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Resident warns of risks to Lake Witten water supply as county attorney outlines solar ordinance timetable
Summary
A Tazewell County resident told the planning commission that proposed development above springs feeding Lake Witten could endanger the county's water supply; the county attorney said an Energix meeting was rescheduled and a solar ordinance public hearing is expected in December or early next year, with fire-hazard language under consideration.
A resident urged the Tazewell County Planning Commission on Nov. 14 to weigh potential harm to Lake Witten and Lincolnshire Park from development on nearby springs, and the county attorney said work on a solar ordinance is moving forward.
George VanDyke of 191 Pine Street told commissioners he is "concerned about Cavitts Creek Park/Lake Witten and Lincolnshire Park," saying the sites provide fishing, camping and water for the area and that "two-thirds of the water for the [Tazewell County Public Service Authority] comes from Lake Witten." VanDyke said three main springs run from the property where a farm will be installed and asked the commission to consider the risk to the water supply.
County Attorney Chase Collins told the commission that an Energix meeting has been rescheduled and that he will brief incoming board members on the ordinance. Collins said he hoped to hold a public hearing in December but now expects it may occur in the new year; he added he will try to incorporate fire-hazard protections into the solar ordinance language.
Visitor Robert Carlson submitted a newspaper clipping noting that U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development awarded $951,650 to Ramsey Holding Company to install a 789.1-kilowatt roof photovoltaic system in Tazewell; Collins asked that the item be attached to the minutes.
Collins also reminded the commission of a county burn ban in effect Nov. 9–Dec. 5, 2023, and said violations are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to a $2,500 fine or 12 months in jail. Chairperson Ann Robinson noted Member Maggie Asbury will no longer serve as the Board of Supervisors' representative beginning in January.
The minutes record these comments as public input and staff updates; the commission took no formal regulatory action on the matters during the meeting.
