Jul. 28--The Morton County Commission Monday paved the standards for section line roads that could lead to the first 17 wind turbines in the county.

The Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the turbine permit applications from Minnesota Power at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Morton County Court House.

In the meantime, Minnesota Power took care of some housekeeping in creating access standards for the section lines roads leading to the turbines.

On Monday, commissioners tentatively agreed to Minnesota Power building 4.5 miles of section line road that would be lower than the standards set for regular county roads. The designated section line access roads would measure 40 feet wide, and gravel would be placed in their middle. These would have heavier beds, but smaller drainage ditches.

Jim Atkinson, environmental specialist for Minnesota Power, assured county road superintendent Chuck Morman there would be drainage along the roads, fencing as needed and the roads would be maintained by his company.

He said they intended to disturb as little property for affected land owners as possible. "We are trying to keep our environmental footprint small," Atkinson said.

The agreement specifies Minnesota Power would be required to maintain their upkeep and the county would not be held liable.

Commissioner Bruce Strinden asked if this meant they were setting a precedent for future section line road standards for wind turbines. He was told yes, but needs could be different.

Morton County State's Attorney Allen Koppy was confident the wording of the agreement would ensure the county would not be held liable or leave a loophole for the roads' upkeep or intended purpose.

During an earlier meeting, the commission agreed to Minnesota Power building 1.25 miles of county-standard maintenance road in the area being considered for wind turbines. Minnesota Power will build that road and the county will maintain it.

Atkinson said he was recently notified that the Oliver County had accepted Minnesota Power section line road standards for its proposed turbines.

Minnesota Power hopes to install 33 wind turbines throughout Morton and Oliver counties over the next two years. An application for the turbines also has been submitted to the North Dakota Public Service Commission. That public hearing is tentatively set for Aug. 25.

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