(KNZA)--Brown County is looking at placing a moratorium on the development of commercial wind energy projects in the county.
Brown County Commissioner Bill Pollock proposed the moratorium at Monday's County Commission meeting until a comprehensive plan is developed to determine how to best protect the county and its residents from the negative effects of such projects.
A motion by Pollock to enact the moratorium died due to the lack of a second. However, following discussion, the Commission instead approved a motion by Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl to proceed with the moratorium process in consultation with an attorney.
The action came after county resident Cliff Heiniger presented a list of 118 Brown County residents concerned about the development of wind energy projects in the county. That's in addition to a list of 125 names submitted in April by county resident Lucas Heinen.
Heiniger discussed the proposed Pony Express Wind Farm project in northwestern Brown County and northeastern Nemaha County. The project, which is currently in the permitting stage, would consist of 320 turbines.
Heiniger said he believes the Commission should look at zoning as way to way to control the development of wind energy projects in the county.
Lehmkuhl said he heard from several residents over the weekend with the same opinion.
The Commission plans to solicit proposals from engineering firms to develop a comprehensive plan, which would lay the foundation for zoning.
County Attorney Kevin Hill said a comprehensive plan could take up to 2 years to develop.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hiawatha man charged after escape from police custody
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
USD 115 board fails to fill vacancy after 3 votes
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
Lansing man arrested in overdose death
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
LATEST STORIES
Electrical distribution project upgrades for Falls City
NPPD warns downed power lines can be deadly
MHMA Mock Trial Team wins state, heads to natls
Nebraska students taking advantage of dual credit courses
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Bird flu found in two KS dairy herds
Brown Co certifies election results