Sunday, November 13, 2011

Peru Wind Power Committee to Meet



wind turbines at Spruce Mtn. in Woodstock



















Now that Peru voters have approved (by nearly a 4-to-1 margin) a 180-day moratorium on industrial wind-power development, a citizens' committee will begin work on a local ordinance to regulate such development in the future. Right now primary permitting authority rests with Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The voting on November 8 clearly shows that the townspeople would like permitting standards that are more restrictive than DEP's.

The Peru Wind Power Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 16th, at 6 p.m. at the Town Office. Volunteers wishing to join the Committee are encouraged to attend. Those wishing to voice comments or questions are also invited. It is anticipated that the Committee will meet biweekly for several months; all meetings will be open to the public. Once the Committee has prepared a draft ordinance, it will be presented at a minimum of two public hearings, allowing for feedback from the community and further revision, if necessary. A final draft will be submitted to a townwide vote by referendum, most likely on Primary Day next June.

DEP regulations remain in effect in Peru unless and until the Town votes to adopt a local ordinance. The moratorium prevents any development of an industrial wind-power facility and tables any permit application for such development until the expiration date next May. The November vote gives the Board of Selectmen the authority to extend the moratorium at its discretion as deemed necessary.


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