Wind farm tabled
The common consensus of residents when it comes to a proposed wind farm on White Mountain is, “We don’t want to see the turbines.”
The Board of County Commissioners heard from several members of the community as well as county planners and engineers from Tasco Engineering at a meeting last night to discuss a conditional use permit .
Most of the public comments were in favor of the project that would place 237 wind turbines on White Mountain.
However, most said they don’t want to look at them.
County Planning and Zoning Commission developed a list of 29 conditions they want to see met before the project can get underway.
One of the conditions was that the turbines not be visible from either Green River of Rock Springs.
However, the planning and zoning staff recommended that condition be deleted.
Some of the concerns include impact on wildlife, noise reduction and increased traffic on county and city roads — especially during erection of the turbines — and erosion control.
Gary Tassainer of Tasco said the company agrees to all of the listed conditions except the requirement that the terms of leases with private land owner be disclosed.
“I was reamed by the property owners for even mentioning it,” he said.
Richard Mathey, attorney for the P&Z Commission, said he understood the reasoning for keeping the agreements out of the public eye.
The commissioners did not make a decision on the permit. Indicating they want attorneys to look at the unsolved concerns, the board tabled the issue.
By KATHY GILBERT
Editor
1 July 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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