VALLEY VIEW - The possibility of erecting windmills in Hegins Township has surfaced again.
Township zoning officer Allan Swab said during a recent supervisors meeting BP Wind Energy is applying for permits to erect windmills during the first quarter of next year.
Swab characterized the move as a sneak attack and asked Supervisor Brad Carl to accompany him in his office to address questions over the phone with a representative of BP Wind Energy.
"I was caught off guard with the questions and asked Carl to help address the answers," Swab said.
He also said a variance hearing is in the offing and he is waiting on applications from the firm's Massachusetts office.
According to Swab, the company wants to erect a temporary meteorological test tower behind Kushwa.
Swab said BP is also reapplying for renewal permits for the current meteorological test towers it has in place. One is located on top of the mountain just behind the township building and the other is on the top of the mountain near Lambertson.
"We need to do everything in our power to make sure these windmills are going to be as far away from property lines and as far away ... safetywise so no one is affected by them on a safety standpoint," Supervisor Chad Richards said.
According to township solicitor David Rattigan, the ordinance the township passed in 2010 regarding wind energy safety is as good as it can get.
Rattigan also told the supervisors that under the current ordinance, the supervisors have the right to hire an expert consultant who will help the zoning officer and code enforcement officer to evaluate and review the issue.
Rattigan suggested the supervisor speak with the engineering firm Alfred Benesch and Co., Pottsville, to determine if they have an expert within the company or if they would know of someone with such expertise.
He said the person should have experience with the technical aspects of health and safety ordinances. Although this will cost the township money, Rattigan said there are fee provisions via application that will cover the cost.
