Despite a vote on Monday night of 2-2 by the Odessa Township Board rejecting an application permit to operate a test tower facility, Cordelia Energy is expected to circumvent the township’s wind energy ordinance in order to move forward on an eventual wind turbine project near Lake Odessa.  

Cordelia Energy’s testing tower is apparently one of three that are already built and operational in Ionia County, gathering data that is required before any actual wind turbine project can be constructed. The testing facility in Odessa Township was approved by the Ionia County building department without a permit from the township.

At the Board meeting numerous members of the public commented, mostly in strong opposition to allowing wind turbines in the area due to noise pollution and environmental concerns, and interfering with the natural beauty of the countryside.

Cordelia Energy is now expected to go directly to the Michigan Public Service Commission to get the permit the company needs to operate the test facility, voiding the local wind ordinance and effectively cutting out local oversight by the township.