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Residents press supervisors for stricter wind‑turbine setbacks; public commenters propose both larger and smaller formulas
Summary
Two public commenters urged the Board of Supervisors to change turbine setback rules. Jeff Fisher of Pleasant Grove Township asked for a 5,280‑foot setback for nonparticipating landowners and cemeteries; Charles Tompkinson urged evaluation of different proportional formulas and raised safety concerns about debris.
Public comment at the Des Moines County supervisors meeting featured calls from residents to revisit local wind‑turbine setback rules.
Jeff Fisher of Pleasant Grove Township told the board current setback standards — 1,800 feet from a dwelling or "turbine height plus 10% from boundary line" — do not adequately protect nonparticipating landowners or cemeteries. "To ensure safety and fairness, I strongly propose a minimum setback of 5,280 feet from all property boundary lines for nonparticipating landowners," he said, arguing the larger distance would better protect homes, agricultural operations and future development. Fisher also urged that setback measurements be precise and transparent, using aerial photography rather than vague tolerances.
Another commenter, Charles Tompkinson (who identified himself with Dallas Garment), disputed very large setbacks and argued for proportional rules based on turbine height. Tompkinson referenced data tied to 400‑foot turbines and contended that setbacks should scale with turbine height; he also warned about debris risks in severe weather and urged the board to consider different data and formula approaches.
The supervisors heard the comments during the public‑input period; no ordinance or motion to change county regulation was taken at the meeting. The speakers asked the board to consider the matters in future rulemaking or ordinance review sessions.
