Plans for Wind Turbines in Black Hawk County Rejected

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Black Hawk County will retain its status of having no industrial wind turbines after county officials rejected a plan to erect three of the structures.

The Board of Adjustment declined a request Tuesday for a special permit and setback variance for Optimum Renewables to install the tall structures in the county.

Opponents of the project said it could possibly harm residents' health, reduce property values and potentially endanger eagles and other wildlife.

Attorney Adam Van Dike for Optimum Renewables says there isn't any evidence to support any negative health issues for humans or livestock. He says the threat to eagles and birds was overstated.

Van Dike said the project would have generated $2.3 million in property taxes over 30 years.

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