March 31, 2017
South Dakota

First reading of Walworth County wind turbine ordinance attracts more than 100 people

By Shannon Marvel | Farm Forum | March 30, 2017 | www.farmforum.net

More than 100 people attended a public hearing Wednesday at the Walworth County Courthouse in Selby for first reading of revamped planning and zoning ordinances, including a setback ordinance for wind turbines.

One ordinance change would require 2-mile setbacks for wind turbines, which officials say would prevent Tradewind Energy from building a 200-megawatt wind farm in northeast Walworth County.

Walworth County State’s Attorney James Hare said Wednesday’s was the first of two public hearings.

“It went very well. Everyone was very professional and respectful and people had their opportunity to address the commission,” Hare said. “We limited them to three minutes, then the wind energy company had 15 minutes at the end to address the commission.”

County commissioners approved first reading of the ordinance changes.

Hare said there is the potential to make changes to the ordinances during the next Walworth County Commission meeting Tuesday.

If no changes are made, a final public hearing for second reading and possible final approval of the ordinances will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 19 at the Walworth County Courthouse, 4304 Fourth Ave.

[NWW update:  The ordinance (with the 2-mile setback defined to be from the property line) was adopted on May 10, 2017.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/03/31/first-reading-of-walworth-county-wind-turbine-ordinance-attracts-more-than-100-people/