New BMPs Make Wind Energy “Business Viable and Conservation Credible”
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- Published on Thursday, 26 January 2012 17:40
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The Colorado Renewables and Conservation Collaboration have released a series of Best Management Practices (BMP) documents to guide wind energy development for prospective wind energy developers, non-government stakeholders, landowners and government agencies through all phases of siting wind projects. According to William Burnidge, these BMPs address environmental concerns as well as the needs of business through practices that are "business viable and conservation credible." To learn more about best management practices in the wind industry, follow this link.
SCOTie features two great case studies concerning wind energy resources:
- County of Lincoln, NM Wind Energy Conversion Systems Ordinance
In 2011, the County of Lincoln passed an ordinance for the placement, construction, use and modification of wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The county wanted to ensure that WECS were consistent with the County of Lincoln's land use policies, minimize the potential negative impact of WECS, and establish a fair and efficient process for review and approval of applications.
- San Miguel County, NM Wind Energy Facilities Ordinance
San Miguel County Ordinance No. SMC-03-15-11-WIND, regulates and governs the permitting, placement, construction, and modification of renewable energy facilities that generate electrical energy by means of zero-emissions generation technology, and use wind as an energy source. This ordinance is for large scale utility projects. Any wind generation facility less than 100 feet in height that produces electricity for residential use is exempt from the provisions of the Ordinance. The Ordinance establishes minimum setback requirements for all protection sites; each project tower must be at least a half mile from any occupied residence, commercial building, hospital, school ,place of worship, scenic or historic area, resource significant site, or any site that has national historic designation.
Source: Summit Daily News
Image: Janie Hernandez via Flickr