Adams County Board hears residents’ concerns over proposed Ursa solar farm project

ADAMS COUNTY, Unwell. (KHQA) — After representatives refused to maneuver a proposed photo voltaic farm venture in Ursa final week, the Adams County Board held a public assembly to listen to issues in regards to the proposal.

Greenkey Photo voltaic, based mostly in Oregon, has proposed a 4-megawatt, 27-acre photo voltaic farm that may sit close to residential houses in Ursa.

The board, which is being requested to approve a particular use allow for the venture, needed a chance to ask questions of Greenkey.

Greenkey Photo voltaic Undertaking Supervisor Desiree Noisette pitched the positives of the venture to the board and residents.

“This commercial solar facility has no impact beyond the perimeter. There’s no smell, there’s no noise, there’s no light pollution, there’s really nothing that spills out over the property lines when it comes to this project,” Noisette stated.

Nonetheless, the venture raised some concern amongst board members, together with questions on what would occur if the photo voltaic farm have been ever decommissioned.

“I have heard rumors of after having solar panels on a property that the soil is no longer fit to put agricultural type products back on the land. Is that true or has that been studied?” Requested Russ Hinkamper, Adams County Board Member.

Many residents additionally attended the assembly, voicing their disapproval of the venture and expressing issues about how the venture may negatively have an effect on property values.

“It’s when people come up to me and say, ‘I wouldn’t want that in my backyard,’ and to me that’s an indication, that should tell you enough right there that we are, and I think most of the people on Ash Street are definitely concerned about home values,” stated Tim Hightower.

One resident, Doug Seeber, together with others, has been working with Greenkey representatives to give you options for the venture.

He stated the venture may additionally negatively have an effect on timber within the space, referencing how crops close to a cellphone tower constructed subsequent to the property have died.

“It has baby arbor vinings that continue to die out and get replanted and none of those in five years have even reached the height of the fence that’s around it,” Seeber stated. “So with a 30-year life on this solar farm, we may never see these trees looking like the pictures that they were showing on that display.”

The board will vote Could 13 on whether or not the particular allow can be administered for the venture.