La Escuela Especial brinda apoyo a la Escuela Común

Pre-construction survey

The model zoning language is limited as far as implications to habitat and wildlife specific concerns and focus more on safety and impacts to

residential communities. There are some recommended provisions to reduce impacts in the pre-approval and siting time frames. Specific pre- construction components (primarily for utility-scale facilities) include a plan indicating all proposed changes to the landscape of the site, including temporary or permanent roads or driveways, grading, vegetation clearing and planting, exterior lighting, other than FAA lights, screening vegetation or structures.

Design/Operation Recommendations

Recommends that lighting for turbines should only be included if recorded by Federal Aviation Administration and lights for associated structures should have the minimum lighting for safety and operational structures. Monopole towers are recommended as the preferred structure.

Site Development Recommendations

Recommends that clearing of natural vegetation shall be limited to what is necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of the wind facility and is otherwise prescribed by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Consultation with wildlife agency,

USFWS None Mitigation _None

MICHIGAN

B

Contact: Karen Cleveland, Wildlife Biologist, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Installed Utility Scale Wind Power: 3 MW

I

W

D

Renewable Portfolio Standard: Proposed - 10% by 2015 and 20% by 2025 Incentives for Industrial or “Big Wind” Production:

• Michigan created the NextEnergy economic-development plan to position the state as a world leader in the research, development, commercialization and manufacture of alternative-energy technologies; NextEnergy industry recruitment programs include a non-refundable Business Activity Credit and a Refundable Payroll Credit for businesses certified by the NextEnergy Authority that locate in the NextEnergy Zone.

• The Alternative Energy Personal Property Tax Exemption includes exemptions for alternative energy systems less than 2 megawatts, or integrated combinations of alternative energy systems of no more than 10 megawatts as well as the personal property of an alternative energy

technology business - The exemption applies to companies engaged in the manufacturing or research and development of alternative energy technologies and nonresidential alternative technology owners.

Incentives for Residential and “Small Wind” Production:

• The Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) energy-efficiency grant program, funded by the state’s Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund, supports the implementation of energy-

efficiency projects and renewable-energy projects by businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies and/or schools.

• Wisconsin Public Power, Inc. (WPPI) utilities (including these Michigan utilities: Alger Delta CEA, Baraga Electric Utility, Gladstone Power & Light, L’Anse Electric Utility, Negaunee Electric Department, and Norway Power & Light) offers rebates for renewable-energy systems to residential and small commercial customers; for qualifying wind-energy systems rated 20 kW or less, eligible customers will receive a rebate equal to 25% of the system’s cost, with a maximum incentive of $10,000; customers may also receive a rebate for 75% (up to $375) for a renewable energy site assessment and 50% rebate (up to $2,500) for both routine maintenance as well as major system repairs.

Interconnection and Net Metering Standards:

The Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) adopted interconnection standards for 5 levels of distributed generation (DG). The maximum size of electric generators eligible for net metering is less than 30 kW, unless a utility voluntarily sets its limit at less than 150 kW (to match size

categories established by the state’s interconnection rules). Non-dispatchable generation (e.g. solar and wind) must be sized not to exceed the customer’s annual energy needs, measured in kilowatt- hours

E

S

P

Power Siting Authority: Local Government manages land use through zoning and ordinances;

Some local governmental units (i.e. townships and counties) have adopted local ordinances regarding the siting of wind power.

Wind Specific Siting Authority? No

Code or Regulations: State level: Michigan Tall Structures Act, Michigan Natural Resources and

Environmental Protection Act.

Role of State Fish & Wildlife Agency: For projects requiring environmental review, the

Department works with developers who contact them to avoid and minimize impacts.

How are wildlife laws applied: Same as any development project. Can require mitigation when

Threatened or Endangered Species are involved or on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lands.

W

G

W

Wildlife Guidelines for Wind Power Siting: Michigan Siting Guidelines for Wind Energy

Systems

Lead Agency on Guidelines: The Energy Office, Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth Status of Wildlife Guidelines: Final – December 14, 2005

Summary of Guidelines: Voluntary guidelines provide recommended local zoning ordinances for

set back requirements, sound requirements, environmental impact and avian & wildlife impact analysis, etc. Environmental Impact Analysis to assess impacts to natural environment and outline measures to minimize, eliminate or mitigate for impacts; shall comply with appropriate portions of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Avian & Wildlife Impact Analysis, applicants shall have a third party professional to identify and assess any potential impacts on wildlife and endangered species; outlines siting that requires special scrutiny (near high

concentrations of birds or bat hibernacula, etc.) must document plans to minimize, eliminate or mitigate for identified impacts. Must comply with federal and state endangered species laws. Includes guidelines for post-construction mortality study. Directs applicants to USFWS Interim Guidance on Avoiding and Minimizing Wildlife Impacts from Wind Turbines.

Web site for Guidelines:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Wind_and_Solar_Siting_Guidlines_Draft_5_96872_7.pdf