An
alternative energy ordinance that sets guidelines for the generation of wind
and solar energy in Navajo County was reviewed by the Board of Supervisors
during a work session on Tuesday.
More
than 50 members of the public attended the work session to give input and learn
more about what is included in the ordinance. The board took no action on the
draft ordinance since it still must go before the planning and zoning
commission, then back to the supervisors again.
While
the ordinance focuses mainly on wind and solar energy, it also applies to all
facilities with a generating capacity of one megawatt or more that are not
nuclear or fossil fuel based.
Planning
and Zoning Director Greg Loper noted that the draft ordinance, which was
created with the assistance of a private consultant, has several aspects,
including health, safety and detailed guidelines for permit applications.
According
to the draft ordinance, generating facilities may only apply for special use
permits in areas zoned A-general, rural or industrial. In all zones, a special
use permit must be approved before any construction work can begin.
In
order to apply for a special use permit, a developer must submit a detailed
site plan, a map indicating existing roads and buildings, a transportation plan
that includes roads intended for hauling of oversize equipment, a plan for
repairing any damage to roads during construction, and day and nighttime visual
simulations of the project. The plans submitted must also include an
environmental impact study based on Game and Fish Department guidelines, and a
decommissioning plan.
In
order to construct facilities, developers must also submit a bond that would
cover the cost of decommissioning. The cost will be reviewed every five years,
and the bond amount adjusted as necessary.
To
deal with noise and safety concerns, the ordinance requires sound studies be
performed on the land prior to construction and again after the facility is
complete. Noise may not exceed 45 decibels at the project boundaries in most
cases. Wind towers must be set back at least a half-mile from occupied
residences and 110 percent of the tower height from project boundaries.
The
draft ordinance provides a few exceptions to the noise and setback
requirements, mostly by written consent of adjacent landowners.
In
the event a generating facility violates the ordinance, a process is set forth
that could result in revocation of the special use permit. In cases of most
violations, the facility owners are given 30 days to correct the violation or
to prove that they are working diligently to correct the violation. If a
special use permit is revoked, the facility must be decommissioned at the
owner’s cost.
The
draft ordinance is scheduled to go before the county supervisors for a decision
at their regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24.
In
other action July 27, the board:
*
Approved the final budget for fiscal year 2010-11, totaling approximately $114
million.
Finance
Director James Menlove noted that no significant changes have been made since
the board approved the tentative budget.
*
Approved a resolution stating that the county will not assume administrative
functions of the elected officials’ retirement plan.
*
Approved the acceptance of two federal library grants.
*
Approved the sale at auction of stock in the Joseph City Irrigation Company.
*
Approved final budgets for special districts, including public health services,
library, flood control, Silver Creek Road, White Mountain Lakes Recreation and
Victory Heights Road districts.
The
next regular board meeting is slated at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the
county complex in Holbrook.
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