July 15, 2012
Kansas

Wind permit on Ellis County’s plate

By DAWNE LEIKER | The Hays Daily News | www.hdnews.net 15 July 2012

A conditional-use permit that could bring wind energy development to Ellis County will be considered by Ellis County commissioners at their meeting at 6:45 p.m. Monday at the Ellis County Courthouse.

The project, proposed by Fort Hays State University for two 2.1 megawatt Suzlon turbines, was conditionally recommended for approval by the county’s planning and zoning commission in June, pending completion of transportation, erosion control, decommission and safety plans. In addition, the planning and zoning commission recommended certificates of insurance be required prior to final approval of the project.

Located approximately 3.5 miles south of FHSU, the proposed turbines will be located on Brian J. Staab’s property at the southeast corner of Victoria Road and 200th Avenue. According to FHSU’s development plan, each unit will be composed of a 287-foot monopole tubular steel tower with a hub height of 295-foot and a rotor size of 312-foot. The hub height with blade extended is 451-feet.

The wind turbines, interconnected to campus with underground cable, are projected to provide 97-percent of FHSU’s electrical needs.

Other agenda items include:

* An interview with Garnos Jail Consultants.

* U.S. Highway 40 safety improvement project.

* City of Victoria roadway chip seal request.

* Health report and WIC Program agreement information from Ellis County Health Administrator Butch Schyler.

* Consideration of resolutions for burn ban, fireworks and secured loads on county roads.

In addition to Monday’s regular meeting, commissioners will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Ellis County Emergency Operations Center to discuss the 2013 budget.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/07/15/wind-permit-on-ellis-countys-plate/