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Residents urge 2,000-foot setbacks and cite health and property concerns at advisory meeting
Summary
Multiple Brookings County residents asked the 765 kV Transmission Line Advisory Committee to adopt a 2,000-foot setback for lines above 345 kV, raised health concerns and warned of long-term effects on land values and farming operations.
Sue Engelman, a Brookings County resident, told the advisory committee she wanted the county to "match Deuel County’s zoning setbacks requiring that transmission lines with voltage greater than 345 kV must have a setback of 2,000 feet from any inhabited residence," and handed the board documents and online references she said supported health concerns.
Appraiser and farmer Bill Landsman said residents were worried about the "lasting impact of high voltage transmission lines" on land, rental rates and the threat of takings. Lowayne Juenke pressed the committee to review the Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance and said MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.) "must have burden of proof of safety not individuals." Patty DeZeeuw asked what benefits the project would bring to landowners and townships, and whether the project would affect crop production, water use and electricity rates.
Committee members recorded the comments for the advisory record but did not take formal action on setbacks; the committee’s next steps include further review of zoning language and consultation with the States Attorney’s office.
