DECATUR - A newly activated subcommittee of the Macon County Board voted 6-0 Tuesday evening to pass along two revised ordinances to the board's Environmental, Health, Education and Welfare Committee.

The Siting, Rules and Ordinance Subcommittee first approved changes to an ordinance governing the siting and construction of wind energy conversion systems.

Some of the changes recommended by Tony Van Natta, the county's manager of planning and zoning, were that energy generated be used exclusively for agricultural purposes and that each turbine be equipped with a redundant braking system and be placed at least 1½ times the total tower height away from other structures.

David Williams, R-Maroa, successfully argued that owners removing turbines be required to also remove all foundations and electrical wires to a depth of 5 feet below the surface of the ground. Van Natta had recommended 3 feet. "I want to avoid problems for future generations if the towers are removed," Williams said.

Other subcommittee members present at Tuesday's meeting were Chairman Kevin Meachum, D-Decatur, and committee members Patty Cox, R-Macon, and Tim Dudley, John Snyder and Melverta Wilkins, all Decatur Democrats.

Those absent were Decatur Democrats Joe McGlaughlin and William Oliver.

The subcommittee also unanimously approved a revised nuisance ordinance that adds a category for noxious smells and conditions.

The proposed addition prohibits, among other things, filthy animal pens and garbage that pose a threat to public health. In addition, manure must be stored in fly-tight containers no closer than 75 feet from all property lines.

Farming operations involving cattle, hogs, sheep or poultry, however, are exempt from these regulations.

Another proposed addition to the ordinance defines abandoned vehicles as any motor vehicle that has been on the premises for 60 days, is wrecked, dismantled or inoperative and fails to display a valid license. Vehicles kept in buildings or on the premises of a business engaged in motor vehicle repair are exempt.

Violations of the nuisance ordinance are punishable by fines of $50 to $500.

The next regular meeting of the environmental committee is Nov. 19, which means the revised ordinances probably will not be considered by the county board until Dec. 10.