Conservation director to discuss wind turbine placement guidelines with energy companies

Director Emily Herring, received unanimous approval from the MCCB board of directors Monday afternoon to meet with three energy companies to discuss potential policies and guidelines for installation ...

Marshall County Conservation Board (MCCB) Director Emily Herring, received unanimous approval from the MCCB board of directors Monday afternoon to meet with three energy companies to discuss potential policies and guidelines for installation of wind turbines in the vicinity of county parks and recreation areas.

The three companies who will meet with Herring separately this month are Invenergy LLC of Chicago, Ill., Next Generation Energy of Lafayette, Colo.

and Scout Energy Management LLC of Dallas, Texas.

Representatives of the three contacted Herring to schedule a meeting.

Herring told the directors she will also meet with County Attorney Jordan Gaffney and County Zoning Administrator Tyler Kelley this week to "understand the legalities of the companies' request." "I think we should meet with them [the companies] and see what they are thinking and have conversations," Herring said.

"The companies are looking at installations in four to five years." Discussion topics will include "setbacks"-- the minimum distance companies must maintain between county parks and wind turbines or other renewable energy facilities, such as battery storage sites and solar panels.

Other discussion topics will include proposed locations and the impact on wildlife and county recreational property.

Herring said Scout had submitted information outlining the specific area they are considering installing renewable energy equipment.

Herring said Scout is interested in knowing the impact of their proposed project near the Iowa River bottom at 190th St.

The company also listed the French Grove area.

The board discussed the item at length but took no action on establishing policy regarding setbacks or other items with the companies.

There was strong consensus among all the directors that Herring should meet with the companies to best understand their positions and report back to the board of directors.

"As we [the MCCB board] have said before, we are not against industry, but as we move forward, we must protect the taxpayers and analyze cost benefits," director Tom Deimerly said.

Rich Naughton is the chairman of the MCCB.

The other directors are Steve Armstrong, Tina Nelson and Pam Peone.

The companies became interested when they learned Marshall County is in the process of drafting a new planning and zoning department policy on renewable energy projects.

Additionally, renewable energy project developments are experiencing a boon in certain areas of the United States.