November 27, 2015
Letters, North Dakota

New wind ordinances needed and promised

Letter: New wind ordinances needed and promised | The Dickinson Press | Nov 27, 2015 | www.thedickinsonpress.com

I am one of several people who have come forward to address the Stark County Planning and Zoning Board about wind energy. This is what I read:

“I am here to request that the Planning and Zoning Board do a comprehensive study along with changes to the wind ordinances. I was born and raised in Dickinson, only leaving for a college education. I returned to Stark County because the outdoors and quality of life here are unmatched. This is the area I chose to operate my business and raise my family.

“Our dream of building our home on family land was recently placed on hold after hearing the close proximity of the wind turbines. The current setbacks from property lines are insufficient and just one of the many concerns for landowners.

“Also, after reviewing the ordinances, it is apparent that noise is not properly addressed. The current ordinances do not restrict noise below what is needed to sleep.

“Is the county allowing placement of wind turbines anywhere or will they be restricted to certain areas? That is something I would appreciate the Board to address. This has turned into a game of Russian roulette for citizens who have goals to find parcels of land in Stark County. This is not fun for anyone. I hope you can understand the importance of a comprehensive plan with updated and improved ordinances for people like us.

“I would appreciate you using your position to protect the health, welfare and quality of life for all residents of Stark County.”

After presentations at this particular meeting, the board agreed the ordinances needed changes. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to put a committee together with representatives from both sides of the discussion.

Russ Hoff appointed the representatives. One member he appointed is not only a resident of Florida, but a sales person for NextEra Energy Resources. Her only job here was to site a wind farm in Stark County.

Now, her second job is to help create policy for Stark County wind farms. How can someone in her position review Stark County’s wind ordinances, and make decisions to protect the residents? It’s no stretch to see the obvious conflict of interest here. It’s a shame that the citizens of Stark County have to rely on the very industry the County is trying to regulate, to create the regulations for us.