New regs in the wind for turbine project

NORTH CANAAN — Two permit applications for the same project were denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Nov. 16.

The decisions were not unexpected.

A proposal by BNE Energy Inc. to build a wind turbine on a ridge above Lone Oak Camp Sites has prompted the commission to work on regulating the alternative energy sources.

The company came to town in October to give the commission a look at the proposed project. The access road and structure — 246 feet high at the hub — would be a commercial operation. That puts it into a different category than a residential installation.

P&Z members consulted with the town attorney, its land use attorney and the zoning enforcement officer. All three advised that the project cannot be approved without new regulations in place.

And so both a regular zoning permit and a special permit application were unanimously denied at the last meeting. However, P&Z has already met twice in workshops to devise the new regulation.

“We failed to come up with even a draft regulation at this point,� P&Z Chairman Steve Allyn said at the November meeting. “We are still collecting information.�

The next workshop is scheduled for Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at Town Hall. BNE representatives are among those expected to be on hand for what is expected to be a discussion between the commissioners and those with pertinent information and questions.

One important question will be about the viability of the proposed project. BNE Chairman Paul Corey told the commission in October the project needs to take advantage of federal stimulus funding, available only if construction begins before the end of the year.

That is not going to happen. But, he told The Journal, there is much that can change.

“We need to have regulations in place before we can do anything. Once that is done, we will look at how the regulations will affect the project and decide if it is still viable.�

As far as federal funding goes, that is an ever-changing picture. Corey said Congress might extend funding, and there are tax credits and subsidies available that apply specifically to the wind industry.

“It’s a great project, and it fits in with the kind of things they’re doing at Lone Oak and Freund’s Farm. We are going to look at every option toward getting it done.�

BNE has tentative plans to build a second turbine at the farm, which adjoins the Lone Oak property. Freund’s Farm currently uses methane from composting manure to heat its greenhouses, barns and homes. The Freunds also have a burgeoning business selling Cow Pots, which are garden pots made from composted cow manure.

BNE, which has several other turbine projects underway in Connecticut, has submitted proposed regulations to P&Z, and plans to continue to be a part of workshops.

“It is important — for this and similar projects — that P&Z develop regulations that work,� Corey said.

New regulations will first be reviewed by the Northwestern Connecticut Council of Governments (an organization of nine first selectmen from area towns) and be subject to a public hearing.

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