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Wisconsin Rapids considers rezoning, letter of intent to preserve federal incentives for proposed solar array
Summary
Mayor Matt Zacker said the city's Water Works and Lighting Commission proposed a 25-acre solar array within an 80-acre parcel that overlaps two wellhead protection zones. The council voted to sign a letter of intent to preserve eligibility for federal incentives while rezoning and environmental risks are further vetted.
The City of Wisconsin Rapids is weighing a plan by the Water Works and Lighting Commission (WWLC) to install a 25-acre solar array on an 80-acre parcel that sits over two municipal wellhead protection areas, Mayor Matt Zacker said in a WFHR interview.
Zacker said alderpersons at the Dec. 1 planning commission meeting approved most items but held the rezoning request for the Whitrock and 2 Mile Avenue parcel so elected officials could examine water-supply protections. "Once you contaminate the water supply, that well is gonna be shot," Zacker said, summarizing council concern about runoff and other contamination pathways if the land were developed for housing.
Why it matters: The parcel contains two of the city's five wells. Council members must balance long-term groundwater protection against pressure to allow residential development and to pursue renewable energy…
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