Credit score: Iowa Public Radio | By Sheila Brummer |
Revealed October 26, 2023 at iowapublicradio.org ~~
Plans for a brand new wind farm within the Iowa Nice Lakes area hit a serious roadblock Wednesday night time. Opponents of a proposed wind farm within the Iowa Nice Lakes area credit score a grassroots effort for placing a pause on the challenge situated east and southeast of East Lake Okoboji.
Feelings ran excessive because the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment turned down a allow for Invenergy to put in as much as 79 generators. Tears streamed down the face of resident Kris Van Kleet after the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment denied a allow for the Purple Rock Power Middle.
“God is nice, that’s all I can say,” she mentioned.
For 3 nights, the board heard from folks on either side of the problem on the courthouse in Spirit Lake. The listening to was initially alleged to happen on one night time, however the interval was prolonged since so many individuals have been anticipated to remark.
Van Kleet helped begin the group Dickinson County Involved Residents to protest the challenge six months in the past. Dozens confirmed up in full drive to say why they didn’t need generators close to their properties. They talked about potential impacts on well being, wildlife, property values, and tourism.
Van Kleet now says the main focus will likely be on repairing relationships since many property homeowners signed up for the challenge.
“And I pray that our neighborhood will heal,” she mentioned. “I pray that our group would heal, that folks would forgive and do not forget that we’re nonetheless neighbors and we’re nonetheless folks.”
Many opponents mentioned the setback rule of 1,200 ft from a residence was outdated since generators are taller at present. Those pitched for the challenge have been nearly 600 ft excessive. Earlier than the vote, Invenergy provided to honor a setback distance of 1,600 ft.
Supporters of a wind vitality farm within the Iowa Nice Lakes space say they have been shocked when county officers denied the allow.
Austin Fairchild, a metropolis council member in Terril, believes the challenge would have benefited the group.
“Our poverty charge is over 20%,” he mentioned. “This challenge would have include financial improvement, cash, and extra jobs to the world that may have been wanted. I believe we missed a chance right here. I hope we attraction and win.”
Invenergy didn’t remark after the choice, however Senior Analyst Joe Crowley launched an announcement the subsequent day that acknowledged, “This latest determination doesn’t mirror the overwhelming assist for the community-founded Purple Rock Wind Power Middle, together with greater than 240 landowners who’re partnering with us to convey substantial financial funding and family-sustaining jobs to northwest Iowa.”
A lawyer for the corporate beforehand mentioned thousands and thousands of {dollars} have been spent creating the challenge. County officers say the corporate has 30 days to attraction the choice in court docket.
Two different wind vitality tasks have been talked about for the Iowa Nice Lakes area, and Van Kleet says she’s going to proceed to battle in opposition to generators within the Iowa Nice Lakes space.
