Board committee sends solar project back to advisors after concerns about pre‑drilling and water handling

Iroquois County planning and assessment committees asked for more information on a proposed solar project after members and residents raised concerns that site work, including drilling to bedrock, occurred before public notice or clearing of outstanding questions.

The matter is significant because the drilling, if confirmed, could affect farm fields, subsurface conditions and the county’s review timeline for utility‑scale solar projects.

Committee notes show members requested that the applicant provide detailed documentation about the drilling locations and a showing of proof of water‑handling plans before any zoning approvals proceed. The committee returned the application to the applicant’s consultant and a third‑party advisory group (identified in committee materials as GBA/CBA) for further review and more complete application materials.

Minutes reflect concern from supervisors about “drilling down to bedrock this spring, long before any public notice of such activity,” and about potential damage to soil and support posts for a solar array. The committee also asked the applicant for a clearer site plan, proof of water handling and confirmation of timelines for soil testing and pile‑driving work. A county third‑party advisor (referred to in the packet) will continue to work with county staff on outstanding technical questions.

No final zoning decision or conditional‑use approval was recorded at the Sept. 9 meeting; the matter was sent back for additional information and will return to the committee or a scheduled hearing after staff and the applicant provide the requested materials.

The committee also noted there is a scheduled CBA hearing for a related Commerce Street solar application on Sept. 23 and that planning staff will continue to coordinate public notices and technical review before any board action.