Public gives feedback on solar ordinance

Just as Union County Board of Supervisors have spent weeks wondering how to write details in a solar-power ordinance, a few of the 12 in attendance Monday evening during a public hearing about the same asked about wording for even more detail.

Alliant Energy has proposed building a industrial scale solar-power facility east of Creston. Although the project is not expected to start construction until 2023, Union County has been researching what should be in an ordinance for this and other projects in the future. There was no formal action taken after the hearing. Supervisor Chairman Ron Riley said the supervisors will review the comments and consider how they could be implemented for a second hearing which was not scheduled, but expected to be weeks away.

“How electricity is going to be manufactured is going to replace coal and oil,” said Ron Dunphy. “The more discussion we have the more discussion there is of all the options I have as an electric consumer and the better I feel.”

Gay Lynn Owens noticed the proposed ordinance did not have a stated quantity of electricity produced. Supervisor Chairman Ron Riley said the ordinance is intended for facilities that produce at least 25 megawatts. According to David Vollmar, an Alliant Energy manager who was in attendance, the electricity produced will be transferred to the grid for immediate use. He said 43% of Alliant’s energy is from renewable sources.

“We’re not buying power from anybody,” he said.

John Fuller farms in Highland Township and asked about setbacks, the distance a solar-power facility can be from occupied structures and public right of ways.

“I”m here for one purpose and one purpose only,’ he said about setbacks.

The ordinance states 300 feet from an occupied structure. Only 50 feet is needed for gravel roads and 75 from paved roads.

Fuller said the setbacks have limits adding how 50 foot setbacks are common for Alliant projects.

“That is plenty of room to put the fence around the solar panels and allows me plenty of room to mow,” he said.

Fuller said solar panels can measure 3.5 x 8 feet. “For every 50 feet you restrict, you will lose six panels. That will effect the amount of taxable revenue you guys will receive and effect my income,” he said. “I want to cover every foot of that land I can with solar panels.”

Chad Ide said he is content with the setback distances, noting how Alliant’s setbacks are designed for safety measures.

“I just want to make sure property rights are respected, I think setbacks are very fair,” he said. “Those setbacks are designed not to be a nuisance to the neighbors. I think you have done a wonderful job with that.”

Dunphy also asked about details related to the decommissioning of solar-power facilities. Supervisor Rick Friday said the utility company owning the equipment is directed to return the ground to what it was before the facility was installed.

“The landowner has some say in it,” he added.

Dunphy was concerned since the county does not have any information to work with in regards to removal of the items.

“How do you know what happens below the surface of the ground,” he asked. “Looking into the future, what’s it going to look like when you pull it from the ground? I’m still confused and and not satisfied with decomissiiong.”

Union County Attorney Shane O’Toole reminded the audience of those who sign contracts to allow solar-power facilities to be on their land.

“You are making a decision for the future of the family, neighbor, land and community. Think what you want the contract for.”