By Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
The township is taking a step aimed at helping residents conserve energy with a plan to allow for energy systems that are easier to use.
”We are moving in a positive direction here,” Mayor Frank DelCore said. “We are at the forefront of green issues.”
The Township Committee unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance Tuesday that will amend a former ordinance concerning small wind energy systems. It would allow the use of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), each capable of generating up to 10 kilowatts, on businesses and residential properties.
This change would be made to the ordinance the Township Committee approved in December 2007 to allow small wind energy systems on certain qualifying properties. In that ordinance, small wind energy systems can be placed only on properties with a minimum lot size of 10 acres, and must be set back 250 feet from property lines.
In March, employees of Tangarie LLC, of Flagtown, spoke about the benefits of VAWTs being used, and built, in town.
John Besold, consulting director for Tangarie LLC, presented the wind turbine, saying that it can be mounted on poles and buildings because of its vertical shape. He implored the township to amend its current wind ordinance to allow for these systems.
According to Township Planner Bob Ringelheim, at Tuesday’s meeting, there are many advantages to allowing VAWTs to be used in the township. For example, he said, its design does not attract migratory birds, and it can be placed on the rooftop of almost any building.
”The VAWT is a more compact version of the traditional wind turbines,” he said. “It can be put on rooftops as an attractive alternative (for energy conservation).”
If approved, the ordinance will allow for a maximum of one VAWT to be used per lot in residential districts, not exceeding 40 feet in height from the base of a building it is mounted on to its highest point. The maximum tower height of the VAWT cannot exceed 60 feet, measured from its base to the highest point.
In non-residential districts, multiple VAWTs are permitted, but they must follow the same height requirements as outlined for residential lots. In addition, any VAWT mounted on a light pole must not exceed 25 feet in height.
As for the noise of the VAWT itself, the ordinance states that, for wind speeds of zero to 25 miles per hour, it cannot exceed 60 decibels as measured from any property line, or be in excess of five decibels above background noise.
Similar to the use of the small wind energy systems, use of a VAWT must be approved by the Planning Board.
”Now there is the option to use the VAWT or the more traditional small wind energy system,” Mr. Ringelheim said. “There is more flexibility here.”
In addition to using the wind turbines in Hillsborough, Mr. Besold spoke to the committee about his desire to move the company’s manufacturing facilities to Hillsborough, from the current location in Canada. In March, he submitted an application to the New Jersey Clean Energy Manufacturing Fund in the hopes of receiving $2.2 million to open a facility to build the turbines in the state.
Although no plans have been presented yet, a possible new manufacturing plant would fit into the township’s sustainability plan, Township Clerk Kevin Davis has said, as it could provide future jobs for residents.
”Reducing the carbon footprint is something we all hear about during environmental discussion. However, Hillsborough is working to actually make that a reality,” Mayor DelCore said. “By creating this opportunity for residential property owners and businesses to establish these types of small energy systems, we are taking a real step along the road of ensuring a sustainable environment in Hillsborough’s future.”
Public hearing for the ordinance will be held on May 26.

