Permits granted for Walleye Wind, gravel extraction

Two conditional use permits erecting meteorological towers in Beaver Creek Township received approval from Rock County Commissioners April 7.
The towers, located in sections 6 and 35, record wind speeds, direction, pressure, temperature and other assessments for the development of a potential wind farm. 
NextEra Energy of Juno Beach, Florida, submitted the conditional use permit request.
Earlier this year, NextEra submitted site and certification of need requests to the Minnesota Energy Commission for the proposed Walleye Wind Farm.
The 100-megawatt wind farm consists of 36 turbines in Beaver Creek and Martin townships along with portions of Rose Dell, Springwater, Luverne and Mound.
The 196-foot-tall towers are allowed to operate through Dec. 31, 2025, on property owned by David and Shirley Huiskes in Beaver Creek Township Section 6 and on property owned by Roger and Lisa Hoff in Beaver Creek Township Section 35.
Both towers are secured into place using guy wires with marker balls, as per Federal Aviation Administration recommendations.
 
The commissioners also approved:
•Four gravel mining, processing and stockpiling permits to Buffalo Ridge Concrete in sections 3, 16, 10 and 28 in Battle Plain Township.  
•Three gravel mining, processing and stockpiling permits to Northern Con Agg in Section 1 of Luverne Township, Section 19 Vienna Township and Section 36 Mound Township.