Clearwater County council is in the process of drafting a bylaw that would see its Land Use bylaw be amended to include the implementation of renewable energy projects.
Under the draft bylaw titled Renewable Energy Systems Land Use Bylaw, those could include the erection of solar, Small Wind Energy Conversion System (SWECS), among others.
Councillors Jordon Northcott and Genny Mehlhaff both brought up a concern about SWECS diminishing natural beauty and viewpoints within the county.
In response to the concerns, sec. 5.2 of the bylaw reads:
The systems tower should be located and screened by landforms, natural vegetation, or other means to minimize visual impacts on neighbouring residences and public roads, public trails, and other areas.
According to the draft, Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems is defined as a wind tower that is greater than 40 ft. in height, but does not exceed 80 ft. in height.
Coun. Neil Ratfliffe says the size of the SWECS and corresponding rotor arcs should be scrutinized for future drafts of the bylaw.
An amendment to the draft bylaw states the rotor shall have a blade clearance of 25 ft. to the ground.
Noise considerations were also considered in regard to SWECS, with a 60 decibel (db) ceiling regulation placed on noise above background noise.
Reeve Michelle Swanson said its important to have a living document with guidelines in place should a delegation propose building renewable energy projects in the county,
Coun. Jordon Northcott suggested having a workshop around renewables so council members can have a better understand of factors such as benefits, drawbacks and investment return among others.
According to stipulations, a public hearing is to be scheduled before the bylaw is adopted.
The bylaw unanimously passed first reading during the July 23, 2024 meeting, with second and third readings scheduled for later in the summer.
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