The Adair County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, held a lengthy discussion with two rural county residents, with regard to their concerns over solar farms. Curt Beane informed the Board said has had issues dealing with MidAmerican Energy and their wind turbines. Now he and other rural residents have been approached about the acquisition of their properties for the installation of a solar energy project. Beane said he became aware of the project in late January, after he received a letter from a company called National Land Realty.

Beane said while out driving around on March 4th, he came upon survey stakes in the ditches and a survey crew with a pickup equipped with GPS.

Beane, a life-long Adair County resident whose family has farmed and worked the land for many generations, says he’s seen the proliferation of wind turbines over-saturate the area over the past four-years. He said when projects begin to affect to his and his neighbors enjoyment, comfort and safety, while on their own properties. Beane said that’s because the County did not have regulations in-place at the time, to help ensure the turbines would not affect property owners’ health and well being. He said they have the opportunity now, to make sure solar farms don’t cause other issues with the land and property owners.

Adair County resident Joanie Finck expressed similar concerns and issues she has with the potential construction of Solar Farms. Beane requested the Supervisors explore the impact of Solar Farms in the long-term, and how they will be addressed when/if they become obsolete. Supervisors John Twombly said the Iowa Utilities Board has issued guidance with regard to renewable energy, especially for counties that have zoning.

He suggested the county get ahold of a copy of those regulations/guidance package and review them, before making any decisions on a potential ordinance. Twombly warned refusing to allow such projects in a county, could result in property owners having no choice but to accept the inevitable.

The Supervisors decided it was appropriate to check with Madison and Wright Counties, for details on their ordinances with regard to Solar Farms. The Board also certified the results of the March 2nd Special Election for the Nodaway Valley School District, and affirmed patrons passed the Revenue Purpose Statement, 107 to 9.