Developer briefs supervisors on possible 30–40 turbine project in northwest county; timeline, size and safety questions raised

County supervisors heard from or discussed information provided by representatives of Big River Wind about a potential wind-energy installation in the county’s northwest corner.

A supervisor said the developer reported having about 13,000 acres under lease in the Pleasant Grove area and continuing to secure additional leases. The developer described a tentative regulatory timeline: regulatory filings are with a federal regulator, with initial approvals possibly in mid-2026 (a timeline the developer called optimistic), with construction potentially in 2028 and operations in 2029 if approvals proceed.

The developer provided approximate equipment and layout details: towers about 550 feet tall (tower height phrasing in the record varied), blades reaching roughly 650 feet at tip, turbine capacity of about 4–5 megawatts each, and an installation of roughly 30–40 turbines. Supervisors said those dimensions would likely require revisiting county setback standards.

Fire safety and emergency response were discussed. The developer acknowledged past mechanical or fire concerns at other installations, said newer turbines are less susceptible to fires, and noted extra fire-suppression systems are available at additional cost; the developer also said it could train local fire departments and potentially provide equipment for brush or crop fires. Supervisors said access for emergency responders to turbine sites can be limited and raised concerns about response if a turbine fire occurs.

The board said it will review its wind-energy ordinance and consider updates after visiting another community’s installation and consulting attorneys and neighboring counties; staff noted coordination with Lee County to learn from its experience on wind and solar prospects. No formal action or ordinance change was taken at the meeting.