1. The document summarizes a study on integrating wind energy development with heritage preservation in Carroll County, Virginia. It discusses factors to consider such as turbine height, setbacks, noise levels, viewshed protection, and benefits to the local economy. 2. The study recommends establishing clear regulations for wind projects that address procedural requirements, siting criteria, environmental and community impacts, while avoiding duplicating state and federal rules. 3. Public input should help decide appropriate locations and guide officials to balance wind energy development with heritage and community priorities.

1. WIND ENERGY & APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN
HERITAGE IN CARROLL COUNTY, VA
FINAL PROJECT: ERICA LARGEN & ERICA HETZEL
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY
UAP 4394: COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
SPRING 2013
to make a decision that reflects heritage and
the most important values of carroll county.
LOCATION, APPEARANCE, AND OPERATION OF A PROJECT SITE
FUTURE WORK
BENEFITS
NOISE
CLIMB PREVENTION/LOCKS
HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
SETBACKS
Taller turbines are more productive and height limits affect economic payback and power
potential. Continued upscaling is likely to further reduce the number of turbines necessary
to achieve a specific project power-generating capacity in a given area. Providing maps
that show the scale of wind energy projects relative to the total available land, as well
as the number of turbines expected to be placed within a given area, can be an effective
strategy to illustrate that even widespread deployment of wind energy will not result in
total coverage of the landscape.
[No Height limit should be set]
Acceptable sound output at 10 to 15 dB greater
than the ambient baseline. Not to exceed 55 dB but
exceptions for short-term events like storms when
ambient noise increases. Noise is measured at
nearest habitable structure rather than the property
line (Rynne, Flowers, Lantz, & Heller, 2011, p. 24).
Establishing generic setbacks between turbines
and property lines or buildings may also allow for
sufficient noise mitigation.
It is important for planners to understand
development cost. A developer often has to
invest millions of dollars and several years
before a project is financed and ready for
construction. This investment is very much
at risk until the point at which financing
Addressing concerns siting and planning for wind energy development requires sensitivity to the concerns
of a diverse array of stakeholders. It also requires attention to process as well as to substantive issues.
Mrs. Walter (Victorine) Hor-
ton (left)
Daughter of Charles Martin,
Mrs. Charles (Hannah) Goad
(right)
Center: Wes Horton
Barry Hicks said he would “hate to see windmills
banned forever” without a careful study of the
pros and cons.
“Windmills might be a source of energy down
the road we might need” -Roger Wilson.
Selected Objectives:
• Support the expansion of value-added
businesses and sustainable development
strategies to build sustainable local
economies.
• Encourage projects which diversify the
economic base, including asset-based
development and energy-related projects.
• Support programs that will ensure the
availability of a skilled workforce
• Support alternative energy-related
projects
• Support projects that promote energy
conservation, green building, use of eco-
friendly resources, and sustainable land-
use practices.
• Encouraging sustainable economic use of
natural resources.
• Conserving the natural places in the
region for ecotourism.
Myth: Community wind
projects ruin the quality of
life for people living near
them.
While community wind projects offer
many positive impacts, including
providing economic benefits and a
clean source of renewable energy for
local use, some are concerned with
the potential negative impacts of a
project. Concerns include aesthetics,
sound, and shadow flicker. These
concerns can be alleviated through
the use of proper siting practices that
are usually established on a local level
and by open communication with
the local population during project
planning. By establishing local rules
to address noise levels and setback
distances, communities can limit
negative quality of life impacts on
those living in close proximity to a
wind project.
Agriculture is an intrinsic part of life in Carroll County,
contributing to the County’s heritage and economic health
and preserving natural resources for the future residents.
Addressing these issues will require decision-makers to
balance priorities, considering important factors such as
land use compatibility, economic impacts, site suitability,
proximity to urban development among others (p. 20).
