Scout Clean Energy's Compliance Questioned in Carroll County

Berryville, AR. - The construction of the Scout Clean Energy/Nimbus wind farm in Carroll County is facing scrutiny following allegations of non-compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Former Carroll County Judge Richard Williams presented his findings to the Quorum Court this week, asserting that the project has failed to meet the conditions of its exemption from a county-wide moratorium.

In May 2025, the Carroll County Quorum Court enacted Ordinance 2025-14, which imposed a temporary moratorium on new commercial wind and solar energy facilities. However, the ordinance specifically allowed the Scout Clean Energy/Nimbus project to proceed, provided it adhered to all applicable laws. Williams, a known critic of wind farms in the Ozarks, claims this crucial condition has not been met.

"The Nimbus wind farm has not complied with all federal, state and local ordinances," Williams stated to the Quorum Court, urging Judge David Writer to enforce the county's regulations. He requested an immediate halt to the wind farm's operations, citing a "loss of exemption" due to alleged noncompliance.

Williams detailed several areas of concern. He first highlighted potential violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 7460-1M, which outlines requirements for turbine lighting during construction. He then referenced Arkansas Code § 27-35-213 regarding oversize and overweight loads, alleging that the project has repeatedly caused traffic blockages exceeding the three-minute legal limit, with some incidents reportedly lasting up to 90 minutes.

A third major claim involved a water tanker accident, where Williams asserted the driver possessed a non-compliant Mexican Class "A" CDL without the necessary U.S. work authorization. He noted that such a violation, under Act 604, could be considered a Class D felony, yet the driver was reportedly allowed to leave without a citation.

Williams concluded by posing a direct challenge to Judge Writer, questioning whether Carroll County could face legal vulnerability if Ordinance 2025-14 is not properly administered. He requested that the judge, if necessary, involve the sheriff's department to enforce a cease of operations and direct the county attorney to initiate prosecution for any noncompliance.