Environmental devastation looms over Diamond Tail Solar project

During the Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Public Hearing on December 10, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding the proposed Diamond Tail Solar project. The plan involves clearing and compacting approximately three square miles of land, which critics argue will have a devastating impact on the local ecosystem.

Opponents of the project highlighted that the area, once transformed for solar energy production, would be permanently altered, creating what they described as "brownfields" that would mar the landscape. This visual degradation is particularly concerning given the proximity of the site to popular recreational areas, such as the turquoise trail and CND crest.

A key point of contention was the decommissioning plan put forth by PCR, the company behind the solar project. While PCR claims that the site will be restored to its pre-construction state after the solar plant's operational life, critics pointed out discrepancies in the plan. They noted that the restoration efforts outlined—such as backfilling excavated areas and revegetating the site—do not guarantee a return to the original ecological condition.

The critics emphasized that the language used in the decommissioning plan suggests a lack of commitment to fully restoring the land. Instead, it appears that the focus may be on making the land usable for agriculture or other purposes, rather than returning it to its natural state. This has raised alarms among community members who fear that the long-term consequences of the solar project could outweigh its short-term benefits.

As discussions continue, the implications of the Diamond Tail Solar project remain a focal point for residents concerned about environmental preservation and land use in Sandoval County. The outcome of this project could set a precedent for future developments in the region, highlighting the need for careful consideration of ecological impacts in the pursuit of renewable energy solutions.