The following standards shall apply to all wind energy facilities,
unless specifically waived by the Town Board as part of a wind energy
permit:
A. Transmission lines. All power transmission lines from the tower to
any building or other structure shall be located underground to the
maximum extent practicable.
B. WTG height. The maximum total height of any WTG shall be 450 feet.
C. Antenna co-location. No television, radio or other communication
antennas may be affixed or otherwise made part of any WTG, except
pursuant to the Town Code. Applications may be jointly submitted for
WTG and telecommunications facilities.
D. Advertising. No advertising signs are allowed on any part of the
wind energy facility, including fencing and support structures.
E. WTG lighting. No WTG shall be lit except to comply with FAA requirements.
F. Visual impact mitigation. Applicants shall use measures to reduce
the visual impact of WTG to the extent possible.
(1) WTGs shall use tubular towers.
(2) WTGs shall be finished in a single, nonreflective matte finished
color.
(3) WTGs within a multiple WTG project shall be constructed using WTGs
whose appearance, with respect to one another, are similar within
and throughout the project, to provide reasonable uniformity in overall
size, geometry and rotational speeds.
G. Guy wires. The use of guy wires for WTGs is disfavored. A WTG using
guy wires for tower support shall incorporate appropriate measures
to protect the guy wires from damage which could cause tower failure.
H. Microwave links. No WTG shall be installed in any location along
the major axis of an existing microwave or other communications link
where its operation is likely to interfere in the link's operation.
If it is determined that a WTG is interfering with a microwave or
other communications path, the WTG operator shall take the necessary
corrective action to eliminate this interference including relocation
or removal of the facilities, or resolution of the issue with the
impacted parties. Failure to remedy interference with existing microwave
or other communications links is grounds for revocation of the wind
energy permit for the specific WTG causing the interference.
I. Waste removal. Solid waste, hazardous waste and construction debris
shall be removed from the site and managed in a manner consistent
with all appropriate rules and regulations.
J. Clearing. Wind energy facilities shall be designed to minimize the
impacts of land clearing and the loss of open space areas. Land protected
by conservation easements shall be avoided when feasible. The use
of previously developed areas will be given priority wherever possible.
K. Wildlife. WTGs shall be located in a manner that minimizes significant
negative impacts on rare animal species in the vicinity, particularly
bird and bat species.
L. Wetlands. Wind energy facilities shall be located in a manner consistent
with all applicable state and federal wetlands laws and regulations.
M. Stormwater. Stormwater runoff and erosion control shall be managed
in a manner consistent with all applicable state and federal laws
and regulations.
N. Construction times. Construction of the wind energy facilities shall
be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. except for certain
activities that require cooler temperatures than possible during the
day, subject to approval from the Town.