Local drainage district, engineers press county for written protections before Lewis Creek solar work

Representatives for a local drainage district and independent engineers urged county officials on Sept. 2 to require written, site‑specific drainage protections before construction of the Lewis Creek solar project begins. Anita Ricker, who identified herself as representing Artesia Mutual Drainage District No. 1, told the Planning and Zoning Committee the district needs protections “spelled out in the in writing before the … solar project commences.” She said residents and landowners have raised concerns about subsurface testing and possible impacts to district drains and requested maps showing where soil testing occurred; she said the maps had not been provided as of the meeting. The county has recommended the Lewis Creek application be returned to the Zoning Board of Appeals for more information. A county staff member said the board has engaged third‑party advisor Scott…