This report is a culmination of eight months of effort by the Champaign County (Ohio) Wind Turbine Study Group (“WTSG”). It contains the results of the research and critical analysis compiled by the group regarding fourteen readily identifiable issues associated with wind energy development. The letter introducing the report is listed below along with the report's table of contents. The full document can be downloaded by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.

May 20, 2008

All Champaign County Township Trustees
Champaign County Commissioners
Logan-Union-Champaign Planning Commission
Champaign County Community Improvement Corporation
Wayne Township Zoning Commission Members
Union Township Zoning Commission Members

Greetings,

I am pleased to preset to you the report of the Champaign County Wind Turbine Study Group ("WTSG").

This report is a culmination of eight months of effort (five months of weekly meetings to study the issues and another three months drafting and rewriting the final product) by representatives of township and county government, industry, agriculture and community activists.

The report contains neither draft model legislation nor a recommendation for or against endorsement of "wind turbines".

Rather, the report contains the results of the research and critical analysis compiled by members of the WTSG regarding fourteen readily identifiable issues associated with wind energy development. The WSTG chose to present its work product in a format that is easy to read and understand.

Each issue is specifically defined, with accompanying information assessments and recommendations for action.

The WTSG wants local decision-makers to utilize this report as part of the total consideration process when or if their particular jurisdiction contemplates taking legislative or regulatory action with regard to wind energy development.

I am very proud of the commitment WTSG members showed in our 7 a.m. weekly meetings. I want to also recognize Christopher A. Walker, Esq. for his extraordinary efforts in serving the WTSG as recording secretary for purposes of drafting and rewriting thus report.

I urge interested readers to use the WTSG report as starting point when considering their own feelings on wind energy development. While this document will not settle the debate, it will most certainly assist our citizenry in determine what is in the best interests of the Champaign County community where wind energy comes to mind.

Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,

Nick A. Selvaggio
Chair, Champaign County Wind Turbine Study Group
Champaign County Prosecuting Attorney

Table of Contents

Chapter

1. Aesthetics
2. Lade Throw
3. Decommissioning
4. Economics
5. Environmental Impacts
6. FAA Lighting
7. Fire/Emergency Response
8. Ice Shed/Throw
9. Noise
      a. Characteristics of wind turbine noise
      b. Effects of wind turbine noise
      c. Measurement of wind turbine noise
      d. Mitigation of wind turbine noise
10. Road Infrastructure
11. Shadow Flicker
12. Telecommunications
13. Turbine Collapse
14. Vandalism

Appendices
Bibliography
Opinion of Champaign County Prosecuting Attorney, April 22, 2008

Web link: http://www.lucplanning.com/

Download File(s):
WTGSReport.pdf (7.06 MB)