Supervisors to consider solar, wind and carbon pipeline regulations

Proposed zoning regulations for solar, wind energy and carbon pipeline development will be discussed during a public hearing, Monday, Oct. 31, at the Holt County Courthouse in O'Neill.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.

Planning and zoning commission members have focused on developing new or revising current regulations as they work through the county's comprehensive plan, which was written in 1980.

The commission is working with Marvin Planning Associates, of David City, to assist with the rewrite of the plan and updated regulations.

The county's current commercial/utility-grade wind energy system regulations include a handful of changes.

A new proposal will require an aircraft detection lighting system, which will be radar-activated. It will turn blinking lights on turbines on or off, based on the presence or absence of aircraft in the vicinity.

According to proposed language in the regulations, "this technology allows 'lights out' for up to 98% of the night, which significantly reduces the towers' visual impacts on surrounding communities."

Existing commercial wind facilities will be required to install an FAA-approved ADLS system upon any new repowering agreement.

Setbacks will also be addressed, placing a 6,000-foot setback from neighboring dwelling units.

New solar energy regulations will be proposed. Installation of solar panels, neighborhood solar or solar farm shall not be constructed in the county unless a conditional use permit has been issued.

The proposed regulations define solar-system terminology, address easements and identify types of solar-conversion systems.

carbon dioxide recovery-pipeline regulations will also be addressed during the hearing.

According to the proposed regulations, planning and zoning officials and supervisors recognize the pipeline's importance to long-term, economic survival of Nebraska ethanol plants.

The proposed document states, "Holt County can implement safety mesures to protect its citizens and sensitive environmental areas within the borders of Holt County through Nebraska State Statutes §23-174 and §81-543."

Proposed regulations include definitions, establish a county carbon dioxide-recovery pipeline zone map, set depths for and outline setback requirements.

The planning and zoning commission will continue to work on the county's comprehensive plan after Monday's hearing.