(Spirit Lake)– They were burning the midnight oil last (Tues.) night at the Dickinson County Courthouse…literally. The second part of a public hearing into plans by Invenergy to erect 67 turbines in eastern Dickinson county as part of its Red Rock Energy project didn’t adjourn until 12:30 this (Wed.) morning.
The first 45 minutes or so of the proceedings had to be paused multiple times due to issues with a sound system that prevented overflow crowds that filled two court rooms on the second floor, and those who spilled out into hallways, from being able to hear. Even those in the Community Room itself, where the hearing was originating, reported not being able to hear. The issue was eventually fixed and the hearing proceeded. The entire session again consisted of letters and email correspondence being read, expressing feelings on both sides of the issue. Among the letters was one from Northern Natural Gas. The company isn’t taking a stance but it has gas mains within the footprint of the proposed wind farm. They said they want to make sure their infrastructure is protected.
The third part of the hearing gets underway at 6:00 this (Wed.) evening. The Board of Adjustment will hear verbal comments from the hundreds of people that have been attending. County Attorney Steve Goodlow cautioned everyone as the second hearing was adjourning early this (Wed.) that the third session could go all night tonight (Wed.) and into Thursday. He says the hearing was scheduled for three days and will not be continued or extended.
