Vote: Let 'er blow
Published on -7/28/2008, 4:03 PM
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By KALEY LYON
For the second time in less than a year, the Ellis County Commission was split in its decision to grant a conditional-use permit for a wind farm southwest of Hays.
This time, however, the 2-1 vote in favor of granting the permit was sufficient.
Approval of Iberdrola's much-contested 200-megawatt wind farm project, to stretch across approximately 13,000 acres of land, was granted this morning.
"The zoning board did vote 5-2 for approval," Commissioner Vernon Berens said. "All I can say is, I think it's an excellent benefit economically and otherwise for the county."
Chairman Dennis Pfannenstiel also voted in favor of granting the permit, while Commissioner Perry Henman again was the lone dissenter.
The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission recommended approval of the permit application in a 5-2 vote June 25.
When the project came before the commission in September, Henman expressed concern about the current county zoning regulations, which contain less than two pages of regulations for industrial wind developments.
These concerns were addressed in a written statement Henman presented to the board and the audience before the vote was taken.
"Also, one of the main reasons was the regulations and rules in our own zoning codes pertaining to industrial wind farms were grossly lacking, even compared with other Kansas counties with wind farms," Henman said. "I was hoping that the year-long moratorium would persuade the zoning board to study, debate, compromise on a new set of standards and regulations for Ellis County."
The application was denied last fall in a 2-1 vote.
A unanimous decision was needed then because project opponents filed a successful protest petition.
Zoning regulations call for a year-long moratorium after such a permit is denied, but commissioners waived the moratorium in a 2-1 vote early last month.
Henman also spoke in favor of incorporating further regulations and conditions into the motion of approval, similar to September's motion, which included setback distances, and called for road maintenance and decommissioning agreements.
"The resolution that's been proposed for us is basically a blank check," Henman said.
Henman also said that, after attending zoning meetings, he believes the zoning commission is hesitant to set regulations, as the county commission has the final authority.
"I think it's our duty then, if they won't do it, that we need to put conditions on a project of this scope so that people do have some protections or at least some minor protections," he said. "Or at least even do what the applicants have offered."
"We could be here all day," Berens said.
"I'm ready to do that," Henman responded. "I've got like four points."
Pfannenstiel said that, since the joint planning commission began the process of revising wind energy regulations earlier this year, the board has accepted recommendations from the public and will present their final recommendation to the commission for approval.
"I think they've done their job," Pfannenstiel said. "Anyway, we're here to act on the conditional-use permit, and I would entertain a motion either for or against."
We have attempted to look into each and every claim of effects on health, property value, etc. A series of those headlines and stories can be found at http://www.hdnews.net/SpecialSections/WindFarm/
(Posted by: hdn)
Prior Windfarm Comment: 8/5/2008
In the 7/29 comment a gentlemen told the horrors of living less than a mile from a windfarm based on personal experience. One would think any responsible Newspaper would have a reporter contact this man and research this issue. Pro windfarm or not, this is a serious health issue and deserves investigating.
(Posted by: JD)
: 8/3/2008
I would have to agree with the health side effects. If it is nowhere near residential areas, go right ahead. But it is wise to consider not only the health effects but the ecological effects as well.
(Posted by: Suzy)
thank god!!!: 8/1/2008
there is no connection between this most recent vote (push by both court and committee) and the fact that they dont know whether the tax credits are going to be extended. truth is that by the time you addd up all the taxpayer money, the bill money they collect too, and a variety of other subsidies "big business is doing fine"
(Posted by: robert bentham)
Bribery does work: 8/1/2008
The last time I checked when you pay a public official to take action this is a criminal act. How is this any different? I guess if you have enough money you can get Ellis County to do anything. Maybe they need this additional $600,000 to fund the Hadley project. Another bad decision by these individuals. Good thing an election is coming up to fix these issues
(Posted by: Citizen X)
: 8/1/2008
People that would like to have industrial wind developments surround their communities obviously have never actually seen one. Too bad you didn't have two commissioners that care about Ellis County. In a few years that $600,000 won't amount to much. Good luck in attracting real tax paying businesses.
(Posted by: Sad for Sweetwater)
Wind Farm: 7/29/2008
The three prior comments are positive. Do any of you live within an industrial wind farm? I live inside an Invernergy Company wind farm. I can hear 5 of turbines from my house, 3 of them inside my house. I do not know your ordinace, however they need to be 1 mile from a house or you will regret approving this project. I have one turbine 3/4 of a mile from my home and I hear it inside my house. Today is a bad day as I hear three of these 400 foot monsters. We suffer from nausia, headaches, buzzing and ringing in the ears, my 13 year old telling us and teachers, "My head feels like it is spinning 100 miles an hour", tenseness, anxiety and anger to name a few. Land owners read every word of the contract before you sign the contract for the little money you are offered to host a turbine. Have an attorney go over it with you. If you do not have a 1 miles set back from homes, and 1/2 mile from property lines and a significate sound restriction you will regret this approval.
(Posted by: Lenny)
wind farm: 7/29/2008
I was beginning to think Hays was the San Fran of the midwest.
(Posted by: )
wind farm: 7/29/2008
I guess Mr. Henman dosn't want $600.000 plus dollars pumped into the county each year. No wait...isn't he a county commissioner. Huh?
(Posted by: SETH NULTON)
Finally: 7/29/2008
I agree it's about time they did this....
(Posted by: )
Finally: 7/28/2008
Progress is going on in this county.
(Posted by: )
wind farm: 7/28/2008
it's about time!
(Posted by: marv)
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