 674:21
that may include, but are not limited to: cluster
development, performance standards, the
purchase of development rights, and donations.
Local officials are encouraged to use these
innovative land use control techniques as a
means of assisting in implementing the goals
and objectives of their community, including
the preservation of scenic resources and special
views.
- Protection of Scenic Areas and Viewsheds, NH Office of Energy and
Planning, Technical Bulletin 10, Spring 1993
A viewshed is the geographical
area that is visible from a location. It
includes all surrounding points that
are in line-of-sight with that location
and excludes points that are beyond
the horizon or obstructed by terrain
and other features (e.g., buildings,
trees).
Sound Pressure/Level
Sound Measurement
• Measure sound levels for short
periods, not averages over
long time periods
• Leq 10 standard – 10
second intervals
• Measure the sound levels both
with the turbines operating and
not operating RE: background
noise
• Turbines should be measured operating at full power
• Wind speed at the Hub must be high enough to fairly represent the
normal operation
• Maximum noise often occurs long distances from the turbines,
especially on clear, cold nights when wind is low, insects and animals
are absent
CNR (Community Noise Response)
Other Characteristics
“Shadow Flicker” - The effect when the blades of an
operating wind turbine pass between the sun and an
observer, casting a readily observable, moving shadow on
the observer and his/her immediate environment.
“Tower Shadowing” - The outline created on the surrounding
area by the sun shining on a Wind Turbine.
“Blade Glint” - The intermittent reflection of the sun off the
surface of the blades of a single Wind Turbine or multiple
Turbines.
Ordinance Outline
A. Purpose
B. Definitions
C. Large Wind Energy System Requirements
1. Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Maintenance
Standards
2. Height
3. Setbacks
4. Communications Interference
5. Sound Pressure/Noise Level Limits and
Measurement
6. Shadow Flicker, Tower Shadowing, and Blade Glint.
Ordinance Outline
7. Public Infrastructure.
8. Erosion and Storm Water Control.
9. Safety.
10. Rescue, Fire, and Hazard Protection.
11. Environmental Impact.
• Environmentally Sensitive Areas
• Wildlife
• Avian and Bat Species
• Ground and Surface Water
• Historic, Cultural and Archaeological Features
12. Visual Impact.
Ordinance Outline
D.
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13. Financial, Technical, and Managerial Capability.
14. Decomissioning Plan.
15. Additional Conditions.
Easements and Leases
Monitoring and Ongoing Requirements
Public Inquiries And Complaints
Administration And Associated Costs
Enforcement And Penalties
Decommissioning
Ordinance Outline
J. Financial Assurance
K. Application Procedure And Requirements