Wind turbine ordinance considered
Planners to decide on issue Tuesday

An ordinance to control development of massive wind turbines will be back on the table when members of the Potter County Planning Commission (PCPC) meet at p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the planning agency's office at Maple View.

With wind energy companies investigating Dutch Hill, Crandall Hill and other Potter County locations -- in addition to the project already announced for Ulysses and Hector townships -- PCPC members are being pressured to impose some controls.

PCPC Chair Wanda Shirk said the commission plans to draft regulations as an amendment to the county's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The final decision rests with the Potter County Board of Commissioners.

Regulations could control the location, height and other aspects of the industrial wind turbines, including setbacks from adjacent properties.

Several proposals are before PCPC members. One is detailed ordinance proposed by Save God's Country, a citizens' group comprised mainly of residents who live close to sections targeted for wind turbines.

Those recommendations have been criticized by representative of AES Corporation, the international energy giant that wants to generate electricity by erecting close to 80 of the structures on the high-altitude farmland in northern Potter County.

AES says the regulations proposed by Save God's Country are too restrictive and would make the industrial wind plant financially unfeasible.

Also before PCPC members are sample ordinances provided by the state.

The citizens' group says the turbines proposed by AES, measuring more than 400 feet high, could generate noise pollution, cause damage to underground water supplies, create shadow flicker, reduce property values, and endanger public health and safety.

Supporters see the wind turbines as symbols of renewable energy, as well as a source of tax revenue and modest employment. They are joined by a handful of landowners who stand to benefit economically.

No formal applications have been filed by AES, but the company has begun leasing property. The wind turbines would require approval from state environmental agencies and township supervisors. White said AES expects to begin the application process in 2008.

Also, a National Fuel Gas Corp. subsidiary is studying sites in Cameron and McKean counties for possible location of wind turbines.

The Oct. 9 meeting is open to the public. PCPC members, in addition to Shirk, are Rance Baxter, Marshall Hamilton, John Nordquist, Ron Dean, Mitch DeLong and Bill Hunter.