Board of Commissioners postpones decision on solar project
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, The Times
CALN – The board of commissioners has further pushed back a decision on the development proposal for a 7.2-megawatt solar farm in the township at a conditional-use hearing, Thursday.
The hearing was held prior to the board’s regularly scheduled meeting and featured testimony from project engineer Denny Howe. Howe specifically addressed changes to the project’s storm water management plan in response to concerns from the board and residents.
According to Howe, the plan has now included the installation of additional filter socks to the bottom two rows of filter socks designed to hold back storm water. Instead of two rows of individual socks, the rows will now consist of small three-sock pyramids. In addition, Howe ran tests on the project treating the panels as completely impervious coverage, despite the fact that the panels are placed above the ground and have vegetation growing underneath.
“We have gone above and beyond the recommendations of the manufacturer in our agreement,” said Howe.
John Jaros, the attorney for the developer, presented the board with correspondence from the conservation district. The board had previously expressed concern that the developer would not be able to obtain a permit from the district. According to Jaros, the correspondence stated the project would receive its permit once it receives permission from the township.
“We have increased buffering and screening, we have provided access, we have modified our storm water management design, we have provided public water and sewer to surrounding properties…we have done our best to try and address the issues of a concern to the community, especially those township residents who live in close proximity to the facility,” said Jaros.
The board also expressed concerns about the maintenance issues with the project. Board president Vincent Rose specifically mentioned a similar project in the township in which the filter socks have deteriorated and are no longer functioning properly. Howe assured Rose that deterioration was due to poor maintenance and preparation of the site.
Jaros presented the board with a proposed operation and maintenance agreement at the meeting. According to township solicitor Kristin Camp, the board wished to further examine the agreement before making any decisions.
The board will hold the next hearing on Aug. 9 at 6 p.m.
