ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – The Emmet County Board of Supervisors has officially approved stricter amendments to its wind energy ordinance.

The Board made the decision during its regular meeting Tuesday, March 3. The move ends months of discussion as moratoriums approach their deadline.

Supervisor Jeff Quastad says although the changes are more restrictive than he would have preferred, it was time to take action and move forward.

 

 

The changes approved by the board include a lower noise limit—reduced to 46 decibels from the initial 50—as well as a cap of just 10 hours of allowed shadow flicker per year. The amendments also require that turbine towers be decommissioned by crane to prevent soil contamination.

Board members expressed concerns over possible state legislation that could eventually override county restrictions. County Attorney Melanie Summers-Bauler addressed their concerns.

 

 

Supervisor Todd Glasnapp agreed with approving the compromise and moving forward.

 

 

The final motion to adopt the amendments was made by Jeff Quastad and seconded by John Pluth. The measure passed in a 4–0 vote, with all supervisors present voting in favor.