The Adair County Board of Supervisors conducted two public hearings Wednesday on concerns regarding wind turbine production in the county.

Currently MidAmerican Energy is constructing two wind farms, Arbor Hill near Stuart and one near Orient. District 1NW Supervisor Brett Wedemeyer tells Raccoon Valley Radio there were about a dozen residents who voiced their opinions during each of the two meetings. The discussion was fairly mixed, with those in favor of the projects touting their ability to create jobs and power. Those against the projects cited the turbines’ noise, safety concerns, and possible disruption to the local ecosystem.

On Wednesday the Board passed the first reading of an ordinance implementing some restrictions to future projects. The restrictions include distance requirements from non-participants, a cap on the total number of turbines, and third party efficiency studies. Wedemeyer says that the current projects will not be affected even in restrictions are passed.

The Board will vote on the second reading of the ordinance today and the third and final reading during their regular meeting on Wednesday. Wednesday’s meeting begins at 9am at the Adair County Courthouse in Greenfield.