|
|
small wind
Sample Letters
Let Your Neighbors Know
The courtesy of informing neighbors about your system installaion can often correct misperceptions and avoid opposition to your project. A letter like the one below will answer most questions people have about wind turbines -- how much noise they create, the visual impact, whether there are safety issues, and the effect on property values. It lets neighbors know that you have done your homework and are proceeding responsibly. Download this letter.
Dear Neighbor,
You may be interested to learn that I plan to install a small wind energy system on my property at [address]. This modern, non-polluting system will generate electricity solely for my own use, reducing my dependence on the local utility. Any excess generation will be supplied to the utility system, but I will not receive any income from this exchange.
I plan to install a [turbine make and model] that will be mounted on a [#]-foot tower, set back [#] feet from the street and [#] feet from the [south/north/east/west] property line. This wind turbine uses a [two/three]-bladed propeller [#] feet in diameter and has only [#] moving parts. It does not turn until the wind speed reaches at least [#] mph. On calm, quiet days, the wind turbine will not likely be audible. When the rotor is turning, the sound of the wind passing over the blades will register about [#] decibels (dB(A)), at a distance of [#] feet, which will barely be audible over other noises caused by the wind.
[Manufacturer] has installed [#] of [turbine make and model] in the United States [and overseas]. They have a proven track record of producing energy quietly, cleanly, and safely. If you have any questions about the proposed installation, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
TOP
Letter to Elected Officials
It's also a good idea to tell local elected officials and state representatives about your project. Download this letter.
Dear ________________ :
I am writing to enlist your support for the installation of a residential wind energy system on my [name of town or county] property. In keeping with this state's commitment to clean, renewable energy, the purpose of this modern, non-polluting system is to generate electricity solely for my own use, reducing my energy bills and dependence on [local utility]. [Or, for grid-connected systems]…for my own use, with any excess generation being fed into the utility grid.
The system I propose to install is a [#] kW [turbine make and model], to be mounted on a [#]-foot tower. The [make/model] wind turbine uses a three-bladed [#]-foot diameter "airplane type" propeller and has only [#] moving parts. On calm, quiet days, the wind turbine will produce no sounds. When the rotor is turning, the sound of the wind passing over the blades will produce a white noise at about 52-55 decibels, and should be barely discernible above ambient (background) noise. [Manufacturer] has installed [#] [turbine make and model]s in the United States [and overseas]. They have a proven track record of producing energy quietly, cleanly, and safely.
Because local [name jurisdiction] zoning rules do not designate small wind energy systems as an approved special use, I am in the process of seeking a variance for the proposed project.
[Or] I am in the process of seeking a special [or conditional] use permit for the proposed project.
The support of your office for this small, clean renewable energy project would be most helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the project, and thank you for your interest in renewable energy.
Sincerely,
Letter of Support / Letter to the Editor
People who oppose a project are more likely to be vocal about it than people who are supportive. If getting your project permitted requires a public hearing, you may want to make it easier for the people who support you to make their opinions known. In addition to getting supporters to the public hearing(s), encouraging them to write to the Planning Board or other local officials who will be deciding on your permit request can be helpful. Letters to the Editor are also a good way to convey information or gain support for a project. Here are some sample templates.
See also www.windzone.mkeis.org/our.htm for examples of project-specific correspondence.
Download this letter.
Dear [Planning Official]:
I am writing in support of [_______________]'s application for a permit [or variance] to build a small wind turbine on his/her property at [ADDRESS].
Windmills have long played a part in individual Americans' energy independence. Given modern technology, they are safer, quieter, and more efficient than ever. As a [county / town ] resident, I am happy to see one of my neighbors taking positive steps to make clean, renewable energy a reality. Provided the structure meets standard building safety requirements, I see no reason why it should not be approved.
Sincerely,
To the Editor:
Letters to the Editor may take the same basic form as the letter of support addressed to a planning official.
If there has been coverage of the project or of wind energy in the newspaper, a letter that responds to specific points made in the article will be more likely to get published.
TOP
|
|
| |
 |
Take Action: Tell Congress to support a tax credit for small wind!
|
|
 |
|
|
