Tuesday, starting at 3 p.m. and going until at least 7 p.m., there’s a public hearing at the Albert Lea Armory on the Freeborn Wind project. This project is the first in Minnesota to use the correct criteria for siting review. Every other wind project built in Minnesota was permitted without using the siting criteria. Maybe that is why there are so many issues with wind turbines.  Last week, Minnesota Department of Commerce issued its report showing that Bent Tree has violated its permit and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules, with turbines too noisy for too long. Also last week, Big Blue was before the PUC with noise problems of its own. What will happen? Will their permits be revoked? Will they have to move or remove the turbines? This is important because once there’s a permit, once a project is built, what can be done? Wind projects must be sited carefully, with prevention and precaution in mind. Freeborn Wind, like all wind projects, has performed noise and shadow flicker modeling, but does modeling predict post-construction noise?  That wasn’t the case for Bent Tree or Big Blue. Freeborn Wind and the Commerce Department have been notified of the many eagles and their foraging area in and near the footprint, but both reject that information. Will the concerns of the 470-plus people in the footprint who signed the petition opposing the project be heard?  Tuesday’s hearing is important. This is the final opportunity for people to weigh in on the project before the judge makes her recommendation.  Participation is not just a right, it’s an obligation. If you have information and concerns that should be part of the record, speak up! Tuesday, beginning at 3 p.m., see you there.

Carol A. Overland

attorney

Association of Freeborn County Landowners