Zoning Board of Appeals 9/29/26 - Session 2 Part 1 Recording

Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on September 29, 2026, continued cross-examination and public questioning of an expert regarding a proposed wind project. Discussion focused on noise, setbacks, shadow flicker, ice throw, and whether the project’s turbine layout would meet applicable Illinois standards. The witness said shadow-flicker curtailment is commonly used and considered appropriate where modeled exposure exceeds 30 hours annually; testimony referenced as many as 64 receptors exceeding that level under modeled real-world conditions. The witness also discussed monitoring curtailment through turbine SCADA data and suggested the county could require a curtailment plan for review before building permits are issued.

Questions also addressed sound modeling and potential exceedances on usable portions of Class A property. The witness said some turbine models or locations may need to be changed or operated in a different mode, and that final sound contours and a noise report should demonstrate compliance before building permits. The hearing included no procurement activity, contract or budget decisions, or votes on an award; the board recessed for 15 minutes.