Charlestown Dems oppose bogus residential wind energy ordinance

Testimony on behalf of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee on proposed Charlestown Ordinance #344

My name is Tim Quillen and I speak on behalf of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee in opposition to Ordinance 344 on residential wind turbines.

When I stood before you in September on behalf of the CDTC, I recommended that small residential wind generators should be de-regulated to allow homeowners easy access to this proven technology without the high cost and hassle of red tape.

Very small residential generators, like those described in the ordinance, can be built from kits at very little cost or can purchased and installed by a contractor at reasonable prices.

But the incredible number of restrictions imposed by the Planning Commission even on these very small residential wind generators makes it just about impossible for the average homeowner to manage.

Because I have such a short time to speak, I will not go through all of the restrictions – those are included in the written testimony that is being submitted for the record by the Committee.

But consider just one of the requirements – the demand that all wind generators – regardless of size - must be certified by a Rhode Island-licensed professional engineer in order to get a building permit.

For a homeowner who can build one from a kit, this requirement alone turns a simple project costing a couple hundred dollars into one that costs too much to be worthwhile.

I understand that the majority of the Planning Commission and Town Council members oppose wind energy in all its forms.

But don’t try to pretend otherwise by burdening Charlestown homeowners with a FAKE residential wind ordinance.

The total wind energy ban you enacted in September was pretty terrible, but at least it was an honest expression of your views on alternative energy.

This Ordinance #344 is a dishonest way for you to try to tell the voters that you support wind energy, when the law you are about to pass says that you don’t.

Thank you.

SUPPLEMENT TO CDTC TESTIMONY

The terms and conditions imposed on homeowners wishing to use a small residential wind generator that produces 5 KW or less and rises no more than 35 feet off the ground or 5 feet over the roofline for home-mounted versions amount to a de facto ban on such wind generators.

Rather than encourage homeowners to explore this proven form of green energy, we believe Charlestown homeowners will be discouraged when they find out what they have to do to get town approval for a very small generator.

To get a building permit:

1. The unit must generate no more electricity than is consumed by the homeowner.
2. Site plan with the following detail:
1. A map of the property showing property lines,
2. location of structures and dwellings,
3. the site of the wind generator,
4. location of overhead utility lines and
5. compliance with setback requirements
3. ENGINEERING DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS that must include:
1. Blueprints and drawings stamped by a Rhode Island-licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) showing compliance with building and electrical codes, detailed specifications on the wind generator and its mounting system from its manufacturer and
2. A copy of your application to tie the system to the energy grid if that is your intention.
4. NEIGHBORHOOD SOUND IMPACT ANALYSIS that must include
1. “manufacturers’ documentation of the sound levels generated by the turbine under various wind conditions and at serial distances from the turbine to allow estimation of sound level at the property line.”
5. SETBACK: for home-mounted units, the setback is the distance to the property line, plus the height of the wind generator.
1. The sound setback is set to prevent any sound exceeding 45 decibels in daytime or 35 db at night from crossing the property line.
6. APPEARANCE: if the wind generator is 35 or more feet off the ground:
1. It must be painted a neutral, non-reflective color,
2. No signs other than legally required warning signs.
3. No lights.
4. No poles or towers other than monopoles.
5. Wiring must be buried.
7. All residential wind energy facilities must have a braking system
8. There must be a 10 foot clearance between the lowest swing of the blades and the ground.
9. You may not place bird feeders, bird baths or bird houses near the generator.
10. You may not place the generator near a barn or other structure known to harbor bats.
11. You must maintain the generator in good condition.
12. You may not make any modifications to the system that alters its height, sound or energy output without first securing additional town approval.
13. You may be cited, shut down or fined by the town Building Official if your generator causes electrical interference, sound, shadow flicker or any “other adverse impact” exceeding the standards set out in the ordinance.