Man says board took wind out of his sales

Ran Tuesday, July 10 2007

Man says board took wind out of his sales

By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-telegram Staff

An Eau Claire businessman said he's having a hard time selling windmills as a source of electricity because the Eau Claire County Board has placed restrictions on the energy alternative in private homes.
Wind energy uses windmills and wind turbines to generate electricity into homes.
At tonight's county Planning and Development Committee meeting, businessman Zeus Stark plans to call attention to a county ordinance that he said is not in compliance with state law.
"Next Step Energy Systems has provided Eau Claire County with a model wind ordinance that will provide for public health and safety without unduly restricting the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of small wind systems," according to information provided by the company.
Stark said Wisconsin law states no municipality shall restrict the installation or use of a wind energy system unless it presents a danger, significantly increases the cost or allows for an alternative.
Five months ago, the Eau Claire County Board adopted an ordinance that Stark said creates a "huge cost increase and make(s) it almost impossible to use wind energy," he said.
Planning and Development Director James "Mel" Erickson said the limits initially were placed based on aesthetics, the possibility of a tower falling and becoming a hazard and the increasing desire home owners have for energy alternatives.
"We're looking at the possibility of wind energy systems popping up in residential areas," Erickson said.
The main conflict, Stark said, is the county requires a mono-pole construction instead of a lattice tower.
A mono pole is one thick, rod using one contact point and requiring a crane for initial installment and future maintenance.
A lattice tower has multiple contact points with the ground and uses cables for support.
Stark said both towers are safe, but the lattice tower is easier to construct and maintain because it can be climbed without the use of a crane.
Previously the lattice construction was allowed.