Proposed Indiana Wind Farm Draws Opposition From Residents

A Texas based corporation wants to build a windfarm in northwestern Henry County, but the move is drawing opposition from some local residents.

The Calpine Corporation intends to build 80-100 turbines for a 200 megawatt wind farm. The proposed Big Blue River Wind Farm would include the townships of Greensboro, Jefferson, Harrison and Prairie.

But some Henry County residents oppose it.

Susie Eichhorn’s family owns a farm in the area. The Calpine Corporation wants to lease part of their property. But she says wind turbines can be noisy and sunlight can reflect off the blades, creating a strobe effect.

“And, you know, it would be hard to sit on your front porch and talk with friends,” Eichhorn says. “It would just impact your daily life, 24-7.”

So, Eichhorn started the group “No Wind Farms.” She says they need more regulations – like minimum distance from a neighboring property.

Windfarm regulations in Indiana vary from county to county. In this instance, the “setback” would be 550-feet.

Calpine Corporation is still seeking lease agreements from area landowners. From there, the Henry County Planning Commission would have to approve the project.

Two separate wind farms have already been approved in southern Henry County.