State delays OK for wind turbines along shoreline

St. Mary's set rules to allow them

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The local process began a year ago in April and wind turbines were approved in the county zoning ordinance in December. The turbines are likely to produce enough electricity only along the shoreline where there is a constant breeze, and that is where the critical areas commission authority comes in. The state board has a say in structures built along the waterfront. "This board does not always agree on issues and that's healthy," said Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D), but this issue was worked on at the local level through consensus. "I think this is a perfect example of why local- use matters should be decided locally" and not at the state level. He called the delay "a shame."

In Charles County a wind turbine was installed via a zoning variance, Russell said, and Calvert County had one installed as an accessory use.

The St. Mary's commissioners did not want to take the variance route and wanted to allow turbines in the zoning ordinance so people could produce their own electricity for their homes, like Rich Johnson of Valley Lee. He suggested the local zoning amendment last year, after investing $26,000 on a refurbished wind turbine system.

"If you do variances, they criticize the number of variances you do in the critical areas," Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D) said of state planners and called the delay "ridiculous."

"It's so contrary to what the state is trying to promote," in the use of renewable energy, Mattingly said.

Johnson said that he was already issued a permit some weeks ago, and Mattingly said if the turbine's footings are already installed, the disturbance to the critical area is already there.

jbabcock@somdnews.com