(a) For the purposes of this section, “meteorological evaluation tower” means a structure that (1) is self-standing or supported by guy wires or anchors, (2) is not more than six feet in diameter at the base, and (3) has accessory facilities on which an antenna, sensor, camera, meteorological instrument or other equipment is mounted for the purpose of documenting whether a site has sufficient wind resources for the operation of a wind turbine generator. “Meteorological evaluation tower” does not include (A) a structure that is located adjacent to a building, including a barn or an electric utility substation, or in the curtilage of a residence, (B) a tower regulated by the Federal Communications Commission, or (C) a tower used primarily to support telecommunications equipment or provide commercial mobile radio service or commercial mobile data service, as such terms are defined in 47 CFR 20.3, as amended from time to time.
(b) A meteorological evaluation tower that is at least fifty feet but not more than two hundred feet in height above ground level: (1) Shall be painted in equal alternating bands of aviation orange and white, beginning with aviation orange at the top of the tower; (2) shall have aviation orange marker balls installed and displayed in accordance with the standards contained in current federal regulations and Federal Aviation Administration advisory circulars; and (3) may not be supported by guy wires unless the guy wires have a seven-foot-long safety sleeve at each anchor point that extends from the anchor point along each guy wire attached to the anchor point.
(c) Any person who owns, operates or erects a meteorological evaluation tower in violation of any provision of subsection (b) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of (1) not more than five hundred dollars if such violation results in no physical injury, as defined in section 53a-3, to another person, (2) not more than one thousand dollars if such violation results in physical injury to another person, (3) not more than five thousand dollars if such violation results in serious physical injury, as defined in section 53a-2, to another person, and (4) not more than ten thousand dollars if such violation results in the death of another person.
(P.A. 21-175, S. 56.)
Structure Connecticut General Statutes
Title 15 - Navigation and Aeronautics
Section 15-39. - Inspector's credentials.
Section 15-40. - General powers and duties of commission.
Section 15-41. - Regulations and standards.
Section 15-43. - Intervention.
Section 15-44. - Enforcement of aeronautics laws.
Section 15-45. - Investigations.
Section 15-53. - Licensing of airports and landing areas.
Section 15-54. - Revocation or suspension of right to operate aircraft.
Section 15-60. - Exhibition of licenses and certificates.
Section 15-66. - Actions of executive director. Inspections.
Section 15-68. - Using aircraft without permission.
Section 15-68a. - Unlawful use of aircraft.
Section 15-70 and 15-71. - Coroner to investigate fatal accidents. Accidents to be reported.
Section 15-71a. - Accidents to be reported.
Section 15-71b. - Aircraft accidents: Definitions.
Section 15-72. - Flying carelessly, negligently or recklessly.
Section 15-74. - Removal of obstructions to air navigation.
Section 15-74a. - Definitions.
Section 15-74b. - Lines within clear zone prohibited.
Section 15-74c. - Permit for lines and facilities within one-half mile of runway.
Section 15-75. - Charges and rentals. Liens.
Section 15-76. - Abandoned aircraft. Lien for storage charges. Notice to executive director.
Section 15-77. - Operating under or carrying passengers under influence of liquor or drugs.
Section 15-80. - Aviation commissions.
Section 15-87. - Service of process against nonresident owners and operators.
Section 15-88. - Airport zoning. Definitions.
Section 15-89. - Public interest.
Section 15-90. - Airport approach plan.
Section 15-91. - Adoption of airport zoning regulations.
Section 15-92. - Airport hazard outside municipality.
Section 15-93. - Establishment or alteration of structures.
Section 15-94. - Regulations. Appeals.
Section 15-95. - Appeals from board of appeals.
Section 15-96. - Appeal to Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
Section 15-97a. - Meteorological evaluation tower markings. Penalty.
Section 15-98. - Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol. Clerical assistance.