May 23rd, 2024
OLIVER COUNTY SPECIAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS were called to order at 1:30 PM with all members present.
Discussion was held on issues that the county has been having with the NextEra/Oliver IV wind project.
Several complaints have come to Commissioners Darrell Berger and Blake Wilkens regarding lack of dust suppression and the use of water from a local creek.
Discussion was also held on issues of speed limits. Sheriff Dave Hilliard stated, especially on the highway, the gravel trucks are going too fast and most are not tarping their loads, which has resulted in many calls about chipped windshields and safety.
State’s Attorney Patrick Waters will write up a warning letter to NextEra and Subcontractors in regards to the previously mentioned issues with a deadline, also stating that if the issues are not resolved, a fine of $2500 will be assessed. Payment of that fine must also be received within 3 days of it being assessed. If fines are not paid, or warning is ignored, additional fines will be assessed, or the county will possibly shut down the project until there are remedies.
Multiple complaints have been brought to the Commissioners about section lines, water usage, dust and speed. It was also noted that the water being pulled from Otter Creek could cause issues with landowners downstream. The companies have a temporary permit from the state, so the county, at this point, is unable to do anything.
It was noted that any water trucks must be below the 30,000-ton weight limit of the bridges.
The meeting adjourned at 4:05 PM.
The next meeting of the Oliver County Commission will be at 8:00 AM, Thursday, June 6th, 2024 at the Oliver County Courthouse meeting room.
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Jaden Schmidt, Oliver County Auditor Lee Husfloen, Chairman of the Board