Times Observer file photo Wind turbines have been constructed since 2017 in Chautauqua County.

County officials are reviewing ordinances from other counties as part of the early stages of developing regulations regarding wind and other alternative energies.

Last month, Zoning Officer Michael Lyon told the planners this week that there have been discussions about a wind energy project that would include Sugar Grove, Freehold and Columbus townships.

He cited a study that previously indicated that Warren County would not have the sustained winds to support this type of development.

But Lyon said he’s since learned that the “technology has changed. The technology for windmills has changed. (They) can make them higher now and can catch the wind from Lake Erie.

He said he’s reviewing four or five ordinances from other counties in assembling proposed regulations for Warren County.

It’s believed, he added, that the proposed development is a four or five year project.

“It probably won’t pop up tomorrow or next year,” Lyon said.

The county does already have regulations regarding solar farms on the books and Lyon said there continues to be “discussion of solar farms in a couple different municipalities.”