To support a viable agricultural economy in Carroll County, it is
important to have agricultural areas unrestricted by residential
development. Farming adjacent to residential land uses can be
highly incompatible. Agricultural production is often associated
with noise, dust, vibration, odors, extended hours of operation,
and the application of chemicals, items commonly addressed by
“industrial performance criteria”. Those looking for the “peace
and quiet” of the country often are not aware of operations
associated with agricultural operations.
The collective voice of new residents may be louder than the
working farmers. Agricultural operations are squeezed out by
the conflicts brought on by these incompatible land uses & the
higher per acre price for residential land (p.21).
Carroll County Vision Statement:
Heritage & Opportunity
in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Residential development is the single most intensive use of
developed land in rural areas. As the County expands, the demand
for land for residential development far surpasses the demand for
land for other uses.
To provide continued economic growth and a stable, broad
employment base, the Plan emphasizes continued development
of the industrial sector (p.76).
Diversified industrial development contributes to
economic development and a strong tax base.
• Promote industrial development to provide employment
opportunities.
• Establish site standards to ensure high quality, compatible
industrial development (p. 127).
A sustainable local economy provides employment
opportunities and supports a high quality of life.
• Promote a diversified regional economy with more high-tech
industry.
• Support the use of economic development incentives to
create employment opportunities, establish public-private
partnerships, and encourage development that provides
public benefits and amenities.
• Encourage wind turbines/farms and other green energy
options.
• Encourage job creation.
• Support and finance County acquisition of land for business
and industrial development (p. 147).
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2030Adopted by the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, December 14, 2010
The lack of jobs and employment opportunities are the two factors
students cited as a reason for leaving Carroll County. The growing
elderly population was also a concern (p. 39).
2010 HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SURVEY
RESIDENTIAL VS. INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
AGRICULTURE
THE CHALLENGE OF AGRICULTURE
GOAL 5 -
GOAL 8 -
LOSS OF FARMS AND FARMLAND
1. Farms with dairy cattle have decreased from 651 farms in
1969, to 21 farms in 2000, to 8 farms in 2010.
2. Farms with beef cattle have decreased from 2,229 farms
in the 1970s, to 859 farms in 2010.
3. Farms producing cabbage decreased from 133 farms on
2,200 acres in the 1970s, to seven farms on 344 acres in
2010.
1. Ensure plans for wind development ordiance are compatable with Carroll County
Comprehensive Plan by evaluating proposed regulations and the 2030 plan
2. The end use should be determined through a combination of the community’s
vision for the site, key site characteristics, and community assets. It is important
that early consultation occur with the local community to ensure that reuse for
renewable energy is aligned with the community’s long term vision for the site.
Many end uses should be considered during the planning phase.
3.Measure actual wind resource potential on ridge tops thoughout the county
4.Consider factors such as slpoe, location of transmission lines
5.Idenify scenic corridors, important cultural and historic resourses that might be
impacted by wind development
6.Determine reasonable creation of application criteria (project description
elements, site plan, liability insurance) and approval process
7. Ensure regulations not duplicating state or federal permitting purposes
8.Determine any additional ecological considerations.
9.Encourage research of seasonal bat activity before and after wind development.
To idenify what action will mitigate the possible problem. Preliminary research
on bat fatalities has been focused on altering wind plant operations at specific
times of the day or year and during periods of low wind speed. This preliminary
research has shown promise, reducing bat fatalities by as much as 80% (Arnett et
al. 2009; Baerwald et al. 2009).
At-Riskcountiesarethoseatriskofbecomingeconomicallydistressed.
They rank between the worst 10-25% of the nation’s counties.
The Appalachian Regional Commission’s mission is to be an
advocate for and partner with the people of Appalachia to create
opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved
quality of life.
Map 3 Virginia’s ARC Program 2013 Economic Status
• Supports many objectives
of the Comprehensive Plan
• Stimulates jobs that
encourage a skilled young
laborforce
• Stimulates market
competition (lowering
energy costs)
• Diversitifies the energy
supply
• Reduces greenhouse
gases and other pollutant
emissions
Winter
nighttime
power
generation
effectively
reduce
peak
load for
common
electric
heating.
