Commissioners establish wind turbine regulations. Those seeking to construct an electricity producing wind turbine on their property in Arenac County will now have to comply with county inspection regulations.
The Arenac County Board of Commissioners voted 4 - 1 to establish regulations regarding the construction of wind turbines within the county at its Jan. 1 meeting. The Board of Commissioners said the measure places the construction of turbines producing electrical energy within the jurisdiction of the county building department.
The new regulations enacted by the commissioners require that a permit be purchased to construct a wind turbine, and that 2 inspections be held during construction. The permit and inspections will cost a total of $180.
The reasoning behind the decision, is to make sure that any wind turbines constructed within the county are built correctly and do not put neighboring residents in danger. It's got to have engineered drawings so it meets the requirements of that particular turbine.
The necessity of regulation depends upon the location of a wind turbine. While any wind turbines built in a populated area should be regulated, one built in a large, open space should not necessarily have to meet the same requirements. It is important a wind turbine be inspected regardless of its height because improper construction of any wind turbine producing electrical energy can be dangerous no matter how small it is.
It is also important that electrical inspectors check connections between turbines and building structures.
references: matt keeton, ogemawherald.com, arenac county independent
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