Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildfire Mitigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge input on Black Hills Energy wildfire plans; council asks minerals board to hold hearing locally
Summary
Public commenters asked the council to collect and forward suggestions to Black Hills Energy and the SD Public Utilities Commission about wildfire mitigation alternatives to power shutoffs; the council also approved a letter asking the South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment to hold a venue change so the public can hear and participate in proceedings on proposed uranium exploration.
During public comment residents raised two interrelated concerns: utility wildfire mitigation strategies and proposed uranium exploration in Fall River County.
Kim Whittenberg urged the city to collect recommendations for Black Hills Energy’s next wildfire mitigation plan following recent public safety power shutoffs that affected about 560 customers. She listed alternatives used in other states — undergrounding or hardening lines in high‑risk corridors, pole treatments, faster fault detection, localized weather monitoring and spark prevention units — and asked the council to consider compiling public suggestions for the utility and the state review process. Councilors suggested coordination with Fall River County emergency management as a practical forum to consolidate technical input.
Separately, several residents urged the council to press the South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment to hold a public hearing locally on a proposed uranium exploration project. Frank Burkel and others asked the council to insist the board bring proceedings to Hot Springs so local residents can attend and comment. Council members clarified the letter they approved requests only a change of venue for the board’s hearing and does not take a policy position for or against mining.
Council staff said the letter asking for a venue change was approved and would be delivered to the board; staff also offered to connect citizens with the county emergency management office to provide more detailed technical input on utility mitigation measures.
