(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Board of Adjustment has denied a conditional use permit that would have allowed Invenergy, developer of the Red Rock Enery Project, to construct 89 wind turbines in eastern and central Dickinson county. Three board members voted to deny the permit; one voted in favor of granting it, while another board member recused herself of any of the proceedings due to a conflict of interest.
The action followed a public hearing over the course of three evenings. Opponents cited concern over noise, flicker, property values, aesthetics, potential health affects, and other concerns. Proponents of the project argued that landowners who have expressed interest in having the turbines have property rights as well. They contended the project would have a positive economic and property tax impacts, while expanding renewable energy.