Electricity
(44.5%)
Fuel oil,
kerosene,
etc. (36.0%)
Wood
(11.6%)
Bottled,
tank, LP gas
(6.6%)
Other (0.7%)
Chart 5. most commonly used house
heating fuel in Carroll County
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
LIGHTING
WARNINGS
USE OF ROADS
SAFETY AND CONSTRUCTION
DECOMMISSIONING
RECOMENDATIONS FOR POLICY
TYPE OF PERMITTING
APPLICATIONS AND
SITE PLAN
LIABILITY INSURANCE
GROUND CLEARANCE
SIGNAL INTERFERENCE
SPEED CONTROLS AND BRAKES
CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION
PLAN FOR DECOMMISSION
A narrative identifying the applicant and describing
the proposed wind project, including an overview
of the project and its location; approximate rated
capacityofthewindenergyproject;theapproximate
number, representative types and height or range
of heights of wind turbines to be constructed; and
a description of ancillary facilities, if applicable.
PROCEDURES
1. Property lines and setback lines
2. Existing and proposed buildings and structures,
including preliminary location(s) and
elevation(s) of the proposed wind turbine(s).
Without amending the site plan or Special Use
Permit, an applicant may construct a turbine
within a 200’ radius of the site plan location,
if it becomes necessary due to unanticipated
topographic conditions or low sustainable wind conditions, as long as required setbacks
are maintained.
3. Existing and proposed access roads, drives, turnout locations, and parking.
4. Location of substations, electrical cabling from the wind turbine(s) to the substations,
ancillary equipment, buildings, and structures (including those within any applicable
setbacks), if any.
5. Additional information may be required, as determined by the [local official], such as a
scaled elevation view and other supporting drawings, photographs of the proposed site,
simulations or modeling of the proposed wind project from potentially sensitive locations
as deemed necessary by the [local official] to assess visual impact, landscaping and
screening plan, coverage map, and additional information that may be necessary for a
technical review of the proposal.
The applicant shall provide proof of adequate liability insurance for a wind energy project
prior to to beginning construction.
VISUAL APPEARANCE
The color of the wind energy project shall be a
non-reflective, unobtrusive color that blends with
the surrounding environment and prevents glare.
A photo or other simulation may be required.
VISUAL IMPACTS
The applicant shall demonstrate through project
siting and proposed mitigation, if necessary, that
the wind project minimizes impacts on the visual
character of a scenic landscape, vista, or scenic
corridor as identified.
Wind turbines shall not be artificially lighted unless
required by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA). If lighting is required, the applicant shall
provide a copy of the FAA determination to establish
the required markings and/or lights for the wind
turbines. Lighting of other parts of the wind energy
project, such as appurtenant structures, shall be
limited to that required for safety and operational
purposes, and be full cut-off luminaries.
1. The applicant shall identify all state and local public roads to be used within the [locality]
to transport equipment and parts for construction, operation or maintenance of the
wind project.
2. The applicant shall submit written documentation that the applicant or his assignee has
accepted full financial responsibility for repairs to damage to private roads used during
the construction or operation of the proposed project, unless he provides documentation
of other agreements with the owner(s) of the private roads. Private roads used to access
the proposed project, including roads that serve non-participating landowners, shall be
restored and maintained to pre-construction conditions during operation of the project,
unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
1. The exterior of wind turbines shall not be climbable up to 15 feet
above ground surface.
2. All access doors to wind turbines and electrical equipment shall be
locked or fenced, as appropriate, to prevent entry by unauthorized
persons.
3. The [locality] may waive these requirements, if and as it deems
appropriate.
which shall include the following: (1) the
anticipated life of the project; (2) the estimated
decommissioning cost in current dollars; (3)
how said estimate was determined; (4) the
A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage must be placed at
the base of all pad-mounted trans-formers and substations.
