Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

At the October 1, 2026, Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, the board heard expert testimony on wildlife impacts associated with the proposed Creeks wind project. The applicant’s consulting biologist described surveys for birds and bats, coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and recommended impact-reduction measures. He said turbines 14, 40, and 110 are within recommended setbacks from protected areas, but the project has a site-specific agreement with IDNR and committed to curtailing those turbines at wind speeds below 6.9 meters per second for the project’s life. The testimony also covered seasonal bat curtailment, construction precautions, post-construction monitoring, and a planned application for an eagle take permit.

The parties disputed the timing and availability of updated IDNR EcoCAT materials and whether the consultant could testify about study results and other data; the presiding officer allowed the expert testimony over objection. Board members asked about eagle mitigation, turbine lighting, curtailment, survey locations, and monitoring. No procurement activity, contract award, spending decision, or procurement-related vote was identified; the hearing concerned project siting and environmental impacts.