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Geothermal Energy. Renewable energy generated from the interior of the earth and <br />used to produce energy for heating buildings or serving building commercial or industrial <br />processes. <br />Ground Source Heat Pump System (GSHPS). A system that uses the relatively <br />constant temperature of the earth or a body of water to provide heating in the winter and <br />cooling in the summer. System components include closed loops of pipe, coils or plates; <br />a fluid that absorbs and transfers heat; and a heat pump unit that processes heat for use <br />or disperses heat for cooling; and an air distribution system. The energy must be used <br />on-site. <br />Heat Transfer Fluid. A non-toxic and food grade fluid such as potable water, aqueous <br />solutions of propylene glycol not to exceed twenty percent (20%) by weight or aqueous <br />solutions of potassium acetate not to exceed twenty percent (20%) by weight. <br />Stormwater Pond. These are ponds created for stormwater treatment. A stormwater <br />pond shall not include wetlands created to mitigate the loss of other wetlands. <br />b. Districts <br />Ground source heat pump systems (GSHPS) shall be deemed an accessory structure, <br />permissible in all zoning districts. <br />C. Placement and Design <br />1. Placement <br />(a) All components of GSHPS including pumps, borings and loops shall be <br />set back at least five (5) feet from interior and rear lot lines. <br />(b) Easements. All components of GSHPS shall not encroach on <br />easements. <br />(c) GSHPS are prohibited in surface waters, except for stormwater ponds <br />where they are permitted. <br />2. Design <br />(a) Only closed loop GSHPS utilizing Minnesota Department of Health <br />approved heat transfer fluids are permitted. <br />(b) Screening. Ground source heat pumps are considered mechanical <br />equipment and subject to the requirements of the city's zoning ordinance. <br />d. General Standards <br />1. Noise. GSHPS shall comply with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards <br />outlined in Minnesota Rules Chapter 7030. <br />12 <br />