Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 880 - QUONSET DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION › Chapter 00 - N/A › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 4 - Quonset Business Park Development Package › Section 880-RICR-00-00-4.14 - Renewable Energy Systems

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Wind Energy
							Systems
1. The purpose of this Section is to
							regulate Wind Energy Systems (WES) and to promote the safe, effective and
							efficient use of WESs.
2.
							Application for a WES - No WES shall be erected, constructed or installed
							without Development Plan Review approval. In addition to application
							requirements listed in the appropriate checklists, the application shall
							include:
a. Location of the proposed WES and
							associated equipment.
b. Location,
							dimensions and types of existing structures on the property or adjacent
							properties within 1.5 times of the WES height utilizing the most recent aerial
							photography.
c. The location and
							height of any overhead utility lines within 1.5 times of the proposed WES
							height.
d. The proposed limits of
							vegetation clearing.
e. Building
							envelope setbacks.
f. WES
							foundation plans and specifications stamped by a Rhode Island Professional
							Engineer.
g. Specifications,
							including manufacturer and model, rotor diameter, tower height and tower
							type.
h. A description or plan of
							electrical plan components in sufficient detail to allow for a determination
							that the manner of installation conforms to 510-RICR- 00-00-1.
i. Evidence of compliance with or
							non-applicability of Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
j. WES that will be connected to the power
							grid shall include a copy of the application for interconnection with the
							electrical utility provider, and if available, a copy of the interconnection
							agreement.
k. Any Met Tower, Lidar,
							Sodar or other applicable wind data that has been used in determining the
							feasibility of the SWES.
l.
							Operation and Maintenance plan for maintenance of access roads and storm water
							controls, as well as general procedures for operational maintenance of the
							WES.
m. Evidence that the applicant
							is procuring liability insurance in an amount and for the duration sufficient
							to cover loss or damage to persons and structures occasioned by the failure of
							the WES. The applicant shall provide evidence of liability insurance prior to
							obtaining a building permit.
3. WES Approval Standards
a. FAA approval.
b. The minimum setback of the WES from the
							property line shall be the height of the nacelle.
c. Advertising signage may not be attached to
							a WES, but may be painted on. This restriction does not apply to signs
							necessary for public safety purposes as required by a duly authorized
							regulatory authority.
d. A
							non-reflective exterior color designed to blend with the surrounding
							environment is required.
e. The
							applicant shall demonstrate through project site planning and proposed
							mitigation that the WES has minimal impacts on the character of surrounding
							neighborhoods and the community. This may include, but not be limited to,
							information regarding site selection, shadow flicker, turbine design or
							appearance, ice throw, buffering, screening, sound, or lighting. All electrical
							conduits shall be underground.
f.
							The owner of the property where a WES is located shall be required to obtain a
							demolition permit and remove and properly dispose of the structure within 180
							days of its abandonment, which shall be defined as the ceasing of the
							continuous production of electricity for longer than two (2)
							years.
4. Emergency
							Services
a. The wind installation owner or
							operator shall provide a copy of the project summary, electrical schematic, and
							site plan to the local fire chief. Upon request the owner or operator shall
							cooperate with local emergency services in developing an emergency response
							plan. All means of shutting down the WES shall be clearly marked. The owner or
							operator shall identify a responsible person for public inquiries throughout
							the life of the installation.