Maine § 480-II. - Small-scale wind energy development; permit requirements

§ 480-II.. Small-scale wind energy development; permit requirements

1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Decommissioning" means the physical removal of all components of a small-scale wind energy development, including, but not limited to, wind turbines and associated foundations to a depth of at least 24 inches; structures, roads, cabling, electrical components and any other associated facilities and foundations to a depth of at least 24 inches to the extent they are not otherwise in or proposed to be placed into productive use; the grading and reseeding of all earth disturbed during construction and decommissioning; and restoration of any disturbed wetlands or critical wildlife habitat.   [PL 2015, c. 264, §3 (NEW).]

B. "Small-scale wind energy development" means any wind energy development that is not a grid-scale wind energy development as defined in Title 35‑A, section 3451, subsection 6, and that has a total generating capacity of at least 100 kilowatts.   [PL 2015, c. 264, §3 (NEW).]

2.  Permit requirements.  An applicant for a permit to construct a small-scale wind energy development shall demonstrate that the proposed project:

A. Will be constructed with setbacks and other considerations adequate to protect public safety, including, but not limited to, a fire protection plan. In making a finding pursuant to this paragraph, the department shall consider the recommendation of a professional licensed civil engineer as well as any applicable setback recommended by a manufacturer of any equipment to be installed on or in support of the small-scale wind energy development;   [PL 2015, c. 264, §3 (NEW).]

B. Will be constructed using the best practical mitigation techniques for mitigating impacts to endangered and threatened species, essential wildlife habitat and other protected resources from all aspects of construction and operation, in accordance with rules adopted under Title 35‑A, section 3459; and   [PL 2015, c. 264, §3 (NEW).]

C. Will not significantly compromise views from a scenic resource of state or national significance, as considered under the criteria and methodologies set forth in Title 35‑A, section 3452.   [PL 2015, c. 264, §3 (NEW).]

A person proposing to construct a small-scale wind energy development must demonstrate adequate financial capacity to decommission the development at any time during construction or operation of the development, or upon termination of development operations for any reason. The obligation to decommission the development must be transferred to any future owner of the development in the event of a transfer of title. Decommissioning is required if the development's purpose or use is abandoned for a period of one year at any time after construction begins. Demonstration of financial capacity to decommission must include documentation of financial assurance that the decommissioning costs will be fully funded prior to the start of construction. Financial assurance may be demonstrated in the form of a performance bond, surety bond, letter of credit or other form of financial assurance acceptable to the department.  

A public informational meeting must be held in accordance with department rules for permit application for a small-scale wind energy development.