NextEra Energy’s proposed wind farm near Hutchinson, Kansas has county officials working on new wind farm restrictions and regulations, including required setbacks from residential areas.
In a recent meeting, the Reno County Planning Commission listened to 50 speakers during a four and one-half session before concluding to take no additional public comment. Some members of the public left the meeting angry over what transpired. One man challenged the legality of the hearing since what was being considered was not what had been published on the county website, reported the Hutchinson News.
Most of the 50 speakers asked for more stringent regulations on wind farm developments including a minimum setback of 2,500 feet. NextEra had agreed to a 2,500 foot requirement in neighboring Pratt County but not in Reno County.
One speaker even used a child’s plastic basketball to describe 5 and 10 pound blocks of ice that could be thrown from the tip of a blade and have enough force to penetrate a FEMA-approved storm shelter. Others questioned the noise levels of the whirling blades.
At least four people concerned about airports, particularly the Sunflower Glider Port at the Hutchinson Industrial Air Base, contended the proposed private airport setbacks were insufficient and were dangerous, particularly for young or inexperienced pilots they train at the facility.