Ten wind towers in southeastern Woodford County have been removed from the controversial White Oak Energy Center.

John Hamann, Woodford zoning administrator, said he was notified of the removal Tuesday morning by Joel Link, director of business development for Invenergy Wind of Chicago.

A settlement recently was reached between homeowners and the company, opening the door to construction of the 100-tower project, with about 90 in McLean County.

Part of the agreement was to not disclose terms of the settlement, Hamann said.

Link could not be reached for comment Tuesday morning.

A group of landowners known as Information is Power filed a civil lawsuit in McLean County arguing they were not afforded the opportunity to express their concerns during hearings for the $250 million project.

The company applied in Woodford County in October 2006, but there were accusations that members of the Woodford Zoning Board of Appeals violated the Open Meetings Act.

Prior to Tuesday's development,... [continue via Web link]