Officials at the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) are raising significant safety and operational concerns over a proposed Alliant Energy utility plant planned for a site less than five miles from the main runway. The airport commission has approved a nearly $70,000 study to investigate the potential impacts of the facility, which may be constructed near 76th Avenue Southwest, just outside of Fairfax.
Airport Director Marty Lenss, who learned of the proposal last month, described the project as an incompatible land use for the area. Concerns center on the plant’s proposed stacks, which could reach heights of 250 feet. According to Lenss, plumes from these stacks could create localized weather conditions, such as enhanced fog, that would severely reduce visibility. This poses a critical risk for the airport, which uses a Category I approach system that does not permit landings in such conditions, potentially leading to operational shutdowns.
Lenss also highlighted the danger of severe air turbulence created by the upward velocity of heated air from the stacks, which could destabilize aircraft on approach. “If the roles were reversed… and that power plant existed today, we would abandon the site immediately,” Lenss stated, emphasizing the inherent risks.
The proposed plant also threatens the airport’s long-term development, including a planned third runway that would be located less than two miles from the site. Furthermore, officials fear the project could jeopardize the airport’s eligibility for federal discretionary grants, as it might violate federal grant assurances related to maintaining a safe operating environment.
“We’ve worked so hard over the years… to make sure that our airport has plenty of room to continue to thrive and grow and be safe,” said Barry Boyer, CID Airport Commission Chairman. “It really became a red line for us. We really believe that it’s the wrong place to put a power plant.”
In a statement, Alliant Energy confirmed it is in the early stages of site selection for a combined-cycle natural gas facility at the Big Cedar Industrial Center. The company noted the region’s high demand for energy and described the project as part of its commitment to a balanced energy approach. Alliant Energy stated it is working with the cities of Fairfax and Cedar Rapids and intends to provide the airport with necessary information while seeking its input.
Alliant plans to proceed with its application to the Iowa Utilities Commission in October.
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