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Public criticism grows over multiple solar concept reviews; commissioners urge clearer outreach and documentation
Summary
Two 5 MW solar concept presentations prompted lengthy public comment and commissioner questioning about buffers, visual impact along Chestertown Road, overhead interconnection poles, citizen notification, and the county's ability to regulate projects subject to state CPCN preemption.
Commissioners spent a substantial portion of the Jan. 8 meeting reviewing three community solar concept submissions and hearing robust public comment about siting, notification and preservation of agricultural land.
Staff presented concept plans for Halo Rock Hall (Parcel 385 off Eadsville Road) and Maryland American Crestle LLC (23548 Chestertown Road), each proposing 5-megawatt community solar arrays. Staff advised commissioners the projects had applied for certificates of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission and that local site-plan review is running concurrently with the state process. For the Rock Hall project staff noted limited wetland disturbance (under 1 acre) and recommended advancing to preliminary review; for the Chestertown Road site staff described proposed setbacks (100-foot minimum shown; plan shows ~331 feet to the nearest panel) and a 35-foot to 50-foot landscape buffer.
Several adjacent property owners and farmers told the commission they had not received adequate notice of a Dec. 8 citizen-participation meeting and said mailed or in-person notice and evening meeting times were necessary for older residents and retirees. Speakers raised concerns about visual impacts on a busy scenic corridor, the time required for tree buffers to become effective, potential wildlife impacts where arrays abut forested parcels, and whether overhead utility poles required by Delmarva Power could be placed underground. Commissioners pressed applicants to supply Delmarva Power documentation that overhead poles are necessary and asked for written commitments on local outreach (mailings, door-to-door contact and evening in-person meetings). One commissioner requested the county produce a map of existing solar acreage and better public notice about Public Service Commission proceedings.
Applicants and counsel said they would provide requested documentation to staff, hold in-person evening public comment sessions for PSC proceedings where required, and consider additional written notice and on-the-ground outreach. Planning staff outlined limits the county faces under the state Renewable Energy Siting/Certainty Act but said they would remain engaged in PSC proceedings and advocate for county concerns.
No final decisions were made on the concept applications at the Jan. 8 meeting; several items require additional documentation and further public sessions.
