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McHenry County Board upholds denials of several solar project petitions after residents raise groundwater and health concerns
Summary
The McHenry County Board declined multiple proposed solar installations on Dec. 16 after hearing residents and experts raise concerns about groundwater, potential future battery storage and long‑term public‑health risks; developers said they will continue community outreach.
The McHenry County Board on Dec. 16 declined multiple petitions for commercial solar developments after extended public comment and discussion about groundwater protections and long‑term safety.
Board members debated whether certain petitions required a three‑quarter majority if a township formally objected, but staff said no formal township objection was on file for the contested item, so the board proceeded under a simple‑majority rule. At least one zoning petition recommended for denial by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) was ultimately denied by the board.
Why it matters: Residents said the stakes included drinking water and farmland protection. During public comment, Johnsburg residents and a former county water…
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