SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT ZONING ISSUES
SETBACKS
· Distances measured from the base of a wind turbine to:
§ residential homes
§ commercial structures
§ property lines
§ public and private roads
· Required to protect the public and property owners from the adverse impacts of wind turbines
§ noise
§ blade and ice throw
§ shadow flicker
§ fire
· They are often measured in multiples of total turbine height
(Based on Eastham's
proposed turbine height of 400 feet)
·
California
-State has over 20 years experience with wind turbines
- 1200 feet
· Europe - After many year's experience with large wind turbines - 1200 feet
· Denmark - Home to over 6000 turbines - 1600 feet
· Horizon Energy - US Wind Energy Developer
- with nearly 1350 megawatts installed - Recommendation 1250 feet
· Mass. Technology Collaborative - Eastham's Wind Development Partner
- Rule of Thumb - 1200 feet (Except in Eastham)
OUR Recommendation - 1200 feet
-
600 feet to structures
- 100 feet to property lines
NOISE LIMITS
Based on the ambient (normal background) sound levels in the area
Expressed in decibels and designated as dB(A)
Night Time Ambient near Oak Leaf Road measured below 30 dB(A)
Per MA DEP regulations 10 dB(A) above ambient is considered air pollution
With 30 dB(A) ambients and our recommended noise limits, turbine noise levels above 35 dB(A) would be prohibited by zoning
OUR Recommendation: 5 dB(A) above night time ambient levels
Eastham Energy Committee's Recommendation:
10 dB(A) above ambient levels
ZONING DISTRICTS
Project is proposed for Water Resource Protection District G
Wind turbines are an industrial use
No new industrial or commercial uses should be allowed in Zone G
OUR Recommendation - Not allowed in Zone G or Zone H (Wellfield Protection District)
Eastham Energy Committee's Recommendation
- allowed anywhere in town
Eastham Wind Truth 3/31/2007