Jefferson County is not unique in its wrangling over setbacks from wind power developments.

The province of Ontario has proposed regulations that would increase the setbacks required for industrial wind power. They would be greater than the 350-meter, or about 1,100-foot, setbacks allowed at the Wolfe Island wind farm site.

As part of the Ministry of the Environment's regulations for the Green Energy Act of 2009, the ministry is proposing modified setbacks based on distance and noise.

In several Canadian news sources, developers said that would limit opportunities for wind power development. Supporters of the regulations said they would better protect the health of those living near turbines.

Under the proposed regulations, the more turbines, the greater the setbacks.

A single industrial-sized turbine would be at least 550 meters, or 1,800 feet, from a dwelling. On Wolfe Island, the setback was 350 meters from a nonparticipating residence or 5 meters - about 16 feet - plus the blade length from a participating residence, according to the township of Frontenac Islands' 2006 zoning law.

Wolfe Island Wind Project is operated by Canadian Renewable Energy Corp., a subsidiary of Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. The developers used 2.3 megawatt turbines that are 410 feet tall with carbon blades that are 150 feet long.

Under the proposed regulations, noise levels also would need to fall to 40 decibels at receptors, such as dwellings or businesses.

The ministry said a turbine with a sound power level of 106 decibels would have to meet a setback of 950 meters, or about 3,100 feet, from the nearest house or business.

A facility with eight turbines with a sound power level of 105 decibels would have to meet a setback of 1,000 meters, or about 3,300 feet.

The ministry also would require noise studies for any turbine with a generated sound level over 107 decibels and any projects with more than 26 turbines within about 5,000 feet of a home or business. The ministry also is proposing that low-frequency noise be monitored .

The act was passed in May and the ministry is accepting public comments through July 24.