Spirit Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — After previously voting down a proposal for 79 wind turbines in Dickinson County, the Board of Adjustment opened three nights of public input on a revised plan from Invenergy Monday evening.

Lead Developer Joel Crowley said the new proposal for 63 electricity-generating units addresses scores of concerns raised during the previous debate.

Formerly the county ordinance required turbines to be 12 hundred feet away from structures. Under the recommendation of Invenergy it is now 16 hundred feet. Crowley says that would be the case in every lease except two where the landowners have signed off on a shorter distance.

Turbines considered too close to the lakes under the prior plan have been scrapped, with the closest unit now 2.8 miles from Lower Gar, and 4.85 miles from East Okoboji.

Several residents of Dickinson County complained about the blinking red lights required as warnings for pilots last time around. Crowley says the lights would now only be activated when aircraft are approaching.

Crowley wrapped up his 40 minute presentation by saying it meets or exceeds the terms of zoning laws pertaining to wind farms in Dickinson County, including the fact that every unit would be 591 feet tall, 9 feet under the limit.

Zoning Administrator Merdan Kardell says she has reviewed the request and recommends approval. More public input will be taken at meetings tonight and tomorrow night at 6 in the Dickinson County Supervisor’s meeting room.