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Wapello supervisors narrow differences on commercial wind rules, agree on output cap and noise limit
Summary
At a June 9 work session, Wapello County supervisors tentatively agreed on key elements of a renewable-energy ordinance for commercial wind: a countywide total-output cap discussion centered on 100 MW, a 47 dBA noise standard, and setbacks measured both by distance and by tower height, while several technical details remain to be finalized.
Chair Darren Batterson and Supervisor Bryan Ziegler led a June 9 work session of the Wapello County Board of Supervisors focused on reconciling differences in a draft renewable-energy ordinance, with participants agreeing on several core elements for commercial wind installations.
The session produced tentative agreement to cap countywide commercial wind output by megawatts rather than by turbine count. Batterson said the ordinance could limit total output to 100 megawatts (MW), with a path to consider an additional 100 MW subject to review by the Board of Supervisors and the zoning administrator. Ziegler discussed alternatives tied to turbine counts during the first five years (he referenced 85 turbines initially and a possible 70–75 range), but both supervisors agreed a cap by total output was preferable.
Participants also reached technical alignments: both supported a 47 dBA noise limit for commercial wind projects and removal of a separate shadow-flicker study requirement on the grounds that the Interim Use Permit process would cover mitigation planning. They agreed that personal (small) wind installations should use a 1.5 setback multiplier and the same 47 dBA noise standard.
Setbacks and clearance remained a point of negotiation. The board discussed measuring setbacks as a multiple of a turbine’s height (1.1× height for roadways was discussed and accepted in principle) versus fixed-foot setbacks; one proposal called for 1,250 feet (reduced from 1,760) in some participant contexts, and one participant suggested 1,500 feet from roadways. On blade clearance, Batterson preferred a 75-foot minimum blade height above ground while Ziegler preferred 50 feet but said he would consider 75 feet; the supervisors left the final numeric standard for staff follow-up.
Other agreed items included allowing commercial wind in A-1 (Agricultural) and I-2 (Heavy Industrial) zoning categories and treating waters, floodplain and public-hunting areas as special considerations for setbacks. The board asked zoning staff to study occupied versus non-participant dwellings as part of setback calculations.
The work session did not enact ordinance changes at this meeting; the board directed staff and stakeholders to refine language on setbacks, signage, and measurement methodology for noise and to return with options. The board adjourned at 12:32 p.m. following a motion by Supervisor Bryan Ziegler and a second by Chair Darren Batterson.
