The Waldoboro Planning Board held a hearing Sept. 10 to address a proposed Land Use Ordinance change that would allow wind power generation in town.
The town of Waldoboro would regulate Small Wind Energy Systems (SWES) however, the height limitations in the Land Use Ordinance could be prohibitive, according to Planning and Development Director Patrick Wright. The proposal is to add a Specific Performance Standard for wind systems into the ordinance.
Wright said he has permitted a so-called Vertical Access wind turbine, but it was one that fell under the Land Use Ordinance height restrictions. By design, the Vertical Access turbine catches lower velocity winds, where traditional systems are built for higher winds, he said. Online pictures show a Vertical Access wind turbine to look like a giant DNA model that pivots lengthwise.
Wright read a draft amendment to the ordinance, which establishes specific rules regarding the wind systems, to the Planning Board. No one from the general public attended the public hearing and workshop, but it was taped for Lincoln County Television.
Such a system generates electric power from wind using a turbine, air foils and a tower or some other sort of structure to attach the system to a building. The ordinance change would allow a wind power system rated for no more than 100 kilowatts to be installed on an individual’s property in town.
A permit would be required to install such a system, which, according to the draft, could generate enough power to serve more than one lot, residence, small business or farm.
Those interested in installing a wind system on their property would have to notify abutting property owners. If necessary, the Planning Board could hold a public hearing regarding a proposed wind power system.
The proposed ordinance amendment states tower heights not exceed 80 feet on land lots one acre or less in size. Land lots larger than one acre would be allowed to accommodate towers reaching up to 90 feet in height.
Visual impacts such as tower height, shadow flicker and lighting are also addressed in the proposed amendment, including noise.
Wright read a written statement from resident Cindy McIntyre who expressed her concerns over noise. McIntyre said she hoped the town would encourage the use of solar power.
“I would definitely protest any noise,” she said, adding that she would prefer to hear birds softly chirping and the sounds of a distant train whistle over the noise from a windmill.
The proposed ordinance prohibits the wind energy systems in the Historic Village District.
The Planning Board voted to send the proposed amendment to town selectmen for approval, after which it will be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. For further details, residents can view the proposed amendment online at: www.waldoboromaine.org. Copies are also available at the town office.
