Joanne Harmon opposes solar farm zoning citing environmental and health concerns

During the Iredell County Planning Board meeting held on June 4, 2025, community members expressed strong opposition to a proposed solar farm project, raising significant environmental and health concerns. The discussions highlighted the potential risks associated with the project, particularly regarding chemical leaching, hazardous waste, and ecological impacts.

One resident voiced apprehensions about the chemicals used in solar panels, emphasizing the risk of these substances contaminating local aquifers and water supplies. The speaker noted that local water treatment facilities are not equipped to handle such contaminants, raising alarms about the long-term safety of drinking water in the area. This sentiment was echoed by others who stressed the importance of safeguarding the community's health and environment for future generations.

Joanne Harmon, another resident, elaborated on the potential hazards of solar panels, citing their classification as hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She pointed out that the heavy metals found in solar panels could pose serious risks if not properly managed at the end of their lifecycle. Harmon also referenced recent legal cases where solar farm projects were penalized for causing environmental damage, including sediment runoff that polluted local ecosystems.

Concerns were not limited to chemical hazards; residents also highlighted the ecological impact of clearing land for solar farms. The potential for soil erosion and loss of biodiversity was a recurring theme, with fears that the introduction of non-native plant species could further disrupt local wildlife.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the financial uncertainties surrounding the project. Residents questioned the viability of securing necessary funding for construction, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of the solar farm, emphasizing the lack of guarantees for the community.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the proposed solar farm has sparked significant debate within Iredell County. The concerns raised reflect a broader conversation about balancing renewable energy development with environmental protection and community health. The Planning Board will need to carefully consider these issues as they move forward with the zoning process, ensuring that the voices of concerned residents are heard and addressed.