Monday, December 19, 2011

Troupsburg passes law for wind turbine development

Troupsburg, N.Y. — With two wind companies examining whether turbines are feasible in Troupsburg, the town board approved a local law establishing limitations on the structures.

The board passed a local law that established height and sound limitations Wednesday night, as well as set-back distances from property lines and public roads.

Supervisor Fred Potter said the board studied laws from other towns, including Hornellsville and Jasper, and that no concerns or support regarding the law were offered from the public during the meeting.

The town initially drew interest from Seattle-based wind company Ridgeline Energy in April, and the company is conducting studies on whether wind in Troupsburg could sustain turbines. They’ve also started speaking with property owners to gauge interest from residents.

Potter said that Invenergy, the company conducting studies in Canisteo and Jasper, also approached the town regarding a potential project along the north border with Jasper.

The law passed Wednesday established a height limit of 500 feet for turbines. Potter said both Ridgeline Energy and Invenergy representatives supported this height.

Decibel maximum limits were set at 60 decibels 10 percent of the time, 50 decibels 90 percent of the time, with 70 decibels the maximum sound for turbines.

Turbines also have to be at least 600 feet away from property lines, 500 feet from the nearest road, and 1,000 feet from the nearest off-site residence. They also must be 100 feet from state-identified wetlands, said the supervisor.

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