IA SSB3178

Applicants for wind energy conversion facilities must commission a subsurface and environmental survey by a licensed surveyor before obtaining any state or local construction permit, assessing risks to karst topography, wells, septic systems, lagoons, cave systems, and building foundations within one mile.

Survey reports must be submitted to the county board of supervisors, Department of Natural Resources, and Iowa Utilities Commission, and made available to the public.

Applicants must obtain and maintain third-party insurance naming all landowners within the affected watershed and the state of Iowa as additional insureds, with coverage sufficient for full replacement value of potential losses identified in the survey.

County boards of supervisors cannot issue construction permits until applicants demonstrate the project will more likely than not confer a net benefit to county residents, with at least one public hearing required before approval.

Violations constitute a public nuisance and carry civil penalties of at least $5,000 per day, enforceable by the attorney general or county attorney; aggrieved persons may also bring private actions for damages.