Planning Commission Begins Work on Wind Turbine Ordinance
The county’s Planning Commission met Monday morning to begin preliminary discussions on an ordinance that would regulate the potential installation of wind turbines in the region. While still in the very early drafting stages, the proposed ordinance is being developed in response to increased interest from energy companies in placing wind turbines in rural areas across north-central Pennsylvania.
Planning officials noted that neighboring counties have already been approached about hosting wind farms, with some, such as McKean County, voicing strong opposition.
Although there are no plans in place to install wind turbines, proactive planning is necessary to address the environmental and logistical challenges wind turbines could bring.
This region, known for its dense forests and abundant wildlife, could be significantly affected by the infrastructure required for wind energy development. To install industrial wind turbines, developers often clear large tracts of forest to make room for access roads, turbine pads, and transmission lines. This removal of tree cover not only fragments wildlife habitat but also increases the risk of erosion, particularly on the steep slopes common in the area. Soil erosion can impact water quality in nearby streams and rivers and lead to long-term degradation of forest ecosystems.
Additionally, the noise and movement of turbines can disturb local wildlife, altering natural behavior patterns, migration routes, and breeding grounds. Large birds of prey, including hawks and eagles, are also at risk of fatal collisions with turbine blades.
In other business, the commission confirmed that Nittany MinitMart had been waiting on permits for its planned gas station, and those permits have now been approved. The new station is expected to fill the void left by Sheetz’s recent closure.
While some preliminary site work and maintenance has begun at the proposed Nittany location, there is no official timeline yet for when construction will begin.
