Zoning Board of Appeals 9/30/26 - Session 1 Part 1 Recording

At the September 30, 2026, Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on the proposed Four Creeks wind project, consulting biologist Rhett Good described wildlife surveys and mitigation developed for project applicant Repsol. He reported that 112 of 113 proposed turbines are sited in tilled or former farmland, and discussed coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and federal wildlife agencies. IDNR’s updated recommendations address three turbines—T14, T40, and T110—that do not meet certain setbacks; the project agreed to additional curtailment at those turbines, including operation at a 6.9-meter-per-second cut-in speed for the life of the project. The project also plans seasonal curtailment to reduce bat impacts, post-construction mortality monitoring, and to pursue an eagle take permit. Board members questioned the setback changes, monitoring plans, and potential wildlife impacts. The hearing officer overruled objections to the expert testimony and allowed the recently received IDNR information, subject to cross-examination.

The board also discussed scheduling: the applicant’s case was expected to conclude Thursday, with time for public comment if available; Friday was set aside for testimony or comment from private, unrepresented parties at 9:30 a.m. in the Peoria County Board Room at the downtown courthouse. No procurement activity, contract awards, spending decisions, or votes were identified.