November 19, 2016
Michigan

Turbine project on Tuesday agenda

Brenda Battel, Tribune Staff Writer | Huron Daily Tribune | Saturday, November 19, 2016 | www.michigansthumb.com

BAD AXE – Approval of a wind overlay district for Sigel and Sherman townships is on the agenda for Tuesday’s Huron County Board of Commissioners meeting.

The Huron Wind Energy project also includes proposed turbines in Sand Beach Township and Delaware Township, Sanilac County.

Huron Wind owner NextEra is currently reexamining the project since Sand Beach Township recently adopted amendments to its wind ordinance placing sound restrictions on wind turbines, which NextEra officials have called “discriminatory” and “exclusionary.”

The original proposal calls for 65 turbines to be built in the four townships.

The district under consideration Tuesday includes the southeast corner of Sigel Township, and the western half of Sherman Township.

Many recent wind issues that the board has addressed have ended in a 4-3 vote.

They include an October approval of a wind overlay district in Lincoln, Dwight, Sigel and Bloomfield townships.

The board also recently consented on a 4-3 decision to send a wind development moratorium for consideration to the Huron County Planning Commission.

County residents seem equally divided on the issue.

Many crowd into board, planning commission and township meetings to have their say in the controversy.

A petition has circulated in Sand Beach Township to protest the township board’s decision on sound restrictions.

A successful petition has been submitted protesting Lincoln Township’s decision to form its own planning commission, and to place a moratorium on wind development.

A referendum is scheduled to take place this spring to decide the issue.

If the board approves the Sigel-Sherman overlay district, it would then be eligible for referendum if enough valid signatures are submitted.

The board meets at 9 a.m. in Room 305 of the County Building.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/11/19/turbine-project-on-tuesday-agenda/