Amend Clayton's wind-power zoning law
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008
Two years ago, the Clayton Town Council approved Local Law Number One. This law defines the requirements for siting wind-generating facilities within the township's boundaries. As with all zoning laws, siting requirements are provided to protect the public health and safety and the environment, and address other concerns, including aesthetics.
Over the past two years, much has been learned about operational characteristics of these giant wind-generation machines that requires a re-examination of this weak, ineffective zoning law. Specifically, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has a guideline recommending a sound increase of no more than 6 dBa (decibels) above existing levels at property lines closest to the generators. The Clayton zoning law allows noise levels up to 50 dBa with setbacks of 1,250 feet from off-site residences, hospitals, churches and public libraries, irrespective of boundaries. Given our very quiet residual ambient, which is typically in the range of 20-35 dBa, our 50 dBa represents untenable noise inside residences and other public locations.
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Watertown Daily Times Amend Clayton's wind-power zoning law
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