Minn. Regulators Approve Wis. Utility's Wind Farm

ELIZABETH DUNBAR

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota regulators on Thursday approved a 200-megawatt wind farm in a southern part of the state that would be paid for by Wisconsin utility ratepayers.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission said Wisconsin Power & Light Co.'s project can be built just north of Albert Lea in Freeborn County. The utility received a permit for a 200-megawatt wind farm, the first phase of what officials hope will eventually become a 400-megawatt project. The first phase would generate enough energy to power 50,000 homes.

A group of local residents had asked the commission to delay any decision until proceedings on a Minnesota Department of Health report were complete. The report, called a white paper, was a review of research into how wind turbines could affect the health of people living near them. Public comments are being accepted on the report through Oct. 14.

"Because of this Department of Health study, it would be premature to issue any kind of permit," Carol Overland, an attorney for Safe Wind in Freeborn County, told commissioners.

Overland also asked for a minimum 1500-foot distance between wind turbines and homes. Minnesota's current setback requirement for wind turbines is 500 feet plus whatever distance is needed to meet the state's noise standards. Wisconsin Power & Light, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp., has agreed on a 1,000-foot minimum setback for landowners participating in and receiving money from the project. For those not participating, the setback would likely be a few hundred feet more.