(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Board of Adjustment has approved a conditional use permit for the Red Rock Wind energy project. The permit was approved 5-0. It’s for the construction of 67 wind turbines in eastern Dickinson county.
The action followed a public hearing Wednesday evening followed two previous nights of public hearings. Public comment presented Wednesday night lasted a little more than four hours. Those opposed expressed concern over aesthetics, noise, flicker, and property values, in addition to other possible issues.
Proponents said individual property owners also have rights. They say the project will give farmers a source of additional revenue and that it would boost the area’s economy, while also providing additional tax revenue for the Okoboji and Graettinger-Terril Community School Districts.
Some conditions were attached to the permit by the Board of Adjustment. They stipulate that a radar-based system that automatically turns on warning lights on the towers whenever a plane is in the vicinity actually be installed once the Federal Aviation Administration grants approval for the system. Another requires Red Rock to provide a bond or financial security prior to any construction actually starting; and that a different site be found for a staging area subject to review by the County Engineer and with the landowner’s permission.
