Deuel County Zoning Board enacts one‑year moratorium on public power plants, orders environmental/community impact study

CLEAR LAKE, S.D. — The Deuel County Zoning Board on Feb. 3 imposed a one‑year moratorium on public power plants and directed an independent environmental and community impact study to guide future permitting decisions.

The unanimous motion, moved by Kevin DeBoer and seconded by Jay Grabow, followed public comment and a briefing from Brent Moeller with Surrey River Community Services on the proposed Toronto Power Plant. Moeller said the project entered review with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission in August 2025; the PUC has up to a year to issue recommendations and a decision was expected by the end of July 2026. Moeller described the plant as intended to provide backup generation to member utilities and said the site was selected for proximity to an existing pipeline and substation.

Residents and board members cited concerns about cumulative industrial development in southern Deuel County, possible noise and air impacts, and effects on property values. Daniel Drown said residents feel excluded from decisions and declared, “Scandinavian Township is done,” capturing local frustration at continued approvals in the area.

Board members discussed commissioning an independent environmental and community impact study; board discussion estimated the study cost at $12,000–$20,000 and emphasized independence from applicants. The moratorium will pause county action on new public power-plant proposals for one year while the study is completed and findings considered.

Chairman Mike Dahl indicated the moratorium is intended to allow time for informed decision-making and noted the board does not control private site-selection choices by companies. The motion passed with all members voting yes (Dennis Kanengieter, Mike Lammers, Kevin DeBoer, Jay Grabow, Mike Dahl). The board adjourned following the vote.