Residents fight wind farm in DeKalb, Clinton counties

 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - Residents of DeKalb and Clinton counties who don't want a modern wind farm in their backyards say they don't plan to change their minds.

Opponents of the Osborn Wind Energy Center have created a group called Concerned Citizens For The Future of Clinton and DeKalb counties in an effort to derail the project, despite early moves toward construction, the St. Joseph News-Press (http://bit.ly/1YlXYqz ) reported.

"We've been organized about six months," said Glenn Dyer, a Stewartsville resident. "We're pretty spirited. We're trying to save the communities. It's a lot of resistance."

A lawsuit filed in DeKalb County Circuit Court in late April seeks to halt the farm by questioning Florida-based NextEra Energy's method of applying for permits for its 97-turbine wind farm, which is estimated to power 60,000 homes.

Maysville resident Kyle Carroll, an opponent who isn't part of the group, says those against the plan have a list of concerns, including the landscape's changing aesthetics, damage to roads from heavy trucks and health issues.

"It changes the landscape permanently," Carroll said. "I'd really hate to see it happen. ... The thing's a long way from being decided."

He added that opponents also worry about how the turbines might affect livestock as well as how the land will be handled if it's bought by out-of-state interests.

NextEra Energy spokesman Steve Stengel said the company is taking the initial steps to prepare the facility and is willing to discuss opponents' objections. But he said the court action is without merit.

"Our view is pretty straightforward," he said. "We followed all the rules. We will continue to follow all of the rules. We believe this is a frivolous lawsuit."

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Information from: St. Joseph News-Press/St. Joe, Missouri, http://www.newspressnow.com