RWE says Smith County wind plan has grown to 66 turbines; county presses for road use agreement and mitigation

Representatives from RWE presented to the Smith County commissioners on Nov. 25 and said the proposed wind project has expanded beyond an initial 280-watt concept to a 300-watt plan that would include 66 turbines and additional leased land. RWE introduced team members and said they are conducting avian and nesting studies and assessing mitigation for blinking lights.

Commissioner Jim Gwennap and other board members pressed the developers on several local issues: whether smaller landowners are being excluded from participation, how haul routes and hours of heavy use will be set, what penalties will apply for failures to comply, and how construction waste will be handled at the county landfill. Gwennap also emphasized the need for measures to support EMS and fire departments given the increase in on-site workers. RWE's representative Nillen said many of the county's concerns can be addressed in a road use agreement and that the developer would provide more detailed maps and a footprint as the project advances.

Public attendees asked about project financing and political influence; Nillen responded the project "has been financed fully by RWE" and said the developer is not taking a political position. Commissioners said they are supportive of the project "to a point" and welcomed continued public comment and formal agreements to protect county infrastructure.