New Wind Farm north of town is set to begin soon

Sandhills Energy was the original developer, Aspenall Energies purchased the project from Sandhill this past August, according to John Brown, Chief Development Officer of Aspenall Energies.

Brown addressed the Kimball County Commissioners last Tuesday, Sept. 25, in a special meeting about the project and what the intentions for the Kimball community are: clean technologies and impact into the rural community are the goals for this newly generated energy.

There are seven towers currently standing that are not operational. Those will be taken down and replaced with 12 new towers.

“These are new, privately owned (wind generators), unlike (those owned by) MEAN,” said Brown. These new towers will be regularly maintained for 20 years, and are expected to last in excess of 25 years.

Another huge goal is to increase the amount of renewable energy generated in Kimball County, according to Brown.

After many meetings with the Kimball County Planning and Zoning committee, County Commissioners, Board of Public Works, and City Council, permits were approved. The last major legal hurdle was accomplished last Wednesday night, Sept. 27, during a City Council special meeting, to discuss and consider the action on interconnection and the wheeling agreement with Kimball Wind, LLC.

The agreement was passed and it was decided that the construction would begin in the later part of last week.

Dust control could be a major concern to those close to the Wind Farm, on or near the County Roads in use. However, the County Road Use, Repair and Maintenance Agreement clearly states, “during the construction, operation and maintenance of the Project, Kimball Wind shall control the airborne dust created or contributed to by Kimball Wind and its contractors and subcontractors and each of their respective agents, employees, representatives, etc. on county designated roads. Dust control measures shall be applied immediately.”

Of equal concern is expected traffic, road closures and delays that may be experienced in that area. Repair and Maintenance Agreement states, “Kimball Wind shall coordinate with the Kimball County School Superintendent to ensure that all designated school bus routes are not closed during times students are transported to and from school.”

Kimball Wind recognizes and supports the local agricultural industry. “Kimball Wind will minimize disruption and delays during harvest time.”

Brown of Aspenall made sure in the special Commissioners meeting last Monday to thank everyone involved, all of the Boards and the members, and the landowners.