State Legislators, Former Supervisor Weigh In As Floyd Co. Supervisors Near Third Reading of Wind Turbine Ordinance

State legislators and a former supervisor are weighing in as the Floyd County Board of Supervisors gets ready to resume the third reading of the County’s ordinance regulating the construction of wind energy systems.

During the public comment segment of last Tuesday’s (11.18) board meeting, former supervisor Jim Jorgensen asked the current supervisors to reconsider disclosure of any financial interests related to wind farms.

Supervisors first discussed the issue during their November 12th meeting at the urging of Board Chair Boyd Campbell.

Campbell also noted that Supervisors in Black Hawk, Johnson, Linn and Dickinson counties have approved financial disclosure resolutions.

Supervisors Frank Rottinghaus and Gloria Carr resisted, citing the opinion of Floyd County Attorney Todd Prichard.

The item was not on the agenda for the Nov. 18 meeting, so Supervisors could not take up the issue for any action.

Meanwhile, State Representative Charley Thomson and State Senator Sandy Salmon are urging Supervisors to take no action on  the third reading of the wind turbine, currently scheduled for 6 pm, December 2nd at the Schwartzrock Community Center on the Floyd County Fairgrounds.

In the letter, co-signed by Thomson and Salmon, they request Supervisors halt the ordinance process until they can address key issues: 

*completion of an independent karst-risk and vibration impact study

*verification of adequate insurance coverage for all stakeholders

*completion of ecological and habitat assessments

*adoption of statewide Integrated Resource Planning guidelines by the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC)

Among the concerns expressed by Thomson and Salmon include the karst geological makeup of the County, which could be subject to ground collapse caused by the weight and/or vibration of the wind turbines. They argue that, in turn, could lead to contamination of underground water resources, putting the County at serious financial risk or ruin.

Thus, they say the County should push the wind companies to substantially increase their insurance liability coverage for such possible scenarios. They’re also concerned about environmental impacts on endangered species in the area as well as on underground cave and spring habitats.

Thomson and Salmon note their intent is not to intrude on local “prerogatives,” but offer “these observations in the spirit of cooperation and shared stewardship.”

They add, “Our mutual goal is to safeguard Floyd County’s natural resources, protect its taxpayers from avoidable liability, and ensure that future energy developments proceed under a framework that is scientifically sound economically rational.”

Both legislators have used similar arguments against the Summit carbon pipeline, which could cross various counties they represent, including Floyd, Chickasaw, Butler, and Bremer.

A copy of the letter is included below, with discussion of the letter on the agenda for the Supervisors next meeting this Tuesday (11.25).