The owner(s) or operator(s) shall complete decommissioning within 12 months after the end of the useful life of the wind energy turbine. Upon request of the owner(s) or assigns, and for good cause, Building Commissioner may grant a reasonable extension of time. The wind energy turbine will presume to be at the end of its useful life if no electricity is generated for a continuous period of 12 months. All decommissioning expenses are the responsibility of the owner(s) or operator(s).
(a) If the owner(s) or operator(s) fails to complete decommissioning within the period prescribed above, the Building Commissioner may designate a contractor to complete decommissioning with the expense thereof to be charged to the violator and/or to become a lien against the premises. If the wind energy turbine is not owned by the property owner(s), a bond must be provided to the City for the cost of decommissioning in an amount set by Council.
(b) In addition to the decommissioning requirements listed previously, the wind energy turbine shall also be subject to the following:
(1) Decommissioning shall include the removal of each wind energy turbine, buildings, electrical components, and any other associated facilities. Any foundation shall be removed to a minimum depth of 60 inches below grade, or to the level of the bedrock if less than 60 inches below grade.
(2) The site and any disturbed earth shall be stabilized, graded, and cleared of any debris by the owner(s) of the facility or its assigns. If the site is not to be used for agricultural practices following removal, the site shall be seeded to prevent soil erosion, unless the property owner(s) requests in writing that the land surface areas not be restored.
(Ord. 10-85. Passed 11-16-10.)