Visible, reflective, colored objects, such as flags, reflectors, or tape
shall be placed on the anchor points of guy wires and along the guy
wires up to a height of ten feet from the ground.
The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades
utilized on a community-scale wind energy project shall be 15 feet
on a horizontal axis system and ten feet on a vertical axis system,
as measured at the lowest point of the arc of the blades. The lowest
point of the arc of the blade shall also be ten feet above the height of
any structure within 150 feet of the base of the tower.
If and as recommended by the manufacturer, wind turbines shall be
equipped with a redundant braking system. This system typically
includes aerodynamic over-speed controls (including variable pitch,
tip, and other similar systems) and mechanical brakes.
Upon request, the applicant shall cooperate with emergency services
to develop and coordinate imple-mentation of an emergency response
plan for the wind energy project.
Any wind energy project found to be unsafe [by the local enforcement
officer] shall be repaired by the project’s owner or operator to meet
applicable federal, state, and local safety standards or removed within
six months.
The applicant shall make reasonable efforts to avoid disruption or
loss of radio, telephone, television, or similar signals, and shall
mitigate for significant interference caused by the project. The project
shall comply with the provisions of Title 47 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Section 15 and subsequent revisions governing said
emissions. The owner or operator of a wind energy project may be
required to discontinue use until the specified interference has been
corrected.
In the construction and installation of a community-scale wind energy
project, the owner or operator shall, to the greatest extent practicable,
adhere to the following requirements:
1. Use existing roads to provide access to the site, or if new roads
are needed, minimize the amount of land used for new roads and
locate them so as to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
2. Install all electrical wires associated with a community-scale wind
energy project underground, other than wires necessary to connect
an individual wind turbine to its base and to overhead collection
lines.
• Economic infrastructure that is sensitive to environmental and community needs,
addressing both current deficiencies and developing new capacity as necessary.
Specific examples include the expansion of broadband service, the local generation and
distribution of renewable energy, and the enhancement of transportation systems.
• A viable, educated, trained and skilled labor force, including the development of a green
workforce and support of the local youth workforce.
• The strategic development of cluster industries such as the “green” industry,
agriculture, outdoor recreation and ecotourism.
• Stronger local and regional community participation and organization. Partnering with
other governmental agencies and non-profit organizations allows for coordination and
cooperation on a regional basis, strengthening economic development outreach and
ensuring future economic activity (p. 155).
is committed and construction has begun.
Redundant requirements raise costs and
cause delays, decision makers should
ensure they are not duplicating state or
federal permitting purposes. Clarity and
stability of requirements are crucial. From a
developer’s perspective, very little is more
destructive to the development process
than uncertain or changing requirements
(Rynne, Flowers, Lantz, & Heller, 2011, p.
27).
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2030
KEY STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY (TO AID
IN ATTRACTION, EXPANSION AND RETENTION OF ECONOMIC INVESTMENT)
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
CODE OF VIRGINIA, TITLE 67, VIRGINIA ENERGY PLAN
Chapter 1, Energy Policy of the Commonwealth
§ 67-100. Legislative findings.
§ 67-101. Energy objectives.
§ 67-101(9): Increasing Virginia’s reliance on sources of energy that, compared to traditional energy resources, are less polluting
of the Commonwealth’s air and waters
§ 67-101(10): Researching the efficacy, cost, and benefits of reducing, avoiding, or sequestering the emissions of greenhouse
gases produced in connection with the generation of energy
§ 67-101(12): Developing energy resources and facilities in a manner that does not impose a disproportionate adverse impact on
economically disadvantaged or minority communities
§ 67-101(13): Recognizing the need to foster those economically developable alternative sources of energy that can be provided at
market prices as vital components of a diversified portfolio of energy resources
§ 67-103. Role of local governments in achieving objectives of the Commonwealth Energy Policy.
