BY JOSH MROZINSKI
Wyoming County Press Examiner
EATON TWP - Eaton and Monroe township supervisors on Thursday amended a zoning ordinance to include regulations on wind turbines, oil and gas wells and outdoor furnaces.
Before approving the regulations, supervisors removed a provision that banned the use of unseasoned firewood in outdoor furnaces.
Trash, plastics, gasoline, rubber, household garbage, leaves, cardboard, paper products and material treated with petroleum products are banned under the ordinance.
Several Monroe Township residents spoke against the outdoor furnace regulations, including Ed Freeman.
Freeman said the township is making it difficult for people to use outdoor furnaces when they are trying to save money on fuel oil.
He also objected to the provision on unseasoned firewood and a provision that requires a chimney's minimum height to be 15 feet.
Under the regulations, outdoor furnaces cannot be located less than 50 feet from a property line or road right-of-way. Fuels only recommended by a furnace manufacturer can be used, the regulations states.
Supervisors were asked why the outdoor furnace regulations were needed.
Walter Derhammer said people have complained about the devices.
"I'd rather see the township put in a control than have DEP come in," Derhammer added.
At one point, Derhammer also told Freeman not to point his finger at him.
Eaton Township residents did not comment on any of the regulations that were approved on Thursday. About 10 people attended the meeting.
Included in the regulations are standards for mineral extraction, which includes oil and gas wells.
For instance, the regulations require a setback of 100 feet between a mineral extraction operation and adjoining properties.
The regulations also have standards for wind turbines.
For instance, the regulations state that no part of a wind turbine generator will be located closer to any property line or road right-of-way than two-thirds of the height of the structure as measured from the highest point of the rotor.
The regulations were passed as BP Alternative Energy develops a wind turbine facility in the southern part of Wyoming County, including Eaton, Noxen, Forkston and Mehoopany townships.
The company hopes to connect with a substation at Procter & Gamble in Washington Township.
BP Business Developer Kevin Davis said on Thursday the facility will have up to 87 turbines.
He added project plans have been provided to Noxen and Eaton townships for review.
The Wyoming County Office of Community Planning has also received plans for subdivision review, Davis noted.
BP hopes to have the facility in operation by the end of 2009 after about an eight month construction period.
Posted
Oct 16 2008, 10:21 AM
by
WCEeditor