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Residents say clearing and planned solar field at Plaster Hills Water Reclamation Facility harmed privacy, wildlife and property values
Summary
Two Placerville residents told the council that recent clearing at the Plaster Hills Water Reclamation Facility and work tied to a proposed solar field removed heritage trees, exposed the facility, increased light and noise, and reduced wildlife; they asked the city to require visual and sound mitigation and improve notification procedures.
Two residents told the Placerville City Council during the Jan. 28 public-comment period that recent land clearing next to the Plaster Hills Water Reclamation Facility and a planned solar field have damaged their properties and local habitat and that the city’s notification was inadequate.
Taylor Duncan, who identified himself as a lifelong Placerville resident and homeowner at 3680 Coolwater Court, said crews cleared young trees and brush without prior notice in February and that protected heritage oaks and pines had been cut. He said the clearing exposed the water-reclamation facility, displaced wildlife, reduced privacy and introduced bright night lighting and increased noise. Duncan said a facility employee had told him remaining trees would be removed for a solar field and that the employee’s request to relocate the solar array had been ignored.
"The solar field project has already caused significant harm," Duncan said, asking the council to require visual and sound abatement, plant trees and vegetation along the shared property line, and improve community notification for future projects.
Ruth Carter also urged the council to take steps on behalf of neighbors. Carter said she had observed strong odors and noise near the facility at particular times of day and asked the city to check impacts on sewer and sanitation infrastructure as well as to pursue improved screening for neighbors.
Both speakers said they had not received adequate notice beyond a single newspaper mention; Duncan said neighbors on Coolwater Court and Wind Saff Circle were not notified and only learned of the project after clearing occurred.
No formal city action was recorded during the meeting on the solar field; the council did not take a vote on the matter during public comment. Council members and staff later noted there are agenda items and public-comment windows for topics not on the agenda and encouraged residents to bring specific requests to staff or an upcoming agenda if they want the council to take formal steps.
Ending: Residents asked for mitigation measures including replanting or screening, sound and light abatement, and improved public-notice procedures; staff and council said they would accept follow-up information and documented requests so the city can consider mitigation options and next steps.
