PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission may find itself involved in the permitting process of a South Dakota wind farm. Michael Bollweg of rural Hughes County is the only intervenor in the North Bend wind farm project proposed for an area near land he owns along the Hughes/Hyde County border. His attorney Jim Malters wants the Aeronautics Commission’s support against North Bend.
Malters also wants the Commission to attend any future Hughes County meetings relating to the possible issuing of a conditional use permit for the project, which has not been done. Aeronautics Commission Chair Eric Odenbach says it’s something the Commission should discuss.
Dustin DeBoer with the Department of Transportation’s legal office says the Commission may have some options for getting involved.
The deadline for adding parties to the docket has passed but the South Dakota Public Utilities has indefinitely delayed the North Bend docket. Malters believes that delay may give the P-U-C room to add new intervenors. The next P-U-C hearing on North Bend may come up in December. The Aeronautics Commission will hold a special meeting April 6th to determine future action on getting involved.