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Turbines’ fate rests with state board

It could be months before a ruling, which could include rejecting only part of the plan.

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 1:32 AM Sunday, December 6, 2009

URBANA — A proposed plan to install about 70 wind turbines throughout Champaign County has drawn serious debate. However, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) will have plenty of options when making its final decision.

For more than two weeks, experts provided by attorneys on several sides of the issue gave their views on everything from the impact of noise created by the turbines to potential economic impacts. Now that testimony has ended, attorneys will file additional arguments, and administrative law judges who heard the case will present their report to the OPSB for a final recommendation.

Matt Butler, a spokesman for Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, said the board will have plenty of options when making its final decision. Along with testimony provided, the board also will consider a staff report filed earlier this year, as well as public comments that were collected at a hearing at Triad High School.

“The board has flexibility in its decision,” Butler said.

The board could approve or reject the project as a whole. But it can also approve some proposed turbines while preventing others from being built. It can also place conditions on individual turbines proposed in the project.

It could be several weeks or even months before the board comes to a decision.

Chris Walker, an attorney representing Union Neighbors United, which is made up of residents opposed to the project, said the group wants the OPSB to ensure there are safe setbacks between the proposed turbines and nonparticipating residences. The group believes setbacks should be set from property lines, not homes.

“I trust that the board will strike a balance that protects the interests of the local community,” Walker said.

He said Everpower, the New York-based company that applied for the project, has generally not been receptive to concerns of local property owners.

Michael Speerschneider, director of development for Everpower, said that has not been the case.

He noted the company participated in a six-month Champaign County Wind Turbine study group, and set out the project specifically to reduce potential impacts to neighboring properties.

Speerschneider also argued many of the proposed turbines are more than double the minimum distance required by the state. He said the project would provide benefits for the local economy as well.

“All of these considerations make a strong statement about Everpower’s commitment to responsible development, with Champaign County’s benefits at the top of the list,” Speerschneider said.

Contact this report

at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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