SD State regulators say no to Crocker Wind Farm

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission turned down an application Wednesday for a wind-energy complex proposed for Clark County.The regulatory panel voted 3-0 to reject Crocker Wind Farm. The project called for up to 200 turbines spread across more than 29,000 acres north of Clark.State law gave the commission six months to decide whether to grant a wind facility permit. The commission received the Crocker application July 25 and held a public input hearing Sept. 13 at Clark.Turbine locations were based on setbacks of 2,000 feet from non-participating residences.But the Clark County Board of Adjustment issued a conditional-use permit with setbacks of 3,960 feet.Almond said 35 turbines would be affected by the setbacks change.