Residents urge caution on wind and solar projects, ask about battery storage moratorium and substation activity

During the public-comment portion of the Aug. 18 meeting, several residents raised questions and objections about wind and solar projects and related county processes. Deb Grider asked for an update on a battery storage moratorium and whether RWE had begun construction; according to the record, RWE has begun construction on a substation and received a permit. Grider also asked about appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals and urged commissioners not to negotiate with EDP, saying, "Commissioners should keep their word."

Other residents, including Renda Heyerly, expressed concern about conversion of farm ground to energy projects and potential contamination from heavy metals and concrete left in the ground. Michael McClain said Prairie Creek II is scheduled for the BZA meeting tomorrow and asked whether it would be considered an extension under the old ordinance; the board indicated it would fall under the old ordinance. McClain also flagged a new ordinance requiring a 1,250-foot setback from property lines and raised a safety concern about ice being thrown from turbine blades.

Commissioners did not take formal action in response to the public comments at this meeting; items related to wind and reimbursement agreements were discussed elsewhere on the agenda or deferred for future consideration.