SPECIAL FOCUS
Plans Keep ON for Wind Turbines Despite opposition from some local residents and a proposed zoning regulation that may potentially halt the project, the business behind a proposed wind farm in Adams Township says it would continue to pursue it.
T
he proposal plans for the construction of twelve 575-foot turbines on land near Adams Township's Whealkate Bluff. Circle Power moved four of the turbines planned for Stanton Township into Adams after Stanton Township issued a nine-month embargo on licenses for commercial solar and wind projects.
Circle Power will be able to install turbines further away from homes to the north with the purchase of extra land, Circle Power partner Chris Moore said in an interview.
"We don't believe it's being installed properly... Nobody loves zoning, but zoning that isn't done right is harmful for everyone because it isn't dependable," he explained. Circle Power Renewables' Elise Matz, a member of the company's employees, said the project met the township's police powers ordinance's standards. A 3,000-foot buffer from the nearest non-participating property is required. It's also about a mile from the township's nearest residence, she said. According to Circle Power, the noise would not surpass 40 decibels at the nearest property line.
Adams Township has re-established its planning commission and is considering a zoning legislation after imposing a six-month moratorium. Moore said Circle Power's legal counsel had given the township a letter explaining what it viewed as flaws in the zoning process, but he didn't elaborate.
20 | SKILLINGS MINING REVIEW March 2022
