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Sioux County approves temporary wind-monitoring towers despite planning commission opposition
Summary
On Oct. 1, 2020 the Sioux County Board approved two Conditional Use Permits to install temporary, below-200-foot wind-monitoring towers near Highway 71 after a public hearing; the Planning Commission had not recommended approval.
The Sioux County Board of Commissioners approved two Conditional Use Permits on Oct. 1, 2020 to allow temporary wind-monitoring towers near Highway 71.
Michael Kurnik, Project Development Manager for Orion Renewable Energy Group, explained the applications were for two temporary test towers positioned around Highway 71. He said the towers would be under 200 feet tall, removable, require no new roads, take about two days to install and two days to decommission, and undergo maintenance every two years. The county planning commission had not recommended approval of the permits, Kurnik told the board.
Several residents and landowners spoke during the public hearing. Resident Rex Morse urged the project, saying wind towers provide county revenue that can reduce burdens on landholders. Lonnie Starke characterized the applications as test towers that would remain for two years and urged the county to consider new revenue streams; Rick Olson, whose property would host a tower, said he had no problem with the test tower so long as future installations are discussed beforehand. Lois Hanley noted a tax advantage to the towers and encouraged the county to pursue renewable energy opportunities.
County Attorney Edmund told the board that “all the boxes had been ticked” and said there was no legal reason to deny the permits; the minutes record that a denial would require a stated reason. The board closed the public hearing and approved Conditional Use Permit 2020-1 on a motion by Commissioner Hal Downer, seconded by Commissioner J.W. Geiser, and approved Conditional Use Permit 2020-2 on a motion by Commissioner J.W. Geiser, seconded by Commissioner Hal Downer. Roll-call votes on both motions were unanimous.
The board recorded the approvals and then adjourned. The minutes note Orion provided information about bonding and decommissioning procedures for the towers; any future permanent turbines or installations would be subject to separate permitting and review.
