A public hearing featuring a large crowd, was held Wednesday morning in Greenfield, as part of the Adair County Board of Supervisors’ meeting. The hearing was with regard to an amended Ordinance “Assessment of Wind Energy Conversion Property,” and was followed by passage of the third and final reading of the Ordinance, which affects persons who are both in favor of, and opposed to, the construction of numerous Mid-American Energy wind turbines throughout the county.

The amended ordinance sets a 2,000-foot setback for turbines from non-participating residences, and an 800-foot setback for property owners who wish to be associated with Mid-American Energy wind farm turbines.

The Arbor Hill and Orient wind energy projects tentatively calls for the construction 275 turbines, and the option to build 100 more. In all nearly 500 turbines are expected to be built, and will be spread throughout the County. Currently, more than 400 landowners have signed-up to have the turbines built on their land.

And, while the Adair County Supervisors passed the amended Ordinance, they tabled a more comprehensive plan addressing the health concerns, noise and other issues dealing with the turbines.