(A) CWECS shall be considered a discontinued use after one year without energy production, unless a plan is developed and submitted to the County Zoning Administrator outlining the steps and schedule for returning the CWECS to service. All CWECS and accessory facilities shall be removed four feet below ground level within 90 days of the discontinuation of use.
(B) Each CWECS shall have a decommissioning plan outlining the anticipated means and costs of removing CWECS at the end of the serviceable life or upon becoming a discontinued use. The cost estimates shall be made by a competent party, such as a profession engineer, a contractor capable of decommissioning, or a person with suitable expertise or experience with decommissioning. The plan shall include documentation showing financial capability to carry out the decommissioning and restoration requirements. Applicant shall submit an escrow account/surety bond/insurance policy in an amount approved by the Planning Commission as reasonably necessary to restore the site to its pre-wind energy facility topography and topsoil quality. The purpose of this account/bond/policy is to assure removal of all improvements subject to the conditional use permit.
(C) At the end of the wind energy facility’s useful life, the site shall be restored in accordance with the requirements of this condition within 18 months.
(Ord. passed 8- -2010)