HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 27 2016 minutes WFAC.pdfTown of Enfield Wind Farm Advisory Committee Meeting –
September 27, 2016 - Enfield Community Building
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PRESENT: Martha Fischer, Marcus Gingerich, Jude Lemke, Mimi Mehaffey,
Councilperson Michael Miles, Julie Schroeder, Rob Tesori. Guest Henry Hansteen,
Town Councilperson
ABSENT: Councilperson Mike Carpenter
Michael Miles called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and lead the assemblage in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Old Business
There was discussion on the minutes of September 13.
Corrections:
Martha Fischer was not present at the meeting.
Neighboring Landowner is a non-participating landowner.
Wetlands should not be disturbed.
Note under Section 17 a reference to Section 18 is given.
The minutes were not approved as not all members had read through minutes for
corrections and additions.
Enfield Wind Energy Law
Setbacks were discussed. Germany and Denmark use 10 times the height of the
wind turbine.
Jude Lemke reported she talked to her “noise expert” regarding the monitoring
process for the dBA and lower frequency. A recommendation was suggested that a
significant setback be added which would alleviate a lot of the “noise” concerns. It was
reported that Germany AMA wants a moratorium for research regarding setbacks and
noise levels.
NASA study for wind turbines stated that if the setbacks are beyond 1 kilometer
people should not be affected in regard to “noise”.
There was discussion on how Jonathan Rogers, Engineer from Georgia Tech.
calculated the dynamics of blade and ice throw for the wind turbines.
The committee decided they need a reason for the recommended setback
numbers. The number should be based on a scientific study. The recommendation
should also be practical. For example 5 miles would be too large a perimeter around
the wind turbine for the developer.
It was stated that Germany, Denmark, and Poland are making decisions to stop
or slow down wind turbine development . There was discussion on the energy used in
producing the turbines to producing the energy and using the energy from the turbines.
Perhaps a better answer than using wind turbines is to reduce your energy use. A
committee for reducing energy use is needed in the town.
Town of Enfield Wind Farm Advisory Committee Meeting –
September 27, 2016 - Enfield Community Building
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It was recommended that a starting point for setbacks from the property line
could be 2,000 feet or 4 times the height of the wind turbines. This setback is based on
the best evidence that the community has researched.
Should the law be updated bi-annually? This type of update could be difficult and
laborious. It was suggested that if and when a developer comes in the town a
moratorium could be put in place while the law is being re-evaluated.
There was discussion on certain distant recommendations for different features –
utilities lines, wetlands, etc. NYSEG restrictions operate the distance in regard of the
utility lines.
There was general discussion on the recommended changes in the Enfield Law
for Section 2: Complaints, Violations, and Enforcement. Highlights were: Good Utility
Practice, 90 days in compliance, code enforcement office needed additional training,
serious violation respond.
How would a noise violation be verified? Could a permanent sound monitoring
station be set up to measure noise? Full spectrum noise measurement is a challenge.
The homeowner has to give proof of the noise problem to the code enforcement officer.
It is expensive to hire a “noise” specialist. Could a small escrow account setup to be
used for solving complaints? Do the wind turbines make more noise as they get older?
Jude Lemke will add the suggested changes to the draft Enfield wind energy
facilities law.
Public Comments
The question was asked what happens regarding the settlement of the Black Oak
Wind farm bill owed the town.
“Button Up” Enfield is good with lots to learn.
The Town Board needs to the following “due process” in regard to the wind farm.
Next Meeting October 11, 7 pm:
Committee members were asked to research and references are needed:
Why there is a certain number of feet recommended for setbacks regarding
property and or residence and how is effects noise.
Property agreements and dispute resolutions
Property values.
Michael Miles adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sue Thompson, Recording Secretary