Wind Towers: Past Projects Criticized, Future Project On Hold

Wind turbines - both past and future projects - were a hot topic today in Antelope County during two separate meetings. Issues were discussed with the towers that are currently in the county, along with Invenergy’s proposed project north of Neligh.

About 20 residents were in attendance at Tuesday morning’s county supervisors meeting with many questions and concerns for the board.

The issue of noise remains a pressing concern to residents. Two formal complaints have been filed in regard to towers in the Prairie Breeze projects in Southern Antelope County.

County supervisors said it was the responsibility of the county to field these complaints, and the board must decide whether they want to hire an independent company to do the noise study or purchase the equipment to do it themselves. 

The item was tabled until next week’s meeting when more information can be gathered about the cost and legalities of doing a study. Issues involving the study include how many turbines to test, and the timeframe in which to do so.

Invenergy's conditional use permit application for the new Upstream project was discussed at a Planning Commission Meeting in the afternoon. Dozens of residents flocked to that meeting as well with testimonies both for and against the permit. Seven letters were read into public record in favor of Invenergy's project as well.

After over two hours of discussion, the item was finally tabled and the next public hearing was scheduled for February 24 at 11 a.m. The public portion of the meeting will be closed and will be only deliberation of the board.