Proposed southern Illinois wind farm faces opposition [View all]

VALMEYER — Environmentalists in southern Illinois have raised concerns that a proposed wind farm project will diminish the area’s natural beauty and hurt animal habitat.

Developer Joe Koppeis, who owns Southern Illinois Wind, hopes to place 50 wind turbines along 15 miles of bluffs south of Valmeyer and Waterloo, the Belleville News-Democrat reported. Koppeis expects the project to cost $220 million.

The project could generate alternative energy and raise tax revenue for government services, such as local schools.

Local resident say the wind farm could change the character of the rural landscape and harm wildlife. They fear the project will lessen property values and make the area feel more industrial.

Read more: https://www.sj-r.com/news/20181215/proposed-southern-illinois-wind-farm-faces-opposition