We Energies plans to build a massive windscreen to address a coal dust issue plaguing residents living near their Oak Creek power plant.
The city's plan commission unanimously approved plans Tuesday, Feb. 12, for a vertical windscreen, in excess of 4.5 acres, which will surround the southern and eastern portions of the large coal pile at 10770 and 11060 S. Chicago Road.
City Planner Kari Papelbon said the screen will be mounted on 100-foot poles and a special fabric stretching 2,000 feet around the pile.
In March 2018, wind gusts brought coal dust to a number of neighboring homes. Since that time, residents have complained about the issue and We Energies has enacted some measures to combat the coal, including planting about 200 trees and building up berms.
Assistant Fire Chief Mike Kressuk said the fire department has a “significant concern” with the coal dust issue. He said this new structure is designed to solve the problem and the fire department doesn’t see any issues with it.