In the development of any local ordinance addressing the siting of renewable energy facilities that generate electricity from wind
or solar resources, the ordinance shall:
§ 67-103(1): Be consistent with the provisions of the Commonwealth Energy Policy pursuant to subsection C of § 67-102.
§ 67-103(2): Provide reasonable criteria to be addressed in the siting of any renewable energy facility that generates electricity for
wind and solar resources. The criteria shall provide for the protection of the locality in a manner consistent with the goals of the
Commonwealth to promote the generation of energy from wind and solar resources; and
§ 67-103(3): Include provisions establishing reasonable requirements upon the siting of any such renewable energy facility, in-
cluding provisions limiting noise, requiring buffer areas and setbacks, and addressing generation facility decommissioning.
CODE OF VIRGINIA, TITLE 15.2, COUNTIES, CITIES AND TOWNS
CHAPTER 22, PLANNING, SUBDIVISION OF LAND AND ZONING
§ 2295.1. REGULATION OF MOUNTAIN RIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
ECONOMICS: TRANSMISSION LINES
A number of recent studies have
concluded that the consumer energy
savings from building transmission
are significantly larger than the
costs of the initial infrastructure
investment, meaning that on net
consumers would see their electric
bills decrease if we create a policy
environment that will allow a major
reinvestment in our grid.
One regional study by Charles
River Associates (CRA) found that
an investment in a high-voltage
transmission overlay to access wind
resources in Kansas, Oklahoma,
and Texas would provide benefits of
method of ensuring that funds will be available
for decommissioning and restoration; (5) the
method that the decommissioning cost will be
kept current; and (6) the manner in which the
project will be decommissioned and the
site restored.
• Promotes long-term
economic and energy
security
• A more secure power supply
• Less MTR mining in
Appalachia
• No one is “Zoned Out”
• Protects private property
rights and citizen welfare
• Increases citizen connection
to the land in seasonal shifts
of wind that make the Blue
Ridge mountains unique
• Confident prediction of
energy costs years into
the future (Wind turbines
have no fuel cost & low
operating costs)
• Increased local spending
stimulating local business
• Tax Benefits
• Compatable with
traditional farming,
conserving agriculture by
discouraging residential
development
Chart 3.Percent Agricultural Employement by Year, Carroll Virginia
Chart 4. How should Carroll County plan for future development?
(p. 20 | 2030 Carroll County Plan)
around $2 billion per year, more than four times the $400-500 million annual
cost of the transmission investment. $100 million of these savings come from
the significantly higher efficiency of high-voltage transmission, which would
reduce electricity losses by 1,600 gigawatt-hours (GWh) each year. The new
transmission would bring 14,000 MW of new wind plants online, reducing
CO2 emissions by 30 million tons per year. The overall wind and transmission
project would also create 5,000 new permanent jobs, $60 million in annual
property tax revenue, and $500 million in economic activity each year.
An analysis by American Electric Power found that the consumer benefits of
building transmission would outweigh the cost of the investment. The study
found that making the investment in transmission needed to achieve a 20%
wind penetration in the Eastern U.S. would reduce electricity prices by $41
billion total. It is worth noting that this study did not account for the significant
economic development benefits that would accrue to all regions as a result
of increased wind power development, nor did it account for the broad-based
benefits of improving electric grid reliability.
The grid operator in Texas (ERCOT) has also studied the costs and benefits
of building transmission. The analysis found
that a $4.9 billion investment in transmission
would save $1.7 billion per year in fuel costs
(production savings), repaying the $4.9 billion
cost of the investment in 2.9 years. (Green
Power Transmission and Consumer Savings,
2011)
However, counties may not overstep the specific authority (Tazewell County) provided to them by the statute. Virginia Code § 15.2-
2295.1(C) provides counties with the authority to regulate “the height and location of tall buildings or structures” (Va. Code § 15.2-
2295.1(C)), and requires denial of a permit application when it does not provide for adequate sewerage, water, or drainage facilities, or
comply with the Erosion and Sediment Law.