Decommissioning of wind energy systems
I am currently editing a new draft regualtion for wind systems that will include a decomissioning requirement.
The decomissioning requirement will be based on whether or not the system generates energy within a six month time period.
Is this a typical approach? If so, how do I measure that? What will be my method of verification of whether or not it's been generating electricity for six months? Thanks!
So you're asking them to take them down in 6 months if they haven't turned energy? Would this be like asking an owner of a strip mall to decommission it if it isn't full in 6 months or a subdivision that isn't complete in 2 years?
What's your motive and what are you afraid of happening? Do you require a similar statute on defunct cell towers? Those would concern me just as much if we ever move to a non cellular technology.
We actually have a public hearing on establishing a small wind energy facility ordinance tonight.
New state law took effect on July 1 specifying how municipalities can and cannot regulate them.
Links to the statutes:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...674/674-63.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...674/674-64.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...674/674-65.htm (ABANDONMENT PROVISIONS)
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...674/674-66.htm
Link to state's model ordinance (which we are adapting for our use):
http://www.nh.gov/oep/resourcelibrar...msFall2008.pdf
"Growth is inevitable and desirable, but destruction of community character is not. The question is not whether your part of the world is going to change. The question is how." -- Edward T. McMahon, The Conservation Fund
The purpose of decommissioning would be to remove any eyesore's from the landscape. We have something similar in our wireless tower regulations. My County Attorney needs some guidance on how to enforce a decommissioning requirement. I like the NH approach. I send her the information. Thanks!
Written agreement and posting of bond prior to issuing the permit. Anything less is bs. For small scale turbines, our code says after 90 days of non-use. BTW we do not require written agreement or bonding
Our code says:
If any wind turbine is not used for a period of one year or is in a state of disrepair as determined by the zoning administrator, it shall be the sole duty and obligation of the party then in possession and control of the site to have the unused structure completely dismantled and removed from the site.
Quote
